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Homemade Simple Guacamole

This homemade simple guacamole recipe is one you will make again and again and again. This video will take you through it step by simple step…
homemade simple guacamole

Guacamole is awesome. It’s really high on the list of great things that we can thank fresh avocados for. I mean, guacamole was around and amazing way before avocado toast.

Avocado toast is delicious, but guacamole is a classic. Everyone should have a great fresh homemade simple guacamole recipe in their arsenal. When you make this the first time — whether you serve it to thankful guests or eat the whole bowl yourself (and yes, I’ve been there done that…) — you will never buy store-bought guacamole again.

And it’s easy. Really easy.

 

I am going through this recipe with you, in real time, step by step.  A lot of times when I cook for you or cook with you, I don’t do it in real time because really I think it can be tedious  to watch me cook forever and take the time to do all of my prep. But today is different because I am making guacamole. And it’s simple.

This is something you can master in minutes.

It’s a must. Watch the video above or read the instructions below — but whatever you do, you’ve got to make this recipe over and over again. It’s that good.

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Okay, guacamole is delicious. You get the picture. But, guacamole is also a healing food. What’s better than a recipe that’s simple, delicious, and healing? Ummmm…. nothing!

Check out my article on the 5 Little Known Health Benefits of Avocados.  This gives you even more reasons to make homemade simple guacamole.

If I haven’t convinced you yet, I want you to follow along with the video above. Come on… make it with me; it’s fun to cook with someone else.

We’re going to use two ripe avocados. Now, I know the big joke with avocados is that one second they’re ripe, and then the next  second they are bad. So, here’s what you do.  Go to the supermarket or the farmers’ market and make a beeline to the avocados. Press on them as you would other fruit, like peaches or  nectarines.  You don’t want them to be mushy, but you don’t want them to be hard.

Peel off the little stem on top — it just flicks off with your fingernail.   When you look inside it should be green, not brown. If the avocado is a bit soft to the touch but the stem end is still green, that means it’s a good avocado. It’s ready to eat. So, if you want an avocado to eat soon, this is the one for you. Never buy the ones that are brown under the stem. These are overripe. If the avocado is still hard, you can buy it and then let it soften on your counter for a bit. Until you get used to doing it by touch alone, make sure you flick that little stem off.

For this homemade simple guacamole here’s what you need:  We’re using two avocados.  We’re using a handful of fresh cilantro. We’re using some tomatoes, as much as you like, or as little as you like. You can customize this recipe in so many ways. When I made my guac I had Roma tomatoes. I also had grape tomatoes. And, because it’s tomato season here,  I also had tomatoes on the vine. Use whatever’s ripest.

homemade simple guacamole

We’re going to use some red onions, as much or as little as you like. I had some tiny little red onions, so I used one. Often, I will use about a third or so of a regular sized red onion. And — really important — we’re using fresh lime juice. It depends on how juicy your limes are, but plan on the juice from one or two limes. Then we’re using sea salt. And that is it… unless you like a little hot sauce… you can put a little hot sauce in yours too, but that is really it. It doesn’t need anything else. Trust me on this.

And we don’t need any fancy equipment. I like to use my old fashioned potato masher… this makes it really easy.

So, here we go. Get your bowl ready. You can see in the video that I used my really cool bowl that’s made from a half a coconut… I just love this thing.

But here’s another tip to make this as easy as possible: Put your pretty little serving bowl off to the side. Grab your big mixing bowl and mash up the ingredients in that big bowl — it makes things so much easier. When you are done, you can transfer the guacamole to your pretty little bowl.

Okay, this is how you prepare an avocado. You can watch the video above to see — start to finish — how to easily get the flesh out of the avocado. We cut it down the center along the pit. We twist it open, and we take out the pit.

Instead of peeling the skin from it, which some people do, I find it easier to  take a spoon and scoop out all of the flesh.

When you are done scooping the luscious green flesh into the bowl, you’ll notice that there’s  a little bit of this flesh still inside the skins. Save this, turn it inside out, and rub it on your face. Yeah, you’ll look a bit like Elfaba, but it’s so good for your skin; the avocado really helps keep you luminescent.

homemade simple guacamole

Okay, so, the avocados are in the bowl. Next, dice up some tomatoes. Add them to the avocado.

By the way… let me digress a bit with a little interesting health information… avocados are good for hot flashes. And they are good for your mood. These are two really great reasons to make this homemade simple guacamole… I’m just sayin’…

Avocados actually are one of those feel-good foods that you hear me talk about.  They are included in my list of 17 Foods To Boost Your Mood. I know they taste good, but they’re also a feel-good food.

If you eat the right foods and herbs for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you. So, make this homemade simple guacamole recipe. And, if you want to learn more about healing whatever your specific concerns are, I’d love to help you create a healthy lifestyle plan specifically for your unique needs, so sign up for a free phone consultation and we can chat about it.

The beauty of a recipe like this is that you can taste as you go and you can add more of something as you see fit.

Are you a cilantro lover? Cilantro is one of those ingredients you either love or hate. I’m a lover, so I use a bit of cilantro in my guacamole. I always put cilantro in my guacamole and even people who say they hate cilantro, love my guacamole. I think this may be because the fresh lime juice evens out the taste a bit.

Chop up the cilantro well. If you have a good chef’s knife, it makes a huge difference. If you are trying to do this with a knife that is dull, it’s not only is it dangerous, but you’re making a ton of extra work for yourself.

Next I want you to put in your red onion. Watch the video above to see the best way to slice an onion. We’re going to leave the hairy root end on, cut off the other end, then cut it in half right through the root. Then, we peel the onion and finely chop it — nobody likes huge pieces of onion in their guac…

The next thing we need is lime. Roll it around on the counter and press on it a bit to loosen up the juice inside. Then, cut it in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the avocado. Taste it to see if you also want to use the other half. You’re the boss here.

Take out your good old fashioned potato masher, and mash up your guacamole. Do this in your large mixing bowl.

Then, scrape the guac into whatever pretty little serving bowl you like. Taste for seasoning, and feel free to add sea salt as needed.

If you cooked along with me in the video, I think the actual making of the guacamole took about five minutes. And it actually will take less time when you make it without me because I was babbling on a bit.

homemade simple guacamole

Here are the details on the health benefits in this awesome homemade simple guacamole recipe:

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations, constipation, and hot flashes due to menopause.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!

