Tag Archive for: healthy living

non dairy tomato soup

Non Dairy Tomato Soup

/in

I found a classic milk-based recipe and converted it to non dairy tomato soup. Tomato soup evolves such strong positive emotions from my childhood. Nothing says home more than grilled cheese and tomato soup. I’m pretty sure I lived on it growing up. Hmm, maybe that’s why I’m gluten and dairy intolerant?! However, we did throw in a few grilled peanut butter sandwiches along the way.

Do you have a favorite food or foods that bring back positive memories of home?

Not only did I convert to dairy-free but also gluten and oil-free.  You never know when you healthily a recipe if it will convert as well. I was really happy with the flavor and would love to hear your feedback. Not only did I swap the flour for arrowroot but I omitted the sugar. As always, my ingredients and seasonings are all organic.  My goal is to reduce inflammation and chemicals in our bodies.  I love my family and myself that much.

 

Ingredients

1 T of organic butter or ghee

1 tsp chopped garlic or 1-2 cloves

2 T Arrowroot powder

1/2 tsp of Celtic or Pink Himalayan salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried minced onion

1/2 tsp oregano

1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes

2 cups cold milk such as coconut or Malk oil-free almond milk

Directions

Place the contents of the canned tomatoes into a Vitamix or food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside.

Saute the garlic and butter together for a few minutes.

Next, blend the arrowroot powder and seasoning.

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 cups of pureed tomatoes. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.

Add 2 cups of cold plant-based milk.

Heat almost to boiling and serve.

I like to top it with Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast instead of grated cheese.

Serve with gluten-free crackers, Mary’s Gone Crackers is my favorite or gluten-free bread such as Simple Kneads. A side salad pairs well with organic vegetables, of course.

 

cashew cookie bites

Cashew Cookie Bites

/in

Introducing Guilt-Free Cashew Cookie Bites: A Delicious, Quick, and Healthy Dessert Alternative

When it comes to a tasty treat that’s not only easy to make but also a healthier option for your sweet tooth, look no further than our Cashew Cookie Bites. With just five simple ingredients and a preparation time of mere minutes, these little delights have become a staple at my events, seamlessly replacing those less-than-healthy desserts.

Not only are they a scrumptious indulgence, but Cashew Cookie Bites are also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions. And did I mention they are guilt-free too? Instead of dwelling on diets and deprivation, let’s focus on what you can relish.

The moment you take that first bite of these delightful morsels or any other healthier treats, you might discover that your cravings for processed, sugar-laden foods begin to wane. It’s all about embracing the positive impact food can have on how you feel. Do your food choices leave you feeling light, energized, and invigorated? Or do they make you feel heavy, bloated, and lethargic? Your body is trying to communicate with you through these sensations.

If you find yourself in the latter category, it’s a sign that your digestive system might not be functioning optimally. In such cases, digestive health testing can be an invaluable tool to help you get back on track. Alternatively, you can start with something as simple as a digestive enzyme to see if it makes a difference. Remember, staying healthy doesn’t have to be a challenging endeavor.

So, why not start by whipping up a batch of Cashew Cookie Bites, savoring their deliciousness while making a conscious choice to put your well-being first? It’s a small step toward a healthier, happier you! Eating health doesn’t have to be hard or bland.

Ingredients for Cashew Cookie Bites
ingredients for cashew cookie bites

1 1/3 cup raw cashews

2/3 cup gluten-free, glyphosate-free One Degree organic oats

5 Tbsp. raw unfiltered honey, agave, or organic maple syrup

1 scoop or packet of Perfect Aminos Power Meal (or your favorite nonGMO plant-based protein powder)

1/3 cup dairy-free mini-chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand is non-dairy)

Directions for Cashew Cookie Bites

First, blend cashew and oats in a food processor until flour-like consistency.

Next, stir in Perfect Amino Power Meal and honey or agave. Chocolate chips can be added to the food processor at the end or folded in at the end. Roll into bite-size balls. If it is too dry, add one tablespoon at a time of plant-based milk or water.

