Posts tagged "diet"

YUM YUM!!! Pine Nut Tartlet with Basil and Sweet Tomatoes

I got this recipe from renowned raw food chef, Matthew Kenney’s book, Entertaining in the Raw. If you are interested in more raw food info, you can follow his cafe and raw food academy’s twitter
 This was recipe book is amazing! It is filled with recipes that are perfect for entertaining! Here is how to make this yummy little dish! 

Tart Shells
1 cup pine nuts (crumb form)
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutitional yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons water
Creme Fraiche (the filling inside the crust!)
1.5 cups cashews (soaked 1-2 hours)
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
1/4 cup fresh basil
Tomatoes
1 pint baby heirloom tomatoes (halved)… I got an amazing homegrown batch at the farmer’s market- if they are not in season you can always replace them with a veggie that is!
3 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of salt
Garnish
Micro basil sprigs

Step by Step:
Tart Shells
Place all ingredients in bowl and combine with hands. Use fingers to press into plastic-lined individual tart shells. 3.5 inch-4 inch in diameter. w/ removable bottoms. Dehydrate over night. Carefully remove crusts from shells, place back in dehydrator and dehydrate until slightly crisp. (you can also do this with the oven on as low as it will go. )

Creme Fraiche (the filling)
Blend all ingredients in a Vita-Mix until smooth and creamy store in fridge until firm. 

Tomatoes
Toss the halved tomatoes in the olive oil and salt
Assembly
Place the tart shells on plate and fill with creme fraiche. Top with baby tomatoes and garnish with basil. 

Serves 4-6

I would love to hear if you guys have made this or something like it! Esp. if you have any relevant substitutions/tips or pointers!!

YUM YUM!!! Pine Nut Tartlet with Basil and Sweet Tomatoes

I got this recipe from renowned raw food chef, Matthew Kenney’s book, Entertaining in the Raw. If you are interested in more raw food info, you can follow his cafe and raw food academy’s twitter

 This was recipe book is amazing! It is filled with recipes that are perfect for entertaining! Here is how to make this yummy little dish! 

Tart Shells

1 cup pine nuts (crumb form)

1/4 cup almond flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutitional yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons water

Creme Fraiche (the filling inside the crust!)

1.5 cups cashews (soaked 1-2 hours)

1/2 cup water

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

1/4 cup fresh basil

Tomatoes

1 pint baby heirloom tomatoes (halved)… I got an amazing homegrown batch at the farmer’s market- if they are not in season you can always replace them with a veggie that is!

3 tablespoons olive oil

Pinch of salt

Garnish

Micro basil sprigs

Step by Step:

Tart Shells

Place all ingredients in bowl and combine with hands. Use fingers to press into plastic-lined individual tart shells. 3.5 inch-4 inch in diameter. w/ removable bottoms. Dehydrate over night. Carefully remove crusts from shells, place back in dehydrator and dehydrate until slightly crisp. (you can also do this with the oven on as low as it will go. )

Creme Fraiche (the filling)

Blend all ingredients in a Vita-Mix until smooth and creamy store in fridge until firm. 

Tomatoes

Toss the halved tomatoes in the olive oil and salt

Assembly

Place the tart shells on plate and fill with creme fraiche. Top with baby tomatoes and garnish with basil. 

Serves 4-6

I would love to hear if you guys have made this or something like it! Esp. if you have any relevant substitutions/tips or pointers!!


This video chronicles the day my juicer broke and then fixed itself and all of the vegetables that gave their shelf life to my green juice. 


Juice It Up!!!!!

Spring is here in Oklahoma! To accompany this sunny weather try this light detoxifying juice! This is one of my favorite juice recipes that I have come up with- It makes a beautiful creamy pastel orange color and the taste is light, spicy and sweet. 

  • 2.5  Granny Smith Apples
  • 4 inch piece of Ginger (Less if you want it less spicy)
  • 2 Golden Beets (I trimmed the leaves, but if they are in good shape, juice the stalk and everything) Rule of Thumb: Don’t drink beet juice on its own, it is very harsh on your throat and will make it scratchy and irritated.
  • 3 inches of Organic Carrot
  • 1 Organic Yam
  • 4 inches Organic Cucumber

Don’t let this combination of fruits and veggies freak you out, the juice is sweet and palatable with a crisp zing of ginger. 

