8 Things Healthy Families Use

I'm a mom and I'm all about keeping things simple and natural. Are you the same way? I have a lot to get completed throughout the course of a day and I'll take as much support as I can get. I don't like depending on unnatural chemicals daily. I'd rather use items from nature for self-care, cleaning, and eating. I find nature does our family best!

Here are 8 things as a concerned Momma and certified health coach that I would say are the bare minimum for a physically healthy home after real whole foods. There are several other things I like to keep around as well, but this is a great start!

8 Things:

Raw Organic Honey: Kick out the refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, they just feed cancer. Instead use real, organic, raw honey. You always want your honey to be in its natural raw state because then it contains nutritional values and anti-bacterial properties. Avoid heating your honey to keep nutrients in tact. To support skin health you add raw honey to minor cuts and scrapes as well as using it for a facial mask once a week. 

Fresh Garlic: This is truly nature's antibiotic. It also happens to taste really yummy in foods. It is inexpensive and great to keep around all year. You can easily grow it as well. Try to make sure sure you purchase local garlic or at least from inside the USA. A lot of garlic is from China in the grocery store, and the agricultural practices there are not the same as ours here in the USA. Keep in mind heating it does destroy it's antibiotic properties. It's still a worthy add to cooked meals though for a flavorful plate. 

Fresh Raw Ginger: This root is such a treasure. Ginger is a natural over all body anti-inflammatory food. It's a spicy delicious addition to smoothies, baked goods, soups, and stir fries. It provides wonderful digestive system support. It's a safe tummy tamer for pregnant women. 

During my pregnancies I love to make fresh ginger root tea. I actually enjoy this all of the time. Use about 1 1/2 inches of ginger, peel it, and slice it. Add it to a mug of hot boiled filtered water. Cover the top and steep for about ten minutes. I prefer mine without a sweetener. You can add a little raw honey or organic stevia drops. 

Fresh Organic Lemons (Lemon Water): What a joy it is to slice into a fresh lemon! When you slice into a lemon, that delightful smell is actually a tiny bit of the natural essential oil escaping. Did you know citrus scents help enhance good mood? Be sure to purchase organic citrus fruits if possible. Even though we do not typically eat the peel, whatever we touch and our children for that matter touch goes into our skin and is absorbed. Conventional citrus fruits are coated in toxins and some are even grown in toxic waste. No amount of washing will remove it. Even if you use vinegar. 

I like to drink lemon water first thing each morning. This is a great way to prepare the body for your day by hydrating and getting enzymes flowing. I drink 32oz of room temperature water when I wake with one fresh squeezed lemon added plus 1 drop of Young Living Lemon Vitality. Yes, you can over due it with lemons just like anything else. Healthy foods consumed in moderation then stay healthy. Benefits to drinking lemon water are natural support to your liver, digestive system, and immune system. 

Essential Oils: In our home due to purity and the highest of standards, we only use Young Living Essential Oils. Essential oils can help support the body, mind, and spirit as well as make a lovely addition to your natural cleaning regimen. Essential oils are the heart and soul of the plants, basically the plants' immune systems. They are aromatic oils that disperse into the air in tiny molecules quickly and they can come from various parts of different plants. You can get your's here. 

Good Salt: Have you bought into the lie that salt is bad for you? Salt is actually a necessary component to our lives. It purifies our bodies as well as adding many needed minerals. The difference is knowing the salts to stay away from and the salt to consume. Regular table salt has been bleached and all of the minerals have been stripped from it and sold to supplement companies. Some salts even add MSG, sugar, and aluminum. The iodine added is not natural iodine either. Table salt is very hard on all of the body systems. 

The best salts to purchase are Celtic (real Celtic salt is a little wet and greyish in color), an actual brand called Redmond Real Salt (shown in the picture), and Himalayan salt (this is pink in color). You can purchase all of these in whole rock like forms, little mini rocks, or finely ground. I like to add a pinch to my water throughout the day to ensure I'm getting necessary minerals. No, it cannot be tasted. Most filtered water takes out a lot of our necessary minerals along with  the toxins so adding a pinch of salt helps replace the good stuff. 

You can even make something called Sole. This is basically a concentrated salt water. You can make this simply by getting the good salt of your choice, a glass jar, like a clean mason jar, and filling it 1/3 of way with the salt. Fill it to the top with water. Leave a little room. Shake it. Let it sit for about 8-12 hours. Add this to your warm or room temperature lemon water or plain room temp water first thing in the morning. You can use a plastic measuring teaspoon or a glass dropper to add 1 tsp to your water to help start your day off well will lots of minerals. One tsp should be all you need. Your naturopathic doctor or holistic health practitioner can tell you exactly.

