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Today I noticed I had several apples that needed to be eaten…soon. I’d already purchased a new bag of red skinned apples. What could I do with these three that appeared a bit past their prime?
I have a wonderful fresh applesauce recipe. However, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees and fresh snow on the ground, something warm and fragrant appealed to me more.
I came up with a simple solution…healthy fried apples.
An Apple a Day
We know how beneficial apples are. They play a crucial role in fighting inflammation of all kinds, calming the systems of the body by reducing viral and bacterial loads that inflame the body. In addition, the phytochemicals in apples feed the neurons of the brain and increase electrical activity. That makes them brain food!
Red skinned apples are especially beneficial. The pigments that create that rosy color have anti-obesity properties and strengthen the digestive system. They are the best colon cleanser. Pectin from an apple rids the intestinal tract of bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold. It also helps to eliminate debris that clogs pockets in the intestines.
And yet, we often turn to an unhealthy treat when hungry for a snack. Or we drizzle apples with caramel, pop them into pies or turn them into a side loaded with butter and sugar. Think about those restaurant style fried apples. We may think a side of fried apples is a healthier choice, but it isn’t.
This easy recipe does not contain refined sugar or butter. It’s vegan and gluten free. And it makes an excellent side dish, stand alone meal or simple dessert.
Healthy Fried Apples – diced honeycrisp apples
Recipe for Healthy Fried Apples
Healthy Fried Apples
Warm and fragrant healthy fried apples for a side or a simple dessert
In a large non stick skillet, add diced apples and water. Stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Cover and cook apples for 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and water absorbed.
Add coconut oil to skillet. Continue to cook and stir apples for 5 minutes.
Add maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla, combining with apples to coat. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes, until apples are cooked through completely. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings as a side or 2 servings for main course or dessert.
Keyword Fried Apples
Healthy Fried Apples – stirring and cooking with water
Tips for Healthy Fried Apples
Here are a few tips for creating your own apple side.
Add a bit more water, if needed, while cooking. With medium heat I had no problem with apples sticking to the pan.
Check apples every minute while they are cooking, covered. Stir and cover again.
Omit coconut oil, if desired. Add more water instead, as needed. Or add a tablespoon of plant based butter.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Top healthy fried apples with walnuts or raisins, if serving as dessert.
I enjoyed these wonderful fried apples so much that they became my lunch today. And they truly were perfect for a cold, overcast day. The mouth watering aroma as they cooked warmed me before I even took my first bite!
Plus, as I prepared this dish, another recipe idea came to mind featuring fried apples. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Healthy Fried Apples ready to eat.
Learn more about the benefits of apples and other foods in Anthony William’s book below. Click photo to purchase on Amazon.
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For the last four and a half years, my daily breakfast consists of celery juice and a fruit smoothie. At least, most of the time it does. Occasionally, during the colder winter months, I’ll substitute a bowl of hot oatmeal for the smoothie.
I grew up eating stick-to-your-ribs oatmeal, with added milk and sweetener. As one who avoids animals products, sugar and gluten, my oatmeal today is healthier. Gluten free oats, no sugar and no dairy milk. For convenience I typically use packets of organic, gluten free oatmeal.
For several years I’ve wanted to try vegan overnight oatmeal, a breakfast recipe prepared the night before and then popped into the refrigerator until morning. I finally did so, with the awareness that January is National Oatmeal Month. Last night I prepped my first two vegan overnight oatmeal jars and Greg and I enjoyed them for breakfast this morning, after our celery juice.
They are so easy to make.
Simple Wholesome Ingredients
After researching overnight oatmeal I discovered the basic recipe consists of two ingredients: oatmeal, in my case gluten free, and a liquid. I used plant based milk.
Oatmeal
Start with half a cup of rolled oats, also considered the “old fashioned” kind of oatmeal. I prefer gluten free oats, due to a gluten sensitivity. If you tolerate regular oatmeal, use that. (Not sure if you are gluten intolerant? Check out these eight symptoms.)
Plant Based Milk
Add two thirds cup of plant based milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk. Unsweetened coconut milk or unsweetened almond/coconut milk works too.
