Author: healthbyhaven

November 19, 2023

2023 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the health and fitness enthusiasts in your life, I’ve rounded up some of my faves in a few categories to help you out! 

These gifts were all hand-selected by me, because I truly love them. Not sponsored, but heeeyyyy if ya know someone at these companies, let me know 🙂

For the runner…

  • Race registration: Nothing like a gift of an experience! It’s something you can look forward to when the post-Christmas blues are setting in. Bonus points if it’s a race you can run or walk together! 
  • Running socks: Quality running socks are very underrated, in my opinion. They can make or break an average run or a race. My favorites for summer are the Brooks Ghost Lite Quarter and I’ve been running in the Adidas Superlite Ultraboost Quarter a lot in the winter. I’ve heard great things about Bandit’s socks, so if you can swing the higher price, they may be worth a try!
  • Running on Veggies cookbook: This is one of my favorite healthy cookbooks. I love that the recipes were formulated by a runner, for runners, and the recipes are simple, yet delicious. 
  • Runner’s World subscription: If your loved one likes to stay up-to-date on the latest running news, the paywall on the Runner’s World website is super annoying. A subscription is a small monthly fee, but a gift that can be enjoyed year-round! 
  • Theragun: If you’re looking for a higher-ticket item that you’ll get your money’s worth, look no further. Billy gifted me a theragun and it is life changing for preventing sore muscles and helping speed up recovery time. I have the mini and find that it still has plenty of power while being compact enough to travel with.
  • Patagonia vest: If you live somewhere cold and your loved one is heading out the door in below-freezing temps, this vest is a no-brainer. It’s SO warm, and the quality has held up for me after being washed and worn hundreds of times. I also love the sleek design and often wear it as streetwear too!
  • Stocking stuffers: 
    • Graham crackers: Awesome pre-run fuel!
    • Gels: My favorite are GU Campfire Smoores
    • Goodr sunglasses: I have the these – super light weight, stylish, won’t bounce while you run!

For the barre/yoga/pilates enthusiast…  

    • Class membership: The perfect gift for someone who has it all. Rather than getting them another item they don’t need, you can gift them a studio membership! I’m partial to Pure Barre, of course, but see what studios your city offers and what type of fitness class they’re most interested in.
    • Alo Muse Hoodie: One of my absolute favorite hoodies! It’s SUPER cozy and easy to throw on for the trip to and from the studio in the winter months. They also make matching pants, which I’ve had my eye on! You can get 15% off your first purchase at Alo to help a bit with their higher prices. 
    • Yoga mat: If your loved one is super into yoga or at home workouts, a quality yoga mat is a must-have!
    • House plant: For their at-home studio! Plants provide fresher, cleaner air and give a cute, calming aesthetic to a space. Bonus points for a cute pot.
    • Heating pad: Perfect for a cold winter’s day or after a tough upper body workout, this weighted wrap around heating pad helps relieve tension in my neck and shoulders. I would highly recommend!
    • Foam roller: For extra stretching to relieve sore muscles after a yoga, barre, or pilates class, a foam roller is a perfect addition to the at-home recovery tools.
    • Stocking stuffers: 
      • Sticky socks: Lots of studios require these and you can usually find super cute styles!
      • Teleties hairbands: Cute styles that won’t snag your hair or leave creases. 
      • Bomb bars: Great on-the-go healthy snack. My favorite flavor is Java Chip.

