As we close the chapter on another remarkable year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the journey we’ve shared. 2018, much like any other year, presented its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. Yet, amidst every experience, there was always an abundance of joy, growth, and countless moments to cherish. Looking back, I want to center this reflection on what truly lies at the core of Unbound Wellness and one of my deepest passions: sharing nourishing, delicious recipes with all of you.
Unbound Wellness: Celebrating Our Top Recipes and Milestones of 2018
We each hold a unique power to foster our own well-being and connect with the world through the incredible medium of food. Beyond mere sustenance, food is a profound pathway to express creativity, ignite passion, and significantly enhance our health. It’s a fundamental element that unites us all, offering endless possibilities for culinary exploration and personal healing. Every dish crafted in our kitchens has the potential to be a step towards a more vibrant, healthy life.
I am profoundly grateful and blessed to be able to share my culinary creations with such an engaged and supportive community. Your enthusiasm, your beautiful comments, and your willingness to try new things truly inspire me every day. So, without further ado, let’s unveil the recipes that you, our amazing readers, loved most from the Unbound Wellness blog in 2018! These selections are primarily based on website traffic and engagement, with a special consideration for their popularity across social media platforms. Prepare to be inspired by these healthy and delicious highlights!
Your Favorite Healthy & Anti-Inflammatory Recipes from 2018
1. Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. My whole family LOVED IT!!!!”- Regin
This heartwarming Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup undeniably captured your attention and taste buds, quickly becoming a firm favorite. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a bowl of potent nourishment, packed with ingredients celebrated for their healing properties. The star, turmeric, delivers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, beautifully complemented by tender chicken, a colorful array of vegetables, and a deeply flavorful, aromatic broth. This soup is a go-to for soothing comfort during colder months, an excellent choice when you need a gentle, restorative meal, or simply a delicious and healthy addition to your weekly rotation. Readers consistently laud its incredible taste and its ability to make them feel good, embodying the true spirit of Unbound Wellness. Its versatility also means you can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
2. Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers
“I made this with ground turkey and they were amazing, especially with the avocado mayo! That really put the flair over the top.” – Beth
Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken burgers! Our Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers completely redefine healthy burger patties, offering a burst of flavor and a wonderfully moist texture. These exceptional burgers are infused with fresh spinach and creamy avocado, resulting in a patty that is both incredibly satisfying and rich in nutrients. The avocado not only contributes to their tenderness and healthy fat content but also adds a subtle creaminess that makes each bite delightful. As Beth astutely pointed out, pairing these with a homemade avocado mayo truly elevates the entire dish, adding a zesty, rich finish. They are perfect served in lettuce wraps, alongside a colorful side salad, or with your favorite roasted vegetables. This recipe quickly became a staple for those seeking a delicious, gluten-free, and health-conscious alternative to traditional burgers, proving that healthy can be hearty.
3. Mexican Chicken Poppers
“The Mexican Sweet Potato Chicken poppers are amazing! Thank you so much. I’ve been following an AIP diet for a few months now do to issues with gluten, nightshades…. My family loved them too. It has been so hard finding recipes that I can eat and that my family likes too. TheCilantro, Avocado, Lime sauce is great too. I’ll be using it for everything, topping burgers tonight and dipping the poppers in it for lunch tomorrow. I’ll be trying many of your recipes.” – Paula J.
Our Mexican Chicken Poppers were an absolute sensation, particularly for those navigating the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or other restrictive diets. Paula J.’s heartfelt testimony beautifully illustrates the profound impact this recipe had: it provides a dish that perfectly caters to specific dietary needs without ever compromising on incredible flavor, making it a hit with the entire family. These delightful, savory poppers are crafted with wholesome ingredients and infused with vibrant, AIP-friendly Mexican-inspired spices, offering a fantastic bite-sized snack or a fun, flavorful main course. Their incredible versatility shines through, whether you serve them with our creamy Cilantro, Avocado, Lime sauce as a dipping companion, or integrate them as a key component of a larger, healthy meal. They’re also an excellent choice for efficient meal prep, last-minute appetizers, or a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
4. One Pot Lasagna Skillet
“This was delicious and so easy to make! Perfect for a quick weekday meal. My husband asked for this to be made on a regular basis. It’s clean and very flavorful!” – Ashley G.
