Liz Lovely I Love You!

I know we just met and you don't know me, but after going gluten-free, you have brought baked vegan goodness back into my life and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my little cruelty-free heart.  :)

I discovered you at my local grocery store after asking the bakery for their gluten-free, vegan goodies and being told that their facilities couldn't handle gluten-free.  My heart sank for a moment, as I feared that might be the case wherever I go.  Seeing the hurt in my eyes, the compassionate soul behind the counter directed me to the Liz Lovely display where a wonderland of delectable goodies unfolded before me.

The Cowgirl Cookie, a soft-baked chocolate chip cookie drizzled with chocolate, the Chocolate Moose Dragon, a soft-baked rich dark chocolate fudge cookie with chocolate chips, rolled in sugar or the Triple Chocolate Mint, a soft-baked rich dark chocolate and mint fudge cookie with chocolate chips, drizzled with chocolate...  For you non-chocoholics there's the Snicker Dude, Peanut Butter Classic, Oatmeal Raisin, Cowboy Cookie and Ginger Snapdragons.


And I haven't even gotten to the best part yet, the truffle cookies!!!!  Yes, I said it - truffle + cookie and it's even better than you can imagine!

Certified vegan, gluten-free, Kosher and non-gmo - what more could a girl as for?!?  Oh yeah, everything is made by Liz and her team of 20, no factories, no middleman, no corporate BS - just clean, simple ingredients coming together in the Green Mountains of Waitsfield Vermont.  No fillers, no artificial flavors, no shortcuts - everything made from scratch!  And the palm oil (save the orangutans!!!) is coming from a certified, organic, sustainable source.  Woah thought we were going to have to break up there for a second...


Check it out!

Vegan Cheezecake? Yes Please!

If a meltable vegan cheese wasn't enough - Daiya has done it again with their new line of vegan cheezecake!

Available in plain, key lime, chocolate and strawberry - there is a flavor profile to delight every cheesecake lover.  Personally, I haven't had cheesecake since going vegan and I missed it!  I dived into the chocolate and was not disappointed - neither was my non-vegan, very opinionated mother and that's saying a lot!

The cakes are a little small - think six reasonable pieces and a little pricey coming in around $8, but they deliver.

So good, even non-vegans will ask for seconds!

I plan to keep of couple of these babies in my freezer for unexpected guests. 

Check it out!

Enjoy Life Mixes

Being a whole-food vegan, I am typically making bakery from scratch.  But sometimes, I yearn for the times when I could just buy a ready-to-go mix off the shelf, add a few ingredients (typically animal products & oil) and whip something up without tearing the kitchen apart or eating up a large portion of my day.

Because of this, I was super excited to try Enjoy Life's new line of baking mixes.

Recently, Enjoy Life sent me their new line of baking mixes to check out.

This new line contains the following mixes:

• Brownie
• Pancake/Waffle
• Pizza Crust
• Muffin
• All-Purpose Flour

What sets these mixes apart from any other on the shelf is that they do not contain the following common allergies:

I'm not exactly sure when Potatoes became a major allergen, but that sucks - sorry Potato-free people!

On top of all that, these mixes, as well as all Enjoy Life products are vegan, non-GMO certified, Kosher certified and Halal certified (I had to look this one up).  Halal means foods allowed under Islamic Shari'ah (law) (I had to Google that one).  Another added bonus is the addition of Probiotics.  Not that a pan of Brownies is going to uproot your daily Probi, but it's a nice enhancement.

Now these mixes do call for oil.  Being an abstainer of oil, I simply didn't use any and because the quantity called for was so low, I did not substitute the oil with the Brownies, Pancakes/Waffles & Pizza mixes.  As the Muffin mix calls for 1/4 oil, that's getting into potential end result malfunction territory, so I simply substituted an equal amount of Apple Sauce.  And guess what...these mixes performed perfectly.

Now I just need Enjoy Life to come out with a Chocolate Chip Cookie mix and my vegan life shall be complete (well mostly...).

