Vegan
August 12, 2024
Aztec Berry Salad With Chia Dressing The Aztecs recorded using chia seeds as far back as 1540. This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for summer afternoons and evenings. Serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light summer meal. Benefits: Chia seeds provide energy in the form of healthy fats (including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids) and plant-based protein. Fresh, seasonal berries provide a concentrated source of beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which improve capillary function in the brain, eyes, and skin. SERVES 4 Ingredients For the salad 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped baby spinach 1 […]
July 30, 2024
Long the scourge of suburban lawns, dandelions are actually one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat. Here’s the low-down on the not so lowly dandelion: They can control blood sugar. Dandelion greens can lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Diuretic effects. The high potassium content of dandelion greens means they work as a diuretic, helping to reduce water retention. Lower blood pressure. The diuretic effect of dandelions can help treat high blood pressure. While not as powerful as a prescription medication, it can still contribute to lowering blood pressure. Lower inflammation. Dandelion greens […]
June 19, 2024
Indian Mint Pesto There’s something about fiery Indian curry that pairs wonderfully with mint. This pesto can be spread on naan, stirred into soups, or mixed in with steamed cauliflower and potatoes for a memorable side dish. It’s also ketogenic and vegan. Benefits Mint aids digestion, perks you up when your energy is low, and can help clear congestion in the nose and sinuses. Raw mint leaves have chlorophyll, which acts as an antioxidant and has some anticancer benefits. Curry powder is full of antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory spices. Yields 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves 1 Tbs. […]
June 17, 2024
Dark Chocolate Mousse It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow […]
May 20, 2024
A delicious variation on traditional tapioca pudding, this tropical dessert recipe is vegan but creamy and satisfying all the same.
March 12, 2024
Savory Vegan Mushroom Soup Mushroom soup is a fall and winter favorite but now you can make a light, healthy version low in calories and fat yet packed with flavor and nutrients. Whole food ingredients like detoxifying mushrooms, onion and garlic make the base for this simple soup you can make in minutes. Vegetable broth and the secret ingredient, rolled oats, blend together to create a creamy smooth, savory soup. Every ingredient in this recipe lends itself to health; mushrooms in particular are packed with immune boosting compounds called beta-glucans and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Excellent […]
February 20, 2024
Nordic Beet Salad Today, beets are having their moment. Scandinavians, however, have been eating them for centuries. They also love their sea buckthorn berries, which aren’t as well known, made into pies or juice. You can find sea buckthorn juice online, or purchase sea buckthorn powder and mix it with water to create a juice, or simply substitute orange juice. If you have time, make the dressing and roast the beets the day before. Then toss the beets in the dressing and marinate them overnight. Benefits Beets and particularly beetroot-juice products may improve athletic performance and treat chronic disease. Beets […]
January 29, 2024
This dessert is very popular in Asia. Jackfruit, one of the world’s largest tree fruits, is very high in antioxidants and has a mild tropical taste. You can find it fresh in some markets and canned in Asian markets. Be sure to get ripe jackfruit which is yellow in color. Coconut milk helps hydrate the skin and keep it elastic. Sweet potatoes are packed with carotenoids and potassium. SERVES 6-8 Ingredients ¼ cup tapioca 2 cups water 1 can (8 oz.) jackfruit, drained of syrup 4 cups coconut milk 1 lb. peeled and cubed yellow and orange sweet potatoes […]
November 6, 2023
Rosemary Apple Dessert Bars Cookies and pies abound during the winter holidays so why not mix things up with naturally sweet apple bars as a unique alternative? The crumbly top offers a familiar texture while the presence of rosemary and lemon blended with apples provides a flavor profile your guests won’t be expecting. Use a tart, firm apple like Fuji or Granny Smith. Cut these bars up and gift them in a festive tin or on a plate wrapped with a bow to celebrate time together with family and friends in a healthier way and without another trip to the […]
October 23, 2023
White Bean Soup This hearty vegetarian soup makes a great appetizer or light lunch. I use my Homemade Vegetable Stock as a base, but you can also use store-bought vegetable broth. You can use white cannellini or navy beans instead of white kidney beans. Beans are loaded with protein and detoxifying fiber, which makes them a great ally if you’re trying to manage your weight. Fiber can also help regulate cholesterol and reduce your risk of certain cancers. Swiss chard has cancer-inhibiting carotenoids and vitamin C. Chard is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones. Both […]
September 10, 2023
Blueberry Hemp Milk Smoothies Hemp is the natural fiber from the stalk of a cannabis plant. Hemp seeds and the hemp milk made from them are beneficial to your skin. The Omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds help keep skin hydrated and reduce inflammation. Blueberries have tons of antioxidant power and contain protective anthocyanins. Together hemp milk and blueberries make a superfood smoothie. SERVES 2 Ingredients 2 cups hemp milk 2 cups fresh blueberries 1 banana Crushed ice (optional) Procedure Combine the hemp milk, blueberries, and banana in a blender and mix until smooth, about 1 minute. For a cold […]
August 30, 2023
Whole, natural foods combine in minutes to create this simple, creamy dressing. Avocado creates a rich base full of detoxifying fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. High levels of healthy fats in this dressing increase satiety and support cells for optimal vitality. Keep in mind that avocado dressing isn’t just for salads! You can use it as a dip or dressing for a variety of crackers or other veggies you love. Toss all of these unprocessed ingredients into a food processor or blender and enjoy a delicious, homemade dressing in minutes. YIELD about 1.5 cups Ingredients 1 whole, ripe avocado, peeled […]
July 31, 2023
Veracruz Street Corn Bowl Mexican street corn (maíz callejero) is roasted ears slathered with chile powder and mayonnaise. My version treats the corn with a lighter touch, calorically speaking, and includes black beans, brown rice, and the crunch of Romaine and jicama. Benefits: Black beans contain protein, tissue-repairing lysine, vitamin B-6 for producing energy, calcium for building strong bones, and collagen-building zinc. Corn provides zinc, eye-healthy lutein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights free-radical damage in your cells. Brown rice is full of fiber for gut health as well as beneficial trace minerals. Serves 4 Ingredients […]