March 2018 - Journey With Healthy Me

Broccoli

Today’s featured food, broccoli, is a member of the cruciferous vegetables group, along with cabbage, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, arugula, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Cruciferous veggies have amazing cleansing and healing abilities, especially when combined with other foods.

In Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William, I learned that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli help to prevent a variety of cancers, including those that attack the brain, breasts, reproductive organs, lungs and intestinal tract. These veggies are especially beneficial for the lungs, due to their sulfur rich composition, stimulating the growth of lung tissue. Crucifers are a great source of vitamins B, A, C, E and K.

In particular, broccoli is like an all purpose multivitamin for the entire body. In addition it contains trace minerals and other nutrients that support the immune system and enhances all the systems of the body.

Eat more broccoli, and crucifers, to help heal liver disorders, nodules on bones and glands, adrenal fatigue, hypertension, depression and the herpes viruses. This green veggie also aids diabetes, migraines, anxiety, ADHD, Epstein Barr, shingles, aches and pains, joint pain and inflammation, leg cramps, menopause symptoms and heart palpitations.

When combined with asparagus, broccoli increases the cancer fighting compounds found in asparagus. It also strengthens the kidney cleansing phytochemicals in asparagus.

Broccoli can be eaten raw, added to salads, lightly steamed, stir fried or combined with other foods in casseroles. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this veggie is in a healthy macaroni and broccoli baked dish created by Anthony. You can find that recipe HERE.

I used to buy frozen vegetables most of the time, for convenience. Since going plant based, I rarely purchase bags of frozen veggies, preferring instead to buy fresh produce and spend the extra couple of minutes chopping or slicing in preparation for cooking. It’s a meditative experience, a hands on way of contributing to my health and wellbeing. Cutting my broccoli into florets tonight, for dinner, only took a minute. Long enough, though, to feel gratitude for all the health benefits it brings to me.

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

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Deviled Potatoes

I’m always looking for plant based recipes to try. When I tell people about my eating habits, they often assume I eat a lot of salads. I do enjoy salads. However, there are so many healthy and interesting ways to prepare and enjoy fruits and vegetables. The possibilities are endless.

I found this intriguing potato recipe this morning, created by Lexi and Jimmy, who go by the name HomeGrownHealers on Instagram. I got to prepare it tonight!

Deviled Potatoes

Scrub 4 medium sized potatoes and cut in half. Use a fork to prick the side with the peeling on, and place cut side down on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 30 minutes, in 400 degree oven, or until potatoes are tender. Flip potato halves over and allow to cool for a few minutes, until they can be handled.

Carefully scoop out insides of potatoes, placing into a bowl. I found it easier to cut around the edge of the potato half first and then scoop out the insides.

Add 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of a dairy, egg and soy free mayonnaise. I use Vegenaise. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Mash with a potato masher or spoon, combining well.

Spoon mixture into potato shells. Sprinkle with paprika.

The recipe can be doubled. I fixed four potatoes, for two people, and it was the perfect amount.

This recipe made a tasty and satisfying meal! I loved the little kick of mustard. And no silverware was needed. These deviled potatoes can be picked up and eaten, just like a deviled egg.

Potatoes are a staple in my diet. They are not only nourishing and comforting, they are full of health essentials. Read about the benefits of potatoes HERE.

I appreciate Lexi and Jimmy for their creative approach to plant based cooking and their determination to heal. Follow them on Instagram for more ideas. And find me too, under the username Journey With Health Me.

Nettle Leaf

I first became aware of this plant as a youth. Brushing bare arms or legs against it could result in a temporary stinging sensation. Stinging nettles were something I learned to avoid. However, long before I switched to a plant based lifestyle, I discovered the surprising benefits of drinking nettle tea.

This adaptogenic herb provides support for our bodies during times of stress. The leaves contain vast amounts of phytochemicals, anti-inflammatories and alkaloids. Nettle leaf is also full of bone building and bone protecting silica, 40+ trace minerals, and it contains a potent natural pain reliever.

This wild food, that many consider a weed, provides amazing support for the adrenal glands and the endocrine system that are often overburdened, overworked and fatigued. Adrenal fatigue can severely affect women in particular, causing reproductive system symptoms such as hormonal imbalance, infertility and perimenopause. The problem can be that the adrenals need help, rather than the reproductive system. Nettle helps to address multiple sources of hormone disruption.

Nettle leaf eases infections in the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, and fights against cystitis and reproductive cancers. It’s a powerful ally against viruses such as Epstein Barr and shingles, and helps the body to recover from rheumatoid arthritis, post traumatic stress disorders, autoimmune diseases, anxiety, depression and mood swings.

