Ah Finally, Extra Slutty Olive oil!

Unpopular facts…. Slutty or Virgin… all oil is bad for you! Now I know the marketing has you believing that only certain oils like canola, vegetable or hydrogenated oils are bad for you but all oil including olive and avocado is because oil is a carcinogen and even more toxic once heated above 170 degrees. 

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Just think about your body as a cup of water, which it realistically actually is; what happens when you try to mix oil and water?  What happens to the cup when you pour out the oil and water? Which one lines the cup forever? 

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That’s what happens when you eat oil. If you’re suffering from inflammation, arthritis or gastrointestinal issues, besides dairy, oil is one of the first things you should eliminate from your nutrition.  Once you look at oil as a pleasure or indulgent ingredient, your health with vastly improve! 

 

Taste the Rainbow? No Thanks!

Taste the rainbow? No thanks!  I feel very fortunate that I was able to give Vivienne the first 2.5 years of her life without her ever tasting artificial colors but as life has it we can not control everything our children are introduced to & through school & marketing she got her first taste of artificial food coloring. Let me tell you that not only was the hyperactivity present within a second of the dyes touching her tongue so were many other symptoms. 

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Now mind you my daughter has a nutritional foundation that consists of whole unprocessed plant based foods. Her body is very sensitive to the smells, textures and affects of anything unnatural. The majority of the time when she wants to try a food that’s processed it won’t even get past her smelling it because her body doesn’t recognize things with dyes or additives as food. If she does taste it, she usually doesn’t like it & spits it out.  However, she does like gum balls and jawbreakers BUT she has realized she instantly becomes hyperactive, unable to focus and will ultimately get a tummy ache. 

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It’s fascinating that the symptoms produced by these dyes are immediate and undeniable.  I can understand how parents who have fed their children these dyes and other additives associated with these symptoms since they starting eating could miss that these foods are causing their children’s behavioral problems, giving their kids gut and headache symptoms.  If you couple the symptoms from food dyes, additives & add the affects of dairy to it, it would be impossible for a parent to even consider that the health symptoms, chronic colds/flu and behavioral problems aren’t genetic or natural and they’re actually being caused by what they’re feeding their child. 

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It’s only really apparent to me because I’m a nutritionist and I’ve studied these dyes and additives but because of the nutritional foundation I’ve created for my daughter, I can see the affects in real-time and can say with certainty that children’s development and wellbeing are being thwarted by the dyes and they are being diagnosed with illnesses and medicated for something that a change in nutrition will solve. 

Benefits of Carrot Juice

Raw Earth Medicine: 

The Benefits of Carrot Juice

1. Improves Vision: 

The abundance of vitamin A in carrot juice can help improve your sight 

2. Improves Immunity And Controls Heart Diseases: 

Beta-carotene makes it a rich source of vitamin A. It also helps improve the immune system. The daily intake can prevent the onset of heart diseases and strokes

3. Reduces Cholesterol:  

The potassium present in carrot juice can reduce cholesterol levels. 

4. Liver Health: 

It is good for the liver as it reduces fat and bile in it. Carrot juice cleanses and detoxifies the liver. Toxins in the liver are released from the system and excreted after regular consumption of carrot juice. The bloodstream cannot rid the body of toxins and bile through the kidneys. This has to be ejected from the skin. Carrot juice aids this process and ensures harmful bile is removed from the body. 

5. Reduces Risk of Diabetes: 

The Potassium, along with manganese and magnesium in Carrot Juice stabilizes blood sugar level, thus helping to reduce the risk of diabetes.

6. Aids In Clotting Of Blood: 

Vitamin K present in carrot juice helps blood to clot.

7. Skin Health: 

Heals External Wounds, hydrates skin, defends against sun damage, is anti aging and reduces skin scaring 

8. Prevents Acne: 

Since it is high in essential oils, it also helps prevent acne by detoxifying your body 

9. Oral Health: 

Vitamin C helps to heal wounds and keeps the gums healthy.