Who can resist the rich, comforting embrace of lasagna, especially when it comes without all the usual fuss? Our One Pot Lasagna Skillet quickly became a cherished weeknight savior for so many of you. This ingenious recipe captures all the beloved elements of traditional lasagna – a savory meat sauce, tender “noodles” (using wholesome vegetable alternatives), and that satisfying, gooey goodness (with delicious dairy-free options always explored at Unbound Wellness) – and ingeniously transforms them into a single-skillet marvel. It stands as a vibrant testament to how healthy eating can be both incredibly convenient and profoundly satisfying. Ashley G.’s glowing review perfectly underscores its ideal blend of ease, rich flavor, and the appeal of its “clean” ingredients, solidifying its place as a regular request in countless busy households. This dish is an absolute must-try for any evening when you crave something hearty, wholesome, and wonderfully simple.
5. Paleo Egg Roll Soup
“Delicious, easy and affordable.”- Nicole
Capturing all the savory, umami-rich flavors of your favorite egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper, our Paleo Egg Roll Soup became an instant favorite for its brilliant concept and incredible taste. This Whole30 and AIP-compliant recipe offers a genius way to enjoy a beloved takeout classic in a healthy, satisfying homemade format. It’s generously packed with seasoned ground meat, crisp shredded cabbage, and an aromatic, deeply flavorful broth, making it an incredibly filling and satisfying meal. Nicole’s concise yet powerful review perfectly summarizes its widespread appeal: “Delicious, easy and affordable.” It’s an ideal choice for efficient meal prepping or a quick, nutritious dinner, brilliantly proving that healthy comfort food can be both accessible and exceptionally flavorful. This soup is a fantastic example of how to creatively adapt traditional dishes to align seamlessly with a wellness-focused lifestyle.
6. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
“This was awesome! I had this soup often growing up, but have never been able to successfully make it myself. This recipe was amazing – thank you!” – Melanie
Melanie’s heartwarming comment beautifully encapsulates the magic of our Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: it effortlessly brings the comforting, nostalgic flavors of a cherished classic right into your kitchen. This is no ordinary chicken soup; it’s a vibrant, zesty, and profoundly comforting dish, brimming with succulent chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a delightful, bright lemony finish. Drawing inspiration from traditional Avgolemono, our Paleo version ensures it’s both deeply nourishing and compliant with various dietary needs, all without sacrificing an ounce of authentic flavor. The refreshing tang of lemon brightens every single spoonful, making it a truly perfect soup for any season. It’s genuinely a recipe that tastes like home, offering a magnificent balance of lively flavors and soothing warmth.
7. One Pan Greek Chicken Meal Prep
“I love it! Added some red and yellow bell peppers. Rating a 10!”- Shana
When it comes to achieving consistent, healthy eating goals, efficiency is paramount, and our One Pan Greek Chicken Meal Prep made it easier than ever for you to stay on track. This recipe is an absolute dream come true for busy individuals and families, offering a complete, perfectly balanced meal all cooked effortlessly on a single sheet pan. Succulent marinated chicken, a colorful assortment of vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired spices come together to create a feast that is bursting with authentic flavor. Shana’s enthusiastic “Rating a 10!” perfectly captures the widespread adoration for this incredibly convenient and highly customizable dish. It’s outstanding for weekly meal prepping, guaranteeing you have delicious, wholesome meals readily available, saving precious time and alleviating stress during hectic weekdays. This is a definitive must-try for anyone eager to simplify and elevate their healthy routine.
8. Turmeric Chicken Meal Prep
“Really good chicken and broccoli! I drizzled some extra Olive oil over the chicken and broccoli before putting it in the oven. I will make this again. For the kids they are theirs with basmati rice”- Erica
Another fantastic meal prep option that swiftly climbed the ranks to become a reader favorite is our Turmeric Chicken Meal Prep bowls. Building on the renowned anti-inflammatory power of turmeric, this recipe showcases tender, exceptionally flavorful chicken alongside crisp-tender broccoli, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. Erica’s invaluable feedback highlights its remarkable versatility and family-friendly appeal, noting how effortlessly it can be adapted to suit different preferences, such as adding fluffy basmati rice for children. This recipe transcends mere convenience; it’s dedicated to providing nutrient-dense, gut-friendly meals that taste fantastic and proactively support your overall well-being. It’s an exemplary choice for anyone committed to clean eating and efficient, delicious meal planning.
