CBD Infused Water

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CBD Living sent me this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

When CBD Living contacted me about trying their CBD Living Water, I immediately answered yes. Healers have used cannabis for centuries because of its health benefits. The medical community is coming to realize that because CBD (cannabidiol) and other compounds in cannabis are similar to the chemicals created in our own bodies, they are integrated better than many synthetic drugs.

Missouri recently joined 29 other states, legalizing medical marijuana. Almost overnight, it seems, CBD stores popped up around Joplin, selling oil and other products. And sales are strong for good reason. CBD oils, tinctures and products are hot items that are helping many people feel better.

CBD infused water intrigued me. I agreed to try it and report my honest experience.

CBD Infused Water

What are the health benefits of CDB?

Before trying the water, I researched the health benefits of CBD.

CBD is not the same as THC, the psychoactive compound known for producing mind altering effects. You don’t get high from CBD. Instead, this component of cannabis acts as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antioxidant.

Health benefits of CBD include:

  • Reduces anxiety and may be effective for people with social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.
  • Helps to fight cancer by inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion.
  • Treats neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Early studies show that CBD may be promising for treating resistant seizures. Other benefits include increased alertness, better mood and improved sleep.
  • Promotes cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of diabetes.
    Relieves pain and inflammation, which is the most common reason for CBD use. It is proving especially helpful for chronic pain and inflammation.

CBD Infused Water

CBD Living Company

With those facts about CBD out of the way, allow me to introduce you to the company and their CBD infused water.

CBD Living was established in 2013 and they are headquartered in Corona, California. Their hemp is organically grown in Colorado, at a state licensed farm.

CBD Living offers an array of products including CBD infused water, capsules, gummies, patches, soaps, bath bombs and more. The secret to their superior products, according to their website, lies in the use of nanotechnology that reduces CBD into nano-sized droplets, without the use of emulsifiers. This process allows CBD to absorb into the body more efficiently.

The proprietary technology increases the CBD bioavailability up to 90 percent, delivering CBD directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are located primarily in the brain, while CB2 receptors are predominately located in the immune system.

CBD Living pays above market rates to their extractors and manufacturers. Their products are all fair trade and never tested on animals.
For more info, visit their website at www.cbdliving.com.

CBD Infused Water

CBD Infused Water

I received six bottles of CBD Living’s CBD infused water to try. Each 500 ml bottle of water contains 10 million nanograms of highly absorbable and bioavailable CBD.

CBD Living Water is made with 100% organic, natural hemp CBD extracts using nanotechnology to infuse the extracts in 9+pH alkaline water. Vitamins, minerals and nutrients are infused as well. The bottles are BPA and BPS free.

Each bottle contains two servings, taking the guesswork out of dosage. Bottled water means convenience and portability. Grab a bottle and go…to the gym, on a walk, or to tackle the errands on the to do list…and stay hydrated while experiencing the benefits of CBD.

CBD Infused Water

My Experience with CBD Infused Water

I’m drinking half a bottle of CBD Living Water a day. And this is what I notice.

I immediately feel more relaxed, without being drowsy. It’s a mellow feeling. Or what I call an overall sense of blissful wellbeing. I sleep well at night. And I love that the water is alkaline and infused with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It feels healthy for me on multiple levels.

The biggest impact I’ve noted is pain relief in my neck. After a horrific car accident in 1995, I suffered with years of chronic neck pain. The twisted, messed up vertebrae freak out doctors and chiropractors when they look at my x-rays.
Switching to a plant based diet helped tremendously, eliminating the nagging chronic pain. Lately however, long hours spent on my computer during the day aggravates my neck, resulting in moderate pain and stiffness by bedtime.

I drank my first half bottle of CBD Living Water at the end of a long day working online. (The taste is great, like good quality water.) Within 15 minutes, I realized I had no pain in my neck. None. The discomfort completely disappeared. Ten days later, sipping on half a bottle of water a day, I am still pain free. I seem to have greater range of motion in my neck as well, without the cracking and popping that normally accompanies turning my head.

That’s exciting to me. That’s encouraging to me. And sipping on water is such a simple and easy way to ease pain and improve health and wellbeing. Thank you CBD Living, for letting me try your product!

