HEALTHY SNACKS WITH A WARM-WEATHER ZING

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP

 

Healthy snacks are an important part of a balanced diet. Eating something nutritious every few hours keeps your glucose levels healthy, maintains mental and emotional stability, boosts your energy and provides nutrients that your body needs.

 

 

5 EVERDAY ESSENTIALS

 

GREENS Drink green food concentrates first thing in the morning. They are nourishing and easy to prepare. Mix them with water or your favourite juice to embellish the flavours. Green drinks detoxify the body, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and give you abundant energy and stamina.

 

PROTEIN Take a protein drink every day to repair and build the body tissues. Protein keeps you energized, alert, balances blood sugar, and is needed for healthy cells, maintenance of lean muscle tissue, and formation of happy hormones. Arugula, maca, chlorella, bee pollen, hemp seeds, goji berries, spirulina are all good protein sources. You can also use rice, hemp or whey protein in shakes. Mix it with water, and add some berries.

 

NUTS and SEEDS Bring along a bag of almonds, sunflower seeds and/or pumpkin seeds to snack on in-between meetings or on a long drive. They nourish the brain and contain protein, fibre, vitamin E and calcium. Make your own pâtés with almonds, parsley, lemon, green onions and olive oil. You can also use arugula and watercress instead of parsley. Filling and nutritious, use them on whole grain bread and crackers. You can also use pâtés in wraps, such as rice paper, kamut pitas and raw nori sheets.

 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fresh berries, whole apples, papaya, mango, pineapple and banana can provide energy. They’re refreshing and packed with nutrients and fibre. Eat fruit as a snack at least 30 minutes before a meal and two hours after a meal.

 

Prepare a convenient salad-in-a-jar. Make a dressing from olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon and Celtic sea salt and pour it in the bottom of the jar. Add in radicchio, romaine, green leafy lettuce, collard greens, red cabbage, napa cabbage, kale, dandelion, endive, watercress, and parsley. Toss in some ground flaxseeds, hemp seeds or dulse.

 

SEA VEGETABLES Include seaweed, daily, such as dulse, wakame, arame, kombu, spirulina, and chlorella. They are a good source of organic minerals – alkaline-forming to buffer the acid ashes of proteins and grains. They remove toxic chemicals and metals from the body. Toss them on salads or use in sandwiches and wraps.

 

 

 

I recommend a step-by-step approach, in order to be successful in your journey to conscious eating habits. Start incorporating new food choices one week at a time. If possible, eat at least 70 to 80 per cent of raw, live food every day. Write your daily and weekly menus for snacks on paper; it will help save you time, and prevent impulse shopping.

 

 

Sexy, Fit and Fabulous for 2014

How many times have you said to yourself, “I have to lose weight”, “I have to go to the gym more often”, “I have to eat healthier”, I want to look sexy, fit and fabulous.

We tend to do the same resolutions every year, but nothing happens because we are simply not ready. We know that at some point we will have to decide what we really want. We want to look sexy, fit and fabulous!

What we think, believe and do is a reflection of our internal balance and harmony with ourselves. When we become conscious of that it becomes easier to make proper food choices.

The approach to healthy eating is a slow transition.

1.            LOVE YOURSELF

Find a quiet, peaceful moment in your busy schedule. Create a personal space using candles, incense, flowers and stones in your favourite room. 

Think about all the good things that happened to you lately – especially when you feel down or caught in negative feelings. Be grateful for everything you have: health, people that you love and that love you, your parents, your spouse, friends etc. Write down your affirmations. Visualize what you would like to create in your life and sense it as if it is happening right now (health, sexy, fit and fabulous slender body, happiness, harmony), and practice love, peace and compassion.

2.            LOVE YOUR FOOD

Listen to your Body. How do you feel emotionally, physically and spiritually after ingesting certain foods?  What are your cravings? Incorporate one food at a time and experiment with it. Prepare your food with love, as it will aid in digestion. Create your own recipes in order to develop a relationship with food.

3.            LET IT GO

Our body needs natural food, rich in nutrients and enzymes without pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and that has not been irradiated, packaged, processed and genetically modified. Eliminate them!  Remember what you put in your body is what you become. If you put junk in your body, your body becomes a junk yard, and if you put superfoods in your body you become healthy, happy,sexy, fit and fabulous in body, mind and spirit. A work of art! 

