If you're like us, then odds are you'll  be heading to several family dinners over the next few weeks. I'm always looking for a fresh healthy side dish recipe, but this one remains one of my all time favorites! This is "paleo-friendly" Sweet Potato Bacon Salad, and it's pretty quick and easy to whip up!

Ingredients: 3 large sweet potatoes, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 1 lb turkey bacon, and fresh parsley.

Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tbsp. dijon mustard, 1/2 tbsp. chopped garlic, 3 tbsp. EVOO, 1 heaping tbsp. fresh chopped parsley


--> Directions: cut veggies into 1 inch wedges, brush lightly with EVOO, and place on grill until you get nice grill marks, continue to cook for a few more minutes until veggies are cooked through but not mushy. Cut cooked veggies into bite sized pieces and mix with crumbled cooked bacon. Mix vinaigrette, add to salad, and toss, topping it with a pinch of fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy

As the HOLIDAYS are finally upon us, I find that I keep getting asked about how to stay healthy over the holiday season, and honestly I want to say DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT!! Create a realistic plan and stick to it. You'll be so much happier! These are my best tips to ENJOY the holidays in a healthy fashion!

1) STAY HYDRATED! Drink more water to help flush out those toxins and keep your body working properly. At the bar - ->> just be cognizant of how many calories are in your drinks. Beer/wine average anywhere from120-170. Your typical Jack & coke will be around 200 and champagne (my personal favorite) around 96. So pick your poison and keep it to one or two drinks MAX. If you must drink go for a lower calorie option like cranberry juice mixed with club soda and a touch of vodka. Looks super festive and bubbly and UNDER 50 calories! It's a win!

2) Step up your WORKOUTS - Workout like you mean it! Be intentional with every workout and push hard. Most people lose any and all motivation during this time of year as the schedules get hectic and there are too many temptations and excuses. Screw excuses. If you don't feel like working out, then you probably need to anyways so make a promise to yourself (and me) that you'll do it anyways. #ToughLove #SorryNotSorry Also sneak some fitness into your busy days! Go for an extra walk, stay active, take the stairs, walk around neighborhoods to look at holiday lights, run in a Reindeer Romp, etc. When January rolls around you'll be pretty darn happy with yourself that you don't have to set a News Years resolution :)

3) Involve family & friends in your healthy endeavors. Give active gifts, schedule family activities (volleyball, walk, caroling, etc), and ask them to help hold you accountable. Odds are your good habits will rub off on them too.

4) Eat more protein – in general. Try to watch that carb/sugar intake as it can really sneak up on us during this time of year! Try getting some good protein in at all meals throughout the day. That way if you're stuck with a surprise dinner that's loaded with carbs, you'll have at least rocked your protein earlier in the day. I try to get Shakeology in first thing in the morning, then follow it mid morning with some scrambled eggs. I usually do lots of greens for lunch with extra protein as well (chicken, salmon, tuna, etc).

5) Going to a PARTY? Eat a sensible meal before the party (drinking some Shakeology beforehand always helps me!), and bring a healthy dish to share!

6) Find BALANCE - enjoy the treats but in moderation and don't overstress it! Enjoy YO FUNKY SELF! It is the HOLIDAYS after all!

I really hope this helps! If you need additional support, tips, or accountability, just shoot me a message! Thanks guys! Happy Holidays to you and yours!! XOXO