March 2019 - Journey With Healthy Me

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes

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This week my mom, sister, Greg and I began the Liver Rescue 3:6:9 cleanse, from Anthony William. Watch for an upcoming book review and my experience with the cleanse. The meals for the first three days are very similar to my usual daily fare. I’m reducing fat intake and including an extra lemon/lime water in the evenings.

For days 1, 2 and 3 I’ve prepared easy oven roasted potatoes for lunch or dinner. They are that good! Previously I made potato wedges, seasoned them, and roasted them in the oven. Lately I’ve been cubing the potatoes instead. The result is crispy on the outside tender on the inside perfectly seasoned potatoes.

Greg swears he could eat this meal every day! As we shift into the next phase of the cleanse, potatoes are off the menu. No worries, however. These oven roasted potatoes wait for us in the near future.

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Crispy and yet tender, these potatoes make a great side dish or meatless main meal. Eat alone or create a veggie bowl featuring the oven roasted potatoes and other cooked veggies, a salad or raw veggies such as sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes

journeywithhealthyme

A simple recipe for a meatless meal or a flavorful side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 large potatoes peeled & cubed
1 tbsp coconut oil melted
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F. Melt coconut oil and set aside. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place cubed potatoes in a large bowl. Add sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Stir to coat potato cubes.
Add melted coconut oil. Stir to coat. Spread potato cubes out in single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, until potatoes are browned and cooked through.

Notes

Potato skins may be left on, if desired. Substitute two sweet potatoes for two regular potatoes, for a great roasted potato mix.

Olive oil may be used instead of coconut oil.

Keyword Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Healthy Potatoes

Occasionally someone asks me, “Aren’t potatoes bad for you?”

I’ve believed that in the past. Potatoes get lumped in with other “white” foods with low nutritional value, such as white bread, white rice and sugar. However, they are high in potassium, B6 and amino acids…in particular Lysine in its bioactive form. Lysine fights against cancers, viruses such as Epstein-Barr and shingles, liver disease and inflammation.

Potatoes strengthen the kidneys and liver, soothe over excited nerves and help the digestive system to heal from Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. They are antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial, relieving stress, supporting the brain and helping us to feel centered and grounded. Read more about the health benefits of potatoes HERE.

I eat a LOT of potatoes. They are one of the mainstays of my diet. And potatoes are so versatile.

Tonight’s simple and wholesome meal consisted of oven roasted potatoes and lightly sautéed vegetables. My dinner was delicious, healthy and extremely satisfying. I truly can, and do, eat like this every day.

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes Oven roasted potatoes and lightly sautéed onions, garlic, celery, green pepper, zucchini and carrots with slightly steamed spinach.

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6 Simple Ways to Improve Health

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Starting a new health practice can feel overwhelming. And the vast amount of information available confounds the best intentions.

I made a radical shift due to declining health and wellbeing. However, I understand that most people are not losing the ability to walk or living in chronic pain. Those conditions highly motivated me to discover a way to heal.

For those interested in taking smaller albeit intentional steps toward wellness and vitality, these six simple way to improve health offer easily implemented actions with big results.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health

Eat More Fruits & Veggies

One of the greatest positive impacts on health is including more fresh fruits and veggies in the diet and eating less animal products. Meat, and dairy products such as cheese, are high in fats and unwanted additives which contribute to inflammation and a host of ailments in the body. Eggs feed viruses such as strep and Epstein Barr.

If it feels difficult to give up animal products entirely, focus on having meatless meals a couple of times a week. Or try having only fruits before noon. A fruit smoothie for breakfast is perfect. Or perhaps commit to veggie bowls for lunch three days a week. Start where you are…and select two or three ways to include more whole plant based foods on a weekly basis.

Another tip is to plan meals around vegetables instead of considering them a side dish. As fresh produce becomes plentiful and cheap this summer, plan lunches and dinners around nature’s bounty. A plate heaped with freshly steamed veggies or hummus and raw veggies makes a great meatless meal.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health Aloo Matar with peas, potatoes and tomatoes in a curry sauce makes a filling meatless meal.

Try Veggie Noodles Instead of Pasta

Spiralizing vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots is another great way to include more veggies in meals. The spiralizer quickly transforms vegetables into mounds of fresh noodles that replace traditional wheat pastas.