 

 4.            EAT SUPERFOODS

Superfoods will detoxify your body and nourish and rejuvenate the cells. These life-force foods include fruits, vegetables, and raw or sprouted seeds and nuts. Think about live, organic food taken from the garden and solar-powered with the sun’s energy. When we eat this food, this energy is transferred into our body and gives us energy, youthfulness, and well-being.

SEA VEGETABLES: Eat spirulina, dulse, wakame, arame, kombu, or chlorella on a daily basis. They are packed with trace minerals, and they remove toxic chemicals and metals from the body. Toss them on salads or use in soups.

VEGETABLES: Make your own salad with radicchio, green leafy lettuce, arugula, and dandelion. You can add beans or radishes and sprinkle on some ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, or dulse.

WHOLE GRAINS: Eat fibre such as basmati brown rice, amaranth hemp seeds, kamut breads and Quinoa. They are important for digestive health and efficient bowel movements.

GOJI BERRIES: Packed with nutrients and fiber, eat this fruit at least ½ hour before your meal. Have a bowl of fruit in the morning. Mix apples, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, pears and sprinkle with Goji berries.

SEEDS AND NUTS: Eat almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and brazil nuts. For better digestion soak seeds and nuts over night.

SMOOTHIES: Mix hemp or rice protein with almond milk in a blender.  Add some maca and/or bee pollen, as well as frozen bananas. It is so yummy and filling.

WATER: Drink water that has gone through reverse osmosis.  Make sure that you get at least two litres of water a day to help your body remove toxic waste, especially if you drink coffee and alcohol, which are diuretics and promote fluid loss.

GREEN TEA: Drink this instead of coffee. It is a potent antioxidant, contains flavonoids, helps regulate blood sugar, and is anti-inflammatory.

LEAN PROTEIN:  Fish, eggs, and chicken are very good for non-vegetarians.

 

5.            EXERCISE

There is no weight loss and fit body without exercise. Adding 30 to 45 minutes of gentle physical exercise such as walking, cycling, and dancing will promote cleansing of the blood by stimulating circulation and perspiration. It will increase strength and well-being, and reduce stress. Be around people that exercise regularly and eat healthy!

Treat your body, your temple, the house of your soul with care and respect. You want to make the best choices for your body; you want to eat the best food available on the planet and we want to be sexy, fit and fabulous.

HERB BROCCOLI SALAD

2 cups broccoli, chopped in florets

1 yellow red bell pepper, cubed

2 tbsp capers, sundried

1 lemon, freshly squeezed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic, minced

½ tsp marjoram, dry

½ tsp sage, dry

Celtic salt to taste

Sunflower seeds

 

Combine broccoli, red bell pepper, capers, lemon, olive oil, garlic, marjoram, sage and salt in a salad bowl

Marinate the mixture for ½ hour

Sprinkle with sunflower seeds

 

How to Indulge Yourself on Party Food

Holidays are the hardest time for to stick with sensible eating habits. You are invited to parties and celebrations where you get tempted with rich traditional treats, sweets and goodies. But you don’t need to worry,  as long as you mentally accept and understand the importance of healthy eating habits. It is ok to indulge yourself on party food during the holiday season, but don’t feel guilty afterwards. Feel every bite with joy and love and you will experience a well-being of body, mind and spirit. And that is what counts.

 

 

PLAN AHEAD PARTY FOOD:  This will give you confidence and security

• Drink water with freshly squeezed lemon first thing in the morning to alkalize your body.  Let this become your every day routine.
• Have some ginger tea before the party; it will help digest food better, and prevent bloating and flatulence.
• Take digestive enzymes with you just in case you mix different foods and make poor food choices.  
• Eat some protein before you go to the party; you will not be so hungry, seeking unhealthy party food treats.
• Bring your own special party food munchies and treats; at least you know that they are without preservatives, additives and ingredients that you are allergic to. 

 

 

       AT THE PARTY:  Enjoy yourself on party food

• Enjoy holiday party foods, but be selective.
• Try not to mix a lot of different party foods; your tummy will thank you.
• For every glass of wine drink two glasses of water…you will prevent dehydration and a hangover.

 

 

       PARTY FOOD THE DAY AFTER:  Replenish and detoxify

• Probiotics are essential for intestinal health, especially if you suffer from stomach aches, cramps, and bloating. They will replenish good bacteria and facilitate elimination.
• Detox your body with fresh homemade juices made of dandelion, beets, apples and carrots. They are easy to digest, will detox your liver, and flush out alcohol. And if you think that your body requires more food, then try only easy digestible foods such as quinoa, brown rice etc.

