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Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken

This Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken dish is the stuff dreams are made of. It is so delicious, so healthy, and will make everyone happy.
dairy free creamy spinach artichoke chicken

My kids used to love spinach artichoke dip when they were little. Every time we would go to a restaurant that had it on the menu, we had to order it. I couldn’t argue too much, because, well, it really is one of the most delicious inventions ever.

Fast forward to our lives today… in my house we eat almost entirely dairy-free. And my kids are still happy to come over for dinner because meals like this are still served here. Meals that are so creamy that nobody would believe there is no cream or cheese in them. This Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken is a winner every time.

I’ve used this basic recipe for chicken, but as I sit here, I’m already imagining how awesome it would be with salmon too. Hmmm… I see a trip to the fish market in my near future…

Of course, you could make this dish will all the dairy. Just use traditional cream cheese instead of the vegan type mentioned in the recipe below and use some good fresh Parmesan too. But… half the fun here is that you will know it’s dairy-free and therefore so much better for your digestion, but that nobody else will ever know. Unless you tell them. And I never do.

Chicken seems to be the protein that most people serve and eat most often. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard people say… I  can’t eat one more piece of chicken… or, I am tired of making the same old chicken for dinner…  Well, I’m here to tell you that nobody will complain about eating chicken when you serve it with this sauce. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.

I realize that dinner planning can be really stressful and frustrating when you aren’t a chef. I have friends that would do just about anything to never have to decide what’s for dinner ever again. Who needs MORE stress in their lives now?????

reduce stress free ebook

As we are talking about stress, I figured I’d put a link here for my free ebook all about what foods to eat to help you reduce stress. You can download it here now.

dairy free creamy spinach artichoke chicken

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe:

Chicken is something I always buy organic. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery, childbirth, or illness. Chicken is good for nourishing the blood and it’s a healthy source of protein and vitamin B6.

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….

Artichokes are a good source of vitamins C and K and they also contain a healthy amount of magnesium. The are low in fat and calories but they do have some fiber, so they are a healthy choice. In Chinese medicine, we recommend adding artichokes to the diet to combat sadness, headaches, indigestion, and diarrhea. In olden times, steamed artichokes were sometimes prescribed to combat a yeast infection.

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.

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.

dairy free creamy spinach artichoke chicken

5.0 from 1 reviews
Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Author: 
Recipe type: paleo, whole30, dairy free, grain free, gluten free, nut free
Cuisine: chicken, main dish, one pot meal
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This Dairy-Free Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken is delicious and healing. And best of all, everyone will love it and nobody will realize it's dairy free.
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 7 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 14-oz can artichoke hearts, quartered and drained
  • 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth (or can substitute chicken or vegetable stock)
  • 5 cups baby spinach
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • ⅓ cup vegan parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large oven-proof pan over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, brown the chicken on both sides, about 10 mins.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pan and add the garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds and then add the cream cheese. Stir, and smash it a bit with a wooden spoon, until it thins out a little, then pour in the broth. Reduce the heat to low and stir for 2 mins.
  5. Add the spinach to the sauce, stirring until it is wilted.
  6. Stir in the scallions, artichokes, and Parmesan.
  7. Place the skillet in the oven and cook just until hot and chicken is cooked through, about 10 mins.

dairy free creamy spinach artichoke chicken

Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup

This Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup will heal what ails you. It will warm you deliciously from the inside out.
immune boosting onion chicken soup

So, what the heck is Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup? In this case, it’s a French onion soup type broth filled with all of the traditional chicken soup ingredients. It’s filled with garlic, and onions, and other foods that will help keep you healthy. It’s the most delicious germ killer you’ll ever have.

We are in the throws of Covid19 now and that means social distancing, quarantine… whatever you want to call it. To me, what that really means is that we need to be boosting our immune systems every way and every time we possible can. I really believe that every time you put something into your mouth it’s another chance to fuel your body and give it what it needs.

So, to this end, I created this Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup.

During this time of our new-normal-chaos, we’ve had to work with the ingredients we can get. Lately, each time I order in groceries and I ask for onions, I get the hugest onions I’ve ever seen. I open the bag and these bowling balls peek out. Really, these onions are the size of my head. So, I’ve made jars of pickled onions and I’ve made pans of caramelized onions. We’ve had onion-heavy stews. And all of these have been great, especially since onions are a great immune booster.

