SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!

You guys, I have a little confession to make.  I really need to get this off my chest…  I am kind of addicted to taking shots right after I wake up. It has become a part of my daily routine.  I mean hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right?  Before you go signing me up for the show Intervention, let me clarify.  These are alcohol-free shots…I’m talking about mega nutrient packed shots! These bad boys (or I guess I should call them ‘good guys’) will put a pep in your step, and provide you with a potent punch of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mojo.

If you are feeling run-down, a cold coming on, or just want a boost of energy, try taking one of these shots and you’ll be walking on sunshine!

Here are my 3 favorite shots:

1) Ginger-Lemon-Turmeric

• 2-inch piece of Ginger, juiced
• 1/4 Lemon, juiced
• 1-Inch turmeric juiced, or 1 tsp. ground Turmeric

–Ginger– Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which diminish pain, fight cancer, and boost immune function. Historically, ginger has long been known to diminish GI distress and is also packed with antioxidants.

–Lemon– This provides a concentrated dose of Vitamin C and boosts your immune system. Lemons act as a natural diuretic and detoxifier. They also aid in combating diseases and viruses.

–Turmeric– I could rant about the health benefits of turmeric forever. In short, the main compound found in turmeric, curcumin, is known to inhibit cancer cell growth.  Other health benefits include potent anti-inflammatory, effective treatment for IBS, Rheumatoid Arthritis relief, help for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, improves liver function, lowers cholesterol, promotes heart health, and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Yeah.. awesome sauce!

2) Ginger-Green Apple-Cayenne

• 2-inch piece of ginger, juiced
• A big splash of green apple juice
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper

–Ginger-Listed above

–Green Apple– Rich in antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, promotes healthy teeth, and boosts energy.

–Cayenne– Increases metabolism, improves blood circulation, promotes heart health, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and fights cancer.

And last but certainly not least:

3) Wheatgrass

• Wheatgrass, juiced (enough to fill shot glass)
• I also like to add a splash of coconut water from time to time.

Health benefits of Wheatgrass:

• The most notable feature of the wheatgrass is its extremely high content of chlorophyll, approximately 70%, making it a superfood which is energizing and alkalizing.
• It is a complete food and an outstanding source of vitamin C, E, K and B complex (even B12). It is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, cobalt, germanium,, potassium, protein, and zinc.
• Contains a wide variety of amino acids (about 17 types) as well as a plethora of enzymes
• Boosts energy and mood
• Reduces stress
• Boosts immunity
• Promotes hair health
• Purifies the blood
• Anti-aging
• Fights diseases, viruses, and cancers
• Improves skin complexion
• Regulates blood pressure

These are nutritional powerhouse shots which also have a potent flavor, just a heads up.

The added bonus of these shots: Hangover not included 🙂

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Broccoli-Cranberry Coleslaw

Like many, I am not a fan of typical coleslaw.  All of that mayonnaise is not appetizing to me.  But this recipe is easy, refreshing, and delicious.

 

What you need:

• 1 package Shredded Broccoli (You can find this in the salad section-I’ve found it at Publix and The Fresh Market)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup Brianna’s Poppy seed Dressing (I found this at The Fresh Market)

-All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and serve.  I have yet to find someone who doesn’t love this recipe. I know you will love it! Happy Friday!

Sautéed Green Beans

I have discovered my favorite way to cook green beans! Throw a little bit of olive oil in a pan with your fresh green beans and lots of minced garlic, sauté for about ten minutes. I like to cook mine briefly so they are nice and crunchy! Add a tiny bit of sea salt after cooking. These are so flavorful, crisp, and delicious. You will definitely be going back for seconds.

Coconut-Basil Sweet Potato Fries

Hey guys! Sorry I have been MIA but here is an amazing recipe you should try!

All you have to do is cut a few sweet potatoes into fry-shaped pieces. Throw them in a  large plastic bag with about 1/4 cup organic coconut oil and a handful of chopped basil.  Shake the bag to disperse ingredients.  Spread fries out onto baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes on 400.  I also like to broil  mine for a few minutes at the end to make them crispy!

Healthy Corn on the Cob

Grilling out is a must during the summer months and corn on the cob is a typical go-to. Unfortunately, most people cover it with butter and salt. This is a healthy alternative everyone will love, without all of the fat and salt! It has a nice zing with a little bit of spice and lime juice.

• All you have to do is wash your corn and place it in some aluminum foil.
• Next, squeeze juice from 2 limes over the corn. (I used 2 limes for 4 ears of corn)
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper over each ear of corn.
• I also rubbed some minced garlic on each piece.
• Wrap aluminum foil tightly around corn and grill for about 25 minutes.
• I added fresh ground black pepper to mine after it was cooked.

This recipe tastes amazing and is great for a summer side dish. Hope you love it!

Grilled Peaches

Craving something sweet? Try grilled peaches!

All you have to do is cut the peaches in half, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with honey.  Grill on each side for about 5 minutes and you have yourself a nutritious dessert! The honey caramelizes, giving a nice boost of flavor!  I promise they taste better than they look 🙂

Supremely Spicy Hummus Recipe

Hummus is by far one of my favorite snack foods. I love dipping fresh raw veggies, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers into it. I finally decided to experiment in making a hot and spicy hummus…and it turned out to be delicious! This recipe is super quick and easy and it makes a HUGE bowl of hummus!

