Month: January 2018

Seasoned Potato Wedges

When I completed a 28 Day Cleanse, 18 months ago, this delicious recipe was one of the first that I tried. I wanted to celebrate eating cooked food again, as during the cleanse I only ate raw fruits and veggies. And I wanted to cement my new relationship with a plant based lifestyle. My health had shifted during that 28 days and I knew that I would not be returning to my old eating habits. I welcomed the opportunity to try new recipes and wholeheartedly explore this new way of eating.

The earthy potato has become a mainstay of my diet. I can order a plain baked potato in most restaurants, which relieves eating out anxiety. At home potatoes are the foundation of many of my recipes. I will be featuring them this week for Food Friday. In the meantime, this is one of my favorite potato recipes and it is quick and easy to prepare.

Seasoned Potato Wedges

4 large potatoes, skins on

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon onion salt

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon seasoning salt

1 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400. Cut each potato into 8-10 wedges, or use french fry slicer.

Place wedges in large bowl. Sprinkle with seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil and mix to coat wedges.

Arrange wedges on large cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper. Bake 35-40 minutes, until wedges are crisp on outside, and tender inside.

Initially I used potato wedges as a side dish with other foods, and they are wonderful with sliced avocado and mixed beans. However I came to see them as a complete meal on their own, served with a side of hummus or homemade marinara sauce for dipping.

Either way, as a side or main dish, enjoy these delightfully seasoned potatoes, knowing they are good for you!

Licorice Root

This featured herb, for the Sunday Supplement post, is extremely important as a weapon against the viral explosion we are experiencing. Licorice, a member of the legume family, is native primarily to Europe and Asia. The sweet extract of the licorice root is well known for making a candy with a rich, distinctive flavor. However, did you know that this herb has incredible healing benefits?

According to Anthony William, author of Life Changing Foods, the herpetic viruses, which includes Einstein Barr, HHV-6, cytomegalovirus and shingles, are often behind the group of disorders that the medical community has labeled as “mystery illnesses”. We are told that these illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme Disease, Ménièr’s and Adrenal Fatigue, along with symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, body aches and pains, and nerve pain, and conditions such as Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis, are all instances of the body attacking itself.

The body does not attack itself…the strains and mutations of the viruses do, which is why we need licorice root. It is a powerful antiviral remedy. Its phytochemicals stop viruses from reproducing and also eliminate them from the body by making it inhospitable to the viruses.

In addition to being a potent antiviral, licorice root helps with low blood pressure, soothes the liver, and rejuvenates overburdened adrenal glands. It also combats infections such as strep throat, and appendix and brain inflammation, and eases the symptoms of sciatica, migraines, depression, digestive disorders, spasms, heart palpitations and pain throughout the body.

Licorice root is a great energy booster. A cup of licorice root tea in the morning can replace a cup of coffee, without adding caffeine.

As a child, I did not care for the taste of licorice, so I avoided the candy or picked through jelly beans to eliminate the strongly flavored ones. So I have been taking licorice root in capsule form, which is tasteless. However, my taste buds have matured, thankfully! No more avoiding this vital herb. I am interested in trying licorice root tea. It can also be taken as an alcohol free tincture.

Try this Cinnamon Licorice Root Tea from the Life Changing Foods book

• 2 tablespoons dried licorice root

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving of tea use 1 teaspoon of the blend in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes. Makes 4 cups of tea.

Picture from Life Changing Foods.

I will keep licorice root capsules on hand, so I can add this supplement to my diet daily. But I am looking forward to creating the cinnamon licorice root blend for hot tea as a change of pace. Either way, I appreciate the wonder of licorice root and its amazing healing properties.

Order Life Changing Foods, or Licorice Root, by clicking links below:

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Avocados

Today’s featured food is one of my favorites! In his book Life Changing Foods, Anthony William calls the avocado the mother fruit. He writes, “It’s vital to appreciate avocado as the foundation of the pantry, the conductor of the symphony, the strongest link in the chain, the landmark, the soul of all other foods.”

The avocado is a tree that is thought to have originated in central Mexico. The fruit, which contains a single large seed, has a textured inedible skin and yellow-green flesh that is smooth and creamy.