For the wellness guru…  

    • Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Mask: The only face mask I’ve ever used that I feel like actually makes a noticeable difference. I use this 2-3 mornings a week. I love how my skin looks and feels after and I love that it’s a clean and sustainably focused company.
    • Spa gift card: This is my go-to ask for Christmas and my birthday. Nothing beats a good massage, but I rarely splurge on one myself if I don’t have a gift card. Also great if your loved one wants a facial or mani/pedi! Can’t go wrong with this experience gift.
    • Matchaful matcha: Getting quality, delish matcha in any city besides NYC is basically a failed mission (dramatic, I’m sure there are good spots, but GOSH they’re hard to find)! Even if you do find good matcha out, it’s so expensive. If your loved one is a matcha drinker, I highly recommend gifting Matchaful matcha to make at home. I have a matcha latte most mornings and can feel good about the quality sourcing.
    • One Line a Day Journal: A friend told me about this journal and it’s on my personal Christmas list this year. There’s a line a day for five years, so you can look back where you were 1, 2, etc. years prior and see how far you’ve come!
    • Essential oil diffuser: If you’re looking for a cleaner candle alternative that will still make your home feel (and smell) cozy, this is the gift!
    • Cozy blanket: Can’t go wrong with this one! You can find affordable options at your local TJ Maxx, Homegoods or Target, or opt for a more luxurious option at places like West Elm or a local design shop.
    • Stocking stuffers: 
      • Cocokind Turmeric Tonic: The only spot- treatment that’s ever worked for me. It’s like magic! 
      • Hu chocolate: Indulge, but feel good about it. All of Hu’s chocolate is vegan, non-GMO, fair trade certified, the list goes on. It’s all delish, but my favorite is the Hazelnut Butter!
      • Tea steeper + loose leaf tea: I love a hot cup of tea before bed, but disposable tea bags can leach forever plastics into the hot water. Opt for a reusable steel steeper and loose leaf tea from a local shop!
      • Glass straws: Again, better than plastic for your health and the environment. Plus, they look super chic for your iced coffee, matcha latte or smoothie!
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I hope the gift guides above are helpful for the wellness gurus in your life! Maybe you’ve even been inspired to try some out for yourself! Let me know if you gift something on this list and please let me know what I’m missing! I’m always hoping to learn more about the latest wellness gifts and gadgets. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

October 22, 2023

Billy’s Veg Pasta

It’s a good day when this recipe is on the dinner menu. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but I have the luxury of enjoying a meal cooked for me by my lovely husband. Win-win if I’ve ever seen one!

If you’re looking for a filling meal that tastes indulgent, but still packs in nourishing veggies, you have to make this pasta!

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 12 oz grape or cherry tomatoes, whole (I like the multicolored pack!)
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced
  • 1 box of your favorite pasta (we usually use rotini) 
  • Vegan parmesan (or regular if you aren’t sensitive to dairy)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Roasted garlic cloves, the more the merrier (or use garlic powder or minced garlic if you don’t have time to roast garlic) 
  • Salt, black pepper, oregano, basil and garlic powder, to taste

Directions

  1. Toss all the veggies in the extra virgin olive oil and seasonings.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the veggies on the sheet in a thin layer.
  3. Roast the veggies at 425 degrees fahrenheit for 15 – 20 minutes. 
  4. Then, broil the veggies  for an additional 3 minutes to finish.
  5. While the veggies are roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions.
  6. Toss the pasta in olive oil and vegan parmesan. Smash some roasted garlic and mix into pasta well. Top with the roasted veggies and enjoy! 

Let Billy and I know what you thought of this Eggplant Pasta by commenting below or messaging me on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

September 3, 2023

Chocolate Coconut Granola

If you’re anything like me, you can never have too much chocolate. It’s simply the most heavenly flavor to exist. That being said, eating chocolate all day isn’t a recipe for feeling your best. 

When the chocolate cravings hit, but it’s not time for dessert, try this Homemade Chocolate Coconut Granola! Your chocolate cravings will be satisfied by the raw cacao without the blood sugar spike and crash. Think almond joy bar meets more satisfying snack. 

Ingredients

  • 1c oats
  • 1c raw almonds, finely chopped
  • 1c raw walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4c oat flour
  • 1/4c unsweetened shredded coconut  
  • 1/4c raw cacao nibs
  • 1/3c pure maple syrup
  • 2tbs raw cacao powder
  • 2tbs coconut oil, melted
  • 1tbs vanilla
  • 2tbs milled flax seeds
  • 1/2tsp salt 

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Chop the almonds and walnuts and add to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Melt the coconut oil and add to the nut mixture. 
  4. Add all other ingredients to the mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly, making sure the cacao is well incorporated. 
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the granola mixture onto the sheet. Flatten out the mixture into a thin layer, but leave the mixture touching. 
  6. Bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely before eating or storing. 