Remember I mentioned salt purifies. If your throat is feeling scratchy, add 2 tsp to a glass of water and gargle to support your body.

Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil: It was a great day when I brought coconut oil into my life. I believe this was one of the first food and body care switches that I ever made. Organic unrefined coconut oil is comprised of three antimicrobial medium chain saturated fatty acids: capric, caprylic, and monolauric. The monolauric acid is very supportive to the immune system. This type of fat is great for brain support. I do so many things with this oil. I bake and cook with it, use it in my homemade skin care products, as well as my homemade toothpaste. I also oil pull with it; click on the link if you don't know what that means.. 

It has a heat tolerance of 350, which makes it lovely to bake with since most recipes bake at 350. Cooking eggs in it is my favorite. Never heat it in the microwave. The waves will damage it's integrity. Depending on weather it will go from solid to liquid. When you need it liquid, put some into a glass measuring cup, close to what you need. Always put it a bit under the marker on the cup because once it melts it will most likely be right on the money. Put the measuring cup into a small pot with a little water. Boil on the stove until the oil melts. 

Raw Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar: I add a splash of this each day to a glass of my water as well. There are numerous benefits to the body in consuming raw unpasteurized ACV. It absolutely must be raw and unpasteurized containing the what is called mother. Real ACV is made through a lengthy fermentation process. The mother is the brown healthy strands of amino acids. This vinegar is particularly supportive to the digestive and immune systems. You can use it with food and drinks and you can clean with it. Another use is for body care as a facial toner or it can be a support to the scalp if there is flakes or dandruff. When anyone in our family even looks like they are getting under the weather for natural support I make this tonic that contains:

1 Tbsp ACV ( I like this one.) 

1/8 Tsp Ground Organic Cayenne Pepper (Try this brand.) 

1 Fresh Garlic Clove, sliced

1 Inch Ginger Root, peeled and sliced

2 Tbsp Raw Honey ( Local is best, but if you can't find any, I like this kind.)

1 Mug Hot Boiled Filtered Water

Add everything to the mug EXCEPT for the honey. Cover and let it steep for about 10 minutes. When it's time to drink, add the honey. 

Helping you to be a good steward of your health!~Marie A. Brock, HHC

Health Disclaimer: No medical diagnoses, claims or promises of cures have been made. The information offered is simply for educational purposes. Any addition to diet or supplement routines should be discussed with your regular health professional.

There are affiliate links in this article. You are never required to shop through them. If you do though, I want to say thank you. If you like the information that I present, know that shopping through those links helps me to keep writing.

Resources:

 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/this-bee-product-has-enormous-benefits-for-your-health.aspx

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27158056 

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/garlic.html

http://draxe.com/10-benefits-celtic-sea-salt-himalayan-salt/

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/lemon.html

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/ginger.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/20/salt-myth.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/18/coconut-oil-uses.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/03/21/apple-cider-vinegar-uses.aspx

Creamy Potato & Mushroom Soup

Do you know what freezing rain outside means? It means I'm making soup! I love making soup so much! It's a great way to use up just about everything still hanging out in the fridge, it's super nutritious, and tastes outstanding!

Kinda cute how your kids think like you sometimes. My 14 year old requested potato and mushroom soup. Those were exactly the ingredients that I had put on the counter. I wanted something warm and comforting. Nothing like a hug from potato soup. 

I utilized some really healthy ingredients to give a nutritional punch with every bite.  Most ingredients were organic to eliminate genetic modification, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. Did you know that these pesticides build up in our bodies, and certain one mutate in our guts, and grow inside our gut, then damaging healthy flora that destroys our natural immunity? It really does make a difference whether not we eat organically and sustainably grown foods.

Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:

2 LBs Organic Red Potatoes, diced with the skin on: Always buy potatoes organic, they are heavily treated with pesticides. Eat them with them skin on for fiber and a slower release of sugars in the body. Red potatoes actually have less sugar in them than other potatoes. They are rich in vitamin C, B6, and potassium.

1-2 Organic Leeks, washed well, sliced: Rich in vitamin K and maganese leeks are a member of the same family as garlic and onions. They also provide soluble and insoluble fiber, and great flavor!

2 Organic Celery Ribs, diced: This gut friendly, anti-inflammatory food is rich in vitamin K and many antioxidants.

1 Medium Onion, diced: For cell renewal and flavor

3 Large Garlic cloves, minced: for wonderful flavor (unfortunately the antibacterial properties are killed with heat)

 3 Cups Organic Greens, roughly chopped (could be whatever is in the fridge or freezer, kale, spinach, collards, Swiss chard): These are Superfoods all on their own! To get loads of fiber, vitamin C, and chlorophyll to keep the blood clean.

