What do you think of when you hear the word bees? Do you think of creepy little bugs that sting if you get too close? I used to. And I'm sure many of you do too. But then we got bees. Yes, real live bees. And my husband promted and encouraged me to join him in doing lots of reading and learning about those creepy little bugs. And now, months and months later my opinion of the little bee has changed greatly. (Except when they wind up flying around inside the house and I have to call my kids to catch them.)
Bees are fascinating, brilliant little creatures that create one of the healthiest, most medicinal foods on earth. Everything in their comb is edible and full of powerful vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and enzymes that can act as medicine for humans under many different circumstances. I'm going to briefly list a few benefits for the main bee products. But there's far more to know than what will be listed here.
Lets start with the honey. Now when I say honey I don't mean the liquid stuff you buy in a squeezy bear, which is most cases is not even honey at all. I'm talking about the raw, unprocessed and unfiltered honey which is usually thicker, tastier and can come in a variety of different colors. Raw honey can have antibiotic and anti bacterial effects and can treat many internal disorders as well as healing external wounds. Remember, it's gotta be raw honey (not heated) to retain all of its health benefits!
A note about honey: it's best to know the source (apiary/farmer) of your honey. Many bottles can say raw and organic but that doesn't necessarily mean that the bees haven't been treated with pesticides or pollinated flowers with pesticides. Knowing where your honey comes from can assure you of the highest and purest quality.
Next there's bee pollen. The pollen is collected by the bees from thousands of flowers and flown back to the hive where it's mixed with nectar to make the honey. It's full of antioxidants, 18 vitamins including all the B vitamins except B 12. It's got all the amino acids, fatty acids and protein too! It's great for increasing your energy and alleviating allergies!
Propolis. Our kids call propolis "bees gum". It's a sticky, waxy resin that the bees use to seal up their hive and fill in any cracks. Propolis has antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti microbial and anti inflammatory effects which help keep the bees inside the hive free of unwanted bacteria and viruses.
It's full of vitamins and is a huge immune system booster. We like to just chew it straight from the hive but there are different ways you can consume propolis. Any health food store would have propolis in different forms, along with all the other fabulous bee products.
So go ahead and try someing new. If you're suffering from allergies, need a good immune boost or just want to add something super beneficial to your diet, bee products might just be the thing! And if you ever want to stop by for a visit, our bees love visitors!
If you ever want to sample some raw, unfiltered honey, come over and visit us for a taste!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Friday, November 30, 2012
Top ten foods to give your kids when they refuse to eat.
Hey Everyone,
I have put together a list of the top ten foods to feed your kids when they refuse to eat dinner. A lot of times our kids come home from school, tired, hungry and cranky. And they often don't want to eat dinner either. This can be really stressful for a mom who just wants to see her kids EAT!
So here are some ideas that will fill your little ones up, and provide them with many vitamins, minerals and energy they need! Keep in mind, you can always add in nuts, raw honey, coconut oil, etc. to any of these foods for enhanced flavor and extra fat and calories (You can buy coconut oil and honey in almost any health food store, and although they sound a little "out there", once you try them you'll see they are a normal and easy addition to your meals and snacks.) You don't have to stress anymore, feeding your kids will be easier than ever...
1. Carrot and almonds-
Carrots are full of calcium, vitamin C and A and fiber! They also have carotenoids which help protect our eyes, and are fat soluble vitamins so when eaten with fat (almonds), they absorb more efficiently and easily into the blood stream. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fat, calories and are a highly satiating food. Just what a little tummy needs before bed.
2. Oatmeal (made from whole oats, try to avoid packages) with berries-
Oats contains a powerful component which lowers cholesterol levels, enhances the immune system and helps stabilize blood sugar. Oats have powerful anti-oxidants, fiber and protein. There are 8 1/2 grams of protein for 2/3 a cup.
Blueberries are considered to be brain food because their anti oxidants and anti inflammatory properties boost brain function and helps keep your memory clear. Also, blueberries can help fight off all kinds of diseases.
