Tag: healthy recipe

Antioxidant Power, Cardiovascular Health, Desserts, Gluten Free, Healthy Body, Heart Health, Immune Boosters, Inspiring Quotes, Lower Cholesterol, Recipes, Weight Loss

Huckleberry Cheesecake

Berry Bliss
Huckleberries are relatives of the blueberry and the cranberry they are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, iron and a good source of vitamin A.  They are a good source of vitamin B and helps speed up metabolism and potassium keeps skin, nerves and muscles happy and healthy by regulating water balances and eliminating wastes.
Huckleberries are medicinal for the blood and liver, they help manage serious illnesses such as heart disease, eczema, lowering cholesterol, muscular degeneration and diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, they also have bacteria fighting capabilities that are particularly useful in countering urinary-tract infections.  Huckleberries are also safe for diabetics to eat!
Wow.
There have been many clinical studies done to show that the huckleberry promotes eye health, especially against diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. However, back during World War I, the pilots in the Royal Air Force in Great Britain swore that eating huckleberry jam or drinking huckleberry cordials prior to flying night missions over Germany significantly improved their visual acuity in the darkness.
This time of year you will probably have to use frozen huckleberries, but that’s okay, your cheesecake will still be delicious! If you don’t have any frozen huckleberries, no worries, you may always use some other kind of berry!

Huckleberry Cheesecake:

Crust:

1 1/2 cup pecans or almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut, dried
7 dates (soaked)
Process crust ingredients in a food processor and press into bottom of a springform pan. If it feels too wet, place in dehydrator while you are preparing your filling to remove excess moisture.
If you were blessed with an abundance of huckleberries, place some fresh ones on the crust so you may have bursts of fresh huckleberries in your pie!

Filling:

3 cups cashews (soaked)
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1-1 1/2 cup huckleberries
1 cup huckleberry honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tablespoons vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut oil (melted at low temperature in dehydrator)
2 Tablespoons lecithin
Blend first seven ingredients in vitamix or blender until smooth. Add coconut oil and lecithin last. Pour mixture on top of pie crust. If you desire, you may choose to reserve two cups of the huckleberry mixture and add two tablespoons of chocolate and two tablespoons on vanilla, mix in blender and pour on top of huckleberry mixture in pan. Swirl it and twirl it to make it beautiful! Place in freezer for two hours or overnight before serving or in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight so that it may set. Serve and enjoy!
Tip: If your mixture is too thick add some date soak water. If your mixture is too thin add some coconut oil or more cashews.
All of life is a journey; which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there. ~From A Little Book of Happiness
Love,
Michelle
Allergy Relief, Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Power, ayurveda, Blood Sugar, Cleansing & Detoxification, Gluten Free, Healthy Body, Immune Boosters, Recipes, Skin Support

Vegetable Medley Soup

Berry Bliss
Soup is one that provides a powerful nourishment for the fall season. lots of veggies, tea and magical healing miso, how could one go wrong?

Vegetable Medley Soup:

  • 3-6 whole bell peppers, s-bladed
  • 1 bunch spinach, s-bladed
  • 1 bunch celery, 2mm-disk
  • 1-4 bunches cilantro , or basil s-bladed
  • 2-3 cups sundried tomatoes, soaked, s-bladed
  • 4 whole avocados, diced
  • 1 ½ cups pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds, whole
  • ½ cup cumin
  • ½ cup olive oil, or sesame oil
  • ½ cup lemon juice, or 2 Tablespoons apple vinegar
  • ¼ cup kalamata black olive brine
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon hing, or garlic
  • 1 cup miso
  • 4 cups nettle, dandelion, or rooibos tea

To make tea:

1/2 cup nettle, or dandelion or rooibos dry tea.

3 cups tea kettle watersteep for 20 minutes.

Miso, add enough miso till you like the taste. I like to use a gluten free miso from South River Miso, it makes Miso Happy! It is simply the best! (I will be putting in a bulk order soon so if you live in my area, let me know and I will order you some!)

