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How To Make Cashew Cream {+ Video}
Dairy-free, vegan cashew cream is so wildly versatile, you are gonna love it. Sweet or savory, it’s perfect as a finishing sauce, a dip or even stirred into soups, stews and sauces. Learn how easy it is to make plus grab some of my most favorite cashew cream flavor variations, including a lightly sweetened vanilla bean and a smoky, cheezy, dairy-free chipotle cashew cream and LOADS of recipe ideas. Paleo, keto and Whole30-friendly.
If you’ve been reading Tasty Yummies for some time now, you know my love affair of cashews runs many, many years deep. It all started with a vegan cashew cheesecake I made, probably for the first time, like 10 years ago now and then finally shared here on the website in 2013 and it’s just exploded from there (see the bottom of the post for lots of recipes). Considering I exist somewhere between totally dairy-free and mostly dairy-free, cashews are absolutely heaven sent when it comes to recreating that creamy texture you get from dairy. From sauces to cheesecakes and even an amazing keto nut butter – I am continuously amazed at what I can create with cashews.
While I have LOADS of cashew cream based recipes from the past almost 9 years on Tasty Yummies, I am finally sharing my basic Cashew Cream recipe along with two additional flavor variations that I LOVE and make often. There really are an unending amount of variations of cashew cream depending on how you plan to use it and your taste and you can adjust the thickness and consistency by adding more or less water, plus there are also so many options for other ingredients you can add to adjust the flavors. But, I wanted to give you the basics so you could be on your way to create your own variations, too.
I have made versions of this cashew cream of mine so many times over the years from cooking demos at Whole Foods to private cooking lessons with dairy-free folks and EVERY SINGLE TIME, without fail, people refuse to believe that it’s cashews!!
Cashew cream has a really mild flavor, which I find allows it to be added to just about any type of cuisine or dish. Be sure to use raw unsalted cashews, not roasted, to yield the best texture and flavor. You can find raw organic cashews in the bulk aisle of most grocery stores or online with places like nuts.com, etc.
Be sure to scroll all the way through to get ALL of the many options for flavor options, ideas for how to use your cashew cream, along with some of my favorite cashew cream recipes plus I answer a few Cashew Cream FAQs!
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Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette {paleo, keto, gluten-free}
Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. I am SO excited to share this delicious recipe inspired by my recent travels with The Feedfeed to Cascadian Farm’s home farm in Skagit County, Washington. Plus, I am sharing all of the incredible stuff I learned about their organic farming practices, from their commitment to regenerative agriculture, to the importance of crop rotation, cover crops, pollinator fields, soil health and so much more! We are also talking about this brain-boosting, nutrient-packed Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon and Warm Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, why frozen can sometimes actually be better than fresh and lots more!
You may remember a while back in my Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice Post where I shared that I would be heading to the Pacific Northwest with Cascadian Farm and The Feedfeed – hopefully you caught our amazing adventures over on Instagram in real time (and if not, you can still see the trip in my Highlights).
To fill you in on that magical trip, we spent the entire day on Cascadian Farm’s home farm in Skagit County, Washington. This USDA certified organic farm, set on 90 acres of land, was the most picturesque and inspiring backdrop, perfect for learning all about their farming practices, their approach to organics, sustainability, regenerative agriculture and more. The Cascadian Farm home farm is actually a testing ground for organic and regenerative agricultural practices, the results of which help inform best practices across our partner farm network of suppliers.
We had the opportunity to get our hands dirty in the soil that they work so hard to manage, protect and improve, for us, the land, their farmers and their community, we ate wild berries we picked straight from the vines. I played with friends, old and new, making gorgeous fall-inspired wreaths from flowers we picked from the pollinator fields and we finished the day enjoying the most incredible locally-sourced and seasonally inspired meal right there in the fields on the farm, the majestic mountains towering over us.
Most importantly, I got to have the conversations that I love to have, chatting about regenerative agriculture and why it’s SO vital we nourish and give back to our land and soil, we learned more about Cascadian Farm’s commitment to these practices – that at this point, in my mind, is absolutely non-negotiable when we are talking about the future of our planet and our food!
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Between Meals Podcast // Bites Episode 05: How Do You Stay Motivated?
Between Meals // Bites Episode 05 we are chatting all about Motivation, Priorities and First Steps. Motivation is defined as your general desire or willingness to do something. Based on your feedback and requests on these topics, we pulled together a series of three mini BITES episodes and this first episode is ALL about MOTIVATION.
I have to be honest, it was a bit of a challenge in some ways for me to wrap my brain around what I wanted to share and communicate with you all on this idea. Motivation is an interesting and pretty huge topic. There are some areas of my life personally, like my health, nutrition and fitness, (which are the areas that most of you asked about) where motivation doesn’t exactly feel like a factor at this point. I have a lifestyle built on a series of choices I have made and continue to make and habits I have formed and implement.
That’s not to say motivation never played a role, but I am so deeply invested in and the habits are so rooted, for many of these things, it rarely feels like there is a reliance to get motivated or a need to find it. There’s not ever a negotiation, it’s just what I do.
So, I had to really sit with it all and look back at where I started, to truly wrap my brain around what I could share with you all, but I also spent some time investigating the areas of my life where I maybe DO struggle with the motivation and I took a look at the steps necessary for prioritizing the things I really and truly want.