The same goes for raspberries which are extremely high in fiber and are a good source of vitamin k, among many others. Strawberries also have many disease fighting properties.
3.Apple and peanut butter-
Apples have very strong anti oxidant power and many disease fighting properties. They have free compounds which means their minerals aren't bound to anything so they are free to easily absorb into your bloodstream. They are full of fiber, and a rich source of nutrients.
Peanut butter of course is a good source of healthy fat and protein. And peanuts also have many anti oxidants.
4. Avocado-
A good source of monounsaturated fat, lots of calories and low on sugar. Avocados provide a lot of energy for our bodies. Monounsaturated fat lowers bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. It is also very good for your heart. Avocados also contain lutein which protects our eyes and skin. Its also high in fiber and potassium. Its an all around win win food!
5. Kiwi and pineapple fruit salad (perhaps with some nuts on the side)-
Kiwis are loaded with potassium and have twice the amount of vitamin C as a orange. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain which aids digestion, reduces inflammation (which many of us suffer from), and speeds wound healing. It is also a great source of the mineral manganese, which builds strong bones and healthy skin. Its also high in vitamin C.
6.Walnuts and dates-
Walnuts are super high in omega 3's which help boost our moods, support brain function and can lessen behavioral problems! They are nutrient dense and help alleviate hunger. They've also got protein in them. So much substance in such a small nut!
Dates are great for that sweet tooth and they also contain fiber, calcium, magnesium and a good amount of calories. (Yes, they are full of sugar, but its from a healthy source so it should not be a problem for the average child who is not obese, or suffering from blood sugar problems.)
7. Hard boiled eggs-
Eggs are one of the best sources of protein out there. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help protect your brain and heart. The choline in yolks helps prevent cholesterol build up. They are high in fat which means energy! They are best at retaining most of their nutrients when poached or boiled, but eaten anyway you like is perfectly fine too.
8. Fruit smoothie-
Add in any fresh or frozen fruit you like. Use coconut water as the liquid and try not to add in any sugar. Fruits are sweet enough. You can also sneak in a handful of greens like spinach, and maybe some coconut oil or crushed almonds if your kids don't mind the taste. Smoothies are a great way to get in all kinds of nutrients without anyone ever knowing!
9. Sweet potatoes-
Not only are sweet potatoes super sweet and delicious, they are also high in fiber and potassium and contain many disease fighting properties. They are also full of anti oxidants and anti inflammatories. They're great boiled, or sliced and baked with some olive oil sprinkled on top. You can even try cinnamon for a sweeter flavor.
10. Bananas-
Everyone knows bananas are high in potassium and fiber. But there is a little known fact about bananas too. Bananas contain something called FOS (abbreviated for a word too long to spell), which act as food for the good bacteria in our gut, like pro-biotics. These bacteria need food to grow and the number one source of this food in fruits is from the banana. Now how awesome is that?!
I have put together a list of the top ten foods to feed your kids when they refuse to eat dinner. A lot of times our kids come home from school, tired, hungry and cranky. And they often don't want to eat dinner either. This can be really stressful for a mom who just wants to see her kids EAT!
So here are some ideas that will fill your little ones up, and provide them with many vitamins, minerals and energy they need! Keep in mind, you can always add in nuts, raw honey, coconut oil, etc. to any of these foods for enhanced flavor and extra fat and calories (You can buy coconut oil and honey in almost any health food store, and although they sound a little "out there", once you try them you'll see they are a normal and easy addition to your meals and snacks.) You don't have to stress anymore, feeding your kids will be easier than ever...
1. Carrot and almonds-
Carrots are full of calcium, vitamin C and A and fiber! They also have carotenoids which help protect our eyes, and are fat soluble vitamins so when eaten with fat (almonds), they absorb more efficiently and easily into the blood stream. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fat, calories and are a highly satiating food. Just what a little tummy needs before bed.
2. Oatmeal (made from whole oats, try to avoid packages) with berries-
Oats contains a powerful component which lowers cholesterol levels, enhances the immune system and helps stabilize blood sugar. Oats have powerful anti-oxidants, fiber and protein. There are 8 1/2 grams of protein for 2/3 a cup.
