When most folks think of Labor Day, they think of smoky grills, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and maybe a big scoop of potato salad. Our day? Well, it looked a little different from start to finish — and we loved it.

We started the day with a carrot, beet, lemon, and ginger smoothie.

It was pretty in color, earthy, energizing, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants to get us moving.

Dinner was eggplant parmigiana, green beans with mushrooms, and ciabatta bread dipped in olive oil & fresh garlic.
No burgers, no barbecue ribs, no traditional cookout plates. Just a meal full of fiber, heart-healthy fats, and flavor.

We wrapped the day with sweet peach halves.

Why We’re Mixing Things Up

We’re not vegetarians, but we’re being intentional. For Kirsten, these changes are about more than taste — they’re about health. She's been managing high cholesterol and some arterial build-up, which is partly hereditary and partly tied to her thyroidectomy. When her thyroid meds need adjusting, her cholesterol numbers can climb.

So for us, holidays like Labor Day are the perfect chance to rewrite tradition. Instead of leaning into heavy foods, we leaned into delicious foods that give us energy and protect our health.

Now, we are not saying we won't enjoy a great meal of ribs, potato salad and mac n cheese from time to time what we are saying as those meals will be a treat from time to time.

A New Kind of Tradition

Eggplant and olive oil might not be the Labor Day staples you grew up with, but they’re doing double duty — satisfying our cravings while supporting heart health. And those peach halves? Proof that dessert can be fresh, light, and guilt-free.

As we continue to live active, vibrant lives of a certain age, our focus is on creating traditions that feel good now and later. It’s not about giving up—it’s about gaining energy, balance, and longevity.

So here’s to smoothies, veggie-forward plates, and peachy endings. A very different kind of Labor Day, but one that left us feeling grateful, nourished, and ready for the next adventure.

Thank you for visiting our blog today. We invite you to join us in our mission to live a life filled with good health, movement and adventure.

Kirsten & Mack

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