No need to cook the veggie noodles. They are tender and subtly flavored. Top with homemade marinara sauce, basil pesto, sliced cherry tomatoes or a spicy curry sauce.

These fresh and tasty meals are my favorite way to use vegetables right out of the garden. Pick up a spiralizer here.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health

Drink Water & Unsweetened Herbal Tea Instead of Sugary Drinks

Instead of reaching for a soda or a sweet tea, grab a water or herbal tea. Those sugar laden drinks add calories…more than you realize…and dehydrate the body at the same time.

Break the habit. Sugary drinks are addictive. Sugar is addictive. That’s why we crave it.

Flavor water with fruits, cucumbers or herbs and increase the health benefits. And herbal teas can be enjoyed hot or cold. I love this hibiscus lemonade during the summer! Bonus tip: grow your own herbs in containers or in the garden.

Hydrate First Thing in the Morning

Connected to ditching the soda and sweet tea is the practice of hydrating first thing each morning. Drinking 16 ounces of lemon or lime water after awakening helps to flush toxins from the body, improves digestion and aids the liver.

I find it easiest to keep a prepared pitcher of lemon/lime water in the fridge.

For an amazing health boost, drink 16 ounces of freshly prepared celery juice about 20 to 30 minutes after the lemon or lime water. Celery juice is truly a miracle elixir, healing people around the world. Anthony William has a new book releasing, featuring celery juice. You can pre- order it HERE.

I use a centrifugal juicer like this one.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health

Keep Junk Food Out of the House

Having cookies, ice cream, donuts, chips and other high calorie, low nutritional value foods in the house greatly increases the likelihood of eating them. It also increases the likelihood of weight gain and the disorders that come with eating too much sugar and too many processed foods.

Instead, stock up on fresh fruits, nuts, avocadoes, hummus, veggies and nut butters that are sugar free.

There are many recipes available for healthy snacks, to consume as occasional treats. Try vegan oatmeal cookies or wild blueberry banana bread, made with gluten free flour.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health Lemon balm tea and wild blueberry banana bread.

Walk in Nature

Walking is one of the best, and easiest, activities to improve health, tone the body and maintain weight. Get outdoors to help the body destress and to benefit from fresh air and a mood boost.

Instead of walking on a treadmill daily or doing loops around a gym, head to a park, a wooded trail or simply stroll through your neighborhood.

Walking in nature is a meditative experience that grounds and centers the body and allows the mind to quiet.

Improve Health

These simple ways to improve health bring their own rewards.

Try one or two actions daily or create your own unique plan for implementing all of them.

And perhaps the sense of euphoric joy and wellbeing that comes from improved health will guide you toward the next step in creating a healthy lifestyle that supports and nourishes you.

6 Simple Ways to Improve Health

Check out my Amazon Storefront for herbal teas, health books and kitchen appliances and tools that can assist your healing journey.

Mystery Blogger Award

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I am delighted to receive the Mystery Blogger Award for Journey With Healthy Me. I’ve received several awards for Cindy Goes Beyond, including this one. However, this is my first award for this blog. Journey is a newer blog, compared to Beyond, and it feels wonderful to receive loving for the work here.

I have Ann, with Living Yogi Life to thank for this award. She is a yoga teacher and fitness professional who shares her experiences living the yogi life and traveling. Ann also enjoys helping people discover who they really are. Please visit her delightful and helpful blog.

The Mystery Blogger Award, created by Okoto Enigma, brings attention and recognition to blogs that may not otherwise be discovered. According to Enigma, the Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blogs not only captivate, they inspire and motivate. They are among the best out there and they deserve every recognition. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging and do so with love and passion.

Mystery Blogger Award

The Mystery Blogger Award Rules

Place the award logo on your blog.
List the award rules.
Thank the person who nominated you.
Link to the blog of the person who nominated you.
Mention the creator of the award and link to the award post.
State three random facts about yourself.
Nominate 10 – 20 bloggers for the Mystery Blogger Award.
Ask your nominees five questions of your choosing.
Share a link to your best or favorite blog post.

Three Random Facts About Me

Since this blog is health related, I’ll keep these facts in the area of health and well being.