Avocados are easy to digest, making them helpful for soothing and healing the digestive tract. They have anti-inflammatory properties that behave like aspirin, without thinning out the blood. This reduces narrowing and swelling in the linings of the stomach and intestines.

Because they are a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids, avocados help to heal the brain and central nervous system, alleviating dementia and Alzheimer’s. They also reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

Avocados are high in fiber, nutrients, vitamins and minerals, containing more potassium than bananas. Combined with other plants, this amazing fruit increases the nutrient value and absorption of those foods.

Eat more avocados to help combat heart disease, infertility, kidney disease, stroke, digestive disorders, sciatica, memory loss, muscle cramps, shingles, thyroid disease, food allergies and sensitivities, and cancers.

I love how versatile avocados are. I use them to create more than guacamole. They can be chopped and added to salads, soups and chilies, combined with other fruits in smoothies, and blended to create nutritious salad dressings. One of my favorite ways to enjoy avocados is to slice them and combine with other foods in a Buddha bowl, also known as a hippie bowl, creating a simple, healthy meal. Tonight I added them to black bean and corn salsa (using non GMO corn).

Avocados have so many powerful health benefits, it is vital to incorporate them into a plant based diet daily. I don’t find that difficult to do at all!

Orange, Avocado & Green Olive Salad

I tried this gorgeous salad for the first recently, and loved it. Who would know that combining two super foods…oranges and avocados…with tangy green olives would be so delicious?

Oranges are high in vitamin C, and a coenzyme called glutathione, which activates because of this citrus fruit’s flavonoids and limonoids. These combine to fight off viruses, protect the body from radiation damage and deactivate heavy metals in the body. Oranges also contain an abundance of bioactive calcium, which the body absorbs quickly.

Avocados help to soothe the digestive system, especially for those with food sensitivities. This food, which is actually a fruit, has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Avocados are a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids, which help to restore the central nervous system.

The recipe, from the Life Changing Foods book by Anthony William is simple to prepare.

Orange, Avocado & Green Olive Salad

6 oranges, any variety

1/4 cup sliced green olives

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 avocado, sliced

Black pepper (optional)

Cut the top and bottom off of each orange. Resting the orange flat on the cutting board, cut down and around the sides, removing the peel. Slice oranges horizontally into disks and arrange on plates. Top with remaining ingredients. Sprinkle with pepper is desired. Serves 2-4.

Because Cara Cara oranges are plentiful this time of year, I used them and regular navel oranges. I found it easier to slice the oranges first, with their peels on, and then cut around the perimeter, removing the peel.

This colorful salad was fun to eat, light but filling. I didn’t add the red onion to my salad, but I enjoyed the blended flavors of the oranges, avocados and olives. It was the perfect lunch.

It was so perfect that I had it for lunch again today! I will take advantage of oranges being in season by preparing this meal often.

Why Take MSM?

This supplement, abbreviated from the long scientific name of methylsulfonylmethane (whew!), is another that I have been aware of for quite some time. Until I began my healing journey, I was hit and miss about taking supplements consistently…mostly miss! I included MSM, when I remembered to take it, because of its importance to joint health. However, I have discovered that there is so much more to this compound than that.

MSM is an organic, natural compound found in many unprocessed foods such as green vegetables. However, many of its benefits are lost when those foods are cooked. MSM provides biologically active sulfur, which is essential for many different bodily functions.

One of MSM’s most important functions is that it makes the body’s cells more permeable. This allows the cells to receive more water and nutrients, but just as crucial, toxins such as heavy metals and metabolic wastes, are more easily released.

Other crucial health benefits of MSM include:

• restores nerves that have tightened up due to inflammation, making them more flexible and pliable

• improves skin health and elasticity by boosting collagen production

• improves joint and muscle flexibility, and lessens pain and muscle spasms

• strengthens hair and nails

• helps rebuild the linings in the digestive system

• helps the body deal with stress

• anti-inflammatory

MSM truly is a wonder supplement, that works at a cellular level to increase health in vital systems of the body, while fighting inflammation and aging.

I take this supplement as a capsule, however it can also be taken in powder form by mixing it in water. MSM is odorless and tasteless, in either form. My research indicates that the body absorbs MSM even more readily when it is combined with a source of vitamin C. I include an Ester-C capsule, or make sure I am consuming fruits high in vitamin C.

