-- Simple Smart Nutrition

Luscious Paleo Strawberry Shortcake

By using coconut flour in this recipe, these little shortcakes are low-glycemic and higher in fiber, which means they fill you up and keep you in the fat burning zone.

Coconut flour is a great substitute for grain-based flours, and is becoming easier to find. Coconut flour is a healthy alternative for most anyone who is allergic to nuts, wheat, milk or other common foods that trigger sensitivities. Very few people are allergic to coconut, so it is considered hypoallergenic. Be aware, however, if you have a nut allergy, you may be sensitive to coconut.

And, strawberries are loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, which means they possess some major health benefits for heart health, improved blood sugar stability, and cancer prevention–including breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer.

Strawberries are also a juicy, delicious source of vitamin C, which helps to grow and repair collagen. So, eating vitamin C rich foods like strawberries will help you have stronger hair and smoother skin. And, did you know, that strawberries also contain a substance that makes your teeth whiter too?

Ingredients
¼ cup sifted coconut flour
3 Tbsp melted grass fed butter
3 eggs
3 Tbsp honey
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp baking powder

Directions
Blend together butter, eggs, honey, salt and vanilla. Blend coconut flour with baking powder and whisk into liquid batter, stirring until no lumps. Pour batter into greased muffin cups. Bake at 400 degree (F) for 15 minutes. Cool, split open and serve topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream*. Makes 6 shortcakes.

*REAL Whipped Cream–Whip a half pint of organic heavy cream with an electric mixer in a metal bowl until soft peaks form. Add a touch of stevia and a splash of vanilla and mix. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Dairy Free Whipped Coconut Cream Topping–Refrigerate a can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for several hours. Open the can of coconut milk after it’s chilled, and scrape off the solid top layer of creamy coconut, avoiding the liquid on the bottom of the can. (But don’t waste the leftover liquid, you can add it to your next smoothie.) Whip the cream with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy, about five minutes. Add a little stevia if you would like more sweetness. The result is a silky smooth whipped cream that is not quite as thick as whipped cream made from whole cream, but just as delicious.

Savory Summer Herb-Grilled Vegetables

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, locally grown veggies at their peak, just picked. Check out your local farmers’ market for the most flavorful vegetables. Try zucchini, summer squash, sweet onions, red or yellow peppers, and portabella mushrooms.

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, locally grown veggies at their peak, just picked. Check out your local farmers’ market for the most flavorful vegetables. You can use a variety of veggies that work well sliced up for grilling. I usually use zucchini, summer squash, sweet onions, red or yellow peppers, and portabella mushrooms. Eggplant is delicious as well.

Ingredients

zucchini, summer squash, red or yellow pepper, eggplant, sweet onion, portabella mushrooms

garlic powder or 2-3 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, adjust if needed

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar OR

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 Tbsp of chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano or thyme

juice of 1/2 lime

sea salt and freshly ground pepper or hot pepper flakes

Directions

Wash and cut vegetables in thick slices. Zucchini and summer squash may be cut on a slight diagonal to increase size of slices. Portabellas may be left whole or cut in thick slices.

Mix liquid ingredients, herbs, and seasoning in large bowl. Add vegetables and allow to marinate for a few minutes or an hour or two. Reserve marinade for later.

On a medium hot grill, lay vegetables without overlapping. Cook for a few minutes and turn. Be careful not to overcook, you want these to stay slightly firm.

When done, drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the veggies and serve. Enjoy!

Fat Burning Coconut Milk Custard

Coconut milk as an ingredient makes a great satisfying snack. And, the coconut taste does not overpower anything, in fact, it has very little flavor on its own. I made up this pudding recipe and it has become my new favorite snack or sweet treat. There are tons of great variations on it too and it only uses a few ingredients.

I am a huge fan of coconut. Not the sweetened flakes that you buy at the grocery store, but the real, unadulturated kind.

There is coconut milk that comes in a can (not the low-fat kind though!), there is coconut juice that makes a delicious, healthy energy/sports drink, and there is natural coconut meat. Coconut has a huge amount of healthy antioxidants, fat burning medium chain fatty acids, lauric acid–which helps fight infections, and monosaturated fats–good for your heart, your skin, and the rest of your body. You can read more about all the fat burning healthy benefits of coconut here.

Start with a can of organic coconut milk (use the kind with all the fat, not the low-fat kind)
Pour into a small sauce pan.
Add in a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup, honey or a touch of stevia (coconut is naturally sweet so it doesnt need much)
A tiny pinch of sea salt
A teaspoon or so of vanilla (add at end)
In a separate bowl, break an egg and beat it until is is well mixed and frothy.
Whisk the egg into the coconut mixture and heat over med/low heat stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to get thicker as it heats up. When the pudding begins to thicken up and it is hot enough to bubble around the edges, remove from heat and whisk lightly to make sure it is well mixed. Add in vanilla. Cool in fridge or eat warm.

Variations:
Add a couple teaspoons of dark chocolate or break up a small dark chocolate bar and stir into warm custard along with your favorite nut butter or a handful of nuts.
Stir in a sliced banana or other fresh or frozen fruit
Add unsweetened coconut
Garnish with a little bit of REAL homemade whipped cream

Enjoy! Serves 2-4

Amazing Secrets of Ginger, Asian Steak Salad

Warm Asian steak salad, contains fresh ginger in the dressing. Ginger is one of those incredible superfoods.That’s because ginger contains 12 antioxidant compounds more powerful than vitamin E! And, studies show that ginger soothes the body’s inflammatory response…

The salad in the recipe below, contains fresh ginger in the dressing. I love its fresh, zingy flavor. Ginger is one of those incredible superfoods that does many, many good things for your body, including helping your body burn fat efficiently by speeding up your metabolism. Eating ginger every day can give you a real antioxidant boost.

Ginger contains over 25 different antioxidants, which makes it even more effective at fighting free radicals in many different body systems.

Ginger is best known for its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, as well as motion sickness. In fact ginger is more effective than Dramamine, one of the most common drugs used for motion sickness. And because ginger does not have harmful side effects like many drugs, it is very good for nausea from pregnancy.Studies actually show that just 1 gram of ginger beforesurgery is more effective than the standard anti-nausea medication given for post surgical nausea and vomiting.

