Unconventional Kale Pesto

Today's entry will be brief. I wanted to share a recipe I played within the kitchen today. Since kale is sooooo kool and Wednesdays are typically pasta nights for us...it's an easy dinner before church, I thought I'd use my favorite green to make another favorite of mine...pesto! If you are not familiar with pesto it is a pasta topping/sauce. It is traditionally done with basil. I didn't have any fresh basil, however I have an abundance of kale right now so I figured, why not? It turned out really well. The best part is that its another way to get kale into my picky 12 year old...he loves pesto....thats a high score for this Momma!

PS: Pesto is also great on quinoa, flax bread( or any bread you eat), tomato slices, and chicken.

Kale Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

1 16oz bag Trader Joes Organic Brown Rice Penne Pasta
3 large handfuls Organic or Pesticide Free Kale
1 Fresh Garlic Clove
1 Freshly Squeezed Organic Lemon
1/3 Cup Organic Pine Nuts
1/2 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Optional: 1/4 Tsp Chlorella Powder (Totally not a must, but if you have it this is a great way to sneak it in since pesto is already green)

Optional: Grated Romano Cheese to sprinkle on top

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions. Then put everything else into the food processor or blender until creamy. Mix a few dollops in a bowl with the pasta and enjoy! It's so easy and so good for you!

Superfoods: Ginger

It's so amazing the transitions that we go through in life and the changes that we make. Often times we make changes that we would never have anticipated ourselves taking part in, yet these changes are many times for the better. When I started making changes in my dietary lifestyle I learned how extremely important our digestive health is and the integral part it plays in our immune health. You cannot separate one from the other. I realize over the past several weeks I have sung the praises of many Superfoods. They are truly wonderful. I honestly do not know of any that are as potent or have the same properties of ginger root.

Ginger is grown predominantly in Asia and the Caribbean. It has medicinal and culinary uses. It has a lovely flavor with a spicy kick. It is in the same plant family as turmeric. This does not surprise me knowing the properties of turmeric. They also look very similar. I have had ginger as a regular part of my health regimen for several years. Over the past year I am to the point where I consume it almost daily. I put it in smoothies, cook with it, use it in tea, and put it in desserts. It is excellent for digestion.

It relieves nausea very well. It's super for pregnant mom as to be for soothing their stomachs without any nasty side effects. Sometimes eating out can be an adventure, a dangerous one in fact. Consuming raw ginger can help in a pinch to relieve stomach distress from food sensitivities. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, especially combined with turmeric. You can eat the root raw, make a tea with it, or take a high quality supplement. Get organic whenever possible. If you have a cold or are congested eating small prices of raw ginger throughout the day as well as blending in a smoothie can be very effective for immune support in addition to being a mucous solvent. That means it breaks up all of the yucky gunk.

This phenomenal root also can be pressed for its essence or essential oil. Topically you can take advantage of its healing anti-inflammatory properties by blending with a carrier oil and applying to the inflamed joints and muscles. You can also rub it with a carrier oil on your stomach for relief from digestive distress.

There are just too many incredible ways to use ginger. Here's a smoothie recipe to try it out with:

1-2 handfuls organic kale
1/2-2/3 cup pineapple
1 date
1 Tbsp coconut butter
2 inch hunk raw organic ginger root
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup ice

Blend and enjoy!

Fiber: Do You Get Enough?

Fiber is essential for the body. Our bodies cannot and will not function properly without it. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant food. It is in all plant foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. Animal products and fats do not contain fiber.

Fiber acts like a mop to our intestines. It cleans everything out so we keep our intestinal tracts clean and healthy. The lack of real raw plant fiber can lead to numerous digestive disorders. There is fiber in cooked food, but it is broken down and not as effective. Most adults need 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Unfortunately as it stands in the USA most adults are only getting half that amount.

When our bodies do not have enough fiber they do not function properly. Fiber pushes out toxins and infected bacterial strains through out digestive tracts. Without fiber we cannot properly excrete these items through our feces in turn becoming constipated and then ill. We need to be able to go to the bathroom regularly.

In order to stay satiated throughout the day it is important to include a lot of raw plant fiber in your daily diet. Most people think its protein that keeps you full, on the contrary it is fiber and healthy fat. A healthy amount of raw fiber keeps you fuller longer then leads to weight loss. Eating more plant food allows more food to be eaten that's lower in calories and contains healthy fat. Having a plant based daily diet is a fool proof plan to get enough fiber.