I toe in. During my childhood, this was called “pigeon toed”, and I hated this characteristic of mine. I slept a brace as a toddler, that forced my feet to point outward. The problem isn’t in my feet, however, my hip joints tip inward. Thankfully, my parents let me be me and now I don’t even think about how I walk.
One of my all time favorite foods is the Cara Cara Orange. Sadly, they are only in season from late December until mid April. I eat all I can of these juicy sweet oranges, related to the navel orange, before they go out of season.
Cooking is so fun for me now. A few years ago I expressed the desire to cook more creatively. When I switched to a plant based lifestyle, cooking differently became a necessity, as there are few restaurants where I can dine. You just never know how a wish is going to be fulfilled!

Mystery Blogger Award

My Answers to Ann’s Questions

What inspired you to open up your blog? I began blogging with Cindy Goes Beyond. When I turned my health around, by switching to a plant based diet, I desired to help others who might be struggling with chronic pain or illnesses. In the 20+ years that I suffered with chronic pain, no one ever suggested that a change in diet might be beneficial. No one, that is, until I came across Anthony William, also known as the Medical Medium. He pointed me in the right direction, something I’ll forever be grateful for. I hope I can offer hope and answers to people too.
How do you see that your blog can help the world to become a better place? I started this answer above, unintentionally. I offer hope to the hurting. My desire is to let people know that they don’t have to suffer with diseases, disorders and chronic pain. I am living proof that a change in eating habits can change a life. My blog offers tips, recipes, information about foods and herbs, and techniques that can help anyone, of any age, live a healthier, more vibrant life.
If any of your wishes could come true, what would you wish for? My greatest wish at this time, beyond health and happiness for my loved ones, is to have the freedom to travel and explore the world, while working remotely. I am working hard to make that wish a reality.
How do you manage to be a blogger and live a family life? My children are grown, so I don’t have young ones at home to care for. Blogging, and my other job in real estate, give me flexibility to adjust my schedule so I can spend time with my family and watch my grandchildren play sports or perform in concerts.
What is your favorite drink to have, while writing blog posts? I almost always have a cup of hot herbal tea nearby, while I write the blogs.

My Best Blog Post

For Journey, my post with the most views is this one: Grapes

This Food Friday post has received 988 views and shares the health benefits of eating grapes. Catchy title, huh?

My Nominees for the Mystery Blogger Award

The Perfectly Imperfect Mummy Michelle, who is mummy to two sets of twins, offers a peek into her life and hope to other moms. She also makes cool Scrabble tile art!

Simply Outrageous Youth Andrea’s desire is to teach kids crucial life skills by using fun, hands-on methods.

A Hood Life Steve, and his wife Ashley, help people build online businesses and create lives that they love.

Jumpstart Positivity Nicole is creating an online community committed to personal growth, positive thinking and impactful change.

Made You Smile Back Beth is building an active community, for the over 50 crowd, that can make a difference in the world.

Irish Monarchy Tiffany is a mom to boys and a nurse. She calls herself an organized perfectionist and a gifted procrastinator who shares the chaos of life with humor and joy.

Live Love Leave a Legacy Susan shares that legacies are built on strong relationships and communities that have a foundation in spiritual, emotional and physical well being.

This Family Blog Jen and her family share stories about their ancestors and their present day adventures. This family likes genealogy and culture, history and travel…and they love when they are all together.

My Third Culture Kid Anisa brings awareness to others by sharing her journey raising a child born in another country and another culture.

Sprinkled With Bougie Qua’Tesha loves sharing simple delicious recipes, affordable fashion and everyday life experiences with her baby boy and husband.

Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea and get comfy and check out these wonderful blogs. It is my privilege to share the love and pass on the Mystery Blogger Award to these fine bloggers.

Mystery Blogger Award

Five Questions for My Nominees

How did you come up with the name for your blog?
What do you love most about blogging?
Five years down the road, what accomplishment do you hope to celebrate?
What’s your favorite comfort food?
When you plan a fun day, where do you go?

Once again, thank you Ann and Living Yogi Life for the recognition and the award. I love the community of bloggers. We encourage and support one another, help each other out and offer generously from the heart. That means so much to me.

Mystery Blogger Award

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians

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As one who lives a plant based lifestyle, I’m frequently asked this question:

“But…what about protein?”

