Cleanse to Heal

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October is National Book Month. On my other blog, I share what I’m currently reading this month and why. Among the five books gracing the table next to my chair is this one by Anthony William…Cleanse to Heal.

Anthony, also known as the medical medium, offers a series of books that have changed my health and my life. In Cleanse to Heal, book six in the series, Anthony provides cleanses for all that’s going wrong in our bodies. He doesn’t offer fads or gimmicks. Rather he recommends foods and cleansing programs for a host of ailments including pain, fatigue, brain fog, digestive disorders and many other conditions.

I’ve tried several of the cleanses in the book, with healing results. This month I’m focusing on the Anti-Bug Cleanse.

I’m happy to share a review of this life altering book.

Cleanse to Heal title meme

My Healing Journey

In case you are new to this blog, a bit about my healing journey. I experienced a serious car accident in 1995, resulting in injuries to my spine, sternum, collar bones, neck, low back and legs. After five years of physical therapy, treatments, pain specialists and spinal adjustments, I continued to experience pain 24/7. I developed chronic nerve pain in both legs although the left leg suffered the most.

Doctors eventually gave up on me, running out of healing options to try. They predicted that my condition would continue to deteriorate and I’d end up in a wheelchair in 20 years. Exactly 20 years later, that prediction seemed on the verge of coming true. I found it necessary to walk with the aid of a cane. It often took me hours to be able to get out of bed and stand. My work suffered as did many other areas in my life.

A Cry for Help

Lying in bed one morning, summer of 2016, unable to straighten out my pain wracked left leg, I felt like I’d reached a dire place in my health. I intended to take my grandson on a trip to Italy the next year, for his high school graduation gift. For the first time, I questioned whether I’d be able to go or if I’d require a wheelchair if I did manage it.

I asked God for a way to heal.

The very next day, I came across a post on Facebook written by Anthony William. He explained that often, after an accident, we don’t heal. And that we don’t understand why. I read every word in that post and felt it was written for me. Anthony described my pain and lack of healing and then he offered hope.

I purchased his book, Medical Medium, experienced my first 28 day healing cleanse, and completely changed my health. Not one doctor or specialist that I saw during those 20 years of suffering ever suggested that a change in my diet might result in a change in my health. Anthony suggested it. I embraced the idea, adopting a 100% plant based lifestyle. The cane went into a corner of my bedroom after one week of eating differently. I’ve not used it since. My health improved drastically…not just the intense pain in my legs but in all areas. And I took my grandson to Italy the next year, in the best health of my life.

Trip to Italy 2017
Trip to Italy, 2017, with my grandson and daughter. No cane in sight.

Cleanse to Heal

“Chronic illness is growing at an alarming rate. Even with the massive amounts of organic food being cultivated now, even with the awareness about removing processed foods from our lives, even with the newest healing modalities, sickness is present like never before. No one is escaping illness, not unless they have the right information to stop the ticking clock. This is not a lifestyle book. It’s a lifetime book. In a sea of false truths, this is about saving lives.”  Anthony William

Poisons, toxins and pathogens lie behind many chronic illnesses that threaten our wellbeing. Cleansing is a powerful way to start the healing process and to protect health in an ongoing way.

In Cleanse to Heal, Anthony offers a variety of cleanses. Plus he includes:

  • how to choose the right cleanse for you
  • the causes of 200 symptoms and conditions with a guide to helpful supplements
  • 75 recipes with colorful photos and sample menus
  • helpful dos and don’ts
  • truths about trendy diets
  • what you need to know about eggs, diary, gluten, fish oil and other foods that cause inflammation
  • toxins, heavy metals, troublemaker foods and viral cleansing
  • the connection between physical cleansing and emotional health
  • spiritual and soul support for healing
Cleanse to Heal recipes
Cleanse to Heal – one of the 75 recipes, Potato Stuffed Peppers. I made this delicious recipe last week.

A Breakdown of the Sections in the Book

The book is divided into six sections.

Part 1: We Need to Cleanse

This opening section discusses what’s going on inside our bodies and why we need to cleanse. It includes chapters on trendy diets and why those are not helpful plus a list of troublemaker foods. This section concludes with a guide to choosing the right cleanse for you.

Part 2: 3:6:9 Cleanse – Life Protector

This whole section covers the original 3:6:9 cleanse, which I’ve done several times, and variations of this process.

The nine day cleanse allows the liver and other internal organs to release old toxins as well as fats and viral waste. It’s a gradual yet deep cleanse that can truly jumpstart health.

Part 3: Other Life Saving Cleanses

Part three introduces the other cleanses in the book: anti-bug cleanse, morning cleanse, heavy metal detox cleanse and mono eating cleanse.