Store Cashew  Cookie Bites in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Enjoy and let me know what you think of them in the comments. Or more importantly, let me know if you were able to stop at eating just one! I’ve not been able to achieve that yet.

If you are a serious chocolate lover, you can replace the vanilla protein with chocolate. When it comes to animal protein powder, always use a clean nonGMO version.

Note: If you struggle to digest nuts which many people do, try soaking the cashews for a few hours in water or soaking them overnight. Rinse and pat dry before using in the recipe. This makes them much more digestible for those who struggle.

13 Self Care Gift Ideas

/in

Curious about what tools would make your wellness journey easier? Here are 13 self care gift ideas just for you!  I’d like to share my most cherished wellness products and services that I love and use daily.  These tools have literally transformed my health and my clients plus make being healthy so easy.

Share this list with your loved ones for a subtle hint or ensure it is in your wellness regimen by purchasing one for yourself….you are worth it!

This shopping can be accomplished from the comfort of your home.  No fighting crowds, burning fossil fuels, or wasting precious hours of your time. Contact us if we can help at info@brenewed.com or by calling 812-461-8922.

1. Vitamix. Oh, how you have made my life in the kitchen simpler and much more fun.  I used to despise being in the kitchen, as I hated to cook.  Vitamix is an all-one tool that does it all from freezing “nice” cream to heating soup in one container.

It also acts as a food processor so you can cut the salad greens/cabbage and make the dressing in it as well.  If that wasn’t enough the beautiful, full-color, freestanding recipe books are worth the price alone.  Backed with a full 7-year warranty makes it my number one wellness gift.

2. Essential Oils. These gifts from God have supported our holistic options for emotional balance and a way to replace toxic air fresheners. They provide a fun and safe way to teach our children natural forms to support the body. We have essential oil products to place in the stockings or full kits. We can fit any budget with prices ranging from $10-$200.

3. Chi Machine.  Fifteen minutes equals 90 minutes of walking from an oxygenation standpoint.  Need I say more?  I use mine twice a day each morning and each evening.  I call it my “lazy woman” exercise machine.  It supports my spine (scoliosis), and discomfort and stimulates the lymphatic system to safely detox.  It is great for stress reduction, improved sleep, and weight loss. Contact us for wellness provider-only discounts.

4. Infrared Pad is a portable source of heat and healing that I don’t leave home without.  Regular heating pads heat the outside of the body, Far Infrared Ray heat penetrates 2-3 inches into the subcutaneous tissue.  I use this with my pets as well to relieve joint pain.

5. Infrared Dome.  The Far Infrared Dome is similar to the pad except it is about five times as powerful.  It emits about 9-11 microns which is so powerful it can help detox heavy metals from the body.  The dome provides improved circulation as well as pain relief.  I use all three modalities together which includes the Chi Machine, Infrared pad on the back and the Infrared Dome on the front of the body.  It feels like a slice of heaven on earth!

6. Inversion Table.  A few minutes a day is an easy way to relieve back pain and pressure. Contact your chiropractor to see if an inversion table is right for you.

7. Essential Oil Cold Air Diffusers.  Cold air diffusers use therapeutic-grade essential oils and release them into the air to be used by the body.  The cold air process helps maintain the therapeutic value of the essential oil, unlike heat diffusers that destroy it.  The diffuser creates a spa-like atmosphere with these wonderful aromas in your home that help heal without the toxic chemicals that synthetic air fresheners emit.

Modere Cellproof skincare

Award-winning skincare

8. CellProof Skincare. Finding skincare that is safe and effective is beyond challenging. However, Modere CellProof skincare has exceeded most people’s expectations for the highest quality products available. It’s a system where you can feel the difference and see it! If this is your first order, you can save money using the special discount code.

9. Q Link Pendant EMF Protection. Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) are transmitted from wireless networks, phones, tablets, PCs, and all electronic devices.  Exposure to EMFs can impact sleep, energy, emotional balance, and productivity.  I’ve been using these for years and wouldn’t be around technology without them.  I used to feel drained at the end of the day after working at my computer and now I remain energized!

