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This brings me to the “Dare To Be Great” stuff. So my Dad was a big Dale Carnegie fan. Reading his books was a part of “paying rent” in our house — something that was expected of you.  My dad was always filtering in these positive messages. So I guess it was no surprise when he joined “Dare to Be Great,” an inspiration/motivational group in the area that helped members support their dreams. I will never forget going to those meetings with him. He actually truly used the stuff he learned from “Dare to Be Great,” and didn’t lose it three weeks later. He was supercharged with goodness and greatness all the time. My sister and brothers will all tell you that we sure are fortunate to have had him as our role model. Thanks to all the dads who have been and are great fathers and great role models, and a special thanks to my “Dare to Be Great” Dad! Oh, and that steel mill? It folded.  Caio for now. This Gelato is for you Dad. Summertime. Espresso. Fathers Day. Gelato. Need I say more? Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann Click here to find the best way to store your gelato. 

A radio host shared with me recently that I have a unique approach to healing and nutrition. He wanted to know where this came from. So I told him about my “Swiss experience” and how it has changed my life and made a difference in the way I see patients and the world. I am one of a handful of doctors in the U.S. trained and certified in Biological Medicine by one of the world’s leading experts and physicians, Dr Thomas Rau, of the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland.  I studied under his tutelage for about two years. People come from all over the world to this clinic to find out about the Swiss secret to optimal health. Its methods arise from the distinct medical traditions of Switzerland and Southern Germany, which, in the 500 years since the experiments of the original Paracelsus, have evolved into a more holistic and natural science of health. Biological Medicine focuses on the body as a whole, instead of just treating symptoms, to determine the true reasons why people are ill and provide an overall wellness solution. This experience has changed my life. I have seen the body heal in unbelievable ways. I have seen people go from the depths of hopelessness to leading fulfilling lives. I have seen how things I never thought affected our health absolutely do. I have seen patients who simply did not want to get well, but chose to die. I have learned the will to live can go both ways — you can will yourself to die the same way you can will yourself to live.     When I completed my program there, I left with several takeaways. Among them, one was piercing: “Paradigm is everything.” Let me explain. Here’s what I discovered from my Swiss experience and how it can help you: I remember the first time I visited Switzerland. I couldn’t believe how clean the air felt as it bathed my body. My lungs felt like they were expanding more with every breath of the country’s ultra-pristine air. I didn’t have a long flight, since I was living in London at the time, but I remember feeling a jolt of energy when I landed, like the “plane icky-ness” was exhaled out of my body in a breath or two. I’d felt this sensation one other time. It was in North Dakota the day after a blizzard. North Dakota is without bright lights or big cities, so the air is pretty clean, but the post-blizzard air had a sensational clean-crispness about it. There was something extraordinarily different about the air in Switzerland, though, compared to any of my experiences, as if it had been filtered in some way.  Maybe it’s the Swiss Alps that run across the country, or all of the beautiful lakes, or maybe it’s the climate, which never seems to be too hot, too cold, or too humid. Whatever it is, there’s certainly magic in the air. This got me curious. I began observing and interviewing the people around Zurich. I asked questions in shops, eateries, local markets, and health food stores. I would sit at a café and journal at the end of my day while overlooking the most incredible mountainous views. I noticed five facts immediately: The Swiss have stunning skin. The Swiss have insanely bright clear eyes. The Swiss are not overweight. The Swiss did not start telling me about their laundry list of doctors or illnesses, even when I provoked, and as I “instigated,” they just smiled. They didn’t get annoyed, which was interesting to me. The Swiss did not (and I have rarely seen this) look or sound stressed-out whatsoever. I wanted in on this. The fresh air was definitely a catalyst of these physical “tells,” but that Nancy Drew affliction I have (if you have seen me speak anywhere, you know what I’m talking about) led me to believe there was more to the story. I discovered that the Swiss have a very different thought process when it comes to modern medicine. We can all learn something from this. In fact, I believe this is the biggest health secret… that shouldn’t be a secret! When it comes to looking and feeling good, there’s more than meets the eye. When it comes to humans, what you see is not what you get. Humans may look like walking skeletons that can talk, but we are much more. Those who are brimming with health (such as the Swiss) innately understand this important concept: We are not just physical bodies, but also energetic ones. This is critical to understand. You must start looking at your body in terms of atoms and molecules… not just skin and bones.   Think of your body as an enormous ball of energy — so vast it could light up an entire city. Whatever you do in life that fuels the energy you have within makes you healthy and gorgeous. Hair shines, eyes glimmer, skin glows, weight shifts. You have vitality. This is the true gauge of health. Have you ever known someone who makes you think, “Hmm, they have great energy”? The source of this energy is their inner vitality. When you start thinking about that, paying attention to it, you will notice you do make different choices. In Switzerland, for instance, I found it fascinating that most everyone has a homeopathic doctor. They go to emergent care doctors when needed, of course. But they do what they can to heal themselves in the least invasive way possible, because they understand this energy cycle. They don’t want to disrupt the natural energy flowing through their bodies, so they aren’t quick to just dump anything in. Here’s a snapshot of two different thought processes. Of course I had to name them after two of my fave movies. Ask yourself, where do you fall? Terminator View: We are made like a “Terminator,” a biological entity of skin and parts that eventually wear out. The body’s consciousness stems solely from the electrical reactions in the brain. Illness just happens to a person because of bad genes or unfortunate exposure to viruses or bacteria, and drugs and surgery are how we return the body to balance. Matrix View: Our body has an energy matrix. We are electrical beings, not just structural ones. We think atoms and molecules, not just skin and bones. We know our body has an innate consciousness that helps direct us. We believe that genes express themselves according to our lifestyle. The way we eat, live, and move has an enormous impact on our health. We know that being unhealthy can be a result of constant dysfunctional energy patterns played out in our lives. Most importantly, we understand that we are in control. Health is a byproduct of choices. It really comes down to building a better body, cell by cell. Everything rises and falls on the health of your cells. By using practices that I learned from my Swiss doctors—like cleansing and detoxifying your body, regulating pH balance through diet, and eating to strengthen your immune system and maintain optimal health and energy—you will get what you want. Whether it’s to look better, feel better, heal better, get glowing skin, or have a youthful body and mind for years to come, you can obtain it. Think of your body like any other ecosystem. It really is self-healing and self-regulating. When you dump anything into your body that doesn’t belong, there is a ripple. There is an effect. Only provide your body what it needs, because otherwise natural production will go down. When you give your body anything it doesn't need, the consequences can be disastrous. Address stressors, deficiencies, and toxicities beyond food as well. Supply your body with the right resources and remove interferences, such as bad food and negative relationships and thoughts that don’t serve you. When you start changing your paradigm and looking at your body as an ecosystem, you will lean into a stronger, healthier, and younger body and mind. Or maybe, just maybe, since the Swiss people consume the most chocolate per capita, it's just the chocolate that's got everybody glowing ... wink!  Keep thinking big and living bold!

