Summertime is here and I love all of the summer bounties that surround us during these months. One of my favorite treats is watermelon – I love it raw, grilled, in beverages, you name it.
This month I wanted to recreate a childhood treat of mine and combine it with my love of this yummy fruit – Instead of using the powdered chemically-laden mixes, opt for this fresh, quick and easy recipe.
Being stuck inside these past few months has given many people pause to examine ways to re-engage in hobbies as well as be active outdoors while still maintaining social distancing standards. Gardening is one of those hobbies currently on the rise.
Gardening is more than just digging in the dirt, carrying pots, and planting seeds; it is an art and a science as well. Many people do not recognized the numerous benefits that you can reap in planting these green and colorful patches! For some, gardening is a way for them to relax, restore, and renew their outlook in life while others use this hobby as an additional holistic food source.
Here are the benefits of gardening in the mental and physical aspects of your life.
Exercise for the Win
Just by walking while carrying pots of plants is already a form of cardio exercise and core training for balance. Depending on the weight of the load, pushing a wheelbarrow is a good form of strength training and can also improve your grip and strength in the lower arms.
Pushing, gardening, trimming the hedges, they might sound simple but they can leave you out of breath and 10 minutes of it, at least once a day, can help protect you from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Bye Bye Blues
Let there be light, in your life! Soak up all those Vitamin D but make sure to cover your skin with a reliable sunscreen. Vitamin D helps our body to absorb calcium and it also boosts our immune system and blocks depressive mood.
Mental Therapy
After a long day or week at work, gardening at last 30 minutes or an hour can diffuse your anxieties and stress. Vitamin D alone can already help improve your mood but more than that, gardening also gives you a sense of purpose and puts your priorities in perspective.
If you have been experiencing a major setback in your life, gardening can spark a sense of hope and optimism within you.
Preserving the Environment
Gardening is also a way for us to give back to Mother Nature and in return, it helps us back. Plants are known to purify carbon emission preventing global warming and they produce oxygen which is very important to humans. The root system of the plants helps prevent erosion by keeping the soil in place. Aside from providing shade and beautifying our surroundings, they also shield our garden from the outside world giving as tranquility and privacy.
One of the best ways you can do in order to enjoy gardening is to invite your friends over and do it together. It is fun, interactive, less expensive, and therapeutic!
Cheers to growing some veggies, herbs or plants this summer!
Eggs are fortified with choline, a fundamental nutrient that keeps the brain cells healthy by maintaining their structure and reinforcing the membranes therefore, your brain functions are sharper and stronger.
Brighter Eyes
Eggs contain two of the most powerful antioxidant for the eyes which are lutein and zeaxanthin and can they help prevent serious eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract.
Stronger Muscles
To build stronger muscles, a required amount of protein is needed and eggs are one of the best sources of protein. Add pieces of hard-boiled eggs to your salads to maximize the number of nutrients you can obtain from your food.
Decreased Cravings
The high content of protein from this food allows you to feel more satiated which is why you feel longer when you have eggs for breakfast.
Powerful Bones
Eggs are a great source of Vitamin D, which is commonly associated and found in sunshine. This Vitamin is significant in the absorption of calcium for stronger bones as well as healthy immune systems.
Healthy Hair and Nails
Eggs are thriving with vitamins, minerals, and sulfur-containing amino acids that help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
Apple and Onion Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients: 3-4 servings
8 eggs, beaten
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 granny smith apple, chopped
Fresh chives, minced
Olive Oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Direction:
Melt some cooking fat in a skillet over medium heat.
Add red onion and celery to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the apple and continue cooking for another minute or two.
Pour the beaten eggs over the apple mixture in the skillet.
Stir slowly with a wooden spoon or a spatula until the eggs are slightly underdone.
Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and rest 1 to 2 minutes in the skillet.
Whether you add this to your special dish or go all out asparagus, this vegetable is a force to be reckoned with in terms of its flavorful taste and robust nutrients!