Check it out!

Soy Curls

I recently got my hands on some Soy Curls a new meat substitute from Butler Foods.

What sold me was their versatility and minimal ingredients: certified non-GMO, whole soybeans (Soy), grown without chemical pesticides.

Despite the unusual appearance, Soy Curls are very easy to work with.  Simply soak for 10 minutes in warm water. Drain. Season to taste in a skillet, sauté & serve.  That's it!
 
To test them out, I went basic - rehydrated and then heated through via a non-stick skillet with some BBQ sauce. Paired with a whole wheat bun and a can of baked beans and dinner was served!  One 8 oz. package makes a lot!  So, I had leftovers, which I threw over some mashed potatoes and gravy for another meal.  Both meals got the thumbs up from my boyfriend & I.

I wouldn't say the texture would fool any meat eater, but for this vegan chick, this easy to use meat alternative has big potential - stroganoff, stew, chili, tacos...  I feel some new recipes coming on!

Check it out!

The Best Chaga?

Oh Chaga, how I love thee...

I introduced you to one of my favorite healthy foods in Do You Chaga?  As I learn more and more of all the health benefits behind this magical mushroom, I am becoming more and more obsessed with including it in my daily routine. Yes, even on a 90-degree day, I Chaga!

Sadly, my daily routine was rudely interrupted when my dealer supplier up and changed their recipe!  I used to love the mellow flavor of Four Sigma Food's Chaga, but now I can't stand the taste of it.  I do still travel with it because the convenience of the instant powder & travelability of the single serve packets can't be beat, but it's not as enjoyable.  That being said, it's a little on the pricey side, so maybe this was the Universe's way of telling me to keep searching...

So search I did...

And that lead me to Siberian Chaga Mushroom Loose Tea Exclusive blend of raw and extract powder.  I adore the flavor of this brewable tea, sadly it does not play well with Mr. Manatea; some, OK a lot of the particles are so fine that they slip through the holes of Mr Manatea, making for a not so pleasurable end game.

The search continued...

Which brings me to my new love...Maine Chaga Tea Chunks.  Sure, the thought of brewing what looks like a piece of wood may seem a little odd at first, but you get over it fast. The yummy taste, the no mess/no fuss brewing and economics of indulging Chaga this way will have you stocking up. $22 bucks for a 4-ounce bag or $5.50 an ounce seems like a steep price tag until you factor in that each delectable Chaga chunk can be brewed up to 4-6 times! That means one bag can brew up to 30 - 40 cups of tea! How cool is that?!?! And the brewing could not be simpler; all you do is drop one chunk into mugful of boiling water and steep up to 15 minutes or leave it in for a stronger brew like I do - add a little coconut sugar and it's Zen time. Then just let the Chaga chunk air dry between uses and it's good to go for another round. Bye, bye strainers, ta-ta tea bags...

Check it out!

Daiya Mac & Cheese Please

I finally got my hands on the new Daiya Cheezy Mac boxed pasta & cheese mixes - so naturally I had to get them all!

Now, I am more apt to make Mac & Cheese or Alfredo from scratch, but there are days when you just don't feel like it, dammit. 

I'm always on the hunt for any vegan version of my pre-vegan/vegetarian life favorites.  Mac & Cheese has always been a staple in my house, so I was beyond excited to give these babies a try.

The verdict...

Very simple to make - boil some water, dump the pasta, drain & apply the generous helping of sauce provided.  Takes very little time and effort to get from the box to your mouth.


I have to say, that the serving size is a joke - 3 servings, seriously?   Needless to say I can polish off a box by myself and I sense sharing with another would only lead to passive aggressive misconduct.

I was iffy on the gluten-free past (brown rice). Having gone gluten-free before, I never got used to the texture of gluten-free pastas.  But, I'm pleased to say that the pasta didn't bother me, in fact I'm not sure I would have picked up on the difference had I not known.