This post is for “Frogman,” an American hero and one of my best buddies. Here’s why I love him. One of my closest friends, Bill, is a Navy SEAL whom I call "Frogman." Like my big brother, we are longtime friends and often laugh about the fact that he's kind of the male version of me (we even call each other our "twin.") Everyone can use a friend like Frogman. After all, it's pretty nice to have your own secret service, having your back whenever, wherever. One thing I can tell you beyond a doubt ‹when the stuff hits the fan, you want him on the wall. When my first book was published, I sent it to "Frogman Bill" and his beautiful wife, Julie. Bill being Bill, didn¹t just read the book, he devoured it, and got TOTALLY into it. He researched everything that existed about Paleo, drove me nuts with questions and lived the lifestyle completely and thoroughly. Bill is ALL-IN no matter what he does. "Frogman" lives in Virginia Beach (East Coast SEAL heaven for the even numbered SEAL teams the odd numbered SEALS live on the West Coast) and spends his time not only defending our country, but doing everything he can in his "Bill-like way" to help transform as many people as he can to a healthier lifestyle. This weekend he's holding a Memorial Day Murph event with the Virginia CrossFit community (A Murph event is in honor of Michael P. Murphy, a SEAL who died in Afghanistan protecting his country and his men in a fierce gun battle). Frogman's goal is to grow awareness and make his event an annual destination to support a host of groups that are helping vets, especially Team guys and SOF operators. Keep thinking big and living bold! Dr. Kellyann

I just landed in LA and I'm getting ready to go full throttle to give Hollywood some great info on my next television appearance on Good Day LA. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to do what I do. But all this running around has got me daydreaming about those good ole' summer days as a kid when you didn't have a care in the world.  I'm ready for a good homestyle Memorial Day BBQ. Summertime… and the living is easy — and tasty! When I think back to my favorite summertime picnics over the years, they almost always include a barbecue. There’s just nothing like biting into anything barbecued! Tasting that tangy, sweet sauce that, well, often ends up all over my hands and face, just sends me! That’s how much I love a good barbecue sauce. When planning your next barbecue, consider skipping the mainstream, grocery-store barbecue-sauce brands (many contain all kinds of artificial additives and sweetners!) and whip up your own healthy concoction. My favorite sauce recipe features coconut oil, coconut sugar, a bit of Dijon mustard and, oh yeah… maple syrup! Now we’re talking. We can enjoy a great sauce and know that it features healthy ingredients, but still has that Kansas City kick! Find the recipe here. Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

I was asked to give my low-carb diet insights and tips, as well as bread recommendations on The Dr. Oz Show. Let’s be clear on this — in my world, bread is not a matter of course. In fact, whenever I eat just about any type of bread, I become possessed, as if I need a “bread exorcism” to release the evil within. I’m betting many of you feel the same way. Do you get tired and lethargic after eating bread? Do you regret the pretty hefty coin you spend on new jeans that are supposed to suck you in and lift you up  — and prevent muffin top — because they’re not doing their job? For me, a primal diet that consists of meats, fish, eggs, proteins, veggies, some fruits and healthy fats works best. In fact, if I eat these foods 80 percent of the time, then I get 100 percent of the results I’m looking for — to look great, possess rocket-fire energy, and be illness-, ache- and pain-free. Not much to ask for, right? My “bread” usually comes in the form of lettuce, i.e. lettuce wraps! But here’s the message: That works for me. And this is not about me.  It’s about everybody else — those whom I’ve helped when traveling around the country, am a guest on a news segment, hold workshops, you name it.  It’s about the audiences with whom I’ve been blessed to share nutritional insights, whether on television, radio, through email, book signings, etc.  My job is to take people from wherever they are and help them in the best way I can. My hope is to set the best authentic example I can — to offer every bit of knowledge I have and to never stop giving with my whole heart. So let’s get Italian for a moment and talk bread: What should I consider before eating bread? There are great substitutes for breads Any breads should be eaten as an exception, not a rule (should not make up a large — or even moderate — part of your diet) Before you ingest bread, make sure your intestinal tract is healthy or you could be asking for trouble. (Incidentally, if yours isn’t healthy, consider my 30-Day Reset Program, which puts real foods first and is a great option to get your system as clean as can be!) Those with certain conditions and autoimmune diseases (crohns, colitis, IBS, blood-sugar challenges, etc.) may be better off saying no all together Grain-free breads are always the best, you can even make it on your own. The better breads (if they are not filled with additives) often fall on the lower end of the carbohydrate spectrum, and the best way to get results is to eat a diet that’s naturally lower in carbs. This is always the holy grail of weight loss — eating less, without trying to eat less. Why is cutting back on carbs vital for weight loss?    Low carb diets aren’t as restrictive as other diets  Studies reveal that cutting down the carbs generates more weight loss and improves health much more than calorie-restricted, low-fat diets do. And let’s face it, those low-fat diets make people miserable.  To acquire long-term weight loss, a lower-carb program that doesn’t require a lot of changes in your diet is beneficial. Eating foods you love that are naturally lower in carbs and higher in proteins and healthy fats gets the best results (like a primal diet). Low carb diets reduce insulin levels Low carb diets greatly reduce insulin levels in the blood, which is a good thing! The hormones’ job is to store fat. A low-carb diet reduces hormone levels. Less hormones means less fat storage. Remember, insulin lays down fat. The more we regulate this hormone, the less body fat we will have. Low carb diets banish belly fat Another huge benefit for dieters who follow a low-carb plan is that they lose belly fat, which dieters find can be very stubborn! Eating approved, unprocessed carbs can  make a big contribution in helping to create a flat stomach. Low carb diets can be easy!  Who likes to track points and calories? Not many. You don’t need to track anything once you get the swing of the low-carb plan. Basically, you’ll be eating protein, healthy fats and veggies at every meal. Throw in some nuts, seeds and full-fat dairy products for good measure, and you’re good to go. Choose unprocessed carbs when you want something more, such as low-carb breads (see below). It doesn’t get much simpler than that! How many carbs should I be eating to lose weight? About 50 to 75 carb grams per day for effortless weight loss. This number totally depends on your needs. This is where personal play comes in, depending on your goals, your lifestyle and how you feel. Consume plenty of vegetables. Consume some fruit (my favorite is berries). When you need more, include smart carbohydrates (such as dense carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins, plantains, jicama, etc.) Every once in a while, when you feel like you need more (or something heartier) and bread comes to mind, here are some choices to consider: What are the best low carb bread alternatives? Coconut flour bread This is my number one low carb bread alternative because it’s clean and grain free. High in fiber and very low in carbs Gluten free, so good for those who are allergic or sensitive to wheat/gluten Great for making French toast; or toasted for that occasional sandwich or toasted and served with some almond butter.See my show recipe for French toast here.  Parmesan crisps  This is my number two low carb bread alternative choice because, well, there’s nothing in these things! (Who would have guessed just non-processed full-fat cheese could make a crunchy good treat?) If you choose to eat this, make sure you can tolerate dairy.  Fun to eat, as they’re crunchy and delicious Super, SUPER easy to make Made with unprocessed Parmesan cheese, which has some calcium and protein Kids love these Gluten free, so good for those who are allergic or sensitive to wheat/glutenSee my show recipe for these topped with chicken salad here. Flaxseed lavash Eat this as a low carb alternative exception and not the rule. And eat this only if you have done a 30-day clean-up first, so your intestinal tract can handle the grains somewhat. Very filling and tasty, makes you feel as if you’ve eaten something substantial No added sugars The flax features omega-3s, which help to reduce inflammation (less bloating, and, of course, great for your overall health) Sprouted grain Eat this as a low carb alternative exception and not the rule. And eat this only if you have done a 30-day clean-up first, so your intestinal tract can handle the grains somewhat Contains sprouted grains (not flour), which makes this bread naturally lower in carbs, and it contains no added sugars Easier to digest than regular commercial white and whole grain breads (sprouting grains breaks down the starches in the bread somewhat) Reduces the blood-sugar response (compared to unsprouted grains), which means less body fat How can I improve my tolerance for occasional bread? Your gut is strong— like a battleship. There’s relatively no inflammation in your body. Your blood-sugar levels are stable. When these three areas are under control, you can weather foods like bread with much more ease. This is why I always start people out with my  30-Day Reset program. It’s the ultimate cleanse and gives you squeaky-clean cells. I hope I have helped you make some better choices today and you enjoyed the show! Keep thinking Big and living BOLD!

