Recipes

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bark

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bark
When I say use non-dairy chocolate chips, it’s just because that’s what feels best for my body these days. I usually grab Enjoy Life, but truly, use whatever you love.
What I love about adding dark chocolate to this recipe is how good it makes me feel. It’s packed with antioxidants, gives me steady energy instead of a crash, and honestly? It lifts my mood every single time.

It’s one of those tiny treats that feels indulgent and supportive, which is exactly what I need in the middle of mom life.

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups Oat Flour
  • 1/4 cup Raw Honey
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)
  • 2 tsps Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 cups Dark Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life is my favorite brand of non-dairy ones!)
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt (flaky)
Instructions:
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, honey, oil, and vanilla with a spatula until well combined. Fold in 1/4 of the chocolate chips.
  3. Pour the cookie dough mixture onto the baking sheet, and use your hands or a spoon to flatten and spread it to approximately 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thickness.
  4. Melt the remaining chocolate in a double boiler or in 30-second intervals in the microwave.
  5. Pour the melted chocolate onto the dough and use the back of a spoon to spread it out. Transfer to the freezer for 30 minutes or until solid. Sprinkle with salt just before the chocolate sets.
  6. When solid, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy!
12 servings

Coffee & Peanut Butter Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Coffee & Peanut Butter Coconut Smoothie Bowl
I make this one all the time because it gives me that gentle boost without the crash. The frozen bananas + coffee combo wakes me up, the coconut kefir keeps my gut happy, and the hemp seeds with peanut butter bring in those good-for-you fats your heart will love. It’s simple, nourishing, and actually makes me feel human on the mornings that feel… like a lot.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Frozen Banana
  • 1/4 cup Coffee (brewed)
  • 1/2 cup Plain Coconut Kefir
  • 2 tbsps All Natural Peanut Butter
  • 1 tsp Raw Honey
  • 2 tbsps Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (divided)
  • 2 tbsps Hemp Seeds
  • 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
  • 6 Ice Cubes
  • 1/2 cup Raspberries
Instructions:
  1. Add the banana, coffee, kefir, peanut butter, honey, half of the shredded coconut, hemp seeds, salt, and ice cubes to a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Divide evenly into bowls and top with the remaining shredded coconut and raspberries. Enjoy!

2 servings

YUM Cinnamon Buns!

YUM Cinnamon Buns!

AIP Cinnamon Buns for Hormone Balance & Gut Health

Grain-Free | Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Autoimmune Protocol Friendly

If you're on a healing journey-whether it's managing hormone imbalances, supporting your gut, or following the autoimmune protocol (AIP)-you already know how challenging it can feel to find comforting recipes that don’t wreck your system. That’s where these AIP-friendly cinnamon buns come in.

Made with sweet potato, cassava flour, and coconut oil, they’re a cozy, anti-inflammatory treat that supports blood sugar stability and hormone production without the grains, dairy, eggs, or refined sugar that can throw your system out of balance. These are not just "healthy cinnamon rolls"-they’re hormone-supportive, gut-friendly, and full of flavor. Think warm, cinnamon-spiced bliss that actually nourishes your body.

So whether you're easing into an AIP lifestyle, looking for hormone-friendly holiday treats, or just craving something sweet that won’t send your nervous system into a spiral… these cinnamon buns are here to bring the joy and the support!

AIP-Friendly Cinnamon Buns

Hormone-Supportive & Pantry-Friendly
Gluten-free • Dairy-free • Grain-free • Egg-free • Refined sugar-free
These cozy cinnamon buns are made from real-food ingredients that actually support your hormones. No weird specialty flours needed - just sweet potato, cassava, and coconut flour.

🍠 Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potato (or 1½ cups if very moist)
  • ⅔ to ¾ cup cassava flour
  • 2-3 Tbsp coconut flour
  • 2 Tbsp coconut sugar (or maple sugar)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda + pinch of sea salt
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or palm shortening)
  • ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
Filling:
  • 2 Tbsp coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

📝 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cassava flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Stir in the mashed sweet potato, melted coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until you form a soft dough.
  4. Press dough onto parchment paper into a rectangle (approx. 9” × 6”).
  5. In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients and spread evenly over the dough.
  6. Roll the dough up from the long side into a log shape. Slice into 4–6 rolls.
  7. Place rolls in the baking dish.
  8. Bake for ~30 minutes until set and golden.
  9. Let cool slightly. Optional: drizzle with melted coconut butter for bonus cozy vibes.

💡 Why It Works for Hormone Support

  • Cassava flour is AIP-approved and easy on digestion.
  • Sweet potato provides fiber + slow carbs for blood sugar stability.
  • Healthy fats (coconut oil) support hormone production + reduce inflammation.
  • No grains, dairy, or refined sugar = less stress on your gut and immune system.


Banana Protein Pancakes (with eggs)

Banana Protein Pancakes (with eggs)
These Banana Protein Pancakes are a quick, healthy breakfast that actually keeps you full. Made with ripe bananas, eggs, and a boost of protein, they’re naturally sweet, fluffy, and kid-approved. No refined sugar, no complicated ingredients-just a few pantry staples mixed up in minutes. Perfect for busy mornings when you want something that feels like a treat but fuels you for the day.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup gluten-free flour
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk (adjust for batter consistency)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (I used a bit more than a pitch and was happy I did!)
  • Coconut oil or ghee for cooking
Instructions:
  1. Mash bananas and whisk with eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Combine wet + dry ingredients. Let rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Cook on a greased skillet over medium heat, ~2-3 min per side. (I even burned them the first time I made this, and they still tasted great!)


Crunchy Tahini and Miso Chickpea Slaw

Crunchy Tahini and Miso Chickpea Slaw
This Crunchy Tahini & Miso Chickpea Slaw is the perfect mix of flavor and nourishment! Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and tahini, it’s both satisfying and energizing. The high fiber content supports digestion and keeps you feeling full, while the nutrient-dense ingredients deliver a boost of vitamins and minerals. A delicious, wholesome dish that proves healthy eating can be both crunchy and crave-worthy!

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsps Tahini
  • 2 tsps Miso Paste
  • 1/2 Lemon (medium, juiced)
  • 1 1/2 tsps Raw Honey
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 3 cups Coleslaw Mix
  • 1 cup Chickpeas (cooked)
  • 1/4 cup Parsley
Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, miso paste, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick.
  2. Add the coleslaw mix, chickpeas, and parsley to the bowl and toss to combine.
  3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Divide evenly between plates and enjoy!
3 servings

 
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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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