For the greatest benefit from this centering herb, use it in dried form to create tea. I buy dried nettle leaf by the ounce. It’s available in health food stores and health conscious grocery stores. Add a couple of teaspoons of dried nettle to a tea ball or mesh basket and drop into a tea cup or mug. Fill cup with boiling water, cover and steep for at least five minutes. Other dried herbs can be combined with nettle leaf, for unique blends. Raw organic honey or a squeeze of lemon can be added as well.

I have gone from avoiding the plant to regularly drinking a cup of nettle tea during my afternoon tea time. The hot tea brings comfort and a sense of settling and centering to my busy mind.

Nettle brings that same sense of wellbeing to my body as it provides healing and restoration. When I’ve had a stressful day this is my go to herbal tea. I am extremely grateful for this incredible plant.

You can purchase Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William, by clicking 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!

Grapes

Like bananas, grapes are often overlooked as a healthy food choice, due to their natural sweetness. They can be judged as being too high in calories, carbs or sugar and therefore they are eliminated from a health conscious diet. However, also like bananas, it is unwise to dismiss this juicy, powerful fruit.

Grapes contain phytochemicals that are critical for kidney health. Those phytochemicals bind onto wastes that the kidneys have difficulty filtering. Grapes are excellent for the liver as well, helping to cleanse away debris, processed food and by products that can clog up lobules in the liver.

Powerful micronutrients in grape skins eliminate parasites, mold and unproductive fungus from the intestinal tract. And antioxidants enable grapes to help fight and prevent most forms of cancer.

Additionally, grapes expel radiation from the body, draw out DDT and toxic heavy metals from the liver, kidneys, spleen and other organs, and they are a potent antiviral for autoimmune disorders. And finally, grapes are an amazing energy boosting food.

I had the joy and pleasure of visiting vineyards in Italy last year. Our tour group learned about the care and tasks involved in growing the best grapes, at Fattoria Il Poggio, near Montecarlo in the Tuscany region. What a beautiful sight, those rows and rows of grape vines, with the mountains in the background. After our al fresco dinner at Fattoria Il Poggio, complete with wines made from their carefully tended grapes, I left with a new appreciation for this fruit.

Grapes can be added to juices, smoothies and salads, dried into raisins, or…my favorite…lightly rinsed and eaten as a snack. In Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William, the chapter on grapes comes with a fun and simple recipe for grape slushies, using frozen grapes and coconut water. This cold drink reminds me of the snow cones I used to enjoy, in my favorite flavor, grape. This is a healthy, wholesome version of that summer treat.

Anthony has included a fresh grape jelly recipe as well, made in the food processor. It has the added health benefits of raw honey and a squeeze of lemon. I will be trying out this recipe for the first time on Tuesday. I think it will make a great topping for frozen banana ice cream!

Such an unpretentious food packed with healing properties. That’s the grape. Enjoy any of the varieties…concord, red or white….and reap good health.

You can order 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!

Coconut Curry Sauce

I had fun today trying out my first recipe from the gorgeous Thrive Magazine that I purchased recently. I made notes as I thumbed through the publication, about all the recipes I wanted to create. First on my list was a coconut curry sauce.

This simple to make sauce, loaded with goodness and flavor, can be eaten over spiralized veggies, such as zucchini, or used with gluten pasta. It would be wonderful too added to stir fried veggies and brown rice or used as a dipping sauce for roasted potato wedges. This recipe was created by Julie Van Den Kerchove, a plant based chef in Belgium.

I purchased organic produce from Natural Grocers, as well as organic coconut milk. Full fat coconut milk is best, for the most flavor. Organic minced garlic and ginger in jars can be substituted for freshly minced.

After blending the sauce, I poured it into a mason jar and popped it into the fridge while I spiralized a zucchini and a yellow squash. I am in love with spiralized vegetables! They are easy to prepare, with an inexpensive spiralizer, and so good for me. I ended up with two bowls of veggie noodles.

I sliced a dozen cherry tomatoes in half, dividing them between the two bowls, and added hemp seeds. These provide protein and have a light, nutty flavor. After spooning coconut curry sauce over the raw noodles, I topped my meal with chopped cilantro.

This was so fresh and so delicious! I love curry in any form. This sauce is not too spicy. For more of a kick, increase the cheyenne pepper to taste. I have plenty of left over sauce to try in a variety of ways. I think oven roasted potatoes might be on the menu for tomorrow night, with a side of coconut curry dipping sauce!

Siberian Ginseng

I’ve been aware of this supplement for years. I associated Siberian Ginseng, also known as Eleuthero, with improved brain function and mental clarity. However today’s featured supplement does so much more than that.

Siberian Ginseng is a shrubby plant that grows in the mountainous forests of Asia and Russia. It is this herb’s root that is used for medicinal purposes. Siberian Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body to increase its resistance to stress.