The "liquid gold" cheese of the Deluxe Cheddar Style Mac is reminiscent of my beloved Velveeta in looks and feel, but not so much taste.  Yet, it was still tasty & I scarfed it down effortlessly.  I tried it once, but I'll pass on the freeze dried veggies in the Deluxe White version, while I'll happily give some shelf real estate to the Alfredo style.

Could these little gems ever pass for their evil dairy counterpart?  No, not likely and I haven't had real cheese in over 6 years.

Yet, it's one of the best vegan solutions around and I for one will be stocking up!

Check it out!

Move Over Bread, There's A New Kid In Town

So, I've kinda been on a diet.  I'm not a believer in diets, but I have been giving the McDougall Maximum Weight Loss Program a spin.  It's a modification of the whole-food, plant-based, oil-free diet that I typically follow - basically it eliminates high fat foods.  Since I've been "living it up" with frequent restaurant trips, vegan bakery and fake meat products, my body was crying out for a reprieve. I feel a lot better since being on this program and although it's meant to be used for short durations, I'm surprisingly not feeling deprived at all and am not anxious to stop doing it.

But that's not the purpose of this post.  On the MWL program you don't eat bread among other key things.  So the first thing to go was my weekend breakfast toast.

That was until my boyfriend had an ingenious idea!  On a recent grocery outing he questioned my stocking up on plain rice cakes to which I replied that they were legal on the MWL program and that I had them as an after dinner snack.  He pondered this for the night and come Saturday morning, accompanying our usual weekend hashbrowns, were rice cakes and jelly.  That's when my light bulb finally went off - rice cake toast!  I love it!  It's crunchy just like toast, except I don't have to wait impatiently for the toaster to do it's thing and it's the perfect delivery vessel for my homemade blueberry jam. 

Now the wheels are turning...what else can I do with rice cakes.  Once I end my MWL run, I am definitely putting a little salted avocado on these bad boys, maybe some vegan cheese for an open-faced "grilled cheese," almond butter!  I may never eat bread again!  Ok let's not get crazy.

Check it out!

NASCAR Goes Vegan!

 Kinda, sorta...

Stewart-Hass Racing announced yesterday that Nature's Bakery will be Danica Patrick's major sponsor in a new multiyear deal starting 2016!  NB is new to the world of racing, so this is a very big deal!

If you're not a NASCAR fan, Danica is the only chick behind the wheel, running with the big boys right now and holding her own quite well (You go girl!).

"Patrick is the only woman to win a pole (for the 2013 Daytona 500), has the best finish of any woman in the Daytona 500 (eighth in 2013) and has more top-10s (six) than any woman in Sprint Cup history."

Nature's Bakery's "mission is to make delicious, convenient, on-the-go snacks that complement health-conscious living and active, everyday lifestyles."  And I am thrilled that they are fulfilling this mission with 100% non-GMO, vegan fig bars!  Bonus - they have gluten-free bars too, for you sensitive types.  Now if they would only ditch the oil, I'd do a Snoopy dance... Despite the oil, I cannot wait to get my hands on their limited edition Pumpkin Spice bar!


Check it out!

Source:
http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/13461504/danica-patrick-gets-extension-stewart-haas-racing-lands-nature-bakery-sponsorship

Japanese Sweet Potato

Have you heard of the Japanese Sweet Potato or as the Japanese would say...Satsumaimo?

I haven't, but lately it's all anybody I cross vegan paths with is talking about.  Well, I couldn't find them anywhere, until a few days ago when I stopped into the Mustard Seed Market in Akron, OH.

I grabbed two because I wasn't sure how I would feel about them.  I'm used to regular sweet potatoes that for me require a ton of doctoring with maple syrup and/or brown sugar.

The verdict...

Hands down, these potatoes are AMAZING!  They are so sweet and so flavorful, that they require absolutely nothing to get the happy mouth party started!  I was completely blown away at how tasty these potatoes are and totally get what all the hype is about.  In fact, they have ruined me for traditional sweet potatoes - they just can't compete.