Below are my deliciously tasty treats. They are easy to prepare and you can enjoy them all year around. They contain no bleached white flour or unhealthy fats. They perfect party food!

PAPAYA, MANGO AND FRESH FIG SALAD

½ large papaya, peeled and cubed

1 mango, peeled and chopped

4 fresh figs, chopped

½ lemon juice

1 tsp. cinnamon

 

Combine all ingredients together and sprinkle with cinnamon.

 

GOJI CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

1 cup almonds soaked

½ cup goji berries, soaked

2 tbsp of raw coconut oil

2 tbsp of raw cacao
Coconut flakes

Blend the almonds and goji berries in a food processor to a smooth consistency.

Add coconut oil and blend some more

Mix in the raw cacao.

Shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in coconut flakes

 

ENJOY and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family.

 

Remember, you don’t go to the party to only eat, but to visit your family and friends.  It is a celebration of life and friendship, and a time of giving and joyful reunions.

 

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP

In August I like to invite friends to join me on a picnic, at the beach, on a farm or in my own garden.

A summer picnic is all about playing outdoors, laughing, relaxing and eating delicious food. As a host and nutritionist I feel a responsibility to provide the most nutritious food that will also satisfy every taste bud.

I create special recipes so that when my friends come they can’t wait to try my picnic-perfect ideas.

 

HEALTHY PICNIC – PERFECT IDEAS

1. Use colorful summer harvest

Take advantage of the fruits and vegetables that come into season gradually from June to August such as apricots, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries and plums. They are delicious in fruit salads or sliced and topped with seed sauces.

Asparagus, celery, carrots, red and yellow peppers, cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes are excellent summer vegetables to give color and texture to your dish.

 

2. Quick and Easy vegan appetizers

Create an easy healthy food by using fresh, crisp vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, peppers, chopped fennel, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli florets. 

Arrange sliced vegetables on a platter, and add home-made spreads or dips in the center such as parsley dip, hummus, white bean dip or spinach dip.  

Raw almond butter is yummy and delicious with celery sticks. Baked tortilla chips are healthier version of high fat corn chips and excellent with my home-made salsa. Try brown rice crackers – they go with everything.

I always serve nori vegetable rolls stuffed with sunflower or almond pate and veggies. They are filling and a perfect bite size appetizer.

 

3. Perfect Salads

Cool and crisp salads are always fabulous to eat during the hot summer days. Make your own salad with English cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. This salad is a perfect summer meal and one of my favourites.

For building your own salad use vegetables that you can prepare the day before, such as broccoli, celery, carrots, green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, radishes, zucchini, cucumbers and olives. You can sprinkle them with walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds or almonds.

 

4. Delicious Fruit Salads

I use fruits as a sweet dessert. I like to mix strawberries, apples, bananas, peaches, grapefruits and oranges in the bowl. Watermelon is also very cooling on a hot summer day.

Prepare the fruit salad the evening before your picnic. Sprinkle fruit with lemon to prevent browning and cover the bowl with a clear plastic wrap. Store it over night in the refrigerator.

Serve the fruit salad as is or sprinkle it with cinnamon or coconut flakes. So good and refreshing!

 

5. Perfect Beverages

Pure water is of course the best for our body in the hot summer days. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day, especially if you are playing outdoors in a hot sun. You can add some freshly squeezed lemon to your water for flavour or you can make your own smoothie recipe with strawberries, banana and blueberries. Pour the smoothies into icy cold bottles and take to the picnic in a cooler with lots of ice-cubes.

 

Enjoying summer picnics does not have to be a challenge for healthy eating. Try these suggestions and appreciate the gifts that nature provides for us.

 

 

Healing with Colours of Food

Each food carries a vibration and each colour of the rainbow has its own frequency. For example, freshly picked vegetables from an organic garden have a different vibration that pesticide-laden cooked food.

When we eat this colourful, high frequency food we ingest positive energies into our body. There are seven primary colours in food that correspond to seven main energy centers or “chakras” in the body.

Each Chakra can be affected by specific emotional and psychological issues. These energy centres are connected to our nerves, hormones and emotions. Chakras are the link between energy and the physical body.

 

RED COLOUR CHAKRA – is located at the base of the spine and is a basic survival center in the body. Associated organs are adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, legs and feet.