Why Juice These Veggies? (a brief explanation)

Apples: High in antioxidants and also provides energy for the body. Low in Calories. 

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, ginger has been linked to slowing the growth of cancer cells and lowering cholesterol. 

Golden Beets: Unique source of phytonutrients called Betalains. These have been found to lessen tumor cell growth. High in Folate and beets are a great internal organ detoxifier. 

Carrots: High in Beta Carotene and Vitamin A. The Beta Carotene maintains the epithelial tissue (surrounds internal organs) which makes the organs far less susceptible to cancer growth. 

Yams: High in Beta Carotene and and B6, which breaks down Homocystein, (damages blood vessel walls). High in Potassium, great source of Manganese which helps with carb metabolism and also increases energy. Also great thing to eat for PMS. 

Cucumber: High in Antioxidants and Vitamin C- Great for treating acne, sunburns and puffiness/swelling. Has high Silicon and Sulfur which promote hair growth! Great for weight loss as it provides electrolytes and restores hydration in the body. 

Enjoy!


Mid-Morning Snack- Oranges Dusted with Cayenne
Today I am snacking on oranges with a little extra kick… Cayenne! Sometimes getting creative can make an old snack, new again!
What are some fun things that you add to your fave fruits and veggies? Share!

Mid-Morning Snack- Oranges Dusted with Cayenne

Today I am snacking on oranges with a little extra kick… Cayenne! Sometimes getting creative can make an old snack, new again!

What are some fun things that you add to your fave fruits and veggies? Share!


WHAT DOES THE STICKER ON YOUR PRODUCE MEAN? Those little stickers are the gateway to finding out exactly WHAT you’re eating. Check it out! 
If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8″, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9″, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011
Info quoted from this awesome article written by Dr. Frank Lipman

WHAT DOES THE STICKER ON YOUR PRODUCE MEAN? Those little stickers are the gateway to finding out exactly WHAT you’re eating. Check it out! 

  • If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
  • If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8″, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is possible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
  • If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9″, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011

Info quoted from this awesome article written by Dr. Frank Lipman


EAT THIS-Rainbow Chard Wraps!!!!!!

When my food is colorful I feel happy- 

What you need:

  • 1/2 White Onion
  • 3 Inches Ginger
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
  • 5 Organic Carrots
  • 1 Bunch (4-5 Leaves) Rainbow Chard
  • 1 Avocado
  • Seasalt (to taste)
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Tumeric
  • 3-4 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Marmalade
  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Make it Happen-

  1. Heat Olive Oil in Wok or skillet
  2. Mince Onion,Ginger and Garlic (add to skillet: simmer medium heat 4 minutes)
  3. Shred Carrots and chop the stems off of the Rainbow Chard.
  4. Add Carrots & chopped up Rainbow Chard to Skillet
  5. Add Seasonings and Marmelade: Simmer Low heat 5 minutes
  6. (Optional: add chopped Cashews, Sesame Seeds or Chia Seeds and toss)
  7. Slice Avocado and place in bowl 
  8. Rinse Rainbow Chard Leaves and place on a plate.

Pile the sweet and spicy Carrot/Chard mixture on the Rainbow Chard leaf, top with fresh avocado, roll it up and CHOMP!!!!!!

This is one of my favorite things, it’s fast, easy, healthy, detoxifying and PRETTY!! 


My Favorite Way to Eat an Egg-
First, let me tell you about the BEST GLUTEN FREE BREAD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!
Food for Life, seriously makes the most delicious GF bread in the world, it tastes better than gluten breads! I would choose this bread over any bread in the world. I love the Brown Rice variation, however, I have also had the White Rice variation and it was delicious as well!
2nd- When I eat eggs, I prefer to eat local farm fresh eggs. Here in Oklahoma, we have easy access to the tastiest eggs in the world! Support our local farmers and eat local!
*Dash of Tumeric, Ground Cayenne Pepper Mixture, Red Pepper Flakes, Crushed Black Pepper and a dash of Sea Salt, cooked to perfection in a skillet. BEST MORNING EVER-
It is SO, SO Good! What’s your favorite way to eat an egg?

My Favorite Way to Eat an Egg-

First, let me tell you about the BEST GLUTEN FREE BREAD I HAVE EVER TASTED!!!!!

Food for Life, seriously makes the most delicious GF bread in the world, it tastes better than gluten breads! I would choose this bread over any bread in the world. I love the Brown Rice variation, however, I have also had the White Rice variation and it was delicious as well!

