This Way to Balance

Good Stuff

I am loving this protein powder. Not so sure about Jay Robb himself; he looks a little shady, but this is definitely the best tasting protein powder I've ever had. One scoop contains 120 calories, 24 grams of protein and 29 mg of calcium. It's a great, filling meal replacement or recovery drink. I typically have this in the morning a few times a week. I prepare it as follows: -One scoop egg-white protein powder (strawberry flavor) -One tsp dutch cocoa powder -One tsp probiotic (New Chapter Organics All-Flora) -One banana -1 cup water -3 ice cubes Throw it all in a blender and there you have it!

What's for Breakfast?

Today, its Tazo's Awake tea, almond butter and banana on rye Wasa crackers. What are you having?

Bring on the Juice

There are times when my body feels a little overloaded.  Too much stress, not enough sleep, eating the wrong  foods.  I’m sure we’ve all been there.  A few times a year, I like to get back on track, or reset my body with a juice cleanse.  Cleansing can detoxify the body, boost your immune system and help you sleep better.  When you cleanse, you are giving your digestive system a break from working, which can give you increased energy. 

If you search online, you’ll see so many different types of cleanses or fasts.  Many are targeted toward weight loss.  I am not a fan of cleansing for that purpose alone, as any weight you lose is not true fat loss, and would most likely be put back on as soon as you start eating normally.  I do like the idea of cleansing or fasting to “reset” your system and get back on track to eating well and being good to your body.   If you are interested in a cleanse, check out Live Lighter; there are many different recipes that can meet various needs.   Please consider your general state of health in this process, and check with your doctor before embarking on a fast. 

My favorite juice recipe is for a green juice, which I have named “Green Juice”.  Clever, huh?  I will drink this juice between meals over the course of a few days for an added energy boost, or drink it 2-4 times a day if I’m doing a full cleanse.   Give this a try and let me know what you think.  A serving is between 10-16 oz. , and the juice can keep for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Green Juice

3 green apples

½ cucumber

2 celery stalks

1 cup romaine lettuce

1 cup spinach

Handful parsley

3 slices fresh ginger

Juice apples, cucumber and celery.  Pour juice in blender, along with lettuce, spinach, parsley and ginger and liquefy. 

 

Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions! 

  

Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Taste Like Sticks and Leaves

I love food.  I love healthy, wholesome food.  I mean, really.  I love it.  Searching for the perfect recipe, the prep work, the actual cooking, and of course, eating.  I like knowing what I'm putting into my body is fueling me, giving me the proper nutrition and setting a good example for my sons.  Preparing healthful food for my family is one of the most important things in my life.  My boys are used to meals containing various beans, grains and pretty much any vegetable under the sun.  I'm not saying they gladly eat everything with nothing but praise for their caring, loving mom, but it's on their plates and our house rule is three bites, no matter what.  (Oh, and usually by that third bite, they've decided they do like it after all.) 

Do you bake?  Our favorite recipes for muffins, breads and pancakes (ok, pancakes don't really count as "baking") usually call for white flour.  White flour is stripped of the most nutrient-rich part of the grain.  White flour also reacts in the body much like sugar does, by raising your blood sugar levels, and then the quick drop.  Ever had a sugar crash?  This change in blood sugar levels can then cause hunger, which can lead to overeating.  I don't need to tell you what overeating leads to.  Because of these effects on the body, a whole grain flour is a better option. 

When baking, try substituting whole wheat pastry flour for the white flour. The pastry flour has the same nutrients as whole wheat flour, but is milled a little finer, so the texture is similar to that of white flour.  The taste difference is minimal.  I would be very surprised if an unsuspecting family member even noticed! 

Pancakes are a staple in our house.  A batch of hearty, whole wheat pancakes lasts for a few days, and makes for an easy, quick, yet healthful breakfast.  Here's my pancake recipe, which I've taken from The Tassajara Bread Bookand tweaked just a little.  Give these a try!

Our Favorite Pancakes

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup ground flax

1 tablespoon honey

2 cups milk

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup (one small) mashed banana

2 eggs

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and flax.  In separate bowl, mix milk, honey, applesauce, mashed banana and beaten eggs. 

Combine milk mixture with the dry ingredients until just blended.

Cook on griddle or frying pan.  May be made any size or shape. 

*Go crazy and add crushed walnuts or pecans to the mixture!

Try making a few healthy changes to the way you bake.  Here are some ideas:

Switch white flour for whole wheat pastry flour.

Instead of oils, try using applesauce or fruit puree to cut down on fat and add flavor.

Add some ground flax for omega 3's and a slightly nutty flavor.

Try substituting honey or agave nectar for sugar.

Find a few key recipes that become staples in your house.  Baked goods are much more economical than pre-packaged snacks.  Bake double batches and freeze the extras. 

I hope this is helpful.  Please e-mail me or comment with questions, or other ideas.  Happy baking!