Apple Kale Salad w/ Graham Crusted Pear

(Vegan Raw)

 

Ingredients:

• 2 Honey Crisp Apples large
• 5 Large Leaves Fresh Kale (chopped)
• 1 Navel Orange (juice)
• 3 Pears (chilled & ripe)
• 1/3 Cup Cocoa Nibs
• 1 Cup Cheerios
• 2 Cup Golden Grahams cereal (or 1 pk Graham Crackers)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Tb Cinnamon
• 1 tsp All Spice

Salad

Remove core and grate Apples with food processor (grating blade). Put grated apples in medium size bowl. Add juice from fresh orange immediately to prevent apples from browning. Finely chop fresh Kale and add to mixture and mix well. chill.

Graham Crust*

Chop the Raw Cocoa Nibs in a processor until very fine. This may take a minute or two. Combine Cheerios, Graham Crackers, Brown Sugar, and spices in a processor with the already chopped Cocoa Nibs and finely blend until well incorporated.
Can also use Honey in place of the Brown Sugar for a lumpy(er) crust mixture.

Dip chilled Pears in the crust mixture, plate the Pears. Add the Salad. Garnish with Sour Cherries. Enjoy.



*Cube the pear and add to the salad without the crust mixture to reduce the carbohydrates in this recipe.

Basic Collard Green Wrap (Low Carb)

make them as the main corse or as an appitizer

(Serves 4 - 6)

 

 

Ingredients:

• Large Leaves Collards w/ stems
• ½ Cup Red Onion
• ¼ Cup Red Pepper
• ¼ Cup Green Pepper
• 3 Cloves Garlic
• 1 Cup Forbidden Rice
• 1 Lb Ground Turkey
• ¼ Lb Ground Turkey Sausage
• ½ Cup Sharp Cheddar
• ½ Cup Mozzarella
• Garlic Powder
• Salt / Pepper optional

Preparation: (can be done in advance)

Cook 12 whole leaves Collards (stems removed) until soft – also cook stems for *Pot Liquor.  Cook 1 Cup Forbidden Rice (Purple Rice) – in 2 Cups Pot Liquor.  Brown Ground Turkey & Turkey Sausage with Garlic Powder in skillet.

 

Dice the following

...then *Steam fry until slightly softened and colors brighten

• ½ Cup Red Onion
• ¼ Cup Red Pepper
• ¼ Cup Green Pepper
• 6 Large Leaves Collards w/ stems (cut very small)
• 3 Cloves Garlic

 

 

 

Wrap it all Together

Lay whole cooked Collard leaves on a piece of waxed paper like a fan length-wise

Layer the Rice, Turkey, and Cheese ingredients on top of the whole cooked Collard Leaves.
Wrap the ingredients gently in the collard leaves and tuck the ends. (collards leaves may be slightly fragile)
 

Garnish w/ Lemon or Lime & Mild Pepper.  Serve warm or room temperature.  Enjoy.

*Pot Liquor is the remaining liquid left-over from cooking the Collard Greens.

*Steam Fry is to cook in a frying pan with a little liquid until slightly softened and colors brighten.

This recipe can also be made without animal protein and additional vegetable ingredients to create a incredible vegetarian dish.

Choices, oh what do I choose!

(in the middle of the road, a choice is to be made)

 

 

 

It has been said, "It is a truly blessed thing, being a man/woman with choices". When it's written so simplified and basic, it becomes obvious that we have all been blessed with choices and every day brings new choices.

 

Today, I choose life. Every morning when I wake up, I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain.... To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices - today I choose to feel life, and embrace it.

 

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept responsibility for changing them.

 

As a child, my family consisted of two choices: take it or leave it. 

 

If you are not happy with the way things are, then change them.  If you are not satisfied with your phone service, then change service providers.  It sounds simple because it is simple.  Action is required.

 

Choices also apply when deciding on what to feed the body for nourishment. It is not easy to find yourself in the middle of the road when making healthier eating choices on the go. My easy solution is to incorporate the good with the not so good. If you must have food from the right-side-of-the-road menu, include or incorporate some of the food from the left-side-of-the-road menu with it.  A burger (animal protein) is ok every once in a while, but by adding fruits and vegetables with that burger can boost its nutrient count and properly satisfy and fill you up.  …and it taste so good.

 

Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.

 

The best part of eating nature’s foods on the go is that most of nature’s foods usually come already pre-packed and ready to go.  The choice is then which fruit or veggie to nibble on. Instead of a sugary beverage, choose plain ol' water. At least the body will thank you for the natural hydration opposed to the liver and kidney punch of sugar and artificial flavoring & coloring.

 

Embrace the infinite world of choices, because without them, we would simply be photocopies and drones, in a void of diversity.  Make the right choices for yourself as you are an individual, but keep in mind, some choices may be hazardous to your health. ...again, I choose life!