What You Need:

• 2 Cans Garbanzo Beans- No Salt Added, Drained
• 1/3 Cup Organic Tahini (Sesame Paste)
• 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• Lemon Juice from 2 Lemons
• 2 Tbs. Hot Sauce
• 1 Tsp. Sea Salt
• 1-2 Tbs. Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Tbs. Cumin
• 2 Tbs. Pickled Jalapenos and a Tbs. or 2 of the juice
• 2 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

*If you’re not big on spicy foods,  you can make this a regular hummus recipe by omitting the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and jalapenos!

What To Do:

• Place ALL ingredients into a food processor or high speed blender.
• Blend until hummus is nice and creamy.
• Pour into bowl and you can top with some extra hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
• Refrigerate to serve chilled or serve at room temperature with fresh raw veggies, pita, or anything else you like!

New Information on Garbanzo Beans:

• A recent study conveyed that participants had more dietary fulfillment when garbanzo beans were incorporated, and participants ate fewer processed food snacks during test weeks of the study when garbanzo beans were eaten. They also ate less food overall during this time.
• Garbanzo beans are known for their high fiber content. Just two cups give you the Daily Value of fiber!  Recent studies suggest the fiber benefits of garbanzo beans may exceed  the fiber benefits of other foods. In a recent study, two groups of participants were given 28 grams of fiber each day. The first group consumed dietary fiber primarily from garbanzo beans, while the other group consumed dietary fiber from other sources. The garbanzo bean group showed better blood fat regulation, plus lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides.
• About 65-75% of the fiber found in garbanzo beans is insoluble, which stays undigested throughout the majority of digestion- improving colon health.
• Another study has conveyed that we can gain health benefits from garbanzo beans, even when small amounts are eaten over a short time period. In this study, all it took was eating 1/3 cup of garbanzo beans for ONE week to see significant improvements in blood sugar regulation and insulin secretion, thus diabetics could greatly benefit from adding garbanzo beans to their daily menu.
• Garbanzo beans are also high in molybdenum, manganese, folate, protein, phosphorus, and iron.

Oven “Fried” Okra

Fried okra is a staple here in the south. But unfortunately, it comes along with a lot of fat and calories.  So, I’ve come up with a healthy spin on this southern staple that everyone will love.

What you need:

-Fresh, Organic Okra

-Organic Ground Flaxseed or Organic Flaxseed Meal

-EVOO

What to do:

-Thoroughly wash okra

-Trim the edges and cut into about half inch pieces

-Put about 1 1/2 to 2 cups flaxseed meal in a large plastic bag.

-Toss in okra, close bag, and shake until okra is covered in flaxseed meal.

-Spread okra out evenly in a baking pan or pyrex dish.

–Lightly spray with extra virgin olive oil.  You can also add some spices if you’d like. (In my opinion, adding some of your favorite spices is a must)

-Bake for about 40 minutes on 350 or until nice and crispy. (I like to broil mine for a minute or two at the end to make it extra crispy)

Nutritional Info for 1 cup of okra:

• Fiber – 2.5 grams. 10% of RDA. Vitamin C – 16.3 mg. 27% RDA. Folate – 46 mcg. 11% RDA. Vitamin A – 283 IU. 6% RDA. Vitamin K – 40 mcg. 50% RDA. Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 0.9 mg. 4% RDA. Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – 0.1 mg. 9% RDA. Vitamin B6 – 0.2 mg. 9% RDA. Magnesium – 36 mg. 9% RDA. Manganese –  0.3 mg. 15% RDA. Beta carotene – 225 mcg. Lutein, Zeaxanthin – 516 mcg.
• *The ground flaxseed in this recipe will also give you a boost of Omega 3s and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.

Okra Health Benefits:

• Preventing diabetes
• Promoting colon health
• Improving digestive health
• Weight management
• Supporting a healthy pregnancy
• Healthy skin
• Protecting against free radical damage
• Asthma relief
• Improving eye health
• Boosting mood

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts might be the most hated vegetable of them all, but cooking them this way will leave even the biggest vegetable-hater wanting more!

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

-Soak sprouts for about five minutes in warm water.  Cut each sprout in half and space them out on a baking sheet.

-Spray sprouts lightly with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

-Season with fresh ground pepper,  a little sea salt, and you can add in any of your favorite spices (I like to throw in some cayenne pepper for a nice kick)

-Roast for about 30-35 minutes. I think the more crunchy they are, the better!

These make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish!  Hope you love them! Happy Monday!

Portobello-Zucchini Tacos

These are so yummy and easy to make!  All you have to do is slice up a few large portobello mushrooms and a zucchini.  I threw in some onion and bell pepper to the stir fry as well! Add in some seasonings and some cayenne pepper for a little extra spice. Top the finished product with your favorite extras, such as tomato, salsa, guacamole, etc.  *I also like to use spinach instead of iceberg lettuce (gives you the nice crunch with the added nutrients of spinach).  Also, try using a romaine lettuce leaf instead of a tortilla. Hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do! Cheers and Happy Friday!!