Immune Booster Smoothie

2 cups filtered water
2 whole apples, washed and chopped coarsely
2 cups fresh kale, washed and packed
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons raw honey
1 teaspoon ginger,pureed
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne

Blend until smooth in a high-speed blender.

Kale: contains beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium and fiber. A sulfur-containing phytonutrient in kale called sulforaphane is believed to have powerful anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial properties and is released when the leaves are chopped or chewed (or blended in a green smoothie!)
Kale also contains powerful antioxidants that help protect against certain cancers such as ovarian cancer. Kale is an excellent green to use for detox smoothies as it has cleansing properties. The nutrients in kale help protect against cataracts while promoting healthy lungs, cardiovascular health and boosts the immune system. Kale has anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon: strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers. Lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances–notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene–that promote immunity and fight infection.

Raw Honey: contains healthful minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and enzymes. Honey is an antiseptic, antibiotic, & antibacterial, & it never spoils. It is also used for digestive disturbances.

Ginger: relieves nausea & indigestion

Cayenne: revitalizes the respiratory system

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Super-Power Granola Squares

I discovered this recipe in the ‘Eco Parent’ magazine. They are so incredibly nutrient dense and taste amazzing!!!! Make a double batch and put them in your freezer so you have snacks at work or for the kids for the next few weeks 🙂

The raw cacao contains a rich supply of beta-carotene, zinc and an incredible rich supply of magnesium.

Goji berries are packed with essential amino acids, rich in vitamin A and C. Goji berries also possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, B2, vitamin E as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

Chia seeds provide calcium and protein to your tissues.  The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium. The nutrients also support proper brain functioning. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids.

Hemp is a high protein seed containing all nine of the essential amino acids (like flax). It also has high amounts of fatty acids and fiber as well as containing vitamin E and trace minerals. It has a balanced ratio of omega 3 to 6 fats. Also, the protein content of the hemp seed is very digestible. 

Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins, including vitamin B1 and B5, vitamin E and folate. They also provide a healthy dose of copper, magnesium, selenium and phosphorous–important minerals. The fats present in sunflower seeds are also good quality, heart healthy fats that can help increase “good” cholesterol and protect the heart and cardiovascular system.

Coconut oil is the best food source of lauric acid, second only to mother’s milk! Lauric acid has many wonderful properties, among them anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions. Fats in coconut oil also enhance immune system function and help balance and normalize body lipids. Coconut oil contains health-building medium chain fatty acids. Coconut oil increases the body’s metabolism and therefore causes your body to burn more energy (fat) and gives you more energy to do the things you want to do!

These treats are also nut-free ( coconut is not a nut, but a tree fruit)!

Ingredients:

2 cups oats

1 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) 

1/4 hemp hearts

1/4 chia seeds

1/2 cup ground flax seeds

1/3 cup coconut oil

2/3 cup maple syrup ( or agave syrup)

1/4 cup coconut sugar ( or brown sugar)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup goji berries ( or cranberries)

1/2 cup cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×12 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Toss the oats, sunflower seeds and coconut in a bowl and spread out on a dry sheet pan and toast for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly brown.

3. In a small pot, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and salt on medium heat until it boils.  Stir for one minute and take off heat. Add vanilla and toss over oat mixture, adding all the rest of the ingredients, and combine well.

4. Pour mixture into parchment paper lined baking pan.

5. Bake at 300 degrees F for about 20 minutes until golden.

6. Let cool in pan before cutting in squares. 

 

Servings: 30 squares. 

 

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Taco Night!

Tacos are quick, nutritious & you can get creative!

I warmed up organic corn tortillas & organic re-fried black beans. In a small saucepan sautéed garlic, kale, red cabbage & dulse flakes in coconut oil. In another pan or oven roast walnuts.

To assemble:

Place tortilla on plate.
Spread on re- fried beans .
Sprinkle cheese , kale & cabbage mixture, salsa , avocado & finish off with roasted walnuts & chopped green onions … Sooo yummy!!