I’m currently doing the anti-bug cleanse. I share my experience below.

Part 4: Cleanse Guide

Discover crucial dos and don’ts while cleansing, in this section. Anthony also writes about the body’s amazing power to heal and includes sample menus and those delicious recipes here.

Part 5: Spiritual and Soul Healing Support

In this beautifully written section, Anthony offers living words for the underdogs, fighting for their health, and a note to the critics. He discuses the emotional connection to cleansing and how to empower the soul.

Part 6: Knowing the Cause and the Protocol

This helpful last section of the book provides guides to taking supplements and discusses the true causes of symptoms and conditions. Anthony includes supplement dosage recommendations for each symptom and condition.

Cleanse to Heal berries
Cleanse to Heal – a bowl of fresh berries makes a healthy treat

My Experience Using This Book

So far, I’ve completed the 3:6:9 cleanse several times, as a way to deeply detox my liver and internal organs. Due to our environment and typical western diet, we accumulate excess fats, pathogens, toxins and viral loads that burrow into our organs. There they create problems. This cleanse is a wonderful way to allow the organs to release the build up and function properly again. I like to do this cleanse a couple of times a year.

I’ve also done the Heavy Metal Detox. This powerful cleanse helps to remove the accumulation of mercury, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, cadmium, barium and arsenic that settles in different areas of different organs. The brain and liver are the two primary organs that are affected by these heavy metals.

For all cleanses in the book, Anthony details the duration of the cleanse, the foods and drinks to consume and the foods to avoid.

The Anti-Bug Cleanse

This is my first experience with this cleanse. The anti-bug cleanse starves viruses and bacteria in the body, by avoiding certain foods, and then flushes them out along with toxins and poisons in the blood.

Duration of this cleanse is two weeks or longer.

And here’s the protocol:

Drink 16 ounces of celery juice every morning.

Avoid the list of troublemaker foods. Anthony suggests different levels of foods to avoid. I’m avoiding all of them.

  • eggs
  • dairy
  • gluten
  • soft drinks
  • pork
  • tuna
  • corn
  • oils
  • soy
  • lamb
  • vinegar
  • fermented foods
  • caffeine
  • grains, except for gluten free oatmeal and millet

And limit or remove

  • salt
  • alcohol
  • artificial flavors
  • nutritional yeast
  • citric acid
  • aspartame
  • other artificial sweeteners
  • MSG
  • preservatives

Drink at least 32 ounces of water daily, in addition to the celery juice.

Why avoid those foods? Some are blood thickeners due to fat content. Thicker blood keeps toxins suspended and unable to be flushed out of the body. Some dehydrate the body, others introduce new toxins to the the body and some feed viruses and bugs.

Removing these foods allows the body to heal while flushing out all the gunk we don’t need. I included sugar as a food to avoid as well, as I know it causes inflammation in my body and creates acid reflux.

Cleanse to Heal oatmeal
Cleanse to Heal – gluten free oatmeal with berries and a few walnut pieces

How I’m Doing on the Anti-Bug Cleanse

I’m almost two weeks into this cleanse. And immediately I noticed a difference in the way my body feels and functions. I’m plant based already, so I don’t eat meat, eggs or dairy products. And I’m gluten intolerant, so I routinely avoid grains. However, it’s easier than I’d like for it to be, for things such as sugar and too much salt to creep into my diet.

My body responds favorably to limiting the foods on the avoid list. And although after the cleanse I’ll add back in olive oils, healthy fats such as avocados and nuts and foods such as olives, for now I’m appreciating how I feel during the cleanse.

I start the day with celery juice and then have a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Lunch and supper meals provide an assortment of veggies prepared in a variety of ways. Snacks include fresh fruit such as apples, pears, bananas and berries.

I intend to continue the anti-bug cleanse for at least two more weeks. That will bring me to mid November, with a cleaner body, and a stronger desire to eat as healthy as possible during the holidays.

I have big plans for 2022 and a strong, healthy, energetic body is vital to all that I intend to accomplish. Cleanse to Heal will help me live in optimal wellness.

What questions do you have about this book, or any of Anthony’s other books? Ask me your questions in the comments below.

Cleanse to Heal chickpea salad
Cleanse to Heal – chickpea salad for lunch. Recipe HERE.

 

Order Cleanse to Heal and other Medical Medium books below:

Cleanse to Heal

Life Changing Foods

Liver Rescue

Thyroid Healing

Celery Juice

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Strawberry Banana Bread

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This strawberry banana bread is the perfect treat for anyone, whether you are vegan and gluten free, or not. I appreciate the wholesome goodness in this luscious and delicious loaf. As a bonus, it is sweetened with pure maple syrup and a couple of tablespoons of coconut sugar.