10. QLink Clear EMF Protection – These are great stocking stuffers and protection for your children and grandchildren that will last a lifetime. It is the same protection as the pendant but adheres to your electronic device. It supports your body’s natural defenses against EMFs.

11. Norwex Cleaning products. Oh, how you make my life easier! I love the enviro cloths, travel cloths, mops and just about everything they offer. Let me know what part of cleaning you dislike, and I’ll share how they make cleaning safer, easier, and save you money.

12. Massage Therapy. How do I love thee, let me count the ways!  Massage Therapy is not a once-a-year luxury.  It should be part of your regular health maintenance program to receive at least monthly. The benefits are endless from relieving aches and pain, detox, and building the immune system.  If you don’t have a favorite massage therapist, ask a friend who sees one regularly or contact us for a local referral.

13. Wellness Gift Certificates from B Renewed. Consider a comprehensive Wellness Review to determine where your body is out of balance. Improving energy, reducing stress, and dropping excess weight are easy once you know what’s out of balance.  Show yourself or someone some love by purchasing a gift certificate today. Call 812-461-8922.

dry red lentils in white bowl

Red Lentil Sloppy Joes

/in

Red lentil sloppy joes are a nutritious and economical dish but most importantly they taste amazing. Red lentils are rich in iron, fiber, selenium, zinc, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamin B1. Plus, they’re an excellent source of phosphorus, manganese, and folic acid. Unlike other legumes, lentils cook in about 30 minutes and don’t require soaking so you can make a healthy meal when you are short on time.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp of coconut oil or vegetable broth

1 red bell pepper finely chopped

2 garlic cloves minced

1 medium onion chopped (approx 2/3 cup)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 bay leaf

8 ounces tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups of water

1 cup dry red lentils

1 tbsp low sodium Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp yellow mustard

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp coconut sugar

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt (optional)

 

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and add bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until softened, stirring frequently.

Add onion, garlic, and tomato paste and cook for one-minute stirring constantly.

Stir in the remaining ingredients, and heat to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover with lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf.

Serve lentils wrapped in lettuce leaves or on top of a gluten-free bun.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Recipe courtesy of Rebecca Downing from the Shred 10 recipe book.

 

We’d love to know, did you enjoy this recipe as much as I did? Did you make any changes? If you’d like to try another nutrient-dense meal, check out this Black Bean Mango Quinoa Salad! Want to learn more about what nutrients and minerals could benefit you? Book a call with us to discuss testing options.

Gut health specialist chocolate peppermint energy bites

Chocolate Peppermint Energy Bites Recipe

/in

Chocolate Peppermint Energy Bites will help you stay energized and fully enjoy all the holiday cheer minus the sugar and chemicals.  It’s my natural version of a peppermint patty. You can make the balls or bites as big or small as you like. I like to make them small so I can pop them in my mouth or eat them on the go. As always, use organic ingredients when possible. As you may have heard me say, we aren’t necessarily overweight, we are over-toxic. If you want to find out which foods are contributing to toxicity in your body, check this out.

 I’ve even found organic candy canes at my local Earthfare store.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our family does. Let me know in the comments.

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw almonds

2/3 cup pitted dates (approximately 12)

4 Tablespoons chocolate protein powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:
  1. Place candy canes in a food processor, pour into a bowl, and set aside.
  2. Put almonds in a food processor and chop lightly.
  3. Add the dates and blend well.
  4. Add the chocolate powder, half of the crushed candy canes, and vanilla extract. peppermint extract, and coconut oil. Blend all together until starting to combine. Add a few of drops of water if needed, one at a time if necessary, to help it blend easier.
  5. Take a heaping teaspoon of the mixture in your hand and roll it into a bite-sized ball. The coconut oil will soften and it will be a bit messy. The warmth of your hand will allow the coconut oil to help bind the bite together. You will end up pushing it more together than actually rolling it.
  6. While it is still warm press and roll in the crushed peppermint candies to lightly coat.
  7. Allow the finished bites to set in the fridge for 30 minutes to re-solidify the coconut oil.

Serve and enjoy with family and friends. Store in the refrigerator. Makes approximately 24.