10. Prevents Cancer: 

It also acts like an anti-cancer agent. Increased intake of carotenoids in carrot juice has been said to decrease instances of bladder, prostate, colon and breast cancer 

11. Bone and Muscle Health: 

Vitamin K, present in Carrot juice is essential for the protein building process in the body. It also helps in the binding of calcium that in turn leads to the faster healing of broken bones Potassium present in carrot also helps to improve bone health. Vitamin A helps our body to heal after a strenuous workout and aid in muscle growth. Phosphorous in carrot juice builds, repairs, and maintains muscle

12. Increases Metabolism: 

Carrot Juice also contains a large amount of Vitamin B complexes which help in breaking down glucose, fat and protein. Helping in building muscle, increasing our metabolism resulting in weight loss. Vitamin B complexes reduce stress and depression, which can contribute to emotional eating. 

13. Increases Oxygen And Energy:

 The high amount of Iron in carrot juice can increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the body, improving cardiovascular health and abilities. The Phosphorous helps the body to use up more energy while doing work outs which produces endorphins and increased energy levels  

14. Lactation: 

Carrot juice intake during pregnancy improves the quality of their breast milk

15. Prenatal Health: 

Prevents Infections In Unborn Child. Since vitamin A helps in cell growth it is especially beneficial in fetal growth.  When taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy, it reduces the chance of infection in the child 

The benefits of carrot juice go beyond what's listed above. The Magnesium and Manganese present in Carrot Juice can stabilize sugar levels and help to reduce weight due to diabetes. The large amount of fiber, aids in digestion and cleanses the body.  For optimum health Carrot juice should be a staple in your nutrition and full wellness.  It cleanses the body and rids it of any toxins, aiding in weight health and full organ health. Fresh raw carrot juice cleanses the digestive tract of toxins, waste, indigestible material, which in turn cures and prevents obesity, heart diseases, liver toxicity diseases, cancer and promotes oral, organ, brain and skin health. We highly recommend adding a glass of Carrot Juice to your daily nutrition. 

Improving Circulation

Circulation is very important to maintaining our health! Improving your circulation can reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as reduce the symptoms of arthritis and diabetes. Here's a great list of foods that will improve your circulation! 

1. Avocado 

Avocados contain heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids which research has shown to support the cardiovascular system and increase blood circulation.

2. Dark Chocolate 

Cocoa contains flavonoids which is naturally found in plants and fruits and has been well linked to improving blood circulation. A study published in the Circulation Journal showed that dark chocolate rich in natural flavonoids improved blood circulation when compared with white chocolate with no flavonoids.

3. Oranges

Oranges and citrus fruits high in vitamin C are natural blood thinners and are believed to help strengthen capillary walls and prevent plaque build-up which is a leading cause to poor circulation.

4. Garlic-

Garlic has many uses and one of them is it cleanses the blood and helps prevent plaque build-up. Other foods in the bulb group such as radishes, onions and leeks are also good at stimulating blood flow.

5. Goji Berries - 

These delicious berries are high in fibre to help boost the immune system as well as increasing blood circulation.

6. Ginger - 

Ginger is known for helping nausea and digestion problems as well as increasing blood circulation. 

7. Ginkgo Biloba - 

One of the world's oldest surviving tree species, Ginkgo biloba dilates blood vessels and in doing so increases blood flow. It is also thought to increase blood flow to the brain.

8. Watermelon -

Watermelons are rich in lycopene which is a natural antioxidant linked to improving circulation. Lycopene is a natural pigment which gives certain foods their reddish color. 

9. Cayenne Pepper -

Cayenne has been associated with increasing metabolic rate and strengthening arteries and blood vessels. 

10. Sunflower seeds - 

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E which is shown to help keep blood clots from forming which  helps improve circulation.

 

Effort

My body went from effortlessly walking about. Capable, defying flexibility & dynamic motion. I could do anything physical, would work out & play sports with ease. In an instant, of unfortunate timing, I was struck by a car while riding my bike. 

Effortless because extreme effort. My biggest challenge. Simply walking. I was always very physical and now just the simple motion of walking takes extreme effort and work. My left leg, I’ve been able to modify my movements with the support of the right leg so it works like a pendulum because I can’t feel it, it only produces pain in motion & cause & affect issues because I’m swinging my leg to walk instead of pushing off the ground.  My ankle will drop if I truly don’t pay attention to my motions. 