Ahhh, protein. It is essential to our diet, along with fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are made of amino acids that the body breaks down to use for growth, metabolism and repairs.

How much protein do we really need though? The recommended average is 42 grams per day. However, on a typical American diet high in meat, eggs and cheese, the average person eats upwards of 80 grams of protein a day…way more than needed.

In addition, animal products are high in fats and cholesterol and contribute to some types of cancer and other diseases.

While important, we don’t need as much protein as we think we do. And it turns out, it’s not difficult to get the protein we need from plant based sources.

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians

Top Sources of Protein for Plant Based Diet

Here’s a list of foods that are naturally high in protein and other good for the body nutrients. Adding these foods to the diet on a daily basis supplies all the protein that the body needs for health and wellness.

Green Peas

One cup of green peas contains 8.6 grams of protein, along with fiber, antioxidants and crucial nutrients such as vitamins C and K, and manganese. Try adding peas to soups, salads, hummus and stir fries or simply pair with a plain baked potato.

My favorite green peas recipe is Aloo Matar.

Lentils

With 18 grams per cup, these little powerhouses are packed with protein and also with fiber, iron, zinc and potassium. Lentils have less than a gram of fat and no cholesterol, making them a healthier source of protein than chicken, beef and fish. Add them to soups, curries and casseroles.

I love this curry dish…Madras Curried Lentils.

Quinoa

Quinoa, which is actually a seed, provides 8 grams of protein per cup and all 9 essential amino acids that the body needs. Substitute quinoa in recipes that call for rice or other grains or add to salads, stir fries and veggie bowls. I recently found a chili recipe with quinoa in it, that I’m excited to try.

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians Quinoa

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds, which come from a variety of the cannabis plant, are excellent sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Their protein…3 tablespoons equals 10 grams…is considered perfect, as it provide all 20 amino acids and also the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce.

Sprinkle hemp seeds, which cannot make you feel high, over salads, gluten free pasta bowls, veggies or smoothie bowls. My favorite way to incorporate the goodness of hemp seeds is to include a couple of teaspoons in my morning smoothie.

Chia Seeds

These health boosting seeds provide 4.7 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. They are also rich in antioxidants, omega-3, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Add to smoothies and salads or make chia pudding. Replace an egg in a recipe by combining 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water and allow to set for 15 minutes.

Legumes

Beans are an amazing source of protein. Two cups of kidney beans contains a whopping 26 grams of protein. Chickpeas offer even more, with 29.2 grams in two cups. Beans are easily prepared at home, on the stove or in a crockpot or pressure pot.

Add to rice dishes, make chilis, or try out my new Stuffed Peppers recipe, with black beans.

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians Legumes

Gluten Free Oats

Oats “stick to the ribs”, meaning they keep us full for a while. And it’s true. Oats provide 12 grams of protein per cup and offer 8 grams of fiber. Look for gluten free oats, to receive the most health benefits. Oats are naturally gluten free however they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat. Pick up a package of gluten free oats HERE.

Try these wonderful Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Spinach

Dark green leafy vegetables contain protein, with spinach coming in at 2.1 grams per 2 cups. Spinach is also rich in vitamins and iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. For the most nutrients, consume spinach raw. Add to smoothies, juices and salads.

And try out this delicious raw spinach soup, from Anthony William.

Broccoli

This green cruciferous vegetable packs 8.1 grams of protein in one cup. It’s also a great source of vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Broccoli is excellent in stir fries, veggie bowls and casseroles.

Try out this healthy macaroni and broccoli bake.

Other veggies that provide 4 – 8 grams of protein per cup include asparagus, artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

And while fruits are not as high in protein, they do provide some. On the list, offering 2 – 4 grams per cup, are guava, blackberries, nectarines and bananas.

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians

Other Healthy Sources of Protein

This list shows how easy it is to get enough protein by eating wholesome, healthy foods. I purposefully left soy products off the list, as much of the soy grown in the US is genetically modified. Like corn, GMO soy can cause inflammation in the body. Non GMO soy is a good source of protein. It is just more difficult to find.

Other excellent sources of protein include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts and nut butters. Nuts should be consumed occasionally, as they are higher in fats and calories. In nut butters, look for products that contain the nut only and sea salt. Avoid products with hyrdrogenated oils and sugar.

