PERFECT GREEN JUICE RECIPE

This juice is an excellent source of easily digestible alkaline minerals, such as potassium which is particularly helpful when cleansing.

Make sure to get your celery organic if nothing else, as conventional celery is renowned for being heavily laden with chemical residues.

Get this awesome Cleansing Green Juice Recipe

Veggie Quinoa Cakes

Veggie Quinoa Cakes Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa
• 2 cups chicken stock (or use water to make them vegetarian)
• 1/2 red onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 1/3 cup carrot
• 1 1/3 cup winter squash
• 20 oz. frozen chopped spinach
• Zest of 2 large lemons
• 1/2 cup sprouted flour or arrowroot powder
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 eggs, from pasture raised hens
• 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt 
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

GET THE FULL RECIPE AT WWW.HOLISTICSQUID.COM

So you don't eat meat...Where do you get your protein from???

I like to think this is common knowledge, but I am surprised still at how many people believe that the only way your body can get enough protein is to eat meat products.  Certain plant foods have awesome amounts of protein and plant proteins are more easily absorbed by the body.  Seeds and nuts also have proteins that keep us non meat eaters going strong!

Here is a lovely article on plant proteins by Live Love Fruit .

WHERE TO GET PLANT BASED PROTEINS

Eat Right for Your Blood Type

I have been meaning to read about my blood type and the foods I should be eating and avoiding for a while.  Today I finally had a peek and I was blown away by what it said.  My blood type is "A+", which was genetically formed in my ancestors when there was a dwindling supply of game to hunt and people resorted to growing crops.

So therefore Type "A" blood personalities are able to digest foods more like a vegetarian lifestyle and have a more difficult time digesting meat.  Hmm....I have thought this for a while about my diet since I always felt a little bloated and sluggish after eating meat, and I feel amazing when I eat vegetables.  So have a read on your blood type and see if you are eating foods that jive with your blood type!  It also gives you input on how to exercise for your blood type, which might help more with balance in your lifestyle.  My blood type says to indulge in yoga and meditating exercise.

Type A:  Vegetarian
Type B: Carnivore
Type AB: Adapts to both vegetarian and carnivore diets
Type O: Diet rich in Saltwater fish.  Prone to ulcers and tummy trouble

A List of Canned Goods without BPA and Canned Goods with BPA

Are you willing to pay 2.2 cents more per can to get the BPA out of our canned food?

We have all heard about BPA and how it is not good for us for due to these side effects.  So here is a list of companies that have banned BPA from their packaging so you can make good decisions about your food products.   

WITHOUT BPA:

Eden Foods:  All 33 of its organic beans, chili, rice & beans, refried, and flavored.

Trader Joe's Brand:  Canned corn, tomatoes, beans (except baked beans), tunafish, anchovies, poultry, beef, coconut milk, fruit (except mandarins) and vegetables (except artichokes).

Hunt's Tomato Products:  Only their plain tomatoes - but great first step!!!

Whole Foods: 27% of its store-brand canned goods. No specifics given!*

Amy's:  As of March, 2012 all products in non-bpa cans. Look for: NB, for Non-BPA on the bottom of each can.

Bionaturae:  Canned tomatoes.

Campbell's Soups: Announced March, 2012 that it will be phasing out BPA from its cans! They have yet to make clear when that will begin, or what they plan to use instead of BPA.

Crowne Prince Natural:  Tuna, Salmon, Kippers. See this link for specifics.

King Oscar Norwegian:  All products: kingoscar.com

Muir Glen:  Canned tomato products only.

Native Factor:  Coconut Water.

Native Forest:  Organic coconut milk, artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, hearts of palm and all of their canned fruits.

Ocean Brands:  Salmon, tuna, oyster, crab, snackit, snack n lunch and fish salads. (Not the shrimp, clams and food service size.)

Oregon's Choice:  Canned Tuna.

Vital Choice:  Canned salmon, albacore tuna, sardines and mackerel.

Westbrae:  As of mid-2013 has labeled many of its cans as non-BPA lining.
Not sure what new lining consists of.

Wild Planet:  Canned Sardines and 5 oz tuna.

Ecofish (Henry & Lisa's):  Canned Tuna.

Nature's One:  Organic powdered baby milks.



Tetra-pak (aseptic containers) are lined with Polyethylene, not BPA. 'Pomi' Brand and Hunt's Chopped tomatoes in tetra-paks are becoming more widely available.



