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Quinoa Falafel

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falafel

SAUTE
In a skillet add 3 tablespoons organic olive oil and heat on medium
1/2 cup chopped organic shallots
3/4 crushed organic garlic cloves
1/2 cup finely chopped organic carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped organic red pepper

Add:
1 cup uncooked organic quinoa washed very well
20 oz. organic bone broth or vegetable stock
1/2 tsp Simply Organic coriander
1 1/2 tsp Simply Organic cumin
2 tsp Simply Organic turmeric
Pinch of Simply Organic Cardamon
Pinch of Simply Organic red pepper flakes
Sea Salt to taste
Bring all the above ingredients to a boil, then turn down to simmer. Cover and Simmer about 25 minutes or until all water is absorbed. It will be light and fluffy.

While quinoa is cooking make your Flax Eggs
3 tbs ground flax meal
9 tbs water
Mix well, cover and put in the refrigerator to sit for 15 minutes

MAKING THE FALAFEL
Mix together:
1/2 cup almond flour which you have added 1/2 tsp xantham gum. Mix well the almond flour and xantham gum
Add all of the cooked quinoa to the flour mixture
Adjust any seasoning at this time. Refrigerate 1/2 hour.

Use a large cookie sheet. I like to use parchment paper on the bottom for easy clean up. Spray the pan with spray oil.
Keeping your hands greased with oil make the falafel balls.
Place them on the cookie sheet.
When the balls are all made you can roll them in sesame seeds or leave them plain
Spray the falafel balls with spray Olive oil on the cookie sheet. Coat the balls well with oil.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH ALMOND RICOTTA CUSTARD CUPS

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muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups very firmly packed cooked organic butternut squash
  • 1 1/2 cups kite hill almond ricotta cheese
  • 4 tbs flax eggs (1tbs flax meal to 3tbs of water. Mix in bowl. Let set in refrigerator for 15 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup organic date sugar
  • 1/2 cup organic agave syrup
  • 1 tbs Simply Organic vanilla
  • 1 tbs Simply Organic cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup melted vegan butter (Nutiva. Thrive Market or Amazon)
  • 1 cup organic almond flour (Anthony’s. Anthony’s.com or Amazon)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum

In a food processor blend first 9 ingredients together. Measure out the dry ingredients in a measure cup together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until incorporated. Fill paper muffin cups almost full and place in a muffin tin to cook. Bake 325 for 25-30 min.

ALMOND FLOUR GOJI BERRY COOKIES

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almond flour cookie

Cover 1/2-3/4 cup of dried goji berries with orange juice. Add 1 teaspoon Simply Organic Lemon Flavor. Soak until plumped up. Takes a couple hours.

In a vitamix or food processor pulse:

  • 3 cups organic almond flour (Anthony’s. Anthony’s.com or Amazon)
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt and baking soda and xantham gum

Add:

  • 6 tablespoons organic melted vegan butter (Nutiva. Thrive Market or Amazon)
  • 1/4 cup organic agave syrup
  • 2 tsp. stevia
  • Rind of 1 Lemon
  • 1 flax egg
    (For each flax egg combine 1tbs. ground flax meal and 3 tbs. of water. Stir, let sit in fridge for 15 min.)

Pulse to combine. Put mixed batter in a bowl. Drain the goji berries and mix them into the batter.

Take a tablespoon of cookie dough and form a ball and flatten it slightly on a cookie pan. Bake in a 350 oven for 13-15 minutes. These will be soft cookies.

Einkorn Grain

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With the need for more food throughout the world our grain has become compromised. When the farmers created faster grain production they eliminated necessary steps to produce a healthy grain. With this quick processing we lose the enzyme needed for digestion. The producers find it more important to create higher yield so more money is made. “The wheat of today is not the same as the wheat of ancient times. Is it possible that this ancient staff of life has become the staff of death and disease today?” This new era of food production created new diseases and undiagnosed symptoms along with a new type of food poisoning. A lot of the pain and inflammatory processes may be caused by gluten intolerance.