2 Cups Shiitake Mushrooms: They taste awesome, give a meaty like texture, and are super awesome for the immune system!

2-3 Tbsp Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil: for healthy fat and to saute veggies

7 Cups Homemade Bone Broth: So very good for you and healing for the gut as well. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy gelatin. Read here for more information as well as how to make it.

1 Can Native Forest Coconut Milk: (I only use this brand because it is organic and the cans are NOT lined with BPA.) This adds healthy fat, minerals, and creamy yumminess

1 Can Native Forest Coconut Cream:  For extra lovely creaminess. (I only use this brand because it is organic and the cans are NOT lined with BPA.)

 2 Tbsp Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos: For flavor and added minerals

2 Tbsp Braggs Nutritional Yeast: This is an inactive yeast rich in B vitamins that gives a really nice almost cheesy flavor

1 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt: Himalayan is fine as well, use real salt for minerals

1/4 Tsp Organic Black Pepper: Just for flavor and antioxidants

Fresh Organic Parsley: for a garnish and extra fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins

Instructions:

 *You'll need a good cutting board, a blender, a large pot, and a good knife

Prepare veggies

Saute in a large pot the onion, leeks, garlic first in oil, soften them,  then add potatoes and greens, saute 3-4 minutes low to medium heat

Saute the mushrooms and some oil in a separate pan, brown a bit

Put half of the sauteed veggies from the pot into a bowl (you're going to blend these; not the mushrooms)

Add a little bit of the sauteed veggies in the bowl and a little broth to the blender (if you have an immersion blender then everything can just stay in the pot), blend a bit of broth and veggies at a time, and pour back into the pot; I found doing a little at a time makes less of a mess (You can potentially blend all of the veggies from the pot, but I opted to leave some whole, totally up to you, do blend some though)

Pour the remainder of the broth into the pot along with the mushrooms

Now the coconut milk, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and aminos can go into the pot, stir, simmer for 25 minutes on low heat

*Meat Eater Tip: I don't do meat, but my guys do, so I warmed up some shredded chicken that I already had and threw it in their bowls!

Serve with a salad and a slice of this quiche for a fantastic meal!

Be healthy and blessed! Helping you to be a good steward of your health!~Marie A. Ligorria, HHC

Spaghetti Squash Crust Quiche

Over the Christmas break a good friend of mine asked me if I would make a recipe that she had found to see if I liked it. I leaped at the opportunity because it just so happened that I was looking for a creative way to use the spaghetti squash I'd just cooked.

As previously mentioned in a recent article, we love to eat quiche at this house, and I love to make them. They are easy to make, nutritious, fairly quick to bake, and an awesome way to use up leftovers. 

The original recipe was from: kitchenaid.com

I will start off saying kudos to the creator of the idea to use the spaghetti squash in this way. I'd recently been playing with it in the kitchen, so this was perfect timing! I would make it again. It stays together really well. It's nice and crispy where the egg doesn't touch, but does stay soft where everything comes together. I really enjoyed the flavor. It's an awesome way to get more fiber in those kiddos.

Ingredients:

I used a variety of leftovers in mine that were in the fridge. That's the beauty of quiche, almost anything goes! I used left overs for this so my measurements are not exact. I threw in:

black beans, cooked

spinach

onions

peas

butternut squash

shiitake mushrooms

quinoa, cooked

goat cheddar cheese

garlic powder

ground turmeric

Celtic sea salt

ground black pepper

Oh did I need to say spaghetti squash and eggs? Hopefully not, but just so you know, eggs and spaghetti squash. I used 8 eggs. You may need 10 depending on size of pie plate/dish, and other ingredients. I used most of a cooked small-medium sized spaghetti squash. Don't know how to cook it? Read here.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Push the spaghetti squash against the bottom and sides of the pie plate. I greased it a little with organic unrefined coconut oil.

My suggestion is to lightly sauté any veggies you throw in there first before adding them. Then put them on the squash.

Whisk the eggs with any herbs and spices in a big bowl. Add them on top of the veggies.

Last, if you eat cheese, add it now, and be generous. If you don't, then don't worry about it. You could add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast to whisk with the eggs for a cheesy flavor if desired.

Bake it for 40-45 minutes. Give it 5 minutes to cool a bit, then serve. Along side soup and salad it's a perfect cold weather meal for any time of day! If you have a larger family just use more ingredients. This would make a great New Years breakfast or brunch!