Check out this easy to prepare recipe, from Anthony William, and let me know if you enjoyed it!

Strawberry Banana Bread title meme

 

Benefits of Strawberries

I’ve added different fruits to banana bread, from wild blueberries to apples to raisins, however I’ve never included strawberries before.

Strawberries are a natural to pair with bananas. These berries are an excellent source of vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, manganese, iron, zinc and potassium.

Strawberries supply important antioxidants and plant compounds that benefit heart health and control blood sugar levels. And they are rich in phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help people suffering from autoimmune disorders.

Plus, strawberries boost the immune system and support eye health.

Curious about the health benefits of bananas? Read more about them here.

Strawberry Banana Bread strawberries
Health boosting strawberries.

Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe

This quick bread comes from Anthony William. I’m always excited to try one of his recipes, as I know he’s carefully tested it and avoids additives and foods on my “no” list.

Strawberry Banana Bread

Easy to prepare quick bread featuring the goodness of bananas and strawberries.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant based milk
  • 2 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup strawberries, roughly chopped
  • 2 strawberries, thinly sliced, for topping optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9X5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Mash bananas in a bowl, with fork or potato masher. Add maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla and plant based milk. Mix well.
  • In another bowl, combine oat flour, sea salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk until lump free. Add banana mixture and fold in gently until batter is uniformly combined. Add chopped strawberries stirring just to incorporate.
  • Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45 - 55 minutes, until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes. Then lift loaf from pan by parchment paper and cool completely on wire rack. Makes 8 slices.
Keyword Strawberry Banana Bread

 

Strawberry Banana Bread mashed bananas
Mashing bananas
Strawberry Banana Bread dry mixture
Dry mixture
Strawberry Banana Bread chopped berries
Adding chopped strawberries

Enjoying Strawberry Banana Bread

I admit, I didn’t wait for the bread to cool completely. After brewing a cup of herbal tea, I cut a couple of slices of slightly warm strawberry banana bread.

I love this bread! The strawberries add a hint of tartness, complementing the sweetness of bananas. For a breakfast treat, after school or work snack or for afternoon tea, strawberry banana bread is perfect.

Check out this blueberry banana bread too!

Do you have a favorite banana bread recipe? Share it below in the comments.

Strawberry Banana Bread with Tea
Strawberry Banana Bread with Tea

Get your baking goods below:

 


 

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Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

If you are familiar with my healing story, you are aware that the journey began with celery juice. Several months before I switched to a plant based diet, I read a post from Anthony William, also known as the Medical Medium, about the wonders of celery juice. Its ability to reduce inflammation especially interested me.

For more than 20 years, pain and inflammation in my legs troubled me, eventually resulting in lack of mobility. Walking with a cane helped for a short time. However, my condition continued to deteriorate.

Celery juice began the process of turning my health around and led to my decision to adopt a 100% plant based diet. I am so grateful. I’m no longer in pain or walk with a cane.

Anthony’s book Celery Juice, which released last year, provides in depth info about this amazing green elixir. March is National Celery Month, offering me the perfect opportunity to present a review.

Learn more about the health benefits in this Medical Medium Celery Book Review.

Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review title meme

Medical Medium Celery Juice Book

At 172 pages, Celery Juice is Anthony’s shortest book. However, those pages are packed with information about why celery juice is beneficial. Below is a brief overview of the book.

The Origins of Celery Juice

Anthony William is credited with beginning the celery juice craze. While most people I know started drinking the juice within the past four years, Anthony actually began recommending celery juice back in the 70s. As a teenager he worked as a stock boy in a grocery store. Except this boy with the unique gift spent more time helping customers with health complaints, than he did replenishing produce. (Read more about Anthony’s ability to discern medical conditions in people on his website.)

With permission from his boss, Anthony set up a juicer and offered people with a variety of health conditions a glass of freshly prepared celery juice. In return, the customers, who felt better after drinking the juice, simply paid for a bunch of celery when they checked out with their groceries.

As he grew older, Anthony began giving lectures in health food stores across the country. Always he shared about the amazing healing properties of celery juice.

Why Celery Juice?

Anthony touted the powers of this drink for good reason. While most consider celery a bland diet food, good in potato salad or filled with cheese or peanut butter, Anthony recognized how beneficial it is, especially when juiced.