A great simplistic way to include a lot of raw fiber is implementing a daily smoothie into your routine. A smoothie makes eating enough vegetables and fruit possible. You can consume so much more in a smoothie than you ever could in a bowl or on a plate. Sipping on plant fiber throughout the day prevents over eating, promotes regularity, and provides energy.

Recipe to Try:

2 Handfuls of Organic Kale
1 Stalk of Organic Celery
2 Limes, peeled
2 Organic Apples (gala, honey crisp, Fuji, or pink lady)
1 1/2 Cups Spring Water
1/2 Cup Filtered Ice

Blend it all and enjoy!

Are You in Need of Healing?

It was almost four years ago when I was healed. Four years ago when the God of the Universe sent His Holy hands down to touch my body. Not sure why, but I've felt the need lately to re-share my testimony of healing.

In 2009 I was 30 years old and I was sick. I suffered from 18 years of chronic migraines. I was getting debilitating migraines 3-4 times a week that would usually incapacitate me for many hours. I would vomit and have diarrhea. I was at the time a military wife, my husband was always gone. I homeschooled our two boys.

I also experienced chronic fatigue, was over weight, had halitosis, blood in my stool, constant inflammation in my muscles, had terrible dizzy spells, and chronic nausea.

I had been to my general practitioner, a neurologist, other specialists. I had every test taken you could imagine. Not a single person could figure me out. Sound familiar to anyone?

I was on medication for the migraines, so called preventative as well as for on the spot pain. I wound up getting tension headaches in between the migraines and developed Vertigo. I was getting poisoned by the medication according to my neurologist.

For nine years I was also on antidepressant medication. I had been on several throughout that time. I had stopped taking them at age 28, thats a whole other story, nonetheless my body was full of toxins. I also had trashed my body through dealing with anorexia for years.

I knew these conditions were not in any sense normal. I was too young to feel that way. These things our society has come to accept just felt so wrong to me. I knew these drugs I was taking were not medicine. Medicine heals you, and I was not being healed.

I felt worse than I ever had in my life. One late evening in the middle of a migraine I grabbed one of the bottles of pills. I was already on the floor, writhing in pain. Head pressed up against the bed, I began to pray. I prayed to the Holy God of the Universe, Yeshua the Christ.

When I prayed, I prayed differently than ever before. This was my last chance or recourse of living some kind of life with quality. I asked Yeshua to remove all of my pain. I named every ailment. Then I said, "I know you can do it! You are healer, not these drugs in my hands, not these human doctors, you are the great physician." Then I threw the pill bottle across the room.

That was at the end of March 2009. Then came April 1st and it happened to be that for the last few days I had felt well, quite normal, dare I say healthy. I became panicky. I had realized it all at once...did God answer my prayer? Did He heal me? I then began to doubt. My unbelief into the evening brought on a migraine from stress, and I became discouraged. I thought I knew it was too good to be true.

It was a different migraine than ever before. As quickly as it came it went. Then I heard a small voice whisper, "Daughter, I did heal you. Now you have changes to make." (Side note: Did you notice He did on April 1st? See God has a sense of humor too.)

I didn't know what that meant and foolishly did not pursue it. I went along as usual. I continued though to be migraine free. Then came June. I found a lump in my left breast.

After much insisting from a close friend I went to see my doctor. She was very alarmed. She sent me to a specialist. It was a month and a half before I found out the tumor was benign. During that time was my wake up call. It was time to listen to my Heavenly Father. It was time to listen to Jehovah Rapha, the God that Heals.

I spoke with The Lord and He began to show me exactly what I needed to do to get well. I asked Him what I could do on my end to be a responsible, good steward with this house in which He lives, that I call my body. I learned about food, what it does to and for our bodies. I learned about natural supplements and other healing methods.

Then He also told me to share with as many people as possible what I have learned and continue to learn, so I did. I started this blog, I talked to family, and I talked to friends.

Another close friend began to ask me often why I don't take this God given passion and mission to be my occupation as well. I remember I would give her every excuse. I'm just a mom. I don't know enough. All I can do is homeschool and manage my household. (Ha! Did you read that one...all I can do is homeschool and manage my house? Look here's my shout out to stay at home moms and homeschoolers...if you can do that, you can do anything!) I also said I'm not smart enough. I don't know how to run a business. The list goes on and on.

