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Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
9.09.2013
Rad Recipe: Warming Lentil & Sweet Potato Salad
Fall is almost here! And while I'm near devastation that hot sunny days will soon come to an end, I'm looking forward to warming myself up with some sweater-n-jeans lovin' and delectable fall foods, like my all time favorite tuber: sweet potato!
In this power house salad, the fiber-rich lentils help lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar, increase your energy, and even aid in elimination (*ahem* poop - my fave topic. But probably shouldn't talk about it in a recipe...).
Our darling sweet potatoes are vitamin packed and help balance blood sugar. How sweet of them. Spinach, rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, protects against inflammation (boo), oxidative stress (double boo), and cancer (ugh).
Bonus! Cook once, eat twice! A dish like this is perfect for refrigerating to be used later in the week, or brought to work for lunch.
Ingredients
½ cup green lentils
1 large sweet potato
¼ cup raw or sprouted walnuts
¼ cup raw dates, chopped
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup
Dash of sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Dash of cinnamon
2 cups baby spinach
Directions
1. Cook lentils in a pot until tender using a 4:1 water to lentils ratio. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook for about 30 minutes on low.
2. Meanwhile, dice sweet potato, spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with cinnamon, salt and pepper, and bake cubes at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
3. Fill a bowl with baby spinach, and toss in lentils and sweet potato when done; add in walnuts and dates as well.
4. Combine mustard, vinegar and maple in a jar and shake to combine. Pour over salad.
5. Enjoy!
8.29.2013
6 TREATMENTS THAT FOSTER SELF HEALING
I’m
a hardcore believer in self-healing. I’m not saying we don’t need
doctors and practitioners by any means - that would be ridiculous. What I
AM saying is that I believe we all have the power to heal ourselves and
prevent illness to a very large degree.
My role as a holistic health coach is to be a partner to and guide for my clients - not to dictate how and when they heal. This is why I was stoked to read about Dr. Kelly Turner’s work on cases of spontaneous remission of cancer - or as she calls it “unexpected remission” of cancer.
My role as a holistic health coach is to be a partner to and guide for my clients - not to dictate how and when they heal. This is why I was stoked to read about Dr. Kelly Turner’s work on cases of spontaneous remission of cancer - or as she calls it “unexpected remission” of cancer.
I
first stumbled across Dr. Kelly Turner’s work in the book Mind Over
Medicine, then again in readings from the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Dr. Turner is a researcher, lecturer, and consultant in the field of
Integrative Oncology. Her specialized research focus is the “unexpected
remission” of cancer—a remission that occurs either in the absence of
Western medicine or after Western medicine has failed to achieve
remission. Turner spent ten months traveling the world in search of
fifty nonallopathic cancer healers. She found twenty unpublished cases
of unexpected remission and conducted phone interviews with the
survivors.
How frickin cool is that?
The American Cancer Society provided partial funding for her study.
Side note: American Cancer Society also paid for my mom’s flight and hotel stay in Arizona when she was seeking alternative treatment. Nice work ACS. But I digress...
How frickin cool is that?
The American Cancer Society provided partial funding for her study.
Side note: American Cancer Society also paid for my mom’s flight and hotel stay in Arizona when she was seeking alternative treatment. Nice work ACS. But I digress...
In her research, Dr. Turner found 6 top treatments used by her interviewees to heal themselves of cancer.
Perhaps you’re asking why I’m focusing on cancer remissions... I want
to make clear that the techniques listed below may be used just as
effectively for the PREVENTION of cancer, or any disease for that
matter. And I’m allll about prevention.
Now
this is not a prescription as to what YOU should do, this is simply a
compilation of treatments that Dr. Turner identified as the top ones her
interviewees followed and that worked for them. So here we go...
6 TREATMENTS THAT FOSTER
SELF HEALING
SELF HEALING
1. DIET CHANGE
Radical diet change was a top factor in fostering self healing among those who had experienced “spontaneous remission” of their cancers. So what did that look like? Elimination of meat, dairy, sugar, and refined grains. The majority of interviewees ate a diet consisting of whole vegetables, fruits, grains and beans.
In
my recent visit to Costa Rica, I took a guided hike through the
rainforest and had some great conversations with my guide Felipe, a
native of the area (and whose family still lived in the rainforest).
We talked a lot about the environment, toxicity from pesticides, cancer and diabetes - which many of his friends and family are now dealing with - and diet. Felipe has considerable knowledge about medicinal herbs and is a “go-to” person for helping people in his community overcome certain illnesses. When asked about diet and disease, Felipe told me that the very first thing he tells someone with such diseases who come to see him is stop eating meat, dairy and sugar. Non-negotiable.
