Here is a delightful recipe, full of flavor, packed with vegetables and quinoa. I’m always looking for creative and tasty ways to eat as many veggies as I can. Head over the Introverted Blogger’s page for this recipe.
Original article…
Dinner in our home starts off with a salad at the table. Always. Typically it is a garden salad, but on occasion I will try to jazz things up and make something different. Sometimes the new salads …
For the rest of the article and the recipe follow this link:
I’m an intermittent faster, so I don’t eat breakfast. However, I know most people do. So, inspired by my CRON diet article, I decided to repost this article, which highlights ways to eat veggies for breakfast. You really can’t eat too many vegetables. If my research into caloric restriction taught me anything, it’s the importance of eating LOTS of veggies!
HERE’S THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE
If you’re anything like me, you grew up on cold, processed cereal, milk, toast and maybe orange juice as a standard breakfast. On weekends, maybe we had pancakes or eggs, or went out to eat. Fruit and granola with yogurt or oatmeal is also a popular standby for breakfast. Most people don’t think of eating a lettuce salad or heaping bowl of veggies for breakfast.
But, maybe we should. Calorie for calorie, veggies give you the most “bang for your buck.” Generally, you can eat unlimited amounts of non-starchy veggies every day. They are the most nutrient dense foods we can eat. While low in calories, veggies are also low in net carbohydrates, high in fiber and power packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, making them an AMAZING way to start the day, to increase your energy, and give your brain a boost, especially if you’re not a morning person.
(…Like me- I HATE mornings!)
So, other than adding them to omelets, what’s the best way to eat veggies for breakfast? In an effort to include more veggies in my diet, I went searching for breakfast salad recipes to include in my daily meal plan. I thought I’d share what I found with all of you.
Below, you’ll find five breakfast salads and five breakfast bowls, all highlighting veggies as one of the main ingredients. Enjoy and namaste my friends.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Isn’t that what they always say? What is it about these apples, powerful enough to keep the doctor away. There are approximately 7500 different varieties of apples, but what makes them so healthy?
Health benefits of apples:
Nutritionally speaking, apples are free of fat, sodium, and cholesterol, yet rich in antioxidants, potassium, high dietary fiber, vitamin C, and some of the B vitamins (niacin and B6).
A few other important nutrients include calcium, vitamin K, iron, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium. Some of the phytonutrients and flavonoids include quercetin, epicatechin, and phloridzin.
A some of the health benefits include:
Aids in digestion -Due to the high amount of fiber
Helps prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer.
Improve the microbiome – The fiber has a “prebiotic” effect, which means the apples feed our friendly bacteria
Boost immune function – The high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants and protein help bolster a weak immune system
Helps control diabetes – The plant nutrients, or polyphenols, in apples help reduce the absorption of carbs in the body, which reduces blood sugar fluctuation in the blood.
Boost brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s disease – The antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce brain degeneration, which improves problem solving skills, memory and concentration.
Treat asthma – the nutrients in apples have an anti-inflammatory affect, as well as strengthen the immune system.
Prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol
Improve bone health and vision
Helps with weight loss
So, other than munching on a sweet, juicy apple, or baking a pie, how can you use this healthy fruit? Not to worry, I’ve scoured the internet and found 10 unique and SAVORY ways to eat apples!
Here is a quote from the Bon Appetit website regarding this recipe:
“Named for a region in Normandy known for its apples (and Calvados), this traditional recipe combines both in a rich, creamy sauce. Afraid to flambé? Buy a long-reach lighter at a hardware store.”