Ginger is also a soothing remedy for sore throats from colds and flu because of its antiviral properties. Ginger also helps coughs and is an effective expectorant. Try a tea made with hot water simmered with a few slices of ginger and a small amount of honey and lemon for a soothing tonic when you are sick.Because ginger is such a strong anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis, and muscle aches. Ginger also fights cancer, reduces cholesterol, and prevents blood clots that lead to strokes or heart disease.

That’s because ginger contains 12 antioxidant compounds more powerful than vitamin E! And, studies show that ginger soothes the body’s inflammatory response and promotes healthy circulation as well. Ginger is an excellent digestive aid as well. It really helps get your digestive system moving. And ginger’s zippy flavor also jump starts your metabolism by making you more energetic and burn more calories. Ginger is amazingly versatile and tastes great in many dishes, cooked or raw.

Enjoy this salad tonight!

Salad Ingredients

3/4 lb grass fed sirloin, skirt or tri-tip steak

Mixed organic greens (romaine, arugula, red leaf, etc.)

10-12 pieces of asparagus, trimmed, cooked slightly and cut in 1 inch pieces

1 sweet red pepper, cut in thin strips

½ seedless cucumber, thinly sliced

3 green onions, thinly sliced

Handful of chopped fresh cilantro

Chopped tomato

Toasted sesame seeds or peanuts

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup orange juice

½ Tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated

½ Tbsp rice wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp sesame oil

2 tsp honey

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 dash hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions

Whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour ¼ cup of dressing over steak in a shallow glass dish, turning to coat. Reserve remaining dressing. Grill steak about 3-4 minutes per side (if steak is about 1″ thick). Let steak rest for a few minutes before carving. Slice thinly on the diagonal.

In a serving dish, toss reserved dressing with salad greens, asparagus, red pepper, cucumber, green onions and cilantro. Add steak to top of salad and garnish with sesame seeds or peanuts, and serve. Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Catherine (Cat) Ebeling RN BSN, is a back to basics diet and nutrition specialist. In addition to her advanced degree in nursing from a major medical school, she has spent the last 30 years intensely studying diet, health and nutrition. She also has a book titled “The Fat Burning Kitchen, Your 24 Hour Diet Transformation” that has sold over 60,000 copies worldwide, and has helped thousands of people transform their lives, lose weight and improve their health.

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Sizzling Steak, Chicken or Shrimp Fajitas

Meat and Veggies
1 lb grass fed skirt steak, sliced into thin (1/4”) slices
1 large sweet red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut in slices
1 yellow bell pepper, cut in slices

Marinade
Juice of 1 medium lime or 1 and a half small limes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 soy sauce
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp of Frank’s Red Hot sauce or a few sprinkles of hot pepper flakes or cayenne

Guacamole
(Measurements are approximate, adjust to taste)
1 whole ripe avocado (should just yield lightly to touch, but not too soft)
2-3 Tbsp of minced red onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small tomato, chopped
Juice of one fresh lemon or lime
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Sea salt, to taste
Optional–1 small jalapeño, minced, with seeds and ribs removed (use gloves or wash hands if you handle it) or some red pepper flakes

Other Ingredients
Brown rice or regular soft tortillas, heated till just soft and warm.
Generous amounts of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Red or dark green leaf lettuce, chopped thinly
Diced tomatoes

Directions
Mix up marinade in a shallow glass container, add in slices of beef, pepper and onions. Cover and marinate 2-4 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain off half the marinade and discard. Cook remaining marinade, meat and vegetables in skillet over medium heat, until meat is done and vegetables are tender, and liquid is mostly gone.
For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the meat and veggies when done, and garnish with a fist full of chopped cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes. Serves 4.

Paleo Spaghetti

Photo courtesy of www.imarriedanutritionist.com

Italian Sauce and Spaghetti Squash “Pasta”

Tomatoes and tomato sauce are full of a super nutrient called lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that has been proven to help protect against breast, pancreatic, prostate and intestinal cancer, and it reduces heart attack risk.While conventionally grown tomatoes contain lycopene, organic tomatoes contain much higher amounts of this valuable nutrient. And canned tomatoes and tomato paste have some of the most concentrated amounts of lycopene.

Tomatoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. The vitamin A comes from the carotenoids and beta carotene in tomatoes. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could damage cells, cause inflammation and heart disease, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer.

Tomatoes also help to reduce cholesterol, are anti-inflammatory, and help reduce the effects of stress on the body. And, did you know cooking meat with tomatoes enhances your body’s ability to absorb the vital nutrients from the meat, especially the iron and zinc?

Spaghetti squash has all the healthy benefits of squash including a good supply of carotene, vitamins B1, B6, niacin and C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, fiber, and potassium, along with omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. Because of the high carotene content, spaghetti squash protect against many cancers, particularly lung cancer. Diets rich in carotenes offer protection against aging, cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Sauce
1 lb (natural, nitrite/nitrate free) ground Italian sausage, or grass fed ground beef (If you cannot find ground sausage, you can purchase it in links and slice it before cooking)
2-4 cloves of garlic, mashed and minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 14 oz. cans organic chunky tomato sauce
1 small can organic tomato paste
¼ -½ cup white wine or organic chicken stock
1-2 Tbsp oregano
½ tsp sugar or honey
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1 bay leaf
1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed for “pasta”

Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and place squash in shallow baking pan with about ½ “ of water. Cover with foil, and cook in oven 30-40 minutes until squash is tender, stringy and can easily be removed with fork. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt before serving.

While squash is cooking, sauté onions in extra virgin olive oil in large saucepan on medium heat until tender and translucent. Add garlic and meat, cook and stir until browned. Stir in spices, tomato sauce, paste and water. Add sugar or honey, stir together and simmer, covered, on low heat for 30 minutes or more. Stir occasionally. Serve over cooked spaghetti squash. Serves 4.

Salmon and Egg Stuffed Avocados

(Photo and recipe credit courtesy Grok Grub)
http://grokgrub.com/2014/05/16/smoked-salmon-egg-stuffed-avocados/

I cannot say enough good things about avocados! This fatty food is actually one of the best low glycemic, fat burning superfoods there is. Their mild taste makes them so adaptable to so many recipes—any time of the day. And they are the perfect breakfast food, combined with the protein power of eggs. Avocados contain lots of healthy, blood sugar-lowering, satisfying, monounsaturated fats, in addition to antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. A breakfast high in healthy fats and protein will turn on your fat burning, blood sugar-stabilizing power the whole day!