Blueberries are considered to be brain food because their anti oxidants and anti inflammatory properties boost brain function and helps keep your memory clear. Also, blueberries can help fight off all kinds of diseases.
The same goes for raspberries which are extremely high in fiber and are a good source of vitamin k, among many others. Strawberries also have many disease fighting properties.
3.Apple and peanut butter-
Apples have very strong anti oxidant power and many disease fighting properties. They have free compounds which means their minerals aren't bound to anything so they are free to easily absorb into your bloodstream. They are full of fiber, and a rich source of nutrients.
Peanut butter of course is a good source of healthy fat and protein. And peanuts also have many anti oxidants.
4. Avocado-
A good source of monounsaturated fat, lots of calories and low on sugar. Avocados provide a lot of energy for our bodies. Monounsaturated fat lowers bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. It is also very good for your heart. Avocados also contain lutein which protects our eyes and skin. Its also high in fiber and potassium. Its an all around win win food!
5. Kiwi and pineapple fruit salad (perhaps with some nuts on the side)-
Kiwis are loaded with potassium and have twice the amount of vitamin C as a orange. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain which aids digestion, reduces inflammation (which many of us suffer from), and speeds wound healing. It is also a great source of the mineral manganese, which builds strong bones and healthy skin. Its also high in vitamin C.
6.Walnuts and dates-
Walnuts are super high in omega 3's which help boost our moods, support brain function and can lessen behavioral problems! They are nutrient dense and help alleviate hunger. They've also got protein in them. So much substance in such a small nut!
Dates are great for that sweet tooth and they also contain fiber, calcium, magnesium and a good amount of calories. (Yes, they are full of sugar, but its from a healthy source so it should not be a problem for the average child who is not obese, or suffering from blood sugar problems.)
7. Hard boiled eggs-
Eggs are one of the best sources of protein out there. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help protect your brain and heart. The choline in yolks helps prevent cholesterol build up. They are high in fat which means energy! They are best at retaining most of their nutrients when poached or boiled, but eaten anyway you like is perfectly fine too.
8. Fruit smoothie-
Add in any fresh or frozen fruit you like. Use coconut water as the liquid and try not to add in any sugar. Fruits are sweet enough. You can also sneak in a handful of greens like spinach, and maybe some coconut oil or crushed almonds if your kids don't mind the taste. Smoothies are a great way to get in all kinds of nutrients without anyone ever knowing!
9. Sweet potatoes-
Not only are sweet potatoes super sweet and delicious, they are also high in fiber and potassium and contain many disease fighting properties. They are also full of anti oxidants and anti inflammatories. They're great boiled, or sliced and baked with some olive oil sprinkled on top. You can even try cinnamon for a sweeter flavor.
10. Bananas-
Everyone knows bananas are high in potassium and fiber. But there is a little known fact about bananas too. Bananas contain something called FOS (abbreviated for a word too long to spell), which act as food for the good bacteria in our gut, like pro-biotics. These bacteria need food to grow and the number one source of this food in fruits is from the banana. Now how awesome is that?!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
No time to exercise? Think again!
Exercise...
That word can mean very different things to different people. For me, exercise means mental and physical energy, it means time to myself and peace and quiet. We all need it, we all crave it, and most of us don't think we have the time, patience or energy for it. And some of us don't even know where or how to start with everything else we have going on in our busy lives.
Well my friend, you're in luck, because exercise can be done anytime, anywhere, with or without physical objects, dvd's, sneakers or weights.
I'll give you some examples. One night, feeling a little cooped up, I got into my workout clothes, ready for some hard core cardio. But my baby was fussy. She was so squirmy and wouldn't stop crying. On a normal day, I exercise when she is napping. Tonight, I realized I couldn't do my regular routine and would have to make due with what I had. Sneakers, a ten pound crying baby and a nice long patch of grass outside my house. That night I did dozens of lunges and squats until my baby fell soundly asleep. It got my heart rate up, my blood pumping, raised my serotonin levels and gave me some very sore legs and bum.