CBD Infused Water

Purchasing CBD Living Water

Click this link to order CBD Living Water, available through the company’s website. Then check out the many other products, from CBD dark chocolate to pet products to cough syrups.

Sign up on the website to receive their newsletter and enter for a chance to win a care package. You’ll also get a 10% off code for signing up.

CBD Living Company
Worldwide Shipping 100% Natural 0% THC

 

 

 

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Meatless Dirty Rice

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Brown rice is a staple in my kitchen. I’m always on the lookout for great vegan rice recipes that are easy to prepare. Recently three such recipes showed up in my social media feeds. This one, Meatless Dirty Rice, meets my criteria of using readily available ingredients and being quick, easy and healthy.

I found this dirty rice recipe via Messy Cutting Board and adapted it to what I had on hand. That’s the beauty of this dish…versatility. Swap out ingredients, play with the spices, double the recipe.

Meatless Dirty Rice

What is Dirty Rice?

Dirty rice is a traditional Creole dish made from white rice that gets “dirty” from being cooked with veggies such as celery, onion and green pepper, and spices. It typically includes pork, beef or chicken. Meatless Dirty Rice swaps out white rice for brown, and excludes the meat entirely.

Meatless Dirty Rice Recipe

I cook the brown rice in a pressure pot and have it ready. Rice may be prepared in a saucepan on the stove. Start with 1 cup of dry brown rice and 1 1/2 cups of water, to create approximately 2 cups of cooked rice.

Meatless Dirty Rice

Meatless Dirty Rice

All the goodness and taste of Creole inspired Dirty Rice, without the meat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 green pepper diced
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can garbanzo beans mashed
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp creole seasoning
  • 2 cups brown rice cooked

Instructions
 

  • Saute onion, green pepper, celery and garlic in coconut oil, until veggies are softened.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute.
  • Add mashed garbanzo beans, kidney beans, paprika and creole seasoning. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes.
  • Add cooked brown rice. Stir and cook 5 minutes. Serve.

Notes

Substitute 12 grape tomatoes halved, for canned, if desired.
Keyword Meatless Dirty Rice

Meatless Dirty Rice

Be Creative

Serve up dinner in under 30 minutes with this simple recipe. My kitchen smelled wonderful, as I prepared Meatless Dirty Rice. And the taste? Oh, so good! In fact, I’ve made dirty rice three times in the last two weeks.

What I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. Messy Cutting Board used what she had in her kitchen to create a quick meal…and I did the same, using her recipe as a template. Prefer black beans or red beans over kidney beans? Swap them. Have red peppers in the fridge instead of green? That works too. I prefer brown rice, for its nutritional value. However, use white rice if that’s what you have.

I buy organic creole spice mix at Natural Grocers. You can order the spice here. The small amount adds mild spiciness. If more heat is desired, increase the amount slightly.

Try out this Meatless Dirty Rice, playing around with the recipe, making it yours. And then…enjoy!

Meatless Dirty Rice

Check out another favorite rice recipe of mine, Lentils & Brown Rice

And this easy and quick recipe from My Dainty Soul Curry Fried Rice

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Smudging Sage for Health

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Smudging is a Native American custom, used for centuries in spiritual practices and purification rituals. I’ve used a smudge stick, or sage stick, for years to clear negative energy from spaces and objects. Recently I discovered that smudging provides health benefits as well.

Sage, an aromatic herb, is typically used for smudging, although cedar and sweetgrass may be substituted. The Latin word for sage, salvia, means “to heal”. Discover the ways that smudging can improve health and create space in your life and home for positive energy to flow.

Smudging Sage for Health

What is Smudging?

Smudging is the process of burning dried herbs, usually white sage, and using the smoke to cleanse the body, a space or an object. Three common types of sage create a smudge or sage stick: white sage, white prairie sage and garden sage. Most smudge sticks available for purchase are made from white sage or a blend of the three.

Sage is a great anti-fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial herb. Consuming sage heals fungal infections such as athlete’s foot from within the body. It also clears fungus, mold and heavy metals from the intestinal tract.