Celery contains the following properties:

  • Sodium cluster salts, which are different from sodium found in other foods, makes celery juice the most powerful electrolyte beverage in existence. Plus those sodium cluster salts neutralize toxins, including heavy metals lodged in the body. Additionally they fight off viruses and bacteria.
  • Micro trace minerals are especially healing for the digestive system. They help to restore hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
  • Electrolytes found in celery juice help cells to receive oxygen and improve the cell to cell communication throughout the body.
  • Plant hormones in celery juice feed and replenish the glands in the endocrine system. This is extremely important for those suffering from autoimmune disorders.
  • Digestive enzymes aid the digestion process, reducing toxins in the intestinal tract and supporting the pancreas and liver.
  • Antioxidants help remove fatty deposits and heavy metal deposits from the body.
  • Vitamin C found in celery is remarkable in that it is easier for the liver to use.
  • Celery juice’s prebiotic factor destroys unproductive bacteria and breaks up the build up of proteins and fats in the intestinal tract.
  • Hydrobioactive water is a very special component of celery juice. It’s a form of living water that sustains the body at a deep level.
Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review Journee
Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review – journee is the Old French word meaning “the distance one can travel in a day”. I love starting my day’s journey with celery juice.

The Benefits of Celery Juice

Celery juice offers so many healing benefits to the body that I cannot list them all here. In this section of the book, Anthony presents symptoms, conditions and diseases in alphabetical order and describes how celery juice provides relief for each one.

I’ll add a simple, and partial, list here. To discover all that celery juice can do for you, please read the book!

  • addictions of all kinds
  • Alzheimer’s, dementia and brain fog
  • ALS
  • autoimmune disorders
  • balance issues
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • digestive issues
  • eating disorders
  • emotional struggles
  • eye problems
  • headaches & migraines
  • heart palpitations
  • high cholesterol & high blood pressure
  • insomnia
  • joint pain & arthritis
  • kidney disease & stones
  • neurological symptoms
  • overactive bladder
  • Parkinson’s
  • post traumatic stress syndrome
  • reproductive disorders
  • strep related conditions
  • tinnitus
  • thyroid issues
  • weight fluctuations

Serving up celery juice

Preparing Celery Juice

Follow these easy tips for preparing celery juice:

  1. Trim the base off of one bunch of celery. Remove leaves, if desired, as they can make the juice bitter.
  2. Wash and rinse celery stalks. If possible, buy organic celery. When using regular celery wash well with a fragrance free dish soap and rinse.
  3. Run celery stalks through a juicer. Do not add other vegetables or fruits. One bunch of celery makes about 16 ounces of juice.
  4. Strain juice, if desired. (I never do this.)
  5. Drink fresh celery juice immediately, on an empty stomach. Wait at least 15 minutes before consuming other food.

If you initially dislike the taste of celery juice, don’t forgo it. The juice is too beneficial to pass on. Instead, start with a couple of ounces of juice and work up to 16 ounces. Those suffering with autoimmune disorders benefit from drinking up to 32 ounces of celery juice.

Celery juice is most beneficial on an empty stomach and undiluted with water or any other foods.

Celery Juice Cleanse

For the ultimate health boost and to jump start your healing, try a 30 day celery juice cleanse.

Follow this simple routine:

Start the day with an optional lemon or lime water, up to 32 ounces. Lemon/lime water is a great way to cleanse the liver. Wait 15 to 30 minutes before drinking celery juice.

Drink 16 ounces of fresh, plain celery juice. Wait 15 to 30 minutes before consuming anything else.

Have breakfast. An ideal breakfast during the celery juice cleanse is fruit or a fruit smoothie. Limit fats during the morning. Stay well hydrated during the day, drinking lots of water.

During the cleanse, avoid these problematic foods:

  • all dairy products
  • eggs
  • gluten
  • corn
  • soy
  • pork
  • nutritional yeast
  • canola oil
  • vinegar
  • fermented foods
  • foods with “natural flavors” in them, which is typically a preservative or MSG
Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review Juice
Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review – ready to try celery juice?

A Healing Movement

Thousands and thousands of people are healing, drinking celery juice. If you are experiencing any of the conditions listed above, I wholeheartedly recommend celery juice. And I recommend reading the book, to get more information than I can share in review. The book is available through Amazon below. Or check your local library and borrow a copy of the book.

I am one of the people with a healing story. My life has changed, in remarkable and permanent ways, thanks to the journey that began with celery juice.

The information in the book resonates deeply with me and encourages me to keep drinking the juice! I admit I get lazy about preparing the celery juice every morning. And yet, the whole process takes me less than 15 minutes, from washing the celery to cleaning up the juicer. My body hums with energy as I send those celery stalks through the juicer. That’s how powerful it is, how healing. My body craves celery juice and appreciates it.

If you have questions about celery juice, ask me in the comments below. And please, for your health and well being, try drinking the juice!

Healing journey begins with celery juice
Medical Medium Celery Juice Book Review – My healing journey began with celery juice.