Cilantro is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is good for the common cold, indigestion, and energy flow in the body. An old Chinese remedy for the common cold and even for measles was to drink cilantro and mint tea. Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate; I’m a lover…

Homemade Simple Guacamole
Print
Recipe type: appetizer, dip
Cuisine: paleo, whole30, gluten-free
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 cup
This is the only guacamole recipe you will ever need. It's simple, healthy, and oh so delicious!
Ingredients
  • flesh of 1 large or 2 small ripe avocados
  • about ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 Tbs fresh minced cilantro
  • juice of 1 or 2 limes
  • sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mash with a potato masher or fork.
  3. Season with more salt if needed.
  4. Scoop into a smaller serving bowl.
  5. Enjoy!

 

homemade simple guacamole

2 Things To Help You Lose Weight Without Being Hungry

Nobody likes being hungry. And when you are on a restrictive diet, your hunger pangs seem to get worse.  Keep reading to learn 2 things to help you lose weight without being hungry.cold cucumber herb soup

You’re all ready to start your new food plan. Today is Day One. You are pumped. You stock your fridge and your pantry with all of the right things. You’ve read up on your plan and you are following an expert’s advice. You made it through breakfast and all is right with the world.

It’s 11:00 am. And you are starving.

Part of this may be because you really are restricting your calories.

Part of this may be in your mind… I mean, let’s face it, as soon as your brain knows you are “dieting”, all you want is the food you shouldn’t be having.

And, part of it may be that you are not moving your body enough.

But, most of your issue is that you are not eating the right things.

Keep reading to learn how not to be hungry when you are trying to lose weight.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a quick healthy meal with your name on it — and I’ll make sure it’s one that will keep you satisfied.  So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

Or, if you want to start with a weight loss plan that will actually work for your specific needs, sign up for my One Week Food Boot Camp. We’ll chat. We’ll examine what your lifestyle is like now. And we’ll come up with a new plan to get you on track — I’ll even create an ebook just for you and your wonderfully unique needs.

And, if you want to go it alone, just keep reading and you’ll learn some great ways to manage your weight without feeling so deprived.

Why Only These 2 Things?

I could sit here and give you lists and lists of things to help you with your diet. That’s easy for me to do. But, I’m sure you’ve seen and/or tried a lot of them before. I have helped countless people manage their weight. And we don’t count calories. I’m happy to help you too, but beyond these two basic principles — these 2 things to help you lose weight without being hungry — it’s so much easier to lose that weight if you are treated like the wonderfully unique individual that you are.

I have learned through my Chinese medicine training and my western nutrition knowledge, that what works for one person doesn’t work for another. I spend many of my days creating food lifestyles and meal plans for people and a large percentage of those clients are interested in losing weight. I create different plans for each person. After chatting via Skype, FaceTime, or phone, I use my Chinese medicine diagnostic skills and my chef’s training to create a program that truly works for each specific client. And every plan is different.

The food is different for each person. The supplements are different. And, the preparation required is different. I am well aware that not everyone loves to be in her kitchen as much as I do…

BUT, these 2 principles remain constant. So I’m laying them out here for you. It’s a great starting place.

For my women friends out there: you are not crazy… it really is harder for women to lose weight than for men to shed a few pounds. So, if you are on a program with your male significant other, don’t feel like you are doing something wrong just because he has dropped 10 pounds and you are only down 2… This is one reason why I use different superfoods and supplements for each person… let’s even the playing field!

Let’s get you eating the right foods to make it easier for you to attain your goals. And, by the way, if you eat the right foods, there’s never a need to count calories. Really! Eat the correct fats, proteins, and fiber, and your body will thank you by managing your weight correctly. The human body is an amazing thing if you treat it will the respect it deserves.

At the bottom of this article, I’ve included some recipes to help you out. Recipes that are simple and have great ingredients to help you on your weight loss journey.

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Follow These 2 Basic Principles And You Won’t Be Hungry

1. Eat Healthy Fats

Let’s get this out of the way up front. Fat does not make you fat. Sugar makes you fat. Even if eating fat goes against everything you’ve ever learned about dieting to lose weight, I want you to eat healthy fats. Healthy fats will keep you full. They will make your skin glow, feed your brain, elevate your mood, and they will keep your digestion running correctly. All of these benefits will help you manage your weight.

It’s really important that you do not eat anything labeled “low fat” or “non-fat”. These foods are heavily processed, and they will actually cause your body to gain weight.

One of the easiest things you can do, is to drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on everything.

I know, olive oil has calories

But, it also has the things your body needs, especially as you are restricting your food intake.

If you have vegetables, salad, or protein, drizzle some good quality extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil on top of your food.

For more about healthy oils, read this article.

Other healthy fats that you should be eating now include: coconut, avocado, whole eggs, wild salmon, and raw nuts. Yes, you can eat all of these things and still lose weight. BUT, you must exercise portion control. A portion of raw nuts would be about 7 nuts if you are having them as a snack. I prefer to incorporate nuts into my meals. They make great salad dressings and are a great thickener for smoothies. A portion of avocado, is a half of an avocado. Two eggs is plenty… you get the picture.

2.  Eat Nothing Processed Or Artificial

Processed foods force your body to put on weight. Chemicals force your body to add weight. Artificial anything should be avoided, not only while you are trying to manage your weight, but always.

One of the things I see most often with my clients is that they think that if something is labeled “sugar free” or “diet” that it will help with weight loss.

WRONG!!! 100% wrong.

Artificial sweeteners trigger the sweet sensation in your brain, causing you to crave more and more sweets. Not only are you triggering the need for more traditionally sweet foods, but you are at the same time causing your brain to tell your body that it needs things that don’t just taste sweet but that turn into sugar inside your body — like bread. And pasta.

Same goes for any junk food.  Don’t eat it.

Believe it or not, eating these things just makes you hungry. And it makes you want more. And more…

Same goes for most protein bars. Even those bars that appear  healthy often contain lots of sugars or grains. Just stay away.

Shop the outer edges of your supermarket. Buy produce, meat, fish, and fresh foods. Stay away from the aisles filled with packaged foods.

I know this can be difficult, but after a week or so, you won’t crave these foods anymore and it will get easier and easier to drop your unwanted weight.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll see a recipe for some healthy popsicles — that’s what you can have for dessert!

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Recipes To Help You Lose Weight

If you make this any of these recipes that make use of the 2 things to help you lose weight without being hungry, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

It’s my hope that you will enjoy these recipes and the way they make you feel so much that you will move onto eating this way more and more often. I’d love to help you out, so CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

And, be sure to click on the individual recipes for more health information about each ingredient used.