Now
I’m not an advocate that one diet fits all - by any means! And I am not
against consumption of meat and dairy, or the occasional chocolate
cupcake ;). I do however believe that when your body is severely
compromised, elimination of inflammatory or acidic foods such as the
ones indicated above will help your body to heal more rapidly.
Not to mention give your body a well deserved break for those who are
sensitive to these foods! This is why I base my detoxes and programs on
the elimination diet to start - giving your body a break from these
foods can be profoundly healing and eye-opening.
Shameless plug: For anyone who’s interested, I’m working on my fall detox program coming up soon, so be on the lookout! :)
2. TAKING HERBS & VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS
The majority of her interviewees took various herbs and supplements that they believed would help boost their immune system, detoxify and help facilitate healing in their bodies. You might be wondering which supplements worked best... and the truth is they were all over the map. There was no single “super” supplement in common with any of the interviewees - which brings up 2 very important points:
First,
everyone is biochemically different - because of this bioindividuality,
one person’s healing herb may not be so good for another.
Pathologically, each person’s disease or ailment was also unique. So
making the claim that any one specific supplement would work for
everyone would be irresponsible and misinformed.
The
second point is that the interviewees believed their herbal and
supplement regimen was healing them. Don’t get me started on the power
of belief and the placebo/"nocebo" effect (I’ll get into that in later
articles) but the importance that your belief carries is substantial.
Check
in with your beliefs about your body and ailments... what is the story
you are living by? If it’s not serving you, then maybe it’s time to
rewrite that story.
3. SURRENDER - RELEASE SUPPRESSED EMOTIONS
Turner remarks that most of her interviewees discussed the importance of being at peace with both dying and living - to truly surrender and release repressed negative emotions such as anger, fear and grief. It does not serve us to hold onto any emotion, even happiness as happiness can easily turn into nostalgia, then longing, etc if not released.
LET THE SHIT GO. Let go of fear. Let go of resentment. Let go of any emotion that you’re harboring so you can focus on healing!
4. FEELING LOVE, JOY, HAPPINESS
This is different than positive thinking... Turner found that her interviewees all believed in the importance of joy & love in your life for facilitating healing.
Laugh every day. Do something you love each and every day. Show gratitude and be of service. Find unconditional love in your life.
5. EXPERIENCING A DEEPENING OF SPIRITUALITY
Most of the people Turner interviewed talked about having an internal sensation of spiritual energy - they felt the experience of divine, loving energy in their body, which they achieved through various ways such as meditation, prayer, gardening, energy healing, etc.
We’re not talking about the feeling you get when you see Brad Pitt take off his shirt in Fight Club (altho it seems pretty damn close to a transcendental experience for me). It’s also not about deepening one’s beliefs about spirituality. But rather, it was having an actual internal feeling/sensation/transcendent experience of loving, divine energy in their body.
And finally, #6. This last one is probably my favorite of them all (...and you thought it was diet change, didn’t you?)
6. USING INTUITION TO HELP INFORM TREATMENT DECISIONS
I’ll tell you why this one is so great to me. It puts the the patient, the person, back into the driver’s seat of our health. It shows that we know our bodies better than anyone else. It empowers us to trust our intuition and listen to our bodies. Any healthcare provider you have - whether they’re a doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist, health coach, etc - is your partner in your health journey, not the boss of it. Remember that.
Here’s
a story from one of Turner’s interviewees, “Unexpected Survivor #7”,
who overcame recurrent metastatic breast cancer after conventional
medicine had failed to work:
[The
Tibetan healer] took his finger and with a pinpoint accuracy touched
every spot on my body where I had had cancer, or where I had cancer
presently. It was amazing! He could see what scans couldn’t see. I had
predicted my cancer four times. I had led [my doctors] to it with a
pinpoint of accuracy before the scans could even pick up the collection
of cells. [The Tibetan healer] could do what I could do with my own
body.
HOPE FOR SELF HEALING
I love Dr. Turner’s work because it not only demonstrates that we absolutely have the ability to heal ourselves, but the stories she collects provide HOPE to those who are going thru life altering diseases.
Having had a front-line experience with my mom’s cancer journey, I can undoubtedly say that the above treatments and stories from Turner’s research are invaluable. If you’re interested in checking out more stories or work from Dr. Kelly Turner, be sure to visit her website at www.radicalremission.com.
If you dig this post, share your thoughts on Twitter and Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!
And if you're ready to make some real changes in your health, email me to sign up for a strategy session and uncover your unique roadmap to wellness town!