Plus, sage offers healing properties when burned.

Purifies the Air

A study from 2007 found that burning sage for an hour decreased airborne bacteria by 94%. And the cleansing effect lasted for more than 24 hours. The smoke also repels insects.

Neutralizes Positive Ions

Burning sage releases negative ions capable of neutralizing positive ions that fill a space due to allergens and heavy emotions. Common allergens include pet dander, pollution, dust and mold. A build up of positive ions, not to be mistaken for positive high level energy, also occurs due to anger, stress and tension.

As the sage smoke changes the ions from positive to negative, a sense of clearing fills the room, along with a lightening of mood.

Dispels Negative Energy

Past traumas, bad experiences, abuse, great sorrow and strongly spoken words can linger in a space, creating a heavy negative atmosphere. The accumulation of positive ions can almost be felt. Think of the expression, “The tension was so thick in the room you could cut it with a knife.”

Smudging clears the air, literally. And into that cleared space, fresh higher level energy can flow.

Smudging Sage for Health

Cleanses Items

Items can accumulate negative energy too, just as rooms and houses can. Bathing a vintage piece or a yard sale find in sage smoke neutralizes the energy surrounding them. I am sensitive enough that I can pick up a candlestick at a flea market and tell immediately if there is negative energy clinging to it. I can feel sadness or anger or despair. If the energy is too strong, I won’t buy the item. I don’t want to bring that low level energy into my home.

However, a cocoon of mild negative energy can be dispelled with smudging. I’ll smudge as soon as I get the item home, and then smudge the house, for good measure.

Improves Mood and Soothes Stress

According to a 2014 study, sage is rich in compounds that stimulate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors elevate mood levels, reducing stress and anxiety, and easing depression.

These compounds also help with insomnia. Improved sleep results in increased energy and greater alertness. The compounds also improve brain function and cognitive abilities. Additionally, smudging heightens intuition and raises awareness.

Materials Needed for Smudging

The list is short and simple:

Smudging Sage

To smudge using a stick:

  • Light smudge stick and allow it to smolder. If the stick flames up allow it to die down before using. The stick should have embers and smoke, rather than burn with flames.
  • To smudge yourself, carefully waft the smoke around the body, using your other hand or a feather. Start at the feet and work up to the head and then move back down the body again. You are cleansing the energy around your body.
  • To smudge a space or a room, start in one corner and move slowly around the room, wafting smoke into all corners and closets. Make sure you move smoke over doorways and windows and over furniture in the room. Carry a fire and heat proof bowl or seashell with you, to collect ash.
  • To smudge an item, move smoke over and around the item. Start at the base and move to the top and then back down again.
  • When finished, allow stick to burn out naturally or hold smoldering end under running water, making sure all the embers are out. Allow sage stick to dry thoroughly before storing.

To smudge a room with dried sage leaves:

  • Light a small circle of charcoal, in a fire and heat proof bowl, and allow it to turn ashen.
  • Crumble dried leaves into bowl. Smoke will rise as the leaves smolder.
  • Add more leaves, as needed, allowing sage to smoke for an hour or more.
  • When finished, allow charcoal to turn to ash and cool completely.
  • Do not leave smoking sage unattended.

Smudging Sage for Health

When to Smudge

These are ideal times to smudge with sage:

  • When moving into a new living space
  • Before and after having guests in the home
  • During and after an illness
  • After an argument
  • When a house feels heavy or full of negative energy
  • When unusual things are happening in the home or it appears to be “haunted”
  • After leaving a negative situation…a bad job, an abusive or emotionally draining  relationship or an angry person
  • Before an extended time of prayer and meditation

I smudge at the beginning of a new year, change of seasons, after any negative experience and when I’m staying in an unfamiliar space. I can’t always carry a smudge stick or dried sage. Flying, for example, is not a good time to pack sage in my suitcase. However, when I stay in a vacation cottage or an Airbnb the first thing I do is smudge the entire space. I don’t know who has been there before me. And I don’t know what their state of mind was or what emotions they carried. Clearing the space means I will sleep better and have greater peace of mind.