Effort. Every movement. Using my fast brain to literally study my every movement to see if I can do anything to reduce the amount of pain, increase my mobility & decrease the effort it takes to walk.  I have to manipulate my nutrition to control the inflammation and use soaking and heating as well. I’ve slowly found ways to improve then hit plateaus. Sometimes I slip and don’t mind my motions and it sets me back a bit. The one thing that never changes is the effort it’s taking to try to make it effortless.  

It’s truly amazing how you can repair the body & push through to continue to see improvement with effort. Really gives me the strength to keep trying because I think the minute I sit down & stop putting in the effort  is the minute my body will lock up & I’ll loose it all. I guess it’s living the dream because although it’s a struggle I’ve turned it into a positive & a better understanding of the human body & psyche! Using nutrition, mental & physical therapy, nerve therapy & excercise to repair the problems & make improvements as much as possible with THC & CBD to help take the edge off instead of pharmaceuticals. 

The one thing that has made it easier to continue to put forth such effort is eliminating the need for people to understand or know my pain. It doesn’t matter & I no longer need others to validate what I know exists & removing that part of the effort has allowed me to hyper focus on treating myself. I find that seems to be a huge road block for people who suffer from pain issues or hidden handicaps, the effort into convincing people about what they feel, limitations and needs. That’s the part of the human psyche that needs the effort to be towards a change in perspective. Knowing your effort & focus on getting better is the only validation you need to spark the ability to thrive & feel better by making the effort to improve & reduce pain to work towards becoming effortless. 

“Those times when you get up early and you work hard; those times when you stay up late and you work hard; those times when you don’t feel like working — you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself — but you do it anyway. That is actually the dream. That’s the dream. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. And if you guys can understand that, what you’ll see happen is that you won’t accomplish your dreams, your dreams won’t come true, something greater will.” - Kobe Bryant

Joy and Fulfillment

The very core of a persons foundation for joy & fulfillment is set by what encompasses their first experiences. When taking my child to experience things like for example a Museum, I noticed that the Museum in itself is not the focus of the experience but rather the snacks & gift store purchases. When I take my daughter to an experience, she eats snacks in the car on the way & when we get to where we are going what we are seeing, learning, touching, viewing and the people we meet are the joy and the fulfillment within the experience. 

To see that birthday’s & holidays at school & how people define joy all mean unhealthy food, drinks & candy that are horrible for a persons health, it makes me step back & evaluate the possibility of how important it is for us as parents to treat the focus of an experience to be about the festivities, dancing, singing, being silly or just the exploration & what unfolds being what joy is derived from instead of the connotation that unhealthy choices in a new environment for another reason are what joy is based on because you can’t achieve fulfillment within that. 

Could shifting the mentality & focus help make it easier for people to create a life of balance & fulfillment because from their very core foundation they were directed to focus on actually being present in the moment & finding joy in singular things as they are. Dancing & singing with your friends at a birthday party without holding a drink or food in your hand but actually just enjoying it as it is. Do we contribute to the likelihood of unhealthy lifestyles as adults by the focus we put on the external unhealthy additions to simple moments. 

I’m not saying delish treats and cocktail splurges aren’t fun additions to a birthday party, I just wonder how different society would be if we tweaked the focus of how we achieve joy & fulfillment.  My intention is to set the foundation for my child not to focus on unhealthy choices but be happy in the present moment, not needing anything as a co dependent to achieve fulfillment & joy by giving her the foundation to easily achieve joy & fulfillment in each singular present moment of life, experiences & celebrations. 

 

5 Essential Daily Habits

 

Here are 5 Essentials Daily Habits to include in your lifestyle to get your health going in the right direction:

1. Exercise: A body in motion stays in motion. Get yourself moving with 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week to start. The more you get moving the more exercise your body will crave and the more energy you will have! 

2. Water: Since our bodies are made up of mostly water and we use water to do many functions like detox and fuel our cells, it's important to replenish and hydrate daily to keep ourselves from getting dehydrated and storing toxins! 