4.09.2013
Give it to me Raw: Cacao!
Above is a pic of sundried raw cacao nibs and the cacao fruit! Yes, it looks a little alien-ish, but in a strangely yummy way. Raw cacao is actually the seed of the cacao fruit - roasted and made into a powder, these lovely seeds are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate.
Didjya know...
Cacao has been treasured for ages - used both in a ritual beverage and a major currency system in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations! Cha-ching. Today we know that cacao has one of the highest counts of antioxidants (the less processed the better!)
There are around 300 identified compounds in cacao - including magnesium, calcium and sulfur. As some of us know, chocolate affects the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which can trigger emotions, one of which is euphoria. Hello! That's because it has various "bliss" chemicals that tickle our fancy, but can also be addictive (duh).
As a self-confessed chocolate addict, I choose to go raw or pick a really dark organic chocolate with no added sugar to indulge in. Throw the nibs in your trail mix or raw cacao powder in your almond milk latte to perk you up in all the right ways!
Didjya know...
Cacao has been treasured for ages - used both in a ritual beverage and a major currency system in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations! Cha-ching. Today we know that cacao has one of the highest counts of antioxidants (the less processed the better!)
There are around 300 identified compounds in cacao - including magnesium, calcium and sulfur. As some of us know, chocolate affects the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which can trigger emotions, one of which is euphoria. Hello! That's because it has various "bliss" chemicals that tickle our fancy, but can also be addictive (duh).
As a self-confessed chocolate addict, I choose to go raw or pick a really dark organic chocolate with no added sugar to indulge in. Throw the nibs in your trail mix or raw cacao powder in your almond milk latte to perk you up in all the right ways!
3.26.2013
My Favorite Trail Mix. Ever.
How gorgeous is this mix??
Speaking of trail mixes.... here's one of my all time faves! Not to mention, trail mixes are a staple for me whenever I travel. This one is low on sugar and packs a superfood nutritious punch, full of protein, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and deliciousness. You can buy a pre-made trail mix, but I prefer to visit the bulk section at Whole Foods or a health food store and make my own - that way I get exactly what I want in the proportions I want. This blissful mix has organic pistachios, Himalayan raisins, mulberries, gojiberries, macadamia nuts, cashews, and of course cacao nibs ;) Time to get nutty.
3.11.2013
Sweet Eats: Blueberries with Cashew Creme
Blueberries with Cashew Creme
I love a good guilt-free dessert, don't you? This one also happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free and organic :)
The raw blueberries pack tons of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and antioxidants, while the cashews, rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, provide magnesium to lower blood pressure and are high in protein and fiber. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw whole cashews, rinsed
- 1 cup alkaline or filtered water, cold (or just enough to get creamy consistency)
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole soaked vanilla bean squeezed to release seeds
- 1/3 cup Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, warmed until liquid
- 1/3 cup Irish Moss Paste (optional)
- handful of organic berries
Preparation
Soak the nuts the night before (or a few hours if you have the time). Cover the nuts with the water and set aside on a kitchen counter or cover the dish and place in your refrigerator.
Drain and Rinse the Cashews. Add the drained raw cashews to a high speed blender, Vitamix or Blendtec Total Blender, with enough water to cover plus about an inch more.
Add the rest of the ingredients in the cashew mix. Process the contents on HIGH till the contents are totally smooth and creamy. Throw some rad berries (of your choosing) on top. I chose organic blueberries :)
2.25.2013
Mmmillet!
Uh bird food?
Yes, yes, millet seeds are indeed used for bird food. BUT millet's an
awesome ancient grain that's been around a long ass time (we're talking
neolithic era here) and is even mentioned in the Old Testament - hence
the Ezekiel bread brand name.
This
gluten-free grain is used for all sorts of goodness, from flour to
beer, but I prefer it straight up for all its nutty deliciousness. Throw
in some beans and cilantro like I did on the right - perfecto!
*Bonus!* Millet contains fiber, iron, B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium – and is highly alkaline, making it easily digestible and soothing to the stomach. Holla!
To get millet that's dry 'n fluffy, the best way to prep is toasting it first.
To
toast: Place a heavy-bottomed pot or large pan with a lid over high
heat. Place 1 cup of millet into the pot and stir constantly until the
grains start popping and jumping around. Be sure it doesn't burn. Remove
the pot and lower the heat slightly, stirring constantly to cool.
Next, carefully add 2 cups boiling water or veggie stock and sea salt to taste.
Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff immediately with a fork. Makes 3 1/2 to 4 cups cooked millet.
Next, carefully add 2 cups boiling water or veggie stock and sea salt to taste.
Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff immediately with a fork. Makes 3 1/2 to 4 cups cooked millet.
2.11.2013
Rrrrl Good Recipe: Heart Beets Juice
I
love me some fresh jugo, of all colors in the rainbow, but one of my
faves is a good ol' luscious RED juice. This one's got kick from ginger
that warms the heart in the cold winter months and stimulates
circulation. Not to mention beets bring in anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant powers.
Confession: it kinda makes me feel like I'm a
character in True Blood. And I like that. Don't judge.
Heart Beets Juice
- 2 beets
- 3 large carrots
- 1 large handful of spinach, parsley or another dark leafy green
- 3 stalks of celery
- 1 green apple
- 2 small cucumber
- 1 inch ginger
Prep and wash all produce. Juice and serve. Makes 16-20 oz.
2.04.2013
Rrrrl Good Recipe: Crab Cakes Hearts-of-Palm-Style
I love me some Kris Carr and Crazy Sexy Kitchen cookbook. You can't really go wrong with any of the recipes in that book, but this is one of my faves! I altered a bit to make it gluten-free...
Crab Cakes Hearts-of-Palm-Style
- 1 sheet of nori, or 2 teaspoons toasted nori flakes
- Two 14-ounce cans hearts of palm
- 1/2 cup canola oil, more if needed (alternative: reduce to 1/4 cup oil if using small sauté pan)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons Vegenaise or other vegan mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot or cornstarch
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (like Kinnikinnick)
Preparation:
1. Prepare Crab Cakes: Toast nori sheet by holding it with tongs and fanning it over a low gas flame or electric burner. Be careful not to let it burn. Turn the sheet frequently, so that it toasts evenly.
2.
Grind the nori using a spice grinder or a coffee grinder that you use
exclusively for spices. Break the nori into pieces, place it in the
grinder, and pulse until powdered. Alternatively, crumble it as finely
as you can with your hands or pulverize it with a mortar and pestle.
3.
Drain the hearts of palm and press in a towel to dry them. In a food
processor, pulse gently until it looks like the consistency of crabmeat.
4.
Place a small sauté pan on medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and heat
for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it smoke. Sauté the onion and
bell pepper until soft, 3 to 5 minutes.
5.
In a large bowl, combine the hearts of palm, onion, bell pepper,
Vegenaise, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, nori flakes, nutritional yeast
flakes, arrowroot or cornstarch, and salt and pepper. Mix until
incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6.
Scoop with an ice cream scoop or a large tablespoon to portion into
small cakes. Combine breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning. Coat
the small cakes with breadcrumbs. Form and let sit in the refrigerator
for 1 hour or until firm.
7. Cook
Crab Cakes: Place a sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add some canola oil
and heat for 2 minutes. Working in batches, sauté the cakes (make
certain that the oil comes about half- way up the sides of the cakes)
until browned on both sides and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes on each
side.
8. Remove the cakes to a
baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in a warm oven
(200 degrees F) until you finish all of the cakes.
9.
Serve: Place the cakes on a plate and toss some greens on the plate - I
lightly tossed some baby spinach with extra virgin olive oil and
coconut vinegar. Et Voila! Enjoy!
1.22.2013
Sweet Eats: Flipside Cafe
Ok, I don’t know how I’ve been oblivious to this place for so long considering I live a hop-skip away. This awesome eatery resides in the house of Miko's Italian Ice in the cold winter months, running from Oct 2012 thru Mar 2013. They serve fresh homemade comfort food (most locally sourced) and rotate new items into their short ‘n sweet menu. Their most recent rotation: a vegan spicy butternut squash soup with coconut milk. Heaven. Add free wifi and sweet vinyl tunes makes the trek in the below-teens Chi temps well worth it. Try the kale burger and a game of Connect Four while you chow down!
1.14.2013
Sweet Eats: Earth's Healing Cafe
If you haven't been to Earth's Healing Cafe just yet, I suggest you RUN to this charming, super deelish & healthy cafe in the North Center/ Ravenswood area. They seriously have the best juices, smoothies, and raw bites to go... not to mention they offer cleanses at great prices!
My sister introduced me to this haven of plant-based foods and I AM SPRUNG. They use nutritious and organic ingredients, and are the nicest people you'll meet. Here's what they have to say about themselves on their site: Earth’s Healing Cafe is found on the principles of Ma’at. Our operation is strictly governed by: Love, Truth, Harmony, Balance, Integrity & Order. I mean... LOVE THEM.
Go check'em out! I'm a fan of Love & Light smoothie and State of Mind (break me off a piece of that pls).
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