Making the switch to a vegan diet can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. With a bit of preparation and some helpful tips, you'll be on your way to a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle.

The first step in making your winter months productive is to set yourself up for success. This means putting good systems and habits into place that will keep you on track when the cold weather sets in. Most of these should be well-established by now, but winter is a great time to revisit your routines and see what you can improve.

I have a great selection of healthy vegan Christmas desserts that are sure to become your family's favorite. They're easy, delicious, and, best of all, don't contain any dairy or animal products. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or not, everyone will love these treats.

Purple Potatoes protect against heart disease and cancers while promoting healthy skin and eyesight. Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene and antioxidants. Parsnips packed with vitamins A and C and calcium and iron will help keep you healthy all winter long.

This important fruit has a moderate amount of naturally occurring sugars. Pears are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and they're low in calories. Plus, they're perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes.

I shared how fruit juices are energizers, while veggie juices are builders. Did you know that the chlorophyll in plants is almost identical to human blood, and helps build tissues? Plants heal! And this is why juicing works: it extracts the best of a plant. It’s liquid life energy! And raw foods are living foods with life-giving energy that bring vitality to the cells.

Gelatin, made from the boiled bones, tendons, and ligaments of cattle or pigs, is a thickener and a stabilizer to keep ingredients from separating.

Pumpkin spice lattes and other fall drinks might be delicious, but they're not healthy. So unless your priority this season is to gain weight, you might want to skip ordering any of these drinks.

If you read my blogs and social media posts, you will see what I share a lot is information about a juice cleanse. I also share recipes for a juice cleanse, the benefits a juice cleanse and information about juicing recipes for energy. I am all about inspiring, educating and motivating people on a healthy and holistic lifestyle.

Grapes get even sweeter in the fall. According to produce experts, the cooler fall nights intensify the flavor of grapes, while the hot days allow them to keep ripening. Green grapes that are turning the slightest bit amber will be super sweet. And red grapes are equally good. When I do a juice cleanse, I always use grapes as they as so powerful in pulling toxins from the body.

As a full-time working mom of two young children, I know the demands are real. There will be new schedules for everyone. Chances are, many parents will be returning to in-person work too. Lots of changes; lots of opportunities to start some fresh traditions.

I’ve been a vegan for two years, and have become even more healthy and toned through plants. Specifically, fruit juice. I don’t supplement my diet with any plant-based protein powders.

There are so many easy ways to squeeze in a workout while on vacation. Change your mindset that it has to be long and strenuous. You’ll likely be walking more, so that’s a terrific start. Pack some equipment, such as a jumprope or yoga mat. And you can log into an online exercise class on your phone or laptop, to do in the privacy of your hotel room. Or take it poolside!

Goals should be challenging, but not unreachable. What are your summer goals? Break them down to manageable bites or micro goals. If your macro goal is to get more definition in your upper arms, let your micro goal to do three sets of 12 arm exercises with 5-pound free weights every morning. Or use a barbell. Check out my Instagram for ideas or google toned arms.