Order the Celery Juice book and Anthony’s other books below:

 


 

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Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake

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Is there anything that smells better than a spice cake baking in the oven? I love the rich scents of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When Anthony William posted a recipe for vegan gluten free spice cake, I saved it to try. I so appreciate Anthony, author of the Medical Medium books. He continually shows me, and the world, that eating plant based isn’t dull or bland. I love the recipes that he offers.

This evening provided the opportunity to bake this incredibly delicious and healthy dessert.

Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake title meme

Healing Cake

This luscious cake is not only vegan and gluten free, it’s oil free as well. Plant based milk keeps it dairy free and applesauce replaces the eggs. And instead of refined sugar, the recipe uses coconut sugar.

The health benefits from vegan gluten free spice cake come from its spices, cinnamon especially. Cinnamon eases nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and indigestion. It helps to prevent the flu or shortens its duration if you catch it, lowers cholesterol and regulates blood sugar levels. Cinnamon soothes arthritis, increases circulation and contains anti-clotting compounds, making it beneficial in preventing strokes. And did you know that cinnamon boosts memory and cognitive functions? Just smelling the spice increases focus and alertness.

Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake Recipe

I made this recipe exactly as Anthony specified. Check out the recipe here, on his website. For convenience, the recipe is listed below as well.

Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake

Anthony William
This aromatic spice cake is vegan, gluten and oil free.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups gluten free oat flour
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/3 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

Cashew Icing

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice or water

Instructions
 

Spice Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl combine oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Mix well and set aside.
  • In separate bowl, combine plant based milk, maple syrup and orange juice or water. Mix well and add to dry ingredients, stirring to combine.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50 - 60 minutes, until toothpick or knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes then carefully remove from pan to cool completely.

Cashew Icing

  • Drain cashews. Combine cashews, maple syrup and orange juice or water in blender. Blend on high, scrapping down sides as needed, until icing is smooth.
  • Spread icing evenly over cake. Top with walnuts or pomegranate seeds, if desired. Serves 6.
Keyword Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake

 

Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake Ingredients
Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake Ingredients
Spice Cake Ready to Bake
Ready to bake.

Enjoying Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake

Scent is important to me. And oh my, I enjoyed the aroma wafting from my kitchen as this cake baked. I love spice cake and I anticipated trying a slice with a cup of hot herbal tea.

I was not disappointed. This vegan gluten free spice cake is tender and so delicious with its blend of spices. I like the cashew cream icing as well. Another tasty option is to top the cake with non-dairy whipped topping. I added a couple of walnut halves to my slice of cake. Pomegranate seeds or berries are wonderful alternatives.

Preparing the spice cake tonight gave it a trial run for Sunday’s Super Bowl festivities. I’ll have healthy snacks and foods on hand as I cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs. This cake is perfect for any occasion and special enough for birthdays and events such as baby showers and afternoon teas.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Vegan Gluten Free Spice Cake Plated
My slice of cake, topped with walnuts.

Pick up Anthony’s books by clicking links below:

 


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Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details

For the last Liver Rescue Book Club meeting tonight with my mom and sister, I provided our plant based meal. I served up my Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes with a couple of veggie sides. For dessert, I wanted something fresh, light and healthy, as temperatures today soared into the 80s. I also had an almost full container of strawberries in the fridge.

Remembering that Anthony William recently shared a luscious looking gluten free strawberry shortcake recipe, I checked his website. Based on what I had on hand, I made a couple of adaptations. Perfection!

Gluten Free Strawberry ShortcakeGluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

This light and refreshing treat is the perfect conclusion to spring or summer meals.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour may use almond flour
  • 1 cup tapioca flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup solid coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup may use raw honey
  • 1 pound strawberries, halved, for topping sweeten with 1 tbsp raw honey if desired

Whipped Cream

  • 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk chilled overnight in fridge
  • 2 - 3 tbsp raw honey

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400F. Combine oat flour, tapioca flour and baking powder in a large bowl, mixing well.
  • Cut the coconut oil into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Using hands, combine oil with flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • In a small bowl, combine almond milk, vanilla and maple syrup or honey. Add to flour mixture. Mix until dough forms. Using hands for mixing is easier than using a spoon.
  • Turn out dough on floured surface or a square of parchment paper. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut circles and place shortcakes on parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, until shortcakes are slightly browned. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes. While shortcakes cool, add a tablespoon of raw honey to strawberries and chill in refrigerator.

Whipped Cream

  • Chill mixing bowl in freezer for 10 minutes. Remove thick cream from top of can, leaving coconut water behind. Using an electric whisk or mixer, beat coconut cream until soft peaks form. Slowly add raw honey a little at a time, continuing to beat for two more minutes.
  • Assemble shortcakes by placing a spoonful of whipped cream on biscuit, followed by strawberries. Top with more whipped cream. Or add a second biscuit and repeat the layers, ending with berries. 