This recipe is super easy, but really delicious, satisfying and filling—sure to become one of your favorites!

Ingredients
4 avocados
4 oz smoked salmon
8 eggs
Salt
Black pepper
Chili flakes or Sriracha

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Halve the avocados, then remove the large pit—I do this by holding the avocado carefully, fingers out of the way, and hitting it with a sharp knife blade. The pit then sticks to the blade and it comes out cleanly. If the hole looks small, scoop out a small bit extra with a spoon.

Arrange the avocado halves on a cookie sheet, and line the hollows with thin strips of smoked salmon. Crack each of the eggs into a small bowl, then spoon the yolks and however much white the avocado will hold. Add salt and fresh cracked black pepper on top of the eggs, to taste. Sprinkle with chili flakes if desired.

Gently place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the eggs look cooked. Dot with Sriracha, serve warm and enjoy! Serves 4.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Salmon

Salmon has a well-earned reputation as a health food because of its high omega 3 fatty acid content. A 4 ounce serving of wild caught salmon has 2 grams of omega 3 fats, which is more than the average adult (in the U.S.) gets in their diet in several days.

Marinated and glazed grilled salmon steaks and peppers — Marinated and glazed grilled salmon steaks

Omega 3 fats decrease your risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides in the blood. Frequent consumption of salmon also decreases inflammation, helps cell membranes function better, and protects the brain.

Scientists consider DHA to be the most important type of fat for the human brain, and the high concentration of this fat in wild caught salmon decreases the risk of depression, hostility, and age-related forgetfulness. There is also an association between IQ and omega 3 intake, making salmon truly a ‘brain superfood’.

This recipe is a great way to get more salmon in your diet. The sweetness of the maple syrup combines with the tanginess of the lime juice, and the spicy heat of the pepper flakes to make a delicious, mouth watering–but simple dish. There are lots of different types of salmon—there’s wild sockeye salmon with it’s deep pink flesh, king salmon–more mild tasting, but higher in good fats; keta salmon, chinook, and chum salmon to name just a few.

Ingredients
One or more pieces of fresh, wild caught salmon, any size–4 ounces to 1 lb or more.
1-2 Tbsp butter melted
¼ cup real maple syrup
Juice of 1 lime
Hot pepper flakes

Directions
Heat up grill and keep at medium heat. Brush fish with melted butter. Grill salmon skin side up for a few minutes, carefully flip over and cook a few more minutes until inside is still translucent but not raw.

Salmon can be eaten with the center still translucent and darker pink, or can be more well done and opaque all the way through. Just be careful not to cook too long or it gets very dry. If you are using sockeye salmon, this is a drier fish, so cook lightly. Remove fish from heat about 1minute before it looks done (it will cook a bit more after it is out). Don’t overcook.

While fish is cooking, mix maple syrup, lime juice, and hot pepper flakes. (Go easy on the pepper, it can add a lot of heat!) When fish is done cooking, pour mixture over hot salmon and enjoy with a baked sweet potato and organic baby greens salad.

Serves 2 or more.

Buckwheat-Flax Seed Pancakes

Buckwheat-Flax Seed Pancakes

These are yummy gluten free, grain free pancakes. There is a little bit of buckwheat in them, but buckwheat is actually considered a ‘seed’, so it is not a grain. It is also low carb/low glycemic and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients
½ cup pure buckwheat flour (not buckwheat mix)
2/3 cup ground flax seeds
3-4 eggs
pinch of nutmeg
tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of backing powder
pinch of sea salt
tsp vanilla

Directions
Mix ingredients with fork until mixed. Mixture should be the texture of thick pudding, depending on how thick you like your pancakes. Add a little bit of water if too thick or extra flax if too thin. Melt a small amount of butter in pan, pour in batter, brown and flip. Serve with grass fed butter and a small amount of maple syrup and fresh berries. Enjoy!

Veggie Stirfry-Scramble

This meal is delicious any time of the day. I sometimes have it for breakfast, as it is a nice break from eggs, but you can use up leftover meat, chicken or fish from the night before. Veggies can be whatever you are in the mood for! This particular recipe, I used salmon and made this for an eye-opening, Thai style breakfast. IT was yummy! Great fuel to run full speed on all morning! Give it a try!

Ingredients
Chop up green onion, nappa cabbage, carrots, red pepper, spinach or swiss chard, celery, etc. into smaller sizes. Sautee in pan in coconut oil, butter or bacon fat until tender-crisp. Add meat or fish in small bite sized chunks and heat through.

Season with a touch of soy sauce, squeeze of fresh lime or lemon, sprinkle of rice wine vinegar, hot pepper flakes or sriracha, and a sprinkle of raw sugar or 1/2 tsp of honey. Mix well, garnish with cilantro, and serve!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower ‘Potatoes’

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower has a rich, decadent creamy taste that make you forget you are avoiding starchy potatoes. With the addition of sweet savory roasted garlic, you will think you have died and gone to heaven.

Not only is cauliflower low-glycemic, but it also contains compounds that fight cancer, boost heart health, fight inflammation, boost your brain health with choline, and help your body detoxify. Cauliflower is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients galore–including vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, cinnamic acid, and much more. Antioxidants are your best weapon to fight reactive oxygen radicals that cause disease—including diabetes and its related complications.

The addition of roasted garlic adds a sweet, caramel-y taste to the cauliflower and its addition further compliments the health benefits of the cauliflower. Allicin is the primary ingredient in garlic which actually helps free up insulin in the body, decreasing blood glucose levels.

Garlic has also been known for its ability to stop free radicals, protect the kidneys and blood vessels as well as the delicate blood vessels in the eyes and skin. And garlic is well known for its ability to lower bad cholesterol, break up platelets, and protect the heart, while lowering blood pressure—and it tastes AWESOME!

