Comfort Food for Healthy Weight-loss

Happy Fall y'all!

You probably know by now that eating more fruits and vegetables is one of my top tips for healthy weight-loss since they are the lowest calorie-dense foods you can eat and packed full of nutrients. That means you can eat unlimited quantities and still lose weight (just be sure to skip the oil and butter, and flavor with bouillon, garlic, herbs and spices instead!)

But did you know that vegetables make you happier, too?

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A Warwick University study found that "increased fruit and vegetable consumption was predictive of increased happiness, life satisfaction, and well being". Not surprising since these antioxidant-packed, nutrient-rich, high-fiber fruits and vegetables promote healthy levels of GABA, dopamine, and serotonin - neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, focus, motivation, stress, flexibility and a sense of calmness.

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I love that the very foods that support our physical health are the same foods that support our mental and emotional health, too!

And now that Fall is here and the weather is turning a bit chillier, I know I, for one, am already starting to crave more comfort food, so it seems like the perfect time to share one of my favorite cold-weather recipes. This stew will warm you up, fill your tummy, slim your waistline and boost those feel-good neurotransmitters, too, woohoo!

Hearty Veggie Stew

This stew is one of my favorite Fall dishes because...

• it's filling & delicious
• it's perfect for leftovers
• it's full of whole foods
• it supports healthy weight-loss
• it's gluten and dairy free
• it can easily accommodate vegans and meat-lovers at the same time (a must for my family)
• And bonus, it only requires one pot!

Here's the printable recipe, Hearty Vegetable Stew. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do.

Health & happiness, V