She continued to lift me up and encourage me. Through a friend of hers she also learned about a school with a nutrition led program that she thought I should check out. Well I absolutely loved the school, it was different than anything I'd seen and on board with many things I believed.

Even still I refused and clung to my stubbornness. For the next nine months or so that school then popped up everywhere for me, never had I seen it before. I knew this was God telling me once again to leap.

It was by faith that I began to trust Him more and more. Walking your faith and talking your faith are two different things. Much has changed throughout the years in several aspects of my life. He continues to refine me and shape so that I will fully rely on Him. When going through trials don't underestimate what God is training you for...it will change your life. Receive His healing today, He already died and rose again for you. Trust in The Lord. Ask Him for the desires of your heart. He loves you more than you can ever imagine.

Superfoods:Quinoa

So the last two weeks of Superfood posts are covering foods that are maybe not labeled Superfoods, but in my kitchen they are because of their versatility and high nutrition! This week we will discuss Quinoa (Keen Wah)! Do you know what this is? Do you love it yet? If it is not in your kitchen, get it there! If you don't like it, I guarantee you haven't fixed it properly.

Quinoa is a gluten free grain replacement. It however is not a grain at all, it is a seed. It is extremely low glycemic. This makes it a Paleo Friendly food! It is a COMPLETE PLANT PROTEIN containing 8.1 grams of protein per cup! That is super great! It is rich in folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

Traditionally the quinoa plant is grown in South America, specifically in areas like Peru and Chili. However, it is from what I am learning a very hearty plant that can be even grown in containers! I'm excited about that since my living quarters are about to decrease. The leaves can be eaten in salad as well as the seeds being cooked. The oxalic acid rate is kind of high in the leaves though so if that's an issue stay away from those.

Quinoa is best to be soaked before being eaten. Two reasons for this are enzymes and saponins. Any times we soak nuts, seeds, and grains it makes enzymes more available in our foods. Enzymes are an important catalyst in digestion. You don't want to eat quinoa without soaking and cooking or at least soaking and sprouting.

Quinoa contains a plant compound called saponins. Saponins are a neat aspect for plants because it makes them bitter to the taste, which wards off pests and birds. Unfortunately large amounts ingested in our bodies can be toxic. An easy fix is soaking well and rinsing. In the USA most packaged quinoa has been per-rinsed, so that takes a little effort out of kitchen prep work. Just read the box or bag.

It has become so popular you can find it easily in the specialty markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Fresh Market. Health food stores that are smaller and local are bound to carry it. I've also seen in in Kroger and Costco. Then of course you can purchase it online.

If you actually haven't tried it yet, then I suggest going somewhere like Whole Foods Market and getting a 1/2 lb in bulk to try it. I've been told the quinoa in the bins is pre-soaked as well. Check on that in your local store.

You can use quinoa just like you would rice. It generally takes about 11/2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. I throw the water and quinoa in the pot together. It takes about 10 minutes on the stove. Stir it occasionally. You know it's cooked when the little off-white circles seem to have separated from the seeds.

I've used quinoa in salad with greens, or I've added homemade dressings to it with other veggies. It goes great in a stir fry! You can make a type of lasagna casserole dish with it. It goes great with black beans for a Tex Mex dish. It loves avocado, oh wait, maybe that's me who loves avocado. Fix it like oatmeal in the morning. Cooked quinoa can even be a protein source in smoothies. Most recently I used up some leftovers in a protein bar recipe. I have also thrown leftovers in soup. The sky is the limit!

Superfoods: Kale

So are you kicking it with kale yet? No, it is not just the garnish on your plate. I've written about it before and I'm sure I will again. This my most favorite green! By far it is super nutritious and packed full of versatility! It is delicious, and anyone who says they don't like it hasn't had it made correctly. Please do try it if you haven't.

Kale is available at your regular grocery store, specialty market, farmers market, and easily grown in your backyard. You want to buy it organic or unsprayed from your local farmer. It grows well in the winter time and summer time even though it is a winter green. Since it is a winter green it is hardy and used to growing in difficult conditions. This life giving leafy green brings an abundance of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K1, vitamin A, potassium. Kale also has some magnesium and phosphorus.