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, stem trimmed and cut in small florets
¾ cup water
1 head garlic, top trimmed, but skin left on
2-3 Tbsp grass fed butter
Chopped parsley
Sea Salt and pepper

Directions

Trim just the papery, pointy top off the entire head of garlic, leaving bulbs intact. Trim off enough that garlic can be squeezed out when cooked and soft. Wrap in foil and add a small amount of butter to top of garlic. Pull foil up around garlic, but leave top open. Bake in oven at 350-375 for about 45 minutes or so, until garlic is fragrant, soft and light golden brown. While garlic is baking, steam the cauliflower until very tender. Drain. Mash cauliflower with a hand held masher or hand mixer in pan. Add parsley, butter, sea salt and pepper. Squeeze the garlic out of its papery shell into cauliflower. Mix in with a fork or masher to distribute evenly. Enjoy!! Serves about 4.

Dutch Baby

A little change from your standard breakfast fare and a show-stopping presentation as well! These are quick and easy to make and always a favorite. I have experimented with grain-free versions, but the best I can do is to use gluten free brown or white rice flour in this, otherwise it just doesn’t rise at all! Lots of eggs ensure plenty of protein, and as long as you don’t drench it with syrup, you are in for a good, low glycemic, fat burning breakfast. A better option is to cover it with smashed up blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. Apples or bananas would be tasty too!

Ingredients (can be modified for size of group*)
4 eggs
1 cup hemp, almond, coconut, etc milk
1 cup brown rice flour
Pinch of sea salt
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Variation: Add 1/3 cup grated cheese, and chopped ham or bacon

Directions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large skillet or other heat proof pan (make sure the handle won’t melt!) add 1/3 cup grass fed butter and set in oven, while mixing up batter.

In a blender, add eggs, and blend for about 30 seconds until light and foamy. Slowly add part of the flour and part of the milk, and blend. Repeat until all ingredients are added. Blend for another 30 seconds. Remove hot pan from oven (butter should be melted) and pour in batter. Replace pan in oven, and cook for 20 minutes, approximately. Dutch baby should be golden brown and puffed up on sides and/or middle. Remove from oven and serve. (This behaves like a souffle, so it may fall pretty quickly when you take it from the oven). Can serve with fresh fruit, a small amount of real maple syrup or hot sauce if using the meat and cheese version.
Serves four.

To make a larger Dutch baby: use 6 eggs, 1 cup and 1/2 milk, 1 and 1/2 cups flour. Use a bigger pan if desired, otherwise it will make a thicker pancake.

To make a smaller one: use 2-3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour. I use the same size pan and it just makes a smaller, slightly thinner and crisper pancake.

Mexican Fiesta Salad with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

This is a super healthy meal full of color, fiber, antioxidants and absolutely bursting with vitamins and minerals!
This is a great meal for company, and perfect for summer when these ingredients are easy to find locally…

Mexican Fiesta Salad with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

This is a super healthy meal full of color, fiber, antioxidants and absolutely bursting with vitamins and minerals!

It will make you feel full of energy and vitality after you eat this wonderful salad. I like to make this when I have company over because it is so popular. Perfect for summer when so many of these ingredients are easy to find locally, bursting with freshness and nutrition.

I am sure this will become one of your favorites too!

Dressing

¼ cup chopped shallots

¼ cup fresh lime juice (juice of 1 lime)

½ cup fresh cilantro chopped

2-3 cloves of minced garlic

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Combine first four ingredients in medium bowl.

Gradually whisk in oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.

Salad

3 cups of thinly sliced red leaf lettuce (preferably organic)

3 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage

2-3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped

½ roasted red bell pepper (you can usually find these already roasted in the store or see below on how to roast your own)

½ roasted yellow pepper

Half (or more) firm avocado, peeled and diced

¼ cup minced red onion

Half a can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 small jalapeno, de-seeded, de-ribbed and minced

1-2 small tomatillos, chopped (green Mexican tomatoes)

¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas

½ cup crumbled queso anejo, or feta cheese (optional)

2 chicken breasts (optional), cooked and sliced thinly or shredded with a fork (I usually grill the chicken)

Directions

To roast peppers: heat oven on ‘broil’. Slice peppers in quarters; remove stem and seeds. Place skin side up on flat pan in oven near heat. Roast for 4-7 minutes until skin begins to turn black. Remove and cool. When cool, slide off blackened skin and slice up peppers.

Combine above ingredients in large bowl and stir in dressing just before serving. If you would like to make a meal out of it, add chicken. Serves 4-6.

Enjoy!

Till next time,stay healthy and lean!

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Veggie Egg Quiche Cups

These are super easy to make and you can make them ahead, refrigerate and heat in a pan for a fast breakfast or snack on the run. Ingredients can vary from all types of veggies, to bacon, ham, cheese, etc. Another delicious idea is to take thinly sliced natural ham or even smoked turkey, place them inside the muffin cups, then pour egg mixture on top of them. Viola, ‘meat’ muffin cups!

Ingredients

6 eggs, beaten

1 small pkg of frozen spinach, drained or 1 big handful of fresh spinach

¼ cup minced onion

1-2 slices of diced natural ham or crumbled nitrate/nitrite free bacon

dash of Tabasco or hot pepper flakes

Sea salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350, spray muffin pan or foil muffin cups with cooking spray. Thaw and drain spinach if using frozen. (You can just squeeze it with your hand to get rid of most of the excess liquid.

Mix all ingredients in with beaten eggs, and pour into muffin pan or foil muffin cups. Bake for 20 minues. Cool and serve.

You can refrigerate and re-warm these in a pan over low heat with a lid if you would like. DON’T microwave!

Add some fresh salsa and avocados. Delicious breakfast, snack or lunch!

Gluten Free Easy Salmon Patties

This is my ‘go-to’ dinner when I don’t have much on hand to make, and want something good without too much time and energy. I try to keep a couple cans of wild-caught sockeye salmon in the pantry, and generally have most of the the other ingredients on hand…

Salmon fishcakes with a side salad. Healthy, delicious seafood.

This is my ‘go-to’ dinner when I don’t have much on hand to make, and want something good without too much time and energy. I try to keep a couple cans of wild-caught sockeye salmon (you can find this at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your regular grocery store) in the pantry, and generally the other ingredients tend to be a part of my refrigerator and pantry staples.

While you can use most any kind of salmon, these are delicious using canned wild red sockeye salmon. The bright red color means the salmon is not only full of flavor, but also abundant omega-3s, and high levels of vitamin D, and astaxanthin (as-tuh-zan-thin) … a red-orange pigment with rare super star antioxidant power.