Notes

You may substitute cocowhip topping instead of making your own whipped cream.
Keyword Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten Free Stawberry Shortcake

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Delicious Dessert

I purchased Cocowhip topping from Natural Grocers rather than making the whipped topping myself. It’s available in the frozen foods section of the store. I’ve not yet made whipped topping from coconut milk however it’s on my list of things to try!

I also used gluten free oat flour and unsweetened almond/coconut milk. The recipe made 13 shortcakes.

This gluten free strawberry shortcake is delicious. The shortcakes are slightly sweet and pair well with the honey sweetened strawberries.

This simple yet showy dessert is wonderful for special occasions or celebrations or final book club meetings. I envision topping the shortcakes this summer with a variety of fresh fruits such as blackberries, blueberries and sliced peaches.

Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I practice the refreshing tradition of afternoon tea. Typically, sweet treats, finger sandwiches and scones accompany hot cups of herbal tea. Embracing a plant based lifestyle necessitated a change in my customary tea time. No more sweets or finger sandwiches. Gluten free, dairy free scones serve as yummy treats occasionally. Or simple fresh fruits and veggies make a great mid afternoon snack.

I love, however, coming across healthy alternatives to replace the sweet treats. Author Anthony William offers a wide range of recipes, along with an abundance of life changing health info and tips. Recently he posted an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe that I’ve been excited to try.

I was not disappointed!

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This easy to prepare recipe features gluten free oat flour and rolled oats. Check the packages, to make sure the oats are not processed in a plant along with wheat flour. Oats are naturally gluten free but can become contaminated if wheat is processed in the same facility.

The recipe is gluten, dairy, egg and refined sugar free.

I purchase oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar and organic raisins in bulk, finding that’s better, cost wise. Any health-minded grocery store carries such items in bulk.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Anthony William
This delicious treat is gluten, dairy, egg and refined sugar free.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Dessert
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp ground golden flax seeds
  • 6 tbsp water
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
  • 1 cup gluten free oat flour
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder aluminum free
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut or avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup organic raisins

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Mix together ground flax seeds and water and set aside for 15 minutes, creating a flax egg.
  • Combine oats, oat flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt in a bow. Mix well.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together coconut or avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla and flax egg. Add to dry ingredients, stirring until uniform dough forms. Add raisins.
  • Using spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough by spoonful onto parchment paper. Flatten into circles with a fork. Bake for 8 -10 minutes, until slightly browned. Remove from oven and cool. Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Mixing up this batch of cookies transported me back to my childhood. Standing beside my mom or grandmother, I’d help make cookies. One whiff of the fragrant cinnamon and I became that child again.

Of course, I sampled a bite of dough. Since it’s egg free, the dough can be eaten without concern. It tasted so good!

My kitchen filled with the scent of baking cookies as I cleaned up. Waiting for those cookies to cool required an exit from the room!

It was worth the wait. I settled into my favorite chair, with a cup of hot peppermint tea, and a small plate of vegan oatmeal raisin cookies.

The cookies are marvelous…soft, chewy, rich in flavor and not too sweet. They are, indeed, perfect oatmeal raisin cookies, and a wonderful addition to afternoon tea time. I keep all the ingredients on hand, making this a quick and easy recipe to prepare.

I look forward to making these delightfully healthy cookies a couple of times a month.

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Other Afternoon Tea Time Treats

Looking for other tea time treats or healthy after dinner desserts? Try these:

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Gluten Free Wild Blueberry Scones

Wild Blueberry Banana Bread

 

Check out my Amazon Storefront to purchase Anthony’s books and to pre-order his new book, Medical Medium Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide.

 

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Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

These vegan snickerdoodle cookies are full of flavor and healthy ingredients. And they make an excellent snack or simple dessert. I so appreciate Anthony William, who creates and offers a steady stream of delicious, easy to follow recipes. The cookies came together quickly, just in time for afternoon tea.

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

This recipe is dairy, refined sugar, gluten and egg free. Walnuts can be left out, for a nut free bread.

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

This easy to prepare cookie recipe is full of flavor and healthy ingredients.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Dessert
Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbs coconut flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder aluminum free
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla

Coating

  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine sugar and cinnamon for coating and set aside.
  • Combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, sea salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Add lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla and stir well, to form a dough. If mixture is too wet, add more flour.
  • Form dough into walnut sized balls and roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture. Place on parchment paper. Flatten balls of dough with palm of hand or bottom of a glass.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly brown on bottom. 