2nd- When I eat eggs, I prefer to eat local farm fresh eggs. Here in Oklahoma, we have easy access to the tastiest eggs in the world! Support our local farmers and eat local!

*Dash of Tumeric, Ground Cayenne Pepper Mixture, Red Pepper Flakes, Crushed Black Pepper and a dash of Sea Salt, cooked to perfection in a skillet. BEST MORNING EVER-

It is SO, SO Good! What’s your favorite way to eat an egg?


HOMEMADE GINGERALE!!


Your Handbook to the Healing Herbs!

Your Pocketbook Guide to Basic Veggie Benefits! One of the Swamis that I studied under in India is always sharing interesting little tidbits on benefits of the vegetarian diet. 

This is a graphic he shared that I thought I would share with you- it’s concise and simple- check it out!

Your Pocketbook Guide to Basic Veggie Benefits! One of the Swamis that I studied under in India is always sharing interesting little tidbits on benefits of the vegetarian diet. 

This is a graphic he shared that I thought I would share with you- it’s concise and simple- check it out!


WHY YES, I LIKE EGG WITH MY CHIA SEEDS. yummmmmmm! 
try it out: add Chia Seeds to the top of your egg right after you crack it in the skillet, cook as usual and then enjoy something crunchy and amazing. Buddha even raises the roof to an egg as tasty as this one. (and yes that is my fave bread in the world… gluten-free Brown Rice Bread made by Food For Life!!!!)

WHY YES, I LIKE EGG WITH MY CHIA SEEDS. yummmmmmm! 

try it out: add Chia Seeds to the top of your egg right after you crack it in the skillet, cook as usual and then enjoy something crunchy and amazing. Buddha even raises the roof to an egg as tasty as this one. (and yes that is my fave bread in the world… gluten-free Brown Rice Bread made by Food For Life!!!!)


Turkey Marinated in MRSA, Pregnancy Hormones in a Can…and We Thought Pink Slime Was the Worst of it!
The 9 NASTIEST THINGS FOUND IN YOUR GROCERY STORE FOOD- 
Thanks to Rodale,I found this write up on the 9 most disgusting things in grocery store food and I wanted to share it with you- You can find all 9 items and the details here- (this includes lettuce covered in rocket fuel, vet meds in beef and other SICK things!)
Did you know?

Pregnancy Hormones in a Can


The Gross Factor: Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that acts like the hormone estrogen in your body, is used to create the epoxy linings of canned food. What food processors don’t tell you is that the chemical was created over 70 years ago as a drug that was intended to promote healthy pregnancies. Though it was never used as a drug, the food industry saw no problem adding this pregnancy drug to a wide range of products, including canned food linings and plastic food containers. “Low levels of BPA exposure has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including abnormal development of reproductive organs, behavior problems in children, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic changes that result in altered insulin levels, which leads to diabetes,” says Sarah Janssen, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And its use in canned food is the number one reason why 90 percent of Americans have it in their bodies. 

Turkey Marinated in MRSA, Pregnancy Hormones in a Can…and We Thought Pink Slime Was the Worst of it!

The 9 NASTIEST THINGS FOUND IN YOUR GROCERY STORE FOOD- 

Thanks to Rodale,I found this write up on the 9 most disgusting things in grocery store food and I wanted to share it with you- You can find all 9 items and the details here- (this includes lettuce covered in rocket fuel, vet meds in beef and other SICK things!)

Did you know?

Pregnancy Hormones in a Can

The Gross Factor: Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that acts like the hormone estrogen in your body, is used to create the epoxy linings of canned food. What food processors don’t tell you is that the chemical was created over 70 years ago as a drug that was intended to promote healthy pregnancies. Though it was never used as a drug, the food industry saw no problem adding this pregnancy drug to a wide range of products, including canned food linings and plastic food containers. “Low levels of BPA exposure has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including abnormal development of reproductive organs, behavior problems in children, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic changes that result in altered insulin levels, which leads to diabetes,” says Sarah Janssen, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And its use in canned food is the number one reason why 90 percent of Americans have it in their bodies. 


Lately, I have been craving ice cold smoothies. With the temps over 100 degrees, I NEED SOMETHING COLD AND DELICIOUS TO DRINK!!!!!! You can add one or all of these ingredients to your fave smoothie to give it an extra healthy kick! Great way to get good things into your diet! Your skin, hair and energy levels will thank you!