I am excited about this series and I am also really looking forward to hearing from all of you on what resonates with you, what you still struggle with and to keep the dialogue flowing.
Don’t forget, head back to the archives, for more conversations similar to this, like Episode 02 we talk about finding our WHY, Bites Episode 04 we talk about Shoulding All over Yourself and even within the bites business mastermind series we have plenty of discussions surrounding perfectionism and comparison that pertains to this conversation, too.
LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES
(listen on iTunes)You can now subscribe to Between Meals on iTunes or Soundcloud.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:
Since we are still pretty new on iTunes, please do us a solid and SUBSCRIBE and of course, we would be honored if you took the time to rate and review the show, this will help more people find us and help the show to grow! If you liked this episode or others, please share on social media and tag us, share with friends and family, etc – this means the world!
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Healing Golden Bone Broth Latte
This Healing Golden Bone Broth Latte is an inflammation-fighting, immune system boosting, super drink and it’s full of comforting, healthful goodness!
Part of living life to it’s fullest and getting out there to travel and experience the world – is being exposed to things. Foods, illnesses, germs, bacteria, toxins – it can definitely take it’s toll on your immune system. I am proud that despite having several autoimmune diseases, my tireless work to maintain my health and vitality, along with how I’ve worked hard train my immune system and it’s little warriors to do their job and do it well – it’s all working! I feel great, I beat illnesses swiftly, if they do take hold and I am not knocked on my ass with every little life shift, stress or travel – which, truthfully, is basically what the majority of the first 30 years of my life was all about. The fight of one illness right to another, bronchitis, swine flu, respiratory infections, every stomach virus or flu around, I had chronic allergies and all the other usual signs of a compromised immune system.
(From September ’17) I can always tell, with loads of travel and eating a bit differently that I traditionally would at home when I am on the road, later nights and longer days – that I have definitely asked a lot of my little immune system army in a short amount of time. And while they’ve been keeping up with their end of the deal to keep me well, I can certainly feel that my body is definitely working overtime right now to keep it that way. I love that I can chill and know that all of my hard work protecting my immune system was important and now I sit back and let it do it’s work.
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Between Meals Podcast. Episode 05: Keto Confusion, Myths & Dropping the Dogma
When it comes to keto, I hear the same questions time and time again from so many of you, from my clients and family members, as well I am constantly observing a general overabundance of rumors and myths. The keto confusion is SO REAL! Keto is a super trendy nutritional approach right now, with very good reason, and while I find there is lots of misinformation and misconceptions, I truly believe the benefits and potential, for so many, is getting lost in the dogma, the rules, the unimportant details and straight-up myths.
In episode 5 of the Between Meals Podcast, I am joined by Leanne Vogel of Healthful Pursuit and we take on the most common keto rumors, we answer a few questions from my readers, we chat about the keto misconceptions we encounter most often, Leanne shares her thoughts on carb-ups, plus how to know when to do it and so much more!
LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES
SHOW NOTES, TOPICS & REFERENCES:
- Download Keep it Simple Keto, my brand new FREE 7 Day Quick Start Guide to Keto.
- fat loss isn’t the only purpose of the keto diet
- keto isn’t ALWAYS about changing our bodies
- health isn’t a static definition or a destination
- we discuss common keto myths like: don’t have to eat fat to burn fat, protein kicks you out of ketosis, a calorie is a calorie, etc.
- do you need to follow specific macros or static percentages?
- when tracking ketones is helpful and why it may actually be working against you.
- do you have to eat dairy?
- carb ups – how to know when it might be a good idea and some suggestions on how to approach it – timing and not fearing, using to your benefit
- the potential risks with getting lost in the rules
- practical tips for making keto work for YOU and learning how to customize your approach for your goals
AND MORE!
And of course, as always, we finish the interview portion of the show with a fun game of Would You Rather?
References:
- Leanne’s Instagram Post about her Bathing Suit Body
- Robb Wolf video debunking gluconeogenesis and how protein is NOT going to ruin your keto efforts
- Nutrition Tips for More Energy. Avoid the Afternoon Crash
Be sure to stick around for the wrap up portion of the show where we talk briefly about:
- intermittent fasting
- keto for those struggling with imbalanced hormones deficiencies, PCOS, Hashimoto’s Disease and more
- + we give you some tips on how to answer ‘is this food keto?’
Get more from Leanne Vogel:
- Leanne’s free keto starter guide!
- Happy Keto Body Sign up for updates on Leanne’s 12-week online keto program for women, relaunching in 2019!
- The Keto Diet Podcast, hosted by Leanne (Be sure to check out Ep 66 featuring, yours truly – Beth Manos Brickey ☺ )
- Leanne’s Keto Unlimited group, a Patreon community where she shares behind the scenes insight on her new paperback, keto inspiration, and tons of exclusive member benefits.
Follow Leanne on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES
You can now subscribe to Between Meals on iTunes or Soundcloud.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:
Since we are still pretty new on iTunes, please do us a solid and SUBSCRIBE and of course, we would be honored if you took the time to rate and review the show, this will help more people find us and help the show to grow! If you liked this episode or others, please share on social media and tag us, share with friends and family, etc – this means the world!