1. Coconut Blood Orange Ice Pops

blackberry kombucha ice pops

These popsicles can be made with any pure organic fruit juice that makes you smile. They will satisfy your sweet tooth and will keep you full because of the healthy fat — coconut milk.

2. Seafood Salad With Garlic And Oil

the healthy cooking oils you should be using

This delicious and beautiful seafood salad can be made in advance and kept in your fridge. It has healthy fat and healthy lean protein. Feel free to customize this with whatever seafood makes you happy.

3.  Salmon With Parsley Sauce

salmon with parsley sauce

Salmon is your friend. Make sure it’s wild and not farmed. Eat about 5 ounces and you will feel satisfied and happy.

4. Instant Pot Spring Vegetable Soup

instant pot spring vegetable soup

Keeping a healthy and hearty pot of soup in your fridge makes it so much easier to manage your weight. It gives you something to eat when you don’t have the will power to wait until you cook something good for you. This soup contains buckwheat, which is a seed and not a grain, and tons of fresh veggies. It’s the perfect soup to keep on hand.

5. Espresso Chocolate Chip Smoothie

espresso chocolate chip smoothie

This smoothie has a little nut butter in it for fat. And it tastes sweet, but all of that sweetness comes from dates. This one’s awesome!

 

30 Quick Meals To Heal You This Month

Make one of these meals each day this month, and you will be a new person… food really is medicine! Scroll down for 30 quick meals to heal you this month. Let’s get cooking and you’ll see how much more energy you will have, how your digestion will improve, how you will sleep better, how your mood will be lifted, and how your health conditions will start to melt away…

Each one of these meals will heal different conditions in your body and each one can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. If you commit to making one meal each day for 30 days, you will be on the road to looking and feeling healthy and youthful.

Do you remember when you used to have the energy to want to do so many things? Remember when your skin was glowing and healthy? Remember what life was like before you had those chronic aches and pains? Let’s bring those days back. Just one meal a day will put you on that track… after that you will want to add in more meals… the possibilities are endless!

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a quick healthy meal with your name on it…  So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

creamy mint avocado pasta

1. Creamy Mint Avocado Pasta

When I tell you that this creamy mint avocado pasta sauce is amazing, I really mean it. The avocado makes it creamy. The flavor of the mint can be as strong as you like, or it can just peak through. And, if you make this dish with grain-free pasta, it’s one of the healthiest comfort foods around. It’s like happiness in a bowl — ugh, did I really just say that…?

Mint boosts your immune system and avocado is great for your digestion and your skin.

 

pan seared salmon with bruschetta sauce

2.  Pan Seared Salmon With Bruschetta Sauce

The salmon is seared quickly in a pan.

The simple sauce is made by pulsing the ingredients in a blender very briefly. It’s a cold sauce. And it is the most delicious and refreshing sauce you will ever have.

Oh, and did I mention that the sauce only has 4 ingredients? Yup, it’s like when you eat a great meal in Italy, and everything tastes so simple and fresh. This is just like that. Fresh and simple. Fresh tomatoes. Fresh garlic. Oil. Vinegar. Done.

Salmon is great for your blood, for anemia, and for energy. Tomatoes are great for your digestion.

 

instant pot spring vegetable soup

3. Instant Pot Spring Vegetable Soup

Soup still hits the spot even when the days start to get warm.  This instant pot spring vegetable soup is perfect for those days — it will boost your immune system and make you feel good!

This soup is especially satisfying because it contains buckwheat groats that mimic pasta. Buckwheat helps lower blood pressure and is good for some intestinal issues.

 

paleo beefaroni

4. Paleo Beefaroni

If you liked beefaroni when you were a kid, you will love this healthy grownup Paleo Beefaroni.

Beef is good for swelling or edema in your body and it can be good for bloating too. Tomatoes are good for your digestion.

 

white bean and kale soup

5. White Bean And Kale Soup

This healthy soup really is comforting. And it’s healing. It’s one of those soups that lets you actually feel the energy seeping into your body as you eat it. Really, you can.

White beans give you energy and calm your mind. Kale is filled with vitamins and minerals, including calcium.

paleo pasta carbonara

6. Paleo Pasta Carbonara

This pasta is made from chickpeas. Chickpeas calm the spirit and soothe anxiety and irritability. Green peas are good for your digestion.

 

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

 

vegetable noodle lo mein

7. Vegetable Noodle Lo Mein

The noodles here are made from butternut squash. This squash is good for your heart and your digestion. Shiitake mushrooms help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

This vegetable noodle lo mein is the perfect recipe to try out your favorite type of veggie noodle. You can even mix it up and use a few different kinds here. This tastes better than Chinese takeout and you won’t feel bloated or tired after you eat!

baked lemon cod

8. Baked Lemon Cod

This Baked Lemon Cod is delicious. And, it’s simple. There’s no sautéing involved. There’s no flipping of delicate fish. There’s no complicated sauce. But it is truly delicious.

Fish is a great thing to eat when you feel like you need more energy. Cod, in particular, is good for your heart. Lemon peels are great to detoxify your body and to smooth your digestion.

 

peanut butter banana oatmeal

9. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Oats are good for your digestion. Walnuts are considered a Chinese herb that treats constipation. Honey gives you energy and quiets coughs.

This recipe is warming, comforting, and can be customized with whatever ingredients you like.

 

shaved brussels sprouts & apple salad

10. Shaved Brussels Sprouts And Apple Salad

I’m kind of a freak about leftover salad. I love almost anything straight out of the fridge as a leftover. Except salad. I just hate it when it goes all wet and limp. Enter this salad… it’s even better leftover the next day. The Brussels sprouts stand up so well to the creamy dressing that there is no ick-factor involved. This makes it perfect to make for a crowd because you can make it way in advance. This is just awesomely easy and convenient.

Brussels sprouts are an anti-cancerous vegetable and they are also great for weight loss. Apples are good for your heart and your digestion.

 

zoodles with creamy avocado pesto

11. Zoodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto

The avocado makes the pesto so creamy and it’s so easy to make. It’s a really pretty green…  And the noodles are made from zucchini… deliciously creamy and healthy.

Zucchini  calms your mind. Avocados are good for hot flashes and for your heart. Basil calms your mind and boosts your immune system.

 

 

12. Sweet Potato Apple & Swiss Chard Stew

This is a warming and comforting vegan dish… and nobody will miss the meat.

