carrot cake balls

hi there, happy friday!

I was inspired by the kick off of “carrot cake” season and came up with this guilt free, sweet treat just in time for Easter.  It’s a super simple recipe that is sure to satisfy that hankering for carrot cake without the added sugar and fat.

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Ingredients:

2/3 cup almonds

1/3 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

6 pitted dates

2 carrots shredded

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 tablespoon raw honey

pinch sea salt

4 tablespoons melted coconut oil

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Directions:

1.  Put almonds in a food processor and blend until a light, fluffy flour is formed.  Remove.

2.  Blend coconut and dates until smooth.

3.  Add the almond flour back into the blender and add carrots, spices, honey and a pinch of sea salt.  Blend until combined.

4.  Slowly add the melted coconut oil and blend until a gooey paste is formed.

5.  Remove the “dough”  from the food processor and roll into bite-sized balls.

6.  Chill for an hour and enjoy!

~Store in the refrigerator or freezer~

my little helper

my little helper

vitamin “sunshine” for a healthy pregnancy

Hey Ladies,

Recent studies show that vitamin D aka the “sunshine” vitamin is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

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According to the following article, women who do not have sufficient levels of vitamin D throughout their pregnancies may be at risk for developing gestational diabetes and preeclampisia.

Read article here:

Vitamin D insufficiency linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

What is vitamin D and why is it important?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is essential for a number of reasons.  It is mostly recognized as being important for building strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium.  It’s also been linked to decreasing incidences of cancer, MS and depression to name a few.  And, it’s essential for boosting our immune systems.

Where do I find vitamin D?

SUNSHINE!!!  Beautiful and radiant sunshine!  No wonder it feels so good to be warmed up by the sun!  Our perfectly designed bodies are made to take the sun’s rays and turn it into vitamin D.  Today so many of us are stuck inside at desk jobs and rarely see the sun.  It’s no wonder that 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from vitamin D insufficiency.

Very few foods naturally have vitamin D.  Foods that do contain vitamin D are dairy products, egg yolks, fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and fortified soy milk.  However, the levels found in these foods are rather low.

How do I get adequate amounts of vitamin D?

It’s simple:

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According to the National Institute of Health, 10-15 minutes of sunshine 3 times per week should do it!  That is 10-15 minutes of sunshine WITHOUT sunscreen.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women need 600 IU per day.  So get outside and turn your face to the sun!

coco-mango smoothie

After rummaging through the refrigerator this morning looking for a healthy breakfast this is what we came up with!

Ingredients:

1-2 cups coconut water

1 banana

1/2 cup almonds

1-2 cups baby spinach

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup frozen mango

~blend and enjoy~

Not only do mangos taste great but they are loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants and vitamins.  Mangos have an abundance of enzymes which help with digestive health and fiber which helps with lowering cholesterol.  They also are packed with vitamin A and vitamin C which will keep your immune system running strong!  The almonds and coconut provide protein and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day!  This smoothie is so good you’ll forget it’s healthy!

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And the kids will love it too!