The Best Ever Veggie Burger

This recipe came from one of my clients and good friends, Peggy Scharlin....vegan chef and hostess extraordinaire!

With Father’s Day coming up, I wanted to share my favorite veggie burger recipe with you!  After all, burgers are quintessential “dad food” and essential summer fare.  AND....These vegan "bugers" are hearty enough to satisfy even the most manly appetite!

SWEET POTATO & BLACK BEAN BURGERS

Ingredients:

Makes 8 burgers

• 3 sweet potatoes

• 2 cans black beans (3 cups)

• 1 cup sweet corn

• 1 red onion diced

• 1 cup brown rice flour

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground oregano

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• Garnish with all of your favorite toppings. (Avocado and gucamole pair really well!)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Peal and chop the sweet potato into small cubes, drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile rinse and drain your beans and place in to a large mixing bowl. With a masher mash until roughly half the mixture becomes a paste.

In a frying pan add the onions and cook until caramelized. Place in mixing bowl with the spices and sweet corn.

Once the sweet potato is done, mash well before adding to mixing bowl, Mix well. Add the brown rice flour to bind and continue to stir.   Shape into 8 large patties and place in the fridge to cool.

To cook: in a frying pan, drizzle olive oil and fry the burgers for 3 minutes on each side, place on a baking tray and cook at 190 degrees for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp.

Garnish with your favorite toppings.

Lemon Basil Sauce: For Salmon or Scallops

Looking for a simply delicious way to serve salmon for dinner tonight?  Try this light and easy basil lemon sauce!  The combination of citrus and herbs are the perfect compliment to any fish.  I use it for baked salmon and halibut or pan seared scallops. 

For a super quick meal that is a total crowd pleaser.......I’ll bake the salmon for 20 minutes in the oven at 400, top with the sauce and serve with a salad of mixed greens, a whole grain like brown rice, and a green vegetable such as roasted broccoli or green beans with toasted almonds.  

Lemon Basil Sauce:  For Salmon or Scallops

Ingredients

•     6 tablespoons lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
•     4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•     4 garlic cloves crushed
•     1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
•     1/4  cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

    Whisk all of the ingredients together. Pour over prepared fish just before serving.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are one of my favorite things to make at home because they’re so easy and so flavorful.  This recipe is inspired by the famous appetizer at PF Chang's....but it's a lighter and healthier version!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (peeled and grated)
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 Garlic (cloves, minced)
• 2 lbs Ground Chicken ( I like a mix of thigh and breast, but breast works well here)
• 2 tbsps Tamari
• 2 heads Boston Lettuce (peeled apart into leaves and washed)
• 3 stalks Green Onion (chopped)
• 1 cup Matchstick Carrots
• 1/4 cup Raw Peanuts (chopped)
• 1 Lime (sliced into wedges)
• Cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onions, ginger, sea salt and pepper and saute for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic and saute for another minute.

Add in the ground chicken and break it up as it cooks. Once it is cooked through and browned, add in the tamari. Continue to saute until it is absorbed. Remove from heat.

Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf and top with green onion, carrots, peanuts and cilantro.  Squeeze a lime wedge over the top, wrap and enjoy!

Supercharged Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Oats (quick)
• 1 1/2 cups Organic Coconut Milk
• 2 tbsps Chia Seeds
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 3/4 cup Water
• 2 cups mixed berries and banana
• 1/4 cup Hemp Seeds

Combine oats, coconut milk, chia seeds and maple syrup together in a large glass container. Add water and stir well to evenly mix. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.

Remove from fridge. Use single-serving size jars and place a few spoonfuls of the oat mixture in the bottom of each. Then add a layer of berries and/or banana followed by a sprinkle of hemp seeds. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Zucchini Roll Ups

 

This week’s recipe is healthy zucchini roll ups with white beans and pesto......My whole foods, plant based version of lasagna roll ups.  You could optionally make these with regular whole-wheat lasagna noodles, but using zucchini and yellow squash makes the dish wonderfully light and colorful.