Personal Care Products that could be Harming Your Family

/in ,

As I was cleaning out cabinets, I decided to glance over the ingredient list of some hair care products that I used to use. To be honest, it scared me. I used to put these on my body and didn’t think about the impact to my skin, lungs or other vital organs!

Think about the personal care products that you and your family use on a daily basis…lotions, shampoo, conditioner, soap, sanitizer, nail polish, baby soaps, make up, perfumes/colognes, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent.  EWG.org (Environmental Working Group) concluded in a study that on average people use 9 personal care products daily and applied an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily. That’s a lot of chemicals!

Do you feel safe knowing that the government does not require long term safety studies or pre-market testing for most ingredients in personal care products? According to the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors, “a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from the FDA.” The cosmetic industry is authorized to police it’s own ingredient safety and many of these ingredients have the potential to harm humans and animals. The FDA panel has only banned 11 ingredients while the European Union has taken action on hundreds of toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

Your skin is your largest organ and is porous, so whatever you put on it will be absorbed within moments of application. And what about your lungs? You are inhaling the chemicals as well, even if you aren’t applying them to your skin.  If the products you use contain harmful ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system. The majority of mainstream personal care products contain carcinogenic chemicals, allergens, endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens, irritants and can cause harm to your reproductive system. It is easy to see why it is so important to be diligent to watch what is in the products that you are using.

So what ingredients should you avoid? There are countless toxic ingredients in the products that we use on a daily basis and so it is important to do your research and always look at the ingredient list in everything that you buy. A few ingredients to avoid are fragrance, perfume, substances that generate formaldehyde (nearly 1 in 5 cosmetic products contains a substance that generates cancer causing formaldehyde–see list below), mineral oil and petroleum, parabens, ethanolmines (DEA, MEA, TEA), benzones, triclosan, heavy metals such as cadmium, aluminum, mercury, lead, and arsenic, phthalates, and styrene. This list unfortunately is not all-inclusive. Plus these chemicals are xenoestrogens which can disrupt our hormone balance and health.

You can easily switch over to safe products by accessing easy to use Apps and websites like ThinkDirty, EWG’s Skin Deep, and the Good Guide which will rate your personal care products for safety and toxicity. Always read the ingredient label and do not be fooled by labels such as natural and even partial organic products can contain harmful ingredients. I especially avoid parfum or fragrances as I will have an immediate reaction to these. Use products with the MADE SAFE® seal. Also, support hair and nail salons that offer safer and more natural products. I ask lots of questions before making an appointment and conduct my own research on their product lines. Knowing which companies test on animals is a top priority as well. Check out the company’s testing practices on sites such a PETA.org to find which do and do not test.

Avoid these ingredients/chemicals as they contains a formaldehyde-releasing chemical:

  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Diazolidinyl urea
  • Quaternium-15
  • Bronopol (2–bromo–2–nitropropane–1,3-diol )
  • 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
  • Hydroxymethylglycinate

For your safety, schedule time to review and clean out the harmful products that you are using and replace them with safe nontoxic options! I’d love to chat more about healthier options, set up your call here!

Liquid Soap, Harmless or Hazardous?

/in

Not too long ago while visiting a relative’s house, I began to wash my hands with the liquid soap provided in the attractive dispenser. After being taken a back by the strong perfume smell, and I tried to re-wash to remove the overpowering smell to no avail. Finally with the use of some vinegar, I was able to eliminate the strong perfume smell. Next, I found the actual container to determine the ingredient list and was horrified!

Consider how many times per day you are using this to “clean” you hands but in fact you could be adding more toxins to your body and environment. This moment reinforced the need to be vigilant no matter where I am, to read labels and know what I am putting on or in my body. The number of toxic ingredients that are added to something so innocent as a soap product is killing our fish & wildlife and adding hazardous toxins into our body. Below is a list of just a few of the ingredients in this brand of liquid soap along with the toxicity concern courtesy of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org).

HIGH CONCERN – Can include, but is not limited to: Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) acute aquatic toxicity, skin irritation/allergies/damage, damage to DNA.

