Vegetarian, Gluten Free Meal Plans; Qualifying Heath Expense!

It dawned on me this week that I don’t share this enough 🤦🏻‍♀️
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Everything we offer inside The Veg Out Project is a qualifying medical expense. 👏🏼

That means it’s a qualifying expense with benefits including HSA, FSA and most Employee Wellness Reimbursement Programs. So amazing, right!?⁣
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If you’re like, but howwwww? ⁣
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Every day, there is mounting research & evidence proving incorporating more plant foods into your diet drastically improves your health. ⁣
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Up to 40 percent of annual deaths from each of five leading US causes are preventable with diet and lifestyle. Yes,⁣
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FORTY PERCENT. ⁣(CDC)
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While Heath Insurance companies aren’t *quite* there in terms of valuing nutrition and lifestyle as key in preventative healthcare measures, THIS is a huge step in the right direction. ⁣
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Over the last several years, I have worked with people who have watched their high cholesterol, sugars, blood pressure and excess weight drop. ⁣
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I've cried tears of joy with people who are longer living with joint pain.⁣
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I've cheered people on as their energy and stamina increases...through daily intentional walks, long hikes, running with their children & grandchildren, and even completing their first 5k.⁣
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And all they did was start eating more plant foods.⁣ 🌱🍉🥒🍒🥬🥥🥑🍇🥕
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Let’s stop feeling crap-tastic. Commit to having more energy, feeling more regular & incorporating some easy & delicious recipes into that beautiful body of yours. Our meal plans & recipe portal help you to do just that. ⁣We are so grateful to share these resources with you! ⁣🌱

.PS we've been getting so much thanks and feedback about how quickly our recipes come together -- see a few open share below!  So, thought we would share one of our summer favorites -- Arugula with Tomato & Olives.  Grab the recipe here.  

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Let’s stay connected! Contact me anytime, here.

xo sarah

Bloating, Constipation and Puffiness, Oh My!

How often does someone check in to see how things are .... moving ....?? 💩

Yes, for real. As someone who struggled with constipation for most of my adult life, this struggle can be REALLLLL, and really painful.

It wasn't that long ago that I cleaned out our medicine cabinet. I reorganized and threw away the norm--expired cold medicine, stray bandaids, the bottle of lotion with one squeeze left in it.

Miralax, stool softeners, beano, benefiber, metamucil..... among what was pulled out of that cabinet--the pool of over the counter supplements, meds and aids for.... 💩💨😳(or lack thereof 😫)

The struggle was real for a long time yo.

There was a span of a few years where I was terrified to eat anything because it seemed anything I ate caused me to blow up like a balloon — literally, my belly like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man. And don’t get me started on the frequent gas. 🥺

It was embarrassing. It was hard to talk about. And it felt shitty #punintened 😉

And for the longest time, I was putting a bandaid on the problems. I know what it's like to walk into a drug store willing to drop any amount of 💰 for any sense of relief or hope for regularity. It took a reallyyyy long time for me to realize that I would never solve the problem without getting to the root of the issue.

That started with the foods I was eating, and learning what works best for my unique body. 🍏

Want to know the magic formula?

While it’s not exactly the same for everyone, it generally encompasses 3 things: FIBER & WATER from plant foods + GLUTEN FREE sources of carbohydrates. That’s it!

You’ve got to try out this awesome plant-filled, gluten free recipe for Tabbouleh! It’s a favorite around here.

If you are interested in learning how to identify the foods best for your unique body, our 14 Day Cleanse, with support, is an amazing tool to help you figure it out.

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Let's connect!  Contact me HERE anytime.

Lessons from Mother Nature

These flowers got me like 🤩

I've been working on establishing these perennial gardens since we moved into our house in NINE years ago. It’s taken a lot of trial error, lots of love, support from seasoned gardeners, patience and consistency. 🌸

People come to me often looking for a quick fix; a magic pill.

The magic pill? It’s a little trial and error, support from others, patience, consistency, and most importantly, loving yourself along the way. ❤️

If you’re ready to take your magic pill, be in touch HERE.

#lessonsfrommothetnature
#fueledmostlybyplants

PS you have to try this chop salad recipe. It is so easy and delish!

Let’s stay connected! Contact me any time, HERE.