In addition to helping with stress, Siberian Ginseng boosts the immune system, improves mental health and performance, and increases energy, vitality and longevity. The herb lowers blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties.

In his book Thyroid Healing, Anthony William suggests including this supplement because it supports the adrenal glands and reduces adrenal surges that feed the Epstein Barr virus and burn out neurotransmitters. This not only helps to eliminate EBV, it prevents neurotransmitter damage, which can cause brain fog.

You can find this root in various forms, including capsules, liquid extracts, and dried for tea. I take Siberian Ginseng in capsule form.

The farther I go on my healing journey, the more I realize how important it is to eat foods that support my immune system and repair damage, to not consume foods that feed viruses that are causing that damage, and to lower stress. Being frequently under stress floods the body with cortisone, and those pesky viruses feast on those surges of hormone.

Much more than an herb that helps me think better, Siberian Ginseng increases my body’s ability to resist stress and fight off viruses that create illness and pain. And that puts this powerful medicinal in my group of daily supplements.

You can purchase quality Siberian Ginseng at health food shops or health conscious grocery stores, or 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!

Papayas

I have added frozen papaya to morning smoothies, and enjoyed it thawed in fruit salads. However, I have never purchased a fresh papaya and prepared it at home, until this week. This squatty fruit, plain looking on the outside, with sweet tender fruit inside, is a powerful food, especially for those with digestive issues.

Papaya is the most easily digested food available. Anthony William shares, in Life Changing Foods, that each papaya contains hundreds of powerful digestive enzymes that support the pancreas, aid digestion and mend the walls of the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of scar tissue.

This fruit’s amino acids and enzymes help to repel viruses while enhancing the alkalinity inside the intestinal tract. For those suffering from any kind of stomach or intestinal disorder, papayas are a blessing. They reverse colitis, Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, diverticulitis, gastritis, gastric spasms, liver disease and pancreatitis. They also destroy unhealthy bacteria and parasites in the gut.

Additionally, papayas relieve constipation and they are soothing to the stomach when consumed after an illness or a time of fasting. Finally, papayas are great for the skin. This fruit has anti-wrinkle properties, due to its high content of vitamins, minerals and caratenoids. Besides creating a healthy glow, papayas help to clear up eczema, psoriasis and acne.

I decided to experience my first freshly prepared papaya by creating a papaya boat for dinner. The fruit, which has a mottled yellow skin when ripe, was extremely easy to cut in two. There are dark seeds within, that are edible. The spicy seeds are beneficial for eliminating parasites.

Using half the papaya, I scooped out the seeds, sampling a couple, and filled the center with thawed wild blueberries and freshly sliced strawberries. Dinner was ready!

This was a simple, delicious meal. The fruit of the papaya is reminiscent of cantaloupe, with a milder, sweeter flavor that I enjoyed. With every bite I took, I knew this humble fruit was bringing healing to my digestive system.

And this is important to me. I have had a lifetime of digestive problems. Drinking celery juice has helped me tremendously, easing a host of problems that I have suffered with since childhood. I know papaya is soothing and strengthening my stomach and intestinal tract even more. And it is crucial to me, that papaya supports the pancreas. I’ve lost my father and two friends to pancreatic cancer. I want to promote health and wellness in my pancreas and throughout my digestive system.

This fruit can do that for me. And right now, I have the other half of a papaya in the fridge, ready for me to enjoy.

Pick up 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!

Waldorf Salad with Vegenaise

I have been craving Waldorf salad, full of crisp apples, crunchy celery and walnuts, and sweet, juicy red grapes. The only problem with this yummy salad is that it typically has mayonnaise in it. I don’t use this product any more. However, was there a plant based option? I headed to Natural Grocers to find out.

I selected organic Braeburn apples, celery and seedless red grapes. I picked up organic walnut halves as well. And thanks to the produce manager at the Natural Grocers, I found a selection of healthier mayonnaises, in the refrigerated section. I am not only plant based, I also avoid soy and canola oil. I passed on a couple of brands that contained eggs or canola oil. And I found the right product with Vegenaise!

This wonderful spread is gluten, egg, soy, refined sugar and dairy free. It is a non GMO product as well. This isn’t something I will use often, but it’s nice to have an alternative to classic mayo.

Here is the simple recipe for Waldorf Salad:

• 3 red apples, unpeeled & cut into chunks

• 1 cup of celery, thinly sliced

• 1 cup of seedless red grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup of walnut halves

• 1/2 cup of Vegenaise

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

In a large bowl, combine apples, celery, red grapes and walnuts. In a small bowl whisk together Vegenaise, lemon juice and sea salt. Fold dressing into apple mixture. Chill for at least half an hour. Makes 4-6 servings.