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), also referred to as MCI, is a preservative with antibacterial and anti-fungal effects within the group of isothiazolinones. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
  • Methylisothiazolinone, MIT, or MI, (sometimes erroneously called methylisothiazoline), is a powerful synthetic biocide and preservative within the group of isothiazolinones, which is used in numerous personal care products and a wide range of industrial applications.
  • DMDM Hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative with the trade name Glydant. DMDM hydantoin is an organic compound belonging to a class of compounds known as hydantoins.
  • Sodium Hydroxide is a strongly alkaline white deliquescent compound used in many industrial processes, e.g., the manufacture of soap and paper.

MODERATE CONCERN – Some potential for hazards to health or the environment. Can include, but not limited to: Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions, Contamination concerns.

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (commonly known as SLS) is a widely used and inexpensive chemical found in many mainstream personal hygiene products such as shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, bodywash, soaps, detergents and body wash , along with Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS).
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) Is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products.
  • Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic polymer based on quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Tetrasodium EDTA is a water-soluble ingredient used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to sequester metal ions and allow them to remain in formulas but lose their ability to react with other ingredients.
  • PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of natural Methylglucoseand Oleic Acid. It is used in beauty products and cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used as a thickener in hair and skin care products.
  • Poloxamer 124 (P1168) is a surfactant and emulsifying agent… In cosmetic and personal care product formulations, it functions as a surfactant – emulsifying agent and surfactant – solubilizing agent. It can be used in soaps and cleansers. It is soluble in water.
  • Benzophenone-4 is a white sweet-smelling crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of organic compounds and in perfume.

SOME CONCERN – Can include, but not limited to: skin irritation/allergies/damage, acute aquatic toxicity, nervous system effects, respiratory effects, biodegradation.

  • Fragrance (Parfum) a substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell.

This is just one example of a typical household product. Despite the known dangers associated with many of the ingredients in personal care products and cleaning products, some manufacturers continue to use them. Many household products carry health risks for not only you, but also your children, pets, wildlife or the environment. Reading labels can go a long way in helping protect your family.

 

8 Favorite Healthy Valentine’s Day Gifts

/in

8 Favorite Healthy Valentine’s Day Gifts to Give your loved ones gifts that keep on giving

Since Valentine’s Day is known for the chocolate and/or sugar, we felt it was an appropriate time to share healthier ideas for gift-giving. Sugar is the culprit in creating inflammation in the body, along with suppressing the immune system and disrupting gut flora. The following gifts can benefit every aspect of a person’s life and continue giving long after February 14. These are all products I use on a daily basis and attribute them to my natural solution to slow the aging process and increased vitality.

  1. Healy Microcurrent Wearable.  How do I love my Healy, let me count the ways. It speaks to our cells. It sends a message to correct the interruptions, stress, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and excesses. It provides frequencies to target areas to correct the imbalances. This allows your body to restore to the correct frequency. Healy has 144,000 frequencies to counteract or balance stressors. From a technical perspective, Healy is a microcurrent medical device cleared by the FDA for local relief of acute, chronic, and arthritis pain and muscle soreness due to overexertion. Healy also has non-medical applications that use individualized frequencies to help balance your mind and body and relieve stress in support of wellness.  Schedule a virtual no-cost demo or watch the interactive presentation. You can go directly to my website for Healy product pricing if you would like to learn more.
  2.  Modere Clean Living products. Women can come into contact with hundreds of toxic chemicals before they leave their home from their lotion, deodorant, and makeup. These endocrine (hormone) disruptors have been linked to many forms of cancer. Spending a few extra pennies on your personal care products for yourself, teenagers, and loved ones will pay off long term and can be one more step to help prevent cancer.
  3. Essential Oils. I first started using essential oils for the emotional benefits with great results. My favorites are the citrus oils such as lemon or wild orange for under $15 that have mood uplifting properties.  Essential oils, if pure, are the lifeblood of a plant that supports the respiratory system as well as cognitive function. Essential oils can be used topically, aromatically (diffuser), or externally with some self-education.
    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