Sweet potatoes are good for your digestive system. They can be good for both constipation and diarrhea. These orange gems also help rid your body of excess water, are good for breast health, help people with diabetes and actually can help ease night blindness.

It really is true that an apple a day is a good thing. Apples help to strengthen your heart. They are also good for your digestion and they can help eliminate mucus when you have a cold.

 

tomato pomegranate salad

13. Tomato Pomegranate Salad

This tomato pomegranate salad is beautiful, simple, delicious, healthy, and easily customizable with the ingredients you have on hand.

Tomatoes are good for your digestive system. Pomegranate seeds nourish the blood. In Chinese medicine, we know that many illnesses and conditions are caused by the body making poor quality blood. Pomegranate seeds are great at helping the body make good quality blood. They are also good to combat diarrhea, anemia and incontinence.

 

sheet pan chicken fajitas

14. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

I used grain-free almond tortillas to wrap up these sheet pan chicken fajitas. And I added turmeric to the spice mix. And lots of scallions. Yup, this is not only delicious, but it’s healing too!

Chicken is a healthy protein to eat when you are feeling weak. Bell peppers can help relieve that bloated feeling in your stomach.

 

buckwheat ramen soup

15. Buckwheat Ramen Soup

Ramen soup is  so delicious, but if you eat grain-free, you can’t have traditional ramen. I used buckwheat ramen noodles in this soup; buckwheat is a seed, not a grain.

Buckwheat helps lower blood pressure and it’s good to stop diarrhea. Ginger is great for your immune system and for your digestion.

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

 

chickpea penne with arugula pesto

16. Chickpea Penne With Arugula Pesto

This recipe is great on 2 different fronts. First, there’s the pesto. OMG — this is sooooooooo good! And, it takes only 5 minutes to make. Next, there’s the beauty and deliciousness of the grain-free pasta made from chickpeas. Well, this is nothing short of genius!

Arugula boosts your libido and cools your body down. Chickpeas calm the spirit.

 

salmon with parsley sauce

17. Salmon With Parsley Sauce

Slow-roasting this fish at a really low temperature keeps it so tender, juicy, and fresh tasting.

Parsley is considered an anti-cancerous herb. And, it freshens your breath! So, if you get a chance to use it for something other than a garnish, I say go for it!

Salmon is great to nourish your blood and can help with asthma.

 

simple poached salmon with yogurt sauce

18. Simple Poached Salmon With Yogurt Sauce

Wild salmon is a great thing to add into your diet to help increase your athletic performance — this fish can help reduce aches and pains in your muscles and joints, and it’s a good source of iron.

Lemons help detoxify your body and they are great for your immune system.

As an added extra benefit, this salmon makes for awesome leftovers.

 

noodles with raw tomato basil sauce

19. Zoodles With Raw Tomato Basil Sauce

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better during those hot days of summer. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections. This recipe uses both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes.

 

sprouted grain chicken cutlets

20. Sprouted Grain Chicken Cutlets

This chicken is crispy. The outside layer actually crunches in your mouth, but the chicken itself stays so moist. And, the coating mixture… it’s so easy to make and it contains superfoods to heal your body. Ummmmm…. what are you waiting for? You’ve got to try this one!

This is one of my most popular recipes — make it and see why!  And, make sure you make extra because this chicken is great sliced up on salads or sandwiches too.

 

buckwheat sweet potato arugula salad

21. Buckwheat Sweet Potato Arugula Salad

Let me tell you, rather immodestly at that, that this salad is incredible. It hit all it’s marks. The buckwheat is chewy. The sweet potatoes are warm and sweet. The tempeh tastes like unexpected little pieces of smoky bacon. The spinach and arugula are refreshing.  The cherries are tart. The dressing is tangy. The pecans are crunchy. Okay, enough praises. But you’ve got to make this!

Buckwheat is a seed, not a grain. It is great to eat if you have diarrhea. It also helps lower blood pressure, stops some types of sweating, and has a good amount of vitamin E, and has antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease.

Arugula boosts the libido and helps cool the body down.

 

roasted turmeric cod

22. Roasted Turmeric Cod

Fish is great to eat if you feel like you need more energy. It’s also helps with diarrhea and hemorrhoids. I used cod for this recipe, but any firm fleshed sturdy white fish would work great. Cod, like many fish varieties, is good for the cardiovascular system; it helps protect against heart attacks and strokes and helps regulate blood pressure.

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

 

simple fresh vegetable soup

23. Simple Fresh Vegetable Soup

One of the things that I tell my clients is that if you make a big pot of healthy soup at the beginning of the week, you will have no reason to grab unhealthy snacks when you come home famished.

This vegan soup contains lots of fresh vegetables to heal you.

 

paleo chicken pot pie soup

24. Paleo Chicken Pot Pie Soup

I bet you didn’t know that potatoes can relieve some inflammation in your joints are they are good for constipation…

This soup is creamy (but there’s no dairy) and rich and garlicky and healing. It’s just so comforting.

Chicken is a healthy protein to eat if you are feeling weak. It also can lessen the pain of some types of arthritis.

 

szechuan zoodles

25. Szechuan Zoodles

This dish is especially great because the zucchini noodles are mixed with buckwheat noodles, so in the end, this slurpy and spicy pasta dish tastes like real pasta.

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better when you are feeling hot. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

Buckwheat is great to eat if you have diarrhea. It also helps lower blood pressure, stops some types of sweating, and has a good amount of vitamin E. It also contains antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease.

 

Vietnamese meatball bowls

26. Vietnamese Meatball Bowls

Almost all meatballs are awesome. But these meatballs are extra awesome. They are made with pork and infused with some traditional Vietnamese flavors. They are bit-sized, juicy, mouth watering, amazingly flavorful meatballs.

Pork strengthens the digestive system, helps with constipation, and can moisten a dry cough and other dryness in the body. It’s also good to strengthen your qi and give you energy.

I like to put these meatballs on top of cauliflower rice. Cauliflower contains a healthy amount of vitamin B, vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. It also helps the body with detoxification.

 

paleo fettuccine alfredo

27. Paleo Fettuccine Alfredo

This is a grain-free pasta dish made with a dairy-free cream sauce… and it is the most delicious and creamy pasta you can have.

The sauce is made with cauliflower, which helps fight cancer and is good for your digestion.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body.

 

roasted lemon shrimp

28. Roasted lemon Shrimp

There’s nothing easier than a sheet pan dinner. And this one is awesome!