 



 

Blend-In...

Sometimes, I feel this way!



 

Verb

1. blend in - blend or harmonize; "This flavor will blend with those in your dish"; "This sofa won't go with the chairs" be the right size or shape; fit correctly or as desired; "This piece won't fit into the puzzle"

2. blend in - cause (something) to be mixed with (something else); "At this stage of making the cake, blend in the nuts" mix together different elements; "The colors blend well" - mix in with cutting motions

 

Society can get scary sometimes. Maybe you just need to blend in and disappear. Maybe you just don't want to confront anyone. Maybe you just hate society. Here are 13 things to do to Blend-In.

1 Never draw attention to yourself. This is the exact opposite of what you are trying to do.

2 Wear something inconspicuous. Try to avoid really bright colors and really dark colors. These can draw attention. Try to go for really average clothes. Jeans and a normal shirt / T-shirt is perfect.
 

3 Don't make eye contact. This creates chances for social contact, which you want to avoid.

4 Don't act like you are hiding. It just makes you suspicious.

5 Act busy. People don't bother you when you are busy. Try muttering something like "late, late, late!" Look constantly at your watch (make sure you actually have one).

6 If you have a friend with you, talk to them. People won't readily intrude on your conversations.

7 Look ahead. Looking directly at the back of the head of the person in front of you generally helps make you inaccessible in a hallway or sidewalk.

8 Keep silent. As a general rule, unless you are with a friend, don't talk. The exception is rule 5.

9 Look unapproachable. If you really don't want any conversation, have a mean look on your face, don't look inviting to conversation.

10 Excuse yourself. If someone does talk to you, (someone you don't want to talk to), make up an excuse. Something like "I'm sorry, I already arranged a meeting with a friend. I need to go." Or tell them your bus is coming.

11 If you are trying to avoid conversation, listen to your iPod.
 

12 Texting in public will sometimes stop people from engaging you too.

13 Try to wear faded and worn clothes. People will tend to like to notice bold and new clothes

 

Warnings:

• Don't wear anything suspicious
• Try not to stand out
• Don't trust anyone

Tips:

• Be weary if you use iPod, head phones, etc. you will be less aware of your surroundings and you will be more likely to be a victim of a crime.
• If it's sunny outside, wear sunglasses and maybe act like you're reading newspaper or a book.

Blending In sometimes gives you total freedom to shine when you want or desire to.  Blend in often, but always shine!

 

 

 

   

'Not So Ordinary Black Bean Salad'

 





(makes 4-6 servings)


1 can Black Beans rinsed (no salt added/low sodium)
1 1/2 cup Tomato (diced)
1 cup Cucumber (diced)
1 cup Red Onion (diced)
2 Garlic Cloves medium (finely chopped)
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 Lemon (juice & zest)
1/4 cup Cilantro
Baby Greens Mix (mesclun mix)
　

Mix Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Garlic, Lemon Juice, and Cumin Seeds together in medium sized mixing bowl until well introduced. Let mixture set while you open and rinse the Beans and Chop Greens roughly. Add Cilantro and Beans to the mixture. Mix well. Add chopped Greens to the mixture and fold together until evenly combined. Zest with Lemon. Enjoy.

Serve alone or with dressing. Can also be made with any baby green mix or with chopped lettuce, spinach, and/or kale.

　

High Fiber, Nutrient Dense, Low Sodium

Ginger Margarita

 

 

 

4 Limes (ripe)

1 bunch Seedless Green grapes (30 -40)

1 inch fresh Ginger Root

No Salt needed for the rim

 

Put all ingredients in a juicer until pulp is dry.  Serve freshly juiced. 

(Blender Method: peel limes, remove stems from grapes, and skin the ginger before blending)

 

Drink and enjoy a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants that refreshes as well as tingles the taste buds.  This beverage is great for cooler weather by keeping coughs and scratchy throats at bay. It also provides super antioxidants that can boost and help protect the immune system.

 

 

Lime Fruit

Lime is a term referring to a citrus fruit which is typically round, green, 3–6 centimetres in diameter, and containing sour pulp. The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, good digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, and peptic ulcer. Look for unblemished, firm limes that feel heavy for their size as they will be the juiciest. If you intend to use the zest, buy them un-waxed.

 

Grapes

Grapes are a type of vine grown fruit that grow in clusters of 15 to 300, and can be crimson, black, dark blue, yellow, green, orange and pink. "White" grapes are actually green in color, and are evolutionarily derived from the purple grape. Grapes can be eaten raw or they can be used for making wine, jam, juice, jelly, extract, raisins, vinegar, and more.

 

Ginger Plant

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber Officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family. Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.