Beyond being a spiritual practice, smudging sage clears the air, on so many levels. It contributes to health and wellbeing while raising awareness and increasing intuitive abilities.

Feeling out of sorts at home or fighting allergens? Unsure about the history of an antique you just purchased? Grab a smudge stick!

Smudging Sage for Health

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Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

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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 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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.

8 Plant Based Milks

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As promised, after sharing about how milk can make us feel bad, tonight I offer healthy alternatives to cow’s milk. For baking, for pouring over gluten free oatmeal, for drinking, these plant based milks deliver flavor and nutrients without the hormones, antibiotics and lactose.

And, as a bonus, I’ve included a simple to make DIY almond milk recipe.

8 Plant Based Milks

Almond Milk

This is the most popular plant based milk on the market and the easiest to find. Almond milk is made from almonds and water. It has a light, sweet, subtly nutty flavor and among plant based milks, has the lowest calorie count. Almonds contain healthy fats, important minerals and vitamins, including E. Purchase unsweetened almond milk and check labels for carrageenan. This additive causes an inflammatory response in some people.

Drink almond milk or use in coffee and tea, over cereal or oatmeal, in smoothies and for baking.

Almond milk is incredibly easy to make at home. See the DIY recipe at the end of the post.

Cashew Milk

Similar to almond milk, cashew milk is made from cashews and water. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty taste. Cashews contain healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, including zinc. Purchase unsweetened cashew milk, or make your own at home. Unlike almond milk, it doesn’t even need to be strained after blending,

Use in smoothies, for baking or in coffee and tea.

Coconut Milk

In contrast to full fat coconut milk purchased in a can, and used in many Thai and curry recipes, this coconut milk is a diluted version. It’s made from the flesh of coconuts and water. The milk is very creamy with a sweet, subtle coconut flavor. Coconut milk contains healthy fats, minerals such as calcium and iron, and it’s rich with B vitamins. Look for unsweetened coconut milk.

This milk is great for drinking, using in coffee, tea and smoothies, and for baking.

Hemp Milk

Made from hemp seeds and water, hemp milk contains more protein than the nut milks and contains healthy omega-3s. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a very thin watery texture. Many compare the texture to skim milk, and some don’t care for the unique flavor.

Like almond milk, packaged hemp milk can contain carrageenan, so check labels. This product is not as readily available as other milks.

Use in place of skim milk in coffee and tea.

8 Plant Based Milks

Oat Milk

Relatively new to the market, oat milk is higher in calories and carbohydrates than the other plant based milks. It’s made from oats and water and has a mild, sweet flavor. Oat milk contains more protein than nut milks, and fiber along with important minerals and the B vitamins.

Look for unsweetened varieties, to cut down on calories.

Use oat milk in coffee, tea and smoothies, for baking and to top cereal and oatmeal. This newcomer is currently a very popular option in coffee shops.

Rice Milk

This milk, made from milled brown or white rice and water, has been around for a long time. Compared to plant based milks available now, rice milk doesn’t have the nutritional value that they do. However, rice milk is the least allergenic of all the milks. It is also very mild, taste wise, with a thin, watery texture.

Purchase rice milk unsweetened.

Use this milk in smoothies and for baking.

Quinoa Milk

Another newcomer, quinoa milk is made from this small, gluten free grain and water. Quinoa milk is high in protein and contains all nine of the essential amino acids. The milk has a slightly sweet taste with a distinctive quinoa flavor. However, it mixes well with coffee and tea.

This product can be difficult to find in grocery stores and it is more expensive than the other plant based milks.

Soy Milk

I hesitated in adding this milk. It has long been available, being one of the first plant based milk products on the market. Soy milk is made from soy beans (or soy protein isolate) and water and has a creamy texture and a mild flavor. It is high in proteins and can be substituted for cow’s milk in coffee and tea, for baking or for drinking.

The problem with soy milk is that most of the soy grown in the US is genetically modified so that it can be sprayed with the pesticide Round Up. Genetically modified foods, also called GMO foods, can cause inflammation and health issues. And the pesticide used on soy is passed on to those who drink the milk, creating many more health problems.

If using soy milk, look for an unsweetened, non GMO product.