6 firm, tart apples, such as ‘Northern Spy’: 1 peeled, cored, and chopped (about 1 1/4 cups); 3 peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each; 2 cored and cut into 8 wedges each
4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped, plus 6 whole leaves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces corn bread, cut into cubes (about 3 cups)
1/3 cup homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
1 boneless pork loin (4 pounds; about 1 foot long), butterflied (3/4 inch thick)
2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, white or dark meat, diced into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 Empire, Gala or Honey Crisp apples, peeled and chopped
3-4 small ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup apple cider
1 cup chicken stock
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry dough, defrosted if frozen
1 egg, beaten with water
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
There you have it. Ten unique and savory ways to use apples. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with apple pie. It’s just nice to eat these healthy and delicious little gems in a different way now and then.
With the back and forth of grains, no grains, things can get a bit confusing. Many people are sensitive to grains, and should remove them from the diet. But, does that mean that everyone should stay away from grains?
Personally, I do avoid grains, because of a food sensitivity. I did an elimination diet about one year ago, to discover which foods aggravate my sinus migraines. Unfortunately, grains are on that list. But, I believe most people can safely eat grains, as long as they are prepared properly. Our ancestors who ate grain, typically soaked and fermented them, prior to eating. This helps the body digest them more easily.
Overall, what is the consensus on grains? Should you be eating grains? Are grains bad? Can humans digest grains? All this and more can be found in this interesting article from UC Davis – Integrative medicine. Here, they dispel some of the myths surrounding grains.
Have a look:
Exploring the nutritional controversies surrounding whole grain: does it make you fat, should you include it in your diet, and more.
Here is another recipe, as I celebrate the life of my Grandmother, who passed away yesterday at the age of 101.
Here is one of my favorite meals prepared by my Grandmother.
My Grandma came from a large German family, who farmed on the beautiful South Dakota prairie. Born in 1917, she talks about the lack of running water and electricity in their farm house, when she was a girl. Part of their daily chores involved hauling buckets of water to the house each day, and reading by oil lamps in the evening.
Hard work and exercise are the key, she says. The farming and chores they did each day weren’t enough exercise. So they would take walks to the road and back, each night after dinner.
Cheese buttons, an affectionate American name for German Kase Knepfela, were a frequent food at the dinner table. I have fond memories of making these delightful treats, a traditional German cheese dumpling, with my Grandma, Mom and sister.
AND, I’d like to share her recipe with you now. ENJOY!
INGREDIENTS:
DOUGH:
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
water (to make a soft dough)
FILLING:
2 cups DRY cottage cheese (MUST be dry!)
2 eggs
salt and pepper
Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 4 inch squares. Place a spoonful of filling on each square and seal. Drop into boiling water to which salt has been added. Boil aout 10 minutes, and drain. Fry with butter and chopped onion.
The celebrations for my Grandma’s birthday continue into the weekend, so, this will be it for me until Monday. I hope you have enjoyed my remeniscing and sharing a few of her recipes with you.
Hello everyone! I am currently in the process of writing an article which will include a bunch of recipes I’ll be using during Phase 1 of my Red Tea Detox. It is taking awhile to research and I’m running out of time. You see, it’s currently spring break here in my area, I’ll be spending the afternoon with my boys. We’re going to a movie – A WRINKLE IN TIME.
Since I was unable to finish the article for today, and it’s time to go to the movie, I decided to repost an article about chia seeds and a link to over 45 recipes for using these little gems.
First, I thought I’d include an informational video from Dr. Axe, discussing the healthy benefits of this amazing superfood! Enjoy and stay tuned until tomorrow for my Phase 1 Recipes post.
I think that chia seeds are main stream enough now that we don’t think of a chia pet commercial when we hear the word CHIA. What you may not know, but probably guessed since I’m blogging about them, is they are VERY healthy! The following information is from the article: 11 proven health benefits of chia seeds, from Authority Nutrition.
They are VERY nutrient dense. What does that mean? It means they contain high amounts of nutrients with few calories. In other words you get a lot of bang for your buck.
A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains :
They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.
High in anti-oxidants. Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
Low carbohydrate and high in fiber. In fact with 11 grams per serving, there is only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving.
High in protein. They contain all essential amino acids and are therefore considered a complete protein.