One day I decided I was really in the mood for old-fashioned grandma-style healing chicken soup. But these onions were staring me in the face. This ended up being a great thing. Sometimes circumstances just lend themselves the best accidents. And this is one such happy accident.

immune boosting onion chicken soup

This soup is one of the best immune boosting soups in my recipe arsenal. For more immune boosting tips and recipes, download my free ebook all about immune boosting foods.

boost your immune system

Learn how to stay healthy even in these trying times. Download my free ebook here.

immune boosting onion chicken soup

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup:

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!

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

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….

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.

I like to use some type of seaweed in my chicken soup. I used wakame in this pot because it’s what I had on hand, but feel free to use whatever type you like. Seaweed is good for your thyroid gland and your lymphatic system. If you have swelling in your body or you are retaining water, seaweed is great because it acts as a diuretic. In the olden days, seaweed was fed to people to get rid of goiters and tuberculosis.

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.

Celery actually helps stop bleeding — so if you or anyone you know has just had surgery, start adding celery to your dishes! Celery is also great to help lower blood pressure and it’s been known to help with insomnia.

immune boosting onion chicken soup

5.0 from 1 reviews
Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup
Author: 
Recipe type: paleo, dairy free, grain free, gluten free, nut free
Cuisine: soup
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
I make this Immune Boosting Onion Chicken Soup in my slow cooker, but you can also make it on top of the stove -- either way it is delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
  • 1 giant onion (or 2 large onions), chopped
  • 4 scallions, sliced (be sure to also add the root ends to the soup -- they are extra healing)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 12 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 large sticks of wakame seaweed (you can use whatever seaweed you have, or you can omit this)
  • 1 qt chicken bone broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in pieces
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (I used grain-free chickpea shells)
Instructions
  1. Put all of the ingredients, except the pasta, into your slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 4-hours.
  3. Add pasta and cook for an additional 15 mins or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
  4. NOTE: This soup can easily be made on top of the stove if you prefer. Follow the directions above, but you will probably only need to cook the soup for about 1-1/2 hours. Then add the pasta until cooked al dente.

immune boosting onion chicken soup

 

 

Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup

This fresh vegetable minestrone soup is packed with fresh veggies and herbs — it is truly amazingly delicious and healing. It’s like a hug in a bowl… Food really is the best medicine!
fresh vegetable minestrone soup

We are not vegetarians here in my house. I lean that way, but the rest of my family does not. So, oftentimes when I make a vegan or a vegetarian dish, some people — who shall remain nameless — don’t feel like they’ve had a “real” meal. They feel gypped. I, of course, think this is ridiculous, but sometimes it’s just not worth the fight or even an explanation.

And then sometimes I can make a vegetarian dish that’s so hearty, nobody thinks twice about it. That’s this Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup. It’s so jam-packed with so many things, nobody will miss the meat.

Vegetable-forward soups are my favorite kind of soups. Don’t get me wrong, I love a meatball soup and my Cheeseburger Soup is a huge favorite in my house.  BUT, they are not my beloved fresh veggie soups.

Some people like creamy, smooth soups. Some people like hearty, chunky soups. I love them all. This Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup is of the hearty, chunky variety and it is awesome. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge soup because really, almost anything you’ve got will taste great in this recipe.

I like to add lots of immune-boosting ingredients to my soups and this one is no exception.  Oregano, scallions, and garlic are present in this recipe. Each one of these ingredients packs a big immune-boosting punch and together they are exceedingly powerful, making it perfect for the cold damp months of winter here in New York. And, because I’m not concerned with keeping this soup completely vegetarian, I like to use bone broth for the base of it — extra healing power!

One of the things I teach my clients is that’s it much easier to stay on track with whatever healthy eating/lifestyle plan you are on, if you always keep a big pot of soup in your fridge. I love to make one soup each week and then I can have something healthy and delicious to eat when I come home ravenous. This soup serves this purpose really well because it makes for great leftovers — I’ve even eaten it cold straight from the fridge. Others in my house will heat it up with some Parmesan cheese on top or with a piece of crusty bread hidden at the bottom of the bowl. Have it your way…

If you are a vegetarian soup fan, you will also love my recipes for White Bean And Kale Soup, Slow Cooker Vegan Split Pea Soup, and Paleo Carrot Soup.

boost your immune system

For more great ways to boost your immune system, download my free ebook: How To Be Healthy When Everyone Else Is Sick.

And, if you want to switch up your minestrone game, take a look at all of the minestrone recipes on Feed Feed — they look awesome!