  4. Fresh Organic Fruit Baskets. Our favorite supplier of citrus fruit is The Orange Shoppe. They pick them fresh and ship them directly to you. The quality exceeds anything store-bought and eating them over a sink is recommended due to the juiciness factor! You can mix different varieties of oranges and grapefruit for a practical, nutrient-dense gift. This is the perfect gift for those living in cold climates as they are a slice of sunshine that most of us haven’t seen for a while in February.
  5. Infrared (FIR) pad. Infrared heat is healing heat, unlike conventional heating pads. Infrared pads can simply warm the body internally on chilly winter nights, to providing relief from colds, flu, aches, pains, and fever. The HTE model has a sixty-minute timer so you can safely use it for children and the elderly without worrying about burning.  The average cost is $200.
  6. Vitamix Food Processor/Blender. I have owned all the other models as well as juicers and none hold a candle to the speed and ability to break down food into the small particle size like the Vitamix. Green smoothies should be a daily part of your diet so you need a machine with a powerful motor that only Vitamix offers.  Like any product, you get what you pay for. The Vitamix carries a 7-year warranty.  Prices start as low as $399 up to $649. However, I’ve found the mid-priced unit ($449) has served our family well for almost 9 years.
  7. Chi Machine. The Chi Machine has helped me, my family, and our clients with our wellness goals. It is the simplest form of stress reduction and all you have to do is lay flat and relax. Prices range from $449-$549 but be sure and contact us for monthly special offers and discounts.
  8. B Renewed Wellness Gift Certificate – You can purchase a gift certificate in $25 increments for a friend, family, or loved one.  It’s a gift that truly shows you care. Email us at info@brenewed or text/call 812-461-8922. You can even book them a Wellness Strategy Session here!

Our entire focus is on education, empowerment, and prevention. Our wish for you this Valentine’s and every day is to live life with vitality and reduced stress in all areas, including physical, emotional, and nutritional (excesses and deficiencies). Take time to educate yourself because an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure today.

Oatmeal Pancakes or Waffles

/in

Many of you asked – so here’s the recipe for our favorite pancakes. As a bonus, they are gluten-free as well.  My son and I LOVE them. 

1/3 cup each:  cornmeal, millet flour and coconut flour

1 cup rolled oats (quick)

1 tbsp basking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

2 farm-raised eggs, slightly beaten

1 1/2 cup organic soy or almond milk

4 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp brown sugar

In large mixing bowl, stir together cornmeal, millet flour, coconut flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside.  In small mixing bowl, stir stir together eggs, milk, butter, and brown sugar.  Add to dry mixture.  Stir until well blended.  Pour batter onto preheated griddle or pan.  Serve only with pure maple syrup!

Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats

/2 Comments/in

Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats

A submitted recipe by Wendy Nugent, published with permission.

This is basically my version of Overnight Oats In A Jar from a website called skinnytaste.com.  I have been eating this as a quick go-to breakfast, but still felt like I was lacking in the protein department.  I like to eat my oats cold, but some people like to take it out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before they eat it, to take the “chill” out. Let me know what you think!

  • 2 Tbsp Modere Pure Vanilla Slim Shake or your favorite plant-based protein powder
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Almond milk
  • 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats (Instant works ok too if that is all you have on hand)
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 ripe banana, sliced (I slice, bag, and throw the rest in the freezer)
  • 1/4 cup fresh organic blueberries
  • Dash cinnamon
  • 1-2 Tbsp chopped nuts of choice, optional (almonds, pecans, walnuts are all great options) Be sure to soak them overnight for optimal absorption!

I start by adding the Modere Pure Vanilla Slim Shake with part of the milk and whisk with a fork, then add the remainder of the milk to get a smooth consistency. Then add the remaining ingredients except for the nuts (if using) and stir.  Let sit in a covered container overnight and when ready to enjoy, top with chopped nuts of choice.  The mixture might still be a little lumpy, but by morning it should be smooth.  If not, just give it a quick stir in the morning and you are good to go.

This is so good and really keeps me feeling satisfied until lunch.  I might still have a mid-morning snack, but most of the time I make it to lunch without feeling famished.

Countdown to Christmas and Traditions

/1 Comment/in , ,

Well, we are officially 7 days away and the countdown begins. For those traveling, this typically means WE have far less time to complete our holiday shopping so the pressure is on!

