Zero-Waste Biscotti with Mild Spices & Almond Pulp: The Cozy and Zero-Waste Recipe

You’ve just made your delicious homemade almond milk (a real treat for your taste buds and your health!) and you’re left with that leftover pulp at the bottom of your nut milk bag? Don’t even think about throwing it away! In healthy and holistic cooking, the magic lies in the art of making the most of everything. That ‘s the very principle of zero waste: transforming what was once considered leftover into a delicious and nourishing creation.

Today , I ‘m taking you into my kitchen to prepare some delicious Crispy biscotti with mild spices cooked twice according to Italian tradition, but redesigned in a version that is kind to your body.

With the comforting aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, combined with the slightly rustic and nutty flavor of barley flour these biscotti will quickly become your best allies to accompany your morning tea or coffee.

Continue reading “Zero-Waste Biscotti with Mild Spices & Almond Pulp: The Cozy and Zero-Waste Recipe” →

Autumn Treats : picking from the garden and comforting apple pies

Autumn is gently settling in, bringing with it that special atmosphere, both fresh and warm. It ‘s the perfect season to slow down, appreciate the little rituals of daily life, and reconnect with nature. In our shared garden, the venerable apple tree has lived up to all its promises again this year, bending under the weight of generous, crisp fruit.

There’s an irreplaceable pleasure in picking your own fruit just steps from home. Feeling the morning freshness, observing the changing colors of the leaves, and bringing home a 100% local and natural harvest to your kitchen. It ‘s a true reconnection with the simplest and most beautiful things the earth offers us.

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Creamy Leek, Mung Bean & Mild Spice Soup: The Vitality & Digestion Soup

If you follow me regularly here on Chantals Healthy LifestyleYou know how much I love simple recipes that fit easily into our busy lives, without ever compromising on taste or our energy level.

When the weather turns chilly or after a long day, our bodies crave warm, easy-to-digest, and comforting dishes. Today, I suggest we revisit the traditional leek soup by combining it with a plant-based superfood: hulled green mung bean (or mung bean). With its subtle hint of Ayurvedic spices and customizable toppings, this creamy soup has everything to become your new classic!

Continue reading “Creamy Leek, Mung Bean & Mild Spice Soup: The Vitality & Digestion Soup” →

Beneath the surface: what diving in the Red Sea taught me about Health, Letting go, and Connection

Today , I wanted to take you on a trip with me. Last week, I arrived in Hurghada, Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea, for a break entirely dedicated to scuba diving. A timeless stay, lulled by the rhythm of the waves and the beauty of the seabed.

We often associate health with what we put on our plate or our yoga sessions on the mat. But this trip reminded me how much well-being also comes from wonder, gentle movement and a deep reconnection with nature.

Continue reading “Beneath the surface: what diving in the Red Sea taught me about Health, Letting go, and Connection” →

Autumn in the Garden: The Sweetness of the Fig, the Joy of Harvesting, and the Magic of Sharing

Autumn is gently settling in, enveloping our days in golden light and cooler air. It is this comforting season that naturally invites us to slow down, to ground ourselves, and to find solace in the little things of everyday life.

This year, autumn offered me a magnificent gift, right on my doorstep. In the shared garden housing complexe were we live, a superb fig tree stands proudly. Its generous branches, bathed in sunlight, bent under the weight of perfectly ripe fruit. I couldn’t resist: I grabbed a basket and went to pick these wonderful purple treasures.

Continue reading “Autumn in the Garden: The Sweetness of the Fig, the Joy of Harvesting, and the Magic of Sharing” →

My Cozy Autumn Ritual: Spiced Barley Bread & Adaptogenic Ayurvedic Latte

Autumn has finally arrived. The leaves are turning golden, the breeze is growing pleasantly crisp, and our energy is naturally turning inward. During this season dominated by the Vata element (cold, dry, windy)—while being mindful not to weigh down Kapha energy—the need for warmth, comfort, and soothing rituals becomes essential.

​Today, I’m bringing you into my kitchen for a cozy, nurturing afternoon treat where indulgence seamlessly blends with balance and holistic health. On the menu: an Ayurvedic barley flour gingerbread, paired with a soothing spice, turmeric, ashwagandha, and Manuka honey latte.