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How-to Stock a Healthy Keto Pantry
Today we are chatting all about how to stock a healthy keto pantry and just a little spoiler alert for you…. these pantry staples are NOT exclusive to those eating low carb or taking a keto-focused approach to their diet, truly this pantry list is all about a focus on real food, healthy fats, smarter snacks and foods that will support your vibrant well being!
If you aren’t stocked with the right foods, if you don’t have the healthful options easily accessible to you, it’s really hard to make the right decisions for your health. I’m sharing some of my favorite keto pantry must-haves along with the best and most affordable ways to stay stocked up! So this way your pantry will be full and your wallet won’t be empty.
Keep this list of healthy keto pantry staples handy, this is the list I share with all my nutrition clients looking to have a well-stocked pantry with the best-of-the-best real food basics!
Most importantly, I want to show you that eating healthy and eating well doesn’t have to bankrupt you. We know the cost of health foods is an investment in our future and our health, but sometimes if feels like we need a second job just to pay for it all. But, by planning ahead and having a system in place to stock your healthy pantry, you can keep these healthy foods on hand, and keep your costs down.
I am partnering with Thrive Market to show you in my latest video, how I stock my healthy keto pantry, sharing my actual most recent order to stock-up, PLUS we have a special deal for the Tasty Yummies community, where you can save an additional 25% off your first order, a FREE 30 day trial membership, plus FREE shipping on orders over $49. This is all on top of their already discounted prices of 25 – 50% off standard retail.
HOW-TO STOCK A HEALTHY KETO PANTRY:
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Sacred Self Care Guide for October 2018
Sacred Self Care Guide for October 2018 from Rising River Wisdom SchoolIn all the worlds’ mythology and culture, there have been wisdom keepers, those who looked to the natural and the hidden worlds as a guide for life on earth. Within these seekers are stargazers, who ascribe meaning to the “stars” and their movements through the solar system.
Though Earth’s Moon is no star, it reflects the brightest light we can see in the night sky. Its phases are a part of human consciousness, and its movements affect systems on earth and sea. When we align our activities to the Moon’s cycles we find a greater connection to both our bodies and intuitive wisdom. Read on for some self care wisdom inspired by the new moon.
Rising River Wisdom School is an immersive program for those looking to step into their own power and carry wisdom for themselves and the world around them. Below you will find some Sacred Self Care insight for October from Rising River Wisdom School’s incredible teachers – we’ve got you covered for setting intentions with the upcoming new moon, to seeking insight from animal guides to plant medicine, plus lots of guidance for mindfully navigating the world with your vibrant well-being in focus.
New Moon in Libra October 8th 8:46pm PDT By Michelle Prentiss
All new Moons are times of beginnings and creating fresh starts in our lives.
This New Moon is in the airy; Venus ruled sign of Libra, which happens to be the only sign of the zodiac to be represented with an inanimate symbol. (the scales of justice). Libra has domain over the time of the year when the days and nights are of equal length and its energetic operation is to create balance and moderation wherever it is positioned.
Venus, the ruler of our lunation, has recently retrograded in Scorpio – pointing to a huge emphasis on the dance between our deep inner needs and the needs of others.
Mars, the warrior planet conjunct Black Moon Lilith in Aquarius creates friction with Venus, resulting in a collective and personal energetic imperative to acknowledge the depth of any hidden pain or trauma in our past experience. This expression is urgent and a necessity in moving forward healthily into the future. Neptune in Pisces helps the process by beaming down a light of empathy for ourselves and connection to others stories.
Make sure to let off steam safely and hold compassion for yourself and others while expressing yourself around this Moon. If any power struggles ensue, between our feminine “receptivity” and “masculine” activity, Libra’s message holds the key – there must be room for both.
Pluto in Capricorn steps in to the mix too, creating friction with the new Moon- but also stability. Pluto is invested in evolving us-often through the death/ re-birth process of growth. In Capricorn it’s evolving all of our structures, habits or authorities, demonstrating what need re-birthing.
Libra season points to peace, but in order to find it sometimes things in our lives need to be transformed before being brought into balance.
As in an alchemical process dissolution precedes coagulation.
Let the things go that need to be released before setting new plans in motion this New Moon. Take a deep dive into your thoughts and beliefs, wishes and dreams. If you do the work of exploring this terrain and balancing self-exploration with action intended to better your world, this can be a powerful time period of metamorphosis and manifestation!
Here is a small ritual for balance adapted from Thoughtco.com:
You’ll need a black candle and a white one of any size, although tealights probably work best. Make sure you have something safe to put them in, either a candleholder or a bowl of sand.
Light both candles, and say the following:
A balance of night and day, a balance of light and dark
Tonight I seek balance in my life
as it is found in the Universe.
A black candle for darkness and pain
and things I can eliminate from my life.
A white candle for the light, and for joy
and all the abundance I wish to bring forth.
At the time of the equinox,
there is harmony and balance in the Universe,
and so there shall be in my life.Meditate on the things you wish to change. Focus on eliminating the bad, and strengthening the good around you. Put toxic relationships into the past, where they belong, and welcome new positive relationships into your life. Let your baggage go, and take heart in knowing that for every dark night of the soul, there will be a sunrise the next morning.
Read on for plant medicine and power animal guidance for this New Moon in Libra….
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Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale
Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale is a favorite easy weeknight side dish for us. Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale is ready in under 10 minutes, under 5 if you are in a rush and don’t care about the crispiness factor. Best part, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, so this Cast Iron Skillet Crispy Kale tastes great and it’s great for you, too! WIN WIN!