Shrimp are high in protein and low in calories, so really, they are a pretty good thing. In Chinese medicine, shrimp are actually recommended as a food to promote longevity because they nourish the kidneys, and in Chinese medicine, the kidneys are the key to life. Shrimp are great to boost libido, lessen some lower back pain and weakness, and they can help new moms with lactation.

Lemon peels contain calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better.

 

vegan macaroni and cheese

29. Vegan Macaroni And Cheese

This is comfort food to the max!

I used a grain-free pasta and the creamy cheese sauce is made with potatoes and carrots… yum!

This one will make you smile as you eat it. There’s just something about this that feels so decadent… but the sauce is made from healing veggies.

 

lemon pesto fish fillets

30. Lemon Pesto Fish Filets

This recipe is so easy, and you can use any thin white fish that you like.

Fish is great to eat if you feel like you need more energy. It’s also helps with diarrhea and hemorrhoids. I used cod for this recipe, but almost any fish would be delicious with this preparation and creamy mustard sauce. Cod, like many fish varieties, is good for the cardiovascular system; it helps protect against heart attacks and strokes and can help regulate blood pressure. It’s also very low in calories… so have a nice big piece!

Lemon peels contain calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Lemons are good for your stomach, they help detoxify your body, they balance your pH and they act as an antibacterial. If you have a sore throat or a cough, go for lemons to make things better. Lemons are great for quenching your thirst, and, in China, many years ago, hypertension was treated by drinking tea made from lemon peels.

 

If you make this any of these 30 quick meals to heal you this month, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

It’s my hope that you will enjoy these meals and the way they make you feel so much that you will move onto eating this way more and more often. I’d love to help you out, so CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

And, be sure to click on the individual recipes for more health information about each ingredient used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 Foods To Boost Your Mood

It’s pretty awesome that there are foods you can eat to elevate your mood. It’s true that food really IS medicine! The next time you need a little mood boost or emotional pick-me-up, pull out this list of 17 Foods To Boost Your Mood… Read more

Zoodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto

zoodles with creamy avocado pesto

Pasta is my favorite food in the world. Give me a big bowl of spaghetti, and just leave me alone. But, I feel so much better when I don’t eat grains. Ugh.  Now there are some awesome grain-free faux pastas available today I am sooooooo happy. BUT, when people tell me that zucchini noodles/zoodles or spaghetti squash noodles or any vegetable that’s been turned into noodles will satisfy my pasta craving, I think they are crazy. That being said, these zoodles with creamy avocado pesto are really awesome…

I know, now I’ve kind of talked you out of making them. I really stink at marketing sometimes. But, I am honest — sometimes to a fault. Really, what I should have done is compared these to other vegetable recipes, not to my beloved pastas. Because — and this is so true — this is one of the best vegetable recipes around. And, for all of you out there who do feel that zoodles can take the place of traditional spaghetti, you are going to flip over this recipe.

These zucchini noodles are delicious! Really, I’m not just trying to redeem myself after my ranting above. It’s my opinion that when you make a dish that’s zucchini in spaghetti form, it needs a really creamy, flavorful sauce. You are not going to catch me serving zoodles with a light garlic and oil sauce (even though I know tons of people who love that). Nope, I want the most decadent sauce I can find. And this creamy avocado pesto sauce is just that.

The avocado here makes the pesto so creamy. And it’s so easy to make. And it’s a really pretty green. And it’s really healthy… Ok, have I talked you into it yet?

I made this last week when I was in the mood for creamy pasta but I didn’t want to deal with the guilt that would go along with that when I didn’t feel well afterwards. And, truly, I was happy. I like to leave the zucchini a little crunchy and I used my favorite store-bought pesto… so quick and so easy!

If you are a zucchini noodles fan, you should also try my recipe for Szechuan Zoodles.

zoodles with creamy avocado pesto

There are only a few ingredients in these awesome zoodles with creamy avocado pesto, but they are healing ones:

Zucchini cools your body off and makes you feel better when you are feeling hot. It helps your body release excess heat and it will make your mind feel more calm.

Basil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial capabilities. It also is good for settling your stomach, and it’s good at lessening the symptoms of the common cold and its accompanying cough. Basil is a spiritual herb — the scent actually calms you; you can boil some in a pot and let the aroma fill the air, you can just leave some around the house, you can toss a bunch in your bath water (I love to do this), or you can use an essential oil with basil to get some great calming effects. I used a store-bought basil pesto for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pesto!

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations, constipation, and hot flashes due to menopause.

It is true that spinach contains iron, but it’s this vegetable’s lesser-known qualities that really hold my admiration. Spinach contains a substance that helps eliminate prostate cancer. It’s also great for your bones and also for memory loss. Diabetic patients may find that eating spinach helps combat excessive thirst and can even be good for night blindness. Spinach can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, so calcium-rich foods should be avoided when eating this leafy green.

zoodles with creamy avocado pesto

Zoodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto
Print
Recipe type: zucchini noodles, faux pasta, simple
Cuisine: vegan, vegetarian, paleo, whole30
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Zucchini spaghetti is smothered in a flavorful pesto sauce made creamy by adding avocado! This is so easy and so healthy!
Ingredients
  • 1 large clamshell package of zucchini noodles/zoodles (or spiralize about 3 medium/large zucchini)
  • 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ of an avocado
  • 6 oz. basil pesto (or substitute your favorite pesto)
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large saute pan.
  2. Add the zucchini and stir until it's how you like it -- I like mine a bit crunchy, so it only takes a few minutes.
  3. In a blender, combine the spinach, avocado, and pesto.
  4. Whiz it up until really creamy.
  5. Put the zoodles in a large bowl.
  6. Add as much of the sauce as you like. Toss well.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Slurp it up and enjoy!

zoodles with creamy avocado pesto

Creamy Mint Avocado Pasta

Avocados are good for hot flashes!
creamy mint avocado pasta

I’m going to be honest: most of my life I was not a big mint fan. I could never understand how people liked mint chocolate chip ice cream so much — to me, the mint ruined the deliciousness of the chocolate chip. Mint tea?… ewww…. And, I would always choose any other candy over the pretty red and white candy canes of winter. Funny how things change. And boy have they ever! Mint is awesome! And it’s recipes like this creamy mint avocado pasta that make me wonder what was wrong with me all of those years ago…

When I first started studying Chinese medicine and I fell so in love with all of the herbs, Mint (Bo He) quickly became a go-to healing herb for me. It is amazing in it’s abilities to fight colds, boost the immune system, and settle your stomach. But, it wasn’t until I started experimenting by adding mint to my recipes, that a true love affair bloomed.

