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The Naturalist
The Fresh Yet Warming Recipe Courtney Levin is Loving for Spring
April 10, 2024
Photos by: Bliss Braoudakis
How would you describe your usual approach to health and wellness? How does nutrition factor in?
My approach is gentle and realistic. Many things shifted for me in terms of the way I relate to health and wellness since I had my son 9 months ago. Between life and work, I’m not always able to get a workout in anymore. These days my non-negotiables are prioritizing rest, connecting with the people and things that matter to me and making sure I get outside as much as possible. I also love to feel nourished, nutrition is one of those pillars I don’t compromise on. I feel my best when my meals are balanced and I’m eating in a way that supports me on a cellular level. However, I will say I’ve been relying on ‘sweet treats’ and that second cup of caffeine way more this year, but I’m leaning into it! I’m meeting myself where I’m at and honoring what my body needs without judgment.
Can you walk us through this particular recipe? Any specific inspiration behind your ingredient choices?
Arugula and cauliflower are great detoxifiers and can aid with estrogen metabolism to balance your hormones. Lentils are little nutritional powerhouses and I always like to include avocado and nuts for healthy fat (plus, the hazelnuts add a nice crunch). For the dressing, coriander and cumin are good for digestion and contribute to the warming taste I crave. This salad is also a great base for a protein like chicken or salmon!
From season to season, how do your health priorities tend to shift?
This is most pronounced for me in terms of nutrition. I’m a big fan of incorporating warming, cooked, cozy foods into my rotation during the colder months and lighter, more energetic foods during the warmer months. Eating with the seasons helps me feel more aligned and when you start paying attention to your cravings, you’ll notice that your body naturally tends to skew this way.
What tips do you have for those who may have resolved to adopt a nutrition plan this year?
Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Stock your fridge and pantry with foods that support your goals and aim to do a little prep each week so that you never get to that “I’m so hungry I could eat my couch right now” place. And please, be kind to yourself! So often I see people beating themselves up because they ate something they’ve labeled as “bad” and we need to reframe our thinking around this. When you start getting in touch with yourself and your body, you’re able to enjoy all foods without guilt.
What are a few of your favorite ways to simplify the practice of healthy, intentional eating?
Healthy eating gets complicated when you start comparing yourself. We’re bio-individuals, hence we want to find foods that we actually enjoy eating and contribute to us feeling our best. Meal prepping a few things each week to easily throw something together is also huge. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen every Sunday.
When you start getting in touch with yourself and your body, you’re able to enjoy all foods without guilt.
In terms of a holistic lifestyle, what habit—food related or otherwise—has been most impactful to you?
Meditation. Connecting with my breath, thinking about it like the tide going in and out grounds me. It’s helped a lot with my anxiety and settling my nervous system.
As a health coach, what’s one mindset shift or piece of advice you’d like to leave us with?
In order to get from A to B with anything you have to start small. Most of the time we do not move forward with our goals because we’re too overwhelmed by how we’re going to get to the result. Pick one little thing you can do every day to help you get to where you want to be and commit to it. Then build from there. Committing is often the hardest part!
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