WITH BPA: 

Eden Foods: Canned tomato products (look for their new - glass jars)*

Trader Joe's Brand:  All soups, chilis and stews. Plus; Sardines, Crab, Cherrystone Clams & Oysters, Mandarins, Hatch Chilies, Artichokes, Organic Baked Beans.

Whole Foods: 73% of its store-brand canned goods. 

Ocean Brands:  Shrimp, clams and 4lb food service size.

Annie's, Brad's, Muir Glen cans are lined with BPA.

ALL food & beverage cans out there other than those listed above...


Most all  Aluminum Cans are lined with BPA.

Polycarbonate plastic (grouped in #7) contains BPA and BPAF (worse!).


Many shiny thermal receipts contain BPA.
(ATM receipts, cash register receipts, prescription labels, lottery/airline tickets, etc)
Don’t hand children receipts that might contain BPA!
Don’t recycle receipts that might contain BPA!

Black Bean and Corn Veggie Burgers

Oh my...YUMM!  I know it isn't grilling season right now...but don't you get that craving every once in a while for a burger??  And this one seriously satisfies.  Dress it up with any spice you want, but this version will take you right back to the summertime.  The black bean burger has always been my go to after giving up the real deal.   I would simply mash up a can of black beans (but now I would soak beans over night to avoid the BPA that can leak into canned goods.  Here is a post about which companies have stopped using BPA in their packaging), add some other veggies...like shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, lots of minced garlic, quick oats, and egg to bind.  I would add in some sun-dried tomatoes and feta, because the Mediterranean flavours are one of my favorites.  Sometimes they wouldn't hold together (probably because I rarely use a recipe!) so I would just wrap them up in a tortilla or pita and devour them anyways.
So here is a recipe that will hold together...and completely satisfy that craving for a little taste of summer:)

Black Bean and Corn Veggie Burger Recipe 

Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookie in a Jar

Do you have someone on your Christmas list who has to avoid gluten?  Try this cute Gluten-Free Cookie in a Jar as a nice gesture this holiday season!  They even include a free printable gift tag that you can attach with the recipe.  Natasha from Natural Fertility and Wellness also explains in this article how she realize she needed to exclude gluten from her diet and how she has discovered wellness in her journey!  
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookie in a Jar Recipe

15 Easy And Delicious Fat Burning Smoothies

Smoothies are very popular nowadays whenever it comes to food and nutrition. They are easy to make at home and provide you with a wide spectrum of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. They give you energy and hydration at the beginning of the day, provide you with fiber to ensure a healthy digestive system and help to boost your immune system. Instead of buying expensive multi-vitamins off the counter, why don’t you do your own multi-vitamin at home? Here I’ve found easy and delicious smoothies from Womenio.com that will actually help you to burn fat. In fact, what you put in your smoothie is very important: things like yogurt and various other ingredients are natural fat fighters and can help you reduce unwanted body fat.

15 Easy and Delicious Fat Burning Smoothie Recipes

Quinoa, Broccoli, and Vegan Cheese Casserole

This easy casserole of quinoa, broccoli, and vegan cheese adds up to a dish that’s both nourishing and comforting. Serve with microwaved or baked sweet potatoes (start the sweet potatoes in the oven about 45 minutes before starting to bake the casserole) and a salad of dark greens and ripe tomatoes.

GET THE FULL QUINOA, BROCCOLI, AND VEGAN CHEESE CASSEROLE RECIPE

Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate & Hemp Seeds

I have a butternut squash just waiting for me to roast it up and put it in the salad! Enjoy the season of the pomegranate and the rich antioxidants that is provides.

Roasted Squash Salad with Pomegranate & Hemp Seeds

15 Quick and Easy Green Smoothie Recipes

15 Super Super Easy Green Smoothie Recipes

These are by far some of the easiest green smoothie recipes I have ever seen.  When you first start drinking them, simplicity is really the key.  Don't overwhelm your tastebuds or you might set your self up for disaster.  Once you know what you like and your palate can handle, experiment some more!

Another Great Green Smoothie Guide

It always helps to remind everyone that you do't need a recipe for a green smoothie.  Simply buy your favourite fruits and vegetables and mix and match so you never have to worry if you are out of something.  Don't be afraid to experiment!

Coconut Quinoa Porridge

Mornings for me mostly start with a giant glass of lemon water and then some green juice of some kind.  But on days where it feels chilly outside, I like to have something nice and hot that warms me from the inside.  I do enjoy my porridge but this seems like an excellent alternative to mix it up!