Preparing a Mother’s Day Brunch sure sounds like a good idea — execution is an entirely different story. Makes the $25 per head at your favorite restaurant sound like a bargain, right? I love going out and enjoying a great meal. That’s probably my favorite pastime, in fact! Speaking of that, I just finished watching the entire Anthony Bourdain: Part’s Unknown series with great anticipation.  Anthony explores the world and its indigenous foods. I daydreamed   of exploring the world and different foods as I watched. Becoming intimate with the heritage, history and culture behind the food is one of the best parts about dining. You will never get a “nah” from me when it comes to exploring or venturing into new-tastes territory. But sometimes, I crave the intimacy of a home cooked meal made for people I love and enjoyed with those people.  They know that you shopped, cooked and will have to deal with unavoidable kitchen duty after the meal. This in and of itself is a true gift.   Here’s how you can make an intimate, fun and simple-yet-elegant meal doable. First, cook with high-quality fresh ingredients and great herbs and spice blends to bring out flavors.  Beautiful berries and fresh flowers always help create a gorgeous (but simple!) presentation. Simple, but flavorful — that’s my motto. Less is more, and you sure don’t have to make a lot of dishes — just create a few really awesome ones. Here’s where the real gift comes into play. Your mom will likely experience the following: She Becomes Instantly “Coolified”: She will be intrigued by the fact you are creating dairy-free, gluten-free foods. “Really, this is good for me – and won’t make me fat?” This always intrigues people  — they instantly feel “coolified” because they feel like they are a part of some growing movement — a foodie! She Feels Great:  Mom will be totally stupefied by how much energy she feels after the meal and by the fact that she doesn’t feel like she swallowed a bowing ball after eating. Let’s face it… in most cases, when it comes to typical Mother’s Day brunches, you eat some eggy–cheesy, milky dish, lots of gluten and artificial this-and-that, and top it off with some sugary, high-carb, gluten-filled dessert. The results?  You feel like someone drugged you as your belly manages to pop over your jeans. This WON’T happen with my simple, yet elegant, fare.   She Gains Instant Bragging Rights: Oh yeah. Mom gets to tell her friends about the ultra-cool meal you made her, and “oh, I can get you the recipe. You won’t believe how good this coffee cake is.” Here, I present my super easy Mother’s Day brunch. Ham and Asparagus Frittata and Orange, Cranberry & Pecan Coffee Cake. Don’t forget the berries and blooms! P.S. Hope my sons are reading this … Hey, guys, it’s not too late! And don’t forget next year… Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

I used to live in London, so I was a quick Eurostar train ride away to France. Needless to say, I took full advantage and spent many a weekend hanging out in the French shops and eateries. I was like a roving reporter tasting, touching, smelling and listening. It was actually through my experiences in France that made me understand cultural nutrition and how much it matters. France is where I learned how foods are savored and enjoyed in social settings and how down right sexy good clean food can be. The “eat to live” philosophy may be how many of us view good clean eating. I say different. If we pay attention to just one thing (like the French do) we can spend a lot more time living, laughing and getting lost in the rapture of good meals. When you stay in France, you’ll find a very small fridge. In fact, you’ll find a very minimalistic kitchen all-together. They really don’t need a lot of pantry and storage space, because the French aren’t in the habit of “stocking up.” The French eat fresh, unprocessed foods with minimal ingredients. They believe food quality matters and they have community around them when they eat. Here’s the hitch… they still make incredible meals. Whether it’s French fancy at Le Meurice, or your grabbing a bite at Café Angelina, (my favorite Café across the pond with best hot chocolate worldwide, which I dubbed liquid pudding) you experience great taste and flavor with minimal ingredients. Seemed everywhere I explored with my backpack and notes, the only heavy people were the tourists. Huh. There’s something to learn from this. Check out the Sunday Morning Bacon recipe, Sauce Ravigote.  Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann Cafe' Angelina, Paris Bonus Hard boiled eggs still lingering? Here's some suggestions: Spicy deviled eggs or create your own deviled eggs with of the flavored mayo’s we already did. Stuffed with avocado or guacamole. Scotch eggs Stuffed peppers Cobb salad Chef’s salad Tuscan spinach salad Salad Nicoise Any of many kinds of egg salad: avocado, curried, herb, with bacon, with ham, etc. Again, a good opportunity to use flavored mayo’s.