On a nice sunny morning, while my kids were out with their Abba I figured I would go for a nice long power walk. My baby fell asleep. While that is a very good thing, I really wanted to get outdoors while I had the chance. Again, I realized I would have to be more flexible. I ran down to the basement, brought the air conditioners up to the top floor, installed them in the windows, screwed in some window shades, put together a toddler bed and still got to get a walk in before my kids came home. If you use your muscles correctly, even doing regular household chores can be great exercise. Every time I went back upstairs I would skip steps. While drilling in the window shades I used my core muscles to stabilize myself while I balanced my body, holding a heavy drill above my head. Carrying the AC up and into the window gave my arms a good work out and the walk calmed me down and energized me. And all this still raised my heart rate and got me good and sweaty.
Even you don't have time to pop in a dvd, or spread yourself out on the floor for some yoga, be mindful of your body and muscles while you are doing your chores, and find your own ways to strengthen them. Your brain and body will really thank you!
So what does exercise mean for you?!
That word can mean very different things to different people. For me, exercise means mental and physical energy, it means time to myself and peace and quiet. We all need it, we all crave it, and most of us don't think we have the time, patience or energy for it. And some of us don't even know where or how to start with everything else we have going on in our busy lives.
Well my friend, you're in luck, because exercise can be done anytime, anywhere, with or without physical objects, dvd's, sneakers or weights.
I'll give you some examples. One night, feeling a little cooped up, I got into my workout clothes, ready for some hard core cardio. But my baby was fussy. She was so squirmy and wouldn't stop crying. On a normal day, I exercise when she is napping. Tonight, I realized I couldn't do my regular routine and would have to make due with what I had. Sneakers, a ten pound crying baby and a nice long patch of grass outside my house. That night I did dozens of lunges and squats until my baby fell soundly asleep. It got my heart rate up, my blood pumping, raised my serotonin levels and gave me some very sore legs and bum.
On a nice sunny morning, while my kids were out with their Abba I figured I would go for a nice long power walk. My baby fell asleep. While that is a very good thing, I really wanted to get outdoors while I had the chance. Again, I realized I would have to be more flexible. I ran down to the basement, brought the air conditioners up to the top floor, installed them in the windows, screwed in some window shades, put together a toddler bed and still got to get a walk in before my kids came home. If you use your muscles correctly, even doing regular household chores can be great exercise. Every time I went back upstairs I would skip steps. While drilling in the window shades I used my core muscles to stabilize myself while I balanced my body, holding a heavy drill above my head. Carrying the AC up and into the window gave my arms a good work out and the walk calmed me down and energized me. And all this still raised my heart rate and got me good and sweaty.
Even you don't have time to pop in a dvd, or spread yourself out on the floor for some yoga, be mindful of your body and muscles while you are doing your chores, and find your own ways to strengthen them. Your brain and body will really thank you!
So what does exercise mean for you?!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Hi everyone,
I just thought I would share some recipes with you...
Quinoa with maitake mushroom sauce
Lightly saute maitake mushrooms with some extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and tomatoes. You can use Eden Organics crushed tomatoes too. Boil up some quinoa or any grain of choice and mix together. This was a big hit last shabbos in my house...
Crispy quinoa cookies:
Mix 1 C of honey or maple syrup, half C oil (olive, grapeseed, sunflower...) 1/2 C of peanut butter (the one without extra sugar and salt) and a bit of vanilla until creamy.
Mix 1 C whole spelt flour, 3/4 C quinoa flakes, 1 Ts baking soda and 1/2 C nuts. Add the mixture to the honey mixture and blend well. Drop my teaspoonfulls and bake 12-15 minutes at 350.
Last night I made great chocolate brownies with pumpkin puree, organic baking cacao and without eggs. I can't seem to find the recipe but when I do I will post!
Happy Friday and happy cooking...Let me know if anyone tries any of these recipes!
I just thought I would share some recipes with you...