Be healthy and blessed! Helping you to be a good steward of your health!~Marie A. Ligorria

Mindset of Prevention

Over 5 years ago when I started my health journey, I should say when I started to listen to God and became obedient with my health journey 5 years ago,( I think it started long before 5 years ago), I learned that while society's frame of mind is to let something break, and then worry about picking up the pieces, that's not really a functional attitude or great way to heal. We need to think about our bodies and our health like the way we treat our cars. Truly there are people that treat their cars, homes, or pets better than they treat their bodies. It's almost tragic. Why do we think it's okay, especially in the USA to allow our bodies to get to the point where we are literally in danger?  There is so much disease in our beautiful USA that doesn't have to be there. We do have some control. Instead of breaking down, let's stop the process. 

The Mastery of God's Provisions 

Food

The Most High God and Creator of the Earth  gave us healthy, naturally organic foods to eat. He made sure we would all we needed to survive and thrive, but we trashed them, and the soil, then choose to eat chemicals instead? Why? We were not designed to eat chemicals heated up to overly high temperatures with microwaves. We are beautiful creations of God, and we don't treat ourselves like masterpieces...why? The information is available, we say we want healing, but then complain lifestyle changes are too difficult. 

We need to change our taste buds, renew our minds, and go back to His word for what we are to eat. In the beginning, in the book of Genesis, "Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food." This was God's intention. Then in the book of Leviticus due to the fall of man came God's allowance, not original intention, but allowance planned from the beginning clearly defining what was considered actual food for His people to eat. He made clear that it was now okay to eat certain meats to get further nutrition. He knew what sin would do to the world, and that this would be necessary.

 Yeshua never came to change the guidelines and instructions of  His Father, He came to fulfill them, and show us the way. What changed was that eyes were opened to the understanding of grace, and that what the Father truly cares for is the condition of our hearts. He is not concerned with outward appearance, or the drones of repetitions some call prayer, or even our "good deeds" because even those can be done selfishly. God is concerned with the why and our obedience from a heart surrendered to Him. At the end of the day, only He can judge our deeds. All the more we should honor Him with our temples.

David, a man after God's own heart, understood grace from the very beginning. Grace always existed. He also knew the difference between man's law and God's guidelines and instructions. He understood that following what His Heavenly Daddy had to say was what was best for him. David knew God was His provider and all in all. David knew his position, as well the difference between doing what he could just because he can and doing what was best. By grace we are given the privilege of freedom, no longer bound by anything, but the love of the Messiah. By grace we could put anything into our mouths and call it food. That doesn't make it the best decision. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 it says, "You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything." Also in 1 Corinthians 10:23 it says, "You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is beneficial."

We need to stop making our allowances for foods or really things WE call food be a part of our diets. All things in moderation is not always appropriate. In fact that saying gets on my last nerve because it can be greatly abused and one person's view of moderate use could be daily as opposed to hourly. It is difficult to break away from our own traditions or to accept that all along we have been doing things backwards or wrong. These thoughts are killing us. We absolutely, positively have to have discernment. Salad is great, but not if it's a bowl of poison ivy. Just because what we eat doesn't defile us spiritually, doesn't mean it doesn't defile us physically. We must be good stewards. Illness, cancer, and disease is not rampant for no reason. We are responsible. Food of course is just one aspect and reason, but the most basic place to start, and easiest for us to control. It's important to understand what certain foods do to our bodies. That's a huge reason why I became a holistic health counselor. I wanted to help people learn.

Things to Strive for in the Kitchen

1) Homemade meals, then you know what you are getting
2) Eat organic whenever possible to avoid genetically modified foods, as well as herbacides, fungicides, and pesticides
3) Make most of your plate plant foods
4) Eat lots of raw foods for maximum digestion
5) Eat lots of lacto-fermented foods and beverages for healthy bacteria to build the immune and digestive systems
 6) Don't drink soda EVER, drink spring or filtered water
7) Don't consume factory farmed meats or dairy, go local, organic, and raw for dairy when available 

Essential Oils

God gave us EOs as His provision in the plants to take care of our bodies. He did not just leave us out here without support. We do not need foundations to do research, God already did the work. He knew what sin would do and what we'd be up against. He gave us these marvelous oils tucked inside these plants for our benefit. These were used in the Bible, it's nothing new under the sun. I'm so grateful that YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS does everything the right way so they are truly beneficial and beyond organic. Not all essential oils are the same on the market. If you want to learn more, contact me about hosting a free class.