Pardon the lack of posting I have just been paddle boarding, sweating and eating great things! (like the smoothie pictured that I just drank!)
I like this smoothie because it is light but still creamy and just the right amount of sweet and spicy.  Spice up your average smoothie with some of these fun super foods and ingredients. 
Superfood Smoothie: 2 servings
2 Frozen Bananas- High in Fiber & Potassium
1 cup Frozen Spinach- High in Flavanoids (cancer preventative), Fiber, great for skin as it is high vitamin A, moisture retention, high in Vitamin K which equals healthy nervous system. (fun tip: you don’t taste spinach at all when juiced or added into a smoothie with other ingredients!) 
3/4 cup Frozen Blueberries- Super! super! High in Antioxies, the Anthocyanin neutralizes free radicals in system. 
2 tablespoons Goji Berries-The anti-aging super food!!!!! Contains Polysaccharides (stimulates Human Growth Hormone, which controls the aging control system in our body) Also has a high ORAC Value which prevents oxidation which preserve the cells in the body. Tip: OKC FRIENDS: These are generally pretty expensive but the Asian Market (with the palm trees) sells bags of these near the registers for like 3 dollars!
1.5 tablespoons Spirulina Powder- This is an Algae Superfood! High in protein, and  omegas. Offers the 2nd highest concentration behinds mother’s milk of the Omega 6 Fatty Acid which = healthy skin and hair, alkalizing! , and so many other amazing things!
2 small Thai Chilis (if sensitive to spicy, start with one)- Anti-inflammatory, great for circulation and digestion. 
2 tablespoons Chia Seeds- great hydrator, high in Omegas, high in essential nutrients and an energizer!
Rice Milk (creamier) as needed or Coconut Water (lighter taste and Potassium and Electrolyte replenisher)

CHEERS! 

Lately, I have been craving ice cold smoothies. With the temps over 100 degrees, I NEED SOMETHING COLD AND DELICIOUS TO DRINK!!!!!! You can add one or all of these ingredients to your fave smoothie to give it an extra healthy kick! Great way to get good things into your diet! Your skin, hair and energy levels will thank you!


Pardon the lack of posting I have just been paddle boarding, sweating and eating great things! (like the smoothie pictured that I just drank!)

I like this smoothie because it is light but still creamy and just the right amount of sweet and spicy.  Spice up your average smoothie with some of these fun super foods and ingredients. 

Superfood Smoothie: 2 servings

2 Frozen Bananas- High in Fiber & Potassium

1 cup Frozen Spinach- High in Flavanoids (cancer preventative), Fiber, great for skin as it is high vitamin A, moisture retention, high in Vitamin K which equals healthy nervous system. (fun tip: you don’t taste spinach at all when juiced or added into a smoothie with other ingredients!) 

3/4 cup Frozen Blueberries- Super! super! High in Antioxies, the Anthocyanin neutralizes free radicals in system

2 tablespoons Goji Berries-The anti-aging super food!!!!! Contains Polysaccharides (stimulates Human Growth Hormone, which controls the aging control system in our body) Also has a high ORAC Value which prevents oxidation which preserve the cells in the body. Tip: OKC FRIENDS: These are generally pretty expensive but the Asian Market (with the palm trees) sells bags of these near the registers for like 3 dollars!

1.5 tablespoons Spirulina Powder- This is an Algae Superfood! High in protein, and  omegas. Offers the 2nd highest concentration behinds mother’s milk of the Omega 6 Fatty Acid which = healthy skin and hair, alkalizing! , and so many other amazing things!

2 small Thai Chilis (if sensitive to spicy, start with one)- Anti-inflammatory, great for circulation and digestion. 

2 tablespoons Chia Seeds- great hydrator, high in Omegas, high in essential nutrients and an energizer!

Rice Milk (creamier) as needed or Coconut Water (lighter taste and Potassium and Electrolyte replenisher)


CHEERS! 