3. Anti-inflammatory: Most pain issues and diseases stem from inflammation. Instead of reaching for the Advil start including a Turmeric based natural Anti-inflammatory into your daily routine. If done daily you will see a continual drop in pain symptoms from inflammatory diseases like arthritis and you will prevent the body from future inflammatory issues! 

4. Daily Elixir: Add an extra line of defense to your nutrition by having a tonic, probiotic or elixir every day.  They add water, vitamins, minerals, good bacteria and boost immunity while feeding your body what it needs to function in good health.

5. Juice: Cold Pressed Fruit and Vegetable juices help make sure that you get the proper amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals daily.  They can help regulate all of your bodies systems and help support optimum health!

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Changing your habits takes time. By slowing incorporating one of these into your lifestyle you will see improved health and a boost in your energy levels. Take it one at time until you develop the good habits you can maintain and then keep adding more until you've developed a lifestyle you can live with! .

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(This is an excerpt from: Eat Well Live Well: Transitioning to an Unprocessed Lifestyle by Amy Michelle) .

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Available in Paperback

Amazon.com/shop/rawearthmedicine 

The Coddling of Obesity

The coddling of Obesity 

Before I offend everyone let me first state that in my lifetime I have lost a total of 227 pounds. 84lbs at 14 in an unhealthy way, 100lbs in a healthy way at 19 and after my pregnancy in a healthy way, 43lbs at 40 . I understand the intricacies of eating disorders first hand but also the development of disease through nutrition through multiple certifications in nutrition. My outlook is my perspective through my studies and personal experience and while it may be hard to swallow it’s intent is to promote health in longevity, respect of the world and the betterment of the human race as a whole of individuals. 

As I write my 4th book, nutrition during pregnancy through early child development, during a Pandemic, I start to read a lot about the co-morbidities of those succumbing to covid-19.  Its interesting the worlds perception of health. It’s apparent from what’s being reported that taking pharmaceuticals to control someone’s blood pressure and cholesterol or on fertility hormones isn’t classified as unhealthy or co morbidity but status quo. 

I am 40 years old, I weigh 149 pounds, I’m 5’8, my resting blood pressure is around 60/90, my cholesterol levels are exactly where they should be, I take no medications, have no gastric issues, no hormonal or fertility issues, had zero pregnancy symptoms and my only health issues are from being hit by a car.  If I died from covid-19 it would legitimately be from the virus. 

I see a lot of people protesting being lockdown because they say they’re healthy and shouldn’t have to sacrifice for those that are at risk. I see many people scared of dying of covid-19 but not enough to realize that their obesity and reliance on the medical industry to keep their body alive instead of making the changes they need to in order to not be at risk. Now I understand there is always an exception to every rule but point blank the medical industry wastes a lot of its time and funding to develop ways for people to remain obese while their body gives clear signs its failing. Being overweight is a symptom of disease. If you do not have a healthy BMI and fall into your weight/height recommendations you are symptomatic. The symptom is excess fat storage. How much money has been spent to create pills for blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular issues as well as procedures like gastric bypass and fertility. Imagine the natural diseases we could cure if every person took responsibility for their health instead of letting western medicine keep them alive in spite of their lifestyle. 

Before the pandemic there were people dying of diseases because of the selfishness of people who don’t want to be held accountable for their choices. There have been multiple pandemics at the hands of eating animals yet nobody has altered their consumption. To see people want to deny protestors medical care if they contract covid-19 while the whole reason this lockdown exists is people eat animals which causes pandemics and the over consumption of animals leads to most diseases that waste modern medicines time.   I do not see the reflective reaction that their choices to coddle obesity put them at risk and  now they want everyone in world to bend over and coddle them some more. 

To watch people post pictures of their quarantined food which is why they’re more susceptible in the first place and the reason for the pandemic is a new low of selfishness that is hard to swallow. 

I understand the struggle to get on the path to health but I don’t understand the wallowing in the struggle without seeing significant immediate results. I lost 100lbs and kept it off for 20 years until i had a baby then got myself right back into a healthy weight. I want to live and I understand that if pills control my body and if an organ isn’t functioning properly or I’m emotionally struggling that I need to do something to remedy it. That is the accountability I see lacking in the world.  The reality is that when you live in good health you affect everyone and everything around you. Your body being self sufficient because you make good decisions, it creates health that spreads. It takes each individual striving to be a good accountable person that allows us to create change as a whole. All of this would help the environment, the economy, all industries and child development to ensure the future evolves in good health in a flourishing environment where nobody suffers at the hands of man made disease. 

