Struggling with Breakfast? Check out these recipes!

I'm sure you've heard it before, but breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. We say that for a reason- it gives your body energy/fuel/gasoline to start the day. Think - what if you started your day with just a 40% charged phone? It would die earlier in the day compared to getting 100% charged, like you do with getting a breakfast. Not only does it help with energy through out the day, but jump starts your metabolism and helps with focus and prevents sugar crashes at 10 am where you want something sugary or another coffee because you are actually tired from not giving your body the fuel it needs.

There are a couple main things I look for with a breakfast - protein and fat. Your goal is 30 grams of protein as well as a good amount of healthy fats (like avocados and coconut oil). The fats and proteins are crucial for balancing blood sugar levels and marinating energy. They don’t give you a quick hit of energy like sugar but instead sustained energy throughout the morning.

PS- If you are a breakfast bar person look at the ingredients. 9 times out of 10 they are full of sugars, have very little protein and full of processed junk. Try some of the ideas below! Remember you need protein and a good healthy fat.

Ideas
Eggs, omelets, etc. Load them up with veggies! Do a side of bacon or sausage- turkey is good too! (Look in ingredients and watch out for preservatives like nitrates, -ites that they sneak in there.)

Plantain pancakes with side of protein like bacon/sausage. You can make big batch and store the extras in the freezer and quickly heat up on days you don’t want to make. Plus they are kid approved!  Top with almond/nut butter when they are warm so it melts. Delicious!!

For foods that have very little protein add in Vital Proteins Collagen (2 scoops for 20 grams). It is tasteless (not kidding) and you won’t even know you added it in

Bowl of quinoa or oatmeal topped with walnuts, pecans, almond butter, etc. Sweeten with a little honey or real maple syrup. Stir in collagen for protein.

Quinoa tip- make a large batch and store in the fridge. Then when you want to eat it quickly you can warm up on skillet or eat cold with some almond milk. This saves you A LOT of time by not having to wait 30 minutes to make it.

Plain Greek Yogurt with berries, walnuts/pecans, honey/maple syrup, etc. Add in collagen for even more protein. Get the plain and sweeten yourself- the flavored ones have SO SO SO much sugar.

Smoothies- MAKE SURE they have protein in them and aren’t just full of fruit and milk

• Add a green in like spinach or kale
• Add almond butter, nut butters for protein or collagen- blends very easily and tasteless
• Keep banana limited to ½ because it is very sugary- it is great for hiding flavors
• Add avocado to make it more creamy! It is an amazing fat plus it is virtually tasteless
• Add a TBS of coconut oil! It’s a great way to get coconut oil in!

We have great protein powders at the office that taste great and are not full of junk. You can easily hit your 30 grams of protein with any of them. Please look at your ingredients closely when purchasing any protein powders… they can be full of junk!

Almond Flour Bread

• Top with an egg, turkey for more protein
• Warm up bread and top with coconut oil so it will melt. So delicious!

Breakfast hash with eggs scrambled with quinoa
Muffins
There are great paleo recipes online as well as ‘egg’ muffins that are super simple to make!

Sausage and Gravy Recipe- super simple! (And the gravy is only 2 ingredients and 1 of them is water!)

Even chocolate pudding is a good idea! I would add some collagen too or have a side of eggs or other meat to give you more protein.

AND somedays… Breakfast just doesn’t have to look like breakfast!!!

Sometimes I will eat 1/2 pound of deli turkey (again watch for preservatives) on my drive to work and lately been throwing frozen stir fry veggies on the skillet first thing in the morning with coconut oil and eating that. Remember breakfast doesn’t always have to look like it!

I am sure there are a million other ideas but here is just a place to start. If you do have other ideas or tips comment below and let us know what you are doing!

Cholesterol Myth

Did you know only 25% of your cholesterol comes from diet and 75% is made by your body? Cholesterol is made in the liver, digestive system and skin. If you lower your intake of cholesterol, your body actually has to kick into overdrive to make more. It has a set point and, no matter if you eat it or not, your body will make sure it gets to that level. If you stop eating it or lower your consumption, your body has to work overtime and gets stressed trying to make up for your lack of intake. Give your body a break and DO NOT avoid foods that contain cholesterol, like protein and eggs, but obviously skip the fast food fried crap.