MSM is one of my Fave Four supplements. At home I take a dozen or more vitamins, minerals and herbs daily. When I travel, I make sure I at least pack these four: turmeric, cat’s claw, B12, and MSM. These important supplements accompanied me last year on my travels to Italy, Ireland, Scotland and England. Combined with healthy, plant based meals and lots of walking, these essentials kept me feeling my best.

And that’s what this healing journey is all about, optimal health and feeling wonderful!

Order MSM below:

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Pears

Today’s featured food is a close relative of the apple, they just don’t seem to get the same attention. We have sayings about apples, such as An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and the association of gifting a favorite teacher with a perfectly polished apple. I can’t think of one famous quote about a pear. I have always liked sweet juicy pears though. I often crave them. The more I learn about their amazing health benefits, the more I realize how important it is to include them regularly in my diet.

I was happy to see pears as one of the featured foods in Anthony William’s book, Life Changing Foods. The granules in pears are full of phytochemicals, trace minerals and amino acids. Those minerals and amino acids help to expel poisons, such as DDT, from the body. The juice from a pear is high in electrolytes, which stabilizes blood sugar. Plus pears help to cleanse and purify the liver.

This amazing fruit aids digestion in other ways as well. It is antispasmodic, helping to soothe the linings of the stomach and intestinal tract. They alleviate food poisoning and calm an upset stomach. Pears feed beneficial bacteria while starving out unproductive bacteria, fungus and parasites. And pears help to prevent stomach and intestinal cancers.

The most amazing thing that I have learned about pears is how crucial they are in maintaining a healthy pancreas. My father died of pancreatic cancer, as did my best friend Laurie. In fact, pancreatic cancer seems to be on the rise. The pancreas reacts to the body’s stress. We abuse this vital organ by eating too much fried food and rich, sugary desserts.

Anthony suggests that heartbreak, betrayal and fear are hard on the pancreas as well. For pancreas protection and to heal this overworked gland and prevent pancreatic cancer, we must eat more pears.

I enjoy slicing up a pear and eating it raw, or combining it with other fruits for afternoon tea. This delicious and simple to prepare recipe from Life Changing Foods is wonderful for special occasions. I typically prepare apples together with pears when I make this recipe.

Cinnamon Baked Pears

• 4 pears, any variety

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice pears in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Arrange pear halves face up on baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle each pear half with maple syrup, leaving some inside each center. Divide walnuts evenly into centers of pears and sprinkle cinnamon over the top of each. Bake 20 – 30 minutes, until pears are tender.

The pears, and apples if included, smell wonderful as they bake. Eaten warm from the oven, baked pears make a healthy, nutritious and comforting special treat.

Pears have become much more important to me, since embracing a plant based lifestyle. And, losing my dad and friend to pancreatic cancer creates a desire in me to be mindful of caring for myself and fostering a healthy pancreas and liver.

Writing this post, my pear craving has intensified. Time for a juicy, health boosting pear!

You can purchase Life Changing Foods by clicking the link below:

I am an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering making a purchase of this product, or any other items, through my Amazon link!

Aloo Matar

I tried this wonderfully comforting, fragrant meal recently. Aloo matar is a Punjabi dish from the Indian subcontinent, featuring potatoes and peas in a spiced tomato base. It is easy to prepare and a delight to savor.

This aloo matar recipe was created by Anthony William, author of several books including his latest, Thyroid Healing.

I found garam masala in the spice section of the grocery store. I added a bit more garam masala and curry powder…a double pinch, or approximately 1/4 of a teaspoon. The recipe was not only simple to create, and adaptable, it was fun. And the spicy scent that filled the kitchen created great anticipation.

I loved this aloo matar. It had the taste of India that I was craving, without being too spicy. The cilantro and squeeze of lime on top was the perfect finishing touch.

I used all organic ingredients, making this tasty meal a nutritious one as well. And is there anything more comforting than dining on potatoes and peas? I don’t think so. I will be fixing this wonderful recipe often!

Cat’s Claw

Today for Sunday Supplement I’m sharing about one of my top four essentials, Cat’s Claw. I discovered its benefits before switching to a plant based diet. However I now know more that ever that this herb is extremely crucial to my health.