A few weeks ago, one of my neighbors asked me if I wanted some fresh mint from her garden. Well, duh… of course I did. So I gratefully took a whole bag-full, and made tea and chocolate mint shakes, and this awesome pasta sauce. I probably should have shared the big bowl of it that I made but we ate it all before that ever happened. I guess there’s always next time…

So, when I tell you that this creamy mint avocado pasta sauce is amazing, I really mean it. The avocado makes it creamy. The flavor of the mint can be as strong as you like, or it can just peak through. And, if you make this dish with grain-free pasta, it’s one of the healthiest comfort foods around. It’s like happiness in a bowl — ugh, did I really just say that…?

If you are looking for another great pasta sauce, try my recipe for: Chickpea Penne With Arugula Pesto.

creamy mint avocado pasta

creamy mint avocado pasta

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this creamy mint avocado pasta:

Mint is a Chinese herb called Bo He. It’s one of the best things to fight a cold, sore throat, or fever. It’s also good for some abdominal issues too, like bloating, nausea, and some stomach pains. Mint also helps cool of the body in cases of heatstroke, so stock up in summer!

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations, constipation, and hot flashes due to menopause.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Garlic is amazing in its antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Garlic is actually a Chinese herb (Da Suan). It’s used to kill toxins and parasites and also to reduce swelling in the body. It’s what I call a great “A” herb: anesthetic, antibacterial, anti fungal, antioxidant, antiviral, etc…. In this recipe, the garlic is left raw, so it’s effect and taste is magnified… so don’t use as much as you would if you are making a recipe with cooked garlic.

Limes help to regenerate fluids, so they are great to combat any dehydration symptoms that sometimes can accompany alcohol consumption. They also contain a lot of vitamin C and they can actually help energize you.

creamy mint avocado pasta

Creamy Mint Avocado Pasta
Print
Recipe type: pasta, simple, sauce, vegan, vegetarian, paleo
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: Always Order Dessert
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
This pasta sauce is amazing! It's so healthy, and it's raw -- just put the ingredients in your food processor or blender, cook your pasta, and you're ready to go!
Ingredients
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds (you can buy these)
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • hot sauce, to taste
  • 1 lge garlic clove, chopped
  • juice of 1-1/2 limes
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 12-oz pasta of your choice (here's a grain-free one)
  • Vegan parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)
Instructions
  1. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, making sure it's al dente.
  2. Drain.
  3. Meanwhile, make the sauce by putting all of the remaining ingredients (except Parmesan) into your food processor.
  4. Whiz it up until it's creamy.
  5. Toss the sauce with the pasta.
  6. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you like.
  7. Enjoy!

creamy mint avocado pasta

Raw Corn And Vegetable Salad

This raw corn and vegetable salad is a great way to incorporate more raw foods into your diet…

raw corn and vegetable salad

Here it is the day before Thanksgiving. Eating  light and healthy just seems like the right thing to do. Even more so than usual. It’s like going into survival mode. If I want to eat all that I want to eat tomorrow (and that’s a lot), then I better stick to a smart plan today. This raw corn and vegetable salad is a big part of my perfect plan.

This year, I am not hosting the holiday in my home, so I don’t have as much control over the food as I usually do. If I had my druthers, I’d have a couple of raw dishes on the table, but the likelihood of this happening is next to none… so I did the next best thing and I made a big bowl of this raw corn and vegetable salad today. Yup, it was sashimi for lunch and raw veg salad for dinner. I should have enough room for all of that awesomeness tomorrow…

This is a big delicious bowl of crunchy, fresh tasting, deliciousness.

It’s kind of weird for a salad of mine, but there is no dressing on this salad.

That’s right. None. Just lime juice. And it’s perfect this way… and not just because I want to pig out tomorrow…

This salad has lots of veggies, some fruit (kiwis and pineapple), and lots of fresh herbs. It’s dishes like this that make me think I might be able to be a raw foodist. But, I know that’s not going to happen because I just love hot food. But, this raw corn and vegetable salad is really that good.

raw corn and vegetable salad

Here are just some of the ingredients that are so healing in this raw corn and vegetable salad:

Corn is one of the foods that if I can’t find organic, I just won’t eat because the crops are so heavily sprayed and are full of GMOs. As more people are expressing concern about GMOs, it seems to be getting easier to find good corn at the market. Corn actually benefits the gallbladder, is good for hepatitis, heart disease, and hypertension. Cornsilk is a Chinese herb (Yu Mi Xu). It’s often used to reduce edema, help with hepatitis and reduce the symptoms of some painful urinary conditions. If you can’t find organic fresh corn, buy a bag of organic frozen corn!

Cucumbers are awesome, both for taste and health reasons. In Chinese medicine, they are known to have exceptional healing capabilities. They cool the body, expel toxins, purify the blood, strengthen the heart, moistens the large intestines and the lungs and kill tapeworms. They are good to eat if you have swelling in your hands or feet, or if you have a bladder infection.

Carrots help strengthen the organs in your body. They also are good for the eyes (this is their claim to fame) and they promote healthy digestion. Many moons ago, people used to make carrot tea to ward off measles and to prevent cancer. Carrots help detoxify the body and in today’s world of Chinese medicine, they are prescribed to ease constipation and tonsillitis.

Scallions, as I tell you often, are one of my favorites. In Chinese medicine, the root of the scallion is a healing herb (Cong Bai). I always keep scallions on hand in my refrigerator so that I can whip up a batch of cold and flu fighting tea (scallion roots and ginger) the second anyone feels that scratchy throat coming on. It helps the body sweat out toxins. Scallions are antiviral and antibacterial; they are good for the common cold and general nasal congestion — just don’t eat too many if you have a fever.

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia. It used to be common in China to use green pepper tea to soothe indigestion.

Kale is everywhere these days. It is extremely nutritious, and because it to so popular you can find it already washed and prepared in lots of markets. I bought this kale already shredded and washed. If you are using a whole bunch of kale, make sure you clean the leaves thoroughly and remove the center thick stems if they bother you (me… I don’t really mind them if the kale is cooked). This dark leafy green is a great source of fiber and calcium. It’s also rich in many minerals, including magnesium, iron and potassium. One serving contains 200% of the daily requirements of Vitamin C and 180% of Vitamin A.