Laboratory crossbreeding creates unnatural structures in wheat such as 42 chromosomes. These unfamiliar proteins cannot be digested by our bodies. “Einkorn, with it’s 1 genome, 14 chromosomes, low glycemic index, and very low gluten levels, is definitely our best choice. It is an ancient mineral-and vitamin-dense  grain that is very different from the 42-chromosome, man-made, genetically manipulated modern wheat that threatens the health of the people of the world today.”

Gary Young, being true to his tradition of seed to seal, has given us the Einkorn grain. It is his seeds, his land, his farming, his harvesting, and his production of the wonderful Einkorn products. As always, we can trust and count on perfection. That is what Young Living Products are about.

We can now enjoy making wonderful recipes with the Einkorn flour. There is a pancake mix which can be used for many different recipes besides just pancakes.

The spaghetti is another choice made with the nourishing Einkorn grain.  As always, I love adding the appropriate essential oils to enhance the flavor of my recipes.

Ref: Ancient Einkorn Today’s Staff of Life
– Hybrid Grains, GMOs and Chemicals TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
by D. Gary Young

Sweetening The Low Glycemic Way

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Glycemic index is a measurement of glucose in a particular food that is released over a two to three hour period. Foods low on on the GI scale release glucose slowly and steady so to prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar. Only foods that contain carbs cause this spike; protein and fats do not. Protein and fats are considered to have a zero glycemic index.
Another way to reduce the glycemic index of sweet recipes is to use almond flour, a protein, to help keep a more level blood sugar level.
All sweeteners should be eaten in moderation because of the increased risk of weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Low Glycemic Sweeteners

Stevia – 0 Glycemic index
This is an herb 300 times sweeter than sugar. Having a slight aftertaste I always mix it with other sweeteners.

Yacon – 1 Glycemic index
This is from the Yacon plant. This complex sugar is broken down slowly and is considered a prebiotic for gut health. This reminds me of a lighter molasses. Has a date-prune taste. I like mixing this with stevia for a very low glycemic recipe.

Agave – 15 Glycemic index
Agave is from a cactus plant. It is lighter than honey, but similar in taste. A good brand is Madhava raw organic agave.

Brown Rice Syrup – 25 Glycemicu index
Made from boiled brown rice. Thick and light colored like honey. It is pretty sweet.

Lucuma – 25 Glycemic index
Made from the lacuna fruit. Tastes a bit like maple syrup.

Raw Honey – 30 Glycemic index
Being sweeter than sugar you can use less.

Coconut Palm Sugar – 35 Glycemic index
This evaporated sap is from the coconut tree and tastes slightly like brown sugar with similar texture.

Maple Syrup – 54 Glycemic Index

Date Sugar – 68 Glycemic index
Made from dehydrated dates, retaining the nutritional benefits of dates. Not being processed or refined it is considered a healthier option. I love to make my own date paste out of fresh dates. This is guaranteed to blend well in a recipe.

In most of my recipes I combine the higher glycemic sweeteners with stevia. This  mimics a more sugary taste and helps keep costs down with some of the other sweeteners being more costly.

Another way to pack a recipe full of flavor is using Young Living Essential Oils.
Using the essential oils gives such an intense flavor less sweetener can be used.
I love to use Lemon, Lime, Orange, Tangerine, Citrus Fresh, Grapefruit, Cinnamon Bark, Nutmeg, Clove, Cardamon, Ginger, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, Rosemary in all my sweet baking recipes. It makes a flavor that will not be duplicated with extracts. Only a few drops is needed in most recipes.

Keep an eye out on www.sanodivita.com for some new sweet treats using brown rice syrup and Lucuma powder.

