Sugar Free Recipes for 2015

I try not to make a habit of looking back on things too obsessively. I don't always succeed, but I give myself an 'A' for effort. It seems that lingering on what has happened in the past only makes it harder to move forward and become a new, more improved person. That doesn't mean there aren't things worth revisiting, but it's important to put them in a place that is easily tucked away after sufficient time has been spent mulling it over. In 2014, I feel like I experienced the best and the worst of what life has to throw at a person. From the new life growing inside me, waiting to welcome the world with what will no doubt be squirming little legs and curious eyes, to the untimely loss of a friend, to the many things scattered among the grey areas in between, it has been an emotional year. Will looking back and obsessing over all of these things make them any better? Probably not. Instead, I chose to revisit them temporarily. The good and the bad bring lessons that can only help me move forward.

Smoothie Monster

On the less heavy side of things, I have been revisiting my food choices over the past year. As some of you may remember, I took Jacqueline Smith's Go Sugar Free course around this time last year. I have to say that it was one of the best decisions I made in 2014. Not only am I more aware of what I'm putting in my own body, but I'm better at making sure the foods I feed my family are whole and healthy (more smoothies, please). As I browsed through my blog looking for recipes to share from 2014, I realized that I have a pretty wide range of GSF-friendly meals in my archives. So, instead of making this a "look what happened in 2014" kind of post, I'm approaching it as more of a "here's what to cook more of in 2015" kind of post.

Here is what I loved the most about looking through those recipes:

• They are some of the most naturally beautiful dishes I've made
• They are some of the most delicious dishes I've made
• I feel good about sharing them with anyone and everyone because they are nourishing and whole and good. And yes.

From pasta to cocktails and everything in between, I love how much I've learned about cooking with a sugar free mindset. I don't feel as restricted as I thought I would. Instead, I feel more free. For my personal version of Go Sugar Free, now that I'm done with the course, I allow myself small amounts of sugar because that works for me. For some, it makes them feel better to cut it out completely. There is flexibility, my friends! And it is a wonderful thing.

If you're feeling like you need a jump-start to the new year, I highly recommend taking the Go Sugar Free course. The next one begins on January 7th (and registration is open until then unless the course fills up first) and runs through March 14, 2015.

If you're looking for a reason to get excited about this course, here is a list of my Go Sugar Free friendly recipes from the blog. More will be coming your way this month, but these are a great place to start. Just click on the recipes below to be taken to their homepage where you'll find more photos, more info on GSF, and the easy steps to make each dish.

1. Healthy Strawberry Almond Smoothie
2. Acorn Squash Polenta with Coconut & Spiced Brown Butter
3. Curried Pumpkin Hummus
4. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
5. Healthy Caprese Pasta Bake
6. Wild Rice Salad with Citrusy Tahini Vinaigrette
7. Pineapple Coconut Mojito
8. Roasted Carrot Soup with Greek Yogurt
9. Salmon Sashimi Rice Bowl
10. Peanut Butter & Date 'Jelly' Bulgur Wheat
11. Baked Eggs, Rainbow Chard & Yogurt
12. Date Simple Syrup (great for cocktails or for sweetening coffee!)

Even if you don't sign up for the GSF course, I hope you'll take a look at Jacqueline's website. She has some great information and resources there to help you become more conscious of the food you are putting into your body and the routines you set up to make each day a healthier, more focused experience. I can't think of a better way to start a brand new year.

Cheers to a healthy, happy 2015!

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