Feed your root chakra with red food:

Beets, red peppers, red radishes, tomatoes, red apples, strawberries, cherries, red grapes, and raspberries contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the adrenals colon, connective tissues and artery walls. Eating red food is also beneficial for people who have back pain, poor circulation, poor blood, are anaemic and are constantly cold.

 

Red food will give you confidence and well-being. If you are constantly tired, cold, depressed and with no energy than you are probably missing red from your food.

 

ORANGE COLOUR CHAKRA – is located in the pelvic (sacrum) area between the pubis and navel.

Associated organs are sacrum, lower part of the intestines, bladder and kidneys.

Feed your sacral chakra with orange food such as carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, papayas, apricots and peaches. Carrots are one of the best detoxifiers. They nourish the kidneys and liver and are rich in beta-carotene. Beta carotene prevents bladder, rectal, stomach and cervical cancer. Sweet potatoes are a kidney tonic and are rich in beta carotene. Oranges prevent bladder, rectal and stomach cancer and have a cleansing effect on the body. Mango is another delicious healthy fruit with lots of vitamin C, beta carotene, and pectin. Mangoes are used to treat kidney inflammation.

Orange is the colour of joy and wisdom, giving you physical energy and emotional strength

Eating orange food stimulates the appetite and aids digestion.

 

YELLOW COLOUR CHAKRA – is a solar plexus chakra located between the navel and the heart.

Associated organs are stomach, spleen, skin, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

 

Feed your sacral chakra with yellow food.

Bananas, lemons, pineapples, yellow pepper, parsnips, cinnamon and grapefruits

contain fiber, vitamin C, pottasium, magnesium and pectin. Pineapple contains the protein-digesting enzyme bromelain which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Banana is soothing for the stomach and helps balance intestinal flora. Cinammon is a digestive tonic, relieves gas and balances blood sugar.

 

Yellow is the colour of the sun and is the colour of happiness and cheerfulness.

Eating yellow food will help you focus and help you with concentration.

 

 

 

 

                      

HEALING WITH COLOURS IN FOOD

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP

Holistic Nutritionist/Plant Based Nutrition Coach, Holistic  Orthomolecular Practitioner

I have a simple explanation what colour is. Colour is a result of light and it is broken down into wavelengths and into different vibrational levels.

Foods that we eat daily also carries a vibration  and each colour of the rainbow has its own frequency.  When we eat this colourful, high frequency food, we ingest positive energies into our body.

 Foods affect our body, emotions, mind and spiritual life.  What we eat and how we eat also reflects a state of harmony within ourselves, with the environment and with the planet.

Food is much more than fat, protein and carbohydrates. Foods also possess energies that are important for healing, maintaining, building and cleansing the body.  Each food has a particular taste, shape, colour and texture.

Full spectrum coloured food contains sunlight energies stored in plants through the process of photosynthesis.

Seven spectrum colours in food correspond to seven main energy centers or “chakras” in the body. The word “chakra” is derived from Sanskrit meaning “wheel”. A chakra is a spinning vortex or wheel of energy; each one is located along the spine from the base to the crown of the head.

Chakras can be affected by specific emotional and psychological issues, as they are connected to our nerves, hormones and emotions.  Chakras are the link between energy and the physical body.

Vaccine Fillers and Ingredients

By   Dr. Mercola

In addition to the viral and bacterial RNA or DNA that is part of the vaccines, here are the fillers:

 

aluminum hydroxide

aluminum phosphate

ammonium sulfate

amphotericin B

animal tissues: pig blood, horse blood, rabbit brain,

dog kidney, monkey kidney,

chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg

calf (bovine) serum

betapropiolactone

fetal bovine serum

formaldehyde

formalin

gelatin

glycerol

human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)

hydrolized gelatin

monosodium glutamate (MSG)

neomycin

neomycin sulfate

phenol red indicator

phenoxyethanol (antifreeze)

potassium diphosphate

potassium monophosphate

polymyxin B

polysorbate 20

polysorbate 80

porcine (pig) pancreatic hydrolysate of casein

residual MRC5 proteins

sorbitol

sucrose

thimerosal (mercury)

tri(n)butylphosphate,

VERO cells, a continuous line of monkey kidney cells

washed sheep red blood cells

Foods that Romance

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Orthomolecular practitioner, Raw Food Coach

 

Have you ever thought about planning a romantic candlelight dinner for two in your home?

I encourage you to plan one as an expression of love, gratitude and connectivity to your loved one.