Ref.: Sugar and sweetener guide
Authority nutrition
Organic authority
Organic lifestyle magazine
Total beauty

BANANA CAKE

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banana cake

Ingredients

4 eggs
1/2 cup organic vegan butter (Nutiva. Thrive Market or Amazon)
1/4 cup applesauce
4 ripe bananas
1 teaspoon Simply Organic lemon flavor
10 dates made into a date paste in food processor
1 tsp. stevia
1 vanilla bean cut and the middle scraped out
1 cup almond milk
3 cups Organic Almond Flour (Terrasoul. Terrasoul.com or Amazon

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

In a food processor:
*make date paste out of 10 dates
Add:
*1/2 cup vegan butter
*1 tsp. stevia powder or equivalent drops
*1/4 cup applesauce
*4 bananas
*lemon flavor
Blend well for at least 1 minute so the date paste is mixed well and smooth.

*Add the 4 eggs. Let them mix well with the other ingredients.
*Add the vanilla bean. Mix those vanilla bean particles well!

Mix in a large measure cup:
*3 cups Almond Flour, add 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Alternate adding the *flour mixture to the batter with the
*1 cup almond milk (try making it fresh)
Beat well after each addition. End up with the almond milk.

Bake in 2 oiled, lined with parchment paper and floured, round cake pans
In a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes

Almond Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8oz. Pkg. of Kite Hill cream cheese
2  5.4oz. can of coconut cream (liquid drained)
1 1/2 tsp. stevia
2-3 tbs. agave
1/2 teaspoon lemon flavor
Adjust sweetness to your own taste.

Whip up the coconut cream with hand mixer. Add all the rest of ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
You will have enough icing to cover, generously, both layers and middle of the cake.
Garnish with chopped nuts.

ALMOND RICOTTA CHICKEN BREAST COVERED WITH CREAM SAUCE

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almond ricotta stuffed chicken

Ingredients

*4 organic chicken breast, slightly pounded out
*1 cup white organic wine
*1/2 cup olive oil
*5 cloves chopped garlic
*1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
*fresh Basil

Marinade the chicken in the white wine, olive oil garlic and red pepper flakes for at least an hour. Save the marinade.

Directions

The Stuffing
*1 cup Kite Hill almond ricotta cheese
*1/2 cup finely ground organic pecans (Terrasoul. Terrasoul.com or Amazon)
*3 tbs. dried organic chives
*1 teaspoon Simply Organic Italian Seasoning
*Juice from 1 organic lemon

Mix all ingredients together blending well in a food processor.

Divide the stuffing into fourths. Lay chicken breast out flat. Put stuffing in the middle, then folding the ends in and sides up and tie with string or just fold up the chicken pieces and keep them folded side down in the baking dish.

Place all the stuffed breasts in a baking dish.

Pour the marinade over the chicken.

Bake, uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes. Adjust time according to how big the chicken breast are.

The White Sauce
1 – 8 oz. Pkg. Kite Hill cream cheese
1/2 cup juice from the cooked chicken (if you didn’t cook the chicken use 1/2 cup organic broth.

1/2 cup organic almond milk

1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic onion powder

13.4 oz. organic cannellini beans
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend the sauce.
Heat up and pour over plated chicken breast. Top with chopped Basil.

Drizzle with Cream of Balsamic Vinegar.

Stress and Adrenals

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Stress seems to rule our lives causing disease and chaos. In order to live the healthiest life we all deserve we need to learn how to control stress and over -stressed adrenals.

*This is information is not to take the place of medical advice given by your doctor. Consult with your Dr. before you make any changes.

Many of us walk around with adrenal insufficiencies. The health of our adrenals has an effect on our entire body. They can be known as the glands of stress. It is their job to enable our bodies to deal with stress. This is stress in every form: relationships, our job, disease and injuries. These stressors cause deficiencies in our adrenals when they are constantly called upon to perform.  Biochemical changes occur when we’re stressed triggering the fight or flight response. Adrenalin, a hormone secreted by the medulla part of the adrenal gland along with other chemicals are released into the blood stream during a bout of stress. This causes blood pressure to rise, pulse to increase, oxygen intake to be effected, blood flow to the muscles reduced and digestion shutting down. This fight or flight response causing a shut down of bodily functions may cause stomach problems when you have constant stress on the adrenals. These hormones effect all the major processes of our bodies. They regulate normal blood sugar levels, cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal functions. Adrenals process carbohydrates and fats. Adrenals are distribution sights of stored fat, possibly causing the thickness around the middle, especially as we age. Our bodies receive protection against inflammatory reactions as well as anti-oxidant help against allergens from our food, our environment, from drugs and alcohol and from life itself. A big job is the anti inflammatory reaction. It will kick in right away when the adrenals are functioning properly. When they don’t work properly and inflammation builds up it will cause problems in other parts of our body. In our 50’s the adrenals become the primary source of hormones in men and women.
The larger part of the adrenal, the cortex, has 3 sections.  The cortex supplies the body with cortisol, DHEA and is a secondary producer of sex hormones, along with over 50 other hormones. They work constantly needing to rest occasionally. Learning how to deal with stress in a different way will allow the adrenals to be able to stay on task without pooping out and causing problems with health and well-being.