Cilantro is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is good for the common cold, indigestion, and energy flow in the body. An old Chinese remedy for the common cold and even for measles was to drink cilantro and mint tea. Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate; I’m a lover…

Basil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial capabilities. It also is good for settling your stomach, and it’s good at lessening the symptoms of the common cold and its accompanying cough. Basil is a spiritual herb — the scent actually calms you; you can boil some in a pot and let the aroma fill the air, you can just leave some around the house, you can toss a bunch in your bath water (I love to do this), or you can use an essential oil with basil to get some great calming effects.

Pineapple is great for your digestion and it can help stop diarrhea. It’s especially good in the summer because it fights against heatstroke.

Hot peppers contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable and they are good at fighting off the common cold. So, if you like spice, as I do, use a generous amount of whatever hot peppers you like. The main component of hot peppers is capsicum. Capsicum actually works with your body and mind to make you feel happy. It’s also good for reducing swelling and can relieve arthritic joint pain. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before eating too many hot peppers because they can actually raise the blood pressure in some people.

raw corn and vegetable salad

Raw Corn And Vegetable Salad
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Recipe type: salad, vegetables, fruit, side dish
Cuisine: raw, vegan, vegetarian, whole30, paleo
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
There's nothing more delicious or cleaner tasting than this raw vegetable salad dressed with fresh lime juice. Serve it with whatever's on your menu today!
Ingredients
  • 2 small (Kirby) cucumbers, finely diced
  • 1 medium tomato, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1-1/2 cups baby kale, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 cups corn kernels
  • 5 large basil leaves, chopped
  • ¼ cup finely diced fresh pineapple
  • 1 kiwi, diced
  • ½ an avocado, diced
  • 1-inch piece of jalapeño pepper, finely minced, or to taste
  • juice of 2 limes
  • sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Toss well.
  3. Let the healing begin.

raw corn and vegetable salad

Vegan Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

These vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers are so easy!

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

I have finally learned to love my slow cooker! Yup, it’s a red letter day. I always loved how easy it is to use it, but honestly, my food was really inconsistent when I used it. I would have to make a recipe many, many times before I finally got it right. I mean, dried out meat is pretty gross…

I feel like a lightbulb finally went off over my head: When I cook vegan food in my cooker, it’s almost always awesome. It’s funny how things work out; I’ve been trying to eat more and more vegan meals, and now my handy-dandy slow cooker has become my partner in crime.  And these vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers are so delicious, so simple, so satisfying, so filling, and so healing — OK, I know, too many adjectives… but, they really are awesome.

I was inspired to make this version of vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers when I saw Lindsay at Pinch of Yum, post her genius recipe.

Let me tell you, even if you think you don’t like vegan food, this recipe will change your mind. Nobody missed the meat at all when I served these peppers. They have a slight Mexican taste and are filled with beans and buckwheat and an amazing enchilada sauce. I sometimes get asked to suggest vegan foods to serve to non-vegans… this recipe now tops that list!

If you’re looking for another great slow cooker vegan recipe, try my Slow Cooker Vegetable Minestrone.

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

Here are some ways this recipe for slow cooker vegan stuffed peppers will heal you:

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia. It used to be common in China to use green pepper tea to soothe indigestion.

Buckwheat lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and it’s high in fiber. And, because buckwheat is also high in magnesium, it is the perfect food to combat heart disease. I’ve been substituting buckwheat groats in recipes that call for pasta or rice, or even quinoa… it makes a great risotto, so try it!

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations and hot flashes due to menopause.

Cilantro is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is good for the common cold, indigestion, and energy flow in the body. An old Chinese remedy for the common cold and even for measles was to drink cilantro and mint tea. Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate; I’m a lover…

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

Vegan Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Print
Recipe type: Slow Cooker, vegan, vegetarian
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Pinch Of Yum
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
No one will miss the meat in these stuffed peppers. They are filled with Mexican-spiced beans and buckwheat, and they are awesome!
Ingredients
  • 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds cleaned out
  • 1 cup raw buckwheat groats (you can buy these)
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-oz can refried beans (I used refried black beans, but choose what you like)
  • 1-1/2 cups mild enchilada sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1-1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup vegan pepper jack cheese (I tried a new soy-free one: "Follow Your Heart" brand, and it was awesome), shredded or thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, sliced
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the raw buckwheat groats, all of the beans, the enchilada sauce, chili powder, turmeric, garlic powder, and half of the cheese.
  2. Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Fill the peppers with the stuffing mixture.
  4. Stand the stuffed pepper up in the slow cooker.
  5. Let the peppers cook on high heat for 3 hours.
  6. Open the cooker and sprinkle the remaining cheese onto the tops of the peppers. Cover and leave on the warm setting so the cheese melts. I left mine like this for about an hour.
  7. Remove the peppers to plates and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime slices.
  8. Enjoy!

vegan slow cooker stuffed peppers

Sweet Potato Strawberry Arugula Salad

This sweet potato strawberry arugula salad has everything your body needs to feel awesome!

sweet potato strawberry arugula salad

We are in the process of trying to sell our house so there are strangers walking through at all times. It’s hard to keep the house perfectly clean for all of the potential buyers stopping by! Especially the kitchen! Now, when I cook I try to be mindful of the cleanup, which is a real challenge for me because I use a lot of equipment and ingredients when I create recipes.

I went to the market the other day with absolutely no idea of what i was going to prepare when I got home. So many things looked so good… this might have been because I was hungry when I got there, which is probably not the best time to food shop…

It’s much more of a challenge to put my food together into a cohesive meal if I’ve shopped before breakfast. If I shop hungry, everything looks great. I feel like I get one of those cartoon bubbles above my head with experimental recipe ideas written out. Sometimes when I unload the bags at home, I can’t imagine what I was thinking. But sometimes, it just works.

So, I bought a bag of produce filled with beautiful colors. I bought beautifully orange sweet potatoes, huge firm strawberries, perfectly ripe avocados, fresh arugula and spinach, and oranges the size of your head.

When I got home I was starving! And, I still hadn’t eaten breakfast. And, let me tell you, this NEVER happens — I always eat breakfast. But, the fridge was bare… even my smoothie ingredients were severely lacking.

I heated the oven and put the sweet potatoes in to roast. Then I layed out all of my other ingredients on the counter. The colors were beautiful, but they didn’t seem to be conducive of a cohesive meal.