The combined milk and oats chilling overnight creates a creamy, ready to eat oatmeal by morning, as the oats absorb the milk.
Vegan Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal ready to go into the fridge.
Add Additional Ingredients
After combining the two main ingredients, the fun begins. Add fresh berries, bananas or other fruit, about one fourth to half a cup. Include walnuts or pecans…a couple of tablespoons. Love raisins? Add those. Any kind of fruit, chopped into small pieces works.
If using apples, add a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Need a little sweetening? Skip the processed sugar. Add chopped dates or a spoonful of pure maple syrup.
Chia seeds add protein and help the oats set up. Sugar free nut butters add flavor and protein as well. Play around with the foods that you like and create your own delicious flavor combos. Just start with half a cup of uncooked rolled oats and two thirds cup of plant based milk as the base.
Prepped vegan overnight oatmeal…apple cinnamon and blueberry.
Vegan Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal
This quick breakfast comes together in minutes and then sets up in the refrigerator overnight.
Combine oats and plant based milk in a container such as a small mason jar or bowl. Stir well.
Add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover container with lid or cloth and chill at least four hours in the refrigerator.
In the morning, stir oatmeal. Heat, if desired, in microwave for one minute. Or warm in pan on the stove. Or eat oatmeal cold. Add additional fruit for topping, if desired. Makes one serving.
Keyword Overnight Oatmeal, Vegan
Vegan overnight oatmeal chilled and ready to eat.
Vegan Overnight Oatmeal Tips
For the apple cinnamon oatmeal, I made the recipe the same as the blueberry except that I added half a teaspoon of cinnamon and replaced the blueberries with half a cup of chopped apple. Next time I’ll toss in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts.
For creamier oatmeal, use a bit more milk. Or slightly reduce the amount of liquid and add two or three tablespoons of plant based yogurt.
Try fun combinations such a banana and peanut butter oatmeal or mixed berries and unsweetened shredded coconut or chocolate and almonds. Use two to three tablespoons of cocoa powder. How about pumpkin oatmeal? Add one third cup of pumpkin puree, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a tablespoon each of pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.
Eat the oatmeal cold, straight from the fridge or warm it to take the chill off. You don’t need to cook the oatmeal, just warm it. I placed my blueberry oatmeal in the microwave for 6o seconds.
Delicious Breakfast
I enjoyed the vegan overnight oatmeal this morning for breakfast! It was creamy and delicious with semi-tart pops of blueberry flavor. And vegan style, overnight oats are healthy too and just as filling, I discovered, as the steaming bowls of oatmeal my mother made.
Although I’ll continue to drink a fruit smoothie most mornings, the overnight oatmeal is perfect for a weekend breakfast. I look forward to trying out a variety of flavor combos!
Have you tried overnight oats?
Vegan blueberry overnight oatmeal.
Make Vegan Overnight Oatmeal with these finds from Amazon:
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Winter brings with it cold frosty days, snowfall in some areas and long nights perfect for snuggling under warm blankets. It can also bring its own unique set of health challenges. Enjoy the winter months and feel your best with these winter health tips.
Winter Health Tips
Following these simple winter health tips helps to ensure wellbeing during the year’s coldest months. Being indoors more, colds and viruses, drier air due to heating and cloudy, overcast days all contribute to health challenges. We aren’t at the mercy of the weather or the shorter, colder days however. Taking proactive, preventative steps goes a long way toward experiencing a healthier winter.
Get Enough Exercise
Like many animals, it feels like we want to go into hibernation mode when temperatures drop. We tend to eat more and move less. Exercise is one of the best ways to combat that sluggish feeling and keep energy levels high. Even on colder, snowy days a brief walk outdoors does wonders. Some of my most beautiful walks ever took place as snow fell around me.
When the weather just doesn’t permit walking outside, move exercise indoors. Do aerobics, dance to music, ride a stationery bike, do yoga, stretch. Studies show that just 11 minutes of exercise a day improves health and extends life. Make a game out of getting those 11 minutes of exercise in each day. Use a tracking app or keep a simple notebook detailing your success.
Winter Health Tips – get enough exercise
Beware the Winter Blues
For many people shorter days with less sunshine causes a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It’s not uncommon during the winter to feel sluggish, however those winter blues can become a depression that lasts for months.