I cooked them just like I would a regular sweet potato - couple of fork piercings, directly on the oven rack at 400 degrees from anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the size of the potato.  This will result in the skin caramelizing adding to the sweetness of the potato.  (Yes, the skin is edible & packed full of nutrients.)

Don't be fooled by imposters.  Look for potatoes that have purplish, green, yellow or red skin and a buttery colored flesh.

Check it out!

What's The Deal With Coconut Sugar?

Move over Stevia there's a new player in Sugartown.

Lately, my social circle has been a buzz over Coconut Sugar.  It seems like everyone in the vegan & raw community is switching over to it.

So, I had to find out what was so great about it and whether I should be switching to it as well.

Here's what I found out...

Coconut Sugar, also known as Coconut Palm Sugar, is derived from the coconut palm tree and is believed to be more nutritious and lower on the glycemic index than table sugar.

Coconut Sugar has been used as a traditional sweetener for thousands of years in the South and South-East Asian regions.

Coconut Sugar is made in a natural 2-step process:

1. A cut is made on the flower of the coconut palm and the liquid sap is collected into containers
2. The sap is placed under heat until most of the water has evaporated

Unlike regular sugar, Coconut Sugar has a high mineral content and contains good stuff like: Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, in addition to Vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6.  It also contains a fiber called Inulin, which may slow glucose absorption and explain why Coconut Sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar.

All this goodness aside, sugar is sugar, so sweeten responsibly.


Coconut Sugar looks more like brown sugar, but is not as sweet.  To me it has an almost burnt caramel taste.  But, since Coconut Sugar is not a highly processed product, the color, sweetness & flavor can vary depending on the coconut species used, season when it was harvested, where it was harvested and / or the way the "sap" was reduced.  Use it just like you would traditional white sugar, at a one-for-one replacement ratio - to sweeten tea, in baking, in cooking...anything!

I have already begun incorporating Coconut Sugar into my recipes and am quite happy with it.

Just like most foods, look for the raw, organic version of this sugar; such as Coconuts Secret Raw Coconut Crystals.

Check it out,

Sources:
http://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-sugar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_sugar

Do You Chaga?

I recently got into Chaga and it's not half bad - it does smell bad and the taste is something to get used to.  I credit it for turning what was destined to be a horrendous head cold into nothing more than one day of fleeting misery.  I've been hooked ever since.

Chaga is classified as a tonic herb, more potent to Reishi.  It's also considered an adaptogen. "Adaptogenic plants and mushrooms help to bring the body back into balance and have beneficial effects on the nervous system, immune system, the GI tract, the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. By supporting the body and mind in these ways, adaptogens help us to cope with stress, stay healthy during the cold and flu season, fight cancer, and lift us out of the dark depths of depression and adrenal burnout." "Adaptogens gently tone and support the body systems over time and need to be taken for a minimum time of two months to develop the full effect of their healing powers. Enjoying a cup of delicious chaga tea daily during the fall and winter months ensures that your are receiving support when it is needed most."

Chaga is actually a mighty potent mushroom chocked full of phytochemicals, including sterols, phenols, and enzymes.  It's also high in copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron.  Translation, that's a whole lotta good stuff that you want.

Chaga also just might be the fountain of youth since it contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), the most potent antioxidant in the human body.  SOD is an enzyme that halts oxidation, especially the toxicity of a free radical known as singlet oxygen. "This is the type of oxygen which is responsible for oxidizing and damaging the tissues, which results in aging.  SOD blocks this damage by quenching the singlet oxygen free radical. The SOD content per gram of Chaga is exceedingly high and accounts for many of its historical powers."  This anti-inflammatory affect is also great for people suffering from arthritis.

As if that weren't enough, "studies have shown that Chaga use is an effective way to fight against unwanted bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. Chaga has also been shown to have very strong anti-tumor properties."

Chaga has also been known to improve hair and help with an even tan as well as fade sun spots.  But this merely scratches the surface of all the medicinal properties of this superfood.  