Blueberry Hemp Acai

Blueberry Hemp Acai 

3 cups Frozen Blueberries 

2 tbsp Peanut Powder 

1 scoop Acai Powder

1 tsp Mucuna Pruriens

1 tbsp Maple Syrup 

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Serve topped with Frozen Blueberries and Hemp Hearts! 

Packed with Omega 3 & 6, antioxidants and an array of beneficial vitamins this Acai Bowl is nutritionally delicious! 

Sweet Greens Bowl

Sweet Greens Bowl

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2 cups Pineapple

1 cup Mango

1 cup Apple 

2 cup Spinach

1 cup Cucumber

1 cup Dandelion 

1 cup Chard 

1 cup Orange Juice

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Blend all ingredients in the blender. Pour into a bowl and top with coconut shreds, cacao nibs, granola and pineapple!

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This delicious bowl is packed with vitamins and nutrients that will give your body energy as well as help to reduce inflammation while boosting the immune system. Its also extremely delicious! 

Being a holistic nutritionist!

Being a holistic nutritionist is like explaining to a child over and over again, why they can't eat glue. But it's adults.

And they were taught glue is good for them. An education paid for by the glue companies.  

With studies that say glue isn't so bad.  Studies paid for by the glue companies. 

Then everyone wonders why their bodies aren't lasting and they're getting sick. 

You're filled with glue. How did you expect it to turn out?  

But wait. 

We have a glue reducer pill that allows your body to function on glue. The side affects are: it will destroy what isn't destroyed by the glue already but you will live maybe a few months longer, in agony but you can still eat your glue a little bit longer. 

New studies prove that glue is acceptable to eat if you take the glue reducer pill. A study paid for by the pharmaceutical and glue companies.

Replace glue with chemicals, meat, dairy and pharmaceuticals. 

That's how cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, obesity, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, Cardiovascular Disease, Autism, ADD, ADHD; etc, Exists. 

It's why there is a pill for everything. 

You might as well be eating glue.

It's really simple!  What you eat either keeps you alive or kills you!  Don't eat glue. 

Blueberry Granola Parfait

Blueberry Granola Parfait

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16 oz Coconut Non Dairy Yogurt Kefir 

8 oz Coconut Water (or Almond Milk) 

3 tbsp Chia Seeds

2 tbsp Honey (or Maple Syrup)

1 cup Blueberries 

2 cups Granola 

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(4 servings)

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1. Mix Kefir, Coconut Water, Honey, and Chia Seeds in a pourable bowl or measuring cup. 

2. In your serving cups add a layer of fruit then a layer of granola then a layer of the Kefir mixture until your cup is full. 

3. Place in the fridge for 2-4 hours to set or you can eat it immediately if you want but it tastes like heaven when it's set nicely and chilled.

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This delicious parfait is packed with nutrition.  Kefir is easily digested and it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Kefir is such a balanced and nourishing food, it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, and cancer. Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The benefits of combining Blueberries, a powerful antioxidant and Kefir help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, while aiding in digestion, improving blood glucose control especially in diabetics, lowering blood pressure, and improving wound healing.

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Talk about a meal for champions!  People championing for their that is!!! So yummy and so good for you!

Spend time with people who are good for your mental health!

Mental Health is one of the most important yet most ignored part of our existence.  There use to be a stigma about mental health issues and people who suffered from them were essentially shunned from the community or told to suppress it and hide it. This has culminated to where we are today living in a world where people are afraid to send their children to school because they could be shot by an unstable child or even an extremely disturbed adult.  Where suicide is no longer shocking and everyone is on a pill for anxiety, ADD, ADHD without the therapy needed to work through the cause.

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Having grown up in a family with huge mental health issues that were just ignored, enabled or the person was medicated without any psychological help, I have learned that who you surround yourself with plays a huge part in your mental health. As the saying goes you can lead your family and friends to the psychiatrist but you can’t force them to drink the water!  Ok ok I made up that saying but it’s true.