Add all ingredients to a bowl and serve. You may choose to warm on stove till soup is warm to the touch or you may use a candy thermometer and heat to 120 degrees.

Note: When I say s-bladed it means to use the “S” shaped blade in your food processor to chop ingredients. Be careful not to process to much and puree it.  Just chop.

Nettles are used throughout the world to build vitality, nettles are delicious and if your in a moist area, free for the taking! But do take carefully! (Preferably with gloves) To harvest the leaf, you come at the leaf from the bottom, folding it along its central crease, yanking it gently from the mother plant, and then rolling it up so as to enclose the top of the leaf (where the stingers are most commonly found).
Nettles are persistent perennials that can grow taller than 2 meters (6 feet). Nettles grow in multiple thin stalks arising from the ground. Nettle leaves are typically collected, eaten and or dried in May and June, just before coming into flower. The stems and leaf tops of the stinging nettle plant are covered with thin, hair like protrusions. These protrusions, if touched, release a stinging fluid containing histamine and formic acid, which causes temporary burning and irritation. This injection, which is like and ant’s bite, increases circulation, and provides external treatment for arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, and scalp and heir problems. Nettle juice can be used as a hair rinse to restore natural color. Nettle extracts are used in many shampoos.
Internally, nettles are a kidney tonic with diuretic properties that help flush the blood and cleanse blood through the kidneys. Nettles afford allergy relief, enrich the blood, and thicken the hair. Due to their iron rich content and ease of absorption, nettle juice is more effective than spinach juice in building blood. Nettle leaves are highly alkaline. They neutralize and dissolve acidic wastes in the blood. Its power to purify the blood will do wonders for chronic skin ailments. Its effective against eczema on the upper body, especially on the face and neck, and ears. This benefit is likely due to its high silicon, chlorophyll, and vitamin C content.
Nettle juice is perfect for weight reduction. Nettles are also good for hypoglycemia, as they help reduce blood sugar levels, and they also ameliorate high blood pressure. Used for anemia and excessive menstruation, nettles also build overall energy and chi. Nettles reduce pitta and kapha and can be used, in moderation by vata. (If you know about ayurveda you know what Im talking about.)  Wow!
Stinging nettles probably originated in Eurasia, although there is some evidence that they were growing in the Americas when the Europeans arrived. Some of the strongest varieties grow in the United Kingdom and Germany.
Mythologically, the Nordics associated nettles with the thunder god Thor. Nettles were perceived to protect one from lightning. The incredible strengthening properties of the nettle plant really do make one more resistant to the elements.
When nettles are eaten, the saliva neutralizes the sting, so that one cannot be stung in the mouth or throat.
Mother nature provides her unique balance by providing a remedy for the nettle sting by allowing burdock to grow in the same locales as nettles. Mashed-up burdock leaves applied to the skin relieve nettle stings. Also the juice from the stinging nettle leaves acts as an antidote to the sting as well, when applied topically.
Simply and amazing plant!
 
Hope you all are having a wonderful fall!
Lots of hugs and blessings!
 
Michelle
 
PS. The information contained in this post came from the books, Eating for Beauty, by David Wolfe, and The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, by Rebecca Wood.
Gluten Free, Recipes

Stuffed Avocados

Berry Bliss
This is a post I wrote a long time ago for another website, I hope you enjoy it!
Stuffed avocados are fast and simple to make as well as easy to take to work to enjoy for lunch or a healthy snack!
Historically avocados had a long-standing stigma as a sexual stimulant, and were known by the Aztecs as “the fertility fruit”.
Avocados are also known as palta or aguacate in Spanish, the butter pear or alligator pear, is a tree native to the Caribbean, Mexico, South America and Central America, it is classified in the flowering plant family along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel. The name “avocado” also refers to the fruit, which is technically a very large berry! (I love berries!)
About 75% of the avocado’s calories comes from fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat.
Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K. They have the highest fiber content of any fruit. Wow!
The avocado is very popular in vegetarian cuisine, making it an excellent substitute for meats in sandwiches and salads because of its high fat content.
Nutritious and delicious!
This is a HUGE plate! There is no way I could eat all of this it was too filling!