I am all about the simple, easy, weeknight dishes but I especially love nutrient-dense, brain-boosting foods that are easy to prepare and include in the weekly repertoire.
One of the world’s most nutrient dense foods, kale is an inexpensive way to load up on important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Kale is incredibly rich in Vitamin C (more than 4.5 times what you can find in spinach and 1 cup of raw kale has more vitamins C than a whole orange). Kale is also one of the world’s best sources of Vitamin K, with 1 cup of raw kale containing more than 7 times the recommended daily amount, Vitamin K is an important nutrient involved in blood clotting.
Kale is also a great source of B6 and other B Vitamins. Kale like other leafy greens is a rich source of antioxidants, specifically Beta-Cerotene, an antioxidant the body can turn into Vitamin A, along with various polyphenols and flavonoids, including two flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol known for being heart protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and so much more. Kale actually contains over 45 different flavonoids! WOAH!
Lutein and zeaxanthin, catenoid antioxidants these are the nutrients that give kale its deep, dark green coloring and they are protective against macular degeneration and cataracts. Kale is also high in many minerals people are often deficient in, some of the minerals found in kale include calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, to name a few.
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Chocolate Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video
My Chocolate Smarter Smoothie is my most favorite, most often made smoothie. Loaded with flavor and a thick, rich and creamy texture, this blood sugar balancing meal replacement shake gives you enough protein, fat and fiber to keep you full for hours on end and it’s loaded with so much goodness.
In case you missed it over on Instagram, I am calling this week Smoothtember Week and it’s a full week all about the Smarter Smoothies. In addition to sharing the brand new video for my Smarter Smoothies formula, this week I will be sharing three of my personal, MOST favorite Smarter Smoothie recipes. These are my classic go-to smarter smoothies then I come back to, time and time again!
Today, I am sharing my most favorite of all smoothies EVER my Chocolate Smarter Smoothie. As a chocolate lover, through and through, this is one of my absolute favorites. It’s rich, creamy, it has so much flavor and despite tasting like a dream, I don’t have to be worried about consuming a candy-bar worth of sugar at my first meal. This is great when I am looking for a quick and easy post-workout meal or often I will use as my afternoon meal, if I am not looking for a larger meal.
This Chocolate Smarter Smoothie skips out on the fruit and the sweet stuff, so you’ve got all the flavor of a chocolate shake, without a ton of sugar. This recipe uses cauliflower rice to create a delicious creamy texture, but you can also use frozen zucchini If you want additional greens add some baby spinach. If you are looking to add some carbs, try a little frozen butternut squash or a fruit that you love, strawberries or raspberries pair really nice with the chocolate.
Finally, chocolate is an amazing superfood loaded with antioxidants, polyphenol and many minerals, it has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and to support lowering insulin resistance. Read more about the benefits of chocolate here.
As always, this smoothie is creating my Smarter Smoothies formula. If every meal-replacement smoothie that you create has adequate protein, fat and fiber, if you make sure you are getting loads of nutrients from leafy greens, veggies and/or herbs and you add those crunchies on top, so your digestion is working at it’s full potential – you will always be getting everything you need! The fruit and those bonuses/boosts we talk about in the Smarter Smoothies post, those are extras – have fun with those, but don’t make the sugary fruits the shining star!
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Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video
My Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie is my go-to smoothie when I am looking for a post-workout complete meal and it’s perfect for the fall and winter months, in all it’s cozy aromatic spices. This blood sugar balancing meal replacement shake gives you enough protein, fat and fiber to keep you full for hours on end and it’s loaded with so much goodness.
In case you missed it over on Instagram, I am calling this week Smoothtember Week and it’s a full week all about the Smarter Smoothies. In addition to sharing the brand new video for my Smarter Smoothies formula, this week I will be sharing three of my personal, MOST favorite Smarter Smoothie recipes. These are my classic go-to smarter smoothies!
Next up, I am sharing my Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie. This smoothie is one of my absolute favorites, when I am looking for a quick and easy post-workout meal, with flavor, vibrant color and lots of healing benefits!
This Golden Spiced Smarter Smoothie is loaded with so much good stuff, it’s crazy! The reason I particularly love this smoothie post workout is the carbohydrates from the butternut squash, while it’s under 12 net carbs (less if you make this two servings), it’s still a bit more than my traditional smoothies, since they tend to be quite low carb. It’s a nice way to replenish, without the crash of many other carbohydrates, it’s especially great after a more intense workout, I will actually add more like 3/4 to 1 cup of the squash if it’s more of a carb-up meal or if I am making servings for two.
The ground turmeric is also a nice addition as it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that is wonderful for supporting your muscles and joints after a workout – read more about the benefits of turmeric here, (this is the already boosted turmeric powder I use, most times). Obviously more or less turmeric will change the golden color of the smoothie, I recommend going with 1 – 2 teaspoons, based on what you prefer taste wise. But please BE CAREFUL, turmeric will stain your hands, clothes and basically anything it touches. Of course, we are also getting amazing benefits for our muscles and our recovery with the high-quality full amino acid profile protein by way of the grass-fed beef isolate protein (this is the one I prefer), a high-quality protein is necessary for repairing and rebuilding your muscles.