This idea from The Holistic Ingredient sounds amazing to me...just cooking the quinoa in coconut milk is extremely appealing to me:) 

"Coconut quinoa porridge topped with grated apple & carrot and activated walnuts. The coconut milk infused quinoa is beautiful paired with the sweet rawness of it's adornment. I'm happy, my taste buds are happy."

Simply cook the quinoa as directed with coconut milk instead of water.  Shred carrot and apple on top and a few walnuts as well.  Voila!  An amazing start to your day:)

You could also make this for a side dish with dinner by adding vegetables instead of apple, or some of your favorite thai spices as well!  

Tony Horton's Famous Vegan Burritos

Meet Tony Horton...creator of the P90X workout.  52 years old, fit and fabulous.  And also, mostly vegetarian:)  Coincidence...i think not...but he also works out 6 days a week.  

While not everyone has time to work out like this guy...you can at least eat like him! These healthy vegan burritos will fill you up and possibly even encourage you to work up to trying the workout!  Get the recipe here straight from the girl that cooks for him.

TONY HORTON'S FAMOUS VEGAN BURRITO RECIPE

HAPPY FOR HUMMUS!

I adore just plain ol', straight up hummus.  But I love being introduced to new recipes that make my favorite snack exciting.  Hummus is easy and quick to make and you can add so many flavours to switch it up.  Try this Sweet Potato Hummus next time you whip up a batch!

GET THE SWEET POTATO HUMMUS RECIPE HERE

Tomato, Lentil, and Barley Soup

Meals based on low-fat, inexpensive ingredients like this nourishing tomato, lentil, and barley soup are always welcome. Serve this main-dish soup with fresh bread or cornbread and a colorful green salad to complete an easy meal. Leftovers of this soup are great to take to work or school in a container; and it freezes well, too.

GET THE TOMATO, LENTIL, AND BARLEY SOUP RECIPE

ENTER TO WIN, WIN, WIN!

Over at Food Your Body Will Thank You For they are giving away a $500 Amazon gift card for December!  Put it towards your new Vitamix!

ENTER TO WIN A $500 AMAZON GIFT CARD -IT'S EASY!

Spicy Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Oh my YUMM! I love Mexican inspired vegetarian recipes. I love Mexican food period. Makes me want a cervesa!

Inspired by PinchofYum and adapted from CookingLight

2 cups cooked quinoa (you’ll need about 1 cup / 6 oz / 170 gr of uncooked quinoa) 
1 medium onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 8 oz / 225 gr can tomato sauce
1 medium tomato, diced
2 jalapenos, seeds and ribs removed, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
pinch of red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
ground black pepper
2 bell peppers, chopped (I used one red and one yellow)
1 cup / 4 oz / 113 gr Mexican cheese (or sharp cheddar or vegan cheese), shredded
handful spring onions

GET THE FULL RECIPE FOR SPICY MEXICAN QUINOA CASSEROLE

FREE 30 Day Wellness Challenge

Ever struggle to stick to a healthy way of eating and living even though you know you should?
Fall to cookie-dough-and-potato-chip-binge temptations despite resolving to eat healthier?
Know you should stop using toxic chemicals but don’t know where to start?
Understand the benefits of exercise but have trouble actually doing it?
Need to start cooking and living healthier with your family but just don’t know where to begin?

The Wellness Challenge is for YOU!

Over at Wellness Mama she is having a 30 Day Wellness Challenge...are you in??  Oh, and it is FREE!

SIGN UP FOR THE FREE 30 DAY WELLNESS CHALLENGE!

Juicing vs. Blending

There is a lot of talk out there about which is better for you, Juicing vs Blending?  Well in my eyes, both have incredible health benefits and you should take advantage of them.

Juicing is a great way to kick start a detox.  It doesn't contain any of the fruit or vegetable fibres and this gives your digestive tract a break from all the hard work it needs to break down those foods.

But your body does need fibre!!  It gives the intestinal walls a good scrub and helps keep plaque from building up in your digestive tract.  So blending your fruits and veggies has that advantage.

I personally enjoy a good juice in the morning after my giant glass of fresh lemon water, followed by a smoothie post work out.

Here are some ideas on how to construct your juices and smoothies from the lovely Kris Carr!