While salmon gets a lot of attention for being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, it also has other unique nutritional properties that are equally important. Salmon contains short protein molecules called peptides that possess significant anti-inflammatory properties.

Salmon also provides important amounts of the antioxidant amino acid taurine. Salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and immune-supportive selenium. It is also a very good source of muscle-building protein, and energy producing, heart-healthy B vitamins: niacin, B6 and B12; as well as phosphorus and magnesium.

Since I like to spice things up a bit, I added some red pepper flakes and Frank’s Redhot sauce to it. Cayenne and hot peppers actually raise the metabolism, fight inflammation, and protect the heart and blood vessels. The capsaicin in the hot pepper helps to burn fat, so besides the taste, it does great things for your body! Measurements are all approximate, so adjust the seasonings to your own taste.

Ingredients

2 cans (6.35oz) of wild caught sockeye salmon, drained

2 organic, free range eggs, beaten

1 tsp dill

1/4 -1/3 cup gluten-free bread crumbs (or throw two slices of gluten-free or Ezekiel bread in your food processor and mix. Viola! Bread crumbs.)

1 tsp of Frank’s Redhot sauce, to taste

Juice of one lemon or lime

6-8 green onions, chopped

Handful of parsley minced

½ tsp of garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, minced

¼ cup brown rice flour, almond meal, or coconut flour

Sea salt and pepper to taste

2 or more Tbsp of coconut oil or grape seed oil, or any combination of these oils.

Directions

Mix all ingredients except oil and half of the breadcrumb mixture in a glass bowl with a fork. I let the salmon mixture remain pretty chunky, as long as it sticks together.

Heat an iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat with the oil/butter. By hand, form small patties of the salmon mixture (keeping them small helps keep them from falling apart), press into flour or almond meal, on both sides, and place in pan.

Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. (Careful flipping the patties, they tend to fall apart easily). Serve with lemon wedges, hot sauce or plain organic yogurt. Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Till next time, stay healthy and lean!

Catherine (Cat) Ebeling RN BSN, is a back-to-basics diet and nutrition specialist. In addition to her advanced degree in nursing from a major medical school, she has spent the last 30 years intensely studying diet, health and nutrition. She also has a book titled “The Fat Burning Kitchen, Your 24 Hour Diet Transformation” that has sold over 60,000 copies worldwide, and has helped thousands of people transform their lives, lose weight and improve their health.

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Greek Avgolemono Soup

Nothing soothes and warms like a homemade chicken soup. This soup is especially warm, delicious and comforting, especially in the middle of a cold, wet, winter. You don’t have to be sick to appreciate its healing qualities, but it certainly will warm your soul and your body if you are.

Enjoy!

Avgolemono–it’s a mouthful! (avgo means ‘egg’; lemono means ‘lemon’) soup is a dish that Greek mothers make to keep their families healthy. Foods that are warm, comforting, and healthy are also good for the immune system, and your general wellbeing.

What is there about chicken soup that makes it so soothing and healing for colds and flu?

Well one scientist actually studied it to find out. Dr. Stephen Rennard, MD, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, tested chicken soup on white blood cells. It was found that the chicken soup had strong anti-inflammatory powers, which is why it helps with stuffy noses, sore throats and coughs.

The soup does helps to break up congestion and eases the flow of nasal secretions.

And chicken soup is loaded with valuable nutrients that strengthen the immune system too.

The chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, that is released when you make the soup. This amino acid is similar to the drug acetylcysteine, which is prescribed by doctors to patients with bronchitis. It thins the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough out.

Carrots, one of the routine vegetable ingredients found in chicken soup, are a great source of beta-carotene. The body takes that beta-carotene and converts it to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps prevent and fight off infections by enhancing the actions of white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

Beyond the soup’s soothing qualities and easy to digest protein, this soup’s mint and oregano contain rosmarinic acid, which helps to open up the bronchial tubes and lungs, and ease respiratory problems. The lemon juice provides vitamin C, and the leeks, garlic and onion deliver antioxidants that are potent cold and flu fighting immune benefits.

This soup tastes every bit as good the next day, but if reheating, be sure to heat over low heat to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

2 medium leeks, white parts only, chopped

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and diced

5-6 cups organic free-range chicken broth

½ cup quinoa or brown rice (in stead of the traditional orzo pasta)

2 large organic, free range eggs

3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano

Directions

In a saucepan, add leeks, onion and carrots along with a pinch of sea salt to olive oil. Cook, over medium heat, stirring gently for about 6-7 minutes.

Stir in chicken and broth, add enough salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add rice and cook until tender. Remove from heat.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice. Add 3 ladles of soup broth to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Mix egg mixture back into soup and cook over low heat for another 2-3 minutes. Do not allow it to boil. Garnish with parsley, mint and fresh oregano and lemon wedges. Serves 4-6.

Till next time,

Stay healthy and lean!

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Easy, Fat-Burning Chili

I made this chili this weekend for a group mountain bike outing.I like to add some unexpected ingredients into my chili recipe, not only for a taste sensation, but to increase the nutrient and antioxidant punch. This chili seems to be a proven crowd pleaser. Adjust the seasonings as you wish for a milder or spicier version.

Tired of holiday eating and holiday food? I know I am. Ready to get back to normal? Maybe lose a few pounds that you picked up over the holidays?

The trick to quick weight loss (and better health) is to pitch the holiday cookies, breads, rolls, and starchy, processed foods. Grains (even whole grains) and sugars are your enemy. As soon as you can wrap your head around this fact, you are well on your way to quick and easy weight loss.

What foods are the best fat burning foods? The best fat burning foods are those foods that nourish your body, satisfy your hunger (you do not have to starve to lose a few pounds!), and KEEP YOUR BLOOD SUGAR STABLE. That includes healthy fats, a good protein source, fiber and antioxidants.

That’s why this healthy chili recipes is just the ticket. Warming, satisfying, delicious, and full of antioxidants, protein, and fiber.

Fat Burning, Supercharged Chili

I made this chili this weekend for a group mountain bike outing. After a long ride outside in the fresh air, sunshine, wind and chilly air, nothing tasted better.

I like to add some unexpected ingredients into my chili recipe, not only for a taste sensation, but to increase the nutrient and antioxidant punch. This chili seems to be a proven crowd pleaser. Adjust the seasonings as you wish for a milder or spicier version.