I prefer to use Ceylon cinnamon in my pumpkin pie spice blend, because Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to lower fasting blood glucose levels. Is a little cinnamon in your smoothie gonna cure your diabetes, nuh uh, but it you are in the prediabetic range, adding a little Ceylon cinnamon to your diet every day, may offer some help in your blood sugar management.
Our fat is working to keep us full and satiated, it helps to mitigate blood sugar spikes, and when using MCT oil, you get an easy-to-burn fuel source that brings a nice hit of energy. Of course, the fiber, as usual is great for keeping you full and satiated, as well as feeding your healthy gut microbiome.
As always, this smoothie is creating my Smarter Smoothies formula. If every meal-replacement smoothie that you create has adequate protein, fat and fiber, if you make sure you are getting loads of nutrients from leafy greens, veggies and/or herbs and you add those crunchies on top, so your digestion is working at it’s full potential – you will always be getting everything you need! The fruit and those bonuses/boosts we talk about in the Smarter Smoothies post, those are extras – have fun with those, but don’t make the sugary fruits the shining star!
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Classic Green Smarter Smoothie {Keto, Paleo, Vegan-option} + Video
My Classic Green Smarter Smoothie is a blood sugar balancing meal replacement shake that gives you enough protein, fat and fiber to keep you full for hours on end and it’s loaded with so much goodness.
In case you missed it over on Instagram, I am calling this week Smoothtember Week and it’s a full week all about the Smarter Smoothies. In addition to sharing the brand new video for my Smarter Smoothies formula, this week I will be sharing three of my personal, MOST favorite Smarter Smoothie recipes. These are my classic go-to smarter smoothies!
First up, I am sharing my Classic Green Smarter Smoothie. This is my go-to when I want a vibrant green smoothie, loaded with all the good stuff!
I often notice that folks’ (and especially smoothie and juice shops) their Green Smoothies have so much sugary fruit that while they taste so freakin’ amazing, if you take a look at what’s in there, you are consuming an incredible amount of sugar in one sitting. Oh and newsflash, it’s liquified, so there’s no chewing, there’s no slowing things down, it’s just a straight mainlined shot of sugar (fructose) to the liver.
Yes, I know that sugar from fruit isn’t exactly the same as sugar, it’s not refined. It’s not manmade.
And let me just stop you… absolutely I am 100% aware that fruit has tons of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and loads of benefits – totally! Great, yes, it’s better than a candy bar in that way. But, when we are strictly talking about blood sugar, blood sugar hormones, hunger hormones and all that other stuff going on inside out body, sugar is sugar is sugar. Sorry, but that’s the truth. Want some frui? Eat one single whole piece of in-season fruit, with the fiber in tact. Chew it. Enjoy it. But, it’s best to keep the fruits in your smoothie, to a minimum.
The main reason I care so much when it comes to meal replacement smoothies , is when you craft that Green Smoothie with a ton of sugar, and you aren’t cognizant of the protein or fat that you include, this is why you are hungry in about an hour, reaching for more stuff to give you a quick hit of energy and next thing you know, before lunch you’ve blasted through a ton of calories, sugar and you’re still tired and not satiated.Read more here about the importance of building your meals smarter for a day of lasting energy, so you can avoid that afternoon crash.
This is where my Smarter Smoothies formula comes in super handy. If every meal-replacement smoothie that you create has adequate protein, fat and fiber, if you make sure you are getting loads of nutrients from leafy greens, veggies and herbs and you add those crunchies on top, so your digestion is working at it’s full potential – you will always be getting everything you need! The fruit and those bonuses/boosts we talk about in the Smarter Smoothies post, those are extras – have fun with those, but don’t make the fruit the shining star!
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A Guide to Smarter Smoothies {Video}
While smoothies have become a popular meal replacement, snack and all around trendy food, crafted incorrectly you can be consuming a sugar-loaded, blood sugar exploding cocktail. I am excited to share with you A Guide to Smarter Smoothies to hopefully help you understand how to better create the smoothies that are right for you.
If you’ve been reading Tasty Yummies for some time, you probably know that the archives are LOADED with smoothie recipes. Smoothies used to play a much larger role in my daily diet routine, for the longest time it was always my favorite way to start my day. Interestingly at the height of my smoothie consumption, weight loss was definitely a struggle, as were energy crashes and sugar cravings. What I didn’t know back then, but I do know now as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, is that without the proper formulation, smoothies are a blood sugar explosion waiting to happen.
Every time you consume any carbohydrates and sugar containing foods, it causes an increase in blood glucose. How much so is dependent on the food and the individual. Simple sugars more specifically (monosaccharides), those sugars ending in -ose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, galactose, maltose – these are metabolized especially quickly and can often cause a big surge in insulin.
Our body’s innate intelligence continually monitors the amount of glucose in our bloodstream to maintain balance and homeostasis. When blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Insulin increases the uptake of glucose by our muscle and fat cells; increases the amount of glycogen in our muscle and liver; increases fatty acid synthesis from excessive carbohydrates; and decreases fat breakdown and mobilization from our fat tissue.
How Bad Can a Fruit-Loaded Smoothie Be?
With a spike in blood sugar, a release of insulin and the impending crash, no matter what food is the initial cause, this can lead to immediate hunger, mid-day cravings, energy crashes, lightheadedness, anxiety, etc. Even worse, if the rest of your day’s eating (and most days) continue on the carb and sugar path, you are absolutely creating a long term problem. Whether you are overweight, struggle with weight loss or notice blood sugar issues or not.