 

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup:

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….

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.

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.

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.

Oregano is a powerful antioxidant and it is great at fighting bacteria. It’s also known as an herb that brings joy and happiness to people. I even just bought a bottle of oregano essential oil and I put a drop in our smoothies a few weeks ago when Steve had a cold… it’s powerful stuff!

Potatoes are good at soothing ulcers and neutralizing acid in the stomach and they help relieve constipation. These tubers also can help relieve arthritic inflammation. So, even though sweet potatoes are thought of as the white potato’s more nutrition sister, regular old potatoes can be just what the doctor ordered.

Broccoli has a lot of potassium and is great for brain function; it also has magnesium and calcium to help regulate blood pressure. It’s also good to clear your body of excess heat and it actually can help your vision too. I love foods that make you feel better mentally as well as physically, and broccoli is one of those foods — it can lessen feelings of irritability.

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.

Parsley has been shown to reduce tumors in the lungs and to neutralize the effects of carcinogens, including cigarette smoke. It is high in vitamins A and C, and is good for your heart. This herb is also a natural breath freshener. So, if you have a chance to use more than a few sprigs as a garnish, go for it.

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Author: 
Recipe type: dairy free, gluten free, grain free, nut free, vegetarian option, vegan option
Cuisine: soup
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This Fresh Vegetable Minestrone Soup is simple, delicious, and healing. It will boost your immune system and keep you healthy!
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 leek, cleaned well and sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 scallions, sliced (make sure to put the roots into the soup too -- they are a Chinese herb that will help keep colds away)
  • 1 cup tiny potatoes, scrubbed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 med zucchini, quartered lengthwise, then sliced
  • 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp toasted onion powder (or substitute any onion powder)
  • 1 qt bone broth or vegetable broth
  • 1-1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup small-shape grain-free pasta (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over med heat.
  2. Add garlic, leek, bay leaf, and scallions (with roots). Saute, stirring, 5 min.
  3. Add potatoes and carrots. Cook, stirring, 3 min.
  4. Add zucchini, cook, stirring, 2 min.
  5. Add tomatoes, oregano, parsley, onion powder, broth, and vinegar. Let simmer about 10 mins or until the potatoes are just cooked through.
  6. Bring to a boil and add the pasta, broccoli, and spinach. Reduce heat and let simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 5- to 10-min.

fresh vegetable minestrone soup

Borscht With Beef

This Borscht With Beef is a deliciously healing classic soup filled with beets, cabbage, and beef. It’s kind of a cross between a hearty beef stew and a cabbage soup. It is amazing and even non-beet-lovers will ask for a second helping.

borscht with beef

I was working with a client a few weeks ago who had really high blood pressure. Now, I’ve always known that beets are great to lower blood pressure but it wasn’t until we actually tested it out that I was truly awe inspired. This wonderful woman came to me willing to do anything she had to in order to feel better. She is my favorite type of client.

I always ask on my initial questionnaire if there is anything you won’t eat. She responded with only two things that she couldn’t                 get down, and one of them was beets.

So, we worked around the beets. And she did amazingly well… her progress was inspiring.

Over the course of a few weeks, I mentioned beets again. I had an intuition or an instinct that beets were the answer to some of her health issues. Well… intuition plus scientific knowledge…

She was game. So I sent her the beets recipe that helped me get my daughter to eat them. And she made it. She ate the beets and she actually loved them. Then she took her blood pressure. The numbers had dropped significantly after only one serving of beets!

She took the bull by the horns and started making more recipes with beets and her blood pressure is now under control. Anyway, this recipe for Borscht With Beef was inspired by this amazing woman who thought she didn’t like beets but loved cabbage soup. It’s delicious. It’s healing. It’s simple. And it tastes like home.

By the way, just as an aside… beet juice is now being given to athletes to increase athletic performance, so you’ve really got to try this Borscht With Beets!

If you like this recipe, you’ll also love my recipe for Beet Sweet Potato Soup.

borscht with beef

Increase Your Athletic Performance

If you are looking to boost your endurance and strength, download my free ebook: Optimized Athletic Performance Food Plan. 

borscht with beef

Here are some of the amazing healing ingredients in this Borscht With Beef recipe:

Beets are SO good for you. I try to find ways to fit them into my meals as much as possible. Really… many times a week. Beets nourish blood and tonify the heart. Athletes are starting to drink beet juice as a form of endurance therapy. They are anti-carcinogenic, good for anemia, and relieve constipation. I also think it’s a great idea to eat them raw sometimes because their amazing goodness is even more pumped up this way.