Let your spouse know that he or she is important to you and write your own invitation with a date and time of your romantic night. Be creative and place the invitation on mate’s pillow or in the pocket or send it by mail.

Bring romance into your life and feel the passion; buy yourself a sexy dress and buy flowers, candles and essential oils ahead of time.

 

ROMANTIC TABLE

 

Setting the mood on your table is as important as the food on the plate. Set the table in front of the fireplace with a pretty tablecloth. Light the candles on your table preferably from beeswax. They are natural, clean burning and healthy for you. Pure beeswax candles smell pleasant and the smell will not interfere with the smell of your wonderful delicious nutritious meal.

I like white tablecloth; it goes very beautifully with gold. You can use gold chargers and white plates and sprinkle some white or yellow rose petals on the table.

Play the soft music to set the right mood. Use pure organic essential oils such as vanilla, lavender or mandarin to fragrance the room.

This is a celebration of love; it is angelic.

 

 

LOVE FOOD

 

Express the love that is in your heart by choosing the most exquisite romantic food that will nourish your senses, body and soul and bring attraction to each other.

Food affects us how we feel and good nutrition is the foundation of our sexual vitality.

Excessive sugar, saturated fat, processed foods affects our sexual desire, our mood and energy level.

Foods that are fresh and live such as leafy green vegetables, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, nuts and deliciously rich chocolate made from pure cacao will boost your energy and stamina.

According to ancient wisdom tradition there are foods to be edible aphrodisiacs.

 

Fruits of the Gods:

 

Strawberries are heavenly fruit. Seduce your lover with red heart shape strawberries. They are perfect fruit for dipping in chocolate (raw cacao sauce)

 

Banana is favorite fruit of the sages. Banana is sweet and rich in potassium, vitamin C and pectin. It is essential to sex hormone production and provides energy and stamina. Dip banana in chocolate and feed your lover.

 

Mango is exotic tropical fruit. It strengthens the heart and provides energy and stamina. It contains vitamin C and E, potassium and magnesium. Mango has a sweet fragrance and is perfect fruit to share with your bellowed. Use your imagination…

 

Raspberry is sexy fruit. Raspberries with its shape and texture are perfect for finger feeding your lover.

Raspberries are sweet-and-sour fruit. They are a good source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

 

Figs are luscious soft plump fruits rich in folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and potassium. Figs are considered aphrodisiac because of the shape and fig’s pink flesh…

Use figs in salads, as a snack or for dessert.

 

Avocado is sensual fruit, powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and B complex. Avocado is a traditional remedy for erectile dysfunction. It is also a good source of beta carotene, potassium and folate, nutrients good for circulation and heart.

Avocado contains monounsaturated fat that helps maintain levels of good cholesterol.

 

Raw Cacao is considered by the Aztecs nourishment of the gods. Raw cacao is a super food high in sulfur, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. It is super rich in antioxidants (the richest source of any food)

Raw Cacao is an aphrodisiac, high in feel good hormone serotonin and also dopamine and anandamide which increase feeling of well-being.

 

Asparagus has long been used as an aphrodisiac; because of its phallic shape and also because it increases circulation in the genito-urinary system.

Asparagus is packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, B, C, iodine, potassium and zinc. It also boosts vitality and is needed for healthy hormone production.

Feed asparagus to your lover by hand.

 

Celery is an aphrodisiac rich in folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica and fiber. It is a blood purifier, helps neutralize acids in the body, freshen your breath and cleans your teeth.

According to the research celery contains androsterone a potent male pheromone which is released through perspiration after eating. Androsterone is thought to attract females.

Eat a lot of raw celery and you could increase your natural production of pheromones.

 

Sunflower seeds contain zinc needed to produce testosterone in the body. They are excellent for strengthening the nervous system, lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Sunflower seeds build energy and increase sexual vigor in both men and women.

 

 

Vanilla is best known as an aphrodisiac. Vanilla has a powerful scent which is believed to arouse sexual desire.

 

Below are my delicious recipes made to induce romance and spark love between you and your partner.

Invite your partner to prepare dishes with you. Imagine kissing and hugging your partner while they chop veggies or preparing other dishes and desserts. Pour some wine or even champagne in glasses or make something alcohol free such as refreshing piña colada made of fresh coconut meat, coconut water, agave nectar and fresh pineapple chunks. It can be sensual experience.

 

Indulge yourself with a scented bath or a massage using bath oils later or after a meal.