Let us dive into the health benefits of asparagus and keep reading until the end because I have an exceptional recipe that you will surely enjoy!
Weight Loss Comrade
If you are aiming at shedding a few pounds, then asparagus can be your best friend! It is low in calories and fat, but it has a high amount of soluble and insoluble fiber which supports good digestion, helps lower cholesterol, and makes you feel full preventing unnecessary cravings.
Natural Diuretic
These spears are your weapon against salt and excess water, therefore, it can help prevent urinary tract infections due to their high levels of amino acid asparagine.
Vitamin E Goodness
One of the few powerful nutrients of asparagus contains is Vitamin E which strengthens your immune system and protects your cells against free radicals.
Mood Booster
Lift the good vibes within! Asparagus is rich in folate and Vitamin B12 which lightens up your mood and deflect irritability. Apart from those 2 nutrients, asparagus also contains a bounteous amount of amino acid and tryptophan which is also linked to enhanced mood.
Antioxidants Galore
The purple variant of asparagus is enriched with anthocyanins that provide fruits and veggies purple, red, and blue hues and it is effective in fighting off free radical damage.
Roasted Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Ingredients:
1 bunch Asparagus
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Garlic cloves
2 Tsp Lemon Juice
½ Tsp Coarse Sea Salt
½ Tsp fresh milled Black Pepper
Pinch ground Cayenne Pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut the bottom inch or two off the stalks. This part is usually pretty rooty and stringy, due to cutting the stalks, so it’s best to just compost it.
Slice the garlic and toss it with the asparagus, olive oil, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread the asparagus out on a baking sheet or grill pan. You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, but it isn’t necessary.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, turning the asparagus once for even cooking. The asparagus is ready when it is tender, but not mushy.
The fruit that shines among others because of its jewel-like brilliance and rich ruby color. Pomegranate is more than just what you see. Pomegranate is filled with delicious seeds that can be eaten raw or juiced plus it is also packed with vitamins and minerals to re-energize your health!
Antioxidants
Pomegranate contains two powerful antioxidants: Punicalagins (juice and peel) and Punicic Acid (seed oil). Both of these antioxidants help protect your body against free radicals and are responsible for the overall health benefits of Pomegranate.
Anti-inflammatory
The high-level content of punicalagin makes pomegranate a powerful fruit that drives inflammation down and other diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and diabetes.
Prevents Blood clot
There are two types of a blood clot, the good one which helps your injury recover fast and the other one is fatal because it can clog your arteries, heart, and any parts of your body.
Pro Oxygen
By fighting off free radicals, bad cholesterol, and blood clots, the antioxidant in pomegranate regulates the flow of your blood thus enhancing the level of oxygen in your body.
Over the last few weeks the build up over the Corona virus and its effect have continued to increase. Because of this I wanted to address this topic in a way that will be both insightful and holistic. It’s easy to feel a little panicked when the words “epidemic” and “outbreak” are used but I find the antidote to panic is almost always power.What do you have in your power to do?Maybe it’s getting into see your provider for support but my biggest answer is:
What’s in your power when it comes to prevention?
It may seem small but ensuring the basics of:
WASH YOUR HANDS and wash them good!
Good and quality sleep.
Stress management.
Lots of antioxidant rich veggies.
Plenty of protein.
Exercise, sauna, sweat.
Staying hydrated.
Walking outside.
Take your multi and have adequate vitamin D.
Use natural medicine that boosts your immunity.
In response to #10 – Natural Medicine – I’ve spent this week creating a new mini-course that will teach you how to DIY my favorite natural cold and flu remedy at home! Who wants some of that?!?
The research shows how Elderberry syrup can reduce the risk of not only contracting the cold, flu, upper respiratory infections and viruses but also decrease the length of time you are sick AND decrease the severity of your symptoms.
I made this for ya’ll to help your family prevent the flu and corona virus!
In response to the many questions I receive every year about how to stay healthy during winter and avoid the cold and flu and now corona virus, I have created a MINI COURSE – Just for YOU!