I get my personal stash of Chaga in powder form from Four Sigma Foods, available via Amazon.  This allows me to add to a hot tea, chai tea or a smoothie.  Mind you most people drink this stuff straight up and claim that it tastes like coffee, I do not.  In fact one of the more delectable ways to consume this miracle herb is via hot chocolate. 

One daily dose keeps me calm, grounded and super immune - I won't take on cold & flu season without stocking up - it's my ace in hole.  I have also recently discovered that one cup of Chaga will make back pain magically melt away...

To learn more about Chaga, check out David Wofle Presents CHAGA: King of the Medicinal Mushrooms on YouTube.

Check it out!

Sources:
http://www.chagaknowledge.com/chagabenefits.htm
http://www.foursigmafoods.com/products/instant-chaga
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/chaga-mushroom-can-help-you-to-be-healthy-zbcz1501.aspx

Is Your Tea Poisoning You?

 

Tea is good for you.  Tea is relaxing.  Tea is healthy.

But could your tea be poisoning you?

If it's not organic, the chances are yes.

What happens to pesticides that are banned in the United States for being "too toxic?"  Upstanding companies like Monsanto simply stop making them, right?

"There are many cases where highly hazardous pesticides, which are not permitted for use in industrialized countries, are exported to developing countries.  For a pesticide to be banned, it has to be registered first. Some pesticide companies have not registered or re-registered products which they knew would have not have been authorized in their own country but continue to produce and export the same products to developing countries. There are also cases of pesticide manufacturers increasing exports of products that have been banned or restricted in their own countries, possibly in order to use up existing stocks or to compensate for depleted local markets.  Pesticide companies have also been able to circumvent bans on specific products by building formulation plants for the product in developing countries. They then supply the technical grade active ingredients needed to make the pesticide and claim that the product itself is locally manufactured.  The argument is put forward that developing countries are demanding these hazardous pesticides because less toxic products are often too expensive."

"According to U.S. Customs records, between 2001-2003, the U.S. exported nearly 1.7 billion pounds of pesticide products - 32 tons per hour. A study by Carl Smith of the Foundation for Advancement in Science and Education, published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, notes that these exports included "27 million pounds of pesticides whose use is forbidden in the U.S.," including "500,000 pounds of known or suspected carcinogens." Endocrine disrupting pesticides were sent overseas at the rate of 100 tons a day. Most of the exports - including shipments of deadly persistent organic pollutants (POPs) - were destined for developing countries."

Then these countries grow & produce food and other edible goods such as tea and import them right back to the USA.  In fact the majority of tea is grown & produced in these same third world countries (India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan and Japan).

Starting to see the problem?

By practice, most tea is not washed before it is put it into those little tiny tea bags, which means the first time any pesticides get a shot of being washed off is in your tea cup. 

Did you know that decaf tea contains formaldehyde?  "Many health-conscious people insist on "decaf." But knowledgeable gardeners will tell you not to pour decaffeinated coffee or tea onto your plants and not to use decaffeinated grounds or tea bags. Why? Because the decaffeination process uses formaldehyde, and there's a residual in the resulting beverage." 

And briefly mentioned on a recent episode of the A Healthy You & Carol Alt show (sorry folks, no video clip available), formaldehyde has also been linked to processing of green tea.  Hopefully, no harm is coming from this minimal amount or we'd be hearing about it a lot more (I would hope), but do you really want to drink any amount of formaldehyde?  I'll save that cocktail for when I'm dead.

The good news is that you don't have to give up your beloved tea, just go organic.

"Certified organic tea is free of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides."  Strict guidelines and testing enforced by the USDA guarantees this.  "The USDA organic seal verifies that irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically modified organisms were not used."  (Um what the hell is the USDA allowing in conventionally grown food?!?!)

And think twice before ordering tea in a restaurant, chances are, it's not organic and you'll be paying for a big cup of cancer-causing pesticides.  Best to bring your own.

Just one more reason to support organic...