Day in and day out this roller coaster can lead to a slew of health complications beyond obesity, lethargy and cravings. To simplify the worst of it, constant output of insulin is like the boy that cried wolf, your cells stop responding to the insulin that is constantly being produced and they become resistant, meaning without the insulin to transport the excess glucose to your cells for energy production, blood sugar levels remain high and this is can lead to chronic insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and eventually diabetes.
These days, I personally prefer to opt for (and I recommend to my clients) the prioritizing of nutrient-dense whole foods, rather than drinkable meals, like smoothies or juice. Whole foods offer the opportunity for maximum nutrient absorption, which allows our digestion to work as intended, and assuming these whole foods aren’t loaded up with carbohydrates and sugar – it’s much easier on your blood sugar.
That said, in the summer I do find myself with a much different appetite and my cravings differ quite significantly from the cooler months. I am not nearly as ravenous for more robust meals, especially on the hotter days. In the summer months I find myself wanting and craving more smoothies than any other time of the year. Knowing what I know now, my approach to creating them has drastically changed, so today I am going to share with you my Guide to Smarter Smoothies.
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5 Ways to Embrace the Fall Vibes
Happy Fall Everyone. I am so excited we are finally in my favorite season of the year. To me, THIS is most wonderful time of the year. Cooler temperatures, darker days, comfort food, sweaters and snuggling up while we watch Sunday football. Who is with me?
Living in Southern California, summoning those Autumnal vibes can be a bit of challenge, as you can imagine, with the summer heat lingering on just a bit longer than we’d like, the sunshine and the palm trees (no, I am NOT complaining) we just have to get a little more creative here!
I am a huge fan of tradition, especially the seasonal ones, so today I am sharing 5 of my favorite simple ways to embrace the fall vibes so you don’t let this amazing season pass you by!
5 Ways to Embrace the Fall Vibes
1) Get yourself that Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Better yet, make one yourself at home without any weird ingredients. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, that feeling of a warm mug in your hands. I make my own pumpkin spice blend every year and I insist that my PSL have actual pumpkin in them. It’s my favorite. If you aren’t one for coffee, maybe aan adult beverage like a Pumpkin Spiced Martini will do ya? Or how about some easy to make Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter or Maple Glazed Pumpkin Spice Almonds.
2) Embrace the scents of fall, turn your home into an aromatic autumnal haven. I love to diffuse these 100% pure essential oil blends in this Autumn Treasure set from Plant Therapy throughout our entire house. It’s an incredible way to shift your home from summer into fall. The natural warming, gently spiced aromas instantly gets you in the mindset of all things fall, the comfort, the coziness, the feel goodness. If you are anything like me, scents are a HUGE memory trigger and these blends have transported me back to update New York where I grew up, every time I diffuse them. I can feel smell the woodsy vibes as if the leaves were crunching right under my boots, I can smell my mom’s apple crisp bubbling over in the oven. Besides diffusing these scents you can also use them in DIY projects, I recently added the Spiced Orange to a homemade wreath I made. These essential oil blends are the perfect way to instantly get yourself into the fall mood and even better they are 100% PURE no synthetic fragrances, no concern for sourcing and no buying from reps with this family-owned and run business.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for a super special offer from Plant Therapy. But, don’t wait, it’s only good until September 25.
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Low Carb Keto Biscuits {paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free}
These low-carb Keto Biscuits have become a bit of a staple around here. A bit of a legend, if you will. These low carb Keto Biscuits work amazing for savory recipes like breakfast sandwiches or biscuits and gravy or you can easily go sweet with my keto strawberry shortcake or just a smear of homemade berry chia seed jam. However you serve them up, these low carb Keto Biscuits are a breeze to make, whether you eat low carb, or not.
While I’ve personally been eating keto since January 2017, for therapeutic reasons while I seek to get my autoimmune disease into total remission, hubby isn’t necessarily exclusively low-carb all the time – so I am always working on recipes that will please us both. I created these delicious Low Carb Keto Biscuits for my Paleo Biscuits and Gravy Recipe, which also happens to be keto/low-carb, as well. That recipe is already a hit with so many of you, but also a lot of you have simply made just the biscuits just on their own, for epic breakfast sandwiches topped with fried eggs and some sausage or bacon. It’s a favorite around here, for sure. So, I felt these perfect little Low Carb Keto Biscuits deserved their own recipe post.
These low carb biscuits are a really great way to switch up breakfast and get those classic egg sandwich vibes I feel like you might be craving. I know I crave an epic breakfast sando, now and then. Beyond breakfast sandwiches, or a side to a comforting bowl of soup, these Low Carb Keto Biscuits are lovely toasted up and slathered with a little grass-fed butter or homemade ghee, maybe a drizzle or honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or just give them a spread with your favorite nut butter or maybe even coconut butter. For a sweeter treat, try my Keto Strawberry Shortcake, they are amazing, you can also top your Keto Biscuits with chia seed jam or honey sweetened marmalade. (obviously this won’t be quite as low carb) Shoot, guys, I feel like you could also smash a fabulous grass-fed burger into your face with one of these biscuits. Just sayin’.