I’ve been in the business of helping people find the healthiest, absolutely best alternatives to looking and feeling their best for a long time now. So at this point, little surprises me. I’ve seen “miraculous” spray vitamins come and go, the finest healing elixir from the Himalayas fall from grace, and the rarest and finest rainforest “fountain of youth fruit” take a nosedive. I’ve seen the air diet, dirt diet — you name it diet — come and go. So, when I hear about swishing around coconut oil in your mouth to remove harmful oral toxins, strengthen the gums and whiten the teeth, I think well, maybe. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley swear by this practice. There are some that even claim relief from migraines, eczema, arthritis and bronchitis, and more supple skin and relief from hangovers. When I did my research, though, I found there was nothing new here. In fact, coconut “oil pulling” is a traditional Indian practice of more than 2,500 years. Here’s the logic: Within the human mouth, billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi —  including streptococcus and Candida — reside. Left unchecked, these undesirable inhabitants can cause serious gum diseases, leading to inflammatory processes, which may spread to other systems of the body. You know I’m always harping on the fact that almost every modern-day disease process circles back to inflammation. Well, the inside of your mouth is another conduit for inflammation to take hold. With that on the table, I was all in. I started swishing every morning. My results: After about three months of “oil pulling,” I definitely notice a difference. My mouth feels fresher and cleaner, and my teeth are definitely brighter. What’s interesting is once you’re done “swishing” the oil around, you feel like you have a sweeter taste in your mouth and fresher breath. It’s like your mouth gets an intense cleanse everyday. Even better, “oil pulling” is a relatively simple and very inexpensive process to follow. Here’s how it’s done: Upon arising each morning, prior to breakfast and regular tooth brushing, actively swish up to 1 tablespoon of natural organic coconut oil through teeth and around gums for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Just for the record, you can use any pure oil like sesame or olive. However, coconut oil is the most popular because of its powerful healing properties.Fair warning: When you first put the coconut oil in your mouth it’s often not fully melted, so it has a weird “thicker” sludge like consistency. Just hang tight, the oil will melt in a second and be reduced to a thinner oil base with a much kinder taste. Second option. You can warm the coconut oil before hand so you don’t feel like you’re chomping on Crisco for those first few seconds. If you still feel like you’re going to gag, you may want to opt for pure sesame or olive oil. If pressed for time, continue swishing while taking a shower, moving about the house, or conducting other morning routines. Rinse and brush well when you’re finished. Be very careful not to gargle or swallow the coconut oil so you don’t ingest the bacteria, viruses and fungi you have so carefully swished loose. After 20 minutes, spit the oil into a trash receptacle, but not the sink, because the oil could solidify and clog your sink. Just a handful of research can be found on the topic, which generally just states that there is improvement in receding gums and that “oil pulling” works as well as some mouthwashes, but nothing on larger health issues. National Institutes of Health database. I’m hedging myself anyway and will continue to swish, no matter how much insanity is involved. Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

Sunday Bacon Feature Every April 22, my kids come home from school with their artwork of Earth pictures, paintings and props tucked into their backpacks. This Tuesday we celebrate yet another round of Earth Day. Beyond creative art, folks can get creative in the kitchen, too, to honor Earth Day. Here, I present a recipe for Southwestern-style salmon that is absolutely delicious — and keeps our good ol’ planet Earth in mind.  Sustainable Eating Defined: When you hear the word sustainable, does a hint of tofu hipster come to mind? For many, that's exactly what happens. But truly, a sustainable diet/lifestyle is simply a responsible way of eating that circles back to providing you with better health. Super Green List: The wild caught salmon from Alaska in this recipe is on the “super green list." Check it out here. View this week's Sunday Morning Bacon recipe, Southwestern Salmon with Cilantro Pesto. Keep thinking big and living bold!

If you're interested in other daily food swaps, click below to get my Food Swap Guide! Click Here to Download   Easter is a time for some family love, and the joy of watching  kiddos excitedly explore spring in their brightly colored clothing with Easter basket in-hand! So, what’s in your basket? I don’t want to be a buzz kill. Nor am I a candy prude or crusher of little kids’ dreams. I believe there is a certain right of passage for kids, and they should enjoy sweets and treats on such occasions as Easter. But I am also a mother, and, like many moms, I care about my kids’ nutrition. I also know that choosing healthier candy doesn't mean doing without. It means swapping out. As a busy mom, I know that not everyone has time to handcraft your child’s Easter sweets (nor does the Easter Bunny, for that matter!). There are some things you can watch out for in your children’s Easter baskets. If Grandma dropped in a preservative-laden chocolate bunny or Aunt Annie plopped in a few sugary jellybeans, I suggest swapping those out for other goodies. Here’s why … and a review of other considerations that will help you swap out the bad for the good! Look out for: Additives and Preservatives: These are easy to spot. You often can’t pronounce the name, so that’s a big hint that you don’t want it. Or, the label will read: “natural or artificial flavors” – that’s a big tip-off. These are artificial, and who wants their kids to have a bunch of chemicals? They usually look something like this: Acrylamides, propylene glycol, phosphoric acid, TBHQ, BHA, BHT. Synthetic Food Coloring: Those like Red No. 40 and the rest of the lot are under scrutiny for their potential association to behavior problems in children. Artificial Sweeteners: These come in those pink, yellow and blue packages, and are often labeled as Aspartame, Acesulfame, Saccharin or Sucralose. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, long-term effects of consuming these sugars are unknown, but they advise folks to stay away from them. Click here to learn more.  No worries, though… time to get swap-savvy! Trade out some of the traditional candies that have artificial ingredients to those that are more natural. Pure and Natural Sweeteners: Brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut nectar/sugar/crystals, date sugar, date syrup, dates, honey, maple syrup, molasses, palm sugar, stevia leaf and turbinado sugar Naturally Derived Sweeteners: Agave, corn syrup, xylitol, caramel, barley malt, etc. I suggest sticking to the most pure and natural Easter treats, since they are available to us! Here are some of my favorites: Chocolate Bunnies, Jelly Beans, Jordon Almond Eggs: These can be found at one of my favorite places — the Natural Candy Store, online. The ingredients are great, and the jelly beans and the chocolate bunnies are the best. The Jordon almonds are neat because they look like Easter eggs (and have all-natural dyes — nothing synthetic). Click here to check out the Natural Candy Store.  Annie’s Snack Packs: I love their fruit snacks, cheddars, and honey grahams, and all come in snack sizes. They’re great to plop in a basket. Click here to check out Annie's. The Best Lolly Pops: Yummy Earth’s organic pops, gummy bears, fruit snacks, sour beans, candy drops and jellybeans. Kids love these! Click here to check out these treats. Chocolate Bites: Dagoba Chocolates are superbly delish chocolate squares your kiddos can bite into. Click here to find the chocolate squares.  Paleo Cheesecake: If you dare to get creative, this cheesecake is easy to make, and delicious!  Click here to see recipe. No matter how much time you have to prepare for Easter for your kids’ baskets, remember it’s what you do most of the time that makes the difference toward your health, not the “once in a whiles.” So as long as you are swapping out the unrecognizable additives, synthetic food coloring, preservatives and any artificial sweeteners most of the time, you can wear your Easter with a smile! Keep thinking big and living bold! 