Continue reading “My Cozy Autumn Ritual: Spiced Barley Bread & Adaptogenic Ayurvedic Latte” →

Butternut Squash and Apple Velouté with a Forest-Inspired Topping: The Ultimate Cozy, Immunity-Boosting Autumn Treat!

Dear healthy foodie ! 👋

Autumn is finally settling in for good. Leaves are coloring the sidewalks, days are growing shorter, and if you listen closely to your body, you can surely feel that deep need to slow down and nourish yourself with warm, comforting, and soul-soothing dishes.

Continue reading “Butternut Squash and Apple Velouté with a Forest-Inspired Topping: The Ultimate Cozy, Immunity-Boosting Autumn Treat!” →

Albanian Trileçe Reimagined: A Healthy, Light, and Gluten-Free Three-Milk Cake

All good things must come to an end… Today, we’re wrapping up our wonderful Albanian culinary journey in style! After sharing my melt-in-the-mouth stuffed eggplants and last week’s legendary, comforting Tavë Kosi, it’s time for my kids’ and teens’ favorite part: dessert!

Continue reading “Albanian Trileçe Reimagined: A Healthy, Light, and Gluten-Free Three-Milk Cake” →

The Authentic Albanian Tavë Kosi, Reimagined: The Ultimate Comfort-Food Gratin

Hey healthy foodie ! 👋

If you’ve read my Albania travel diary and tried my melt-in-the-mouth stuffed eggplants last week, you know that trip was a huge source of inspiration for my cooking. Today, I’m (finally!) heading into the kitchen to share THE recipe my whole family has been eagerly waiting for: the legendary Tavë Kosi. 🍲

Continue reading “The Authentic Albanian Tavë Kosi, Reimagined: The Ultimate Comfort-Food Gratin” →

My Albanian-Inspired Stuffed Eggplants: Melt-in-your-Mouth, Gluten-Free & Adaptable Recipe (Meat or Vegan)

Hey healthy foodie! 👋

In my last post, I shared the amazing culinary discoveries from our family trip to Albania. As promised, I couldn’t resist getting behind the stove to revamp my personal favorite: stuffed eggplants (inspired by the traditional Imam Bayildi you can find over there).

Continue reading “My Albanian-Inspired Stuffed Eggplants: Melt-in-your-Mouth, Gluten-Free & Adaptable Recipe (Meat or Vegan)” →

A getaway to Albania: Discovering a delicious, local and welcoming cuisine

Hey healthy foodie ! 👋

If you regularly follow my adventures on Chantal’s Healthy Lifestyle, you know how much I love to travel, explore new horizons, and above all, listen to what our bodies need to glow from the inside out, no matter where we are in the world! After packing my bags for Mexico and vacationing in Tunisia, we set sail as a family for a still preserved and absolutely fascinating destination: Albania.

Continue reading “A getaway to Albania: Discovering a delicious, local and welcoming cuisine” →

Beetroot caviar with ginger; the Ayurvedic detox spread

If you loved my 9 Super-Grain Air Fryer Bread recipe, you’re probably wondering what to spread on it for a 100% vitality boost. Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the world of Ayurveda with a vibrant, colorful, and ultra-beneficial recipe: my Ginger Spiced Beetroot Caviar.

This spread is a real winner. Not only does it add incredible color to your dishes, but it’s specially designed to boost sluggish metabolisms and pamper your body from the inside out.

Continue reading “Beetroot caviar with ginger; the Ayurvedic detox spread” →

My 9 Super-Grain Air Fryer Bread: The Secret to Vitality Without Flour or Yeast

Hey healthy foodie ! 👋

If you regularly follow my adventures on Chantal’s Healthy Lifestyle, you know how much I love recipes that fit into our busy lives without ever compromising our energy levels. Eating healthy should never be boring or complicated!

Today, I’m so excited to share my latest obsession with you: a super-seed bread, 100% flourless, dairy-free (no skyr or yogurt), and cooked in an air fryer! Yes, you read that right. An ultra-crispy nutrient bomb, perfect for nourishing your body from the inside out and radiating on the outside.

Continue reading “My 9 Super-Grain Air Fryer Bread: The Secret to Vitality Without Flour or Yeast” →

Zucchini, Mint, and Avocado Mousse: Your refreshing ally

Summer Raw-Cooked Spread

Summer is well underway, bringing along intense heatwaves. When the thermometer rises, our body craves freshness, hydration, and lightness. Today, I am sharing a perfect seasonal recipe for scorching days: a light and refreshing zucchini mousse.