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Easy Roasted Chicken
Easy Roasted Chicken is a staple meal, that guarantees meal prepping and meal planning success! This no-fail, foolproof approach to Roasted Chicken takes just a few ingredients and a thermometer, for you to master. Grab the recipe for my Easy Roasted Chicken and enter to win a set of Copper Chef Wonder Cooker pans.
There is nothing quite like an impressive meal that requires very little fuss. There is also something to be said for those cozy, beloved meals that bring comfort, despite how basic they may be.
An easy roasted chicken has the power to comfort. Read on for not only my simple technique for roasted chicken but also for an amazing giveaway for this beautiful, versatile Copper Chef Wonder Cooker.
I am super excited about this new Copper Chef Wonder Cooker that I have had the pleasure of experimenting and playing with over the last week. This 14-in-1 multi-cooker set is not only impressive in the many ways that you can use it, but it’s a stunner, a perfect addition to any foodie’s kitchen collection.
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Keto Chocolate Muffins {gluten-free, paleo}
These Keto Chocolate Muffins are a simple, low carb, sweet treat that are so easy to make and loaded with rich chocolatey flavor. This low carb chocolate muffin recipe comes with alternative sweetener options as well, so if you aren’t doing the super low carb thing or if you just want to make these Keto Chocolate Muffins ASAP with pantry staples you already have on hand you can get on in right away.
These Keto Chocolate Muffins are little bit different of a recipe for me. I am not big on baking or sweets and I am also not generally one for using alternative sweeteners, not that there is anything wrong with some of them, necessarily, but it’s just not my scene. Most of the time, if and when I am going to have a little something sweet, I will use a very small amount of maple syrup or honey or a little coconut sugar. We’re talking a small amount, because it’s totally fine and I will be fine and honey and a little sugar won’t kill me.
When I developed this particular Keto Chocolate Muffins recipe, however, I wanted to make a low carb muffin recipe that would be versatile for my different readers and their different needs. I know for many folks eating keto or a low carb diet, they find themselves there due to diabetes or a metabolic condition of some sort where tracking their blood sugar becomes of high importance, so they do have to be more mindful and aware then those of us just choosing this lifestyle to feel good. Having several people in my life, close to me, that are diabetic, I love creating recipes that I know they can enjoy, too and I can feel good knowing they aren’t shoving those super scary artificial sweeteners into their bodies (splenda and the like).
These Keto Chocolate Muffins can be made several different ways. To be fully low carb and low glycemic, I tested the recipe with this Monkfruit Maple Flavored Syrup, which I have found is a nice replacement for baking recipes that use maple syrup or honey. There is a very subtle maple flavor, however, so you are aware, but I find that flavor pairs so nicely with these muffins. It’s not too distinguishable in this recipe, but in other recipes it can be more prevalent.
By using the monkfruit, these Keto Chocolate Muffins (by my calculations) clock in just over 5 net carbs per muffin! Not too shabby. Read the rest of this entry »
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Nutrition Tips for More Energy. Avoid the Afternoon Crash. {Video}
Watch this short video to learn how to create the kind of meals that won’t leave you starving within an hour or crashing mid-day! I am giving you the nutrition tips for more energy that I give to all my nutrition clients to help them to ditch the burn out and avoid the afternoon crash.
Each meal is an opportunity to create health and powerful lasting energy or to promote fatigue, constant hunger, inflammation, or worse – disease! I am sharing with you simple tips and my favorite easy-to-remember analogy that you can use at every meal, for building meals that will promote more energy and help you to avoid the dreaded afternoon crash!
We’ve all been there. The 10am hanger, despite eating breakfast or that 2pm crash where you simply just CAN’T EVEN! Rather than coffee to get you through or snacking every two hours, check out the nutrition tips for more energy that I give to all my nutrition clients for building the kind of meals that will creating consistent, all-day-long energy!
Remember at every meal, if you are running strictly on carbohydrates, this is why you are needing to “fuel the fire” every couple of hours. Even those healthful, nutrient-dense carbs, on their own it gives us quick fueling energy, but without a more sustainable energy source, like protein and fat, this means we are constantly tending to the fire.
Examples of:
Healthful Proteins:
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Sacred Self Care Guide for September 2018
Sacred Self Care Guide for August 2018 from Rising River Wisdom SchoolIn all the worlds’ mythology and culture, there have been wisdom keepers, those who looked to the natural and the hidden worlds as a guide for life on earth. Within these seekers are stargazers, who ascribe meaning to the “stars” and their movements through the solar system.
Though Earth’s Moon is no star, it reflects the brightest light we can see in the night sky. Its phases are a part of human consciousness, and its movements affect systems on earth and sea. When we align our activities to the Moon’s cycles we find a greater connection to both our bodies and intuitive wisdom. Read on for some self care wisdom inspired by the new moon.
Rising River Wisdom School is an immersive program for those looking to step into their own power and carry wisdom for themselves and the world around them. Below you will find some Sacred Self Care insight for September from Rising River Wisdom School’s incredible teachers – we’ve got you covered for setting intentions with the upcoming new moon, to seeking insight from animal guides to plant medicine, plus lots of guidance for mindfully navigating the world with your vibrant well-being in focus.