I remember how much fun it was to dye Easter eggs as a kid. My two brothers, sister and I would always fight for the very last egg, no matter how many we already dyed. Then, after the eggs took on their pretty, fresh coats of color and Easter was over, we’d argue about who had to eat the last egg. We were knee-deep in those eggs all week (no way were my parents going to waste any). It was like a love affair gone bad. As we got older, we knew better. We dyed the eggs, but we gave each other the "do NOT go overboard" stare. It was decided that whoever painted too many eggs, would have the disenchanting task of eating them as well.  In honor of all of kids stuck eating all of those leftover Easter eggs – I’ll be sharing some great “what to do with those leftover eggs” recipes after Easter. This post is dedicated to you and your family this Easter. Click here to find the recipe for eco-friendly Easter eggs.  Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

My hair stands on end when I think about all of the chemicals and food dyes that sneak into our foods and drinks. Unfortunately, foods that contain these hideous ingredients manage to score premium shelf space in our modern-day markets. Think about the most popular kiddo foods, and you get the idea.   This is when the “Tiger Mom” in me appears. When it comes to irresponsible promotion, we need to expect more and ask for more. We deserve it, and so do our kids. Recently, a woman was telling me about some issues she was having with her child. I’ve been a “last-stop” doc for about 20 years for many of my patients, so I quickly was able to discern the child’s “issues.” As soon as she started telling me his symptoms, a drawer labeled “food dyes” in my mental filing cabinet popped open. She followed a protocol called the Feingold Diet  and in just one week, every single symptom disappeared. She stopped giving her son any food or drink that contained food dyes and voila … issues gone. She was AMAZED! Stories like this get me revved because this is typical! Amazing things happen when you put real foods first!   Here’s why her son turned the corner in a New York minute: No more salicylates, which cause hyperactivity or sleeplessness. Salicylates are chemicals that occur naturally in many plants (they are a natural pesticide)  to protect the plants against insects and diseases. Salicylates are just one group of the hundreds of compounds in foods that can affect us, depending on how much we eat and how sensitive we are. Some people improve just by cutting back, and others have to avoid high-salicylate foods completely. Reactions are related to dose —  the more you eat, the more likely you are to be affected. So what do food dyes have to do with this?  Food Dyes and Food Preservatives produce the man-made form of salicylates. One of the side effects of salicylates is that they stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). This means they: 1) increase the risk for hyperactivity, such as ADHD/ADD, and other mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression or aggressive behavior and 2) make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. The Signs Are Pretty Obvious When you eat foods high in salicylates, you often can’t sit still or get increasingly antsy and wired. Watch For Food Preservatives such as sodium benzoate, BHA and BHT. They often produce the same results as food dyes, emitting the chemical salicylate into the body. These Preservatives Are Found in cereal, crackers, packaged oatmeal, breads, soda pop and certain juices — just about anything packaged. These chemicals are used to increase the shelf life of our processed foods. These preservatives and dyes can also be found in sports drinks. What’s a Tiger Mom to do? If you have kids who play sports, you must feel my pain. You want to be sure you’re giving them what they need on those hot days playing for hours out in the sun. Both of my sons are on travel baseball teams — they often play three games in one day! After seeing one too many “food-dye mustaches” from my little athletes, I knew what I had to do: Start making RocketFuel all natural energy drinks! My RocketFuel drinks are all-natural, dye-free and, the kids tell me they taste betterthan any popular sports drink! RocketFuel … Click here for Recipe. Drink up …. and … Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

I love the breeziness of Easter. It makes me think clean, fun...  “fresh starts.” I remember growing up and whirling around in my flowing Easter dress (which always included a hat). A pretty basket, which I carried like a purse, was my main accessory. My brothers got the short end of the stick, being stuffed in suit-like outfits and shiny shoes. My parents, devout Catholics, were serious about Easter and this was their time to proudly parade their four little treasures into church. I didn’t get it then, but I do now.  They must have been extremely proud of their two boys and two girls! My dad worked his tail off to support us and I was lucky to have a Dad who was a big thinker and a true entrepreneur. Having no seeding or help whatsoever (his parents were Italian immigrants), his power was generated by pure drive and strong values (which he got from his incredible, hardworking, truly good-to-the-core parents).  We never wanted for a thing. My mother had a big job on her hands raising us kids with a husband who just couldn’t be around much, as there is always sacrifice when you are a business owner. Although Dad was around for the big stuff, and always made us feel like he would be there whenever we needed him in seconds, my mom had the lion’s share of raising us kids. My “Easter bonnet” goes off to Mom, for doing the hardest job in the world — raising four kids who turned into responsible adults. So, these cookies are dedicated to my mom, for every Easter that she chased us around the house so she could get us to sit still while she placed shiny shoes on our feet and pulled back our hair so that it looked good with our Easter bonnets. The pure goodness of these cookies is reminiscent of her! What makes these cookies so pure? There are no food dyes whatsoever!  It’s all about getting color into your baking without chemicals. Also, those gross, sugar- laden frostings that make you cringe — that’s history.   The frosting you’ll read about here is made from “sugar redefined” — natural sugars, which, in small amounts, are AOK and Easter bunny approved! Click here to make some Paleo Easter cookies. Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