Quinoa with maitake mushroom sauce
Lightly saute maitake mushrooms with some extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and tomatoes. You can use Eden Organics crushed tomatoes too. Boil up some quinoa or any grain of choice and mix together. This was a big hit last shabbos in my house...
Crispy quinoa cookies:
Mix 1 C of honey or maple syrup, half C oil (olive, grapeseed, sunflower...) 1/2 C of peanut butter (the one without extra sugar and salt) and a bit of vanilla until creamy.
Mix 1 C whole spelt flour, 3/4 C quinoa flakes, 1 Ts baking soda and 1/2 C nuts. Add the mixture to the honey mixture and blend well. Drop my teaspoonfulls and bake 12-15 minutes at 350.
Last night I made great chocolate brownies with pumpkin puree, organic baking cacao and without eggs. I can't seem to find the recipe but when I do I will post!
Happy Friday and happy cooking...Let me know if anyone tries any of these recipes!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Feeling down? The food Mood Connection!
I'm a big believer that our moods and behaviors are directly connected to what we eat, or don't eat!
It is so common now a days for people to feel depressed, lack confidence, be overly shy, worried, negative, irritated, angry, etc...While there could be many contributing factors to these "moods", food plays a big role. Because of diets, consuming so much processed food and foods depleted in vitamins and minerals, our levels of natural mood balancing neurotransmitters are very low! Some say we are in a bad mood epidemic.
In our brain we have neurotransmitters that control our moods and behavior. I will just briefly mention each of them and if you have any further questions, or want to know more, I can point you in the right direction...
Serotonin- A natural antidepressant. Without enough serotonin you can be left feeling very negative, under a dark cloud, anxious, worried, restless, and much more!
Cathecholemines, noradrenalin, dopamine, adrenaline - Natural stimulants. Without these, you can feel "blah", unmotivated, flat and bored. You might need a good dose of caffeine to get you going.
GABA- A natural tranquilizer. Without GABA, you can be left feeling stressed, pressured, unable to relax. You can be easily frustrated and upset. Your symptoms worsen when you skip meals.
Endorphins- Natural pain killers. Low endorphins can make us feel very sensitive, cry easily, avoid dealing with painful issues, etc.
Another major factor that can cause mood issues is a lack of essential omega fatty acids, which are critical for proper brain function! Low levels of omega 3's have been shown to cause ADD, ADHD, depression, Bi-polar, etc. Don't be scared of foods high in good saturated fats. we need them. Most people need to take omega 3 supplements to get as much as they need in their diets.
Vitamin B-12 which is very difficult to get from your diet also contributes to bad moods if you are't getting enough. Supplements are highly recommended.
Furthermore, eating a diet high in processed, white foods such as pasta, potatoes, cakes, etc. and not eating often enough can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which plays another factor in mood disorders like the ones mentioned above.
I find all this information to be so fascinating! It's all a matter of how you look at things. Depression is a symptom, it is not the disease. It's not a prozac deficiency, its a nutrient, vitamin, mineral deficiency. Let's look more deeply into our diets and moods and see what connections you can make. I would love to hear feedback!
Have a great day to all
=)
It is so common now a days for people to feel depressed, lack confidence, be overly shy, worried, negative, irritated, angry, etc...While there could be many contributing factors to these "moods", food plays a big role. Because of diets, consuming so much processed food and foods depleted in vitamins and minerals, our levels of natural mood balancing neurotransmitters are very low! Some say we are in a bad mood epidemic.
In our brain we have neurotransmitters that control our moods and behavior. I will just briefly mention each of them and if you have any further questions, or want to know more, I can point you in the right direction...
Serotonin- A natural antidepressant. Without enough serotonin you can be left feeling very negative, under a dark cloud, anxious, worried, restless, and much more!
Cathecholemines, noradrenalin, dopamine, adrenaline - Natural stimulants. Without these, you can feel "blah", unmotivated, flat and bored. You might need a good dose of caffeine to get you going.
GABA- A natural tranquilizer. Without GABA, you can be left feeling stressed, pressured, unable to relax. You can be easily frustrated and upset. Your symptoms worsen when you skip meals.