Due to the high fiber and protein content, Chia Seeds could help you lose weight.
High in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids
Can help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes-due to fat, fiber, protein and antioxidant content.
High in bone supporting nutrients-calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein
Can help improve type-2 diabetes
Help improve exercise performance and stamina.- ancient Aztecs an Mayans are said to have used them to improve endurance.
They are easy to use.
CAUTION-Due to the high fiber content, some people may experience bloating and gas when consuming chia seeds. I recommend starting with a small amount, and working your way up to a full serving.
Honestly, I did not realize the other 364 days of the year are for men, but I will accept any and all excuses to celebrate myself!
I’d like to take the time to share some of the reasons females are the best:
1) We are, like, incredibly empathetic 2) We drop everything and run to be with those we love when they need us 3) We are super duper resilient – like break our hearts, silly boys, and we will come out on the other end more goddess-like ever 4) We are the most beautiful, talented people in the whole world – i.e. Kate Winslet, Adele, my mom, my bff, etc. 5) We have a secret intuition that can sniff out BS accurately 98% of the time 6) We literally expel human life from our bodies.
This week, each morning, we’ll finish up with the final four superfoods from the book, which are:
Incan berries (AKA golden berries
Kelp
Noni fruit
Yacon Root
We’ve covered everything from goji berries to coconuts to bee products to algae and seaweed. To see the articles from the superfoods series, follow THIS LINK. We’ve learned, over the past few just how incredibly healthy, nutritious and healing these superfoods can be.
That’s all well and good, but you have to actually EAT them, to reap the benefits. That’s where this article comes in. I’ve scoured the internet to come up with a list of 20 different recipes, which incorporate the different superfoods. I’ve tried to include each food in at least one recipe.
The article culminates with a very special chocolate drink, SUPER healthy, jam packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties, prepared by David Wolfe. There are three different videos which explain the ingredients in this very special drink, and how to make it.
This week will wrap up our discussion on superfoods. If you have any comments or questions, as always, leave me a comment below! ENJOY!
1 cup cashews
3 droppers Marine Phytoplankton
1 cup water
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove
1 stalk green onion
1 Tbsp fresh chopped ginger
½ avocado
1 tsp Sun Is Shining (or other super green powder)
1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional)
½ tsp Mesquite Powder
1/8 tsp Chili Pepper Powder
½ tsp Himalayan Salt
This smoothie/chocolate drink is a powerhouse of superfood nutrients. It will fill you with energy. I recommend using this in place of your morning coffee!
Chocolate vanilla bean dream smoothie video PART I
Chocolate vanilla bean dream smoothie video PART II
Chocolate vanilla bean dream smoothie video PART III
As today is a federal holiday here in the USA, I’ve decided to take the day off from both blogging and school. So it’s repost day here at The Purple Almond. I’ll be back with the superfoods tomorrow morning at 8:00 EST, as we continue with the bee product Propolis.
I wanted to do a couple of “reposts” this morning. I’ve already missed my usual 8:00 AM slot, but, I still wanted to posts something. So, here’s a quick video on flaxseeds, followed by one of my favorite quick and healthy “go to” recipes when I’m in a hurry.
Flax is a wonderful and healthy seed, high in omega-3 fats, high fiber and low carb, making it suitable for any diet.
Just how healthy are they? Here are the nutrients, followed by some health benefits.
A 1 ounce (3 tbsp) serving of flaxseeds contains (1):
Omega-3 (ALA) 6,338m
Fiber 8g
Protein 6g
Vitamin B1 31% RDA
Manganese 35% RDA
Magnesium 30% RDA
Phosphorus 19% RDA
Selenium 10% RDA
Also, flaxseeds contain a good amount of vitamin B6, Iron, potassium, copper and zinc
I normally try to stay away from microwaving things, but in a pinch, this recipe is SOOO easy and super healthy. I’ve made this on many mornings when I was short on time.