Homemade soups have a way of bringing warmth to any situation or day. And its probably no surprise that they are my go-to meal for health. Homemade soup is incredible for your health AND your wallet. Having a bowl of soup a day gently nourishes your spleen and stomach to support overall organ function and optimization. But it's not only what's in them that makes soups so nourishing, it's what they are lacking.

MSG ​is a highly controversial food additive and flavor enhancer that is found in most broth and broth concentrates. It has been linked to headaches, obesity & depression -  just to name a few. This illusive ingredient is also tricky to spot on nutritional labels. This is because it's often hidden under numerous names, like yeast extract or hydrolyzed protein. On top of that, broth that comes in carton containers are lined with an aluminum and plastic coating. And guess what? All of that contributes to your toxic overload that your body has to work to detox. 

This farro salad is a delicious and easy to make meal that can be enjoyed during the heat of Spring and Summer. I love it because each bite is different, bursting with delicious combinations of flavors and herbs. Farro is one of my favorite ancient grains as it has this really nutty flavor and a good bite to it when cooked properly. I've been craving flavor, especially with being on quarantine lock down, so this really hit the spot!

Using some of my favorite medicinals I'm sharing with you one of my go-to elixirs (perfect for this coronavirus quarantine). Use this soothing power trio to REST & HEAL.

The BEST way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus (besides social distancing) is by BOOSTING your immune system. These supplements can help. 

I love this time of year when the stillness settles in around us after the hectic holiday season has died down. It's a time for reflection and togetherness. These chestnuts encapsulate that. Gather around a bowl of these warm chestnuts with those close to you, taking your time to gently peel away the hard shell. There is something methodical and ritualistic about this that will be such a welcome delight.

It's pouring outside and golden leaves of Florida's winter are falling to the ground with each gust of wind. It's a gorgeous view. A cold front is coming and it couldn't be any more of a beautiful process to watch. It's the type of weather that calls for a creamy soup with notes of winter spices. This soup is start to finish in under 30 minutes but it's flavors are rich as if it's been simmering for hours.

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 large onion, diced
4 turnips, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
2  cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
2-3 shallots, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Hefty pinch of ground cloves
1/4 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:
Chives, chopped

Hot Cocoa and the holiday season go hand and hand. There is just something magical about the pair. I don't think there is anything like watching the snow fall outside your window with a delicious mug of cocoa in your hand. But traditional hot cocoa can be a trap! It's often hidden with refined sugars, chemical sweeteners, binding agents and artificial flavorings. Instead lets indulge in this Healthy Holiday Hot Cocoa this season!

I find some of the best gifts to give and receive are those that are homemade. I adore little treasures like this homemade vanilla extract. And a little secret? This homemade vanilla was used in an apple pie contest that WON FIRST PLACE. It was probably the vanilla, right?! Don't forget to make these between the months of November and December so the extract has time to really infuse before gifting.

Lately I've become more attune to the masculine culture we subconsciously enforce. Culturally we project certain expectations of men - for them to be strong, tough and decisive. With that an unspoken rule been created: to be strong you can't be weak. To be tough you can't show vulnerability. To be decisive means not to falter or waver. How can we ask this of men while also expecting to have healthy relationships and a healthy society?

Que Kelsey Mech. Kelsey is the author of Man Enough and is a certified counsellor and trauma therapist. If I met her today I think we would instantly click given our professional backgrounds. But we actually met nearly 10 years ago!  And instead of our careers in health and wellness we bonded over working as interns in San Fransisco.

While chatting with Kelsey we delved into the inspirations behind her book, Man Enough, and the often neglected topic of how toxic masculinity is perpetuated in society.

This soup is subtly sweet and perfectly spiced, utilizing curry powder and cardamon spices which create an unexpected flavor profile. My grandpa loved this soup recipe so it holds a special place in my heart.