Read below for all of the course details and components – I’d love to hear your thoughts on the course!
Elderberry Syrup Making Mini Course – How to create this immune boosting syrup at home.
I created this mini-course in response to the flu and corona virus spread this season and as a self-guided journey to better educate you on the fabulous and fantastic elderberry. By the end of this course you’ll discover the amazing properties of this potent berry, appropriate dosing for prevention and acute care, adult vs child dosing, and last but not least how you can make your own Elderberry Syrup at home to ward off the cold and flu!I’ll also teach you my own recipe that I use step by step as well as ingredients and specific supplies you’ll need to DIY this amazing syrup!
In this mini-course, you’ll learn:
Types, properties, uses and history of Elderberry
How Elderberry helps the body during colds and the flu
Appropriate dosing for prevention vs sick care
Appropriate dosing for adults vs children
Recipe for making Elderberry Syrup at home
What ingredients and supplies are necessary
When you should NOT take Elderberry
Elderberry Syrup – Mini Course Components
Mini-Course Guide -which includes the following:
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry Syrup Dosing Guide
Ingredients and Supplies Shopping Guide
Masterclass Video Transcript
Course Notes Pages
Bonus – Elderberry Tincture Recipe
Elderberry Syrup Masterclass & Tutorial Video: 25 Minute Video
*Mini Course is immediately ready for download upon purchase.
Who says
you can’t have
your wings and eat them too? With
football games and colder days I wanted to create a healthier version that
would also be detox friendly for those who still want to enjoy a tailgate party
or cheering on their favorite team this season!
THESE ARE
SOOO GOOD – I promised
you won’t even
miss that they are not fried!!! I’m also
giving you my secret on how to make them oh so crispy and yummy – It’s an
extra step but a necessary one if you want those crispy wings. First you’ll need to parboil the wings for a few minutes to boil out
some of the fat. This will make for the
best baked wing you’ve ever
put in Yo Mouth!
Add the chicken wings to the pot, reduce heat and simmer
for 8 minutes.
Drain wings in a colander and place on paper towels and
pat them dry – This is
important because if they are still wet they won’t crisp up as much in your oven.
Place the chicken wings directly on the sheet pan.
Bake the chicken wings for 25 minutes on the first side;
flip the wings and bake for another 5-10 minutes on the other side, until the
skin looks crispy and golden brown.
Buffalo Sauce Instructions:
Heat butter in a saucepan on medium heat
Once butter is melted add hot sauce, garlic, onion powder
and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add your chicken wings to a large bowl; pour the buffalo
sauce over to coat thoroughly.
Plate and enjoy!
Notes:
The best place for me to buy affordable organic chicken
wings is at Costco – at the
time of this post they were $2.50 per lb.
When choosing your hot sauce read your ingredients
carefully. Choose a hot sauce with the
fewest ingredients and ones you can understand what each ingredient is – some of my favorites are Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and Crystals
(MY FAVORITE).
For metal sheet pans be sure to purchase stainless steel instead of Aluminum ones.
It’s that time of year again where we desire to purchase (or
create) fun and meaningful gifts for family, friends and co-workers. This year get your fur babies involved with
my DIY Ornaments.
This is a super easy and fun project that even the kids can
take part in creating!
I hope you enjoy this one!
XOXO
Dr Stephanie and Brie Cheese Nicole
Puppy Paw Print Ornaments
Ingredients:
1 cup salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Straw/pen for punching a hole
Directions:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees
Mix the salt, flour, and water in a bowl until
it becomes firm
Knead the dough for 30 seconds
Cut out individual circles with a round cookie
cutter or drinking glass
Gently press your dog’s paw into the dough
Use a straw to create a small hole at the top
Bake at 200 degrees in the oven for 2-3 hours or
until completely dry
Potatoes were first cultivated in the South America Region around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. They are the 4th largest food crop all over the world with one-third of the world’s potatoes being cultivated in China and India which helps explain the demand in both countries’ cuisines.