9. Turmeric Bars
Who knew that incorporating healing ingredients could taste this incredibly good? Our Turmeric Bars quickly became a delightful sensation, offering a perfectly sweet and profoundly nourishing treat that’s generously packed with the incredible goodness of turmeric. These convenient bars are absolutely perfect for a healthy, on-the-go snack, a satisfying post-workout boost, or a wholesome and guilt-free dessert. They stand as a testament to how ingredients renowned for their robust health benefits can be ingeniously transformed into something truly delicious, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Easy to prepare and even easier to adore, these bars provide a wonderfully flavorful and efficient way to integrate potent anti-inflammatory power into your daily routine. They rapidly became a beloved staple for many seeking smart, healthy indulgences.
10. Copy Cat Chipotle Burrito Bowls
“Yummy! So good, easy and much cheaper than the beloved chipotle.”- Julie
Satisfy your fast-casual cravings with a healthier, homemade twist that tastes even better! Our Copy Cat Chipotle Burrito Bowls were a resounding triumph, bringing all the vibrant, customizable flavors of your favorite meal straight into your own kitchen. This ingenious recipe empowers you to craft your ideal bowl using clean, wholesome ingredients, ensuring it flawlessly meets your dietary preferences while still delivering that unmistakable and beloved Chipotle experience. Julie’s feedback perfectly encapsulates its widespread appeal: “Yummy! So good, easy and much cheaper than the beloved chipotle.” It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly solution for health-conscious eaters and anyone seeking a quick, incredibly flavorful, and fully customizable meal. From perfectly seasoned chicken to fluffy cauliflower rice, crisp fresh greens, and creamy homemade guacamole, this bowl truly has it all, making healthy eating a joyful experience!
My Personal Favorites & Honorable Mentions from 2018
While the reader favorites certainly hit the mark with unparalleled popularity, there are a few other exceptional recipes from 2018 that hold a truly special place in my heart and undoubtedly deserve their own moment in the spotlight. These are the dishes I found myself returning to repeatedly, joyfully sharing with my loved ones, or simply feeling an immense sense of pride in creating for the vibrant Unbound Wellness community. They beautifully represent the incredible diversity, creativity, and pure joy that healthy eating can offer, ranging from festive celebratory treats to deeply comforting, wholesome staples that nourish both body and soul.
- Christmas Cut-out Sugar Cookies: A cherished holiday tradition transformed into a healthy delight! These grain-free and dairy-free cookies capture all the festive spirit and classic flavor without compromising on taste or texture, making them a perfect, guilt-free indulgence during the most wonderful time of the year.
- Grain Free “Corn” Bread: A truly remarkable culinary recreation, this “corn” bread delivers an authentic taste and satisfying texture, offering a delicious, savory side dish that is completely grain-free and perfectly Paleo-friendly. It’s a comforting classic brilliantly redefined for a wellness-focused lifestyle.
- Grain Free “Rice” Crispy Treats: Pure, unadulterated nostalgia wrapped in a healthy package! These irresistible treats are incredibly simple to make and provide that utterly satisfying crunch and sweet comfort, all while adhering to a grain-free lifestyle. They’re a delightful reminder that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing childhood favorites.
- Cauliflower Pumpkin Risotto: Creamy, incredibly rich, and utterly luxurious, this risotto masterfully harnesses the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the remarkable versatility of cauliflower to create a warming, seasonal dish that feels gourmet yet is profoundly nourishing. It’s a perfect example of elegant comfort food.
- Crispy Chicken Nuggets: A much healthier, yet equally delicious, take on a beloved childhood favorite, these Paleo and AIP-friendly chicken nuggets are exceptionally crispy, full of flavor, and absolutely perfect for both children and adults alike. They offer a fantastic and wholesome alternative to conventional fast-food versions.
Unbound Wellness: A Reflective Look Back at Our Journey in 2018
Key Milestones for UnboundWellness.com
2018 truly marked a year of monumental growth and inspiring progress for Unbound Wellness, standing as a vibrant testament to the incredible power of shared knowledge, unwavering support, and a thriving community. Our platform evolved significantly, reaching and empowering more individuals than ever before with valuable content and undeniably delicious recipes designed for holistic well-being.
1. Our Community Grew Exponentially: Pageviews Increased by a Staggering 95%!
I am beyond humbled and incredibly grateful to share that over 1.6 million amazing individuals visited this little corner of the internet in 2018. This dramatic and inspiring 95% increase in pageviews isn’t just a number; it represents the blossoming of a vibrant, passionate community of people truly dedicated to enhancing their health and quality of life through the transformative power of food. Each and every visit, every shared recipe, and every thoughtful comment fuels my passion and profoundly reinforces the positive impact we are collectively making. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making Unbound Wellness a thriving, supportive hub for healthy living and conscious eating.
