Green Smoothie - Green Is The New Black

6/27/2014 0 Comments

Many are saying "Green Is The New Black" with a focus on making the planet more "green" with a larger focus on recycling, planting trees, helping mother earth, and eating real food, hopefully vegan. Having love and compassion for all living things is essential!

“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
― Albert Einstein

Being kind to our bodies and eating vibrant living foods is a wonderful way to bring health, love and compassion into your body! I found an awesome site the other day with a chart showing how to make the perfect green smoothie! The light bulb turned on and I made one instantly. I tried the recipe provided and loved it so much I am sharing my results below! Let me know what you think.

Here it is! A GREEN SMOOTHIE recipe that will boost your system with essential vitamins and nutrients. And it's detox and cleanse-worthy!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups water
1 cup mango
1 cup pineapple
2 bananas

Use a minimum of one frozen fruit to chill the smoothie, I used bananas!

Directions:

Combine the spinach and water in a blender.
Blend until all leafy portions are gone.
Add the fruit and blend until smooth.
Pour into a mason jar or fun cup!
ENJOY the vibrant health benefits and thank yourself for being kind to your body! =)

Tips:

Substitute spinach with your favorite dark leafy green.
Use a different frozen fruit blend.
Using frozen fruit vs. ice can provide a flavorful sensation and chill the smoothie.
Boost: with spirulina, maca powder, protein powder and so forth for added nutrients!

Have a great weekend!
Christa

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Effortless Vegan Meal

6/26/2014 0 Comments

This recipe is quick and very simple to put together. It contains ½ cup of brown rice surrounded by a bed of hot spicy salsa! Opt to enjoy this meal with a green smoothie packed with spinach and boosted with spirulina for added protein, we did! Or combine beans for added protein! Best part? This meal is cleanse-worthy and can be enjoyed as a part of the 30-Day Cleanse!

Tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, serrano peppers, and lime are combined together to make a tasty sensation! It allows one to enjoy raw vegetables in one of their finest arrangements, my favorite – salsa!!! Enjoy with rice so no soy sauce or other sauces are needed!!

Eating this meal is like taking your daily vitamins, check it out!
Tomato: Vitamin C, Biotin, Molybdenum, Vitamin K, Copper, Potassium, Manganese, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Vitamin B1, Magnesium, Chromium, Pantothenic Acid, Protein, Choline, Zinc and Iron!
Onion: Biotin, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Copper, Vitamin C, Fiber, Phosphorus, Potassium, Folate and Vitamin B1!
Garlic: Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Copper, Selenium, Phosphorus, Vitamin B1 and Calcium!
Cilantro: Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Vitamin C!
Serrano Pepper: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron!
Lime: Vitamin C and Folate
Brown Rice: Manganese, Selenium, Phosphorus, Copper, Magnesium and Vitamin B3!

Ingredients:

Brown rice – pre-cooked
1 tomato
¼ red onion
1 large clove garlic or 2 small
1-2 Serrano peppers (depending how spicy you like it!)
1 tbsp fresh or dried cilantro
2 fresh squeezed limes
Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Take pre-cooked brown rice and pack ½ cup into a measuring cup. Place in a bowl.
Take balance of ingredients, combine in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Taste to test, if all is a go surround the rice with salsa.
Top with cilantro or a hot pepper!

Vegan love,
Christa

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30 Day Cleanse - Beauty Detox

6/21/2014 0 Comments

Even being a vegan, bad habits can be picked up along the way. A little "treat" here and another one there and before you know it, a sugar addiction is in progress and unwanted toxins have arrived. I've been known to allow myself a treat or two along the way. I noticed I wasn't feeling as optimal as usual and knew it was related to what I was putting in my mouth. I decided it was time to press "refresh" on my system and embark on detoxifying my body with a 30 day cleanse.

With the items available in most grocery stores, even a health conscious person can fall victim to unwanted toxins. Ridding our body of these toxins 1-2 times a year (or more) is never a bad idea! It allows toxins to leave our body and allows our digestive system to have a nice "holiday"!

What are some benefits?

With an abundance of nutrients being taken in from all the fresh produce consumed during a cleanse the adrenal glands become healthier. Helping the body and mind deal with stress without becoming overwhelmed. In today's society that never hurts!
While ridding the body of unwanted toxins hiding in the depths of our body we also release hidden emotions. Taking time to meditate, do yoga and connect with yourself and nature is helpful in the process.
Eating organic fresh off the vine produce that is packed with healthy life giving vibrational energy in turn gives you high vibrational energy. The energy is transferred from the plant and given to you. You are what you eat so eating high vibrational foods can lead to a higher vibrational you!
When we cleanse, eating healing foods that have less impact on our body, we give our body a time-out, a break, allowing room in our mind and body for other things.
For centuries people have detoxed and fasted for increased energy, awareness and to feel more alive! By cleansing our bodies we allow stagnated energy to flow freely helping our consciousness soar to new heights!
Cleanses can leave one feeling invigorated, energized and beautiful glowing from the inside out!