 

Love requires care and nurturing and to plan a romantic meal at home more often is a beautiful way to symbolize love.

 

 

Black Mission Figs with Arugula and Macadamia Ricotta

 

6 – 8 Black Mission figs, halved

2 cups arugula

Extra virgin olive oil

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw

Celtic salt and pepper to taste

 

 

In a salad bowl toss the arugula with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon, salt and pepper.

Place arugula on the plate and arrange figs over the top.

Sprinkle with macadamia ricotta

 

Macadamia Ricotta

 

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw, soaked 2 hours

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

Celtic salt to taste

Water to a smooth consistency

1 tbsp chives, finely chopped

1 tsp. oregano, fresh, minced

 

Mix all the ingredients in a blender.

 

 

Preparation:

 

Spoon 4 tablespoon of chocolate cream into a small bowl

Insert bananas into chocolate cream in a bowl.

Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with pecans or other preferred nuts.

 

 

 

Celery Boats with Orange Ricotta Cheese

 

 

Serve this as the perfect beginning to your meal

 

5 – 10 Celery ribs

½ cup raisins, soaked 1 hour

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw, soaked 2 hours

1 orange, freshly squeezed juice

1 orange, flesh

Chives, fresh, to taste

 

 

Soak raisins for an hour before they are needed

Mix together macadamia orange ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed orange juice, raisins, and orange pieces.

Wash celery stalks. Cut stalks into 1 to 2 inch lengths.

Spread orange ricotta cheese onto celery pieces.

Place celery boats on a plate and top with celery leaves to garnish.

 

 

Strawberries Dipped in Raw Cacao

 

1 cup raw cacao or carob powder

½ cup agave nectar

¼ tsp Celtic salt

¼ cup coconut oil

10 to 15 strawberries

 

Mix raw cacao or carob powder, agave nectar, coconut oil and Celtic salt in a bowl until silky smooth.

Place in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to chill.

Place parchment paper on a large tray.

Hold the stem and dip each strawberry in the raw cacao or carob mixture.

Place strawberries on the large tray and put the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving

 

Asparagus Salad with Oranges

 

1 bunch (15 spears) asparagus, trimmed

 

 

Orange Mustard Sauce

 

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

1 orange, freshly squeezed

Extra virgin olive oil

Agave nectar to taste

1 tsp mustard powder

Celtic salt and pepper

 

 

Arrange asparagus spears on a plate, drizzle with orange mustard sauce and sprinkle with pepper.

 

Note: Try to get thin spears as thick stalks tend to be woody.

 

 

Raw Banana Split

 

Chocolate Cream

 

½ avocado

2 bananas

¼ to ½ coconut water or to desired consistency

2 tbsp carob powder

 

In a food processor blend all the ingredients until smooth.

 

 

Whipped Cream

 

2 cups cashews, raw, soaked for 3 hours

Agave nectar to taste

Coconut water

1 tbsp vanilla extract, liquid

1 tbsp almond extract, liquid

 

Mix all the ingredients in a food processor to a smooth and creamy consistency.

 

 

Preparation:

 

Spoon 4 tablespoon of chocolate cream into a small bowl

Insert bananas into chocolate cream in a bowl.

Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with pecans or other preferred nuts.

 

 

Angel Hair Pasta with Pistachio Pesto

 

Pistachio Pesto:

 

1 cup pistachios, shelled

2 cup basil, fresh

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

2 garlic clove

Extra virgin olive oil according to taste

Celtic sea salt to taste

 

Using food processor, mix all ingredients together to a crunchy consistency.

 

Angel Hair Pasta:

 

5 small zucchini, peeled and cut on half

Bragg aminos to taste

 

Using “Spiralizer”, slice zucchini into angel-hair noodles.

Place angel-hair noodles in the mixing bowl, add some bragg aminos, and sprinkle with lemon and olive oil.

Toss the pistachio pesto with the zucchini and serve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Green: 5 Eco-friendly Eating Tips

Food that we eat daily shapes our body, emotions, mind and spirit. What we eat and how we eat also reflects a state of harmony within ourselves, the environment and the planet. Eating eco is not just good for your body, but it is also good for the environment.

Go green and change your shopping and eating habits to reduce your impact on the environment.

Here are 5 tips on how to use more sustainable food when creating your everyday menu.