The Human Body's Ability to Move 

We were not created to sedentary creatures. Adam was told he would toil for his family's food. Well, unless you're  farmer, which I am not believe me, chances are you are not doing too much toiling at the grocery store or farmers market grabbing groceries. Since that is the case for most of us, we absolutely, positively MUST build in time for exercise daily. Here is why:

5 Reasons We Need to Exercise

1) It builds muscle, muscle is needed for strength in the body, and burning excess fat
2) It naturally detoxes the body through sweat
3) It improves our mood and promotes emotional wellness
4) It promotes digestive wellness by increasing regularity
 5) It encourages good rest and sleep in the body

Not About Fear

I love my friends and family! We need mindsets of prevention! I want healing for all! God's desire is not for us to suffer. He's a kind, loving, and merciful God. He's also just though, and makes it clear that this life will not be easy. He's says things will be hard, and in the end days there will be disease. What He doesn't say is that His children need to have the diseases.  There's somethings we can't do anything about for sure. At the same we do have responsibilities to ourselves, our children, and to the Holy Spirit for those who are believers in Yeshua Messiah, since we house Him! All we can do is our best and God will handle the rest. From then on if we say God allowed this...fill in the blank, then fine. Do you see the difference? The attitude that I'm going to die anyway doesn't glorify the Lord. That is not being a good steward or being grateful for the health He's given you. There are those born unable to walk, and more severe. Please be grateful if you can get up and move, go to bathroom without assistance,and take care of yourself to stay that way. God can use anyone at anytime for His glory, surely! He loves all of His wonderfully made creation. How much better though to have usable hands and feet to proclaim His message of love to all if He chose to give those to you?!! Please join me in this mindset of prevention!

Helping you to be a good steward of your health!~Marie A. Ligorria, HHC

Eating Healthy On The Go

So I'm a single homeschooling mom, I'm running a health counseling business, I'm making and selling body care, plus I work  part time at a small health food store. I think it's fair to say that I'm busy. 

I love my life and all that I'm doing. It sure takes a lot of healthy fuel to keep me going though. In order to go at this hectic pace, I also need to make time to slow down. Guess what...I have great energy, but I'm not super woman. I need to rest and so do you. I really try to get in bed by no later than 9-9:30pm. I don't always succeed, but I'm mostly consistent. I'm an early riser, and true sleep is important.

I often wish I had two of me and that there were two extra hours stuck in the morning somewhere, but that's not the case. Getting good rest makes a huge difference. Guard your sleep time.

So back to the fuel, you might ask, what are you eating? The answer is I'm eating as simply as possible. I thought I'd give you a list of foods to have prepared or just ready produce so you can just grab them or foods easily warmed.

Foods to Prepare

Cook 2-3 cups of brown rice each week to use for just sides, to throw in soups, and to make veggie patties.

Make 2-3 cups of quinoa to have on hand to throw in salads or soups, for veggies patties, or bars.

Soak and cook 2 cups beans and legumes, alternate kinds each week to use for different dishes, throw them in salad, soup, tacos, or purée them for homemade refried beans. They are inexpensive and full of fiber.

Take the time 1-2 times a month to keep homemade organic chicken stock in the fridge. Really the nutritional benefits are immense, and you can make a quick soup if it's ready as well as cook veggies or grains in it. Then use the chicken meat...won't use it all in one week? Freeze some and take it out later.

Bake 6-8 sweet potatoes weekly. You would believe how these come in handy! They are awesome just to grab to warm up at work and eat. You can also mash the flesh though for various recipes. Leave a few unbaked too for roasting or sautéing.

Hard boil around 8-10 eggs and you will have a portable meal. There is super nutrition in farm fresh free range eggs. 

Prepare a pot of soup each week in the winter. Soup is wonderfully portable in a thermos. 

Having muffins and breakfast bars made and keeping them in the freezer is huge! Find a recipe you like and be diligent to make it. Make the toaster oven your friend with these.

Homemade trail mix is awesome. I keep washable snack bags available to fill with my own variety of trail mix.

Produce I Keep Around

Slice up organic carrots. If they are ready you can just eat them as is, roast or sauté them, throw into soup, or lightly steam them. Kids love carrots!

Chop up a head of broccoli and keep it ready. No time to make a salad? Grab some broccoli and home dressing, toss it in a mason jar along with a hard boiled egg-score! This makes for easy steaming too.

Chopped kale is a life saver. I get mine at the farmers market, 3 big bags for $5. It's not pre-chopped, of course I have to do it, but this superfood is worth it. Throw it in smoothies, soups, veggie patties, sautes, and of course salads. 

Grab a ripe avocado and a spoon as you run out the door! Seriously, it's full of healthy fat, fiber, and protein; the things are perfect. 

Organic apples are wonderful for snacking and chopping up for salads.

Always have plenty of onions, green onions, and garlic cloves around. They don't cost much and add tremendous flavor.