8 Plant Based Milks

DIY Almond Milk

Almond milk can be made easily at home. I say that, and yet I have never made it before, until tonight. I found the process to be super simple.

Making almond milk actually starts a day or two before blending the ingredients, so keep that in mind. Find a strainer and cheesecloth by clicking these links.

DIY Almond Milk

Almond Milk

journeywithhealthyme
Make your own almond milk easily, at home. 
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 3 cups water bottled or filtered
  • 2 dates pitted
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Cover raw almonds with cool water and soak for 24 - 48 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Combine almonds, 3 cups of water, dates and vanilla in blender. Pulse 5 or 6 times, to break up almonds.
  • Blend on high speed for two minutes, until mixture becomes white and creamy.
  • Line strainer with cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Pour blended almond mixture into strainer and allow milk to drain through cheesecloth, into bowl. Gently squeeze cheesecloth, to extract all the liquid. Store for up to 2 days in refrigerator.

Notes

Vary amount of water, for thicker or thinner milk. Omit dates and vanilla if desired.

Other than remembering to start the soaking process one to two days beforehand, this recipe was so simple. I found it fascinating, actually, to see almonds transformed into a creamy, frothy drink.

I am not a milk drinker, although I occasionally use it for baking. However, I like trying new things. I sampled my freshly made almond milk, and I liked it. I did include the dates and vanilla, for a slightly sweeter taste. Tomorrow, after my almond milk as chilled overnight, I’ll try a small glassful.

Because it contains no preservatives, make small batches of almond milk and use up within two days. Cost wise, making plant based milks at home is not a savings over purchasing ready made milks at the store. For quality assurance, it can’t be beat. I know exactly what’s in this milk…and what’s not in it. I’m looking forward to baking with my homemade milk or adding a splash to a cup of hot herbal tea.

If you have a favorite plant based milk, or DIY milk recipe, I’d love to see it!

DIY Almond Milk

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Easy Hot Soups for Cold Days

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We’ve experienced days and days of cloudy, cold rainy weather here in the Midwest. Most of the ice and snow trekked north of my town. However, I’ve chosen to stay indoors nonetheless, cozy and snug. When cold days pile up, my favorite go to food is hot soup. I keep a pot of freshly made soup ready to reheat in the fridge. A hot bowl of soup warms me and nourishes me as well.

Enjoy these easy hot soups for cold days.

Easy Hot Sou[s for Cold Days

Homemade Vegetable Soup

This wonderful soup has been my mainstay the past week. Easy to make, this combination of veggies delivers an amazing blend of flavors and tons of health benefits. It’s so adaptable too. I call it my whatever I have on hand soup. This is a great way to use up the last few carrots in the fridge or half a can of peas. I can toss in whatever veggies and canned goods I want, double the recipe, or cut it in half.

Homemade Veggie Soup

Vegetable Soup

journeywithhealthyme
This richly flavored plant based soup is a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 carrots chopped
  • 4 small potatoes peeled & diced
  • 1 can corn non GMO drained
  • 1 can peas non GMO drained
  • 1 can green beans non GMO drained
  • 1 can lima beans non GMO drained
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups organic vegetable stock
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil

Instructions
 

  • In large soup pot, saute onion, garlic, celery and carrots in olive oil, until veggies are softened.
  • Add potatoes, vegetable stock, water, sea salt, black pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through.
  • Add canned veggies and simmer a few more minutes. Makes 12 servings

Notes

Recipe may be cut in half. Any variety of veggies and canned goods may be used. Additional herbs/spices may be added to suit tastes.

I cook in a big soup pot, like this one, and store the soup in the refrigerator in the same container. This vegetable soup only gets better the next day…and the next…as the flavors continue to blend. Seriously, I can and do eat it every day. This week, when the veggie soup runs out, I create another batch. I vary the ingredients slightly, depending on what I have on hand. I enjoy ladling hot, comforting soup into easy to hold cups, like these classic soup mugs.

Homemade Veggie Soup

Links to More Easy Hot Soups

Here are more of my favorites, all easy to make and just as hearty and nourishing on cold winter days.