I love seeing photos when you try Health by Haven recipes! Tag me in them on Instagram @haven_quinlan or comment below what you thought!

August 26, 2023

Snickerdoodle Chia Pudding

I loovvveeee cinnamon. I love cinnamon like Buddy the Elf loves syrup. (I hope you read the first sentence in his voice). I also love snickerdoodle cookies, but unfortunately eating them for breakfast isn’t great for the blood sugar rollercoaster. 

Since I’ve been very into chia pudding for breakfast lately, I knew I needed to concoct a cinnamon chia pudding recipe that would rival a snickerdoodle. I think I nailed it, but don’t just take my word for it – try it out yourself!

Ingredients

  • 1 c cashew milk (try my super easy, two-ingredient Homemade Cashew Milk recipe)
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 c vegan vanilla yogurt
  • 4 – 6 tbs chia seeds
  • 4 tbs cinnamon
  • Toppings: cinnamon, coconut sugar, chopped walnuts 

Directions

  1. Pour 1/4 c cashew milk into four glass containers.
  2. Next, evenly split the can of coconut milk among the four containers.
  3. Then, add 1/4 c vegan vanilla yogurt into each container. Stir to combine. 
  4. Add 1 – 1.5 tbs chia seeds and 1 tsp cinnamon to each container. Mix well.
  5. Pop the containers in the fridge overnight so the chia seeds have time to absorb the liquid and achieve a pudding-like consistency.
  6. In the morning if you want the dish to be more pudding-like, you can always add more yogurt.
  7. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, coconut sugar (optional) and chopped walnuts. Enjoy!

Try this Snickerdoodle Chia Pudding next week! It’s a super easy way to meal prep incredible, nutritious, filling breakfasts for your work week in less than five minutes. Let me know what you think when you try it out by leaving a comment below or messaging me on Instagram @haven_quinlan. Enjoy! 

August 26, 2023

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

When I was growing up, my family made homemade cinnamon rolls all the time. They were fantastic. I always loved the crispy outsides, but hated the gooey middle. So weird, I know. I guess my parents and siblings benefitted from my crunchy roll preferences when they got to eat the middle of my cinnamon roll! Anyways, if you’re like me and have fond memories of mornings with the cinnamonest cinnamon roll, try out this smoothie for a MUCH healthier way to get the same delicious flavor!

Ingredients

  • 1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • ½ steamed & frozen sweet potato
  • ½ c frozen riced cauliflower 
  • 1 frozen banana 
  • 1 – 2 medjool dates
  • 1 tbs rolled oats
  • 2 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp each of flax seed and chia seed 

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend. Add more almond milk as needed to reach your desired smoothie consistency. Top with my Homemade Cinnamon Maple Granola and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 
  2. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think when you make my Cinnamon Roll Smoothie! Message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan or leave a comment below! 

August 26, 2023

Billy’s Asian Veggie & Rice Bowl

I love cooking and creating healthy recipes to share with y’all, but nothing quite beats the feeling of having someone else cook dinner! Sharing this wonderful recipe my sweet husband created and cooks for us on the regular. It just may be your next favorite dinner! 

Ingredients

  • ½ c dry brown rice
  • 1 crown of broccoli
  • 1 zucchini 
  • 1 bell pepper, red or orange
  • Salt, black pepper, garlic powder x3, chili powder, basil x3, ginger, sesame seeds
  • Avocado oil 
  • Soy sauce
  • Green onion 

Directions

  1. Cook rice according to package.
  2. White rice is cooking, clean and chop the veggies.
  3. Cook the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini in the spices, avocado oil, and soy sauce for 10 min in a frying pan.
  4. After 10 min put lid on to steam, stir occasionally.
  5. Once the veggies are soft, remove from heat.
  6. Combine with the rice, add more seasoning as desired and top with green onion.
  7. Enjoy!