Potatoes are one of the vegetables that are loved by many because of their flavor and how easily they blend into different types of foods. Let us explore the hidden gems beyond the flavor of this tuber.
Gut-Friendly
They are rich in carbohydrates and fiber which facilitates smooth digestion making them good food for people who have a hard time digesting solid foods but requires plenty of energy.
Minimizes Inflammation
They are easy to digest and they hold a lot of Vitamin C for added protection again infection and diseases which is good for you and your children. Yams and sweet potatoes can also relieve inflammation in the digestive system and may ease the suffering in those with gout.
Rich in Carotenoids
Carotenoids help maintain your heart and other internal organs for healthy functioning. But always make sure to watch out in over-consuming potatoes as they can also raise your glucose levels. One way to combat this is by adding a good fat such as butter to those taters.
Skincare Potion
Potatoes are rich in Vitamin B and Vitamin C which supports healthy skin and a crushed potato pulp mixed with honey can be used as a skin mask. For people who are suffering from pimples or sunburn, apply a potato pulp on the affected area for faster healing.
We won’t end this article without a delicious and surely healthy potato recipe that you can serve for your friends or family!
RED POTATO, ASPARAGUS, & ARTICHOKE SALAD
Ingredients:
18 small red potatoes
3 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 (14 ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Instructions:
Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bite-size cubes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus spears, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes depending on size. Drain and immediately plunge into cold water to stop cooking. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-inch pieces. Place in the bowl with the potatoes. Stir in the artichokes, breaking them apart slightly as you put them in the bowl.
Combine the mustard and lemon juice in a bowl; whisk the oil gradually into the mustard and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Drizzle over the vegetables; toss to coat. Sprinkle with chives to serve..
The holidays are upon us and it is a time of family, friendship and celebration but can also be a time of stress for us with travel plans, interrupted schedules and falling out of sync with our routines.
Thanksgiving is one of the most awaited events of the year because it unifies all the people that we love the most at one bountiful table. The constant wave of laughter and culinary delicacies are the highlights of the day but when it comes to food, how much is too much? If you tune into your body and think that you’re already stuffed, and yet, you still want to have a pinch serving of each food to suffice your cravings; that’s a red flag. One way to distract yourself from overeating is to socialize and be more mindful during your meal. This year focus on feeding yourself not only with what’s served but also with stories and emotions.
Start off your day with a fresh fruit smoothie which will provide you with a boost in your metabolism and provide you with a lot of amazing and supportive nutrients. Take a stroll along the sidewalk or do some cycling to start your body and keep the blood flowing. A shot of apple cider mixed with water can also lift your digestion (you can add this to your daily routine as it can help your overall health). CHEW CHEW CHEW! Eat your food slowly. It will give you a lot more time to chat with your family and friends plus, you’re giving your tummy a way to easily digest, no one’s in a race here, so savor every bite. Last but not the least, do not consume too much food in one sitting.
Digestion plays a big part for us during this time because of the additional or different foods we may be eating so be sure to include fiber-enriched dishes at your table such as salads, beans, and veggies. After eating, do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours to avoid acid reflux or indigestion. Also, if you feel stuffed or bloated, drinking a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea can ease your discomfort. The next morning, get your body into the groove to invigorate your stomach and to burn calories; Eat foods that are high in fiber like carrots, nuts, and beans and drink plenty of water to support the body’s elimination processes.
Quick Tips for the Holidays
Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.
• Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.
• Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.
• Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.
• Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
• If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!
• Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t all about food.
• Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.
• Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.
And even if you fall of the wagon during the holidays there is always a new day to jump back on that wagon – If you need some additional support and assistance to get back on track my 28 Day Hormone Reset Detox may be just what you need after the holidays to get back on track!
Cherish this moment and keep the love alive. Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Cheers!
Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1- 12 ounce package fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1/2 cup pumpkin purée (nothing added just pumpkin)
3 tablespoons almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the berries begin to break, or for about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit until it reaches room temperatures. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