Paleo & Pregnant: The Two Go Hand-In-Hand Many of my patients over the years have asked me ask me if it’s okay to follow a Paleo diet while pregnant. Is nutrient rich protein, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and nuts and seeds good for you? Yes!  BUT, you need to see what works best for you and your pregnancy. The Paleo diet is great for those who are pregnant, as it features plenty of B12, iron and folate, and is filled with deep nutrition readily absorbable for Mom and baby. For some smart modifications, those who are pregnant should be sure to focus on the following: Get Plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty acids support fetal brain and eye development and may also prevent postpartum depression. Great Paleo foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, nuts and avocados. If you’re nervous about mercury content of fish, stick with safe fish like salmon, herring and sardines. Get Plenty of Iron with Animal Proteins: Animal products aren’t only high in iron, but they also contain heme iron, which is the most easily assimilated form available, so be sure and eat high-quality meat products — the fattier the better.  Paleo Bonus:  Just by eating Paleo, you are getting more iron naturally. The Paleo diet restricts the intake of iron-inhibiting foods, such as processed dairy and grain products. Grain products are high in phytates, which block the absorption of iron as well as other nutrients, like calcium and zinc. Get Plenty of Protein, But NOT Too Much: Because of metabolic changes that occur in the liver during pregnancy, women who are pregnant cannot tolerate the higher protein levels that they normally could. Therefore fattier meats, higher fats in general and more carbs are required. Eating eggs with the yolks is a great choice because they are a great source of choline. This is significant because choline helps protect against neural tube defects. It plays an important role in brain development, helping to form cholinergic neurons and the connections between these neurons that are so crucial in the first few years of life. Get Plenty of Veggies and Fruit: Pregnant women should increase their carbohydrate consumption to approximately 150 grams per day (this is only an average — it varies by size, body composition and energy expenditure). You may want to increase fruit consumption, and add some higher-glycemic tropical fruits (such as bananas, mangoes and oranges) to your diet, instead of the fallback berries and apples that so many people stick to. Increase vegetable servings by 50 to 100 percent. Include starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, carrots or jicama. Consider Full-Fat Dairy, if Tolerated: During pregnancy, a woman’s calcium requirements are considerably higher, and as such, it might be prudent to add a calcium supplement and/or a small amount of organic, grass-fed dairy in order to meet these increased needs. Dairy is rich in saturated fat, which is a good source of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2 & E) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Fermented dairy products — like yogurt and kefir — are also great sources of beneficial bacteria. This is important because a baby’s first exposure to bacteria is in his/her mother’s birth canal, and the mother’s gut health has a significant influence on the lifelong health of her baby. Add Another Snack or Meal: You may find that you need another snack or meal during pregnancy. This is where personal play comes in. It’s whatever works best for you and your baby. Contrary to popular belief, you’re not really eating for two; it’s more like 1 ½. You only need to gain about 25 to 30 pounds during your pregnancy, so just focus on eating good food, and how much depends on how you feel. Focus on Rich Sources of Fat: Women should focus on healthy sources like meat (including red meat), butter, eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, limited full-fat dairy, etc. Cod liver oil is one of the healthiest supplements while pregnant. It has more vitamin D per unit weight than any other food. Vitamin D is crucial to fertility and pregnancy, and studies show that up to 50 percent of women are deficient in it. Add Liver from an Organic Source: Liver may not sound appealing, but it has “healthy baby” written all over it. It contains so much deep nutrition, that I could fill a full page on its benefits. Liver is an amazing protein, full of zinc, folate, and B12, all highly absorbable. When you tuck your fork into a plate of liver and onions, repeat this mantra: “healthy baby, healthy baby.” So you see? Veggies, fruit, iron, healthy fats and tolerated full-fat dairy ….  a good pregnancy plan equals a good Paleo plan!  Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

It was great when Paleo Magazine invited me to be a Paleo expert this month! I love sharing food ideas and helping people discover it’s really not that hard to eat clean … you just need a few simple tips and swaps! I always get a good laugh when people ask me —  and they do ALL of the time  — “Do you REALLY eat those weird foods?” This absolutely stupefies me.  The foods that are deemed “normal”… the food that's socially acceptable… the foods that are well marketed … the foods that have the best spot on your grocer’s shelves  — THEY are weird. I call them “frankenfoods,” meaning they are more of a “food product” then an actual real food. Sorting through them is of course my job. Helping you discover foods that get you the results you want is what I do all day, every day. And, yes. I really do eat this way. I know what I get if I don't, and that is I age 10 years, and I’m tired all of the time. No thanks. But I’m not perfect. My kids’ diet is not perfect. I’m a busy working mom, and I do the best I can because eating well is important to me. So, I make it as easy as I can to get the results I need. Take a glance in my fridge, and you’ll always find my “7 Speedy Foods.” They include: My bi-weekly “batch” cooking foods:  Browned meats, cooked and chopped vegetables, asparagus, boiled eggs, premade burgers, meatballs and, often, pre-made breakfast foods. When I made the decision that I was done with all the wavering, all of the hopelessness and frustration associated with eating any other way then with primal foods, I knew the only way to make it work was to have good FOOD MANAGEMENT in place.  At first this may seem like a big deal. It’s not. Here’s how you do a weekly cook-up, or “batch cook”.  I always have two pans going on the stove at once: one for meat and one for veggies. I clean and chop all the veggies I want to steam-sauté, and I set up an assembly line so I can move stuff in and out of the pans without needing to wash in between. Start with the fattiest meat and sauté ’til browned in the “meat” pan, then remove it from the pan and use the same pan, conveniently greased, to cook the next, etc. While the meat is cooking, fire up your “veggie” pan and steam-sauté one veggie after another, using the same water. Just cook one veg, remove it with a slotted spoon to a storage container, keeping the water in the pan hot, so you can add the next veg to the steam bath. Then do it again! On a third burner, hard-boil a dozen eggs for high-quality, grab-and-go protein. I also like to chop up some vegetables that I don’t cook and use all of the time — I throw them in containers. With this method, you can make enough food for 3-4 days in about an hour. Fermented Foods: We are literally bags of bugs. This is a good thing. It’s healthy bacteria that make us strong and beautiful — and we need to really keep these bacteria fertile. I do this with fermented vegetables. Yes, fermented foods can be easy to make, but quite honestly, I buy mine from http://www.rejuvenative.com. The quality is fantastic, they taste great and this method is ultra speedy. I just grab a scoop of the Vegi-Delite or the Live Salsa in the morning, and plop it on my plate with eggs. Healthy Bottled Dressings: I love to have extra flavors on my foods, because this helps me to enjoy clean eating. PaleoChef Dressings from my friend Steve over at Steve’s Paleo Goods are great. I use these to marinate chicken, or if I get burned out on homemade dressings, I use these as dressings for salads. Berries: I always have a ton of berries on hand because my kids gobble them down after school. Not only that, they are really great for deep immune building. A little fact about berries: They clean your blood and make it flow beautifully. The end result? You get squeaky-clean blood, which gives you bright eyes. Grade B Maple Syrup: I use maple syrup as my primary sweetener when I need one. It does have some health properties in there (like B vitamins), so unlike many sweeteners that just take away, this sweetener actually does something positive. You have to try this with my popular waffles. You can even make a bunch of them, and freeze for the kids. Sunday Morning Bacon: I love bacon. My kids love bacon, and if it’s pasture raised with minimal to no sugar, it’s a great sidekick or a great flavor enhancer for other dishes. I am rarely caught without the stuff. People are totally blown away that I advocate healthy eating, yet I eat bacon. The name of the game here is quality. Bacon is a go as long as you are smart about the sourcing here. If the bacon comes from a healthy animal, it can be a great fat and will fill you up for hours. Before sports, it’s great to have a good protein, and fat. So, before my kids are on the field all day, they eat bacon (a great performance food)! Grass-Fed Butter: Conjugated Linoleic Acid is in grass-fed butters and this is very protective for you. It's a healthy type of fat, which will prevent all forms of cancers, keep you looking young and even help you lose weight. So, I showed you mine. Now, what’s in YOUR fridge?  Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