Fat and cholesterol are NOT the problem. Sugars are the problem.

Cholesterol is the fire truck that responds to the fire aka inflammation in the body. If your cholesterol is high it means you have a lot of inflammation and fires going on which means you need a lot of fire trucks. Blaming cholesterol for issues is like blaming the fire trucks for coming to respond to the fire. As a society we are so misinformed and blaming the wrong issue. We need to stop blaming the fire trucks (aka cholesterol) and start searching for the fires (inflammation in the body).

PS - You need cholesterol to make both sex and adrenal hormones. If you have hormonal issues or concerns, you need to eat the building blocks that make them. It is crucial! Proteins and eggs are very, very, very important. Avoiding foods with cholesterol and expecting hormonal issues to resolve is like trying to build a house without a foundation. It is not going to work!

Let's stop blaming the firetruck for the fire.  Cholesterol is our friend!

My Favorite Guilt Free Salad Dressing

Photo: Tessemae

It's always better to make your own condiments and salad dressings, but sometimes we just don't have the time!  I've found a brand that is both tasty, good for you, and available in your local grocery store.  

Tessemae’s is one of my personal favorites. The story behind the brand is so cool, and they're committed to healthy eating and healthy living. Not to mention, everything is all natural and Whole 30 approved! You can find them at Kroger’s or Whole Foods in the refrigerated section by the boxed salads. If you want to see the whole line of dressings/sauces visit their website.

My personal favorites are Lemon Chesapeake, Lemon Garlic, Balsamic, Mild & Hot Buffalo Sauce, and BBQ Sauce. I haven’t tried them all and there are many more flavors online compared to what is in the store! I won’t lie the ranch was kind of stretch, so if you are a ranch person I would try something else.  It wasn’t quite like I was expecting. The other ones above are much much better.

I use it on my salads, season my chicken or dip veggies in it.  I love carrots and celery dipped in lemon garlic! Check them out at the grocery store or online and let me know what you think!

Soy Sauce Replacement

A lot of us integrate soy in our diets with soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, etc.  Did you know that soy isn't great for you?  It is something I have most people avoid.  

Soy is a phytoestrogen meaning it mimics the estrogen in our bodies.  Since there are SO many phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens (these mimic estrogen too- things like pesticides, plastics, etc.) out there that our bodies are constantly getting bombarded by, it is best to be aware and limit your exposure.  There are some great alternatives to your favorite products that contain soy.  If you are drinking soy milk please ditch it and try something like almond milk or coconut milk.  Also, never give any infants formula with soy or soy milk!

For soy sauce there is this great thing called coconut aminos!  We love it at my house.  It's a great soy sauce alternative and, honestly, I think it tastes better.

You can get this at Whole Foods, possibly Kroger, your local health food store and online stores like Thrive. It really tastes great on anything!

Try it on our Quinoa Fried Rice or Easy Asian Stir Fry recipes!

Paleo Tomato Soup

There are so many tomato soup recipes out there, so I figured I would try my hand at one of them.  It was super easy to make, very tasty and completely dairy free!

Ingredients
1 Onion, chopped
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 cup fresh Basil
1-2 tsp Sea Salt and Pepper
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 cups of Chicken Stock
5 Tomatoes- Vine (I used 4 large tomatoes)
6 oz Tomato Paste

Instructions
Cut tomatoes into quarter slices and toss with olive oil (I did melted coconut oil), sea salt and pepper.
Roast tomatoes on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 350 degrees
With about 5 minutes to go on the tomatoes melt 1 TBS of coconut oil over medium heat in a large soup pan
Saute onion and garlic (until onion is translucent)
Add in your roasted tomatoes and saute for 1 more minute
Add in 3 cups of chicken stock, the basil (I ripped mine into smaller pieces first), and the tomato paste. 
Stir until tomato paste is dissolved into the broth
Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot
Let covered pot simmer for about 30 minutes
Pour soup into a food processor or blender and mix up until nice and smooth

Last but not least... Enjoy! (And even top with your fresh basil... so tasty!)

Recipe from Primal Palate.

Hit a wall between 1 & 3? This post is for you.

Do you hit a wall between 1 and 3 pm?  Many people feel like they either need a nap, something sugary or caffeine.  If you are one of those people, don't reach fall for the cravings.  There are easy natural ways to bump up your energy and help you get through that midday slump.