New Moon in Virgo Sunday 9.9.18 11:01 am PDT- By Michelle Prentiss
“Invention of the Future”
Happy New Moon!We are in Virgo season, a time to sort through our experiences, review, discriminate and improve ourselves. This New Moon compels us to organize, to ground ourselves in the details, to create lists and to form our next plan. This energy is very helpful and positive for laying some foundations to both envision and create the future you. The cosmic weather includes transiting Jupiter expanding Pluto’s power for transforming lives, Mercury in Virgo and Mars and Saturn now direct further fueling the urgent need for rebirths personally and collectively.
However, Before we all jump into getting busy with our external self improvement, Neptune opposing the Moon asks us to integrate the amorphous and add in time to balance duties and tasks with rest, meditation and prayer.
As many have experienced already, true wellness lies in the wholeness of balancing our active and receptive selves, which is really a dance between stillness and movement, inspiration and application. We can only fly when we mix desire, belief AND magical pixie dust!
This wishing Moon, take the time to sketch your desires, and take steps to improvement, but do remember that the extra magical ingredient in manifestation is imagination, that special spark that comes from our connection to the mystery of life and truly is the invention of all our future.
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Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice {Keto, Paleo, Whole30}
Easy Keto Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice comes together with your favorite protein and it’s ready it just about 15 minutes. This easy and quick Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe is also paleo, Whole30 with vegan options. If you have never had Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice, life is about to change. Don’t miss this simple Keto Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe, made extra easy with my secret weapon!
To know me, it to know my excitement for all things food! More importantly, beyond my simplistic love of food and cooking, it’s the real special things, like knowing where my food comes from, why it’s good for me, the impact that my food choices make on the environment and my health – that’s where I get real giddy. It’s just a true nerdy love affair, from top to bottom.
Anytime I can connect with my food on a deeper level, I jump at the chance. The wonder of the whole process is truly so special to me and I find each bite tastes so much better and each meal is so much more meaningful when I can slow down and acknowledge the full process and the full journey the food took to my plate. Our food is so much more than seeds, soil, sun and water. It’s love, it’s passion and it’s so so much work! We cannot ever take for granted the amount of energy that goes into our food.
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6-Minute Crispy Skin Cast Iron Salmon
Much like other staples in our household, shredded chicken, Big F*ckin’ Salads, and hard cooked eggs, this 6-Minute Crispy Skin Cast Iron Salmon is a weekly mainstay! Here’s the best part, this Crispy Skin Cast Iron Salmon is ready in six minutes! You heard me – SIX!
If you dare tell me that you don’t have time to make dinner, we will fully get into it. I can promise you that. With delicious, nutrient-dense meals like this, ready in under 10 minutes, there are literally NO excuses. Grab the cast iron skillet, have some high quality, sustainably caught, skin-on salmon on hand, every week, choose some nice organic greens or another fiber-loaded green veggie and BOOM, in under 10 minutes you’ve got dinner. Easy.
Best part, wild caught salmon is an incredible source of quality omega-3 fatty acids. In our household we shoot to eat quality salmon or other omega-3 rich fatty fish, at least 3 times a week, I notice this makes a really big difference in my health, my skin looks better when I am on top of my omega-3 fats and I just feel better. And dang, it is truly so delicious!
As always, I am gonna preach what I always teach and that is quality matters. Seek out a sustainably fished, wild caught salmon. Not only is it better for your health, it’s better for the environment and the earth! Don’t skimp here. And the skin, lots of extra nutrients in there, so not only is it tasty AF, it’s giving you some good stuff, too.
Things I want you to know about my Crispy Skin Cast Iron Salmon:
- It’s basically the only way to eat salmon!
- If you’ve got the time, let the salmon filets rest in the fridge, uncovered, skin side up, to dry out the skin. 15 to 30 minutes ahead of cooking, an hour if you’ve got it. This makes a world of difference. Trust!
- Do not overcook your salmon, dry salmon sucks.
- Cast iron is where it’s at. The cast iron gets hot and stays hot, evenly. I like to turn the heat off for those last couple of minutes of cooking on the other side, so it’s not crazy hot, but there’s no need to move the pan to the oven or broiler.
- Serve your salmon, crispy skin side up. If you take it out of the pan and serve skin side down, you broke it, the skin will lose that amazing crisp.
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Paleo Baklava Shortbread Cookie Bars {Gluten-free}
A twist on traditional baklava these Paleo Baklava Shortbread Cookie Bars bring the classic flavors of this popular Greek pastry, I grew up on without flour or gluten. Luscious butter, comforting, aromatic spices, a hint of citrus, a blend of spiced nuts and a sweet honey syrup. Mmmmmm!
I am sorry, I have been holding onto this recipe for sometime now. I usually work several months out on my content, I create and test recipes several times over to get them right, then I make them for the final shoot, I style the food, shoot and edit all the photos, I write up the post and recipe and put it into the content calendar. I move my content around to keep it fresh, I base it on what’s in season, holidays and what you all are wanting most. For me, baked goods aren’t always a priority, I don’t love to bake and I don’t generally care about sweets so the baked goods always get pushed down in the queue.I created the recipe for these Paleo Baklava Shortbread Cookie Bars after a trip back home to Buffalo to see my family this past April. My trips home always inspire so many recipe ideas, often new ways to create family or local classics that I didn’t even know I missed so much. The day I made this recipe for the very first time, the smell in my kitchen reminded me of home, of my mom and my dad, my Yia Yias. The first bite I took of this Paleo Baklava, I actually cried. A full on dessert-induced cry.