 

 

1. Eat meat-free

 

It takes 1,900 liters of water to produce a kilo of rice and 100,000 liters to produce a kilo of beef. With animal consumption we are destroying the agricultural land of our planet. The most important solution for the future of our planet is to eat as little meat as possible.  You can choose total vegetarianism, or even just have one meatless day per week.  If you do eat meat, choose from organically raised animals.  There are many protein sources in plants, such as buckwheat, leafy green vegetables, quinoa, sesame seeds, nuts, lentils, millet and various fruits.

 

2. Eat Locally

 

Supporting local farmers will help to reduce the pollution caused by food travel, and support your local economy. Food travels nationwide and is responsible for a significant amount of fuel emissions. Eating local fresh organic food from sustainable farms offers nutrition rich, fresh foods, thus minimizing consumption of processed, packaged and sugar and fat laden fast food.

 

3. Eat Food in Season

 

Nowadays it may be easy to forget about the seasons when we eat. Food is available year round, and supermarkets look the same in January as they do in July.

What does it mean to eat seasonally? It means eating foods at the time in which they naturally ripen. These foods are the most nutritious, flavourful, and affordable. When you eat food in season you support your own health, local farmers and reduce the pollution caused by long distance food travel.

Make an effort to guide your diet at least partially by the season. Your body and community will thank you.

 

Nutritious Delicious Guides to Eat Seasonally:

 

Below are my seasonal guidelines to follow when preparing a menu

 

Winter Delight

Avocado, banana, cabbage, celery, chestnuts, winter squash, pears, persimmons, broccoli, apples, coconut, cauliflower, turnip, Brussels sprouts, collards, endive, and kale.

 

Spring Blossoms

Artichokes, leafy vegetables, spinach, romaine lettuce, fresh parsley, basil, arugula, beets, carrots, chards, cherries, carrots

 

Summer Time

Raspberries, apricots, cherries, peaches, figs, blueberries, strawberries, asparagus, celery, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs, lettuce, peppers, radishes, spinach, snow peas, watercress, tomatoes.

 

Autumn Daze

 

Chestnuts, Dates, yams, bananas, persimmons, apples, beets. cabbage, celery root, cauliflower, cranberries, curly endive, garlic, grapes, horseradish, kohlrabi, leeks, chard.

 

 

4. Go organic

 

Organic food is considered to be healthier, not only for our body but also for the planet.

For our body to function optimally, we need good quality protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. We need organic food that is grown in nutrient-rich soil free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Choosing organic food is not just to avoid pesticides, but to obtain the higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Organic food still contains live enzymes, is unprocessed and natural, and does not contain genetically modified organisms. Studies show that pesticides and herbicides deprive foods of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and macronutrients.

There are 12 fruits and vegetables that have the most pesticide residues and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) call them The Dirty Dozen:  Celery, Peaches, Strawberries, Nectarines, Blueberries, Apples, Bell peppers, Spinach, Cherries, Potatoes, Grapes, Kale/Collards

 

 

5. Grow your Own Food

 

The best way to cut the emissions is to grow your own ingredients. Did you know that you can grow your own sprouts in your kitchen? Sprouts are a healthy living food. The sprouting process brings out enzymes in the germinated seeds, grains and legumes which make them easy to digest. Sprouts have double the amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Use sprouts in salads, sandwiches and wraps.

What to grow: radish, broccoli, sunflower seeds, buckwheat seeds, clover, lentils and wheat berries.

 

Reduce your impact on the environment and make sustainable food regular features in your diet.

 

Recommended reading: Harvest for Hope by Jane Goodall

WHITE COCONUT CREAM CAKE

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Raw Food Coach

 

White Coconut Cream Cake Crust

2 cups almonds, soaked over night

1 cup Medjol or honey dates

Pinch of Celtic sea salt

White Coconut Cream Cake Filling

3 cups raw macadamia nuts, soaked

1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract, liquid

1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed

1 cup water

Pinch of Celtic salt

Agave nectar to taste

2 tbsp coconut oil

White Coconut Cream Cake  Preparation

Grind the almonds in blender to get flour consistency.

Transfer almond flour to food processor, add Medjol dates, salt and blend ingredients thoroughly.

Form a ball.

Place the ball into a cake pan a gently press to form a crust.

In a food processor, mix macadamia nuts and water. Add freshly squeezed lemon, vanilla extract, coconut oil, pinch of salt and agave nectar.

Pour filling over crust and put in the freezer for a few hours.

When the cheeze cake firms take it out and decorate it with different fresh fruits.