Salad to the rescue! Sometimes beautiful fresh ingredients come together in the most unexpected ways, like in this colorful, sweet potato strawberry arugula salad. I don’t want to call this a breakfast salad, because I’m well aware that a lot of people don’t like salad for breakfast, but if you’re game, you should try it because this is an awesome breakfast!

If you like salads with out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, try my Tomato And Herb Salad With Roasted Lemons too.

sweet potato strawberry arugula salad

This salad is delicious and so good for you:

Sweet potatoes are good for your digestive system. They can be good for both constipation and diarrhea. These orange gems also help rid your body of excess water, are good for breast health, help people with diabetes and actually can help ease night blindness. In olden times, it was common in China to rub mashed sweet potatoes on poison insect bites to remove the toxins. I haven’t tried this, but if you see me looking a tad orange, this will be why…

Strawberries help get rid of excess alcohol in your body and they are good for your heart. They even help reduce plaque in your mouth and can make you feel better if you have an annoying dry cough or if you feel bloated from eating too much. So, if you’ve overindulged, strawberries are great for you.

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations and hot flashes due to menopause.

Oranges will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi” as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.

Arugula has a good amount of calcium and it also contains vitamins A, C and K. It is rich in potassium and it’s extra beneficial in the summer because it actually cools the body down. This delicious peppery green is also believed to be a libido booster. One of the first things I learned when I started really taking care of my health through proper nutrition, was to substitute dark greens for lighter greens whenever possible. One of the easiest, tastiest, and healthiest switches you can make is to swap out some of your lighter salad greens for peppery, dark arugula.

It is true that spinach contains iron, but it’s this vegetable’s lesser-known qualities that really hold my admiration. Spinach contains a substance that helps eliminate prostate cancer. It’s also great for your bones and also for memory loss. Diabetic patients may find that eating spinach helps combat excessive thirst and can even be good for night blindness. Spinach can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium, so calcium-rich foods should be avoided when eating this leafy green.

Basil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial capabilities. It also is good for settling your stomach, and it’s good at lessening the symptoms of the common cold and its accompanying cough. Basil is a spiritual herb — the scent actually calms you; you can boil some in a pot and let the aroma fill the air, you can just leave some around the house, you can toss a bunch in your bath water (yes, really), or you can use an essential oil with basil to get some great calming effects.

sweet potato strawberry arugula salad

Sweet Potato Strawberry Arugula Salad
Print
Recipe type: salad
Cuisine: American, vegetarian, vegan
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
The colors in this salad are beautiful and the taste is even better! This salad is filled with ingredients that will heal you and make you smile!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 8 basil leaves, torn into large pieces
  • 1 orange, peeled and sliced, slices cut in half
  • 6 large strawberries, sliced
  • 1 large roasted sweet potato, roasted and then sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • For Balsamic Vinaigrette:
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other healthy sweetener)
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Arrange all salad ingredients on a large platter.
  2. Whisk all dressing ingredients together and drizzle onto salad.
  3. Enjoy!

sweet potato strawberry arugula salad

Creamy Vegan Chocolate Mousse

This creamy vegan chocolate mousse is so delicious that nobody will miss the dairy!

creamy vegan chocolate mousse

Last year when I was on vacation in Carmel, California, I had the best chocolate mousse in the world. I’m not being overly dramatic. It really was The Best. Chocolate. Mousse. Ever. You know how sometimes out of the blue, for no reason at all, something just pops into your head? Well, the other night that chocolate mousse popped into my head. I really, really wanted some.

OK, so I don’t eat dairy now and I don’t eat sugar now, so what was I to do?

Also, I love eating dessert but I am not a great baker/dessert maker.

I posted a recipe for a healthy chocolate mousse a long time ago, so I looked it up. I remembered it being good, but it really wasn’t that same creamy decadent goodness as the mousse now stuck in my head. So, I played around with the recipe. And now, this recipe is awesome; it’s really, really creamy. Maybe it’s not the same as that full-on dairy-ed up version in Carmel, but it’s just as satisfying. And, don’t worry, it’s not just me who loves it… Steve (my dairy-eating husband) gives it a big thumbs up too!

Oh yeah, did I mention that this creamy vegan chocolate mousse recipe requires no cooking. It’s raw. All you need is a blender. I used my Vitamix and it came out silky and dreamy. I don’t know what the texture will be like if you use a regular blender, so if you try it please let me know.

And, if you want to try another great raw chocolate dessert, try my Raw Chocolate Bark recipe next time.

creamy vegan chocolate mousse

Here are some of the great ingredients:

Avocados are one of my favorite foods, both for their health benefits and because they taste great. In Chinese medicine, some practitioners recommend avocados to raise the sperm count. I like them because they are good for anemia, dry skin, palpitations and hot flashes due to menopause.

Raw cacao is a superfood. It is packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and other minerals. Not only is it packed with health benefits, but it actually has properties that help the body absorb nutrients better and it’s filled with antioxidants. Cacao can actually be translated as “food of the gods”… Raw cacao can help lower blood pressure, promote healthy heart function, improve digestion, and may even help increase the libido.

Cashews are good for a host of conditions including fatigue, frequent urination, knee and lower back pain and low libido. They are also great for energy, constipation, and dizziness. This recipe uses cashew butter to make the mousse deliciously creamy.

Maca Root is one of the superfoods I take every day. It has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

In Asian medicine, nuts are known to be good for your brain, heart, skin and reproductive system. Almonds are particularly nutritious. They are a good source of protein and they give you energy. And, they are gluten-free. Almonds will help relieve a cough and asthma and are also good for constipation. Even if you are not on a dairy-free diet, almond milk is the way to go.

creamy vegan chocolate mousse

 

Creamy Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Print
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: vegan
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 3
This is the creamiest chocolate mousse ever! It's vegan. It's healing. It's amazing. And, it's raw -- that's right, no cooking required!
Ingredients
  • flesh of 1 avocado
  • ¾ c almond milk
  • 3 Tbs raw cacao powder
  • 1 Tbs plus 3-tsp pure maple syrup
  • 1-1/2 Tbs cashew butter
  • 1 tsp maca root powder (optional)
  • For optional topping: vegan chocolate chips (or any chips you like)
Instructions
  1. Put all of the ingredients (except the topping chips) into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Spoon into small ramekins.
  3. Top with chips if you like.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate until cold, at least a few hours.
  6. Enjoy!

 

creamy vegan chocolate mousse