A 30 day cleanse is optimal 1-2 x's per year, however going 1 day or 1 week is fantastic! The best part is you can start anytime. If you "mess up" don't worry and keep going. I'm on day 6 and already feel amazing!

What do you need to stay away from?

SUGAR - in edition to sugar products, food rich in sugar: maple syrup, molasses, agave, syrups in general, limit the amount of fruit.
Processed Foods
In-organic Produce
Caffeine - if you are able to! ;) I wasn't!!
Artificial Ingredients
Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats..
Simple Carbs (Bread, white rice, pasta as they immediately break down into simple sugars)
Corn & Potatoes
Vinegar
Dairy, animal products & alcohol (try to eliminate full time)
Soy
Yeast Fermented Foods
Consider eliminating: mushrooms, grapes, fermented foods and sauces and miso.

DO EAT:

Protein! Nuts & Legumes = very good!
Garlic! Consider whole garlic cloves 2 x's a day
Onion!
Cabbage! Encourages growth of healthy bacteria
A lot of leafy greens, raw vegetables and fruits with a low glycemic index such as strawberries.
Unprocessed gluten-free grains such as whole grain brown rice, amaranth and quinoa.
Drink a lot of water

If you decide to participate, please reach out and provide feedback! I'd love to hear! I've already gotten rid of 4 unwanted lbs, have increased energy, am getting more done, and am doing more yoga. I also find I'm more loving and giving, perhaps because I'm being more loving and kind to my body.

I hope you found this helpful. Cheers to a healthier, higher vibrating you!

With love,
Christa

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Meatless Monday: Potato Cakes!

6/16/2014 0 Comments

When I was a kid, my specialty in the kitchen was hash browns. I absolutely loved to make them on the weekends, cover them in Lawry's seasoning salt and wait for them to get crispy brown. Through the years, I still love potatoes and especially hash browns as a treat. This meal takes them to the next level. It's equivalent to Pommes Anna, a classic French dish of sliced and layered potatoes smothered in an extreme amount of melted butter. Take out the cream, butter and fat and you are left with a healthier alternative and a true vegan treat.

This potato cake is easy to make, layer slices of potato with a savory vegan "cheese" blend of nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and place in the oven. About an hour later you are left with a savory treat! I hope you enjoy a meatless meal this Monday, if inclined, give this one a try!

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil + enough to coat pan
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes

Directions:

Place a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a 8 or 9 inch cake or spring-form pan with parchment paper. Coat the bottom and sides of the pan with olive oil. To weight down the potato cake, locate a heavy pot or ovenproof dish that will fit on top of the pan.
Mix the nutritional yeast, salt and pepper together in a small bowl and set aside.
Slice the potatoes in your food processor using the thinnest slicing disk available.
Arrange an even layer of potatoes in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the yeast mixture on top. Repeat 6 to 7 times and end with a dash of the yeast mixture covering the last layer. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil on top.
Lay 2 large sheets of aluminum foil on top of the pan, set the heavy pot on top and firmly press into the potatoes, pressing them into the pan. Press the overhanging foil tightly to the sides and under the bottom of the pan. If using a spring-form pan, set it on a foil lined baking sheet to catch droppings.
Transfer to the oven and fill the pot halfway with water to make it even heavier. Bake for about an hour, until the cake offers no resistance when pierced (through the foil) with a knife.
Serve hot! We paired ours with sweet corn and homemade salsa.

Trying a vegan meal once a week (or more) is a great way to introduce more fruits and vegetables into your diet. See how it makes you feel and if you are inclined, try it more frequently!

To your continued health!
Christa

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Tropical Smoothie

6/14/2014 0 Comments

One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a delicious smoothie! Add in a little yoga and I feel refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on the day. Drinking a smoothie at any time of the day is wonderful as it offers a nice break for your digestive track. Not to mention, it's incredibly refreshing when it's warm outside.

This smoothie is not only delicious but is packed with nutrient rich ingredients! With some of the most nutrient dense foods around this smoothie will add a burst of health to your day. Here are some reasons to consider making this shake!

To start the amazing beet is packed with phytonutrients that lead to detoxification, improved digestion, are a steady source and supply of antioxidants, and help with anti-inflammation. Beets are considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods around! Slice it up and add a piece to your smoothie today!

To follow, the well-known and oh-so-healthy almonds! Almonds are a great source of protein, a natural source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants. Almonds promote cardiovascular health, bone health and can assist with controlling the waste line.

Next in line is the delicious, juicy and healthy pineapple! Did you know that 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks offers 131% of your daily vitamin C! Medical News Today reports "Fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which has been used in studies to determine it's effectiveness in alleviating joint pain, arthritis, reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor growth..." Pineapples can help with lowering blood pressure, asthma, combat free radicals known to cause cancer, decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration and so much more! Now I won't feel so bad when I buy two!

Strawberries are not only delicious but also help aid in alleviating inflammation, bad breath, gout and more! Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, fiber, folic acid and potassium. 1 cup of strawberries is equal to 160% of your daily intake for Vitamin C and is only 50 calories!! Serve me up some more berries!