I personally like LOTS of seasoning, but try to keep it under control when serving this for a group!

The added spices and ‘secret ingredients’ in this chili add a massive amount of healthy, fat burning antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

I always add a generous amount of cumin. Not only does it taste great, but cumin stimulates your body’s pancreatic enzymes, which aids in digestion and your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Cumin also contains iron–and it has powerful antioxidant properties as well. The latest research also shows that cumin has the power to keep blood glucose in check, adding to its fat burning potential.

Oregano contains two oils, thymol and rosmarinic, that are also very potent antioxidants. These antioxidants are so potent that they contain 42 times more antioxidant power than apples, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Oregano also has anti-bacterial properties, as well as providing vitamin K, iron and manganese, an often overlooked but essential trace mineral.

One of my chili’s ‘secret’ ingredients is cinnamon. Cinnamon has the ability to lower your LDL (the bad kind) cholesterol, keep blood sugar stable, (which means you stay in fat burning mode!), fight certain types of cancer, and helps prevent harmful blood clots (like the kind that cause heart attacks and strokes).

The touch of chocolate in the chili adds a dark, rich flavor to the chili. Dark chocolate powder is chock full of flavenoids, a powerful type of antioxidants. It also contains a rich source of magnesium, a mineral the majority of people are deficient in. (Did you know one of the reasons people crave chocolate is because they need magnesium?) The serotonin and other phytochemicals in chocolate also have a calming effect on mood and lift depression.

Chili peppers have some very powerful medicinal properties. Although some chiles are quite hot, many are valued for their soothing effects on the digestive system, their warming effect on the body, circulation, and as a hangover remedy. (Bet you wished you knew about that yesterday!)

Peppers, especially the hotter ones can prevent heart attacks and strokes and are proven to ease depression and create endorphins.

And chili peppers actually raise your metabolism and help you burn fat better.

I add a variety of chili peppers (canned green chilis, chili powder, paprika, chopped jalepenos, etc.) for the best flavor.

On top of all that you have the super healthy (Omega 3, and CLA) fats in the grass fed beef, the lycopene in tomatoes (known for its cancer fighting ability), and the anti-inflammatory and immune strengthening power of the onions and garlic.

So you see—how can you not feel GREAT when you eat this chili?

Ingredients
1 lb of grass fed ground beef or bison, or beef stew meat, chopped in small pieces
1-2 Tbsp of olive oil
1 medium red onion chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic chopped
2 Tbsp of cumin, or more to taste
2-4 Tbsp of chili powder (I used Whole Foods’ “Valle de Sol”)
1 Tbsp of oregano
1 Tbsp of cinnamon
2 tsp of unsweetened organic cocoa
1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
1 can of crushed fire roasted organic tomatoes
1 to 2 cups of water
2 14 ounces cans of any combination of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1-2 Tbsp of Frank’s red-hot sauce
½ to 1 tsp of sugar
Red pepper flakes to taste (be careful, these get hotter as they cook!)
Sea salt

Directions
Brown meat over medium heat with onions, garlic, salt, and seasonings. Add in rest of ingredients, and simmer over low heat, 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste, keeping in mind that red pepper flakes pick up heat and intensity as they cook.

Garnish with grass-fed grated cheese (if you would like), avocado slices and a big handful of chopped cilantro. Serves about 4.

Note: This is great for leftovers and tastes even better when it’s re-heated as a leftover. The flavors and spices all mingle together and become richer and tastier.

If you really like your chili served over noodles, try it with spaghetti squash instead, for a gluten free, grain-free version. (Slice a spaghetti squash in half, scrape out seeds and bake, cut side down in ½ “ water in shallow pan covered foil, 30-40 minutes in oven at 375 degrees F. Scrape out “spaghetti with a fork.) Voila! Chili Mac the healthy way.

Curried Red Lentil Stew with Pumpkin Seeds

This hearty stew will warm up your insides with ultra, power-packed, disease-fighting nutrition that includes pumpkin seeds, red lentils, garlic, ginger, turmeric and cilantro.

There’s about a foot of fresh snow on the ground, and more is still falling–even in Boulder, Colorado, things are pretty shut down today. It’s an official ‘snow day’ here! Seems like a good day to make a hot, piping bowl of red lentil stew, if you ask me. I love this stew! The curry and spice add a touch of heat and the lentils are deliciously filling.

Red lentils actually start out orange, and are much smaller than the more common green or brown lentils, which are larger and tend to get more mushy. I love the lighter taste of red lentils and how quickly they cook. Lentils contain lots of healthy fiber, making them slower to digest, which helps blood sugar stability. They are high in protein, hearty and satisfying. I added toasted pumpkin seeds for a little bit of crunchy, nutty texture, extra protein, and minerals. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of immune-boosting zinc, manganese, phosphorus, copper and iron. Pumpkin seeds also contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytonutrients, and trytophan, an important precursor to serotonin, the ‘happiness’ brain chemical. This time of the year, with the shorter days, and holiday stress descending upon us, a little help with our serotonin production is just what the doctor (or diet/health fanatic) ordered!

I added in fresh turmeric from the produce section instead of the powdered kind you find in the spice aisle, because the fresh root (which looks a bit like an orangish ginger root) is even more potent with its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, brain-protective, heart disease-preventing power. There is virtually no body system that does not benefit from turmeric, so use it liberally!

Curried Red Lentil Stew

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly

2-3 stalks of celery, chopped

2-3 carrots, sliced

1/2 red onion, chopped

1-3 cloves garlic, minced

handful cilantro, chopped

1 medium sized tumeric root, minced

1 Tbsp (I didnt measure) fresh ginger root, minced

juice of 1 lemon

1/3 to 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp red pepper or cayenne, more or less to taste

sea salt and black pepper

Directions

In a medium saucepan add lentils, and about double the water–adjust to how thick or thin you’d like it to be. Rinse a couple of times until water is not foamy or bubbly. Put over med-high heat and bring to boil. Meanwhile in a frying pan on med-high, add a tablespoon of olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, carrots, celery, and spices. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender. Be careful not to burn the spices.

In small frying pan, add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds with a small amount of olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring often–being careful they don’t burn. (I added a lid to the pan, as pumpkin seeds often puff up as they cook and can pop right out of the pan!)

