Friday Favorites 12/19/14

Welcome to another edition of Friday Favorites! Thanks for all the well wishes and healing thoughts last week. I'm still not 100%, maybe at 95%, but after another bowl of my Cure a Cold Green Soup, I think I'll be back to myself again! I had a busy week of work between client work and catching up on everything I didn't do while I was stuck in bed bed. This weekend, I'm headed down to Atlanta for a bridal shower for my best friend, and to teach a nutrition class with the lovely ladies at Pure Barre Virginia Highlands. Hope you all have lots of fun things planned as well!

Here's my weekly roundup of my favorite links from around the web. For more, follow me on twitter, pinterest and instagram. 

Photo Credit: Kara of The Foodie Dietitian

Holiday Salad with Satsuma and Pomegranate (The Foodie Dietitian) --> Satsumas, which taste similar to clementines but are much, much prettier, are one of my seasonal favorites. Sadly, I can't find them anywhere this year, so this recipe is kind of torture. 

Tahini Hot Chocolate (My Name is Yeh) --> I am intrigued. Tahini certainly isn't a normal hot chocolate addition, after using it in to make raw caramel, I can totally see how it would work. 

Photo Credit: Molly from My Name is Yeh

Orange Carrot Brussels Sprouts and Shiitakes (Kath Eats Real Food) --> I think this is the 9th consecutive week I've shared a Brussels sprout recipe?  I once roasted carrots in a blend of carrot and orange juice and it made them taste like candy (in a good way). Can't wait to try the same technique with brussies! 

Photo Credit: Kathy from Kath Eats Real Food

Roasted Carrot, Chickpea and Harissa Dip (The First Mess) --> All day, I've been snacking on the most incredible carrot and sriracha hummus (thanks to Eat Well Embrace Life for the special delivery!). The flavors and colors in this look strikingly similar. 

Photo Credit: Laura of Eat Well Embrace Life

Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tart (Delicious Knowledge) --> One of my favorite flavor combinations - caramelized onions, mushrooms and blue cheese - in tart form. I'm all in. 

Photo Credit: Alex of Delicious Knowledge 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches (Yeah...Iamma Eat That) --> Dates and blue cheese sandwiched between a Brussels sprout bun. You really can't get any cuter, at least when it comes to food. 

Photo Credit: Kylie of Yeah...Imma Eat That

Hugs Help Protect Against Stress (Science Daily) --> I'm definitely a hugger, so this is great news! 

Televised Medical Talk Shows: The Evidence to Support Their Recommendations (The British Medical Journal) --> Think you can trust the doctors on TV? This study, which looked at Dr. Oz and The Doctors, found about 75% of their recommendations were either no supported by scientific evidence, or contradicted. I give them some leeway, since they try to stay on the cutting edge, but remember, these shows are about increasing viewers, not about supporting your health. 

Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression Linked in International Study (Science Daily) --> Vitamin D may be one of the culprits behind seasonal affective disorder. Get some sunshine and load up on some extra fatty fish when the temperature dips. 

Yoga May Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors (Fox News) --> Another great reason to down dog! 

A Road to Mental Health Through The Kitchen (Wall Street Journal) --> Nutrition and mental health may be one of my specialty areas, but I never thought about using cooking as a way to treat depression and anxiety. Makes sense. I know when I'm feeling particularly anxious, whipping up a nourishing meal instantly makes me feel better. 

This Week On Avocado:

Whole Grain Chex Mix --> One of our Christmas staples gets a healthy makeover with whole grains and an addictive blend of spices. 

Give The Gift Of Health This Holiday Season --> The most powerful and special gift you can give is a commitment to being your healthiest self. Read why that gift is anything but selfish in this post. 

Cure a Cold Gingery Green Soup --> Packed with all sorts of immune boosting ingredients, this soup is your best defense against a cold or flu. 

All The Ways We Love Ambrosia Apples (Healthy Aperture) --> A roundup of recipes from the recent #iloveambrosia campaign, featuring my Brussels sprouts, ambrosia apple and tempeh bacon salad. 

Healthy Protein Bars For A Post Workout Snack (Fit Girls Diary) --> Protein is important after a workout, but store bought bars are loaded with sugar and heavily processed protein sources. Check out these homemade bars, featuring my quinoa tahini bars. 

Pure Fuel Recipe: Basil Oil Hummus (Pure Barre Blog) --> Serve it with cherry tomatoes for a nutritious app you can bring to your holiday parties. 

What are your favorites this week? Leave a link in the comments below!