Prepared Foods/Condiments I Like To Have On Hand

Trader Joes or Kirkland Brand Organic Peanut Butter

Raw Almond Butter

Sunflower Seed Butter

Ziyad Tahini

Organic Maple Syrup

Coconut Sugar

Himalayan and Celtic Salts

Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos

Coconut Secret Coconut Nectar

Y & S Raw Honey

Local Raw Unfiltered Honey

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

Bionutrae Organic Strained Tomatoes

Jar or Two of 365 or Eden

Organic Apple Sauce

Native Forest Whole Canned Organic Coconut Milk

Spices: Ground Organic Garlic, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger, Chili, Cardamom

Dried Herbs: Organic Black Pepper, Basil, Oregano, Dill, Rosemary, Minced Onion, Parsley

Nuts/Seeds/Dried Foods

Raw Cashews

Raw Almonds

Raw Sesame Seeds

Raw Pecans

Raw Walnuts

Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Medjool Dates

Raisins

Hempseeds

Flaxseeds

Chia Seeds

Sulfur-free Sundried Tomatoes Not In Oil

Quinoa

Brown Rice

Organic Brown Rice Pasta

Goji Berries

Shredded Organic Unsweetened Coconut (Flakes too)

Almond Meal

Cashew Meal

So there is a peek into my pantry and refrigerator. I hope the prepared food ideas were helpful. Be healthy, be blessed, be a good steward!

Super Easy Healthy Popsicles!

When you are going the healthier, whole foods route some think you have to give up your favorite things. While that may be true with a few things for the most part there is a real, yummy, nutritious version of what you love to eat. Knowing what to substitute is exceedingly important when you have children!

We live in a society that makes it difficult to eat healthy and raise our children that way. I want my children to take care of the body the Lord has given them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." We know not the day nor the hour when we will return with the Lord Yeshua, nonetheless preserving our health makes us good stewards so that we can be used at any time in any way.

Back to healthy choices, we simply cannot go around telling our children NO constantly. We have to pick our battles, and quite frankly should say yes if a request is within reason. A child's fond warm weather past time are Popsicles. Even I can remember as a child running for the ice cream truck. Knowing now what is in those cool desserts I gladly run in the other direction. Regardless, it doesn't take away the desire for a sweet treat.

Earlier this week I received my BPA Free Popsicle molds...I was so excited to try them out! So I figured I'd snap a few shots and share the process with you. I kept it fairly simple. I ordered the molds from Amazon.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Organic Frozen Mixed Berries

1 Can Native Forest Organic Whole Coconut Milk

2 Tbsp Coconut Secret Coconut Nectar

Next just put everything into your blender.

Depending on the speed of your blender make it smooth and creamy.

Then it is as simple as pouring into the molds. Truth be told this filled almost all of my molds completely. Just one was a tad short. I didn't feel like opening another can. I let them freeze for 3 hours.  

They turned out really well. Feel free to use any natural sweetener you like. Depending on the fruit you use you may be able to avoid it altogether. Tell me if you try them out! Be healthy, be blessed, and be a good steward!

I Love Fat!

 We live in a very confused culture and time. What scripture says about what is right being called wrong and what is wrong being called right was so spot on for so many areas of our lives. Food is definitely a category where that deems accurate. There are more dietary theories and misconceptions than I can count. The dangerous part is with many of them there is a little truth mixed in with a little lie and in a case like that it is easy to blur the lines and truly understand nutrition.

In the 1990's the rage was zero to low fat made foods. I can remember being in high school and priding myself on all of my low fat recipes, especially using the low fat dairy products. I was famous for my zero fat sour cream dip at parties (barf!!!!!!). It's really amazing how different someone can be over the course of 6-7 years. Now it seems all I eat are lots of veggies, a minimal amount of animal protein, some fruit and gluten free grains/pseudo grains, and quite a bit of fat. I consume what some would consider an extremely high fat diet. Yet, I weigh what I did in high school as a teenager who danced ballet and jazz 4 nights a week in a studio and worked out for an hour each morning. I am active now, but no where as rigorous. I've had two children since then and it was only when I started eating this way that the weight I gained from getting pregnant came off.

Fat is such an important part of the foods that we eat. We need it for digestion, brain, heart, immune, lung, and joint health. It is imperative that we consume enough of it to function properly and have energy. It is necessary for healing, especially if you are healing from a gut related issue like candida, crohns, colitis, gastritis, or diverticulitis. I still see low fat being touted in products on the shelf. I give healthy grocery store tours so it is part of my job to know the products lurking around for the consumer. It is so easy to be deceived, incredibly so much so if we do not read labels. Marketing and propaganda are tricky my friends. There are different kinds of fats so being aware of what they are for and why we need them may be of assistance to you on your own health journey.