Up to 20% of the population experience varying degrees of SAD. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include weariness, anxiety, depression, craving carbohydrates, irritability, weight gain and avoidance of social situations.
However, help is available. Sunlight decreases the symptoms of SAD. On sunny days try to spend short periods of time outdoors. Vitamin D helps too. And check out this post for foods that ease seasonal affective disorder, naturally. Stay connected to friends and family through texts, phone calls and facetime. If depression worsens seek professional help.
Winter Health Tips – sunlight to beat the blues
Supplement with Vitamin D
Speaking of vitamin D, try adding a daily supplement to help prevent SAD and to boost the immune system. Vitamin D also supports healthy bones and teeth, improves brain health, aids the nervous system, contributes to lung function and heart health, decreases risk of flu, and regulates insulin levels. Just don’t think more is better with this supplement. Stick to 5000 IU a day for the best results.
Winter Health Tips – take a vitamin E supplement daily
Include Colorful Foods
During the winter months, take advantage of colorful, seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits such as oranges, clementines and grapefruits add vitamin C. Winter squashes and sweet potatoes are rich with vitamin A. Check out the produce section of the grocery store at the beginning of your shopping trip and load up on fresh fruits and veggies. See how many colorful foods you can eat in a day. Your body will thank you for it with improved health and increased immunity.
Winter Health Tips – eat colorful foods
Drink Plenty of Water
During the warmer months, we naturally drink more water. It’s easy during the colder months to skimp on water because we don’t feel as thirsty. Try adding citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes or oranges to a pitcher of water and set the intention of emptying the pitcher by the end of the day.
According to Anthony William, author of Life Changing Foods, citrus fruits added to water are ultra-hydrating and electrolyte producing because they are a top source of mineral salts and trace mineral salts. Plus they contribute highly absorbable vitamin C. In addition, lemons provide bioactive calcium. The phytochemicals called limonoids actually bond the vitamin C and calcium together, so where one goes in the body, the other tags along.
Winter Health Tips – drink enough water
Add Herbal Teas
One of my favorite practices, winter or otherwise, is afternoon tea. Those hot cups of herbal tea are especially soothing on cold winter days. Including a cup…or two…of herbal tea a day helps with hydration and provides a wealth of health benefits.
I often say “there’s an herb for that”. And there truly is. Upset stomach? A cup of hot peppermint tea soothes it. Need to unwind? Try a cup of chamomile. Feel a cold coming on? Drink a cup of nettle tea.
Here is a list of the absolute best herbal teas for cold and flu season. If you don’t think you’ll like hot tea I suggest you try it anyway. If hot tea still isn’t your “cup of tea”, steep the herbs in hot water, chill in the fridge and pour tea over ice.
Winter Health Tips – add herbal teas
Pamper the Skin
This time of year, with cold temperatures outdoors and hot dry air circulating indoors, many experience dry winter skin. Limit showers and baths to no more than ten minutes, if skin feels tight, dry or itchy. And use warm water rather than hot. Blot skin dry with a towel then slather on a high quality skin moisturizer. Hydrate the skin by drinking enough water and herbal teas. A cold water humidifier in the home helps to soothe dry skin as well.
Winter Health Tips – pamper the skin
Fight Germs
We all learned the importance of this tip last year. Winter brings with it more cold and flu viruses. Wash hands frequently, using the 20 second rule. Sing “Happy Birthday” while you wash hands with warm water and soap. An alcohol based hand sanitizer works well if soap and water aren’t available. And boost the immune system with sunlight, vitamin D and fresh fruits and vegetables. Add a high quality vitamin C supplement daily and keep elderberry syrup on hand. Take as directed at the first hint of a cold. Herbal teas are wonderful as well for their immune building properties. And of course, while COVID is still a threat this winter, wear a mask and observe social distancing if you must go out, wash hands and use hand sanitizer after excursions. Stay home as much as possible.
Winter Health Tips – fight germs
Practice Self Care
Winter is a time for intense self care. With colder weather keeping us indoors, we can learn to really focus in on our bodies, emotions and needs. Creating healthy habits is a form of self care. So is moving our bodies. Go to sleep earlier. Nap in the afternoon, preferably in a patch of sunlight streaming in through the window. Reflect. Journal. Write down your thoughts.