Add to lentils and continue to cook, 20 minutes or so, until lentils are soft and and ingredients are fully cooked. Add chopped cilantro, and fresh lemon juice, and pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!! Serves 2-4

A Votre Sante!

Catherine (Cat) Ebeling RN BSN, (working on MSN/PH) is an international health, wellness and longevity expert. In addition to her advanced degree in nursing, she has spent the last 30 years studying sustainable diets, health and nutrition all over the world. She also has 4 books including the worldwide best-seller, “The Fat Burning Kitchen,” “The Top 101 Foods That Fight Aging”, and “The Superfoods Diabetes Reversal Diet”, and has helped thousands of people transform their lives, lose weight and improve their health.

Her mission is to help create a healthier planet and healthier people.

Cat’s Global Green Kitchen

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Even if you are an avowed brussels sprouts hater, I am certain you will change your mind once you try this recipe. These carmelly sweet, roasted brussels sprouts with olive oil and bacon will transform anyone into a brussels sprouts lover!

Editors note: Cruciferous vegetables are often hated, but have some incredible health benefits. The key is to find a way to cook them so that you enjoy eating them and benefit from their unique health benefits as well.

Cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Try to include a generous serving of these vegetables in your meals, 2-3 times a week, to get the most out of their healthy nutrients.

We are constantly exposed to synthetic estrogen-like chemicals (Xenoestrogens) in our environment. These xenoestrogens are actually hormone-disrupting agents in our bodies, and can have a very negative effect on men and women. These estrogenic chemicals stimulate your body to store belly fat, lower testosterone production, and encourage cancer growth.

Cruciferous vegetables contain unique nutrients such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) that help to fight belly fat, and block the effects of these estrogenic compounds. So you get healthier and burn fat when you eat these veggies!

In addition, there are 10-15 compounds in these leafy greens contain that have been proven effective against many cancers.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Even if you are an avowed brussels sprouts hater, I am certain you will change your mind once you try this recipe. These carmelly sweet, roasted brussels sprouts with olive oil and bacon will transform anyone into a brussels sprouts lover!

Brussels sprouts are members of the auspicious cruciferous vegetable family and have all the amazing fat burning, cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory, healthy benefits that broccoli, cauliflower, kale, arugula and cabbage contain.

Brussels sprouts’ health benefits have been well-studied, and many of the studies have to do with the benefits of this vegetable and its powerful cancer-fighting abilities.

Brussels sprouts provide vital nutrients for the three systems that are have to do with our body’s ability to fight cancer. A healthy diet that includes brussels sprouts arms your body to effectively fight: bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Brussels sprouts actually contain health omega 3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation as well.

About a cup and a half of Brussels sprouts provide about 430 milligrams of plant based omega 3 fatty acid (ALA). And, brussels sprouts supply an ample amount of antioxidants, including the vitamins K, C, E, and A, manganese, quercetin, kaempferol, and more.

The amazing amount of Vitamin K in brussels sprouts actually fights chronic inflammation.

This nutrient helps to regulate our inflammatory response, including chronic inflammation that increases the risk of certain cancers.

Brussels sprouts’ anti-inflammatory benefits help to fight:

Obesity, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, insulin resistance, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and ulcerative colitis.

Ingredients
20-25 small brussels sprouts
4 slices thick-cut (nitrite free) natural bacon, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp butter, melted
Sea salt and pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the ends of the sprouts, remove the outer leaves, and cut lengthwise in half.
Slice the bacon into small strips and cook until just crispy. Remove bacon from the pan.
Add olive oil, melted butter, brussels sprouts, bacon, salt, and pepper to bowl and stir to mix well. Spread Brussels sprouts on a large, flat baking sheet or pan. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the sprouts are just fork-tender. Do not overcook!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Enjoy!

Till next time, stay healthy and lean!

Catherine (Cat) Ebeling RN BSN, is a back to basics diet and nutrition specialist. In addition to her advanced degree in nursing from a major medical school, she has spent the last 30 years intensely studying diet, health and nutrition. She also has a book titled “The Fat Burning Kitchen, Your 24 Hour Diet Transformation” that has sold over 60,000 copies worldwide, and has helped thousands of people transform their lives, lose weight and improve their health.

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Dandelion Greens, Not Just Another Annoying Weed in Your Yard

What if there was a new drug that could cure liver disease, dissolve kidney and gall stones, aid digestion and weight loss, act as a diuretic, eliminate acne, relieve constipation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol…

Dandelion Greens, The Amazing Natural Medicine

Often overlooked as an annoyance in your yard, dandelion greens contain an amazing array of dazzling benefits.
What if you read in the news that medical science just discovered a new drug that could prevent or cure liver disease–including hepatitis, purify your blood, dissolve kidney and gall stones, help digestion, aid in weight loss, act as a diuretic, eliminate acne, relieve constipation and diarrhea, lower high blood pressure, prevent or cure anemia, lower cholesterol, reduce acid reflux, prevent various types of cancers, and prevent or control diabetes?

What if it had no harmful side effects?

All of these benefits are packaged in one plant—the dandelion.
The dandelion is one of nature’s top healing plant foods.

Dandelion has been used for hundreds of years in China, Europe, and the Americas to treat hepatitis, kidney, and liver disorders. And it’s often used as a natural treatment for hepatitis C, anemia, and general liver detoxification.

Rich in beta carotene (plant-based source of vitamin A), fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, cobalt, copper, boron, molybdenum, magnesium, phosphorus, B vitamins, vitamin D, and a good source of protein as well—this plant is as super-powered as you can get!
• Vitamin A is important in fighting cancers of epithelial tissue, including mouth and lung.

 • Potassium rich foods, balanced with magnesium, help keep blood pressure down and reduce risk of strokes. 

• Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, reduces cancer and heart disease, and assists in weight loss. 

• Calcium, boron and phosphorus and magnesium work together to build strong bones and can lower blood pressure. 

• B vitamins help reduce stress, aid the nervous system and give you energy.
Dandelion’s strong diuretic properties help to lower blood pressure, and remove excess fluids from the body by increasing urine output, helping to flush toxins from the body.

Dandelion is excellent for reducing edema, bloating, and water retention. Dandelion diuretic is actually as effective as the potent diuretic drugs, Furosemide and Lasix, used for congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver, with none of the serious side effects.