When you hit this wall or feel like you need sugary foods or caffeine during these hours it means your adrenal glands are tired.  Adrenal glands are considered your stress glands. They pump out hormones to keep you going day in and day out.  They fire up with both good and bad stress, so each time there is a stressor it is like asking them to run a marathon.  Then another stressor comes and they have to run again. It's just an endless cycle!

If you had to run a one marathon after another, you eventually couldn't go anymore, but our bodies are amazing and the adrenals keep working day in and out.  They get tired too, though. When the adrenals are overworked, you feel tired.  When things get really bad, severe adrenal fatigue sets in and you feel overwhelmed very easily.  Another symptom people complain of is mid to lower back pain that feels like a deep bruise or ache that never goes away.

You are not destined to feel this way forever- by supporting your adrenal glands it is amazing how much better you can feel. I see this multiple times a day and it still amazes me how much better people feel by adding in the correct support. Many patients come in lifeless and ‘down’ on their first visit and by the second visit you can see their face get brighter, have happier dispositions and just feel better in general. It takes a lot time to rebuild, but getting on the right support can make a HUGE difference.

What can you do?  
Try to avoid stress! That is what most people say, but how realistic is it?  Not very - but you can choose to minimize it.  Do not say yes to everything and everyone - you will wear yourself down. Create boundaries and make time for yourself daily, even if it just 10 minutes a day.

Eat an avocado a day - great hormones and fuel for the adrenals
If you hit a dip in the afternoon, drink hot tea with 1 tbs of coconut oil - this keeps your blood sugar levels stable and doesn't spike them which stresses the adrenal glands even more
Keep your protein intake up - make sure to get 30 grams of protein in for breakfast.  I do it through a smoothie or eat turkey, chicken sausage, etc. with eggs for breakfast. You want to have protein at each meal.
Snack on nuts and seeds
If you are craving sugar - eat some protein first and a glass of water, then wait 15 minutes before indulging.  If you have to indulge try natural sugars like honey and maple syrup in moderation.

You can also support your adrenals through great supplements that we commonly use in the office. These are just a few of the many ones we use. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system - so we have to look at everything and not just single out the adrenals!

• Adrenal Support by Nature Sunshine
  • Great to take a bottle when big stressors come up or life throws you a curve ball
• Nervous Fatigue TCM by Nature Sunshine
  • Great for maintenance and protection of the adrenals
• Mineral Chi Tonic by Nature Sunshine
  • Minerals are fuel for adrenals and this also has other great herbs for them too.  Its is a liquid which is easy to mix or take straight (not the best tasting thing but you can do it :)
• Adrenal Desiccated by Standard Process
  • For very severe cases
• Drenamin by Standard Process
  • Whole food based supplement for the adrenals
• Min Tran by Standard Process
  • Relaxing minerals to relax the body and adrenals; Great for when the mind starts racing when you lay down to go to sleep!

Again there are SO many other supplements we use, but this is just a quick overview.  If the symptoms above sound like you, give us a call and we can help out.  You don't have to live run down or in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed. 

For order instructions on Nature Sunshine click here and for Standard Process visit the office or call 615-656-3558.

Photo Source.

Trouble losing weight? Try these tips!

A lot of people come into the practice and one of their top 5 concerns or issues typically has something to do with weight.  95% of the time a Candida issue has something to do with it as well as an underlying thyroid issue, our metabolic control center.  Once these things are taken care of, people notice significant changes in their weight and energy levels as well as mental clarity.

Below are some tips to jump start metabolism!

1) Drink a full glass of water immediately upon waking in the morning.  Set the glass of water on your nightstand and have it ready to drink right when you wake up.  This gets you hydrated right away in the morning and jump starts your metabolism.

2) Drink one glass of hot water with ½ lemon daily (or more). This revs up metabolism and gets the liver filtering out toxins that can contribute to weight gain.

3) Stop eating after 6pm.  This gives your body more time to break down food instead of trying to process it during the middle of the night when your metabolism is the slowest.  Set a time to stop eating, even if it is not 6 pm. Sticking to your rule will help keep you from wandering into the kitchen looking for snacks and mindless eating.  Most people eat late at night not because they are hungry, but out of routine!