Kind Refried “Beans” (without the musical side effects):
  • 17 whole sun-dried tomatoes, (soak and reserve water)
  • 2 cups sunflower seeds, soaked and drained
  • 1/2 jalapeno
  • 2 whole green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped and packed
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
In the bowl of the food processor fitted with the “S” blade, puree the drained seeds, tomatoes, and chipotle to a chunky “bean like” texture. (If you choose, save 1/4 cup of the sunflower seeds to mix at the end for an even chunkier texture.) Now place the rest of the ingredients in the bowl of the food processor, and continue to pulse until you reach your desired texture. It will be necessary to add a little of the reserved tomato water, and if you like it spicy use the chipotle water. Be careful not to use too much water, as you are looking for a consistency like refried beans or even ground hamburger.
Finally, taste your “beans” and adjust the flavor if necessary. When you are satisfied with the flavor, fold in the remaining sunflower seeds!
Just thinking about it makes me hungry!
Cashew Sour Cream:
  • 1 cup cashews, (soaked a couple of hours and drained)
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • if desired: 2 tablespoons chives
Blend cashews, lemon juice, salt, and just enough water to blend into a smooth kream.
Put sour kream in a bowl and stir in chopped chives.
Will keep in fridge for 4 days.
Use salsa recipe of your choice, have at least three avocados on hand.
Cut avocados in half, remove seed, you may choose to score the avocados for easier scooping. Then stuff with “beans”, add sour kream and salsa. I also like to add cilantro. Yummm!
Enjoy!
xoxoxo
Michelle
Gluten Free, Healthy Body, Inspiring Quotes, Recipes

Raw Pad Thai

Berry Bliss
This is one of my favorites because anyone who knows me knows that I love almond butter and I also like my veggies saucy.
This is so easy to make and crazy good! It will surely be a hit with the family or at a potluck or during your scrumptious 3 Day Cleanse!

For the Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup Almond Butter
  • Juice of one lime or grapefruit (depending on how much citrus you like)
  • 1/2 cup coconut water or if you like it really creamy use 1/2 cup Fresh Coconut Milk (do not use coconut milk from a can it does not taste good in this recipe!) Add more liquid as needed to get desired consistency.
  • 3 TBS Tamari Sauce or Coconut Aminos
  • 3 dates
  • 1 inch fresh ginger
  • Dash or two of cayenne

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend……
***If your sauce is too thick add more coconut water. If your sauce needs more salt add more tamari or coconut aminos. If you like it spicier add some fresh jalapeno (start with 1/4 teaspoon and add a little at a time so that you do not overdue it!) If you like it sweeter add more honey or dates….. delish!

Noodles:
Create noodles with spiralizer or by cutting them julienne. Carrots, zucchini, dikon radish, sprouts, and red pepper are all delicious in this dish. Place noodles on a bed of baby greens or torn up kale, cover in sauce and serve! For garnish you can use cherry or grape tomatoes, carrot slices, cilantro or even mint. Did I mention this dish is delicious?

We have to stop procrastinating, pretending that we have forever to do what we want to do and to be what we long to be. If we think that we want to become better and more loving human beings, we had better start moving in that direction right now. 
~Lama Surya Das
You may follow me on twitter: BerryBlissful
You are thoughtful, amazing, wonderful and beautiful!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog!
Love,
Michelle Berry-Shaffer
Anti-Aging, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Power, Balance Hormones, Blood Sugar, Boost Energy, Cardiovascular Health, Cleansing & Detoxification, Eye Health, Healthy Digestion, Healthy Mind, Heart Health, Immune Boosters, Inspiring Quotes, Juice, Recipes, Skin Support, Strength & Flex ibility, Weight Loss

3 Day Juice Cleanse

Berry Bliss

Cleansing is a great way to jumpstart your way to better health! A juice feasting adventure will give your body a break from caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, and alcohol so that you may establish new, healthier habits, renew your energy and detox your body with this short 3-Day Cleanse.