Dandelion roots contain inulin and levulin, substances that may help balance blood sugar, making it helpful in treating diabetes. Inulin, a soluble fiber, also helps digestion by feeding the healthy bacteria in the intestines, where it increases nutrient absorption as well.

Dandelion has had a long history of being effective for helping with weight loss.
In controlled tests on laboratory mice, a loss of up to 30% of body weight in 30 days was possible when the animals were fed dandelion extract with their food.

The bitter substance in dandelion (taraxacin) stimulates effective digestion.
The bitter taste actually promotes the secretion of bile from the liver and gallbladder, as well as hydrochloric acid from the stomach.

Choline is another ingredient of dandelion that is a liver stimulant.

Our livers work very hard to filter the toxins that we come into contact with on a daily basis, and need help removing some of these modern day poisons from our body. Rough skin and acne, constipation, gas and bloating, frequent headaches, and PMS are all possible indications of an overburdened liver.

Dandelion is high in Linoleic and Linolenic Acid–essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) required by the body. These fatty acids can lower chronic inflammation, such as proliferative arthritis, regulate blood pressure and the menstrual cycle, and prevent unhealthy blood clots.

Both dandelion leaves and root are used to treat heartburn and indigestion. The pectin in dandelion relieves constipation and, in combination with vitamin C, reduces cholesterol.

On top of all that, dandelion contains multiple anti-diarrheal and antibacterial properties.

Dandelion greens are high in oxalate, a naturally occurring anti-nutrient found in some fruits and vegetables that binds up minerals preventing their full absorption and can contribute to kidney stones, gallstones, and gout in susceptible people.

But luckily, oxalate can be easy to mitigate by simple and light cooking as in the recipe below.   If you pick wild dandelions, rather than purchasing them at the market, you can take advantage of the flower and roots, which also offer health benefits. But be sure to pick dandelions from areas that are safe from lawn pesticides, car exhaust and passing dogs, however.

The dandelion greens that you buy in the market are usually more mild tasting and less bitter than straight from your yard. You can add them to salads, soups, or stir-fries.

The following is one of my favorite recipes for you to try from my friend, Jenny at Nourished Kitchen :

Wilted Dandelion Greens
Ingredients
1 Tbsp whole mustard seed 1 Tbsp grass fed butter 4 ounces nitrite-free bacon, chopped 1 small shallot, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 pound young dandelion greens, rinsed well and coarsely chopped 2 teaspoons red wine or apple cider vinegar

Directions
Place a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over a high flame and toss in mustard seeds, toasting gently until they release their fragrance – about two minutes. Transfer mustard seeds to bowl or dish to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Reduce the heat to medium and spoon butter into the skillet, allowing it to melt until it begins to froth. Add chopped bacon to the butter and fry it until crisped and its fat rendered. Transfer the bacon to the dish holding your toasted mustard seed.

Toss chopped shallot into the rendered bacon fat and fry until fragrant and softened, about three minutes.

Stir in dandelion greens into the chopped shallot and bacon fat, and immediately turn off the heat as the greens will wilt in the skillet’s residual heat.

Pour in vinegar and continue stirring the greens until wilted to your liking. Transfer to a serving dish and dress with toasted mustard seed and crisped bacon.

Serves 4, Prep time: under 10 minutes

Enjoy dandelion’s massive health benefits!

Till next time, stay healthy and lean!

Catherine (Cat) Ebeling RN BSN, is a back to basics diet and nutrition specialist. In addition to her advanced degree innursing from a major medical school, she has spent the last 30 years intensely studying diet, health and nutrition. She also has a book titled “The Fat Burning Kitchen, Your 24 Hour Diet Transformation” that has sold over 60,000 copies worldwide, and has helped thousands of people transform their lives, lose weight and improve their health.

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.

Heart Warming, Healthy Squash Soup Recipe

While we sometimes think of squash as a starchy vegetable, it is actually the starchy parts of winter squash that have the most antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties. You, your family or friends will absolutely love this! Enjoy.

Yesterday was one of those rare but perfect fall days.

Chilly in the morning, but warming up during the day under a brilliant blue sunny sky. The trees are beginning to change color and leaves are starting to crunch underfoot.

Nothing said “Autumn” more, and I was ready to pull out one of those delicious, warming, soul-satisfying soup recipes that I had set aside during the summer.

I guarantee you’ll love this one.

Squash Soup

This simple and easy soup recipe is my own version adapted from Dr. Andrew Weil’s “The Healthy Kitchen” cookbook.

It’s warm, filling and satisfying—the perfect comfort food.

And winter squash turns out to be one of the BEST sources of vitamin A and carotenoids in your diet!

Squash actually contains 1/3 the recommended amount of vitamin C, and a hefty amount of the mineral manganese, as well as its high fiber content. Squash also contains lots of vitamins B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, and folate.

Squash soup is a perfectly satisfying meal for a chilly autumn day along with an avocado, orange and arugula salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

You, your family or friends will absolutely love this! Enjoy.

Ingredients

1 large winter squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), such as butternut or kabucha, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks

2 medium red onions, peeled and quartered

3 or 4 cloves garlic, peeled

2 tart organic Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and quartered

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt to taste

1 tsp chili powder

Hot pepper flakes, optional

4 cups vegetable stock or organic free range chicken stock

Garnish

1 cup pecans, chopped or whole

1 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp turbinado or raw sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Sea salt

1/4 tsp of cayenne powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss squash, onions, garlic, and apples in a large bowl with olive oil to coat. Season well with salt, hot pepper, and chili powder. Arrange vegetables in a large roasting pan in one layer. Roast in oven, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 35-40 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, add butter, sugar, pecans, salt and spices. Heat and stir until sugar starts to carmelize, but be careful not to let it burn. Remove from pan and cool.

Transfer half the vegetables and 2 cups stock to a food processor or blender; puree until smooth. Repeat with remaining vegetables and broth. Return pureed mixture to pot, thinning soup with additional stock or water, if necessary. Season with salt to taste and bring to simmer over medium-low heat. Serve immediately, garnish with toasted, seasoned pecans. Serves 4.

Or if you love this recipe as much as I do, it may only serve two! 😉

Till next time, stay healthy and lean!

Her mission is to help others prevent disease and live their best life ever.

Nutrition made Easy. Simple.Smart.Nutrition.