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Staying Healthy & High Energy During the Winter Months

Is it just me, or did it get really chilly really fast?! We love this time of year — first sweaters, crisp juicy apples and hearty stews. This time of the year used to be a binge fest, full of overindulgence. It always landed me on January 2 feeling like total garbage, and feeling like I had taken 10 steps backward.

Over the last few years, I’ve learned to eat more intuitively, enjoying all of the goodness that comes with the holiday season AND continuing to fill up on the good stuff.

Check out 4 tips to continue to nourish your body, even with the chill in the air and the holidays quickly approaching!

#1 EAT SEASONAL PRODUCE

There is a reason we focus on seasonal produce in The Veg Out Meal Plan Series!  Seasonal foods not only taste better, but they are kinder to your wallet, and because they endure less travel from farm to plate, are more nutrient dense.

Be sure to check out winter squashes - acorn, butternut, and spaghetti.  Other great options include apples, pears, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.

#2 LOAD THE SOUPS + CHILIS WITH ALL THE VEGGIES & LEGUMES

There's nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili or a good warm curry in the cooler months.  Load them up with lots of seasonal veggies, and legumes like lentils and kidney beans.  The fiber, water & nutrients in these ingredients will keep you satisfied and warm your soul!

#3 EAT A WARM BREAKFAST

We crave warm foods during the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler outside.  Instead of the usual smoothies, try a an omelette loaded with seasonal veggies, big bowl of homemade oatmeal, muffins or pancakes.

#4 BRING THE HEAT WITH SPICES

Cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika and cayenne are all spices we associate with cooler months.  There are loads of benefits that come with incorporating spices into your diet, and the flavor punch doesn't hurt!. Try this Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe for some sweet heat

PS.  This is the last week to apply for the 1:1 end of year health coaching opportunity!!   This is for women who want to feel in control, get their digestion on point, feel beautiful in the skin they’re in and navigate the holidays with less stress & a sense of CALM.  Space is limited -- Apply here! 

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If there is a way I can serve & support you, please contact me here so we can chat!

Plant Based, Gluten Free Meal Plan!

If you want want to…

—Save time.  Weekly meals, printable grocery list, pantry staples & meal prep list done for you!

—Save money.  Plant-centered, seasonal ingredients are kinder on the wallet, saving you hard earned moo-lah on your grocery bill each week!  Recipes share ingredients, eliminating food waste, too..

—Improve your health.  Lower your blood pressure or cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, balance hormones, regulate bowels, lessen joint pain, eliminate brain fog, increase energy, control cravings, feel happier, reduce anxiety/depression, improve hair, nails & skin.

—Learn how to make healthy cooking easy & delicious. Incorporate healthy meals that aren't bland, boring, or taste like cardboard.

…then this is for you.

And something exciting is happening this week. (I mean look at this bowl, omgeeeeee)

This week’s plan is launched ,and there are TWO amazing ways you can get all of this deliciousness in your belly.

1) Join The Veg Out Meal Plan Series! For less than the cost of 1 Starbucks coffee per week, you’ll receive colorful, nutrient dense recipes, grocery lists, kitchen staples, simple meal prep tips and video hacks delivered to your inbox weekly.  Amazing, right?! If you want in on this goodness, sign up here by this Thursday (June 13th)

2) Not ready for the Series? Download this week’s plan available a la carte here!

Want a sneak peak at what’s inside? For a limited time, check one out, on us. <3

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Let’s stay connected! Contact me anytime, here.

Natural Remedies for IBS

How often does someone check in to see how things are .... moving ....?? 💩

Yes, for real. As someone who struggled with constipation for most of my adult life, this struggle can be REALLLLL, and really painful.

It wasn't that long ago that I cleaned out our medicine cabinet. I reorganized and threw away the norm--expired cold medicine, stray bandaids, the bottle of lotion with one squeeze left in it.

Miralax, stool softeners, beano, benefiber, metamucil..... among what was pulled out of that cabinet--the pool of over the counter supplements, meds and aids for.... 💩💨😳(or lack thereof 😫)

The struggle was real for a long time yo.