Quinoa, An Open Love Letter to the Perfect Food-

Dear, Quinoa you are one of my favorite things to use as a base for tons of dishes. From Thai food to fruit salads you are versatile, tasty and perfect. But seriously, here are the facts on this awesome food.
Did you know that the NASA Astronauts eat this grain on their long space flights because it is such a well rounded food!  
The taste of Quinoa is really versatile, think kinda rice-ish, sorta nutty and the texture is a little beady and soft when cooked to perfection. 
4 Reasons You Need it:
High in PROTEIN! After making the leap to vegan-hood, I found myself needing protein in a serious way! Quinoa is a complete protein source, has 19 amino acids and a serving provides up to 17% of the daily requirement!
Migraine Protection- The high contents of Magnesium and Riboflavin in Quinoa, help to prevent the constriction of blood vessels. These also promote energy, brain and muscle cell metabolism. 
Detoxifier- “This seed-like grain has prebiotic properties, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Since it is easily digested, your body can readily access the vitamins and minerals it contains. Quinoa also provides a good source of insoluble fiber, promoting healthy elimination processes, helping maintain colon health and preventing the formation of gallstones. The folate and vitamin B in quinoa also boost the liver’s ability to eliminating toxins from the body.” Source
Antioxidant Rich- “Quinoa also offers nearly half the daily minimum requirement for manganese and is a good source of copper and zinc. These minerals are necessary to the synthesis of the superoxide dismutase (S.O.D.) enzyme, an important antioxidant. The S.O.D. enzyme eliminates free radicals which can cause oxidation damage in the body. It not only slows the effects of aging, but may help eliminate cancer cells.” Source
How to Cook it: 
Rinse the Quinoa before cooking for five minutes in a strainer.
Add 1 cup Quinoa to 2 cups water ratio to pot,
Bring to boil, lower heat and let simmer 14 minutes or until tender and grain has split open.


Enjoy it:

Trying using Quinoa as a base for a fruit salad- Add Quinoa, Apples, Blueberries and Strawberries to the mix, squeeze fresh lime over the dish and sweeten the dish to taste with agave. (one of my faves)


Mix Quinoa with your fave stir fry, stuffed peppers etc!
Use Quinoa in replacement of your hot oatmeal in the mornings.  (So good!)

Quinoa, An Open Love Letter to the Perfect Food-


Dear, Quinoa you are one of my favorite things to use as a base for tons of dishes. From Thai food to fruit salads you are versatile, tasty and perfect. But seriously, here are the facts on this awesome food.

Did you know that the NASA Astronauts eat this grain on their long space flights because it is such a well rounded food!  

The taste of Quinoa is really versatile, think kinda rice-ish, sorta nutty and the texture is a little beady and soft when cooked to perfection. 

4 Reasons You Need it:

  • High in PROTEIN! After making the leap to vegan-hood, I found myself needing protein in a serious way! Quinoa is a complete protein source, has 19 amino acids and a serving provides up to 17% of the daily requirement!
  • Migraine Protection- The high contents of Magnesium and Riboflavin in Quinoa, help to prevent the constriction of blood vessels. These also promote energy, brain and muscle cell metabolism. 
  • Detoxifier- “This seed-like grain has prebiotic properties, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Since it is easily digested, your body can readily access the vitamins and minerals it contains. Quinoa also provides a good source of insoluble fiber, promoting healthy elimination processes, helping maintain colon health and preventing the formation of gallstones. The folate and vitamin B in quinoa also boost the liver’s ability to eliminating toxins from the body.” Source
  • Antioxidant Rich- “Quinoa also offers nearly half the daily minimum requirement for manganese and is a good source of copper and zinc. These minerals are necessary to the synthesis of the superoxide dismutase (S.O.D.) enzyme, an important antioxidant. The S.O.D. enzyme eliminates free radicals which can cause oxidation damage in the body. It not only slows the effects of aging, but may help eliminate cancer cells.” Source

How to Cook it:

Rinse the Quinoa before cooking for five minutes in a strainer.

Add 1 cup Quinoa to 2 cups water ratio to pot,

Bring to boil, lower heat and let simmer 14 minutes or until tender and grain has split open.


Enjoy it:

  • Trying using Quinoa as a base for a fruit salad- Add Quinoa, Apples, Blueberries and Strawberries to the mix, squeeze fresh lime over the dish and sweeten the dish to taste with agave. (one of my faves)

  • Mix Quinoa with your fave stir fry, stuffed peppers etc!
  • Use Quinoa in replacement of your hot oatmeal in the mornings.  (So good!)




Headstand it up!

Do you want to know how to build the strength and balance for headstand? This video will show you how to kick Headstand’s asana! *Did you know that headstand actually massages your pituitary gland in the brain? It’s great to help regulate hormones!



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