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As I navigate my way around motherhood and parenting I have watched my daughter positively and negatively react to people which shows me that some people are good for you and some aren’t.  If you’re working on your mental health and doing what you can to live a  positive productive life that can by all means include cutting people out who aren’t.  We all share energy and who you surround yourself with fuels some of the energy around you which helps guide you towards being happy inside and out.

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So while I always try to give someone the benefit of the doubt or the opportunity to show me that they are working towards dealing with their issues, I honestly steer clear of people once I realize they have a negative affect on me or aren’t willing to do the work to get the help they need.

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It’s very important for your own mental health to surround yourself with people who are good for you! The goal in life is to be happy and have fulfillment with your desires so surrounding yourself with people who are good for your mental health is one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself. Life is to short to spend time with shitty people. 

#mentalhealth #awareness #proactive

Fruit Fuels Good Health

Fruit fuels good health!  Don’t fear the fruit! Fruit provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals that help contribute to overall good health while certain fruits help keep specific bodily functions operating seamlessly. This chart is a great reference for the benefits of fruit.

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When you look at the overall comparison of what fruit provides the body verses what protein does for the body, it’s clear that your intake of fruit needs to be higher than your intake of protein in order for your body not to develop diseases. Keep your body running like a well oiled machine by making sure you have enough fruit in your nutrition! 

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Kidney Detox Juice

Kidney Detox Juice

1 Small Seedless Watermelon

2 Carrots

1 Cucumber

1 bunch Cilantro

(Substitute Mint for Cilantro)

Best cold pressed this extremely delicious and refreshing juice is highly beneficial to the Kidneys. The combination of ingredients works together to super detox the kidneys and body. 

The following are the detoxing benefits of this juices ingredients:

1. Watermelon juice is great for your kidneys, having a highly cleansing effect when you drink it. It helps to flush out ammonia and uric acid and has even been known to help with kidney stones.

2. Cilantro can help cleanse the body of toxic metals.  A small amount of cilantro delivers the full daily value of vitamin A and K and is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and manganese

3. Cucumbers have been used in Indian traditional medicine since ancient times. Known for their antidiabetic, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity, cucumbers have a detoxifying, cleansing effect on the body and are a great way to prevent dehydration, constipation and overheating.

4. Carrots are packed with vitamins; manganese, potassium, B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin C and can boost collagen. Carrots can cleanse the body of toxins due to the amount of Vitamin A they contain. The Vitamin A works with the liver to reduce bile and to help flush out fat.

Great for detoxing the kidneys and flushing the body of metals this cold pressed juice will wow your taste buds and your organ health!

Vegan Steamed Buns

Vegan Steamed Buns 

Filling:

3/4 cup hoisin sauce

1 cup diced Mushrooms

1 cup diced Sprouts 

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

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Marinate Filling for 2 hrs then sauté in pan and set aside. 

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Dough:

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 warm water

1 1/2 cups organic unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading

1 1/2 cups organic unbleached cake flour

3 tablespoons Coconut sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup warm coconut or Almond milk

1 tablespoon Coconut or Avocado Seed oil, plus more as needed

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For the dough:

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Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a small bowl. After a few minutes, the yeast will begin to foam and bubble then set aside. 

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In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and add warm coconut/Almond milk, oil, and activated yeast. Work the dough well then using a floured board knead until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and pliable, about 5 to 10 minutes. Lightly oil the dough ball. Cover with plastic wrap in a bowl and allow the dough to rise undisturbed for 40 minutes to 1 hour. It should double in volume.

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Assembly:

To form the buns, remove the dough from the bowl and roll it into 1 long rope. Cut the rope into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece and set them aside in a bowl. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into 4-inch circles, leaving the center slightly thicker then its edges. Put a heaping tablespoon of the filling into the center of each disk and pinch the tops closed to seal. Let rest for 10 minutes

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Fill a bamboo or stainless steel steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Line with parchment paper. When ready to cook, place the buns on the parchment rounds and into the steamer

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Do not overcrowd your steamer. Steam the buns in batches if necessary. Steam for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove the buns from the heat and serve them warm.