Oh, this was a good salad! I’ve always loved this particular combo of fruits, celery and nuts. The Vegenaise is very light and does not overpower the salad at all. I enjoyed this Waldorf salad as a meal, rather than a side dish.

And this salad was perfect for me. I got in servings of fruits that are considered power foods and celery, which has so many amazing health benefits. Good food, that was good for me. It was a win/win meal!

American Skullcap

Today’s featured supplement was unfamiliar to me, until recently. When my health mentor, Anthony William, shared a post about its benefits, I was eager to try it.

American Skullcap is a hardy perennial herb, in the mint family. Scutellaria lateriflora, known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, or simply skullcap, is native to North America. There is also a Chinese Skullcap, that has different properties. Be sure to purchase the American variety, for the health benefits discussed here.

This medicinal herb is helpful for relieving stress, depression, anxiety, headaches and exhaustion. It is healing to the central nervous system, and is especially beneficial in easing nerve pain, nervous tension, muscle spasms, twitches, tics and cramping muscles.

Skullcap is helpful for those dealing with Parkinson’s, shingles, neuralgia, sciatica, migraines, PMS and menopause. It’s anti inflammatory properties help to stop histamine production, which can cause swelling and pain for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sinusitis, asthma and fibromyalgia.

In addition, Skullcap helps to lower blood pressure, supports the cardiovascular system and promotes a good night’s sleep by easing insomnia.

American Skullcap can be taken as a capsule, tincture or in tea form. I take a capsule daily. This supplement is available in health food stores or you can click the link below and order it through Amazon.

This herb has been a blessing in my life. I have experienced a great deal of nerve pain and suffered with chronic sciatica for 22 years. There was a time when I walked with difficulty, due to inflamed sciatic nerves. I couldn’t even touch the backs of my legs without causing further pain. Following Anthony’s health protocol eliminated the shingles virus causing the sciatica, ending years of discomfort.

I will happily take American Skullcap to bring continued healing and restoration to those nerves, and health and wellness to my body.

Order American Skullcap by clicking on 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!

Wild Blueberries

I have loved blueberries since my childhood. My dad’s favorite pie was blueberry pie, and that sweet dessert was my first experience with this little berry. Growing up I also enjoyed blueberry pancakes and blueberry cobbler. It wasn’t until my adult years that I ever tried eating the berries by themselves. It was fun to pick my own berries, at local farms, popping a few that were warmed by the sun into my mouth as I worked.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that the wild blueberry, from Maine in the USA, is considered one of the most powerful foods on the earth. In Life Changing Foods, by Anthony William, he writes that cultivated blueberries, while still a nutritious food, don’t offer even a fraction of the health benefits that their wild cousins do.

Wild blueberries have learned to adapt to climate changes and they have learned how to thrive, like no other food on the planet. They have extremely high levels of antioxidants, bringing healing to any damaged part of the body. Wild blueberries are the most effective food for eradicating heavy metals and other toxins from the body. They are a powerful brain food and amazing at restoring the liver.

Wild blueberries can help prevent any type of cancer and they are so restorative that they are beneficial for any symptom, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Anthony believes that in the future, the properties of the wild blueberry will be the key that unlocks the secrets of healing diseases.

This health altering berry is easy to incorporate into the diet. It is crucial to purchase wild blueberries, rather than regular berries, and the easiest way to find them is in the frozen foods section at the grocery store. I buy the largest bag available, at Walmart. Wild blueberries are readily found at most grocery and health food stores.

My favorite way to enjoy wild blueberries is by adding them to my morning smoothies or smoothie bowls. Combined with a banana, mangoes, cilantro and a spoonful each of Hawaiian spirulina, Atlantic dulse flakes and barley grass juice extract, these berries create a very effective heavy metal detox smoothie. I drink one of these at least three times a week.

I top pancakes, free from gluten, dairy, eggs and sugar, with thawed wild blueberries and organic maple syrup, for a healthy weekend breakfast. And for an easy and nutritious treat, combine frozen wild blueberries with frozen chunks of bananas and blend in food processor or blender until creamy. Yum!

Add wild blueberries to water for a refreshing, fruity drink, to green salads or eat them plain, frozen or thawed. As one whose first experience with blueberries was in a pie, I love the recipe for raw wild blueberry pie, in the Life Changing Foods book. With its date, coconut and cashews crust and naturally sweet wild blueberries and mango filling, this luscious pie is simple to make and full of health boosting goodness. You can find my blog post with the wild blueberry pie recipe HERE.

This is one food I keep in the freezer at all times. I’m grateful for all that it offers to my health and well being. Thanks, Dad, for introducing me to blueberries!

Order your copy of Life Changing Foods by clicking 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!