Sources:
http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Export+of+Toxic+Pesticides+from+Industrialized+to+Developing+Nations

http://www.teanavigator.com/tea-basics/growing-locations.html

http://www.divinitea.com/why-organic-tea

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/NOPOrganicStandards

http://www.supplecity.com/articles/caffeine.htm

Hot Apple Cider Tea - Please & Thank You

Autumn is upon us and I just discovered Republic of Tea's Hot Apple Cider Herbal Tea.  Let me tell you friends, it is beyond delightful.  This is not your typical, run-of-the-mill tea.

This naturally-caffeine tea contains: apple pieces, cinnamon, orange peel, rose hips, berry leave, natural apple flavor, ginger root, cloves, natural lemon flavor, citric acid, cardamom seeds.

Its aroma fills the room with the comforting scent of warm apples.  While good alone, I like to sweeten with a hit of sugar & honey.  It's not exactly cider, think of it as cider lite.

Just one more way to savor all that autumn brings and chase off a chill.

Or get a little creative in the kitchen; dump the contents of one tea bag into Hoff's Pumpkin Pancakes or Hoff's Ginger Molasses Cookies to take these recipes to the next level.

But don't procrastinate, once the season passes, this tea blows away likes leaves in the wind.

Check it out!

The Next Best Thing To Fresh Herbs

Have you looked in your freezer section for fresh herbs lately?  Well, you should, because using fresh herbs just got easier!

I present you blended herbs frozen into 1 tsp. "ice cube" block servings.  Just pop & cook!  So simple, so genius - love it!  This totally would have been an Oprah's Favorite Thing!!!

Use for soups, stews, stir-fries, the possibilities are endless. When juicing, I like to use the Ginger.

So far, I have found Garlic, Ginger, Basil and  Cilantro.  I suspect if these take off, there will be more to come. 

I was able to find these at my local grocery store under the Dorot brand and Walmart under the Pop & Cook brand.

Alas, nothing is perfect and some of these herbs contain oil, soybean oil no less and it's not organic either.  Sigh...

Check it out!

Go Raw Chocolate

I just stumbled across Go Raw Real Live Food Chocolate at my local Heinen's and I just had to give it a try.

It's a tad on the pricey side at $4.99 ($5.99 online) for 6, .3 oz. pieces, but since it's:

A. Vegan
B. Raw
C. GMO Free
D. Nut Free
E. Soy Free
F. Organic
G. Contains 3 Ingredients: Raw Organic Cacao, Raw Organic Agave & Organic Orange Oil

Well with all those letters, I didn't mind dropping a little extra coin to check this stuff out.

And was I not disappointed!

Go Raw Chocolate comes in three flavors: Original Chocolate, Mint Chocolate & Orange.

Since I used to have a hard crush for those orange chocolate balls that break apart to mimic an actual orange (how I got my fruit back in the day), I opted for the Orange flavor.

Most delightful!  Frankly I think once piece is plenty satisfying, but I scarfed down two in one sitting just so I could give you guys a fully accurate review.  And, you're welcome...

It's rich, it's dense, it's creamy, it's dark and with just a hint of orange it plays nicely with your taste buds.  Also, I was shocked with the 1 gram of saturated fat, usually chocolate can't pull that low of a number off, the cacao base is what's driving that impressive little number.

This just may become a household staple!

Check it out!

Vegan Doritos?!?!

Hi!

My name is the Healthy Hoff and I'm a recovering Dorito addict.

Yes, it's true, back in the day before my vegan transformation; I could take down a bag of Doritos like no one's business.  I can still taste it like it was yesterday, hear the crunch in my ear...  So it was no surprise when the urge to gorge myself on these neon orange devil triangles suddenly grabbed hold recently and would not let go.

Then the Universe answered my prayers...in the form of an email advertisement from VeganCuts.com.  

 Behold...

Could it be true?!?! 

Vegan chips in my beloved Doritos flavors - Nacho & Ranch, plus Barbecue flavor just to round out the trio!  YES IT'S TRUE!  