Some symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are:
*lightheadedness when standing up too quickly
*trouble with bright lights
*fuzzy thinking
*absentminded
*mid-morning is when you start to wake up
*there is a slump in between the hours of 2-4pm
*feeling better after your evening meal
*muscle spasms
*depression
*nausea
*don’t handle stress well, not tolerant
*compulsive eating habits, food cravings (sugar, carbohydrates, coffee, colas)
*more addictive behavior
*lethargic and exhausted
*tasks seem like chores including ones that are liked
*sleeping problems –  just can’t sleep or wake up in between 1&3am and can’t go back to sleep
*low blood pressure
*low blood sugar
*heart palpitations

Make intentional choices to change your life.

Recipes to support The Adrenals with Young Living Essential Oils:
1 drop Nutmeg, Clove, Rosemary and Basil in 30ml of carrier oil. Apply this blend to your adrenals. (The top part of your kidney on your back)

Sage, Eucalyptus Radiata, Geranium. 1 drops of each oil. Mix in 30ml carrier oil. Apply to adrenals. A warm compress will help drive the oils deeper into the body and relax the muscles for deeper penetration.

With any diseased condition in the body there will not be just one reason for the cause. There are many reasons. There are many layers that have contributed to that condition in your body.
Many things will help clear it and bring your body into balance.
Try a colon cleanse, kidney cleanse and a liver cleanse. Doing all three will help eliminate toxins coming out the skin causing an outbreak. Every body is different so make the cleanse to suit you with how well you tolerate the detoxification. Try Young Living’s Cleansing Trio.

Now there is a choice for a daily detox called “Whole Body Cleanse and Liver Tone”

Some other things to try for detoxing is OIL PULLING every morning. Choose a 20 minute DETOX BATH. Go to Sanodivita.com, health and wellness section for more information on directions on how to do these techniques.

To bring your CHAKRA ENERGY into balance try a gong bath, yoga and meditation.

Dietary supplementation:
*Thyromin – blend of bovine glandular extracts, herbs, amino acids minerals, pure Myrrh, Spearmint and other essential oils that support a healthy thyroid.
*Multi-green – chlorophyll-rich botanicals, choline and amino acids. Rosemary, Lemon, and Melissa essential oils to increase absorption.
*Mineral Essence – contains more than 60 of the most efficiently absorbed ionic minerals available with Lemon and Cinnamon Bark essential oils.
*OmegaGize – fish oil and essential oils to get your omegas.
*Ningxia Red – powerful antioxidant to remove the free radicals from the body with citrus essential oils added.
*NingXia Nitro – pure essential oils with naturally powerful ingredients to lift one’s mental clarity and focus while also providing a surge of energy when needed.
*SuperCal – calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Wintergreen, lemongrass and other essential oils enhance the synergistic effects.
*EndoGize – supports a healthy endocrine system with Clary Sage and Myrrh essential oils that maintain balance in the body.
*Super C – for immune support a powerful antioxidant with Orange, Lemon and other essential oils.
*Super B – blend of 8 essential B vitamins crucial for optimal health.
*True Source – a whole-food-based multivitamin. Uses colorful, nutrient dense super fruits, plants vegetables and other quality ingredients.