I love to eat it raw as well as cooked. It is my current favorite green for my smoothies. I fluctuate between it and spinach. Dehydrated it makes a lovely snack! Kale chips are how I get kale in my picky 12 year old. I throw it in soups, blend it for green soups, use it as my favorite base for salads, and love to sauté it in coconut oil with other veggies and beans.

Try this Crustless Quiche Recipe:

3 Large Leaves Organic Kale, remove leaves from stem and tear into pieces,
discard or eat stem :)
1/2 Cup Red Onion, diced
1 Fresh Garlic Clove, minced
1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 Cup Tomato, diced
1/2 Cup Shiitake Mushrooms, diced stem and all
5 Organic Cage Free Eggs
1/2 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1-2 Tbsp Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
Avocado

Prepare veggies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Sauté veggies, except for avocado, in cast iron pan or whatever pan you have in coconut oil
Beat eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper
Pour veggies and eggs into ceramic or glass dish
Bake for 35 minutes, let cool a little for 5-10 minutes
Serve on plate with avocado slices on top!

Superfoods: Maca

So we are constantly bombarded by junk. Junk in our food, junk in our air, junk in our water, and junk on surfaces we touch. Into our digestive tracts, lungs, and lymphatic system all goes the yuck. The yuck or junk being chemicals, additives, infected bacteria, and other poisons. There is just no way for us to avoid it completely.

All we can do is our best. Inside our homes eating the cleanest foods we can by either buying local organic foods or growing them ourselves, using natural products on our bodies, natural cleaning products, and using water filtration and air filtration.

The fact of the matter is we are not, well most of us, are not hermits. From time to time we have to leave the comfort of our little bubbles. No matter how clean your oasis is at home, even there we suck up the yuck.

Knowing this would be the case, once again our real Superhero, the creator of Superfoods and everything else, Yeshua the Christ, He made a class of herbs called Adaptagenics. This cool set of herbs helps our bodies adjust more simply to the yuck...yay for Adaptagenic herbs!

So we are on to the next Superfood: Da da da daaaaa presenting Maca (pronounced MAH KA). You know if any superfood wore a cape it would be this one. Maca is actually a Peruvian root. It falls into that class of herbs for what it does in our bodies. I will talk more about other Adaptagenic herbs soon in another post.

Maca is marvelous! It does three main jobs: regulates hormones, gives energy, and drum roll married ladies, increases libido. So yes it can help us girls balance out and feel a little less crazy during that time of the month or regulate hormones if you are going through menopause. It works well with other herbs like chaste tree, black cohosh, and evening primrose. I can tell you I use it, and it really does work. I suggest it for customers at the natural supplement store I work ALL of the time.

You can purchase it at small and large health food stores. I encourage you to shop local and with small businesses if you can do so. Keep the small businesses in business. Sorry for my little detour and the plug there.

So anyway you'll find Maca in capsules, liquid tinctures, or in powder. Either way it is fine. I'm a green smoothie girl so powder it is for me! Herb Pharm is a great brand. They sell a powder and a tincture. I am the type of person who prefers powders and liquids anyway. The less pills in my mind the better. It's a preference.

Although sometimes I wonder about what capsules are made of and if swallowing so many of those is a problem. I prefer capsules to tablets though because in most cases I think they are more effective at breaking down and our bodies absorbing whatever it is we are taking. Oh and there was another detour, oh well.

One thing to be aware of with Maca is there's been quite a bit of testing done with it and it has been found that raw Maca is a little harder to digest for some people and can really hurt some people's stomachs. It is in the cruciferous vegetable family, so this may have a lot to do with it. Certain people just need those vegetables cooked. It can also cause some people to be unable to sleep. So if this happens to be you, and you've tried it, don't give up on Maca yet. Just be sure you choose one that has been slightly cooked. Read the label to see what it says or call the company to find out. The gentle brief cooking doesn't harm it's benefits to the body. In fact in Peru they consume the whole root cooked, so it's something to think about as far as how the culture that has used this root for centuries consumes it. Even though I love raw foods, we need to step away from the dogmatic ways of eating, and really consider what makes good sense in general and for our own bodies.

Use wisdom of course. One mans superfood could be another mans poison. Use it as directed in which ever form you purchase it. Be sure to adjust serving sizes as well. I may need a tbsp and you may only need a tsp. Listen to your body. If you don't have any adverse effects, then give it at least a month to work synergistically in your body with everything else.