superfoods smoothie

I’ve been a bit under the weather lately…possibly Lyme’s disease or possibly a superbug that I can’t shake. Somedays I feel good, other days I feel as though I was plowed over by a Mac truck! Either way, I need to boost my immune system big time!

This superfoods smoothie is just the way to do it! My sister-in-law turned me onto wheat grass powder from a company named AmazingGrass. I am a huge fan of this company and have used many of their products in the past, but somehow I overlooked simple old wheat grass powder! Wheat Grass contains all essential animo acids, has a high alkalinity and contains phytonutrients and chlorophyll, all important for improved immune function and detoxification.

photo-43

I also used blueberries in this recipe for immune support. Blueberries are a superfood all on their own! They are an excellent source of flavonoids, especially anthocyanidins. This component pushes blueberries to the top of the fruit and veggie line for antioxidant content. Researchers have found this antioxidant to prevent against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the amount of oxidative stress on the brain.

I had a professor in college that would tell his students to eat blueberries before big exams…I thought he was joking, but I guess not!

SuperFoods Smoothie

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 banana

1/2 cup baby spinach or baby kale

1 scoop wheat grass

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

~Blend and Enjoy!~

superfoods smoothie ~vegan, gluten-free~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

carrot banana strawberry smoothie with bee pollen

To bee or not to bee???

Bee pollen, considered nature’s perfect food due to its high level of protein with all essential amino acids, anti-inflammatory/antibacterial properties, high level of vitamin B12 and abundance of folic acid.

It has been used for well over 2,000 years by the Chinese, Romans and Egyptians. It is said that Hippocrates and Pythagoras both prescribed bee pollen for its healing properties.

You may be asking yourself…What is bee pollen?

“Bee pollen comes from the male germ cell of flowering plants. As the honeybee travels from flower to flower, it fertilizes the female germ cells with some of the male germ cells it picks up. The remaining male pollen is collected and brought to the hive, where the bees add enzymes and nectar to the pollen.” (The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods)

hfood-bee-pollen-post

Health claims include:

-Boosts immune system

-Prevents cancer

-Improves fertility by stimulating ovarian function

-Relieves allergies

-Gives complexion a radiant glow by preventing premature aging of cells and stimulating growth of new skin tissue

-Improves athletic performance

Unfortunately, not enough medical research has been preformed to verify these health claims. But, that has not stopped people from BEElieving in its healing qualities and including it into their diet.

Bee pollen is not to be used by those taking blood thinners or those who have allergic reactions to bee stings or pollen. Also, there is insufficient data to determine its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For those who have chronic medical conditions or take prescribed medications, check with your doctor first!

Start out slowly, taste a granule or two and watch for adverse side effects. If bee pollen and you get along well, try it in a smoothie or sprinkle it on peanut butter toast. You can even make a powder by blending it together with cinnamon…yum! Store bee pollen in the refrigerator to protect its active enzymes.

carrot banana strawberry smoothie with bee pollen

Carrot Banana Strawberry Smoothie

(2 servings)

1 cup almond milk + 1 cup water (or 2 cups almond milk)

1 frozen banana

1 cup frozen strawberries

2 carrots

1/2 teaspoon bee pollen

additional add-ins:

flax seeds

chia seeds

hemp seeds

a few almonds

1-2 handfuls of baby spinach

~Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix, blend and enjoy!~

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut sauce

This weekend I met a very sweet woman who said she started eating quinoa since reading my blog! It made me so happy to hear that a) people are reading my blog and b) they are trying the recipes and eating healthy food!

So, what’s all the hype over quinoa about? Pronounced Keen-Wah. Quinoa is actually not a grain, it’s a seed! Originating thousands of years ago in Central and South America it was used by the Incas to increase endurance and stamina.

Red and White Quinoa

Quinoa is gluten-free for all those out there with gluten sensitivities and is a great substitution for rice or pasta. It contains all 9 essential amino acids making it a complete protein, great for vegans and vegetarians! It has tons of fiber (unlike the white processed alternatives) which can be helpful in lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and controlling glucose levels. The phytonutrients found in quinoa make it an anti-inflammatory food, lowering risk of cardiac disease and cancer. Quinoa is also rich in iron and magnesium, which is essential for energy production and the formation of bone.

Try it out using my new favorite recipe!

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut sauce

Crunchy Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

Adapted from www.ambitiouskitchen.com

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa

1-2 cups shredded red cabbage

1 red or orange bell pepper, diced

½ red onion, diced

1 cup shredded carrots

½ cup chopped cilantro

¼ cup diced green onions

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut sauce

For the dressing

¼ cup all natural peanut butter

2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

3 tablespoons Bragg’s Amino Acids

1 tablespoon honey (use agave if vegan)

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

3 tablespoons water

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut sauce

Directions

Prepare all salad ingredients and place in a large mixing bowl.

In a food processor, combine all dressing ingredients. Blend until well combined adding water as necessary until desired consistency is created.

Add 1 cup of cooked, cooled quinoa to the vegetables. Pour dressing on top and mix until vegetables are well coated.

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut dressing

The original recipe added 1 cup of edamame or chickpeas and garnished with cashews and lime. I think all three ingredients would be a lovely addition to the salad!

I served the quinoa over a bed of greens and topped with tempeh that was sautéed in coconut oil and Bragg’s Amino Acids. I also added a sprinkle of black sesame seeds! For a non-vegetarian/vegan meal you could add grilled chicken or shrimp.

crunchy quinoa salad with peanut dressing

The peanut sauce was excellent, wish I had made extra!

Hope you enjoy it too!

Stop on by GLOW YOGA on May 18th for the 2 year anniversary celebration, I will be making this quinoa salad!