 

 

Replacing the old with the new is often a good thing… unless it’s something that’s still in good-shape, and/or still fully functioning.  Replacing things that are no longer of use could be a window to prosperity and wisdom.  Give yourself an invigorating, 5 minute oil change.   A quick mental cleanse and refresher while physically giving the body stress-relieving attention. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to make a conscious decision to stop the world (your world) from spinning so quickly and moving so rapidly.  No matter how hard you try, there is still one more thing that needs to be done.  As soon as you feel like you need a break, take it.  Stop.  Breathe in.  Exhale.  Now follow this quick technique to start the process of renew.

Stop.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Find a focal point as you put everything on hold for the next 5 minutes.  Sit comfortably in an erect position where your spine is straight.  Imagine that you have a string attached to your base chakra (located in the under groin area).  The string has 7 knots, tied from the base to the top of your head.  As you remain comfortably seated, spine erect, move your hands from your lap to over your head.  With hands ending over your head, you should have all fingers touching the opposite hand’s fingers in the shape of a diamond.  Breathe regularly.  With every exhale, imagine that you are gently pulling on the string at the top of your head slowly untying each knot from the bottom, up.  Take about 60 seconds to visualize and untie each knot.  Slowly lower arms and welcome you (yourself) back to reality… the list has gotten so much easier.

Zucchini Crab Cakes

(No-Crabs killed)

 

2 1/2 cups peeled, grated Zucchini (about 2 large zucchini)
1 cup Bread Crumbs
1 Egg
1 TBSP Mayonnaise
2 tsp 'Old Bay' seasoning
Cooking Spray for pan


Clean, Peel and Grate zucchini in food processor with grater attachment.  2 2/1 cups needed. 
Mix together the bread crumbs, zucchini, egg, mayo, and 'Old Bay'.
Form into 6 - 9 patties.
Heat large skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking spray, cook patties 5 - 7  mins. on each side.


Makes 6 - 8 servings
Per Serv. (1 Patty)120 cal. 4g fat, 18g carb., 2g dietary fiber, 5g protein

A nice part is that no crabs were hurt, and the best part is the flavor & taste! WOW

 

Garlic Zucchini Wild Rice

Cleanse & Balance

 

 

1/2 Zucchini diced

2 cloves Garlic finely chopped

1/2 cup Wild / Brown Rice mix

1 cup Vegetable broth (no salt added / low sodium)

 

Directions: 

Over medium heat, put all ingredients into a medium sauce pan (or fry pan with lid).

Simmer 20 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed (stirring only to prevent sticking).

Check for tenderness by spooning a few grains to pinch or bite.  Add only hot liquid for additional cooking time.

 

This is the basic so be sure to add your own spices to give it a personal twist. 

 

Serves 1-2

 

High Fiber, Whole Grains


 

 

Drifting Away

...and it feels like I'm drowning, pulling against the stream.

 

 

One of the best stress relievers I have ever experienced is being close to the water or being totally submerged in it.  Fresh is best, but salt-water has a special quality where it is complemented with the sense of smell and taste. I am a water sign by nature, so I am naturally drawn to water and fluid activity.  Just like meditation and yoga, the transitions are seamless and constant.  Deep breathing and focused movement should be just a seamless as thirst and hunger. I like to avoid the feeling of being stagnant, water has the ability to keep me fluid, moving, and transitioning.

I like it most when I have much on my mind and there is no one to talk to except my source of light and energy that provides me the ability to be me.  I am merely a reflection, therefore I am a natural part of the universe as I am part a creator. 

 

The source of my being provides me to be creative through my many moods and expressions.  One of my expressions is song.  Not often shared, but very often rendered.  Allow me to share...

 

http://youtu.be/vU0eRZnqJaw

 

 

Enjoy the Peace that is provided just for you on a continual basis, even when there are tough times to face.

Own your PEACE!

 

 

Noticing and Welcoming Change

 

Time is a healer.  Time is also ever moving.  Time is all we have to recognize, notice and welcome changes that are necessary to improve ourselves.  By greeting the Sun daily we acknowledge that time is of the essence and that time waits for no one. 

 

Today, at this time, I have now to notice the daylight, the Sun, the reflection of the sun through beams of moonlight, encouraging me to travel through focused movement and controlled breathing to reach my higher being.  I am not only a natural being, but I am nature at it's best.

 

All matter, every atom and molecule that surrounds me becomes a part of me through selective, controlled breathing and focused movement.  I inhale what is greatness and release the unusable so that life becomes a part of me as I reflect life in its most concentrated form... Me!

 

Time after time, day after day, I must perform a ritual of giving back to life what life has given me.  Reflecting like the Moon, I realize I am nothing without the true source of light that allows me to return the favor of life.

 

It has taken me some time to realize this thus the close to a full year gap in posts.  Now is the time to Salute the Sun.

 

Know your purpose...

 

Sun Salutations!