Fire cider (not to be confused with hard cider) is a folk remedy used to help boost the body’s immune system, clear congestion, ward off bacterial and viral infections, and aid in digestion. Not only does it pack a potent punch, but it is also warming (which is perfect for cloudy days like today). Fire cider can be described as simultaneously spicy, sour, and sweet and is good for sipping or used in cooking. Because this recipe has to sit for one month to reach its full potency, we make a batch prior to the cold and flu season and store it in the refrigerator until it is needed. The recipe below is from Mountain Rose Herbs, and is my family’s go-to remedy any time we feel like we’re coming down with a cold or the flu. [Read more…]
Archives for September 2017
Berry Fresh
We eat a lot of fresh produce in our house, but unfortunately, berries have always been a challenge for us to keep fresh. That being said, I’m willing to bet we’re not the ONLY ones who have experienced the following scenario:
You’re at the grocery store picking out fresh berries. You double check that there are no visible signs of mold or bacterial growth. Thinking you’ve found the IDEAL container of berries you buy them and revel with joy knowing you’ve made the perfect purchase. You go home and place the berries directly into the refrigerator for safe keeping. The next day you open the refrigerator to enjoy some fre…..What the heck?!?…..Despite your best efforts, the berries are covered in (queue dramatic sound effect)…..Dun Dun Duuuuuuun…..fuzz.
Thankfully, this scenario is a thing of the past. I’ve recently learned how to prolong the life of my beloved produce and couldn’t be happier with the results. Berries now last a week or longer in our refrigerator, which means less fruit in the trash and more in our bellies! [Read more…]
Apple Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 2-3 tablespoons raw nut butter of choice (almond, peanut, etc)
- 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or other nondairy milk alternative)
- Toppings: choose 3-4 of the following – pomegranate, goji berries, chia seeds, chopped nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, unsweetened dried coconut, or my caramel recipe 😀
Health = Nutrients / Calories
Dr. Joel Fuhrman (President of the Nutritional Research Foundation, frequent guest on the Dr. Oz Show, and former competitive figure skater) coined the Health Equation: Health = Nutrients / Calories, abbreviated as H = N/C. Some of you might be wondering “How is this equation relevant to me and my health?” That’s a good question, I’m glad you asked! It means you should eat a high ratio of noncaloric nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc) per calorie (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) consumed. Let’s look at 2 caramel recipes (a traditional recipe and an alternative recipe that is equally delicious, but offers more nutrients) to demonstrate how the Health Equation can be applied in your life. [Read more…]
Let’s Taco Bout Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 Green Apple
- 1-2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Brown Rice Tortilla
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon Butter (or Coconut Oil)
- Honey
Ch-Ch-Ch Chia (seed pudding)!
Recently I’ve been on a ch-ch-ch chia seed pudding kick (you’re welcome for the flashback reference to the popular 1970’s chia pet). Chia pudding is great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. It not only tastes good, but it takes 5 minutes to make and best of all, it’s packed with nutrition. A quick look at nutritiondata.self.com shows that 1 ounce of chia seeds (equivalent of 2 Tablespoons) has 4 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrate (11 of which are from dietary fiber), and 9 grams of fat. Additional beneficial properties of chia seeds include:
- They have all the necessary amino acids to be considered a complete protein
- They have a low glycemic index which helps provide energy over a longer time period
- They have both soluble and insoluble fiber which acts as a prebiotic for the friendly bacteria in your digestive system as well as cleans the digestive tract
- They are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help to decrease blood triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and increase HDL cholesterol
- They are a good source of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Manganese with 18%, 27%, and 30% of the recommended daily values respectively