Combining the sweetness of zucchini with the zest of fresh herbs, this creamy texture is bound to become your ultimate go-to for summer appetizers and lunches.

Continue reading “Zucchini, Mint, and Avocado Mousse: Your refreshing ally” →

How to travel without depriving yourself while protecting your health

Eating well at restaurants when you are away from home is entirely possible with the right strategies. Whether you are on vacation, on a business trip, or just traveling for a few days, dining out becomes a non-stop activity. Sometimes menus are packed with options; other times, your choices are extremely limited. So, how do you navigate these menus to protect your health capital?

Here are my simple, effective tips to make the best possible food choices, no matter where you are.

Continue reading “How to travel without depriving yourself while protecting your health” →

Summer Plant-Based Lassi: The perfect refreshing and ultra-light drink during the heatwave

Hey healthy foodie! During this heatwave, our bodies crave refreshment, but there’s no way we’re drinking iced beverages that weigh down our stomachs and tire us out.

Today, I’m revisiting a classic Ayurvedic recipe: lassi. While classic yogurt-based versions can sometimes be too dense for hot summer evenings, my solution is a 100% plant-based, ultra-light and fluid spiced almond buttermilk. It’s perfect for pampering your digestion without weighing you down.

Continue reading “Summer Plant-Based Lassi: The perfect refreshing and ultra-light drink during the heatwave” →

The Metabolic Bowl: Pumpkin, Prune and Natural Berberine

The metabolic bowl: why you should try the barberry, pumpkin and prune combo

Are you looking for a healthy snack or breakfast that can stop your cravings, boost your energy and pamper your digestion without spiking your blood sugar? Look no further.

While berberine is trending on social media for its metabolism-boosting benefits, there’s a simple and 100% natural way to incorporate it into your diet: barberries. By combining them with the magnesium in pumpkin seeds and the fiber in prunes, you get a true vitality boost.

Discover how this trio of simple ingredients can transform your mornings and your health.

Continue reading “The Metabolic Bowl: Pumpkin, Prune and Natural Berberine” →

Chinese Steamed Eggs: A Healthy, Quick, and Light Recipe

Looking for a quick and healthy recipe idea for your weeknight meals? Forget heavy preparations and discover the secret to a protein-rich breakfast or a light dinner: Chinese steamed eggs.

This light and airy Asian egg custard, easily digestible, fits perfectly into a balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Known as Zheng Dan, this traditional dish requires only a few minutes of preparation for maximum nutritional benefits.

Discover why this gentle, fat-free cooking method will revolutionize your everyday cooking.

Continue reading “Chinese Steamed Eggs: A Healthy, Quick, and Light Recipe” →

Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini, Balsamic and Herb Mustard Vinaigrette

My philosophy in the kitchen has always been the same: use fresh ingredients, enhance seasonal vegetables and listen to what our body demands in order to radiate from within.

Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to recipes for the warmer months. It’s the perfect dish to accompany your outdoor meals, for batch cooking your weekly lunches, or simply to whip up a light dinner after a long, active day. I’m going to combine the melting sweetness of eggplant with the freshness of zucchini, all enhanced by a punchy vinaigrette that awakens the taste buds.

Continue reading “Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini, Balsamic and Herb Mustard Vinaigrette” →

Quinoa-Lentil Porridge with Raw Cacao and Strawberries

I love flexible cooking and I hate wasting food. My recipes always adapt to what’s left in the fridge or pantry. Last night, I made a delicious quinoa and red lentil side dish. This morning, surprise… the texture had become thick and creamy, just like porridge!

Instead of letting the leftovers go to waste, I transformed them into a warm, incredibly delicious, and zero-waste breakfast. That’s the magic of zero-waste cooking: reusing, reinventing, and nourishing your body.

Continue reading “Quinoa-Lentil Porridge with Raw Cacao and Strawberries” →

Kedgeree or Indi-British Fish Casserole

Hey healthy foodies! If you regularly follow my blog Chantal’s Healthy Lifestyle, you know how much I love dishes that fit into our hectic lifestyles without ever compromising our vitality. Today, I’m revisiting a true icon of fusion cuisine: Kedgeree, or Indo-British fish casserole.

This recipe is the perfect partner for batch cooking and zero-waste cooking. This dish, to be a quick and easy recipe, benefits from preparing its different steps in advance or using up those precious leftovers from the week.