Endorphins- Natural pain killers. Low endorphins can make us feel very sensitive, cry easily, avoid dealing with painful issues, etc.
Another major factor that can cause mood issues is a lack of essential omega fatty acids, which are critical for proper brain function! Low levels of omega 3's have been shown to cause ADD, ADHD, depression, Bi-polar, etc. Don't be scared of foods high in good saturated fats. we need them. Most people need to take omega 3 supplements to get as much as they need in their diets.
Vitamin B-12 which is very difficult to get from your diet also contributes to bad moods if you are't getting enough. Supplements are highly recommended.
Furthermore, eating a diet high in processed, white foods such as pasta, potatoes, cakes, etc. and not eating often enough can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which plays another factor in mood disorders like the ones mentioned above.
I find all this information to be so fascinating! It's all a matter of how you look at things. Depression is a symptom, it is not the disease. It's not a prozac deficiency, its a nutrient, vitamin, mineral deficiency. Let's look more deeply into our diets and moods and see what connections you can make. I would love to hear feedback!
Have a great day to all
=)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Can't lose the weight?
So many of us struggle with weight loss. We try so many diets, change our eating habits, go on rigid exercise programs, and still find that the weight won't come off. So why is that? Because there's a lot more to weight loss than dieting and exercise. Here are a few things that might be getting in your way.
1. Food sensitivities. If you are eating something your body is sensitive to, it can cause cravings, inflammation and water retention. All of which can prevent weight loss.
2. Stress and exhaustion. Being woken up even once a night can cause an increase in hormones that make your appetite larger and a decrease in hormones that tell your body when it is full.
3. Thyroid is out of whack. This can happen for a number of reasons like too much exercise, not eating enough calories, stress, etc. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it is almost impossible to lose weight.
Solutions? If you fit into any of these categories, try an elimination diet to see if you can find your food sensitivities. Do something that relaxes you to alleviate stress and get a better nights sleep. And get your thyroid checked! And even if your levels are within "normal" range, but on the low side, you should still take this into consideration. A diet change (whole grains, sea vegetables, high quality, organic animal proteins...) can drastically help thyroid function.
Also, please feel free to share your experiences with any of the above!
Have a great day!
1. Food sensitivities. If you are eating something your body is sensitive to, it can cause cravings, inflammation and water retention. All of which can prevent weight loss.
2. Stress and exhaustion. Being woken up even once a night can cause an increase in hormones that make your appetite larger and a decrease in hormones that tell your body when it is full.
3. Thyroid is out of whack. This can happen for a number of reasons like too much exercise, not eating enough calories, stress, etc. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it is almost impossible to lose weight.
Solutions? If you fit into any of these categories, try an elimination diet to see if you can find your food sensitivities. Do something that relaxes you to alleviate stress and get a better nights sleep. And get your thyroid checked! And even if your levels are within "normal" range, but on the low side, you should still take this into consideration. A diet change (whole grains, sea vegetables, high quality, organic animal proteins...) can drastically help thyroid function.
Also, please feel free to share your experiences with any of the above!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Chanukah oh Chanukah!
Wow I can't believe it has been almost a month since I have said hello! Time is just so short these days...
Anyways, I am here to tell you how much I love love love when holidays come around, because then I get to blog all about healthy alternatives to all the unhealthy food that gets consumed by dozens of us!
Chanukah is probably the best holiday for this. From fried latkes, bakery bought, sugar filled jelly doughnuts and so much Chanukah gelt, you can get nauseous just thinking about it!
Here are some great ideas that will cut calories, get rid of harmful preservatives and help keep your kids behavior and mood's in check. (And your own too...)
1. Home made, baked jelly doughnuts with some melted chocolate sprinkled on top (made with any whole grain flour, no white stuff! See below for recipe)
2. Lightly fried (or baked) sweet potato latkes: (my husband makes potato and spinach ones.) This can be your regular old latke recipe but use blue, red or sweet potatoes instead. This will actually give your latke some nutritional value, especially if you're using sweet potatoes. Either bake, or gently fry in extra virgin olive oil on low heat to keep the oil from turning into toxins.