Beef is good for a lot of ailments. It’s good for edema/swelling in the body, it helps many people with their weak back and knees and, believe it or not, it’s good for that bloated, distended feeling we sometimes get in our stomachs. In the olden days, beef was stewed for hours so that the liquid could be sipped to combat chronic diarrhea. I recommend using grass-fed organic ground beef whenever possible.

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus.  You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

Scallions are one of my favorite ingredients. 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. I toss the roots into this soup and let them infuse the liquid.

Cabbage can help control a cough and lessen the symptoms of the common cold — in olden times, cabbage tea was given to people who had contracted the whooping cough. It’s also good to combat constipation and hot flashes.

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.

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….

borscht with beef

Borscht With Beef
Author: 
Recipe type: soup, stew, comfort food
Cuisine: paleo, whole30, gluten free, grain free, nut free, dairy free
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 8
 
This Borscht With Beef is like a delicious cross between cabbage soup and beef stew. It is so healing and so comforting.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups beef bone broth, divided
  • 3 cups water, divided
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 3 medium/large red beets, peeled and diced
  • 3 scallions, sliced, roots retained and added to the soup
  • ⅓ cup fresh dill, snipped or chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
  • ½ medium head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced and broken into shreds
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 med baking potato, peeled and diced
  • non-dairy yogurt, for topping
Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot set over medium heat, heat the oil.
  2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the beef to the oil, in a single layer, turning to brown all sides. You will probably have to do this in batches, removing the first batch to a plate to do the second batch.
  4. When the beef is all browned, return all of it to the pot and pour in 3 cups of bone broth and 1 cup of water. Add the fennel seeds. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 1 hour.
  5. Add the beets, scallions (with the roots), carrots, cabbage, garlic cloves, and potatoes.
  6. Add the remaining 3 cups bone broth and add about 2 more cups of water so that the ingredients are covered with liquid.
  7. Cover and let simmer 30 mins.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and dill.
  9. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of yogurt.
  10. Enjoy!

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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These 5 Chinese Herbal Teas Will Heal You

Healing yourself naturally is one of the nicest things you can do for your body. These 5 Chinese herbal teas will heal you. So, read on and see which ones you need right now.

10 teas you didn't know you should be drinking

Tea Is One Of Nature’s Best Medicines

I never used to be a huge tea drinker. I always thought it tasted like water and I didn’t find it satisfying. Ugh… what was I thinking? It wasn’t until I began practicing Chinese medicine that I fully began to understand the amazing benefits of healing teas.

When you learn to combine different tenets of the various healing modalities available, you can truly heal yourself with food, herbs, supplements… and teas. The combination of principles from western medicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Mother Nature allows us access to everything the body needs. But, I know how hard it is to sift through all of this research and all of these ideas. And the last thing you need is more stress… but did you know that tea drinkers actually have less stress?

But, that’s what you have me for…

There are so many teas with so many healing super-powers that it was hard for me to choose my top five.  I tried to choose the ones I think will benefit most people and heal some of the most common health concerns. But, if you want more information for some of your more specific concerns, be sure to sign up for a free phone consultation with me and I’ll be happy to suggest a tea more specifically geared toward your needs… I love to do this!

I’m aware that some of these ingredients will be foreign to you. That’s okay. Trying new things is one of the things that keeps our minds and our bodies healthy. Don’t be hesitant to ask me any questions you have or to ask me where to purchase an ingredient you can’t find… just leave a comment below or CLICK HERE for a free phone consultation… can you tell how much I really want you to try these awesome healing teas???

Oh, and if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try one of these Alternative Healing Hot Drinks For Tea Lovers.

Below, you’ll find a list of 5 Chinese herbal teas that will heal you. Really. From the inside out.

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Chinese Herbs Are Incredibly Healing — Which Ones Do You Need Now?

Pick your favorites from below. And then start your own relaxing tea drinking ritual to really heal yourself and relax. Read about How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Hot Tea At Home, and then pick your herbs below.

1. Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)

10 healing teas you didn't know you should be drinking
The Why: This Chinese herb has traditionally been used for swelling and sore throats, but recently there’s been a lot of talk about it’s chemo-protective abilities.