From Khichri to Kedgeree : A History of Fusion

Continue reading “Kedgeree or Indi-British Fish Casserole” →

Choco-Peanut Quinoa Pop Bars

Do you get that mid-afternoon slump that makes you want to raid the cookie jar? Personally, I ideally start the day with a savory or moderately sweet and protein-rich breakfast. It’s super satisfying and keeps me going for a long time while avoiding the glucose spikes that make you want to snack later. But if that craving does strike despite everything, I designed these little wonders precisely for that.

Continue reading “Choco-Peanut Quinoa Pop Bars” →

DIY Natural Face Toner: My Evening Skincare Ritual

​A soothing, clarifying blend that is 100% natural, organic, and zero-waste.

​Every evening, caring for my skin is a quiet moment of relaxation. To gently cleanse and balance my face, I rely on a super simple homemade toner made with just two powerhouse ingredients: apple cider vinegar and rose hydrosol.

​I apply it using my homemade reusable cotton rounds—a small, daily habit that’s kind to both my skin and the planet!

Continue reading “DIY Natural Face Toner: My Evening Skincare Ritual” →

Pilates, Stretching & Strength: How I Overcame Lower Back Pain

​My personal journey to healing a herniated disc and regaining a strong, resilient body.

​For many years, I struggled with severe lower back problems.

​In my early twenties, I suffered a debilitating herniated disc that left me bedridden for weeks, completely unable to move. Being twenty-something and trapped in bed is certainly no way to live.

​Once I got moving again, osteopaths and chiropractors helped improve my condition significantly—without the need for surgery or injections.

​However, it wasn’t until I introduced Pilates into my routine that I experienced true, lasting healing. Now, after more than 10 years of continuous practice, I can confidently say it is the single best form of exercise for back vulnerabilities.

Continue reading “Pilates, Stretching & Strength: How I Overcame Lower Back Pain” →

A Soap for Every Need: My Eco-Friendly & Zero-Waste Household Routine

How to simplify daily life, reduce plastic waste, and care for your family using gentle, conscious products.

For every task, there is a soap!

Maybe one day I will start crafting all of my own soaps from scratch. But for now, I rely on wonderful local, ecological alternatives that make maintaining a zero-waste home so much easier.

I love supporting a Belgian company that creates clean household products using plant- and mineral-based ingredients. The best part? I can refill everything at my local bulk store using old bottles and glass containers I’ve saved over time!

Continue reading “A Soap for Every Need: My Eco-Friendly & Zero-Waste Household Routine” →

Homemade Linen Bulk Bags: My Favorite Zero-Waste Shopping Essential

Saying goodbye to single-use plastic is so much easier—and prettier—with these custom fabric produce bags.

Cutting plastic out of our daily routines can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But having the right reusable tools on hand makes all the difference!

While I love shopping at local bulk stores, carrying heavy glass jars everywhere isn’t always the most practical option. That’s why I started sewing my own lightweight fabric bulk bags.

I made these using 100% pure linen fabric—it’s natural, remarkably durable, breathable, and wonderfully timeless.

Continue reading “Homemade Linen Bulk Bags: My Favorite Zero-Waste Shopping Essential” →

Homemade Kimchi: The Art of Fermentation and Patience

A vibrant, spicy probiotic powerhouse to nurture your gut health and delight your tastebuds.

Making your own kimchi at home is much more than just cooking—it’s reconnecting with an ancient, mindful art of food preservation and transformation. With a little simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and a touch of patience, the magic of fermentation works wonders to create a true vitality treasure for your body.

Kimchi is a wonderful explosion of crunchy, tangy, and spicy flavors that brings any meal to life. And the best part? It is surprisingly simple to make!

Continue reading “Homemade Kimchi: The Art of Fermentation and Patience” →

My Natural Hair Care Routine: No Shampoo Since 2014!

​How I wash my hair once a week using simple, natural, and zero-waste ingredients.

​Back in 2014, I made the decision to completely ditch store-bought shampoos. My secret to healthy, light, and shiny hair ever since? Plain baking soda and apple cider vinegar!