Could it be true that these bean & rice chips are oil-free?!?!  No, no it's not true, but I'm one step closer to nacho chip victory!  Plus, I can actually pronounce and recognize all the ingredients in these babies.  Plus no artificial flavors or colors.  Plus, they are gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free and nut-free and certified GMO-free!

Could these chips uproot the Dorito, not likely.  But, they are definitely a healthier option and the perfect solution for a vegan chick like me!  And frankly, after only a few days in my house, Thunderdome has erupted and these chips are no longer safe to be left alone.  Let the addiction begin!

Thank you Beanfields! Thank you for feeding my nacho chip obsession in a healthier way!

Check it out!

Finicky Fantastical Fresh Figs

I have recently taken a liking to fresh figs.  They are delightful, yet temperamentally little suckers.  Fresh figs are sweet, a little crunchy due to the seeds and a tad chewy.   It's really an experience that needs to be undertaken first hand.

Here are some guidelines to consider when dealing with fresh figs:

1. Figs will not ripen once picked, stay away from hard figs
2. Consume store bought figs within 3 days
3. Fig season runs from June to mid-October
4. You can eat the skin (I choose not to)
5. Select figs that are clean, dry, smooth & have unbroken skin
6. Figs should be soft & yielding, but not mushy
7. Stems should be firmly attached
8. If you smell sourness, walk away - the fig has turned
9. Store in the fridge
10. Figs (whole or sliced) can be frozen for up to 12 months
11. Dried figs don't even compare to fresh

Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and manganese.

I find 4-5 quartered fresh figs, paired with 4-5 Brazil nuts is a delightful afternoon treat!  Try figs in oatmeal, soy yogurt, a salad or a rice/couscous dish.


Keep it Healthy!

Sources:  http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodstorage/a/figstorage.htm
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24

High Fiber Foods

Fiber is a key nutrient for a healthy body. It keeps things moving, so to speak. Fiber can naturally lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and help avoid hemorrhoids. Since it adds bulk to the diet, it can help you achieve fullness faster, thus aiding in controlling weight & cravings.

On average, people get about 15 grams of fiber a day. In reality, you want to get your intake up to about 35-40 grams a day. But take it slow, the body needs time to adjust – if you experience bloating or gas, take it down a notch for a few days, then ease back into things.

Check out this handy online calculator to determine how much fiber you’re getting each day.

It’s best to consume fiber-rich whole foods. Get your fiber naturally from fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, legumes and whole grains. And always opt for whole wheat… over white… every time.

Avoid processed foods with claims of high fiber on the front of the box. Think about it. You can’t force an apple to have more fiber than it does naturally, but if you add fiber to it, you can. Unfortunately, this “added fiber” is actually wood pulp – while edible, not really natural for humans. After all, we don’t have the teeth of a beaver.

Never rely on a fiber supplement, which are just purified cellulose (wood pulp).

Strive to incorporate a combination of these high fiber foods into your daily diet to kick your fiber intake into high gear.

High Fiber Foods

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/high-fiber-foods.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/27/fiber-foods_n_1167897.html#slide=571023

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20553010,00.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000193.htm

What is Himalayan Salt?

You may have noticed that almost all my recipes of late include, Sea Salt, more specifically; I have switched to using Himalayan Pink Sea Salt exclusively.

“Himalayan Salt is far superior to traditional salt. Himalayan Salt is millions of years old and pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants that pervade other forms of ocean salt.”

Himalayan Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt that is derived from ancient sea salt deposits, and it is believed to be the purest form of salt available.


Is it healthy?

Himalayan Salt has a purer and higher in mineral content than that of regular table salt. “This form of salt has also been maturing over the past 250 million years under intense tectonic pressure, creating an environment of zero exposure to toxins and impurities.”

“Himalayan Salt has a rich mineral content that includes over 84 minerals and trace elements such as: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.”

“Regular consumption of Himalayan Salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity. It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.”