The How: Take a handful of these dried flours, pour boiling water over them and let steep for about seven minutes. Drink it as is, or you can add honey or lemon.

Optional Combinations: If you are feeling like you are getting sick, steep some dried mint leaves along with the honeysuckle.

 

2.  Jujube Fruit (Da Zao)

10 healing teas you didn't know you should be drinking

The Why:  Da Zao is an amazing fruit.  Sometimes I eat them straight from the bag… but the healing power created by steeping them in tea is extraordinary. These Chinese dates give you energy, while simultaneously calming your mind. It’s good for when you are feeling weak and lethargic and also when you are feeling really irritable.  Caution: don’t use Da Zao if you are exceptionally bloated or have an intestinal parasite.

The How:  Using a sharp knife, make a few slits in 2 of the dates. Pour boiling water over them, let stand for 5 minutes, then drink up and eat the fruit when the water is gone.

Optional Combinations:  Put a few slices of fresh ginger into your water as it boils (let it boil for 15 minutes), and pour this ginger water over the Da Zao — this can be a great tea if you are feeling weak and a little out of sorts. Another thing I like to do sometimes is to add about a teaspoon of goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) to the dates and let them steep together. This super red tea is great for energy.

3. Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua)

10 healing teas you didn't know you should be drinking

The Why:  This is a magical tea  for eye problems. If you have tired eyes, a stye, pink-eye, red eyes, etc., this is a tea for you. It’s also great if you are feeling week with low energy.

The How:  Boil some water and pour it over 5 or 6 of these beautiful dried flowers.  Let steep for about five minutes. If you have an active eye irritation, put a 3 or 4 flowers into a small ramekin and let it sit about 15 minutes. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture, then dab your eye with it. Soak the cotton enough so that you can squeeze some of the liquid into your eye, then close your eye and place the soaked cotton on the closed eyelid for about 10 minutes.  Repeat this a few times a day.

Optional Combination:  Add some goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) if along with the eye problem you also have a headache or dizziness.

4. Scallion And Ginger (Cong Bai And Sheng Jiang)

10 healing teas you didn't know you should be drinking

The Why:  The roots of scallions are a very powerful Chinese herb (Cong Bai). Fresh ginger is another powerful Chinese herb (Sheng Jiang). When you combine these two together in a tea, you have one of the strongest immune-boosting, cold-and-flu-busting potions available. This tea, will make your body sweat out the sickness. This works amazingly well at the first signs of sickness; if you are already a few days into the sickness, then this won’t work as well. Caution: do not use this tea if you have a fever.

The How:  Fill a small pot with about three cups of water. Cut up 2 scallions into 2-inch pieces, making sure you use the root (I know, this is usually discarded, but it’s the most important part of this healing tea). Slice up a finger of fresh ginger root — you’ll need about 6 quarter-size slices (no need to peel it). Add these cut up scallions and ginger to the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a large mug and drink it while it’s hot. It’s best to do this right before bed at night. Drink the tea, put on some warm clothing, including a sweatshirt with a hood and a pair of socks. Then get into bed and let the tea work it’s magic.  You will sweat; this is good. In the morning, take a shower to wash off all of the toxins, and you will feel so much better.

5. Reishi/Ganoderma (Ling Zhi)

5 Chinese Herbal Teas You Need Now

 

The Why:  Reishi mushrooms are a longevity superfood. They truly are incredible. They are good for sleep disorders, they help calm the mind, boost your immune system, and nourish your blood and qi. These mushrooms nourish your brain and help with memory. Recent research has show them to be effective at fighting cancer and at detoxifying your liver… so what are you waiting for?

The How:  These mushrooms are available in many different forms — capsules, tablets, powders, and teas. Have a cup of tea before bed and it will do you wonders. I suggest buying this in one of the now readily available powder elixir forms on line. All you do is pour some boiling water into a cup, stir in the elixir powder, and drink it up.  This is also good first thing in the morning. Sometimes I’ll brew a cup and then blend it up with a little coconut oil and ghee for a real boost of energy.

Chinese herbs are amazing. They are truly healing. And, if you combine them with the right food and supplements, you really have a powerful healing protocol. One of my favorite things to do is to introduce newbies to Chinese herbs because they help so much with so many things. If you’d like a free phone consultation, please go to my calendar now and pick a time slot that works for you. We can discuss herbs and food that will help whatever your concerns are. It’s only food — it’s not rocket science — together we can help you live your best life.

download free ebook now

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Another article you may be interested in is: How To Fight Seasonal Allergies With Food And Herbs.