2. The Successful Launch of My New Ebook: Autoimmune Protocol Makeover
One of the most fulfilling and rewarding projects of 2018 was undoubtedly the creation and subsequent launch of my comprehensive ebook, Autoimmune Protocol Makeover. This meticulously crafted guide was specifically designed to simplify and demystify the often-complex Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), providing practical, actionable tools, clear meal plans, and a collection of delicious, healing recipes to wholeheartedly support those embarking on their unique healing journey. It has been an absolute joy to receive heartfelt feedback from countless readers who have found it to be an invaluable, life-changing resource in confidently navigating their health challenges. If you are seeking clear, compassionate guidance and practical support for the AIP, I invite you to explore and find it here!
3. Embarking on an Incredibly Exciting, and Major Project!
Behind the scenes, 2018 also marked the thrilling commencement of a truly significant and ambitious undertaking. I fully immersed myself in an expansive and comprehensive project that has demanded much of my creative energy, dedicated focus, and precious time. While I’m not yet able to unveil all the intricate details, I can unequivocally promise you that it is something exceptionally special, meticulously designed to bring even more profound value and transformative support to your personal wellness journey. You can absolutely expect to hear all about this groundbreaking development in 2019, and I honestly cannot wait for the moment I can finally share this exciting creation with each and every one of you!
Personal Reflections: My Year in Review
Beyond the vibrant landscape of the blog, 2018 also unfolded as a year of profound personal growth and significant, life-altering changes. These experiences deeply shaped both my evolving perspective and the exciting future trajectory of Unbound Wellness, weaving personal insights into our shared wellness mission.
1. My Diagnosis with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
A pivotal personal milestone this past year was receiving a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The decision to share this personal journey publicly was a significant step towards embracing vulnerability and fostering authentic connection within our community. My aim was to actively contribute to destigmatizing crucial mental health discussions within the broader wellness space. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the profound importance of self-compassion, the strength found in resilience, and the undeniable interconnectedness of our mental and physical well-being. I wholeheartedly believe that true, holistic wellness thoughtfully encompasses all aspects of our health, mind, body, and spirit. You can delve deeper into my personal experience and insights in a dedicated, candid blog post available here.
2. An Inspiring Food Photography Workshop in Enchanting Paris!
One of the most magical and enriching experiences of the entire year was undoubtedly attending a specialized food photography workshop in the breathtakingly beautiful city of Paris. It was an incredible, immersive opportunity to meticulously hone my creative skills, learn invaluable techniques from immensely talented artists, and draw boundless inspiration from the very heart of the culinary capital of the world. This transformative experience was far more than just a personal treat; it directly contributes to the visual richness of the blog, enabling me to bring you even more stunning, inviting, and deliciously appealing food photography, making our recipes even more irresistible. Discover all the delightful highlights and inspirations from my Parisian adventure here!
3. Taking the Monumental Leap: Unbound Wellness Officially Became My Full-Time Endeavor!
Perhaps the single most significant professional decision and exhilarating moment of 2018 was making Unbound Wellness my official, full-time commitment! This momentous step was a blend of exhilarating excitement and a healthy dose of daunting anticipation, yet it profoundly symbolizes my complete, unwavering dedication to this vibrant community and our shared mission. Embracing Unbound Wellness as my full-time pursuit means I can now pour even more focused energy, boundless creativity, and dedicated attention into developing innovative new recipes, crafting invaluable resources, and genuinely connecting with each of you on a deeper, more meaningful level. It truly is a dream come true, a reality made possible only by your unwavering and incredible support.
4. A New Chapter Unfolds: My Husband and I Bought a New House!
To beautifully cap off an already eventful and transformative year, my wonderful husband and I proudly closed on a new house just this past week! It’s quite the exhilarating and fitting finisher for an incredible 2018. While we’ll be staying within the same beloved area, this exciting move graciously means more dedicated space for all Unbound Wellness operations – envision a larger, brighter kitchen specifically for extensive recipe testing, and a dedicated, sun-drenched studio perfect for capturing stunning photography. It’s also a deeply significant step as we lovingly look towards potentially growing our family in the future; a beautiful new space where we can truly thrive and create lasting memories. And no, that is absolutely not a pregnancy announcement (not yet, anyway!) 😜, just a joyful and hopeful anticipation of building our future together. I truly trust that God has the perfect timing and plan meticulously laid out for us, and I lovingly place all our future aspirations and dreams into His capable and loving hands.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Prospects for Unbound Wellness in 2019
As we enthusiastically step into 2019, I am absolutely brimming with innovative ideas, boundless energy, and eager anticipation for all the incredible possibilities the new year will undoubtedly bring for our cherished community. Get ready for an abundance of fresh inspiration, exciting innovations, and even more deliciousness to grace your tables and enhance your wellness journey!