Traditional table salt has been stripped of iodine and other nutrients via “chemical cleaning.” What’s left is sodium chloride or an unnatural chemical form of salt that the body doesn’t recognize.

As table salt is not naturally white, it has also been bleached. You’ll notice that Himalayan Salt ranges in color from sheer white, varying shades of pink, to deep reds, the result of high mineral and iron content.
Himalayan Salt is typically hand-mind, hand-washed, hand-crushed and sun dried. Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping.


What to do with it…

Use Himalayan Salt just as you would normal salt as it dissolves in the same way. This enables you to cook and bake with it. This salt goes well with soups, salads, pasta, vegetables, grains, baked goods, pancakes and anywhere else you desire are little saltiness.

Himalayan Salt can also be used topically for therapeutic reasons, such as: to stimulate circulation, relax the body, soothe sore muscles and remove toxins from the body. Use Himalayan Salt in bath salt recipes, body scrubs, aromatherapy and for all types of spa applications.


Where to get it…

I keep my pantry stocked with FunFresh Foods Himalayan Pink Sea Salt from Vitacost.com or Amazon. Although due to its gaining popularity you may find it in regular grocery stores and most definitely gourmet shops.


How to Store it…

This type of salt has as self-life about 4-5 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea-salt/AN01142

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/himalayan-crystal-salt-benefits/

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/pinksalt.php

What Are Brazil Nuts?

Brazil Nuts are a medium sized nut that grow in the Amazon Rainforest.  The trees in which they grow can live over 500 to 1,000 years.  They come roasted or salted, but raw is best.  Brazil Nuts are 18% protein, 13% carbohydrates, and 69% fat by weight. 91% of their calories come from fat. The fat breakdown is roughly 25% saturated, 41% monounsaturated, and 34% polyunsaturated.  "Despite their high calorie content, eating nuts and seeds regularly is actually associated with lower body weight, possibly due to appetite-suppression from healthy fats."

These nuts are a good source of Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium.

Selenium

“Selenium is a trace mineral that has an essential role in ensuring good brain health, particularly as an anti-oxidant.” Studies have found that depleted levels of selenium result in poor memory, bad moods, and decreased cognitive function, while increasing selenium improves mood, clarity of thinking, and energy levels.”  

Selenium plays an important role in:

• Thyroid Function
• Anti-oxidant Activity
• Heavy Metal Detoxification
• Infection-fighting
• Cancer Prevention
• Mental Health
• Preserving Cognitive Function
• Proper Immune System Function 

Selenium is available in grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and animals.  Fruits and vegetables, however, on't seem to have that much.  However, Brazil Nuts are the richest food-based source of Selenium. 

Daily Recommended Allowance (RDA)

One ounce of Brazil Nuts (6-8 nuts) contains 544 micrograms of Selenium or 777% of the recommended daily allowance, making Brazil Nuts the richest source of food-based Selenium.  To get the RDA of 55 mcg, strive to consume 2-3 Brazil Nuts every day. 

More Is Not Better

Do not over consume Brazil Nuts (400 mcg a day) as this can lead to toxicity issues.  “Early indicators of excess intake are a garlic odor in the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. The most common clinical signs of chronically high selenium intakes, or selenosis, are hair and nail loss or brittleness. Other symptoms include lesions of the skin and nervous system, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, mottled teeth, fatigue, irritability, and nervous system abnormalities.”   “Acute selenium toxicity can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, hair loss, muscle tenderness, tremors, lightheadedness, facial flushing, kidney failure, cardiac failure, and, in rare cases, death.”  “Selenium toxicity caused by a supplement can actually contribute to nerve damage, according to Texas Tech University.”

Storage

The high polyunsaturated fat content, primarily omega-6 fatty acids, in shelled Brazil nuts causes these nuts to become rancid quickly, so it's best to store in the fridge.

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/

http://www.naturalnews.com/021644_selenium_cognitive_function.html#ixzz2YTPiUZmh

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brazil-nuts.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/417789-minerals-nerve-damage/#ixzz2YYew2J2I