      GET KRIS CARR'S CRAZY SEXY JUICE AND SUCCULENT SMOOTHIES E-BOOK

HEALTHY VEGAN EGGNOG FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY

I love the taste of eggnog:)  There is just something about it that just says christmas and I can't remember the last christmas I didn't indulge in this festive drink.  But I know that it isn;t all that good for me.  So this year, I am going to give this a try!

Eggnog is usually loaded with tons of saturated fats, sugar and empty calories. This version is creamy, delicious, all vegan and good for you, so you can indulge this holiday season without the guilt.

HEALTHY VEGAN EGGNOG RECIPE

Homemade “Nutella”

I love this recipe for homemade nutella! It’s not quite the same as the real stuff, but it’s a great healthier alternative made with wholesome real-food ingredients!

MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE NUTELLA

Raw Walnut Fudge! Yum!

Sweet tooth?  Well look no further then these delicious morsels of decadent fudge:) 
  
Raw walnut fudge from Betty Rawker!

Ingredients: 
1 cup raw Walnut halves
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 cup softened/melted Expeller Pressed coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 pinches sea salt
Optional: 1 Tablespoon cold pressed walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, or virgin oil of your choosing
GARNISH: 3/4 cup rough chopped raw walnuts
Get the full recipe:

Raw Walnut Fudge Recipe

5 Easy Steps To Clean Up Your Diet!

Does your diet need a bit of a change?  These five easy steps are a sure way to better health and a good reminder for those of us that already eat well.  I love how simple the steps are!

Hydration, of course, tops the list...but this article goes more in depth into pH and why alkalizing foods are what your body needs to get healthy and stay healthy for life.

5 EASY STEPS TO CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

GREEN SUPERFOODS

Green superfoods have the highest concentrations of easily digestible nutrients, fat burning compounds, vitamins and minerals to protect and heal the body. They contain a wide array of beneficial substances including proteins, protective photo-chemicals and healthy bacteria helping you to build cleaner muscles and tissues, aid your digestive system function and more effectively protect you against disease and illness.

READ MORE IN DEPTH ABOUT WHAT SUPERGREENS YOU SHOULD BE ADDING TO YOUR DIET

Turmeric Tea

I make a paste of honey and turmeric that keeps in a jar for easy use. I heat water, pour it over a spoonful of the paste, and finish with a big squeeze of lemon and a substantial amount of freshly ground black pepper. It's good stuff - the black pepper makes it invigorating (and also helps the body absorb the turmeric), and the honey sets off the earthy-acridness of the spice enough that the tea is still delicious.

Turmeric is a powerful anti inflammatory, so next time you are feeling aches and pains in your joints or muscles, whip up a batch of this tea and reap the benefits of a natural pain reliever your doctor would never tell you about.

HOW TO MAKE TURMERIC TEA

TURMERIC IS THE WORLDS MOST IMPORTANT HERB

Indeed, turmeric turns the entire drug-based medical model on its head.  Instead of causing far more side effects than therapeutic ones, as is the case for most patented pharmaceutical medications, turmeric possesses hundreds of potential side benefits, having been empirically demonstrated to positively modulate over 160 different physiological pathways in the mammalian body.

Some of the most amazing demonstrated properties include:

• Destroying Multi-Drug Resistant Cancer
• Destroying Cancer Stem Cells (arguably, the root of all cancer)
• Protecting Against Radiation-Induced Damage
• Reducing Unhealthy Levels of Inflammation
• Protecting Against Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Preventing and Reversing Alzheimer’s Disease Associated Pathologies

MORE ON WHY TURMERIC IS THE WORLDS MOST IMPORTANT HERB

36 AMAZING HOMEMADE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

It’s so easy to make the majority of your beauty products and cosmetics at home WITHOUT the harmful toxins and chemicals, WITHOUT the high price tag, and WITHOUT giving your money to cosmetic companies with questionable ethics.

You can make your make-up, shampoos, serums, toners, scrubs, lotions and more at home and here are 36 fantastic DIY beauty tutorials.

Visit HomemadeHomeIdeas.com for all 36 tutorials…

36 Amazing Homemade Beauty Products

FOODS YOU SHOULD NOT PUT IN THE FRIDGE

We all use our refrigerators to prolong the life of our food…but for certain food, refrigerating them is not always the best thing to do.

Some fruits, vegetables and sauces will spoil quicker, loose their taste and become useless if kept cold. This fantastic list will show you what is best kept away from the fridge and how to store it correctly. Give your food a fighting chance and make it last for longer.

To view the full post visit mythirtyspot.com here…

15 THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE REFRIDGERATED