Cold Cucumber Herb Soup

This Cold Cucumber Herb Soup is filled with healing superfoods and greens. Make a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for the hot summer days ahead! Read more

Vegetable Noodle Lo Mein

vegetable noodle lo mein

I think vegetable noodles — of all kinds — are the new kale. Remember last year when kale was everywhere and in everything in every form? This year it’s veggie noodles. There are sweet potato noodles, zucchini noodles, squash noodles, beet noodles, carrot noodles and every other type of vegetable noodles you can imagine. To me, this is a great development. I can’t even look at a pasta recipe without mentally replacing the pasta with some type of veggie noodle or faux pasta. And I LOVE pasta… so my grain-free self is very happy. And, 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.

Confession time. My all-time favorite thing to do when I’m home alone for dinner is to order way too much Chinese food, sit on the floor, and eat it in front of the TV. I don’t mean I order a few too many containers. I mean I surround myself with a ton of white containers. I dig in with chopsticks — plates are forbidden — and I chow down.

And then I feel disgusting.

And bloated.

And a little sick.

But, wow, do the noodles and egg foo young taste so good going down…

But only on those rare occasions when I forget how sick I get from it, do I allow myself take-out Chinese food.

But — and this is a big but — I can cook myself Chinese food whenever I want, and feel just fine. And, let me just say, that this vegetable noodle lo mein tastes better than take-out. And there’s no bloating or nausea or self-loathing afterwards. Okay… so now I’m just being dramatic… I don’t think I’ve ever hated myself because I ate something I shouldn’t have… haha.

Anyway, I have to thank Michele at Paleo Running Momma for posting her awesome recipe for this type of lo mein, because her’s looked and sounded so amazing, that I just had to make it too!

When I am in full recipe creation mode, I peruse lots and lots of sources — yes this is how I get my jollies… Anyway, here’s a more traditional lo mein recipe from Jen Reviews.  I find that some of my clients  like to look at a traditional recipe, and then healthy-it-up a bit for their specific needs. If this is you, go for it, and don’t be shy about asking me any questions in the comments below.

And, if you want to try another great vegetable noodle recipe, try my Zoodles With Creamy Avocado Pesto.

vegetable noodle lo mein

vegetable noodle lo mein

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in this vegetable noodle lo mein:

Butternut squash is more than just a delicious vegetable; it’s really good for you. It’s a good fever reducer, it can lessen stomach pain and it can be a comfort during pregnancy when the baby feels like she’s doing acrobatics. It’s also rich in carotenoids and Vitamin B6. This means it’s good for your heart and can help lower bad cholesterol. And, because butternut squash can help reduce inflammation in the body, it benefits almost everyone. I used some butternut squash noodles in this lo mein.

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 love mushrooms. In Chinese medicine, mushrooms ARE medicine. They are herbs. They are one of the most healing foods around. In China, mushrooms have been used for many years as part of a natural cancer treatment. They are one of the best immune-boosting foods around. I used shiitakes in this recipe. Shiitake mushrooms are probably the variety of mushroom that I use most. I love the way they taste and they help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These shrooms also promote healing and have been found to fight tumors. In Asia, shiitake mushrooms are often fed to a patient who has just had surgery to help the healing process.

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….

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.

Ginger is also a Chinese herb (Sheng Jiang). It’s especially good during cold weather and also during seasonal changes. So, when winter is trying to turn into spring, and we (those of us on the east coast) get some of those cold, raw, damp days, ginger will make you feel better and will help boost your immune system. Ginger is also great for some digestive issues. Old folklore shows that ginger was rubbed on scalps to stop baldness. And, in some circles, a ginger paste is still rubbed on arthritic joints to stop pain (don’t try this at home unless you are diagnosed with a cold-condition by an acupuncturist).

In Eastern medicine, bok choy is used to quench thirst, aid digestion, prevent constipation and treat diabetes. It is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate and fiber. And there are only 20 calories in one cup of Bok Choy. So, it’s good for you, it’s easy to prepare, and it tastes good.

In Chinese medicine, lamb is known to be the most warming meat. We recommend it for a lot of ailments caused by cold conditions. It’s great for some arthritic conditions, weakness, and back pain. Lamb also helps with insufficient lactation and impotence. I happened to have some leftover cooked lamb (from a doggie-bag in my fridge), so I cut it up and added it here. Feel free to add whatever you have in your fridge!