How do I get my protein? This is how. And I’ve never felt better.

What’s your favorite high protein food on the list?

Top Sources of Protein for Vegans & Vegetarians

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

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Last week, I shared a post offering healthy alternatives for pain relief, rather than reaching for over the counter meds. Read 7 Natural Pain Remedies.

This week I offer, as promised, techniques for calming inflammation and soothing discomfort, with these 8 Pain Relieving Techniques. The remedies rely on alternative health practices that not only reduce pain, but boost general health as well.

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine, used for centuries for health benefits. Long thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points balance the life force, or Qi, that flows through the body.

Acupuncture reduces back pain, relieves neck tension and headaches, and soothes joint pain.

I’ve not experienced acupuncture personally, however I know many who have. They shared positive benefits, after their treatments, including pain relief.

In the Joplin area, check out Aiming’s Acupuncture & Herbs.

Massage

At one time considered a luxury experience, massage is now recognized as beneficial for a variety of health reasons. Pain and muscle tension bring many people to a qualified massage therapist, seeking relief.

Massage eases the pain of headaches, fibromyalgia, myofascial discomfort and muscle tension. It is also effective for soft tissue strains and injuries, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint pain and nerve pain. Massage lowers anxiety and stress as well.

Typically a massage lasts for 30 – 90 minutes.

In the Joplin area, check out my amazing friends Margit at Massage Therapy in Motion and Cindy at Therapeutic Massage.

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

Reflexology

This ancient healing practice is based on the principle that the feet contain reflex points that correspond to the body’s systems, organs and glands. When pressure is applied to the reflexes in the feet it relieves pain and other disorders in the affected area in the body.

Reflexology relieves pain throughout the body, and is especially beneficial for migraines, headaches, neck pain and back pain.

In the Joplin area, try out JJ Relax Station, Chinese Foot Reflexology & Table Acupressure. Or check out this Reflexology Chart and find a partner to exchange foot rubs with!

Essential Oils

Essential oils are gaining popularity for improving health and wellbeing, and for good reason. There’s an oil for everything!

Try these essential oils for pain relief of these disorders:

Lavender – headaches, muscle tension, inflammation
Marjoram – muscle spasms, headaches, toothache
Peppermint – muscle spasms, headaches, muscle tension
Rosemary – joint pain, headaches, muscle soreness, rheumatism
Arnica – inflammation, swelling

As a general rule, dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or argon oils. Add 15 drops of essential oil to 6 tablespoons of the carrier oil. Massage onto temples for a headache or the affected area for pain relief.

Connect with my friend Marijo for pure, high quality Young Living Essential Oils.

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

Ice/Heat

This is an old technique, however it is an effective one. I felt it must be included in the 8 Pain Relieving Techniques as I use it any time my darling left knee gets a twinge.

Icing and applying heat soothes stiff joints, relaxes muscles, eases pain and reduces inflammation and swelling.

Specifically, ice calms injuries and relieves pain, inflammation and swelling. Heat relaxes muscles, increases blood flow, and soothes pain and stiffness.

Use an ice pack or simply a bag of frozen veggies for icing. For heat use a heating pad or a damp towel heated in the microwave or oven. Wrap a dry towel around the ice source and the heating pad or damp towel, to protect skin.

Follow this routine:

Ice joint or affected area for 10 minutes
Apply heat for 15 – 30 minutes
30 minute break with no ice or heat
Repeat process 3 times
Take a 2 hour break

Meditation

This mind and the body quieting technique eases stress and relaxes muscles, reducing pain caused by tension. Meditation is especially helpful for easing tense muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, scalp and face.

Reducing the inflammation response in the body is another benefit of meditation, which improves pain and calms swelling as well.

Check out my simple meditation to ease pain, relax muscles and improve overall health and wellbeing.

8 Pain Relieveing Techniques

Reiki

This healing technique taps into the body’s energy field, working at a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Reiki practitioners typically place their hands on or above the affected areas of the body that need a boost or relief from pain, offering energy to the body as needed.

Reiki encourages the body to heal itself, with practitioners serving as vessels through which the energy flows.