Ingredients

• 1 Zucchini and 1 yellow squash  (medium)
• 2 cups White Navy Beans (can)
• 1/4 cup Pesto
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce of your choice

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a mandolin, create long, thin slices from the cut-side of each zucchini. If you don't have a mandolin, use a sharp knife to make thin, flexible slices. You should end up with about 12 strips per zucchini.

In your food processor or blender, combine the white beans and pesto. Pulse until smooth. Taste and season with sea salt and black pepper as desired.

Lay the strips flat on your cutting board and spread each strip with about 1 tbsp of the white bean mixture. Roll them up and place into a casserole dish. When all the zucchini roll-ups are in the dish, cover with the tomato sauce.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, divide between plates and enjoy!

Is A Spring Cleanse Right For You?

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about cleansing and detoxing throughout the years; What are the benefits?  How does it work?  Is it healthy?

Here is the scoop:

Toxins enter our bodies every day through food, water, air, cleaning products, soap and skin care products just to name a few. Everything you eat, drink, and absorb into your body (through your skin) is broken down by your liver, purified in the kidneys, and eliminated through your digestive system and skin (with sweat).

If this miraculous cleansing system becomes sluggish and over worked, our bodies can not break down and utilize all of the powerful vitamins, minerals and nutrients we need to feel amazing, optimize energy levels, and maintain a youthful, radiant glow!

I do not promote juice-only fasts.  However, I do see the value of a Whole Foods Cleanse - Giving the digestive system a break by eliminating foods that cause inflammation in the body.

In other words, the goal of a Whole Foods Cleanse is not a week of starvation! The goal is to simply clean up the diet and eat as well as possible, (bye-bye lattes for a few days!)  It is a powerful kick start towards positive and lasting change for your health and your body.

Here are the parameters:

No gluten, dairy, soy, alcohol, processed foods, added sugar, while cleansing.  Reduce coffee to run cup a day.

While this may sound like a lot to let go of at first glance, the results will be worth it; The lightness and energy you’ve been longing for, weight loss, glowing skin and finally experiencing what it feels like to live in a clean body.

Benefits of a Whole Foods Cleanse include:

• Aid in the elimination of toxins from your body
• Reduce inflammation
• Recognize and overcome sugar cravings
• Restore good bacteria in your gut
• Kick start weight loss
• Restore your body’s natural energy levels

The greatest thing about a Whole Foods Cleanse is the ability to enjoy nutritious meals, soups, juices and smoothies while not starving the body or giving up food completely.

If you are interested in a guided, supported cleanse this spring.....Check out my 10 Day Total Body Reset Detox. 

Menu plans, recipes, shopping list and health coaching from me are included!

May 14-24.  Click here for all the details:

10 Day Total Body Reset

Coconut Matcha Latte

This matcha latte is a delicious and frothy mug of health that’s vibrant green without artificial coloring; and flavorful without being “flavored.”

Ingredients

• 1 cup Water (hot)
• 1/2 cup Organic Coconut Milk
• 1 tsp Green Tea Powder (Matcha)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Butter
• 1 tbsp Raw Honey (optional

Directions:

In your blender, combine the hot water, coconut milk, matcha, coconut butter, and raw honey (if using). Blend until creamy and frothy. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup

 

Ingredients

• 3 Carrot (medium, peeled and chopped)
• 4 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (chopped)
• 1 Yellow Onion (medium, chopped)
• 1/2 cup Wild Rice (dry)
• 5 cups Mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 cups Chickpeas (can)
• 6 cups Organic Vegetable Broth
• 1.5 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Poultry Seasoning
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
• Sprinkle of Parmesan (for serving)

Directions:

In your slow cooker, combine the carrots, celery, onion, wild rice, mushrooms, chickpeas, broth and poultry seasoning. Stir to mix.

 Cook on low for 4 hours

In the last 1/2 hour, add the gluten-free flour. Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Enjoy!

Cannellini Pea and Mint Soup – Deliciously Ella

This soup from one of my favorite cookbooks, Deliciously Ella, will be entering my regular recipe rotation as it’s fresh and light taste is perfect for summer! It calls only 4 ingredients and is extremely easy to make. Healthy, tasty and easy – it’s everything I love in a dish!