4) Eat protein at each meal. Ideally you want 30 grams of protein at each meal. You will be amazed at how this little trick can help you feel full longer, lose weight and keep your energy up. Some simple foods to keep a protein filled diet are: almond butter, nuts/seeds, deli meat (make sure it is preservative free… aka nitrates, -ites), chicken, eggs, fish, beef, CLEAN protein powders (we have plenty at the office) and, my favorite, collagen! Collagen has 20 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it is tasteless and can dissolve in cold or warm drinks/food.

Try these easy steps and see how much it can help you!

Healthy Cool Whip

This cool whip is delicious and is only 2 ingredients!  It takes 1 minute to make and taste amazing! All you need is a can of coconut milk (not what you find in the refrigerated aisle).  It can be found at Kroger in the health food section or in the international aisle.  Put a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight (or at least 8 hours).  This will allow the water and cream to separate which leaves a whipped cream consistency on top and a watery part on the bottom of the can. 

Once refrigerated take the top section out of the can.  You can throw away the bottom watery section.  Next add your sweetener.  I added 1 Tablespoon of honey, but maple syrup or xylitol are other options. You could even add a teaspoon of vanilla to give it a little more flavor too! Mix up and that is it! 

Enjoy! Try dipping your strawberries in it or add it to plantain pancakes! 

Easy, 3 Ingredient Pesto

I made this pesto on a whim because I didn't have pine nuts or olive oil.  I also wanted to stay away from the typical parmesan cheese, so I had to get creative and it worked!

This pesto recipe requires only 3 ingredients: Walnuts, Coconut Oil (Melted), and Basil!

In a food processor, throw in around 4 tbs of melted coconut oil, a large handful of walnuts and a large handful of basil and blend.  That's it!  It's the perfect addition to any meal.

Enjoy!

Easy Asian Stir Fry

This asian inspired stir fry is simple, healthy, and totally yummy!  I love sharing recipes that are easy to make because sometimes life gets too busy to plan out an elaborate dinner.  For this recipe, you only need 4 ingredients! Are you ready!?!

Ingredients
Broccoli slaw (found at Kroger and Trader Joes
1-2 eggs
Coconut Aminos (soy sauce replacement)
Cashews

Place broccoli slaw in skillet with coconut oil and cook on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes (until veggies start to get soft).  Then add 1 to 2 eggs (1 for small skillet and 1/2 container of broccoli slaw and 2 eggs for entire container of broccoli slaw).  Stir around to mix the egg in.  

Next, add a large handful of cashews.  Let everything cook for another 5 minutes or so (stir around occasionally) which allows the cashews to get warm and slightly toasted.

Put in a bowl and top with Coconut Aminos!  That's it, and it's husband approved!

You can cook chicken to add in or just eat as is.  It is such an easy recipe to customize to your liking.  I hope you like it is as much as I do!

Enjoy!

Acid Reflux Remedy

If you or anyone you know suffers from acid reflux, keep reading!  Acid reflux actually happens because there is a deficiency in stomach acid.  Yep, that's correct; there is NOT enough stomach acid!  It may sound confusing, but when there is not enough stomach acid your body can't break down food properly, resulting in indigestion causing gas and bloating.  When the food isn't broken down properly it causes the regurgitation up into the esophagus causing what we call 'acid reflux'.  

When people have symptoms they typically take something which actually neutralizes the acid which is already low. This causes an even lower amount of stomach acid and only puts a Band-Aid on the acid reflux and does not fix the problem.

Stomach acid is there to help you digest food and kill off invaders such as bacterias and viruses and even parasites. If you or someone you know gets sick constantly, I would bet they have low stomach acid because their body's first line of defense (stomach acid) is lacking.  Obviously there are many other reasons people get sick, but that is one of the best places to start.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
There are a couple things you can do to help!  First, people who have ulcers from long term acid reflux have to treat this slowly.  You don't want to introduce more stomach acid when there is an ulcer. To test for this you can take 2 TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar with a little bit of water and see if this burns in your stomach area.  If it does, then you likely have a ulcer of some sort.  If you have an ulcer, there is no need to worry because we have 2 products at the office by Standard Process that help heal the ulcers and coat the stomach to help prevent reflux.  They are called Gastrex and Okra-Pepsin.  These are not the fix to acid reflux but are a natural 'Tums' that does not deplete stomach acid like antacids do.  