3. Home made Chanukah gelt:
Find the purest chocolate chips with the least ingredients, or if you are really good, you can make your own chocolate! Melt some chips in a pot with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil on low heat. Pour into chocolate molds and freeze! You can even add some raw oats or wheat germ into the mix for some fiber and whole grains!
Yum, I love making Chanukah the healthy way! It's only the second night, so start now! Make your own food from pure ingredients (as pure as you are able to,) stick with whole grains, healthy oils and no added sugars! Then you can actually feel good this Chanukah, instead of oily and over stuffed! Good luck and let me know how the recipes come out!
Recipes for doughnut:
1 flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 Cup soy/almond milk (the recipe called for 6 oz of yogurt but I modified)
1 tablespoon canola oil (use extra virgin olive instead)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon+ 1/2 cup sugar (I literally put in a few tablespoons of sugar, not nearly 1/2 a cup)
1 jar of your favorite jelly (use all natural fruit spread without any added sugar or preservatives)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar together and set aside. In a large bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients. In another bowl stir together oil, lemon juice, sugar, egg and soy milk. Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the hole. Gently fold everything together until combined. Place batter in a plastic baggie, seal and cut off the corner then pipe dollops of batter into a greased muffin tin. Each muffin cup should only be 1/3 to 1/2 full. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few moments and then flip over onto a cooling rack while still warm. Let cool slightly. Fit a pastry bag with the 1/2 round tip and fill the bag with jelly. Insert the tip into the end of each donut and pipe a squirt into each donut. Makes 12.
Anyways, I am here to tell you how much I love love love when holidays come around, because then I get to blog all about healthy alternatives to all the unhealthy food that gets consumed by dozens of us!
Chanukah is probably the best holiday for this. From fried latkes, bakery bought, sugar filled jelly doughnuts and so much Chanukah gelt, you can get nauseous just thinking about it!
Here are some great ideas that will cut calories, get rid of harmful preservatives and help keep your kids behavior and mood's in check. (And your own too...)
1. Home made, baked jelly doughnuts with some melted chocolate sprinkled on top (made with any whole grain flour, no white stuff! See below for recipe)
2. Lightly fried (or baked) sweet potato latkes: (my husband makes potato and spinach ones.) This can be your regular old latke recipe but use blue, red or sweet potatoes instead. This will actually give your latke some nutritional value, especially if you're using sweet potatoes. Either bake, or gently fry in extra virgin olive oil on low heat to keep the oil from turning into toxins.
3. Home made Chanukah gelt:
Find the purest chocolate chips with the least ingredients, or if you are really good, you can make your own chocolate! Melt some chips in a pot with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil on low heat. Pour into chocolate molds and freeze! You can even add some raw oats or wheat germ into the mix for some fiber and whole grains!
Yum, I love making Chanukah the healthy way! It's only the second night, so start now! Make your own food from pure ingredients (as pure as you are able to,) stick with whole grains, healthy oils and no added sugars! Then you can actually feel good this Chanukah, instead of oily and over stuffed! Good luck and let me know how the recipes come out!
Recipes for doughnut:
1 flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 Cup soy/almond milk (the recipe called for 6 oz of yogurt but I modified)
1 tablespoon canola oil (use extra virgin olive instead)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon+ 1/2 cup sugar (I literally put in a few tablespoons of sugar, not nearly 1/2 a cup)
1 jar of your favorite jelly (use all natural fruit spread without any added sugar or preservatives)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar together and set aside. In a large bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients. In another bowl stir together oil, lemon juice, sugar, egg and soy milk. Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the hole. Gently fold everything together until combined. Place batter in a plastic baggie, seal and cut off the corner then pipe dollops of batter into a greased muffin tin. Each muffin cup should only be 1/3 to 1/2 full. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few moments and then flip over onto a cooling rack while still warm. Let cool slightly. Fit a pastry bag with the 1/2 round tip and fill the bag with jelly. Insert the tip into the end of each donut and pipe a squirt into each donut. Makes 12.
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