Make sure to use fresh organic ingredients for your juice, to ensure that your juices contain no synthetic ingredients. This supplies the body with a concentrated batch of natural vitamins and minerals in their natural form. With the extra nutrition, your body’s performance will improve and more energy will be available. With all of this extra energy many people report wanting to exercise, which leads to clearer thinking, healthier emotional states & weight control (you may even sleep better too). As dis-ease thrives in bodies which are filled with toxins, bacteria and carcinogens, most of which are found in un-healthy food. To prevent dis-ease and effectively defend itself, the body requires a wide assortment of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When you feel healthy, its natural to get more out of life. That is why I created this simple 3 Day Cleanse to boost your energy!

Juices

To prepare your body for juice cleansing please check out my 3 Day Cleanse.

3 Day Energy Boost Juice Cleanse!

Day 1

  • Drink 48 ounces of fresh juice throughout the day.
  • Drink water. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. (150 pound person would drink 75 ounces of water).
  • Fiber. Drink apple juice and 1 teaspoon fiber cleansing formula mixed with either 8 ounce of water and/or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Green Drink. Mix 1 tablespoon of a green powder like Pure Synergy, Vitamineral Green or Premier Research Labs Greens Mix with 8 ounces of water or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Drink as much herbal tea or lemon water as you want throughout the day.

Fresh juice and tea ideas for day 1:

  • Orange-Cherry-Ginger (16 ounces)
  • Celery-Pineapple-Kale-Swiss Chard-Ginger (32 ounces)
  • Ginger Tea

Day 2

  • Drink 48 ounces of fresh juice throughout the day.
  • Drink water. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. (150 pound person would drink 75 ounces of water).
  • Fiber. Drink apple juice and one teaspoon fiber cleansing formula mixed with either 8 ounce of water and/or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Green Drink. Mix 1 tablespoon of a green powder like Pure Synergy, Vitamineral Green or Premier Research Labs Greens Mix with 8 ounces of water or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Drink as much herbal tea or lemon water as you want throughout the day.

Fresh juice and tea ideas for day 2:

  • Beet-Carrot-Cherry-Grapefruit-Ginger-Lime (16 ounces)
  • Celery-Kale-Apple-Cilantro-Lemon-Ginger (32 ounces)
  • Licorice Tea

Day 3

  • Drink 48 ounces of fresh juice throughout the day.
  • Drink water. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. (150 pound person would drink 75 ounces of water).
  • Fiber. Drink apple juice and one teaspoon fiber cleansing formula mixed with either 8 ounce of water and/or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Green Drink. Mix 1 tablespoon of a green powder like Pure Synergy, Vitamineral Green or Premier Research Labs Greens Mix with 8 ounces of water or apple juice. Drink this twice a day.
  • Drink as much herbal tea or lemon water as you want throughout the day.

Fresh juice and tea ideas for day 3:

  • Beet-Grapefruit-Ginger (16 ounces)
  • Swiss Chard-Apple-Ginger (32 ounces)
  • Chamomile Tea

During your cleansing process:

Click here for detoxification symptoms and what you can do to help yourself through the process.

After the 3 Day Juice Cleanse

If you would like to continue cleansing, check out the post on a 3 Day Cleanse! You can make this journey a nine day cleanse if you do the 3-Day Raw Food Cleanse before and after your 3-Day Juice Cleanse!

As you ease back into eating remember to take time, to be thankful for having food. Choose easily digestible foods like soups (my favorite is miso) and smoothies.

Please let us know how your cleanse went! How do you feel afterwards? What did you like about the cleanse? What would you do differently next time?

True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one’s own self being fully realized. ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Juicy Bliss,

Michelle

Be Kind

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Incredible Strawberry Beet Smoothie

Berry Bliss

If you have been reading my posts all week you will know that its pre-fast week here in this house, so we are making a lot of soups and smoothies during our 3-Day Cleanse, preparing for the juice fast I am doing starting tomorrow! Yay!