Types of Fat: Unsaturated and Saturated

The key to eating well with fat is knowing which ones to consume more regularly. Our bodies need balance and only a bit of healthy fat at a time. The more variety we eat in our daily diet, especially fruits and veggies, the better off we will be. Fats come from plants and animals. Both can provide us with healthy and unhealthy fats. Don't believe the hype on a label, do your research. Oh and please, please do yourself a favor, if you happen to watch a particular commercial or "doctor somebody" on television...continue to be a detective for your health. Just because it is on TV or the latest craze doesn't mean it's trustworthy...yes?...Say yes, Marie, yes.

Unsaturated fats are broken up into two categories: polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. These fats come from vegetables and fish sources. Usually monounsaturated fats like olive oil are suggested for health benefits. Soybean oil is technically a monounsaturated fat and I would not in any way recommend this for consumption. Processed unfermented soy (organic and conventional) is a stressor on the thyroid, a hormone disruptor, as well as a catalyst to the inflammation in the gut. It is very difficult to digest. We really want to restrict and stay away from polyunsaturated fats and trans fats. Some polyunsaturated fats are sunflower, safflower, canola, and corn oils. Sesame oil in small amounts is okay al beit a polyunsaturated fat. Trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils) are polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats that have been processed with high heat so that they will resist rancidity and stay solid. These are found in crackers, cookies, cakes, cereals, and margarine (ewwwww).

Essential Fatty Acids

So these are the "hot fats" everyone is discussing. First of all I can recall a customer at work asking why these fats are called essential. Well, there is a simple reason to the question. Anything considered essential is a fat or other component that our bodies cannot produce on their own, therefore making it essential for us to consume it. This is where marketing gets tricky.

In health food stores you will see essential oil products with the numbers 3, 6, and 9 on them. So the numbers come from the amount of atoms in those particular fats so we can distinguish them. Our bodies need all of these fats. Truth be told we make omega 9 from the unsaturated fats already inside us and we do not need to take it in extra supplement form. Too much of it can even be a detriment. Olive oil actually is mostly made up of omega 9, not omega 3, as stated in marketing. Olive oil is still wonderful, just only consume the extra virgin cold pressed oils, and don't cook with it. It has a low heat tolerance. Use it more on top of foods and for homemade salad dressings. To be sure of getting a good extra virgin olive oil look for ones sold in a dark glass bottle with a harvest date. The best olive oils are currently coming from California, go USA!

Omega 3 and 6 on the other hand our bodies absolutely must take in from our food supply. In the standard American diet (SAD) most are very unbalanced as far the essential fatty acids are concerned. A good ratio of omega 3 to 6 is pertinent to health and inflammation levels. Too much linoleic acid, which is an omega 6 fat, that happens to be prevalent in the SAD causes high levels of inflammation. This can be found in unhealthy plant oils like soybean, sunflower, canola, and corn. Since many of our livestock animals are eating foods like genetically modified corn and soy, instead of grasses and grubs, they too have high levels in their bodies. Now don't totally get down on omega 6, we need it for sure, we just want to try to consume much more of the better kinds.

Now gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) on the other hand, which is an omega 6, is highly anti-inflammatory and immune system supporting. You can take this in supplement form from borage or evening primrose oils. My preferred way to utilize it is from hemp. Oh how I love hemp. Hemp was one of the super foods that I blogged about a while back, check it out here. So hemp seeds, protein powder (just the ground hemp seeds), and hemp oil all contain GLA. The seeds are delicious, light and a little almondy. Throw them in salad, in smoothies for protein, in homemade raw bars, mix with rice, quinoa, or millet, or top your soup off with some. Just don't cook with the oil, its great for salad dressings though. I say don't cook with it because this particular fat, much like olive oil, has a very low heat tolerance. Heat can change certain fats structures then making them toxic to the body.

Ah so on to the sacred omega 3 fats. Omega 3's help reduce inflammation and improve immunity. They also increase our lung health and cognitive function and brain development. Remember being told when you were young that fish are brain food...well, there is something to that statement. This is why fish oil sales are through the roof. In the fish oil we receive fatty acids called DHA and EPA. These are important for brain and eye health. I'll be honest with you, I think a high quality fish oil supplement, in the right form being triglyceride form, is great! We do this at my house. If I miss a day I don't worry too much since I eat a wide variety of foods with omega 3's. My favorite is fermented cod liver oil by Green Pasture. Fermented versus distilled is better because the fermentation keeps all of the natural health properties in tact, where distillation removes some of them, like some of the natural vitamin D. If you don't have access to fermented I still think a high quality distilled is fine; Nordic Naturals is a good brand for those. Not all brands are equal kids, there are too many rancid fish oils sitting on the shelves of America. Do yourself a favor, go to the local health food store, and pick up your fish oil. Do not buy it at a superstore or regular pharmacy...yuck! If you have EVER burped it up, that means you were consuming the rancid stuff.