Change in Diet

It is essential that I include this last suggestion. I suffered with chronic pain for more than 20 years, after a car accident. During those two decades I saw doctors, specialists, neurologists, chiropractors and pain management doctors, and I spent five years in physical therapy. I tried meds, injections and exercises, and I wore a TENS unit for a year. My condition continued to deteriorate, making walking nearly impossible. Not once did anyone suggest that I change my diet.

Margit helped, with massage and energy work on my left leg. I ultimately discovered, through Anthony William, that my sciatic nerves were severely inflamed due to the shingles virus. A virus can’t be eliminated with antibiotics, steroid injections or pain meds.

It can be starved by eliminating the foods that it feeds on and by supporting the body’s healing abilities with nutrient rich, plant based foods.

To heal chronic pain (and disorders) caused by shingles or Epstein Barr eliminate gluten, dairy products, eggs and sugar, as these foods feed inflammation and viruses.

Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat, processed foods, canola oil and GMO foods such as corn and soy.

This blog, Journey With Healthy Me, was born from my desire to help people live healthier, more vibrant lives, free from pain and disorders. Read about the beginning of this Journey here.

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

Healing Journey

It’s amazing what that change of diet, which quickly became a lifestyle, did for my health. My chronic pain disappeared. So many other disorders cleared up. It’s an ongoing journey.

When I occasionally experience pain, from a twisted knee or tight muscles or a headache from long hours on the computer, I brew a cup of herbal tea…and try one of the 8 Pain Relieving Techniques.

Do you have natural pain relieving techniques that you use, in place of over the counter meds, pain pills or injections? I’d love to hear about them, in the comments below.

8 Pain Relieving Techniques

Check out my Amazon Storefront for healing herbal teas and Anthony William’s books.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

One of the things I’m enjoying, on this plant based journey, is adapting recipes. Stuffed peppers popped into my mind this week. A quick check of my fridge and cupboards revealed I had all the necessary ingredients on hand to create a new healthier version of this old favorite.

My old recipe contained ground beef. My desire to create a veggies and brown rice version seemed doable.

I’ve played around enough with cooking the past couple of years, to gain confidence in pulling together an impromptu recipe.

Here is the result, Vegan Stuffed Peppers.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Vegan Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

journeywithhealthyme

This easy to prepare stuffed pepper recipe has all the flavor and it's full of healthy ingredients. Meat, dairy, egg and sugar free.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

3 green bell peppers
2 cups brown rice cooked
1 yellow onion diced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans drained
1 can corn non GMO, drained
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Wash green peppers, cut in half and remove seeds. Place in baking pan, cut side up.
Saute onion and garlic in 1 tbsp coconut oil, until veggies are translucent.
Add diced tomatoes and cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt, stirring to combine. Add black beans and corn, combining well and heating through.
Add brown rice and combine well. Pour mixture over green bell pepper halves, filling peppers. Mound remaining mixture around peppers. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove covering and bake another 5 minutes. 6 servings.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Recipe Variations

This is one of those simple recipes that can be adapted according to tastes and ingredients on hand. Any color of pepper is suitable. I happened to have green bell peppers in the fridge.

Swap out the black beans for kidney beans or another vegetable. The same with the corn. I only use non GMO corn. Del Monte carries this product. Check the label to make sure it says “non GMO”. Quinoa can replace the brown rice. During the summer, when the garden is producing, fresh tomatoes would taste great, instead of canned. And fresh peppers from the garden….amazing!

Sampling my vegan stuffed peppers, I declared them excellent! I didn’t miss the ground beef at all. These were tasty and filling and something I will prepare again!

Looking for more meatless meal ideas? Check out these:

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Meatless Dirty Rice

Visit my Amazon Storefront for herbal teas, kitchen appliances and gadgets, and books to help your healing journey.

7 Natural Pain Remedies

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

Pain drives more people to the doctor, or to the internet, than any other medical symptom. Specifically, seeking relief from pain, whether it be headaches, joint pain or chronic suffering, sends people searching for answers.

I understand. I’ve been the seeker. Chronic pain dogged me for more than 20 years, causing me to decide to just “live with it”…until my condition worsened.

At one time I took as many as eight ibuprofen a day. Sadly, I’ve taken that many at ONE TIME. Ibuprofen and other over the counter pain relievers may dull the pain, however they wreak havoc on the body. Pain relievers can damage the digestive system, create negative changes in gut bacteria and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

From experience, I know that taking too much ibuprofen makes me jittery and causes me to break out in a rash. In fact, I have a sensitivity to ibuprofen now, due to overuse.