This simple strawberry smoothies is packed with anti-oxidants and sweet goodness. The girls and I made this smoothie as an after school snack before we headed off to dance classes. Its a great pre-workout smoothie to energize and revitalize the body!

smoothie goodness

Incredible Strawberry Smoothie

  • 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 slice beetroot (for vibrant color and energy boost)
  • 1/2 cup kale or spinach
  • 2 Tbs walnuts
  • 1 Tbs vanilla
  • 1 tsp spirulina
  • 1 cup coconut milk or tea
  • 4 drops stevia

This makes one serving, so we made it x3. Place everything in blender, blend and enjoy! This was a great pre-workout/dance smoothie, as beets provide instant energy and are easy to digest (not to mention a great detoxifier)!!!

beets

13 Health Benefits of Strawberries:

  • Cardiovascular Benefits: No area of strawberry health benefits is better documented than benefits for the cardiovascular system. It’s also hard to imagine any other research result, since our heart and blood vessels need everyday protection from oxidative and inflammatory damage, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient content of strawberries is simply outstanding.
  • Antioxidants: Cardiovascular Benefits: No area of strawberry health benefits is better documented than benefits for the cardiovascular system. It’s also hard to imagine any other research result, since our heart and blood vessels need everyday protection from oxidative and inflammatory damage, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient content of strawberries is simply outstanding. These sweet gems help prevent cell destruction and harmful disease. So grab a pint and get snacking!
  • Anti-Inflammatory: The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, cancer, asthma and atherosclerosis.
  • Anti-Cancer: Since chronic, excessive inflammation and chronic, excessive oxidative stress (lack of antioxidant nutrients and unsupported oxygen metabolism) are often primary factors in the development of cancer, strawberries would definitely be expected to have cancer risk-lowering properties given their outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient content. Anti-cancer benefits from strawberries are best documented in the case of breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer. Most of the tumor-inhibiting studies on animals have focused on the phytonutrient content of strawberries.
  • Healthy Eyes: The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts—the clouding over of the eye lens—which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye’s cornea and retina.
  • Immune Booster: The amount of antioxidants, phytochemicals and flavonoids that work together synergistically in strawberries helps protect your health and destroy illness-causing germs.
  • Bone Health: Manganese in strawberries is great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone healthYounger Looking Skin: The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin. But vitamin C isn’t the only naturally-occuring wrinkle fighter found in strawberries. Researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea concluded that ellagic acid visibly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response—two major factors in the development of wrinkles—in human skin cells, after continued exposure to skin-damaging UV-B rays.
  • Fight Bad Cholesterol: According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among Canadian women. Luckily, strawberries also contain powerful heart-health boosters. “Ellagic acid and flavonoids— or phytochemicals—can provide an antioxidant effect that can benefit heart health in various ways,” explains Edwards. “One way includes counteracting the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL—bad cholesterol in the blood—which causes plaque to build up in arteries. A second way is that they provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart.” Researchers at the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto studied the effect of strawberries on a cholesterol-lowering diet and concluded that adding strawberries to the diet reduced oxidative damage, as well as blood lipids—both of which play a role in heart disease and diabetes.
  • Regulate Blood Pressure: Potassium is yet another heart healthy nutrient, and with 134 mg per serving, strawberries are considered a “medium source,” according to Alberta Health Services. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium. With their impact on the reduction of LDL, inflammation and high blood pressure, strawberries have earned the title of one of the most heart-healthy fruits you can eat. (And it kind of looks like a heart too!)
  • Promote Prenatal Health: Folate is a B-vitamin recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and strawberries are a good source with 21 mcg per serving. Folate is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy to help in the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord, and the folic acid in strawberries may help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida. (While I was pregnant with my second child I ate a pound of strawberries everyday!)
  • Improvement of Inflammatory Bowel Problems: Interestingly, even though strawberries contain relatively small amounts of salicylic acid (an anti-inflammatory compound very similar to the acetylsalicylic acid of aspirin), some researchers have suggested that this naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory substance in strawberries might be partly responsible for decreased inflammation in the digestive tract of individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
  • Aids in Weight Management: Strawberries contain a compound called nitrate that has positive effects on blood flow and oxygen around the body. Nitrate stops muscles from becoming too tired after exercise. Plus they are low in calories so you can eat a lot of them!