Hi there! I’m on Sunset Boulevard today in Hollywood, and that’s got me thinking about “star quality,” and what really makes a star. It’s that thing …that intangible thing. Energy, life, the ability to be interesting and entertaining. To know how to TURN IT ON. To know how to flip the switch and GO. To know how to let life radiate out of your eyes so others just can’t look away. Believe it of not, food can have that star quality, too. When you combine ordinary mayo with roasted red pepper, lime chipotle, herb or aioli, you get that star quality. Seems like too much fuss for just mayonnaise? Try some. You’ll feel like these condiments bring energy to your dish. The wild flavors entertain and allow the life to radiate out of the food that much better. These “Hollywood” Paleo mayos are so light, yet decadent. Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

As many of you are planning trips, you're probably not just thinking about what's going in your suitcase, but what snacks you'll take. The dreaded airport food awaits and I’m planning to avoid it at all costs! If you’re not prepared and don’t have a handle on your “personal play” program (which snacks are good for you, which to avoid and when), you can take a big dive, especially when it comes to airport situations. Have you ever been in a situation where your blood-sugar drops and you become crazed? (I think this is why so many people are rude and impatient in airports, actually!) This is when I — and likely thousands of others — say, “I’m starving, there’s nothing to eat, so I’ll have a slice of ugh pizza.” Sound familiar? This is especially common when traveling. Either we’re prepared or we’re not. And it can get really ugly if we’re not. I remember being wiped out in LA and San Diego after a packed day of TV segments and speaking engagements. Not to mention, I was super hungry. After rushing to LAX for my red-eye flight, I realized I was in trouble in the food department — there wasn’t a morsel of food anywhere. Most restaurants were closed, and the ones that were open had slim (or should I say, fat?) pickings, to say the least. My choice: I could eat a bag of Sun Chips and fill up on free beer in the club room or call it a day and wait until I was home to make bacon and eggs. I dug deep into my purse searching for a jerky bar, coconut chips, anything good … and there was nothing. Feeling a little crazed, I ripped open the complimentary bag of Sun Chips, scarfed them down and chugged a can of beer. Then, the inevitable — I fell into an instant, drugged stupor of exhaustion and icky-ness, as my stomach started to pop over my skinny jeans. Man, I wished I had decided to just fast. But all of this could have been avoided with just a little forethought. Just a tiny bit of preparation can go a long way in helping you avoid food Hell on the road. Here’s what I do now to keep myself from going wonky when traveling: Airport-friendly Snacks Let’s face it …  the food options at most airports are pretty terrible, and airplane food is not only junky, it’s also not very tasty. You’ll be happier and healthier if you eat well before your flight, make a plan for where you’ll eat at your destination, and pack Paleo-friendly snacks for the travel time in between. Arm yourself with a small, insulated food bag for items that need to be kept cool, and stuff non-perishables into your carry-on for snacks any time. Here are foods that won’t send the TSA into a panic and will travel well without refrigeration. For Your Cooler Bag Sugar-free, high-quality deli meats, smoked salmon, hardboiled eggs, cooked chicken, cut into easily-managed pieces, cooked meatballs or burger patties, cooked sweet potatoes, raw veggies, cut into easily managed pieces, fresh fruit, cut into easily managed pieces, avocado or guacamole and olives. For Your Carry-on Bag Sugar-free beef jerky, coconut flakes, nuts and dried fruit. Remember to pack plenty of napkins. If you absolutely have no time to prepare for last-minute travel, you can find Paleo-friendly snacks in many airport gift shops. Avoid the chips and candy! Instead, look for dried fruit (with no added sugar), roasted nuts (discard the peanuts in mixed nuts), and snack bars made from dried fruit and nuts like KIND healthy snacks, which are available in most airports I’ve visited. Personal Favorite My personal favorite travel foods are Collagen Fiber Bars! These creamy coconut filled bars covered with rich dark chocolate are ready for travel and are as tasty as can be. If you want a quality quick grab, check it out. Hope these tips keep you from experiencing travel craze! Keep thinking big and living bold! 

It’s Slimming for Swimming time! I’ve got FIVE FOR FIGHTING … FAT ideas  for eating like a caveman to help you get in shape for bathing suit season! What do Jessica Biel, Megan Fox and Uma Thurman know that YOU should, too? The secrets to the Paleo diet. According to Google, the Paleo diet was the most downloaded diet of 2013, and interest is continuing to grow as The New York Times bestseller lists, national television shows, like The Dr. Oz Show, blogs and new products — from running shoes to snacks — are exploding with Paleo hits. But how does one of the hottest healthy lifestyle trends help you look like a million bucks on the beach? By following my 5 P-A-L-E-O tips, you will lose weight, decrease bloat,  get glowing skin and become stronger and energized — no spear required! The holy grail of weight loss is an approach that naturally and spontaneously leads to eating less without trying to eat less. Many diets promise this, but there’s only one diet I’ve seen that actually delivers for the long-term: the Paleo diet. HERE, MY “FIVE FOR FIGHTING” … FAT P= Personal Play: Eat enough carbs to support what you do by discovering your “personal play. ” Personal play is how many starchy vegetables (like sweet potatoes or carrots) you need to sustain your energy level. Decreased energy is one of the main reasons why all diets fail. A= Adhere to a Lifestyle: Make weight loss more about a new Lifestyle. Getting enough sleep (not enough makes us hungrier and makes us gain weight, studies show), reducing stress (stress hormones cause us to eat), and moving an hour a day (this is critical) are just as important as what you eat for weight loss. L= Less is More: Eat less without trying. Counting calories makes people miserable. The good news?   You don't have to. You don't purposely restrict fat or carbohydrates, though you’ll naturally eat fewer carbs, simply because Paleo eliminates the highly processed and refined carbs (like flour and sugar) that are such a big part of the Standard American Diet. E= Eat Simple: Everyone loves a gourmet meal, but while you are trying to lose weight, keep your meals simple. Stick to the basics like meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re better off cooking simple dishes that don’t have a bunch of extra ingredients and additional flavoring, and saving those recipes for special occasions or a nice weekend dinner. O= Organize Your Meals: Food management is essential for long term weight loss. Batch cooking (cooking up some of your families favorites once or twice a week like browning some meats, chopping some vegetables, making hard boiled eggs for grab and go protein, etc) is the most important key element in weight loss. Scheduling out your meals and rotating them is also a smart way to keep a good rhythm going in your house so you don't have to deal with the age old doldrum "what should I eat?". In the end, how fast you can get your body healthy — meaning healthy cells and the fluid surrounding those cells — is how quickly you will look good in a bathing suit. The only way to look and feel sexy and confident on the beach is to radiate with health — the weight loss always follows. It's against natural law not to! Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