Veggie Udon

Veggie Udon

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1/2 ounce dried woodear mushrooms (Asian grocery store)

1/2 ounce dried morel mushrooms (asian grocery store)

4 ounces Shiitake Mushrooms 

8 scallions

2 Minced Garlic Cloves 

1 small white onion chopped 

1 (4-inch) piece of kombu dried sea kelp

2 tablespoons Liquid Aminos 

2 tablespoons Mirin Japanese Rice wine 

Dash of Himalayan Pink Salt 

1 Red Pepper cut into 3/4-inch strips

1 Orange Pepper cut

1 Green Pepper cut 

2 servings fresh or dried udon noodles

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1. Combine woodear and morels mushrooms in a medium saucepan and cover with 1 1/2 quarts water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes while mushrooms rehydrate. Remove mushrooms with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add fresh mushroom shiitake mushrooms, 1-inch of scallions, garlic cloves, onion, and kombu to pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. 

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2. When broth is simmered, strain through a fine mesh strainer and return to pot, discarding solids. Add soy sauce and mirin and season to taste with salt. You should have about 1 quart of broth. Keep warm.

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3. Heat 1 tablespoon Coconut oil or water in a wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until lightly smoking. Add peppers and stir-fry until lightly completely tender, about 2 minutes. 

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4.  Cook udon in boiling water according to package directions

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5. Put Udon noodles in a bowl and top with broth and veggies

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Savory and hearty this Veggie Udon is extremely flavorful and good for you! 

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Aloe Vera Cucumber Cooler

Aloe Vera Cucumber Cooler

3 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel or Juice  

Juice of one Lemon

Sliced Lemon

Sliced Cucumber 

32oz Filtered Water or Sparkling Water 

1 tbsp Maple Syrup (optional) 

Mix Aloe Vera and Maple Syrup (optional) with Water then add the Juice of one Lemon, Lemon Slices and Cucumber slices to the Water.  Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving! 

I keep this on hand in my fridge for a delicious flavored water when I don't want to drink just plain old water!  It's very refreshing and cooling on a hot day! 

Drinking aloe vera juice is a very healthy habit, as it can aid in weight loss, digestion, and immune function. Aloe vera gel is a superfood packed full of vitamins and minerals. It contains B complex vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 as well as vitamins A, C and E. It is a good plant source of folic acids too.  Aloe vera aids in digestive health by balancing stomach acids, thereby helping your body to absorb the nutrients you consume. It also has laxative qualities, so if you ever have trouble with constipation, drinking a little juice from the aloe plant will help to get things moving again. 

Tiki Masala Curry

Tiki Masala Curry

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1 c cubed organic non GMO tofu 

1 c diced Japanese Eggplant

1 c diced Potato

2 c Green Beans 

2 tbsp yellow curry 

2 tbsp tiki masala spice 

1 tbsp cumin

1 tspn black pepper

16 oz Vegetable Stock (add more if needed) 

4 oz Coconut Milk

1 tsp Chili Oil (to taste) or 1 minced Habanero Pepper

(Optional - dash sea salt)

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Add Chili Oil, Green Beans, Eggplant, Potato and All spices to the bottom of the pot.  Sauté until eggplant starts to sweat. If you do not want to use oil, put an inch of vegetable stock or water in the bottom of the pot, bring to a boil then add veggies and this will steam fry the veggies without oil.

Add Vegetable Stock and Coconut Milk and bring to boil, then lower to a simmer and add tofu. Cover for 2 minutes then stir and serve. 

Serve with brown rice! 

This recipe should take 20 minutes to make! It's nutritious and delicious!

Spring Smoothie

Spring Smoothie

1 plum

1 nectarine

1 white peach

1 cup Blackberries 

1 cup Frozen Strawberries

1 cup Fresh Orange Juice

1/2 cup Fresh Mint

Ice (optional) 

Blend and Enjoy! 

Spring has sprung, there's a lightness in the air with the smells of flowers in bloom!  This spring smoothie tastes like spring feels. Refreshing! With a high level of vitamin c, this smoothies helps protect your body from cancer while strengthening your immune system!