To do’s:
*do things for your own healing
*prayer (giving thanks)
*make necessary life changes
*make bedtime around 10pm
*laugh
*live in the moment not the past or the future
*do something pleasurable every day even if only for a few moments
*do absolutely nothing
*notice at least one thing that you are grateful for each day
*take your dietary supplements each day
*move your body with intention and often (walk, swim, yoga)
*learn to breath with intent, clear your mind and oxygenate your cells to make a much healthier body. (try alternate nostril breathing with a favorite essential oil. Go to Santodivita.com, health and wellness section for directions).
*believe in your body’s innate ability to heal itself. Your body does what it believes.
Try the essential oil Believe
*come from a place of love not fear.
*eat a clean diet with at least 9 different colored veggies.
*cut out the white in the diet! The packaged and prepared.

A book to read is Adrenal Fatigue The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson.

Ref. YoungLiving Audio Stress and the Adrenals
Essential Oils Desk Reference

**This information is not intended to be used as a substitution for medicine or following your doctors instructions. Always check in with your doctor’s opinion when adding anything new to your lifestyle.

Why Natural Toothpaste and Mouthwash is a Smart Choice

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Currently the average consumer gets bombarded with toxins they may not be aware of. Some of these toxins are those in the toothpaste and mouthwash that we use everyday. We even let our children ingest these poisons. How much is too much? If someone asked you to put a drop of antifreeze on your tongue, would you?

Here is a list of toxic ingredients that is found in toothpaste and mouthwash:

*polyethylene – a common plastic. It does not dissolve and dental hygienist’s are finding them in the gum line.
*fluoride – highly toxic thought to prevent tooth decay. Can cause teeth to discolor and crumble. Excessive fluoride has been shown to damage the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
*artificial coloring – can cause flare-ups of allergies. Many colorings have been shown to cause cancer when ingested or applied to the skin. Contributes to the hyperactivity in children. May suffer from hives, runny, stuffy nose or breathing difficulties.
*artificial sweetener – scientists are concerned that these sweeteners may alter brain function and behavioral changes. Aspartame could cause neurological damage in children and pass from pregnant mother to unborn child affecting brain development. Implicated in diseases such as MS and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
*polyethylene glycol – the active ingredient in anti-freeze. PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
*sodium laurel sulfate – the American College of Toxicology states this substance can cause malformation in children’s eyes and may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin.

Is that enough information to at least clean up your mouth?

A pure, natural, yummy, non-toxic approach can be achieved with the Thieves Dental line of products:
KidScents – Slique
Dentarome Plus Toothpaste
Thieves Aroma Bright Toothpaste
Thieves Dentarom Ulta Toothpaste
Thieves Dental Floss
Thieves Fresh Essence Mouthwash

I oil-pull every morning. This is so valuable not only to healthy teeth and gums but also for pulling toxins out of the entire body. My blog, Sanodivita, has everything you need to know about oil-pulling.

Another way to make sure it’s pure is making your own toothpaste.
I purchased a glass jar from Whole Foods.
In my small cuisinart I combined:
*1 cup organic coconut oil
*1/2 cup baking soda
*1/2 tsp. or a few drops stevia
*15 drops Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil
*15 drops Young Living Spearmint Essential Oil
*15 drops Young Living Orange Essential Oil (to whiten teeth)
Add more or less of the oils or any essential oils that you prefer.
Children may enjoy the citrus essential oils.
Of course Thieves is an excellent choice for achieving excellent dental health.
Wintergreen is another minty flavor.

Mouthwash can be made simply by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a couple ounces of distilled water. This can be swished around in the mouth and even swallowed as you would with the thieves mouthwash.

…and of course a Doggie Toothpaste Recipe from K9instinct.com:
* 1 cup unrefined
* 1/2 tsp. turmeric
* 1/2 tsp. kelp
* 1/8 tbs. dried parsley flakes
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend well. Keep in refrigerator.
Brush the teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush or (if you dare) your finger.
Warm up the toothpaste before you brush. NO MICROWAVE!

ref.: Living Balanced by Stacy A. Kimberly
dentalbuzz.com
Health Sciences Institute