I’m seeing Green these days for a variety of reasons. Some of my assistants are MSU Spartan basketball fans, so they’re gearing up for March Madness, which starts Tuesday. Then there’s the spring-like weather that’s been flirting with us lately on the East Coast. We really did see some grass peeking out from beneath the heaps of snow recently and we know it will be green, soon! And, of course, St. Patrick’s Day is brewing. All this green has me thinking about my favorite green foods and some great recipes in my Paleo Cookbook for Dummies. Here, I present my top green foods, what you can do with them and why they’re good for you. Kale. I like to make Crispy Kale Chips (serve these — click here —  at your next March Madness gathering), Sautéed Kale with Bacon and Mushrooms and Kale Salad (with bacon). But one of my all-time fave recipes is  Kale Apple Cherry Cashew Salad. The title alone reveals what awaits. Click here for the recipe. Nutrition Bonus: Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and great source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K.  Kale is also rich in eye-health-promoting compounds. Bottom line: Eating a diet rich in the powerful antioxidant vitamin K can reduce the overall risk of developing or dying from cancer, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Limes. Oh, do I use a lot of lime in my cooking, from its leaves in a Thai Green Curry Chicken recipe to its juice in several concoctions. One of my favorite recipes is Citrus Carnitas, which basically involves placing cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bag and adding a boneless pork shoulder. Once it’s coated, I add it to a stockpot with enough water to just cover the meat. And then, ahhhh … I add in ½ cup of lime juice and ½ cup of lemon juice. After about two hours of cooking and simmering, the pork goes into a skillet atop some hot coconut oil. Once browned on all sides, you get perfection, and it’s all because of that lime juice! I swear! Also, one of the biggest responses I ever got from my readers if from my Chipotle Lime Wings. This recipe if full of my love affair for limes. If you want a super lime tasting dish, this is it. Scroll to the end of this post for more on limes. Nutrition Bonus: Those sea-faring folk of centuries ago knew what they were doing when they’d pack limes in their carry-on while crossing the ocean. The reason? Limes were proven to help prevent scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency. I like this fruit for its micronutrients, but I’m crazy about its phytochemicals, which can help protect the body against cancer. Avocados. I don’t really go a day or two without popping a slice of avocado in my mouth or blending it into a variety of dishes. Use avocado oil for salads and nibble on avocados for snacks or slice up and put in salads. Nutrition Bonus: Avocadoes are favored sources of monounsaturated fats.  Green Peppers. Yeah. It’s hard to decide between corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day or … my all-time best recipe for Stuffed Bell Peppers. Click here to see how to mix ground bison, peppers, spinach, tomatoes and more into one gorgeous stuffed green pepper!  Incidentally, these peppers are the perfect go-to lunch, so make plenty! They’re easy to carry and easy to heat up. Nutrition Bonus: The bell pepper provides some 30! different members of the carotenoid nutrient family, many of which are antioxidants. Zucchini. There are literally hundreds of ways to incorporate zucchini into your diet, from my favorite zucchini “pasta” or “lasagna,” vegetable soups to latkes! But as this is March, I’m still craving something heart-warming that falls into the comfort-food category. Spring might be coming this month, but it’s going out like a lion where I live, and thus, I’m craving this hearty dish. Nutrition Bonus: Zucchini contains quite a bit of folate, potassium and Vitamin A. Bravo! Cheers! And if you must make a toast or two on St. Patrick’s Day, skip the beer and go for a Margarita. The NorCal Margarita, made famous by Paleo guru Robb Wolf, is one of the tastiest and Paleo-friendly options you can find behind a bar. Based on tequila and lime juice, the recipe follows: Just blend a shot of 100 percent agave tequila with the juice and pulp of one fresh lime. Shake with crushed ice, pour into a tall glass and top off with club soda. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and enjoy! Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann

Hello, and happy Sunday!  If you are new to my blog, you’ll find that every Sunday I feature an outrageously awesome recipe of the week. These are all grain-free, soy free, dairy free recipes that you and your family will love. This feature is called “Sunday Morning Bacon” because nothing is as scintillating as the scent of sizzling bacon wafting through the house on a Sunday morning! These recipes create beaucoup scintillation, too, and then some! This week, you can grab a fork and celebrate with me. After all, there’s a lot to celebrate. I successfully launched a product this past week in California to some amazing docs, which is going to help a lot of people experience truly good health. I also was a guest expert on the Paleo diet on the Bethenny Frankel show, with the most unbelievable (like PINCH ME) outcome (more on that later this week). And finally, those of us on the East Coast experienced some warmth and sunshine, and it was fantastic to see my boys finally get a chance to play outside all day. (BTW, parents, what’s with this Mindcraft game with which they’re all so engaged????) The warmer weather and the quiet inspired me to roll up my sleeves and think “Pie in the Sky.” I call this Paleo pie “Chocolate Cream Pie In The Sky” because this week really taught me something … “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” ― Napoleon Hill I remember well reading this quote in Hill’s  book, “Think and Grow Rich.” This book, BTW, was required reading in my home growing up, not because of the “growing rich” factor, but more about thinking — those “six inches between your ears” are valuable real estate! With my father as my role model, I chose to use the six inches between my ears for “pie in the sky” thoughts. Of course there are always doubters along the way, but I always brush myself off and move my “pie in the sky” thoughts forward. Enjoy! Keep thinking big and living bold! -Dr. Kellyann