Warming Turmeric Latte

That comfort food season is upon us, and a warming turmeric latte is the just the trick to make you feel warm and cozy. Turmeric is what I like to call a super herb: it's a potent anti-inflammatory, meaning, taken regularly, it can help improve pretty much any ailment you may have. Since most diseases, skin conditions, aches and pains are caused by inflammation inside the body, turmeric helps to counteract that inflammation. 

Turmeric can be consumed in a variety of ways. I like to take it in capsule form to ensure that I get it in daily, but it is absolutely delicious in the form of a golden latte. Now, you can make your own golden mix from scratch, or you can do what I do and buy Gaia herbs mix. I'm the kind of girl who likes convenience, and making my own golden milk mix is NOT convenient in my opinion. It's a bunch of ingredients and precise measurements, and who has time for that in the morning!?

Now a bright yellow drink made with turmeric may sound disgusting, but trust me, it is far from it. Turmeric is mixed with warm fall spices and a hint of sweetness: Cardamom, Ashwagandha, dates, vanilla bean and of course, turmeric is what you'll find in the Gaia herbs mix. Oh and this isn't sponsored by the way... I just LOVE this mix and it makes it so so easy to make the most delicious drink in 5 minutes flat.

To make it is quite easy; no recipe needed if you're using the mix! Just heat any type of plant based milk over the stove top until it's almost at a boil. Stir n one heaping teaspoon of the golden milk mix, and whisk until completely dissolved/mixed. Pour and enjoy while hot!

I can't wait for you guys to try one of my favorite drinks! Please comment below and let me know how you like it. Also, if you're interested in getting a Thrive Market membership, click here for 25% and free shipping off your first purchase! xo

My Bone Broth Hack (+ a promotion!)

There is nothing better than comfort foods, am I right?! I'm sure bone broth is not news to you guys, but it has quickly become one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. Plus, the health benefits seem to be endless. Now you guys have heard about collagen at this point I'm assuming. Well, bone broth is probably the #1 source of collagen (and the best way to get it into your diet). Just a cup of this stuff daily, and you're on your way to better immunity, hair, skin, nails, gut, and overall health! Sounds pretty good right? Read on for some of my favorite things about bone broth.

1. It is one of the best sources of gelatin/collagen, so it's got major benefits for your hair, skin, and nails - especially your skin. It helps to banish wrinkles, improve the elasticity, and decrease cellulite. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it - my face is clearer, brighter, smoother, and healthier.
2. Bone broth helps to heal leaky gut in a major way. The reason for this is because it builds probiotics and protects the lining of your gut. This also helps to fight food sensitivities. Even if you don't have gut problems, it is still great for overall gut health.
3. Like I said above, it's a major source of gelatin, which means it's pretty darn good for your joints also. Gelatin acts like a cushion for your joints, so for all of you with sore knees, wrists, and elbows, start drinking this and I bet you see a difference.
4. Because it has such a large benefit on your gut, it also benefits your overall health and immunity, as well as your inflammatory response. Inflammation is such a huge problem in our world right now (it's what causes almost all disease), and bone broth can help lower the inflammation levels in your body.
5. I stole this last one from my favorite doctor, but had to include. Bone broth also helps the detoxification process, because it is a source of potassium, glycine, sulfur, and glutamine - all of which aid in cellular and liver detoxification. 

Is bone broth worth the hype? I think it is. I've noticed a big difference since I started drinking it, in my skin as well as my gut, but you do need to drink it regularly. Issue is, it's really not easy to make it in my tiny NYC kitchen (nor do I feel like it's safe to be simmering something on my stove for days at a time). I know I could make it in a slow cooker - which I will try some day when I actually purchase a slow cooker - but I'm all about quick and easy. 

This is where Kettle & Fire steps in. Kettle & Fire is my favorite source for bone broth. It comes in disposable cartons that you can heat the broth in, portioned out so that you can enjoy one full carton at a time. They make it so darn easy to consume bone broth on a regular basis - which you should be doing if you want to see the benefits - without all the hassle of having to make it yourself. Plus, it tastes delicious, and I always add extra ingredients to mine for the additional health benefits. In these photos, I'm drinking mine with some crushed garlic and turmeric. Yum!

I want you guys to reap the benefits also, so today, I'm giving you 20% off Kettle & Fire! Just use code CASUALCLASSIC20 at checkout. Let me know how you like it! xo

Zoodle Bolognese

Two posts in one week!? I'm on a role lately! Meat sauce is one our go-to recipes because you can throw it on top of so many different things - zucchini noodles (aka zoodles), spaghetti squash, gluten free pasta, grains, or just eat it by itself. Zoodles are another favorite of mine because they're an amazing pasta substitution - they have a great texture, flavor, and I actually like them more than pasta honestly. 

You will need a spiralizer for this recipe if you plan to make the zoodles, or you could just sub a different type of pasta. This recipe is mainly for the bolognese anyway, so pick whatever base you'd like! This meat sauce is seriously good for you. It has a little health and anti-inflammatory boost with the turmeric, coconut oil, ghee and kale additions (I know, you wouldn't even know it was in there, and you can't taste it!). It's definitely a recipe you won't feel guilty eating! The recipe is really pretty large, so you can throw the leftovers in the freezer and enjoy at a later time.

Ingredients:

• 1 24oz jar or 2 12oz jars of crushed tomatoes
• 1 package (1 lb) of organic beef, turkey, or bison (whatever you prefer)
• 4 large carrots
• 2 bunches of curly kale
• 1 red onion
• 4-6 cloves of garlic
• 2-4 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil (or half and half)
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• Salt & pepper
• 1 12oz can of tomato sauce (optional. I add this sometimes because I like mine a little "saucier" - the recipe is decently chunky without)
• Touch of parmesan (optional to sprinkle on top if desired)

Directions:

1. Chop the carrots, onion, and kale, or even blend in a food processor (you want them to be chopped very fine). Mince all the garlic cloves too.
2. Melt the coconut oil, olive oil, and ghee in a larger pot over medium heat.
3. Add chopped vegetables and garlic to the pot and cook for a few minutes until onions are translucent. Sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper on top.
4. Add the meat, break it up a bit so there are no large chunks, and cook until it is brown/cooked through.
5. Top with the crushed tomatoes, turmeric, salt and pepper, and stir well so everything is mixed.
6. Simmer for about a half hour (and by simmer, I mean that the sauce will have little tiny bubbles coming up through it, so that could be low/medium heat actually).
7. Top the zoodles, noodles, spaghetti squash or whatever you choose as a base with the meat sauce, and you're good to go!