If you do the Apple Cider Vinegar test and it goes okay the 2 best supplements I use are PDA by Nature Sunshine and Zypan from Standard Process.  

These include stomach acid in them to help you break down food and actually fix the real root cause of reflux, low stomach acid.  If you have questions or concerns please contact the office.

For existing patients, we use Food Enzymes a lot too. This has a little stomach acid in it as well as other great things and enzymes to help you break down foods!

Note: Apple Cider Vinegar is great for digestion and I encourage people to take it with meals as often as possible.  Just fill up a shot glass half with Apple Cider Vinegar and half with water.  You can take it with a little more water to make the taste more mild.

Also, for those who are on the Candida Clear diet/Phase 1 it says no vinegars, however Apple Cider Vinegar is an exception to the rule.  It actually helps to combat candida and is one of the very few vinegars that can be used.  It has enzymes that help tremendously with digestion and also helps to create an environment for healthy bacteria to live in your digestive tract which in turn keeps candida in check.  

FUN FACT: Anyone with gray hair is deficient in stomach acid. So start taking apple cider vinegar or use one of the supplements above so you can increase your stomach acid levels and make sure you are digesting all your food properly!

Oven Baked Carrot Fries

Have your fries and eat them too!  This is guilt free, simple recipe and a great alternative to fries. It's the perfect side for any dinner and a great way to help kids eat their veggies!

Ingredients
Carrots
Coconut Oil
Seasoning of choice (I like to use Borsari)

Peel your carrots and cut into 3 inch pieces.  Then cut in 1/2 lengthwise then in 1/2 lengthwise again to get the width of fries.  Lightly rub coconut oil on the carrot sticks and grease a baking pan with it.  Season the carrots with sea salt and pepper and cook for 20 minutes on 400 degrees.

That's it!  They are very tasty and have a hint of sweetness to them.  Enjoy!
 

The Truth About Acne

Acne oh acne. How I personally despise you and have struggled with you over the years.  I'm sure most of you can relate to this, too!  It's something we all have struggled with at some point in our life.  Want to know why and learn about my personal journey? Keep reading!

Acne is something that results from a toxicity issue, hormonal imbalances or food allergies.  If you come see us for an appointment, we sort through and figure out which of these (or all three) are causing your breakouts. I have found little things that help topically, but topical applications NEVER EVER address the real issue which stems from an internal issue mentioned above.

First we address toxicities to get the bad stuff out of your body safely and effectively. These toxicities are usually due to heavy metals, chemicals or candida.  All of which are tested at the office. If toxins aren’t being eliminated properly (via bowel movements, urine, lymphatic system and sweat) they have to come out somewhere. And that somewhere is the skin! Doing a good cleanse is key. I like to think of them as ‘oil changes’ that you do for your body just like you would for your car. Somehow most people take care of their cars better than their own body!

Secondly hormonal imbalances... This takes time to balance out, but YES it can be done safely, naturally and effectively with herbs and whole food supplementation.  (This is what was causing my breakouts.)  Women, for example, are typically estrogen dominate for a number of reasons.  One being that people's livers are sluggish and estrogen backs up, plus all the soy and phytoestrogens in our diet.  

Women can also be progesterone deficient.  This happens for 1 of 2 reasons.  You may be progesterone deficient because you aren't making enough OR because you have so much estrogen that the ratio between estrogen and progesterone is so off balance that it appears you are low in progesterone because of the high levels of estrogen.  Moral of the story -  we have to balance out the hormones. There are herbs to help us achieve this naturally!  This is exactly what made the biggest change in me.  Men also have hormonal imbalances typically due to testosterone levels and these hormonal levels can be balanced out by natural supplementation as well!

Third is food allergies.  This is typically due to an allergy such as dairy or high levels of simple carbohydrates (sugars) and processed food.  Cleaning up the diet and even adding in a digestive aid can really make all the difference in the world.

My personal journey

I have really struggled with acne as I have gotten older.  It has been a frustrating battle.  I have done so many cleanses, cleaned out heavy metals, chemicals, candida, etc.  I felt so much better, but it only changed my skin mildly. I eat really clean and have been on digestive support and still no change.  I have done different topical ointments, toners and there was no major change.  I have also been on different hormonal regulators and female support supplements but it wasn't until I got on one that specifically helped raise my progesterone levels naturally that I found the BIGGEST change.  It was crazy how quick it kicked in.  