Coconut Aminos is used as a substitute for soy sauce. This simple ingredient is vegan, gluten-free, and it’s good for your heart, aids in weight loss, and helps strengthen your immune system.

vegetable noodle lo mein

Vegetable Noodle Lo Mein
Author: 
Recipe type: Asian, Chinese, paleo, whole30, vegetable noodles
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Paleo Running Momma
Serves: 6
 
The next time you are in the mood for Chinese take-out, try this recipe. It tastes better than any take-out, it's grain-free, healing, and you will love it!
Ingredients
  • For Pork:
  • 2 boneless pork chops, sliced thin
  • 1 Tbs toasted sesame oil
  • 2 Tbs raw apple cider vinegar (I buy this one)
  • 1 Tbs coconut aminos
  • 6 oz butternut squash noodles
  • 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • sea salt
  • ½ lb cooked lamb steak, sliced thin (optional -- you can use whatever leftovers are floating around in your fridge)
  • 3.5 oz shiitake mushroom caps, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 heads baby bok choy, sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 Tbs grated fresh ginger
  • 6 scallions, sliced
  • a big fistful of spiralized carrots (or any other vegetable noodle you like)
  • 4 oz pea pods
  • ½ lb fettuccine (I used a grain-free almond fettuccine), cooked al dente
  • For Sauce:
  • ⅔ cup coconut aminos (you can buy this one)
  • ¼ cup toasted sesame oil (here's one)
  • 2 tsp tapioca flour (I like this kind)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Combine the sesame oil, vinegar, and aminos in a small dish. Add the pork and set aside to marinate.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the squash noodles out on it.
  4. Drizzle these noodles with 1-Tbs olive oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
  5. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are just a bit softened, but not mushy.
  6. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1-Tbs olive oil.
  7. Remove the pork from the marinade and it it to the pan and stir until browned on all sides -- this will be fast.
  8. With a slotted spoon, remove the pork to a plate.
  9. Make the sauce by whisking all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
  10. To the pan, add the mushrooms, bell pepper, bok choy, garlic, ginger, carrots, scallions, and pea pods. Stir continuously until the veggies are softened a bit, but not overcooked. Stir in the sauce and continue stirring until it's hot and a bit thickened.
  11. Stir in the butternut squash noodles, lamb (or any other cooked leftover meat you are using), and the cooked and drained fettuccine into the veggies. Stir over low heat just until everything is warm.
  12. Enjoy!

vegetable noodle lo mein

Dumpling Meatballs

dumpling meatballs

I love all meatballs. For some reason, anything that can be made into a ball just tastes good to me. I remember when my kids were young, I would get them to eat foods by making them bitesize and sticking a toothpick into each one so they could easily grab whatever it was. And, that’s my favorite way to eat these meatball…  I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So, when I saw a great recipe from Nom Nom Paleo for a meatball I hadn’t yet experimented with, I just had to try it. So, thank you Michelle… these dumpling meatballs are awesome!

For those of you who know me, you know that for the month of October, I changed up my diet and I ate plant-based. I learned so much, and I enjoyed so much of that experience. Staying away from animal proteins forced me to be so much more creative with my plant-based meals, and now I love those meals even more.

But, now it’s November. And, while I do intend top stay probably about 80% plant-based, I was looking to cook up a very different type of meal. These dumpling meatballs are made with a combination of shrimp and pork. So, haha, my first non plant-based meal had both seafood and meat in it. You’d think it might be a shock to my system, but you’d be wrong… these were awesome.

Oh, and the reason they are called dumpling meatballs, is because they taste like the inside of the steamed dumplings you get at Chinese restaurants. Yum.

And, they are grain free and dairy free. And have so many healing ingredients. Win-win for me.

For another great healthy meatball recipe, try my Paleo Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs.

dumpling meatballs

dumpling meatballs

Here are some of the great healing ingredients in these dumpling meatballs:

I love mushrooms. In Chinese medicine, mushrooms ARE medicine. They are herbs. They are one of the most healing foods around. In China, mushrooms have been used for many years as part of a natural cancer treatment. They are one of the best immune-boosting foods around. I used dried shiitakes in this recipe. Shiitakes are probably the variety of mushroom that I use most. I love the way they taste and they help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These shrooms also promote healing and have been found to fight tumors. In Asia, shiitake mushrooms are often fed to a patient who has just had surgery to help the healing process.

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.