Cat’s Claw, so named for its claw shaped thorns, is a woody vine that grows in the jungles of the Amazon. I have long known that it eases inflammation in the body, and initially began taking it for that reason. However, the healing properties of this plant extend far beyond fighting inflammation.

According to Anthony William, author of Life Changing Foods, Cat’s Claw is one of the most powerful herbs available for reversing chronic illnesses and diseases. It’s antiviral properties make it ideal for eliminating viruses, such as Epstein Barr, shingles and strep, along with bacteria and parasites.

In fact, Cat’s Claw can aid in alleviating almost any symptom, from digestive to neurological. Because of its bioactive pharma-compounds, it can combat many illnesses more effectively than antibiotics, and the body does not build up a resistance to the herb.

Use Cat’s Claw for any of these disorders: all types of cancer, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ALS, migraines, digestive issues, lymphoma, kidney infections and all viruses.

It also combats inflammation of all types, aches and pains, tinnitus, tingles and numbness, headaches, jaw pain, spasms, brain fog, heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle aches, joint pain and restless legs. It supports and strengthens the body’s immune system.

If you only took two or three supplements a day, I recommend that Cat’s Claw be one of them. It is that good for you, and that crucial to continuing good health.

Cat’s Claw can be taken in tincture or capsule form, or drank as a hot tea. I buy capsules but I’d like to try it as a tea. I don’t know if Missouri’s climate would support this jungle plant, but how fun it would be to grow the vine with yellow flowers in my herb garden.

One thing is certain for me. I do not allow myself to run out of Cat’s Claw!

Lentils

It’s important, on a plant based diet, to consume plant protein. Lentils, available in a variety of colors, are one of the best sources of protein. Plus, these little legumes are packed with other nutrients and health benefits.

Lentils are an excellent source of iron, folate, zinc, phosphorus, manganese and potassium.

A cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, less than one gram of fat, and no cholesterol, making them a much healthier choice than chicken, beef or fish. Lentils’ lean protein can help lower the risk of all diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

Lentils also contain 16 grams of dietary fiber per cup. They are a crucial source of insoluble fiber, which helps to regulate the digestive system and decreases the risk of colon, breast, throat and esophageal cancers. Additionally, fiber rich lentils help to prevent stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

I include lentils regularly in my diet. Two of my favorite meals are Lentil Chili, easily fixed in 30 minutes on the stove top, and Lentils and Brown Rice, a pressure pot recipe that also contains potatoes, rosemary and thyme.

Lentils are versatile, economical and full of health boosting benefits, making them an essential part of any diet. They can added to soups, salads, and rice dishes, or eaten alone. Pinterest and the app Yummly have many delicious, easy to prepare recipes. I have so many yet to try!

Yummly App

My daughter Elissa introduced me to this fun and helpful app called Yummly. She successfully tried it out for the first time as she prepped for Christmas dinner, using recipes from the app downloaded on her phone.

I’ve played with the app since downloading it myself. Yummly is my Try This Tuesday suggestion.

Check out these great features:

In the Just for You section, I customized the app for my dietary needs. The recipes Yummly pulls up for me are vegan only, with further restrictions eliminating sugar and soy. The app can be customized to suit any diet or list of restrictions. This delicious looking Vegan Carrot Soup with Ginger popped up for me. I can also search for recipes, such as “vegan potato soup”, by typing in the search bar.

This screenshot shows the list of ingredients for the recipe with nutritional info and options for creating a shopping list and scheduling a time to eat.

I can save this recipe, adding it to one of the collections listed on the right. I added the category Soups.

This is a very helpful feature, in the Explore section. I can click on ingredients that I have on hand, and the app will pull up recipes using those ingredients. I clicked on potatoes, garlic, onion, lentils and rice.

The app listed a dozen recipes for me to try. I love the Moroccan Lentil Rice suggestion!

I saved that yummy looking recipe in the Dinner collection.

Once I’ve saved the recipe, the app asks if I want to set a time to eat? If I had, the app would notify me when I need to start cooking!

Yummly can be downloaded from the App Store located on your phone.

I have had fun discovering new recipes using Yummly . It is handy to have them saved on my phone. I know they will meet my plant based guidelines, meaning I won’t have to adapt the recipes.

I will be making the Moroccan Lentil Rice soon!