So I did more research, progesterone levels decrease with high amounts of stress.  This is why my acne flared up significantly with undergrad, but even more so with chiropractic school where my stress levels were through the roof. It all made sense!

I had been working on decreasing my estrogen levels by detoxes and focusing on supporting my liver, but until my progesterone levels increased my skin didn't change at all.  I have never been confident about my skin, but when I finally connected all the dots I have noticed a huge change and feel confident!

Now it isn’t perfect all the time. Right now as I type this my skin is broken out from doing a liver cleanse, but I know why- and know it will clear up when I am done. It is my body’s way of purging out toxins and I am okay with that.

NO not everyone's skin issues are like mine.  They could be due to any one of the factors above.  I have seen people's skin clear up within a week by simply getting rid of toxins.  Every single person's journey is different.

DO NOT put your children on antibiotics for acne.  This may work but for all the wrong reasons.  It kills all good and bad bacteria in their digestive environment and sets them up for so many immune issues down the road.  

My husband was on antibiotics for over a month when he was a teenager for acne.  His family didn't know what else to do like most people (and he didn't know me at the time ;).  As a long term result he had a lot of fatigue and allergies because of candida which is directly related to antibiotic use.  Every year he would get a sinus infection or 2 and get on more antibiotics.  He has done multiple candida detoxes to reestablish balance after being on so many antibiotics and his immune system is so much better and energy levels too! (PS- he hasn’t had a sinus infection in over 4 years since doing his first candida cleanse.)  

Other popular acne medications out there make it mandatory for females to take pregnancy tests while they are on the medication.  This is because if they are on it while pregnant it causes extreme birth defects in the fetus.  Pregnant or not why would you want to put that in your body?! Safe and natural is the way to go, and even better there are no side effects! 

Please do not hesitate to call the office or email if you struggle with acne or know any teenagers that do and want help. Remember you skin is an external reflection of what is going on internally.

There are natural, safe and effective ways to combat acne and we want to help you do it!

Perfect Plantain Pancakes

Hi everyone!  Becca here to tell you about one of my favorite pancake recipes.  Sunday mornings mean big breakfasts in our house.  Since going gluten free and then grain free, I have searched for a decent pancake or waffle recipe.  Some recipes were absolute flops-no pun intended- and others were pretty good.  It wasn't until I found this recipe on one of my favorite blogs that I finally found a permanent replacement.  

This recipe is completely whole foods! No grains, no dairy, no gluten!  Best yet, it is kid approved and delicious!   Since Emery is in school, I have been making 2 batches each Sunday.  One for breakfast and the other to freeze and send to school each day as a snack.  He loves them!  Use with your favorite Grade B pure maple syrup and enjoy!

Ingredients
2 large green plantains
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1/8 tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp of cinnamon
Any other fun add-ins (blueberries, chocolate chips, pecans)
Extra coconut oil for frying

Instructions
1. The green plantains are pretty hard to peel.  I have found it is easiest to cut each plantain into a few pieces and then gently slice through the peel.  

2. Place the peeled plantains and the eggs into your food processor or Vitamix/Ninja.  Blend to form a smooth batter.

3. Add everything else to the food processor and mix for another 30 seconds.

4. Lightly oil your pan and pour batter for your waffle or pancake. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes or until the sides are starting to starting to brown and firm up. Flip!  And cook on the second side for 1½-2 minutes.

Recipe adapted from The Paleo Mom.

Refreshing Summertime Drink

With the summer heat and humidity in full force, who doesn’t need a tasty refreshing drink!  It is great for adults and kids and a great switch from the regular ol’ water. 

1 bottle of Pellegrino water
1 to 1 1/2 cups of raspberries or any other fruit you'd like to use
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 cup of ice

Blend all together and there you go!  You could even add a little honey or xylitol (for those on Candida Clear) to sweeten it up.  I personally didn’t think it needed it, but it is always an option.  I also didn’t use ice in mine (I personally don’t like ice in my drinks) and it works just as well- more of a flavored water versus an icy drink.  

Enjoy!

Healthy Mashed 'Potatoes'

In the south mashed potatoes are a big deal.  The butter, the salt - it all gets in the way when you're trying to eat clean.  I'll let you in on a secret though, there's a health alternative out there and it is... cauliflower! 