Dairy Free Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Black Bean Stew

Carrot Potato Soup

Chunky Red Lentil Stew

I’m always on the watch for a great soup recipe. If you have a favorite, please share in the comments below.

Soup really is Mmmm Mmmm good, especially when it is homemade!

Easy Hot Soups for Cold Days

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Is Milk Making You Feel Bad?

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The average American consumes a whopping 600 pounds of dairy products a year. And no wonder. Generations of children grow up, encouraged to drink their milk. We are taught that milk is good for us.

But…is it? Does milk do a body good?

There are signs and symptoms that indicate whether a dairy, or lactose, intolerance exists. Additionally, there is more to be aware of, whether there is an intolerance or not.

Check out these reasons why cow’s milk can be a health concern.

Is Milk Making You Feel Bad?

Milk Lactose

Lactose is a type of sugar found in the milk of most mammals. The enzyme lactase functions by breaking down lactose. Children usually fare well with milk, although dairy sensitivities seem to be occurring at earlier ages.

However, by adulthood 70% of the population no longer produces enough lactase to properly digest the lactose in milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance begin to appear, ranging from mild to severe.

Is Milk Making You Feel Bad?

Common Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Digestive Disorders – Digestive distress is the most common sign that the body is not tolerating milk. Symptoms include stomach pain and bloating, diarrhea, increased gas, indigestion and, more rarely, constipation.

Digestive problems, due to lactose intolerance, are often material for jokes. (Think of the character Leonard, on Big Bang Theory!) However, the discomfort is no laughing matter.

Abdominal pain and bloating occur when the lactose, that cannot be broken down by lactase, ferments in the gut. As it ferments, the lactose produces fatty acids and gases, creating a host of problems. Those fatty acids increase the amount of water in the gut, which can cause diarrhea.

Other Symptoms – While digestive disorders are the most well known signs of lactose intolerance, dairy can contribute to other health issues as well. These include headaches, fatigue, loss of concentration, muscle and joint pain, mouth ulcers, eczema and an increase in mucus production and/or a thickening of mucus, causing congestion.

How do you know if milk is making you feel bad?

Typically milk related symptoms begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking or eating food with dairy in it. As with testing for gluten intolerance, it helps to keep a daily food diary and note when symptoms occur, to see if there is a connection.

Try removing all dairy products from the diet for at least 10 days, and see if health improves while symptoms abate. It can take 10 to 21 days to eliminate cow milk protein from the body and experience changes. Give it some time.

Is Milk Making You Feel Bad?

Other Dairy Concerns

The symptoms of lactose intolerance are unpleasant. However, there are greater concerns connected with consuming dairy products.

Cow’s milk contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary to keep the cows lactating. These increase the risk of hormone dependent diseases such as ovarian, uterine, breast, testicular and prostate cancers. Casein, the main protein in milk, actually facilitates the growth of cancer.

In addition to hormones, milk contains pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, pesticides and antibiotics. The high level of antibiotics in cows contributes to antibiotic resistance in humans. Because cows are fed GMO corn and soy, and gluten, those health busters are passed on to people, in the milk. These in turn create heightened allergic responses to allergens.

The fat in milk is hard on the liver, bogging down its functioning, while putting stress on the pancreas. Those who consume dairy products are more likely to develop Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis. That dairy fat feeds inflammation throughout the body, and it is a favorite food source for viruses and bacteria living there. When trying to heal from any major illness or chronic disease, eliminating dairy helps the body to recover.

Cow’s Milk is for Cow Babies

All female mammals, including humans, produce milk for their babies. Each mammal produces a specific milk that is perfectly created for their offspring. It is designed to help the babies grow. Human milk is for human babies. And cow’s milk is for calves, which grow at a more rapid rate than humans.

No other species continues to consume milk past the weaning period, and certainly not from other species, except for humans. It is something to think about, in the quest for better health and well being.

Fortunately, for those who love their dairy products, there are healthy, plant based alternatives.

Watch for my blog post next week, comparing plant based milks that available.

Is Milk Making You Feel Bad?

Check out my Amazon Storefront for herbal tea blends to drink.

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Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

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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 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.