Hello, I’m Piper Reynard direct from the pages of The Wife Stalker (which comes out on 5/19). I’m so excited to be here with the Rogue Women Writer’s! And although I don’t write books, I do write blogs and as an innovator who embraces new ideas and change, I consider myself a rogue woman too. I believe there is no higher calling than to share the wisdom one has acquired with others who are still lacking. I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to share some of my tips for a healthier, more balanced life. Before we begin, I encourage you to breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. And again. Now I want you to try and connect more deeply with the words you are reading. Quiet your mind. Everything else can wait. Sit for a moment in silence. Breathe once again. Now if you’re ready, we will begin.

Today I want to focus on how you are nourishing your body. Are you optimizing each and every food choice to ensure that whatever you eat is beneficial and life-giving? As motivational speaker Jim Rohn said: “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Satisfying your sweet tooth doesn’t have to compromise this tenant. Here are two of the many delicious recipes that will satisfy your palate while being healthful to your body.

Creamy Cauliflower & Blueberry Smoothie
by The Natural Nurturer September-28-2017

This Creamy Cauliflower & Blueberry Smoothie is loaded with tons of antioxidants, fiber, nutrients, healthy fat and protein. You’ll be totally amazed that you can’t taste the cauliflower and will adore how smooth and creamy the cauli makes your morning blend! This smoothie has become a new family breakfast staple and is especially great for getting a filling, balanced breakfast in on the craziest of mornings that will see us through until lunch.

Ingredients

· 2 cups frozen blueberries

· 1/4 cup nut butter

· 2 cups frozen cauliflower florets (you can find them in the freezer section at pretty much any grocery store)

· 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

· 1/4 cup collagen powder (optional, but great for added protein)

· 1/2-1 ripe banana (depending on how sweet you like your smoothie)

· 2 tablespoons chia seeds

· 1 cup water

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in your blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add more water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.

Drool-Worthy Raw Chocolate Avocado Mousse

· 1 large ripe avocado (Avocado is a great dairy-free alternative to butter)

· 5 Tbsp raw cacao powder

· 5-7 Tbsp pure maple syrup

· 1 Tbsp almond milk (or milk of your choice)

· 1 tsp vanilla powder

· 2 pinches of Himalayan pink salt (or sea salt)

· 2 Tbsp raw cacao butter (or cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil)

Gently melt the cacao butter in a heatproof bowl set over a small pan of steaming water e.g. bring the water to the boil then turn off the heat and place the bowl of cacao butter on top. This ensures the temperature of the cacao butter doesn’t go above 47ºC and all its antioxidants are preserved.

Place the avocado (peeled and stone removed) in a food processor along with the cacao powder, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, and salt and blend until smooth. Slowly add the melted cacao butter with the motor running until it is all incorporated. Spoon the mousse into serving dishes, cover, and place in the fridge to chill. To serve, crush freeze-dried raspberries over the tops and sprinkle a few raw cacao nibs. These will keep covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

The result is an amazing tasting chocolate mousse that’s super high in nutrients and antioxidants and perfect for anyone with allergies to dairy, eggs, and gluten, or just wanting a healthier dessert option.

If you’re ever in Westport, please consider making an appointment for a wellness evaluation or yoga class at The Phoenix Recovery Center. I’d love to give you a tour and guide you on a journey of lasting change, one that will deepen and sustain resilience so that you can meet life’s challenges with mindfulness and self-compassion, growing your inner resources. Some of you may have heard rumors about me—there are always those who wish to darken the light of others. But I assure you, I am a good person and have never hurt another soul. Once you read my story, I’m sure you’ll agree. As Rilke says: “Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage.”

You can read more about my journey in The Wife Stalker.

Namaste,

Piper