I’ll be traveling to Michigan which is part of my tradition of going home. It’s a bittersweet trip as I’m excited to see my family but sad that my husband stays here as his daughters arrive from out of state. It was understood at the beginning of our relationship that this was the way it would be as there would be a time that our children would not be coming home.

My son, a chef, and a dedicated employee will stay in town with his dad’s family as to not miss work. I’m proud that he is so dedicated to his job but I find myself singing, “Cats in the Cradle” too many times these days. You know, “when you coming home son, I don’t when, but we’ll get together then..”

So, what I really wanted to share is some of our Christmas traditions. Our Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve with almost everyone (six siblings) coming home. Christmas food consists of a unique blend of old versus new traditions. My dad (now in heaven) was Polish and my mom was from the Czech Republic so our foods connect to these nationalities. The pinnacle of our meal is the Pierogi. This is a Polish specialty consisting of half-moon-shaped noodle dumplings filled with a mixture of potatoes, onion, garlic, and a bit of cheese. (BTW—this is NOT a health food for those that know me.) Fish and fish soup are both parts of the Czech Christmas food tradition. Big brother (one of three big bros) Dennis provides fresh catch which is appropriate as we live in the Land of Lakes! The fish is lightly fried and the soup is oyster stew.

Some newer food traditions that have popped up since our health movement are a variety of salads. My sister Sandy and my niece Chef Jen, personal chef and caterer always come through with something amazing. The amount of sweets has diminished and almost completely eliminated. Mom makes her fav molasses (hold the sugar) cookies and I’ll be starting a new tradition of peanut butter rice crispies squares with my secret ingredient (Modere Chocolate Sync) for the chocolate lovers.

Outside of food, mom and I have created our own new tradition. Since my siblings leave Christmas Day to spend with their extended families, it ends up just mom and me.  So we started the, “stay in your PJ’s all day, play Scrabble and read day”.  This is one of my new favorites. Need to mention, mom (at 87) can kick my butt in Scrabble.

Mom playing Scrabble

Refreshing Radish Salad

/in
This refreshing radish salad is great for summer and easy to make. Fresh radish is nutrient-dense packed with Vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K. Plus it’s high in antioxidants, fiber, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron and manganese. Radishes are in the cruciferous family which help protect again cancer and other disease.
And I have to admit, I’m not really a fan of radishes but they came in my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box so I needed to find a way to enjoy them.

Both red and daikon radishes offer various health benefits, but they contain different nutrients and compounds. Red radishes, known for their peppery flavor and vibrant color, are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins. These antioxidants may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases by combating oxidative stress in the body.

Daikon radishes, on the other hand, are larger and milder in flavor compared to red radishes. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and antioxidants like quercetin and phenolic compounds. Daikon radishes also contain enzymes that aid in digestion and have been associated with potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Both varieties are low in calories and high in fiber, which can support digestive health and help with weight management. Additionally, radishes, in general, contain compounds that may have antimicrobial properties, supporting the immune system.

As always, to minimize herbicide and pesticide exposure and take stress off the body, use organic ingredients.

Refreshing Radish Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups peeled and thinly sliced daikon (Japanese white radish) or red radishes*
  • 1 cup thinly sliced green apple, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/3 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 red radish, grated
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tsp brown rice syrup (agave can also be used or honey)
  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tsp sea salt or celtic salt
  • 10 leaves fresh mint or cilantro (optional)
*I didn’t have the daikon radishes so I used red radishes. It was still delicious.

Refreshing Radish Salad Directions

  1. Combine the daikon, apple, carrot, onion, and red radish in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, rice syrup, lime juice, and sea salt.
  3. Pour the liquid over the vegetables and toss well to combine.
  4. Garnish with the mint and cilantro.
  5. Enjoy this refreshing radish salad and let me know in the comments what you think of this recipe.

 

To learn more about how to support your health and prevent disease through nutrition, digestion, supplementation, and detox, book a call with me today. Let’s discuss personalized strategies to help you and your family feel renewed and vibrant. Your health is worth investing in!