You may not believe me until you try it but they really do taste like mashed potatoes!  Personally I am not a fan of raw or even cooked cauliflower, but when it is made into ‘mashed potatoes’ I love it.  I feel so much better when I eat this version too versus white potatoes where I get bloated and tired after eating them. 

 All you need is one head of cauliflower, a little butter or coconut oil, and some sea salt and pepper.

 First, steam the cauliflower for about 15 minutes and then cut off the stems.  Put the steamed cauliflower in a blender or Ninja and blend right up!  You can even mash them in a bowl like you would potatoes.  Then add a few tablespoons of butter or coconut oil as well as sea salt and pepper.

Add some chives or some other healthy toppings.  It is yours to customize!

Excellent Egg Drop Soup

This recipe is for all of you who come home after work and have to make dinner in a pinch.  The best part, you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator! This could possibly be the easiest recipe yet. Just because it’s so simple does not mean it lacks in taste!  I love egg drop soup at Chinese restaurants, but you never know what goes into it- especially the seasonings and flavoring (and MSG—a KNOWN toxin to the nervous system yet they still keep using it). 

Ingredients
4 Eggs
Chicken Stock (I use the organic chicken stock from Costco.  Such a great deal.)
Sea Salt and Pepper

Optional: Green onions for more flavor, quinoa, shredded chicken breast

Boil 4 cups of chicken stock (which happens to be right around the size of the Costco chicken stock box).  While the chicken stock is heating up, whisk 4 eggs in a separate bowl.  Once the chicken stock is boiling, slowly add the eggs. They will cook instantly!  Add a little sea salt and pepper and you are good to go!

It truly doesn't get any easier than that! Enjoy!

Easy Strawberry Xylitol Jam! Only 3 Ingredients!

Last week I mentioned I would have something to add to the banana bread. Well, here it is!  This strawberry xylitol jam recipe was given to me by a patient and whoa am I glad they did.  It's super easy and only 3 ingredients and perfect for all things that taste amazing with jam.

Ingredients

1 pint (4 cups) of fresh strawberries

1/4 cup sweetener of choice (honey/coconut palm sugar/xylitol)

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

Slice the stems off the strawberries and put in a food processer/blender until strawberries are almost liquid.

Place in a skillet over medium high heat, then add the lemon juice and natural sweetener of choice.  Note: If you use honey make sure it is stirred in.  It has a harder time mixing in at the beginning because the consistency of it.

Keep on medium high heat for 10 minutes and stir frequently.  It will be bubbly on the top and the jam will start to get a thicker consistency. After ten minutes remove from heat and place in a jar to let cool. Enjoy!

I was amazed how delicious it is! Put over your baked goods, pancakes, banana bread, homemade chocolate, Greek yogurt, or use as a topping for cake.

Ps.  It keeps for around 10 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

Paleo Banana Bread

Bananas - one minute they're the perfect shade of yellow and the next you're trying to find ways to eat them all before they go bad.  What's up with that?  Well, look no further.  I have a super tasty recipe for banana bread without any grains or added sugar, might I add. A win, win, win!

It's the perfect summer treat for breakfast, snack, or when you're just craving a little bit of sweetness.

Ingredients:

4 bananas, (2 1/2 cups mashed)

4 eggs

1/2 cup almond butter 

4 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted (or coconut oil)

1/2 cup coconut flour (or almond flour)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Combine your bananas, eggs, and nut butter, and butter/coconut oil in a blender, food processor, or mixing bowl (and make sure to mix well)

3. Once all of your ingredients are blended, add in your coconut/almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and sea salt and mix well

4. Pour your batter into a well-greased loaf pan. I use coconut oil as my nonstick oil- just make to you do not use sparingly but coat the loaf pan really well.

5. Place in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

6. Remove from oven, let cool and then slice and serve!!

That's it! So easy and so yummy.  Check back next week for a little added something you can add to your bread.

Recipe inspiration from Civilized Caveman Cooking.

All photos by Big White Table

Healthy Sweet Treat - Caramel Apple

Here is a healthy twist on a 'caramel' apple!  It isn't nearly as messy, and is a great treat to satisfy the sweet tooth and still eat clean.
Together eat a bite of an apple with 1/2 a date. 

I bet you will be surprised! (In a good way!)