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Arugula – Hemp Pesto with Roast Veggies, Feta & Sea Asparagus

This is a nutrient dense pasta dish, bursting with flavor!

For the pesto, I filled half my VITAMIX blender with arugula from my friend Barb’s garden, the other half with organic basil, 1 cup hemp hearts, about 5 fresh garlic cloves, salt & pepper, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, pinch of dulse flakes then added enough olive oil to blend the ingredients smooth or to your desired consistency.

Next, roast a large dish of mixed veggies. I chose fennel, zucchini , mixed sweet peppers, tomatoes, & eggplant & chopped fresh herbs.

While veggies are roasting, cook whole grain pasta ( I used kamut ancient grain).

I was fortunate to have some Sunshine Coast harvested sea asparagus by my dear friend Katie, which I blanched for 5 minutes then rinsed in cold water.

Once everything is prepared, toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Finish off by crumbling feta cheese on top & a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Make a big portion so you have for lunch the next day!

Enjoy!

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Vegan Creamy Broccoli Soup

This puréed soup gets its creamy texture from the addition of potato, not cream or butter. It’s QUICK & EASY to prepare as well as very nutritious.

Ingredients:

2 large potatoes, cubed

4 cups water

3 bunches of broccoli

1 big handful fresh parsley

1 Tbsp miso paste

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp dulse flakes ( if you have )

1 tsp thyme

salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Place cubed potatoes & water in soup pot. 

While potatoes are boiling, remove and discard tough lower stalk of each broccoli. Peel remaining stalk. Chop stalks & florets.

When potatoes are tender, take pot off heat & add broccoli, stalks and all. Put lid on & let steam a few minutes until broccoli is  bright green.

Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

Serve hot with crusty bread. 

*Optional: grate parmesan cheese on top.

Broccoli contains abundant pantothenic acids & vitamin A, which benefit rough skin; has more vitamin C than citrus: a high natural source of sulfur, iron & B vitamins.  If lightly cooked, broccoli will retain its rich chlorophyll content, which will counteract gas formation resulting from its sulfur.

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Penny Frances Natural Beauty Potions

As much as we care about what goes inside our bodies for vitality we should also be conscious to what we are putting ON our bodies, as we absorb the items ingredients. The skin, the body’s largest organ, is the most typical absorption point of everyday toxins. Up to 60 percent of certain ingredients in body products, such as lotions, creams and bubble baths, will absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. Then the chemicals will accumulate in target organs, or are metabolized through the system, in some instances over a period of years.

My dear friend, Saz Dee Craig, makes amazing natural body products by hand, with love, out of her home in Kitsilano, Vancouver. I swear by her facial serum with organic plant, nut and seed oils. The custom serum I use EVERYDAY is the ‘Geranium Regenerating Serum’. It is made from a combination of vegetal oils. The ingredients are: organic oils of- Chilean hazelnut oil, Rosehip seed oil, Ricebran, Vanilla infused hemp, Rose petal infused avocado oil, Evening primrose and Essential oils of Geranium, Rose Geranium, Chamomile, Rose absolute and Vanilla. The benefit of this serum is that is has the highest possible percentage of GLA, an essential fatty acid in collagen synthesis, which makes the skin firmer while the rose and chamomile calm and relax your soul. Other serums she makes are Watermelon facial oil, Neroli toning serum, Manuka serum, Chamomile serum & Rose pomegranate. Most of her facial serums are custom made depending on clients skin.

She also makes organic virgin coconut cream oil & rose body butter, ( other scents as well), organic virgin coconut sugar or salt body scrubs, lip balms, facial mists, facial masks, hair conditioners…SO many sweet natural beauty products! You can buy her products out of her bohemian home, which is part of the experience! Contact her on Facebook: Saz Dee Craig or email rustycutie@hotmail.com. They are awesome gifts & she can ship to you if you don’t live in Vancouver 🙂

Support local artisans & at the same time feed your body & soul the BEST ingredients!

