Recipes

Pumpkin Craisin Bars Recipe

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This recipe was inspired by the Craisin Bars recipe I posted several weeks ago. The changes I made were in the hopes of making it more “friendly” for those who might not like walnuts.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons of Almond Butter (I like to use Almond and Cashew Butter)
  • 1/2 Cup of Brazil Nuts
  • 1/2 Cup of Dehulled pumpkin seeds
  • 1 Cup of Dates
  • 1 Cup of Dried Cranberries (Craisins)
  • 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

Directions:

  1. Begin by using a food processor to grind the brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds. Set the Ingredients aside.
  2. Combine the Almond Butter, Dried Cranberries, Dates and Vanilla in the food processor and grind until it becomes finely chopped.
  3. Add the Nut mixture to the Fruit and Almond Butter Mixture, and mix well.
  4. Lay wax paper down in a casserole dish and put the mixture in the dish, making it flat and pressed down.
  5. Let the mixture set, then cut into bar shapes.
  6. Lay them flat in your freezer and let them harden.
  7. Pull them out of the freezer when ready to enjoy!
  8. Alternatively, you can use the mixture to make small “Energy Balls”, as opposed to the bars.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC today and let me help you achieve your health goals.

 

Berry Sunrise Smoothie

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Sunrise smoothiePacked full of antioxidants and nutrients, this smoothie is a great way to start off your day! I use a magic bullet for my smoothies, so the instructions are based on my mixing cup measurements

Ingredients

  • 1/3 Magic Bullet Cup Spinach
  • 1/3 Magic Bullet Cup Orange (cut up)
  • 1/3 Magic Bullet Cup Mixed Berries (I like to use blackberries and blueberries)
  • Almond Milk
  • ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
  • Protein Powder (optional)

Directions

  1. Place all of the fruits and veggies in your mixing cup.
  2. Add enough Almond milk that half of the cup is filled.
  3. Add the remainder of your ingredients.
  4. Mix/Blend, Serve, and Enjoy!

Note: If you add blueberries, it can make your smoothie into a form of a “sorbet” once settled. To reduce the thickness, you may need to add less blueberries and more water or milk.

Craisin Bars Recipe

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Are you not happy with the Granola Bars that are available on the market as snacks? Try this alternative to Granola Bars! The following recipe was adapted from the commercial Lara Bars, with my own personal spin on it.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons of Almond Butter ( I like to use Almond and Cashew Butter)
  • 1/2 Cup of Brazil Nuts
  • 1/2 Cup of Walnuts
  • 1 Cup of Dates
  • 1 Cup of Dried Cranberries (Craisins)

Directions:

  1. Begin by using a food processor to grind the brazil nuts and walnuts. Set the Ingredients aside.
  2. Combine the Almond Butter, Dried Cranberries, and Dates in the food processor and grind until it becomes finely chopped.
  3. Add the Nut mixture to the Fruit and Almond Butter Mixture, and mix well.
  4. Lay wax paper down in a casserole dish and put the mixture in the dish, making it flat and pressed down.
  5. Let the mixture set, then cut into bar shapes.
  6. Lay them flat in your freezer and let them harden.
  7. Pull them out of the freezer when ready to enjoy!

Alternatively, you can use the mixture to make small “Energy Balls”, as opposed to the bars.

3 Ingredients to add to Smoothies to Boost Health Benefits

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Fresh Vegetable SmoothieA smoothie can be a great way to get plenty of health products into our bodies in a concise form. Other than including the fruits and veggies you already include in your morning smoothie, there are some additional ingredients that you can add for more impact on your health. The following three ingredients are great add-ins to any smoothie, not only for taste, but also for their health benefits.

1.   Flax Seed – The Harmonizer

Flax seed is a great addition to your smoothie for the many different health benefits is can provide. I have called it “the Harmonizer” because it has a great impact on harmonizing the different hormones in your body that might be too much or too little. It balances them out promoting more tranquility in your body. Digestion can also be aided Flax seed also contains essential fatty acids which are important in cardiovascular and brain health. Two table spoons of flax seed can be effectively added to smoothies to get the health benefits from this little seed. The flax seed should be ground up and should be stored in the freezer in order to keep it from going rancid.

  1. Coconut Oil – The Energizer

Not only can coconut oil add a smooth taste to your smoothie, but it can also provide some health benefits as well. Coconut oil is considered a healthy fat and contains medium chain fatty acids, which have been shown to provide energy. These fats provide fuel for the brain and are also beneficial for cholesterol levels. Try adding one to two tablespoons in your morning smoothie for that boost you need!

  1. Spinach – The Power House

You might find it odd the thought of putting veggies in your smoothie, particularly the veggie deemed famous through Pop-Eye. However adding this veggie to your smoothie does not change the taste of the smoothie (try it out)! I like to call this ingredient “The Power House” because of the punch of nutrition that this veggie can provide! Spinach is a good source of iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, nitrates, oxalates, beta-carotene, and lutein! Spinach is also a veggie that has anti-inflammatory benefits! Try adding one to two cups of spinach into your smoothie to get the most impact out of your smoothie!

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC today and let me help you achieve your health goals.