Braised Red Cabbage with Apples, and Balsamic

This warm and colorful holiday side brings sweet, cozy flavor to your table. The apples turn soft as they cook, and the balsamic adds a rich, festive depth. It’s nourishing, easy to digest, and a beautiful way to bring more color to your plate.

Ingredients:

1 medium head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
2 tart apples ( Granny Smith) peeled, cored and sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1/4 tsp allspice
½ cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

Prepare your cabbage and cover it with cold water( keeps it from browning) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Heat oil over a large lidded skillet or casserole dish and add onions. Cook until soft.

Add in your balsamic stir until golden. Then add in your apples. Cook for about 3 minutes.

Drain your cabbage and add into the pot and stir to combine.

Add in your broth, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon ( or allspice), salt and pepper. Toss together

Cover and simmer 40-60 min ( stir a few times)

Pro Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day — make it ahead to save time during the holiday rush.

Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Tahini Lemon Drizzle

There’s something grounding and joyful for me about a tray of roasted veggies fresh from the oven. The colors alone lift your mood, and each bite is packed with fiber, vitamins, and that caramelized flavor only roasting can bring. It is a family favorite and I’m sure it will be one of yours too!

Ingredients:

2 medium beets (gold or red), peeled and cut into wedges
4 rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or chunks
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
1½ cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment.

In a large bowl, toss the beets, carrots, broccoli, and squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme until coated.

Spread the veggies out evenly on the pan. Roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and tender.

Transfer to a serving dish and, if desired, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. YUM

✨ Pro Tip: Roast extra and store in the fridge. They’re just as delicious tossed into salads, grain bowls, or as a side with your favorite protein the next day. Get creative and add other root veggies into the mix too!

Tahini Lemon Drizzle

This sauce is the perfect partner for your roasted veggies — warm, nutty, and grounding, with a hint of brightness to wake up your plate (and your digestion).

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons warm water (plus more for thinning)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon grated garlic (optional)
A pinch of sea salt
A dash of cumin or smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk tahini with lemon juice, warm water, and maple syrup until smooth. Add a pinch of sea salt and, if using, garlic and cumin. Adjust thickness with a little more water until pourable.

Drizzle over warm roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets, or cauliflower — or spoon over grain bowls or sautéed greens for a satisfying, hormone-balancing meal.

Pro Tip: Tahini is rich in calcium and magnesium — two minerals that support hormone balance, muscle relaxation, and better sleep during this transitional phase.

Thrive and Shine Smoothie

This smoothie is energizing, hydrating, and packed with whole-body support—perfect for a reset or just a great start to put some THRIVE into your day.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen banana
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon almond/ peanut  butter
1 Small handful spinach or baby kale
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut water)
1/2 cup water
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon maca powder or a scoop of your favorite clean protein powder

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Taste and add more lime or water as needed.
Pour, sip, and let your body start to thrive and shine!

Pro Tip: Add a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of ginger for an extra zing.