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Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crunch

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A Light Summer Meal…

This was so satisfying! I tossed new & sweet potatoes with fresh garlic, chili flakes & olive oil then roasted them in the oven until golden & crispy. In another pan, I grilled eggplant & zucchini. I made a platter with the roasted veggies, sliced baby cucumber , cherry tomatoes, snap peas, a big dallop of hommus, crumbled feta cheese & fresh olives. Cracked some Himalayan rock salt & fresh pepper over everything & voila! You can also add whole wheat pita or Persian flat bread.

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Dehydrated Seed Granola With Goji Berries

Another Maui inspiration! This is a great breakfast booster or snack. Soak desired amount of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black sesame seeds, quinoa, & buckwheat in a sprouting jar ( or, you can use a jar with a mesh lid secured by an elastic band) for 6-8 hours. Rinse, then drain upside down & sprout 1-2 days. Spread contents out on a baking dish or pan. Drizzle agave or maple syrup to taste. Sprinkle powdered cardamom, ginger & cinnamon on top. Mix thoroughly. If you don’t have a dehydrator you can use your oven, that’s what I did. To retain the vital nutrients in the sprouted seeds, you want to keep the heat as low as your oven will go. I have a ‘warm’ option on my stove which was 170 F. I dehydrated my seeds on that temperature for 4-5 hours, stirring after each hour, until dried. When seeds are dehydrated, add goji berries & store in a jar. Enjoy this nutrient rich granola on top of yoghurt or with your favorite milk or just grab a handful for a snack!

An interesting fact is that despite its name, buckwheat is not a wheat, nor is it even in the wheat family. Buckwheat is actually related to the rhubarb family! Containing 8 essential amino acids, including high amounts of tryptophan, buckwheat is considered a good-quality protein source. Since tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin (serotonin is formed from tryptophan), having a good source of tryptophan in your diet is important to help enhance your mood & mental clarity. Buckwheat is also very high in manganese & high in vitamins B & E; it also provides calcium.

Quinoa consists of about 20 % protein; it is high in lysine & a good source of iron & potassium. High levels of B vitamins are also found in quinoa.

Goji berries are packed with essential amino acids & rich in vitamin A & C. Goji berries have over 20 trace minerals & vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, B2, vitamin E, as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

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Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

I looove pumpkin pie but can rarely find a vegan one, this pancake recipe satisfied my pumpkin spice craving! I used canned organic pumpkin purée & my own homemade hemp milk. I served them by melting on coconut oil instead of butter & drizzled on agave syrup. I’m sure maple syrup would be AMAZZZING I just didn’t have any in my cupboard 🙂

Pumpkin Pancakes

3/4c pumpkin purée
2 tbspn coconut oil
3/4 almond or hemp milk
1/2c water
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp agave syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 c wholewheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon & Ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves

Directions:

Combine wet & dry ingredients in separate bowls then stir together until lump free. Heat skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a few flecks of water onto your pan. If it ‘dances’, or jumps from the pan with a sizzle, the pan is ready for the batter. Pour about 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup batter from the tip of a large spoon onto the hot griddle(Or your greased frying pan). The amount you pour will decide the final size of your pancakes. It is best to begin with less batter, and then slowly pour more batter onto the pan to increase the pancake size. Cook for about two minutes or until the pancake is golden. You should see bubbles form and then pop around the edges. When the bubbles at the edge of the batter pop and a hole is left that does not immediately close up, flip the cake gently. Cook the other side until golden and remove. If you want a deeper colour, repeat the steps for another thirty seconds per side until the pancake is done enough for your tastes. Enjoy!

According to ‘Healing with Whole Foods’ by Paul Pitchford, which is based on Oriental traditions & modern nutrition, pumpkin is cooling in thermal nature; sweet & slightly bitter flavor. It is said to relieve damp conditions including dysentery, eczema, & edema; helps regulate blood sugar balance & benefits the pancreas- used for diabetes & hypoglycemia. Promotes discharge of mucus from lungs, bronchi, & throat; regular use has been shown to benefit bronchial asthma. Cooked pumpkin destroys intestinal worms, but not as effectively as pumpkin seeds. So go get your pumpkin pancakes on!

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