7 Natural Pain Remedies

Gratefully, changing my diet eliminated my chronic pain, by dealing with the root cause of it. For those occasional times when I get a headache or have tight muscles or a flare up of inflammation, the following natural remedies help relieve pain.

Cat’s Claw

This extraordinary herb fights pain throughout the body. And, it truly is a powerful herb for calming inflammation, which is the primary cause for pain. Cat’s Claw contains bioactive pharma-compounds that rival synthetic drugs for healing a host of disorders, killing viruses, easing tight muscles and soothing pain.

Take Cat’s Claw in capsule or alcohol free tincture form, or use dried leaves to brew tea.

Try this: Add one teaspoon dried Cat’s Claw to one cup boiling water. Let steep for five minutes. Add lemon and honey, if desired.

Ginger

Ginger powerfully blocks the formation of inflammatory compounds. It breaks down inflammation and acidity in joint fluid. And ginger is antispasmodic, calming tense muscles after an overly busy day and flushing excess lactic acid from muscle tissue. One cup of ginger tea settles an upset stomach and relaxes tight muscles for up to 12 hours.

Use fresh ginger in juices and recipes. Consume as a tea or take in capsule form.

Try this: Apple Celery Ginger Juice

Magnesium

Many people are magnesium deficient. As a result they can suffer from a multitude of disorders, including migraines, nerve pain and muscle spasms. Magnesium reduces tension in and around the trigeminal nerves, relieving migraines and relaxes spasming muscles. It also eases the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Take this important supplement in capsule form.

Try this: Magnesium Capsules

Turmeric

This powerful herb, used as a spice in curry, contains anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The pain relieving ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It improves circulation, lowers the enzymes that cause inflammation and eases the pain associated with tendonitis and autoimmune disorders.

Use fresh or ground turmeric in cooking or take in capsule form.

Try this: Dairy Free Turmeric Milk

Chamomile

This mild herb relaxes muscles, eases tension and helps insomnia. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory properties that aid the digestive system along with easing migraines and reducing the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders.

Take Chamomile in capsule or alcohol free tincture form, or brew the dried flowers and create tea.

Try this: Add one teaspoons of dried Chamomile to one cup of boiling water. Let steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

7 Natural Pain Remedies

Feverfew

This daisy-like plant possesses powerful pain relieving properties. Taking feverfew daily lessens the pain of migraines and helps to prevent the reoccurrence of these debilitating headaches by preventing the widening of blood vessels that precipitates an attack. Feverfew also relieves the symptoms that accompany migraines, including light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting.

Feverfew reduces inflammation in the nervous system as well as in the joints, making it beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Take feverfew in capsule form, in an alcohol free tincture or use the dried flowers to brew tea.

Try this: Dried Feverfew

Valerian Root

This herb relieves insomnia and reduces tension in tired muscles. Valerian root calms stress and soothes anxiety and irritability. It eases pain by reducing nerve sensitivity.

Take valerian root in capsule or alcohol free tincture form or used the dried root to brew tea.

Try this: Combine one teaspoon dried valerian root with one teaspoon dried chamomile flowers. Add boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with honey, if desired. Drink before bedtime, for a great night’s sleep.

Bonus Natural Pain Remedies

My recent experience with CBD infused water allows me to highly recommend CBD products for pain relief as well. Check out my post HERE. And watch next week for Part 2 in this series: Natural Pain Relief Techniques

7 Natural Pain Remedies

Choosing Natural Pain Remedies

I hope these natural pain remedies provide options, the next time a sore knee or a nagging headache troubles you. It seems easier to reach for the ibuprofen bottle. However, not only do these pain remedies provide relief, over time they benefit the body in myriad ways.

My desire to have my own little apothecary birthed the herb garden in my backyard. Each year, I add more herbs, and discover more ways to use them, to my great benefit. I’m so excited to welcome spring…and the planting season.

7 Natrual Pain Remedies

Check out my Amazon Storefront, for more dried herbs and herbal teas.

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

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

Anthony William

This delicious treat is gluten, dairy, egg and refined sugar free.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

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.