There was a span of a few years where I was terrified to eat anything because it seemed anything I ate caused me to blow up like a balloon — literally, my belly like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man. And don’t get me started on the frequent gas. 🥺

It was embarrassing. It was hard to talk about. And it felt shitty #punintened 😉

And for the longest time, I was putting a bandaid on the problems. I know what it's like to walk into a drug store willing to drop any amount of 💰 for any sense of relief or hope for regularity. It took a reallyyyy long time for me to realize that I would never solve the problem without getting to the root of the issue.

That started with the foods I was eating, and learning what works best for my unique body. 🍏

Want to know the magic formula?

While it’s not exactly the same for everyone, it generally encompasses 3 things: FIBER & WATER from plant foods + GLUTEN FREE sources of carbohydrates. That’s it!

You’ve got to try out this awesome plant-filled, gluten free recipe for Tabbouleh! It’s a favorite around here. And, if you’re interested in learning how to up the ante and serve this dish up with some protein packed, plant based savory pancakes, you have to get your hands on this week’s meal plan!

Our winter season was ah-mazing and we are currently seeking a limited number of test group participants for our spring launch of the the meal plan subscription.

This is an awesome opportunity to receive one month of deliciousness, and see a positive impact on your digestion, your energy, your waistline, your wallet and your most valuable resource, YOUR TIME, at a discounted rate. (only $5/week!)

Here's a glimpse at what our members are cooking up this week! If you’d like to be a part of the exclusive test group, comment below or send me a quick email to secure your space!

This week, we're diving into 

—Chocolate for breakfast!

—A hearty chowder reminiscent of summer

—A veggie burger that is sure to please

—Modern twist on the good ‘ol casserole

— And, a Mediterranean pancake that will blow your damn mind!

This week’s video is all about cutting onions, with a few tips to avoid the tears.

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Let's connect!  Contact me HERE anytime.

How to Lower Your Grocery Bill

How much money do you spend on groceries each week? 🍏 

It wasn't that long ago that our average cost for groceries per week, as a family of TWO were upwards of $250/week.   Never a plan, never a list, and we were always stopping to pick up "one" thing on our way home from work.

That wasn’t accounting for 🍻 happy hour on the reg; $75 on average for drinks and apps/2x week OR 🍴dinners out. Chris and I used to go out, often times on a whim, 2-3x/week for dinner. For both of us, $80 each meal with a few drinks. 

If you haven't been adding up with me, that's $640 to feed our family of 2 each WEEK.

...And because we ended up eating out on a whim half the time, I would throw tons of fresh produce away at the end of each week.  

Our average weekly spend is now around $125 to feed our family of FOUR (well, one doesn't eat food yet, so technically three, lol!) Pretty massive shift, right?!

Why?

Well, most plant centered foods, like fresh fruits and veggies, beans and lentils, nuts, seeds and gluten free grains... they're generally kinder to the wallet than processed and convenience foods.

And those plant based proteins we incorporate? At around 50 cents/serving, they save you bookoo bucks!

Unbelievable, right?!

Just a small few things shifted:
... head into each week with a solid PLAN instead of winging it! 
...eat less prepared convenience foods! 

…eat more PLANTS!
...cook more, using SHARED ingredients
...and for the first time ever, not throw a bunch of food away at the end of each week!

=A lower grocery bill 😍 This is exciting stuff! 🤩

What would you do with that extra money each week?!

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P.S. ~ Here's what our members are cooking up this week! Once all stocked up on most commonly used spices and pantry staples, it isn’t uncommon to get away with spending less than $100/week on everything you'll need to feed your family for one week! Our members notice a massive shift in their grocery spend. #canigetahellyeah

These plans make it all possible! And, through the end of today (March 31) use code babyishere for 30% off your first month!

If you want in, sign up here by this Wednesday (April 3rd):

--A breakfast that could surely be featured on a restaurant brunch menu 

--A pear and bleu salad for the win

--A new spin on beans and greens--once you try it you'll never go back

--Curry noodle bowls that are sure to become a staple to your rotation 

--And a protein packed stuffed spaghetti squash with just enough heat! 

Ever wonder how to make kale not suck?  Tune in, I'm sharing all about it this week!! 

Wondering what’s for dessert? Check out this recipe for Mango Frozen Yogurt — it does NOT disappoint!

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Let's connect!  Contact me HERE anytime.