Now, let's not leave out the mango! Mango can help fight cancer, cleanse your skin, aid in digestion, aid in weight loss, regulate diabetes and alkalize the body! It can help keep your cholesterol in check, promote good eye sight by providing 25% of your daily need of Vitamin A, help to prevent heat stroke, strengthen your immune system, can help aid in concentration and memory. Mango is HIGH in IRON! Mango can reduce kidney stones and could possibly be the perfect snack!

Oranges are rich in vitamin C and loaded with health benefits! Oranges have been known to help aid in cancer prevention, prevent kidney stones, reduce the risk of liver cancer, lower cholesterol, boost heart health, can fight against viral infections, aid in good digestion and can assist in alkalizing the body! Read MORE!

Slide me over another smoothie please!

What will you need?

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh beet - sliced in cubes
1/4 cup fresh almonds
1/2 lb frozen pineapple (or fresh)
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 fresh mango - sliced
2 small oranges (or 1 large) - peeled
16 oz filtered water
10 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in your blender (I LOVE our Blendtec)
2. Press smoothie setting or blend until smooth.
3. Poor and drink ice cold!

Love,
Christa

PS - Today is my step-son JJ's birthday! Sending some love his way ~ send some with me if you are inclined! This recipe is a tribute to good health with a focus on healthy digestion. JJ's father and JJ inspire healthy recipes for us all to enjoy! Cheers to JJ on his special day!

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Homemade Vegan Sausage - Soy Free & Gluten Free

6/10/2014 31 Comments

One of my all-time favorite treats from the market is Tofurkey Italian Sausage. These sausages are so flavorful and absolutely delicious. We love to fry them up with some onions and garlic and add it to our favorite tortellini with a homemade sauce, it’s one of our favorites. The only part that bothered me was that they contained gluten (wheat) and an abundance of soy. I've been trying to cut back on the amount of soy we take in as a protein source. It can be hard at first as most of the alternative products contain soy. The less soy and gluten we eat, the better we feel.

I found a recipe online a while ago while searching for the ultimate alternative to the Tofurkey Italian Sausage. Each time I performed my search I’d end up on the very same recipe from The V Word – check it out here. A big thank you to Rhea the creative genius who invented this wonderful recipe! The pictures look so tantalizing, it couldn’t be homemade, vegan, soy-free and gluten-free..could it? Yes! It is! I bookmarked the page, bought black eyed peas and placed them away in the cupboard. Months later, I boiled them and remembered this recipe. I couldn’t help but instantly prepare them with eager anticipation. A chance to make my husband his very favorite vegan meal? I’m in!

With some music in the background, I pulled up my sleeves and gave the recipe a try. Mashing the black eyed peas beneath my hands combining the ingredients with love. Forming the beautiful sausages, wrapping and then steaming them for future consumption.

I’m honored to share this sensational recipe with you for you to try at home and share with your loved ones. Bon Apatite! Enjoy!

What will you need?

For the SPICE MIX:

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 ½ tsp. fennel, crushed
½ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. sweet paprika
1 ½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (+++ we like it spicy and added more!)
1 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. allspice

For the SAUSAGE:

2 tsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil
1 cup zucchini, chopped (The original recipe calls for mushrooms, use what you have in your kitchen!)
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. sun-dried tomato paste (*see below)
¼ cup nutritional yeast
½ cup brown rice flour (**see below)
1 tsp. xanthum gum
3 tbsp. of gluten-free, vegan Worcestershire Sauce
A few drops of liquid smoke (opt)

*I used homemade tomato sauce. A standard tomato paste would work fine as well.
**Make your own brown rice flour by taking brown rice, placing it in a blender or food processor, and pulsing until it is fine like flour.

Directions:

Prepare spice mix in advance and set aside.
Heat skillet with 2 tsp of olive oil. Sauté the onions, zucchini and garlic until soft. Set aside and let cool.
In a large bowl, add the black eyed peas and mash them up. Wash your hands, roll up your sleeves and mash with love! Or use a fork or potato masher. Leave it rough with chunks vs. a puree.
Add tomato paste, nutritional yeast, spice mix and brown rice flour, mix well. Sprinkle the xanthum gum over the mixture and incorporate well.
Add the cooled veggie mixture and mix into the dry ingredients. Add the Worcestershire sauce to the bowl and mix well, if you are using Liquid smoke add it too, along with the remaining 2 tsp of oil.
Divide the mixture into 4 parts. Shape each portion into a log. Wrap the logs individually in foil and steam for 15-20 minutes. I used our steamer, otherwise they could be steamed in a metal steamer that sits atop a large stockpot of boiling water. Refrigerate for 4 hours – overnight to help them firm.
When ready, unwrap and cook however you desire. We sautéed them in olive oil with onions and garlic and added it to our pasta, yum!

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

With love,
Christa

31 Comments

Green Smoothie - Green Is The New Black

Effortless Vegan Meal

30 Day Cleanse - Beauty Detox

Meatless Monday: Potato Cakes!

Tropical Smoothie

Homemade Vegan Sausage - Soy Free & Gluten Free

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