INGREDIENTS

• 5 1/2 cups peas
• 4 cups veggie stock
• 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 12 sprigs of fresh mint
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Add peas and veggie stock to a large pot and bring to a boil, then take off of heat

Add rinsed cannellini beans and mint leaves

Blend contents until soup is smooth

Add salt and pepper to taste

Serve hot or cold

Why I love this:  Peas contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and K, and several B vitamins, plus manganese, phosphorus, and protein. This makes them an excellent anti-inflammatory food.  Mint contains an antioxidant called rosmarinic acid, which can relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, the menthol it contains is a natural decongestant, and it can also soothe an upset stomach.

5 Cholesterol Myths It's Time To Stop Believing

For a long time, doctors and dietitians’ advice was to skip high-cholesterol foods.

But just like we discovered that eating fats doesn’t always make you fat (yay!), research increasingly confirms that cholesterol in food doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol levels in your blood. We’ve known this for a while, but I still get this question from clients and readers. (There’s also lots of new evidence on how saturated fat affect cholesterol, which I’ll definitely get into in another post, soon.)

Before we jump into some myths let's make sure we're on the same page when it comes to what exactly cholesterol is.

Myth #1: “Cholesterol” is cholesterol

While cholesterol is an actual molecule what it is bound to while it's floating through your blood is what's more important than just how much of it there is overall.  In fact depending on what it's combined with can have opposite effects on your arteries and heart.  Yes, opposite!

So cholesterol is just one component of a compound that floats around your blood.  These compounds contain cholesterol as well as fats and special proteins called “lipoproteins”.

They're grouped into two main categories:

●      HDL: High Density Lipoprotein (AKA “good” cholesterol) that “cleans up” some of those infamous “arterial plaques” and transports cholesterol back to the liver.

●      LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein (AKA “bad” cholesterol) that transports cholesterol from the liver (and is the kind found to accumulate in arteries and become easily oxidized hence their “badness”).

And yes, it's even more complicated than this.  Each of these categories is further broken down into subcategories which can also be measured in a blood test.

So “cholesterol” isn't simply cholesterol because it has very different effects on your body depending on which other molecules it's bound to in your blood and what it is actually doing there.

Myth #2: Cholesterol is bad

Cholesterol is absolutely necessary for your body to produce critical things like vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun, your sex hormones (e.g. estrogen and testosterone), as well as bile to help you absorb dietary fats.  Not to mention that it's incorporated into the membranes of your cells.

Talk about an important molecule!

The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood (AKA “total cholesterol”) isn't nearly as important as how much of each kind you have in your blood.

While way too much LDL cholesterol as compared with HDL (the LDL:HDL ratio) may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease it is absolutely not the only thing to consider for heart health.

Myth #3: Eating cholesterol increases your bad cholesterol

Most of the cholesterol in your blood is made by your liver.  It's actually not from the cholesterol you eat.  Why do you think cholesterol medications block an enzyme in your liver (HMG Co-A reductase, to be exact)?  'Cause that's where it's made!

What you eat still can affect how much cholesterol your liver produces.  After a cholesterol-rich meal your liver doesn't need to make as much.

Myth #4: Your cholesterol should be as low as possible

As with almost everything in health and wellness there's a balance that needs to be maintained.  There are very few extremes that are going to serve you well.

People with too-low levels of cholesterol have increased risk of death from other non-heart-related issues like certain types of cancers, as well as suicide.

Myth #5: Drugs are the only way to get a good cholesterol balance

Don't start or stop any medications without talking with your doctor.

And while drugs can certainly lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol they don't seem to be able to raise the “good” HDL cholesterol all that well.

Guess what does?  Nutrition and exercise!

One of the most impactful ways to lower your cholesterol with diet is to eat lots of fruits and veggies.  I mean lots, say up to 10 servings a day.  Every day.

Don't worry the recipe below should help you add at least another salad to your day.

You can (should?) also exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and eat better quality fats.  That means fatty fish, avocados and olive oil.  Ditch those over-processed hydrogenated “trans” fats.