Pro tip – if you like peanut sauce, stir together peanut butter, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime to top your bowl with! *chef’s kiss* 

If you like Billy’s Asian Veggie and Rice Bowl, make his day and let him know in the comments below, or message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

August 19, 2023

Summer 2023 Running Favorites

If a poor craftsman blames his tools does a slow runner blame their gear? We all know having the latest and greatest gear won’t make us faster runners, but…like… how can we be so sure???

It’s been a while since my last article on my favorite running gear and attire, so with the start of my 2024 Houston Marathon training I figured it was the perfect time for me to update you on what I’ve been loving on the run! 

1. Fast & Free Running Shorts
Okay I used to be a diehard biker shorts on the run gal, but these shorts have totally converted me. I love that they have a side split that allows for a long stride without the leg riding up. Nobody likes chafing. Lululemon for the win.

2. Running Bras
Another point for Lululemon! I’ve been running in their sports bras exclusively. I’ve especially been loving the Energy Long Line Bra. Bonus points for hot pink.

3. Running Shoes
This is a category I haven’t fully made a decision on. I’ve been running in the Mizuno Wave Rider for years and years. I still love them, but I’ve been testing out some other shoes I’m also enjoying. I’ve been liking the extras support of the Mizuno Wave Sky, and I also had a ton of fun demoing the Asics Gel Nimbus recently (talk about cushion!). I’ll probably keep playing around with shoe options before settling on what I’ll be racing in at Houston.

4. SPIbelt
While I really wish I could carry no fuel and magically survive distance training, my belt upgrade to a SPIbelt has been a positive change. It holds my phone, keys and gels and sits relatively comfortably around my waist. 

5. Hair Bands
If you have long hair and you’re a runner, you can commiserate with how horribly tangled your hair gets on the run. I used to braid my hair before my runs, but the layers would stick out every which way by the end of my run and still be pretty hard to brush out. I’ve now swapped out my braid for small, clear hair bands and use four to cinch my hair down my pony tail. Goodbye, hair sticking to my sweat. Goodbye, hair that’s too tangled to brush post-run.

6. Running Hats
I’m becoming a hat person and I’m not mad about it. They’re amazing for keeping the rain out of your eyes when you can’t afford to skip a training run and they’re also perfect for keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes on a long summer run. Yay skin care! Make sure you invest in a hat made for running, rather than a standard baseball hat. Trust me, the lightweight wicking material will keep you SO much cooler. I’ve been loving running hats from Brooks and Adidas. 

7. Strava
I finally caved a few months ago and created a Strava account. Previously, I always tracked my runs solely on my apple watch/apple health data, but I have to say, using Strava makes me feel like a real runner. Allll the professionals (cool kids) are doing it. Currently I’m on a free trial of the pro plan and I’m really liking the advanced metrics it’s providing. TBD on if I’ll cough up the monthly fee to continue the pro plan or go back to the free version when my trial is up.

Okay enough rambling. I hope you find my updated running favorites helpful! Do you use any of these too? Any good gear I missed? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @haven_quinlan.

August 6, 2023

Guide to Summertime in NYC

If you know me at all, you know the only city that rivals Paris in my mind is NYC. I love everything about it – the energy, the excitement, the new possibilities, the hustle, the wellness scene, and, of course, the incredible food and drinks!

When Billy and I visited NYC in February 2022, I wrote a Mini Guide to NYC. (You can read it HERE!) Lots of great recs in that article, but I figured I would update it for the summer season! I hope you can put these recommendations to use next time you’re traveling to the City!

Transportation

Billy and I ventured on the subway for the first time this trip. So, so easy. So, so affordable. It’s quicker than Uber/Taxis in most instances, and it’s less sweaty than walking in the summer sun. I would highly recommend using the CityMapper app to help know which line to use. My friend, Georgie, recommended it when I visited her in London last year, and it’s so handy. 