1. The Highly Anticipated Unveiling of Our Big Project!
The major, groundbreaking project I’ve been hinting at and diligently working on throughout 2018 will finally come to spectacular fruition in 2019! I have poured my entire heart, soul, and countless hours into bringing this vision to life, and I genuinely believe it will be an absolute game-changer for many of you. It’s something I’ve been incredibly passionate about, driving me forward with unwavering dedication, and I wholeheartedly promise you, it will be truly worth the wait. Keep a close eye on our announcements as we draw closer to the grand launch!
2. More Engaging Recipes and an Exciting Expansion into Recipe Videos!
Once I’ve successfully brought our monumental big project to life and off my plate, my immediate and primary focus will enthusiastically shift back to what so many of you love most: an abundance of new, inspiring recipes! I am deeply committed to developing even more innovative, healthy, and incredibly delicious dishes designed to ignite your culinary creativity and inspire your everyday cooking. Furthermore, I’m thrilled to announce my plans to significantly increase the production of engaging recipe videos. I personally find them immensely helpful for visual learning and boosting cooking confidence, and I genuinely believe they add immense, practical value to our recipe content. The visual, step-by-step guidance provided in videos can truly transform your cooking experience, making even complex dishes approachable.
I’ve also been very seriously contemplating the exciting prospect of launching a dedicated YouTube channel to specifically host these videos and create even more dynamic, engaging visual content. It feels like a completely natural and logical extension of our core mission to make healthy cooking accessible, fun, and empowering for everyone. If a YouTube channel filled with vibrant healthy cooking tutorials, practical wellness insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses sounds like something you’d absolutely love to see and engage with, please, please let me know your thoughts and excitement in the comments below! Your invaluable input is crucial as I meticulously plan for the thrilling future of Unbound Wellness.
3. A Fresh New Look: Unbound Wellness Website Redesign!
Just like a beloved home that occasionally benefits from a refreshing makeover, sometimes a website also yearns for a little sprucing up and modernization! I’m eagerly planning a comprehensive, beautiful website redesign for Unbound Wellness in 2019. The overarching goal is to significantly enhance your user experience, streamline navigation for effortless browsing, and give our cherished digital home a fresh, contemporary aesthetic that is both inviting and intuitive. Once the delightful chaos and excitement from our recent house purchase gracefully settle, I am genuinely hopeful to get the ball rolling on this exciting redesign project to make your time spent on Unbound Wellness even more enjoyable, visually appealing, and wonderfully seamless.
4. Embracing the Unknown with Faith: Whatever God Has in Store!
While I meticulously craft many plans and nurture numerous aspirations for the year ahead, I also hold them with an open heart and a profound spirit of unwavering trust. I do not claim to have every single detail figured out, and I wholeheartedly know that God often delights in surprising us with paths far more wonderful, impactful, and serendipitous than we could ever possibly imagine or plan for ourselves. Just as He has faithfully guided and abundantly blessed Unbound Wellness through every single stage and season of its growth, I deeply trust that His perfect timing and divine plan will beautifully unfold throughout 2019, bringing forth opportunities, connections, and blessings far beyond our wildest expectations. All I can do is continue to trust implicitly, pray fervently, and wholeheartedly commit to serving this incredible community with utmost integrity, passion, and genuine love.
Once again, my most heartfelt and profound thanks go out to each and every one of you for being an integral and cherished part of the Unbound Wellness journey. Your friendship, your unwavering encouragement, your generous support, and the genuine, meaningful connections we’ve built together truly mean the absolute world to me. I am genuinely looking forward to continuing to share, inspire, and grow alongside you throughout the vibrant and promising year of 2019!
As we gracefully close this memorable chapter and enthusiastically open a brand new one, I would absolutely love to hear from you: What were some of your personal favorites from the delicious recipes we shared in 2018? And what are you most eagerly looking forward to for yourself and for the future of Unbound Wellness in 2019? Please share your thoughtful reflections, exciting aspirations, and heartfelt desires in the comments below!
Do you have any specific requests for recipes, topics, or content you’d absolutely love to see covered on Unbound Wellness in 2019? Your valuable ideas and insightful feedback truly help shape our future content! I would be so incredibly grateful if you took just a few moments to share your valuable insights in my reader survey here!!