I love fall. Who doesn't appreciate a new season and even in southern California, where the change may be subtle, I notice a slight coolness and a inimitable fragrance in the air at night. Maybe it's the eucalyptus blowing in the warm Santa Ana winds that get me. In regards to all things culinary, it's exciting to welcome the beautiful fruits of the fall. Winter squash can be so versatile from utilizing in lasagnas to tacos, it's perfect for a vegetarian/vegan palate, and can even satisfy the carnivore with some varieties having a meaty texture.

Ginger and turmeric are two types of flowering plants that are widely used in natural medicine. I love the invigorating flavor and aroma of ginger.  It is one of the healthiest spices on the planet and has incredible detoxing and cleansing benefits. Loaded with nutrients and powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is this beautiful orangey-yellow spice that has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.

It’s all about the Butter!
 
I have these conversations with friends, family and clients all the time. Butter is bad. Butter is good. I’m allergic to dairy I can’t have butter. So when it comes down to it what is really the best option. I personally use Ghee, Keri gold and Coconut Oil in my household depending on what it’s used for. Ever heard of Bullet Proof Coffee? It’s amazing and it’s just what I like to drink before I start my day or a long jog! Coffee, Keri Gold and Coconut oil blended together and creates the perfect froth on top!!
 

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Plant Milks
 
If you have trouble digesting dairy, plant milks are great alternatives. Typically made from nuts or seeds, these plant milks can be used to replace anything you would typically use milk for, whether it’s milk for your coffee or cereal or making a creamy sauce to go on pasta. You can buy a variety of plant milks in grocery stores, but making them at home is shockingly easy and allows you get creative.
 
Here’s what you need to get started:​
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​As a personal chef and someone who loves to cook and eat healthy foods, I am constantly on the look-out for new and exciting products to try. One of the best new products I have discovered in the world of gluten free, grain free and Paleo, are the Siete Brand tortillas. These tortillas are nothing short of amazing! They come in three varieties- Almond flour, cassava -coconut, and chia- coconut. Despite being totally grain free, these tortillas are soft, pliable, and very tasty. No need to struggle through another taco made with a stiff and chewy rice flour tortilla! These tortillas are wheat, corn, soy, egg and dairy free! They are also slightly lower in carbs than a regular tortilla. The almond flour variety have 7 grams of net carbs per tortilla. Compare that to a regular sized corn tortilla that has 9.5 grams of net carbs.
So if you are looking for a great grain free replacement for the standard tortilla in all your favorite Mexican recipes, (I use them to scoop up curries too!) then definitely give these a try. They are available at Whole Foods, in the refrigerated tortilla section, or online at sietefoods.com

The infamous coconut oil has been the latest fad trend for both health and beauty hacks.  I personally jumped on the bandwagon to see what all the fuss was about.  Here are some of my daily beauty and health hacks for you all to enjoy as much as I do!
 

1. Lip Exfoliator: Mix 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Put in small container that seals tightly.  Rub small amount on lips for 30 seconds to remove all dead skin.  Apply lipstick for fresh look.
2. Skin Moisturizer: Add a spoonful of coconut oil to your bubble bath, then soak until fully relaxed.  Skin should be silky smooth.
3. Sooth Sore Throat: Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to hot tea.
4. Fat Burner: Replace all cooking oil with coconut oil will increase fat burning for energy.
5. Make-Up Remover: Rub cotton swap with coconut oil and rub over eyes to remove eye makeup.