Just so you know fish oil is high in omega 3 because of what the fish eat, not because fish naturally contain it. Omega 3's are found in the plants like seaweed that the fish eat. Omega 3's are found in green plants. This is why grass fed cows are so important! Grass has omega 3's, unlike soy and corn with omega 6, so grass eating cows are healthy cows. Healthy cows give us healthy beef and milk (not that I currently consume either). Yay grass fed!

Other fabulous foods that give us omega 3's are raw walnuts, flax seeds (ground unheated), chia seeds (unheated, don't need to be ground, awesome source), sea veggies like dulse and kelp, green algaes such as chlorella and spirulina, truly free range eggs from pastured-free range chickens, wild salmon (not farmed salmon because they eat corn and soy), wild rice (because it is grass), avocados (have omega 6 also; my favorite food), and black beans! The walnuts and flax give us a fat called alpha-lineleic acid. These turn into DHA in the body. Avocados actually provide a spectacular cooking oil because the smoke point and heat tolerance is actually 520 degrees. The draw back is it is very expensive.

Saturated Fats: Oh the Controversy

Saturated fats typically come from animals. The skinny on this fat though is that they aren't bad unless they come from animals who aren't being fed properly. Remember how grass fed cows and true free range pastured chickens give us omega 3's.....well, soy and corn fed animals give us WAY TOO MANY omega 6's. That linoleic acid is very inflammatory. It's the linoleic acid that packs on the belly fat and clogs the arteries.

So here's the thing for years modern medicine has said saturated fats were bad and that they raised bad cholesterol. That's unfair and only partly true, all saturated fats are not equal. My favorite oil happens to be a saturated fat, organic unrefined coconut oil. I will not go into all of the benefits of coconut oil here. Just know its spectacular and super healthy to go on the body and in the body. Most saturated fats are long chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid, these are magic in the body. For more health facts read my post on coconut here . It has a very high smoking point, so the tolerance to heat for baking is wonderful.It speeds up metabolism and can assist in weightless. Only buy organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil. Try this one.

Grass fed butter and ghee are saturated fats. These are natural, fairly easy to attain, delicious, and good for you. Now don't go eating a whole stick of butter, lets not get too crazy. Be responsible, bigger is not better. Ghee is a little bit more exotic, it can be found at local health food stores, online, and in Whole Foods. Trader Joes carries it, but I'm not sure it is from grass fed cows. You can also learn what ghee is if you don't know and how to make your own ghee here.

Another spectacular saturated fat is red palm oil. It is from the palm tree, not be confused with the coconut palm. Outside of the USA, palm oil is the most widely used oil. When unprocessed it has a red hue. It is actually extremely beneficial to the body. It can help UNCLOG arteries and keep them clean. It also has an extremely high smoking point of 410 so its perfect for stir frying some of your local, fresh, organic veggies! Look for it virgin and cold pressed. Try this one.

Hope this was helpful to you! What fat is your favorite? Remember to be healthy, be blessed, and be a good steward.

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Use It Up!

When was the last time you went through your cupboards, pantry, fridge, or freezer to really see what was there? You may be surprised what you find. Writing things down makes it easier to keep an inventory for your kitchen. This whole process though possibly daunting will allow you to see what you have in stock, what you don't, what you need, and what you need to give the boot! 

One suggestion is to keep a long, narrow dry erase white board on the wall need the cabinets or pantry in order to keep a list, and since its erasable you can change it as need be. Make it a habit, keep the dry erase marker close by, and save your sanity. This will help you to avoid buying the 4th bag of quinoa, and to replace the unsulphured sundried tomatoes.

Get creative with meal choices using all you have in the house.Don't limit yourself to food that typically in the USA is only eaten at certain meals. Eat whole, real, nutritious foods. Involve a lot of greens whenever the chance.

Here is a quick recipe to use up all you have!

Rainbow Quinoa

2 Large Handfuls of Organic Kale
2Fresh Garlic Clove. minced
2 Organic Carrots, sliced
1/2 Small Red Onion, diced
2 TBSP Organic Coconut Oil
2 Cups Cooked Quinoa
1 Cup Real Chicken Stock
1 Fresh Organic Lemon, squeezed
1 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt
1/4 Tsp Black Pepper

Directions:

In a large skillet add coconut oil and saute the kale, garlic, carrot, red onion. Once soft, add everything else. Simmer on low-medium for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Carnivores add pasture raised chicken.