WARNING: If pumpkin spice isn't your "thing," stop reading now! 

I developed an addiction to all things pumpkin a few years back, when I tried my first PSL from Starbucks.  While I no longer frequent Starbucks, my love for pumpkin has remained.  From adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, coffee, and more, you could say I'm hooked.  

​Add to pumpkin season cooler weather, falling leaves and a growing bump and you have a recipe for lots of tasty, gluten free goodness!!!

Read on to check out 4 of my favorite Fall recipes:

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
BONUS: Paleo Banana Bread

On Sundays, We Prep.

Simple as that.  

For all of my adult life so far, I've been a "prepper."  Sure, co-workers used to poke fun at the size of my lunch box, but I never went hungry when I couldn't get out of the classroom for lunch, and always had a back up plan for those last-minute, after school meetings. 

Now, you would think with staying at home, I would let prep go by the wayside, but what I've learned is that -- if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail (Benjamin Franklin)... especially with a toddler (and random pregnancy cravings)!

No, my prep isn't as in-depth as it used to be, but there are still some things I prep every week, and that includes breakfasts and lunches for Frank, at least 5-7 different dinner ideas, and a shopping list!

Last week, when I shared this photo (below) of what I had prepared, I received lots of questions as to what was inside those little containers!  So, I thought I'd share!

Friday night we really wanted to go for takeout, but luckily, some quick, out-of-the box thinking led us to try something "new!"  So happy we did because this was DELICIOUS! Frank even claimed the leftovers as his for lunch the next day!  

So, how'd we make it?!

I've been hearing it a lot lately and I've said it, too, but... "I just don't have time to cook a healthy dinner," or... "I feel like I should cook dinner, but I just don't know what to make."

Are you thinking, "guilty?!?"

It's okay, we've all been there, but I'm here to help!!!

Here are my TOP 5 "go to" meals that take 30 minutes or less from start to finish!!

Are you ready?

Great, then read on!

I love tradition, holidays, family gatherings and FOOD, but when I learned that I had a severe gluten intolerance almost 6 years ago, I thought everything would have to change.

What would Christmas be like without my mom's homemade gnocchi and meatballs, or Thanksgiving without stuffing, or Easter without my aunt's famous pineapple bake???

Now, I understand that holidays and family gatherings are about so much MORE than just food, but I don't know if I was thinking rationally at the time and often found myself going "back to gluten," each time feeling worse and worse.... UNTIL I realized that I could learn to adapt recipes for special occasions!!

I will admit that much of gluten free baking is still trial and error (boy, have I had my share of errors), but it IS possible to make (or find) some of your old favorites to meet your new lifestyle.

That being said... I try to reserve gluten free baking for special occasions, holidays, or the random snow day only, and same goes for gluten free processed cookies, doughs, etc... choosing to get the majority of my nutrition from whole foods - fruits, veggies, nut butters, oils, eggs, lean meats, eggs, brown rice, yams... you get the idea!

If you're still wondering what to bring to Easter brunch or dinner tomorrow, read on for 2 recipes that can be made from start to finish with minimal ingredients.

Note: I would not consider the Pineapple Bake "clean" by any means, but it is gluten free and a once-a-year-only treat!  The Peanutty Butter Squares are clean, but just keep in mind portion control! ;-)

Since beginning my 21 Day Fix journey back in 2014, this Fruity Oatmeal Bake has been a staple dish for my food prep on Sundays!  With the perfect combination of sweetness and crunch, it is IRRESISTIBLE!!