Winter is also a time to prepare for the warmer months. Write down goals. Dream big dreams. Make plans. Learn a new language. Read. Enjoy a hobby. Try new things. Cook healthy meals. Get rid of clutter. Whatever brings you joy, do those things.
Winter Health Tips – practice intense self care
Have a Cozy and Healthy Winter
I hope these simple tips give you ideas for increasing your health and wellbeing this winter. It’s the coziest time of the year. May you stay warm and well and safe and use these months to create health habits that take you into spring and beyond.
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Prior to becoming plant based, I made a mean lasagna. Loaded with four cheeses, a homemade meat sauce, eggs, and wheat noodles, this lasagna took hours to make. It tasted good to me back then, although now I cringe when I think about what I fed my body.
I haven’t eaten lasagna for more than four years…until this past Christmas Day. One of my 63 birthday activities, the words on this slip of paper read “Create a new dish for Christmas dinner”. I’d already decided to look for a vegan lasagna recipe. I found one, from Simply Quinoa, that I adapted slightly. Check out the original recipe HERE.
I LOVED this easy to prepare vegan spinach lasagna. Read on for the recipe and tips on making this dish for your next special meal or weekend dinner.
Vegan Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Simple to make and absolutely delicious, this lasagna features gluten free noodles, fresh spinach, store bought marinara sauce and two vegan cheeses made from almond milk.
Vegan Spinach Lasagna
Quick and easy vegan spinach lasagna is perfect for a weekend or special meal
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pan, add gluten free lasagna noodles to boiling water. Return to a boil for 2 minutes, cover and turn off heat. Let set for 14 minutes. Drain and run cold water over cooked noodles.
While noodles cook, wilt spinach. Place spinach in a large pan or skillet, add a couple of tablespoons of water and cook and stir over medium high heat. Spinach will wilt and reduce in volume. Remove from heat.
In a 9X13 pan, add a small amount of marinara sauce to bottom of pan. Layer rest of ingredients: lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, shredded cheese, spinach, Italian seasoning, sauce. Continue to layer (I made three layers), ending with marinara sauce and the last of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 35 - 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let lasagna stand for 10 minutes. Cut and serve. Makes 8 large servings.
Keyword Spinach Lasagna, Vegan
Tips for Making Vegan Spinach Lasagna
The Spinach
I’ve made this lasagna twice already. It’s that good. Both times I wilted the spinach, which is very easy to do and takes about a minute. I purchase a large bag of fresh spinach. The last time I prepared the recipe, I divided the spinach into two batches and wilted each separately. It was easier to manage the spinach that way. The spinach really does reduce in size as it wilts. Drain any liquid off before layering.
Fresh spinach ready to wilt.Wilted spinach for vegan spinach lasagna.
Assembling the Lasagna
Layering the lasagna is the fun part. With the ingredients listed above, I’m able to make three layers. Adding a small amount of sauce in the bottom of the pan keeps the noodles from sticking.
I use gluten free brown rice noodles. My favorite marinara sauce is the Paul Newman brand. It’s sugar free and available at Wal-Mart or health conscious grocery stores. And I purchase both vegan cheeses at Natural Grocers.
Doing the layers, I’ve found one package of gluten free brown rice noodles is perfect. Assemble the ingredients, spreading them out as you layer, and finish with the last of the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. No need to cover the dish when baking.
Vegan Spinach Lasagna – ready to bakeVegan Spinach Lasagna out of the oven.
The Taste Test
I served this lasagna at a very small family Christmas dinner. We all loved it, even the non-vegans. In fact, I believe I like it better than my old lasagna that I used to make, and that’s saying something!
The vegan cheese is not heavy and yet adds a creaminess to the dish. And I love the added spinach. It adds a wonderful flavor plus it’s so good for me. Best of all, I like that this recipe comes together quickly…prepped, baked and ready to eat in about an hour.
I could easily eat this lasagna every week! Served with steamed or roasted veggies and a big chopped salad, it makes a filling and satisfying meal. I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe too!
Vegan Spinach Lasagna – ready to eat
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