Notes

Arrowroot starch may be substituted for coconut flour. Gluten free oat flour may be substituted for almond flour.
Keyword Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Tea Time

Savoring a couple of warm snickerdoodle cookies, with a steaming cup of hot herbal tea, the treat reminded me of shortbread cookies. Crisp with a softer center, and not too sweet, this cookie provides the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy the moment.

I like that the recipe makes a small batch of cookies. It can easily be doubled. However, twelve cookies seems just right. I’m not tempted to overdo. Instead, two cookies with tea satisfies my desire for a snack.

Serve these vegan snickerdoodle cookies for an afternoon break, pack into a lunchbox or finish an evening meal with a hint of sweetness. They are perfect.

Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Try out these rustic shortbread cookies as well.

And for a variety of herbal tea blends, check out my Amazon Storefront.

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I dearly love my afternoon tea time. Therefore, I’m always excited to find and try a new recipe for a healthy treat that can accompany my hot tea. This easy Vegan Blueberry Banana recipe, adapted slightly from one by Anthony William, is perfect.

This beautiful loaf is free from gluten, refined sugar, eggs and diary products.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

I used gluten free oat flour combined with arrowroot starch, to help hold the loaf together after it cooled. See this guide about other gluten free flours and starches.

Any unsweetened non-dairy milk is acceptable. I like the combo of almond and coconut. Leave off the walnuts if you are watching fats.

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Healthy version of a classic favorite, with the added benefits and taste of wild blueberries.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Cooling 30 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour
  • 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp aluminum free baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
  • chopped walnuts, for topping optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Mash bananas in a bowl with fork or potato masher. Add maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract and almond coconut milk. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, combine oat flour, arrowroot starch, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add wet ingredients and stir gently, until ingredients form a batter. Add frozen blueberries and fold in very gently, stirring just until mixed in.
  • Pour batter into loaf pan. Top with walnuts, if desired, and bake in oven for 40 minutes. Then turn off oven and leave blueberry banana bread in oven for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely, on a rack, before slicing.  Serves 4.
Keyword Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Vegan Blueberry Banana BreadUse a potato masher to easily mash up ripe bananas.

Vegan Blueberry Banana BreadReady to bake. I LOVE using parchment paper and line all baking pans and cookie sheets with it. Try this one from If You Care. This parchment baking paper is unbleached, compostable and totally chlorine free.

Vegan Blueberry Banana BreadIsn’t that a gorgeous loaf? It smelled so wonderful as it cooled.

The two main ingredients in the Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread have important health benefits.

Wild Blueberries

These berries contain powerful antioxidants. According to Liver Rescue there’s not just one pigment inside a wild blueberry, there are dozens of pigments. The wild blueberry is to the liver as mother’s milk is to a baby. The pigments in wild blueberries have the ability to penetrate deep into liver cells and cross cell walls and membranes inside the liver, spreading their blue everywhere. Wild blueberries also enhance the intestinal tract, feeding good bacteria there, which benefits the liver greatly.

Bananas

Did you know that the fructose in bananas is the liver’s favorite source of food? It provides quick fuel to the liver and wakes up sleepy cells, increasing their ingenuity and work output. Bananas soothe the lining of the intestinal tract and also calm the nerves attached to the intestinal tract. This fruit is one of the most antibacterial, anti-yeast, antifungal foods available. It’s a great food to combine with other nutrient-rich foods or to take with supplements, because they improve the liver’s ability to absorb nutrients. (from Liver Rescue) 

Perfect Afternoon Tea

This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is great as a breakfast bread or works well as a light after dinner dessert.

I paired a slice with a cup of hot spearmint tea, for the perfect afternoon break. The texture is light and the bread tastes slightly sweet, loaded with bananas and wild blueberries. I topped this first loaf with walnuts. Those can be omitted, if desired.

This recipe definitely goes onto my “make again…often” list. Is tomorrow too soon, to pop another loaf into the oven?

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

 

 

 

 

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

The kiwi fruit, fuzzy on the outside and bright green and sweet on the inside, is known for being extremely high in vitamin C. However did you know that kiwis are incredibly nutritious and packed with health benefits?

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

Kiwi Nutrition

This fruit originated in China. When it was first exported from China, the Europeans called it the Chinese Gooseberry. The fruit trees were introduced to New Zealand at the turn of the 20th century and cultivated there. As the fruit began to be exported from New Zealand the name was changed to kiwi, after the the kiwi bird which is also small, brown and fuzzy.

Kiwi grows on a shrubby tree that reaches a height of 30 feet. Italy is the top producer of the fruit, followed by New Zealand.

High in vitamins C, E and K, kiwi also supplies potassium, copper, folate, protein and fiber.