Go on and make your Incredible Strawberry Beet Smoothie to enhance your workout potential!! You are amazing and worth it!

strawberry smoothie magic

Have a beautiful day!

Michelle

Empty yourself Empty yourself and let the universe fill you!

Anti-Inflammatory, Healthy Body, Juice, Recipes, Weight Loss

Greeña Colada

Berry Bliss

Since I live in Montana, and its cold and snowy outside this time of year, I long for warm beaches and sunny clear skies. But in the mean time I can create my own tropical hideaway in my space by cranking up the heat, practicing yoga and making myself a delicious Greeña Colada!

Greeña Colada:

  • Meat of one coconut (I used the fresh coconut water yesterday for a hydrating drink super drink)
  • 1 banana (or 4 drops of stevia if you want this to be lower glycemic)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple
  • 1/2 cup cashews (or whatever kind of nut you have on hand – almonds, ect..)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup coconut milk or tea or water
  • 1 Tablespoon Premier Greens Mix
  • 1 teaspoon spirulina
  • 1 drop of vitamin D3 serum

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!

Greeña Colada

Pineapple is a great digestive aid because it helps the body break down and digest proteins more efficiently. The enzyme in pineapple that is so amazing is called Bromelain, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory. If you eat 1/2 cup of pineapple a day it is said to provide pain relief by helping to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. In sports medicine, bromelain is used to reduce inflammation and swelling after an injury.

Pineapple is also known to help dissolve blood clots and is an old folk remedy for morning sickness. So go ahead and drink up your Greeña Colada!

In light,

Michelle

Winter Wonderland

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Power, Boost Energy, Cleansing & Detoxification, Healthy Body, Immune Boosters, Recipes, Skin Support, Weight Loss

Michelle’s Super Green Smoothie

Berry Bliss

Smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet to increase your overall health! If you have kids its easy to get them to participate in making smoothies by having them “experiment” with different ingredients, it also helps if you love making smoothies too because leading by example is the best teacher!

Health Benefits of Green Smoothies:

  • Increase Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
  • Easy to Digest and Assimilate Nutrients
  • Antioxidants and Phytonutrients
  • Mental Clarity and Focus
  • Increased Fiber Intake
  • Clearer Skin
  • Natural Weight Loss
  • Reduced Cravings For Junk Foods
  • Alkalizing to help maintain a proper pH level in your body.

Now is a good time to try to make your own green smoothie! Try to stick to about 60% greens and about 40% fruit.

Michelle’s Super Green Smoothie:

  • 1 Frozen Banana
  • 1 Large Kale Leaf or 2 Small Kale Leaves
  • 1 cup Blessed Water
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts
  • 1 tsp Friendly Force (Vegan Powdered Probiotic by Healthforce Nutritionals)
  • 1 tsp Vitamineral Earth
  • 1 tsp Spirulina
  • 1 tsp Maca
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp Max B-ND by Premier Research Labs
  • 1/2 tsp Liver Care by Premier Research Labs
  • 1 dropper full Nettle Tincture
  • 1 dropper full Chaga Tincture
  • 4 drops Stevia
  • 1 drop Vitamin D3 by Premier Research Labs
  • Dash of Cinnamon

Put everything in a blender and blend away! How’s that for a super smoothie?

If you don’t have all of these ingredients, don’t worry about it, experiment, taste test, and most of all have fun with it!

Lots of love to you!

Michellesmoothie goodness

Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Power, Cardiovascular Health, Cleansing & Detoxification, Eye Health, Heart Health, Immune Boosters, Recipes, Skin Support, Weight Loss

Super Delicious Broccoli Salad

Berry Bliss
Wow. Its that time of year when we are getting ready for Thanksgiving and other holiday festivities in which we come together and share food!
Being that my youngest daughter and I are the only veg-heads in the family, the side dishes are our favorite part of the meal and this recipe is a great addition! Hearty and delicious!