​Washing your hair just once a week is not only possible, but it’s also budget-friendly and incredibly liberating. Here is my exact step-by-step routine:

Continue reading “My Natural Hair Care Routine: No Shampoo Since 2014!” →

DIY Magnesium Bath Salts: My Ultimate Relaxation & Recovery Ritual

​A soothing bath soak to ease muscle tension, calm anxiety, and nourish your skin.

​Did you know that magnesium is one of the most vital minerals for our overall well-being? It works wonders for relieving sore muscles, calming anxiety, soothing skin irritation, and supporting healing.

​The best part? Magnesium is actually far better absorbed transdermally (through the skin) than through internal supplements! Which is exactly why I love incorporating it into my bath routine.

​At least once a week, I treat myself to a rich magnesium bath soak. (Don’t worry, I wash more often than that! In between, I shower and practice dry brushing… but I’ll share all about that in another post!)

Continue reading “DIY Magnesium Bath Salts: My Ultimate Relaxation & Recovery Ritual” →

Lebanese Buddha Bowls: A Vibrant Celebration of Health (From Scratch)

A colorful, wholesome, and soul-nourishing bowl celebrating the vibrant flavors of Lebanon.

Eating healthfully is first and foremost a feast for the eyes and the heart. When we take the time to cook whole, wholesome ingredients from scratch, every meal transforms into a celebration of vitality.

Today, I’m taking you on a culinary journey to Lebanon with this sunny, generous, and 100% from scratch Buddha Bowl (well, almost… except for the salad greens! 😉). It’s a complete, deeply satisfying meal that supports your digestion while delighting your tastebuds.

Continue reading “Lebanese Buddha Bowls: A Vibrant Celebration of Health (From Scratch)” →

Green & Purple Kale Juice: Your Ultimate Vitality Elixir

A detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient-dense raw juice.

Looking for a vibrant energy boost and a refreshing cleanse for your body? This homemade juice packed with crisp greens, earthy roots, and a zing of spice is pure liquid sunshine.

By using a slow cold-press juicer, all the living enzymes, vitamins, and minerals are carefully preserved to nourish your body at a cellular level.

Continue reading “Green & Purple Kale Juice: Your Ultimate Vitality Elixir” →

Raspberry & Cashew Bliss Balls

​A delicious, tangy, no-bake healthy snack packed with natural energy!

​Looking for a nourishing treat to satisfy an afternoon craving or to boost your energy before a workout? These Raspberry Bliss Balls are pure perfection: soft, slightly tangy, and super easy to make!

​Rich in healthy fats from the raw cashews and naturally sweetened with dates, they come together in just 5 minutes using your food processor.

​🥣 Ingredients:

  • ​Frozen raspberries: for a vibrant color and a refreshing, tangy kick.
  • ​Dates (soft Medjool dates work best): to bind everything together with natural sweetness.
  • ​Raw cashews: for a smooth, creamy texture and a dose of healthy nutrients.
  • ​Pure vanilla extract & a pinch of salt: to elevate and balance all the flavors.

​Optional Topping:

  • ​Unsweetened coconut flakes: to roll the balls in for a lovely finish.

​👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. ​Blend the raw cashews, dates, frozen raspberries, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
  2. ​Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands.
  3. ​Coat by rolling each ball in coconut flakes.
  4. ​Chill in the fridge (or freezer) for a short while to let them firm up before enjoying!

​Over to you!

​What are your favorite flavor combos for homemade energy bites? Let me know if you give these fruity bliss balls a try in the comments below!

In Health,

Chantal

Hydrating body butter

DIY Whipped Body Butter: The Secret to Soft, Smooth & Radiant Skin

​Deeply nourish your skin and boost its elasticity with this 100% natural body treatment.

​Maintaining skin elasticity and softness is the ultimate key to a youthful, vibrant look. When it comes to deeply hydrating and pampering my skin every day, this rich homemade body butter is my absolute go-to recipe.

Continue reading “DIY Whipped Body Butter: The Secret to Soft, Smooth & Radiant Skin” →

Easy Homemade Natural Toothpaste (That Actually Tastes Good!)

​Say goodbye to parabens and unpronounceable chemicals with this simple DIY recipe.

​Making your own toothpaste? Yes, it’s completely possible, super easy, and no—it definitely doesn’t taste like soap!

​With just a few wholesome ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can craft a natural dental care product that is gentle on your teeth, healthy for your body, and zero-waste for the planet.

Continue reading “Easy Homemade Natural Toothpaste (That Actually Tastes Good!)” →