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

Kiwis are an excellent source of nourishment and nutrients and provide the following health benefits:

  1. High antioxidant food that fights free radical damage and helps to repair and maintain body tissues and systems. They are rich in polyphenols, which stimulate the immune system. The tiny seeds also possess strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
  2. Regulates blood sugar while lowering fat in the bloodstream. Kiwi’s high quality glucose is bioavailable and feeds the neurons in the brain.
  3. Aids digestion and serves as a treatment for bowel and digestive disorders. Kiwi’s amino acids raise hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, providing relief for acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, gas, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome and bloating.
  4. One kiwi a day can lower the risk of stroke, blood clots and cardiovascular disease. The potassium in kiwi helps lower blood pressure, counteracts sodium and relaxes blood vessels throughout the body.
  5. The kiwi tree has been used as a medicinal plant in China for many years, treating ailments such as joint pain, bladder stones, and cancers of the liver and esophagus. Both the fruit and roots inhibit liver, lung and colon cancer cell growth.
  6. Kiwi contains serotonin, increasing sleep time and quality. Serotonin may also boost memory and mood and help with depression.
  7. Improves skin and respiratory health, and also prevents degenerative eye diseases. Kiwi contains an antioxidant called lutein that offers protection for these systems and the eyes, and helps to slow the effects of aging on the body.

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

How to Use Kiwi

Kiwi is readily available in the produce section at the grocery store or in the frozen foods section. Although the skin can be eaten, just like a peach skin, most people peel the fruit first.

The easiest way to peel a kiwi is to cut off each end, loosen the skin with a spoon and slide out the fruit. Enjoy kiwi raw in salads, smoothies, desserts and fruit bowls. Because kiwi has a tenderizing effect on other foods, add it last to salads and fruit bowls.

Kiwis can also be enjoyed by simply slicing one in two and scooping out the fruit. For the adventurous, wash the skin and experience eating kiwi like a peach. I have not tried this although I’ve seen others bite right into an unpeeled fruit. I’m willing to go for it, the next time I purchase this health boosting fruit!

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kiwi

Liver Rescue Book Club Meeting

With two blog posts to write tonight, I’m doing something I’ve rarely done. I’m doing a crossover post.

The book Liver Rescue, by Anthony William, released at the end of October. I preordered a copy, as did my mom and sister Linda. What better way to work through the amazing information within this hefty volume, than together.

Tonight we met for the first Liver Rescue Book Club meeting. Rather than share a recipe for Try This Tuesday, as I had planned, this post seemed more important. Trying new health related things goes beyond recipes and helpful gadgets. It can be gathering together to learn how to live in optimal health.

I hope our experience encourages others to create a health geared book club too!

Liver Rescue Book Club Meeting

Why a Book About the Liver?

This evening we covered the first two chapters of the book. Chapter one is introductory…and eye opening. Why would Anthony devote an entire book to liver health? Because it’s that important.

We are very aware of other organs and systems in the body. Our hearts beat. We draw breath into our lungs. The stomach growls when it’s empty. We think with our brains. Our bladders fill and our intestines rumble. We moisturize our skin or get goosebumps when something extraordinary happens.

Our livers though? We don’t give them a thought…until we are far gone in a catastrophic illness such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. And yet the liver works incredible hard on our behalf, to keep the body functioning.

Anthony goes so far as to suggest that our livers are our best friends. It’s time, my mom, sister and I decided, to get to know this mysterious organ and do all we can to keep it healthy and happy, as many other ailments and illness are connected to liver health.

Liver Rescue Book Club Meeting

Liver Rescue Book Club

Our first meeting was a success. Mom prepared a delicious plant based meal that we shared with stepdad Walter. I’ll provide dinner next Tuesday. Linda will feed us the week after that.

The table cleared after dinner, the three of us opened our books and discussed the first two chapters.

Chapter Two explores the connection between liver health and the pancreas. A diet high in fat wreaks havoc on the liver, which then has a negative impact on the pancreas. Linda and I are very aware of pancreatic distress. We lost our father eight years ago to pancreatic cancer. This terminal cancer is on the rise. I know many, many people who have succumbed to this horrible disease. I want to do all I can to keep my liver and pancreas working well.

We talked about various sections in the first two chapters. And we expressed genuine gratitude for how miraculous the human body is. To encourage each other and keep us on track, we set a goal for next week. Each of us will keep a food journal over the next seven days, recording everything we eat. It’s possible, even on a plant based diet, to consume too much fat. Writing down what we eat raises awareness and allows us to see where problem areas might lurk.

I appreciate my mother and sister, for their willingness to improve their health and walk with me on this journey. Being the best we can be doesn’t have to be difficult. We intend to link arms and do this together…and have fun while we befriend our livers.

Liver Rescue Book Club Meeting

Order Liver Rescue, or Anthony’s other books, through my link below.

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