Delicious Broccoli Salad:

  • 1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite sized chuncks
  • 1 handful almonds
  • 1 cup scallions, or green onions
  • ¾ cup raisins, currants or olives
  • DRESSING BLEND:
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup tahini
  • ½ cup red onion
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced
  • ½ whole jalapeno pepper, seeds removed
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons oil, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon corriander
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, (optional)
  • 1 Tablespoon agave, to taste
Cut and toss body ingredients into a bowl.

Blend dressing ingredients in a blender, add to body ingredients, massage together and enjoy!

Broccoli is cooling in nature, and helps reduce eye inflammation. It is slightly diuretic in action. Broccoli reduces pitta and kapha. Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C as an orange, and almost as much calcium as whole milk-and its calcium is better absorbed by our bodies. Broccoli contains selenium, is a modest source of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E, and has value as an antioxidant.
(The leafy greens–not the blossoms–offer the most nutrients)
Interestingly enough, raw broccoli and broccoli sprouts offer the highest amount of support to people with stomach problems. This is because many stomach problems have been linked in research studies with overgrowth of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, and also with excessive attachment of this bacterium to the inner stomach lining. Raw broccoli and broccoli sprouts provide special stomach support with respect to these unwanted overgrowth and over-attachment circumstances. Since half of our immune system is in our digestive tract, broccoli is a great immune system booster!
Broccoli is also concentrated in phytonutrients. In one particular phytonutrient category—glucosinolates—broccoli is simply outstanding. The isothiocyanates (ITCs) made from broccoli’s glucosinolates are the key to broccoli’s cancer-preventive benefits.
Yumm.
Noah and I also served this salad at our wedding, everyone loved it!
Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!
Pray for snow!
xoxoxox
Michelle
Sources:
Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Power, Balance Hormones, Blood Sugar, Cardiovascular Health, Healthy Body, Heart Health, Recipes, Weight Loss

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Berry Bliss
This is the perfect chocolate mousse!
The avocado is a versatile food that is used in a variety of raw dishes– like gazpacho and other cold soups, fruit salads, dips, desserts, and even ice cream! Avocados are a healthful substitute for sour cream or cream cheese in dressings, dips and spreads. But today we are going to explore chocolate mousse!
Avocados are amazing!
  • Promote heart health
  • Wide-range of anti-inflammatory benefits (including reducing & preventing arthritis)
  • Optimized absorption of carotenoids (fat soluble phytonutrients)
  • Supports cardiovascular health
  • Promotes blood sugar regulation
  • Balances hormones

Many varieties of this native American plant are grown, but there are basically two different skin types: a smooth, green-skinned variety that remains green when ripe–this is known as the Fuerte and it is available in the fall and winter; and Hass, a dark, rough-skinned variety that blackens as it ripens is available in the summer.
Select avocados that are fairly heavy for their size and free of irregularities. When the fruit yields to gentle finger pressure, it is ripe. Store at room temperature until ripened, then refrigerate.
  • The Perfect Chocolate Mousse
  • ½ cup dates, pitted, soft
  • 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut butter, (optional)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons non-alcohol vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups avocado, mashed (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup raw carob powder
  • 4-6 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Directions:
  • Soak the dates in 1/2 cup fresh water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain soak water and set aside. In a food processor, blend dates, maple syrup, coconut butter (if desired), and vanilla until smooth. Spoon in avocado and blend until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of date soak water if necessary to aid in blending. Spoon in carob and cocoa powder and blend until smooth.
    Spoon mousse into parfait or wineglasses. Keeps fresh for several days.
    You may also choose to freeze for a decadent ice cream! Yumm!

Eighty-eight percent of an avocado’s calories come from fat–primarily monosaturated fat–which makes avocados an excellent food for people wishing for the nourishment and the building of blood and yin. Because they are an excellent source of fat for people who have difficulty assimilating other fatty foods they are also a good source of protein, potassium, and vitamin E. They also reduce vata, which is perfect for this time of year!
And there you have it!
xoxox,
Michelle