Food

  1. The Butcher’s Daughter – Super cute & delish vegan restaurant that will still appease meat-eaters. We loved the Maple Cacao Latte. Would be a great option for brunch or lunch.
  2. Tavern on the Green – A well-known restaurant in Central Park, for sure, but I’m here to tell you it’s worth the hype! Definitely sit outside. The atmosphere is half of it.
  3. Maman – I mean I can’t visit NYC with out a stop (or two…) at Maman. They have amazing coffees and an afternoon “street cookie,” as we call them, always hits the spot. They have vegan options for all you DF friends.

Drinks at the MET Rooftop

If you know the Quinlans, you know we love a good rooftop cocktail. We somehow always seem to find a rooftop bar when visiting a new city. Well, Billy really came through with his research for this trip! We enjoyed cocktails on the MET rooftop one afternoon and the views were well worth the pricey cocktail! A few tips: 

  1. Unfortunately you do have to purchase a ticket to the MET to visit the rooftop, so I would recommend going early to enjoy the artwork before the rooftop opens. Check the website for hours, as they change.
  2. Get in line to the elevator up about 30 min early – it gets long!

Activities

  1. Broadway! – This one is obvious, but we saw the Lion King on our last trip and the staging and costumes were incredible. 
  2. The Tin Building in the Seaport District – This was another Billy research win. It’s like a really nice food hall/market combo. I would recommend going to grab a quick meal or drink and taking it outside to enjoy the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
  3. Little Island – This is a super cute park in the Hudson River. I would recommend going early to avoid the sun and the people.
  4. Great Jones Distillery Tour – If you’re looking to enjoy a beverage away from the heat and learn some NYC prohibition history, this is your place. The old fashioned was spectacular and the tour and tasting were really fun!
  5. Runs in Central Park , Duh! – I mean, need I say more? 

Let me know if you use any of these recommendations next time you’re visiting the greatest city on earth! And, please! If I’m missing a spot (or more!) that you recommend, comment below or send me a message on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 



July 8, 2023

Mango Berry Smoothie

When it’s summertime and it’s Hot with a capital “H”, all I want is refreshing, cooling foods and drinks. I especially crave fruity smoothies in the summer, which is how this recipe came to be last week. If you’re into mango, you definitely need to give this Mango Berry Smoothie a try!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c frozen mango
  • 1/4 c frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 c frozen riced cauliflower 
  • 1 c cashew milk (try my super simple Homemade Cashew Milk recipe!)
  • Handful of spinach OR if you don’t have any on hand, a scoop of greens powder. I like Amazing Grass – you can buy it at Whole Foods.
  • 1 goji berry blender bomb (or sub a combo of your favorite seeds, like chia, flax and hemp)

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a high power blender.
  2. Blend it all up! Add more liquid if you like your smoothie more drinkable than spoonable. 
  3. Enjoy your refreshing meal or snack!

Let me know what you think of this Mango Berry Smoothie next time you blend it up! Leave me a comment below, or send me a photo of your concoction over on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

July 2, 2023

Apple Pie Chia Pudding

What’s more American than apple pie?! If you’re looking for a healthier dessert alternative with the same yummy flavors, or you just want to spice up your holiday breakfast, look no further!

Ingredients

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 c vegan vanilla yogurt
  • 4 – 6 tbs chia seeds
  • 4 tsp cinnamon + more to garnish
  • 2 honeycrisp apples

Directions

  1. Split the canned coconut milk into four glass containers.
  2. Add 1 – 1.5 tbs chia seeds and 1 tsp cinnamon to each container. Mix well.
  3. Pop the containers in the fridge overnight so the chia seeds have time to absorb the liquid and achieve a pudding-like consistency.
  4. In the morning to make the dish more pudding-like, add 1/4 c vegan vanilla yogurt into each container. Stir to combine. 
  5. Chop 1/2 of one honeycrisp apple. You can saute it on the stovetop in cinnamon for a few minutes if you want to soften the apple. If you’re in a rush, toss it in cold.
  6. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Try this Apple Pie Chia Pudding this week! It’s a super easy way to meal prep incredible, nutritious, filling breakfasts for your work week in less than five minutes. Let me know what you think when you try it out by leaving a comment below or messaging me on Instagram @haven_quinlan. Enjoy!