Many of my friends used to stay away from shrimp because they were afraid that eating them raised cholesterol levels. Now, research shows that shrimp actually can lower triglycerides because they are rich in Omega-3s. And, they 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.

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.

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…

dumpling meatballs

Dumpling Meatballs
Author: 
Recipe type: meatballs, Asian, Chinese, paleo, whole30
Cuisine: recipe adapted from: Nom Nom Paleo
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
These meatballs taste like the insides of Chinese dumplings! And there's a bunch of healing ingredients in them!
Ingredients
  • ¼ oz dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated in water for about 30 mins, then stems discarded and caps finely chopped
  • ½ lb cleaned raw shrimp, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1-1/2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Tbs coconut aminos (or substitute liquid aminos or soy sauce)
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • ¼ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp lemon grass paste (I used a lemongrass paste with chili sauce, so option here to mix in some spicy hot sauce or chili peppers)
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, and smush it all up with your hands.
  4. Form the mixture into largish balls (I made 15 balls).
  5. Place the balls onto the lined baking tray and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  6. Eat with pasta or on top of salad, or my favorite way -- on top of a big bowl of steamed fresh greens.
  7. Enjoy!

dumpling meatballs

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

sheet pan chicken fajitas

Sheet Pan dinners are all the rage. They are like last year’s kale recipes. Remember when every recipe seemed to have kale in it? Everything has it’s time, and for one pan, oven-baked dinners, that time is now. And nobody is happier than I am! I mean, really, what’s better than putting everything on a single tray, plopping it in the oven, and ending up with a flavorful, well-seasoned, spiced-up, healthy dinner? Nothing. Well, at least that’s how I feel now… I can’t wait to see what the next “in” thing is. So, if you want to jump on the sheet pan dinner bandwagon, you have to try these sheet pan chicken fajitas.

I love Mexican food. But, I try not to go out to eat it too much. It’s dangerous! All those chips… and margaritas… ugh… I have little self-control when it comes to this kind of deliciousness…

So, I healthy things up and make my Mexican meals at home. 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!

It’s funny, when I was younger I think my recipes were more complicated than they are now.  I guess I got wiser as I got older. This dinner is so easy, yet it tastes as good as my fancy-schmancy Mexican recipes. As a matter of fact, I just told my daughter that she needs to try this one out when she’s cooking at her college house.  Of course, if I was the one cooking at college, I’d be adding some margaritas to the dinner…

For another great sheet pan recipe, try my Roasted Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner.

sheet pan chicken fajitas

sheet pan chicken fajitas

Here are some of the healing ingredients in these awesome sheet pan chicken fajitas:

Chicken is something I push people to buy organic if possible. Organic chicken is a great, healthy protein to give you energy, lessen the pain of some types of arthritis, and boost your system when you are particularly weak — like after surgery or childbirth. People who have some conditions that we consider “excess heat” conditions should limit the amount of chicken they eat. So, if you have an illness that gives you a bright red tongue or severe dryness in your body, check with your doctor first. For example, if you have a lot of burning stomach acid, you should avoid chicken for awhile…

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.

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.

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.

sheet pan chicken fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Author: 
Recipe type: chicken, one-pan meal, baked, simple
Cuisine: Mexican, dinner, paleo, whole30, grain free, dairy free
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This is the easiest, most delicious Mexican dinner you can make. It's awesome -- better than at your favorite restaurant! And, it's all made on one pan in the oven!
Ingredients
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (preferably organic), cut into bite-size pieces
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbs chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 scallions, sliced into thirds
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
  • grain-free wraps, for serving (or any kind of wraps or tortillas that make you happy)
  • 1 avocado, sliced, for serving
  • ½ cup coconut yogurt mixed with the juice of 1 lime and a sprinkle of sea salt, for serving
  • hot sauce or salsa, for serving
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  3. Spread chicken out on the pan.
  4. Add the oil and spices to the chicken and toss well.
  5. Add the bell peppers and scallions and toss again.
  6. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Heat the wraps/tortillas if you like. (I hold mine in a tongs over my gas burner, and char them a bit.)
  8. Remove tray from oven and set it on a trivet or dish cloth on the table. Yup, serve it right in the cooking pan.
  9. Serve the wraps/tortillas alongside and let people make their own.
  10. Serve with avocado, salsa, hot sauce, coconut crema, or whatever makes you smile.
  11. Enjoy!

sheet pan chicken fajitas