Summary:

The science of cholesterol and heart health is complicated and we're learning more every day.  You may not need to be as afraid of it as you are.  And there is a lot you can do from a nutrition and lifestyle perspective to improve your cholesterol level.

Recipe (Dressing to go with your salad): Orange Hemp Seed Dressing

Makes about ¾ cup

• ½ cup hemp seeds
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled
• dash salt and/or pepper

Blend all ingredients together until creamy.  Serve on top of your favorite salad and Enjoy!

Tip: Store extra in airtight container in the fridge.  Will keep for about a week.

References:

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-cholesterol

http://summertomato.com/how-to-raise-your-hdl-cholesterol

https://authoritynutrition.com/top-9-biggest-lies-about-dietary-fat-and-cholesterol/

3 Tips For Kicking Your Sugar Habit

I know the thought of quitting sugar can be scary. But I promise, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

In fact, my 5 Day Sugar Free Challenge is designed to gently ease you into a sugar-free life. By filling your diet up with delicious veggies, fats and proteins, we gradually help break your sugar addiction so you can get back to what your body truly needs to feel it’s best.

Ready to (gently) kickstart your sugar-free life? These three tips are so easy to incorporate that you won’t even know you’re detoxing.

1. Eat Real, Whole Food.

When you stop eating sugar you start eating real, whole foods just like our grandparents did. When you eliminate sugar, you’re eliminating processed food. Cutting out the crap from your diet gives you a total body reset.

Many packaged foods are full of hidden sugars.  Simple changes like focusing on fresh produce, avoiding store-bought sauces and making your lunch can lead to big results.

2. Eat your fruit, don’t drink it.

Avoiding juiced fruits is a small but significant step towards quitting sugar for good.

Liquid sugar, even from an apparently healthy source, can overload your body's natural detoxification system. The liver stores excess fructose that it can’t break down in the form of triglycerides, which can lead to insulin resistance.

Drink water or green tea during the day. I usually recommend 60-80 ounces of water and 1-2 cups of green tea daily.

Eat 2-3 pieces of whole fruit for an easy way to reduce your daily sugar intake without even really trying.

4. Rethink breakfast.

Cereals may promise to get your day off to a healthy start, but many popular brands contain up way to much sugar. (Check the label)

Start your mornings with veggies (spinach, kale, mushrooms) with a side of protein like eggs and add some fat like a 1-2 tablespoons of walnuts or sliced avocado.

My Supercharged Avocado Toast totally hits the mark!

Supercharged Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

•  1 Avocado
• 1 Cup White Navy Beans (cooked)
• ¼ Lemon (juiced)
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 4 slices Whole Grain, Organic Bread
• 1/4 cup Hemp Seeds

Directions:

In a bowl, mash the avocado, white beans, lemon juice and sea salt together with a fork. Continue to mash until you get a guacamole-like consistency.

Divide the avocado bean mixture onto the toast. Sprinkle with hemp seeds and enjoy!

Hope you love it as much I do.

Yours in health, 
Lisa C.

Don't forget to check out my 5 day sugar-free challenge starting Monday.

Broccoli Pesto Quinoa - 101 Cookbooks

Recipe from 101 Cookbooks

Ingredients

•     1 cup quinoa, rinsed
•     2 cups water
•     5 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 good size broccoli crowns)
•     4 garlic cloves
•     ⅔ cup freshly grated parmesan, divided
•     ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted, divided
•     ½ teaspoon salt
•     Juice from one fresh lemon, about 2 tablespoons
•     ¼ cup olive oil
•     ¼ cup heavy cream
•     Optional toppings: chopped basil, red chile oil (recipe below), sliced avocado

TIP: To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk. For the parmesan, you can use Parma, or add about ¼ cup sesame seeds in place of the parmesan.

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the quinoa with 2 cups water until boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until all the water is absorbed and quinoa fluffs up, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

2. Heat a large pot of water to boiling and add the broccoli. Cook just until broccoli starts to soften and is bright green. About 90 seconds. Drain broccoli and rinse with cold water to stop broccoli from continuing to cook. Set aside.

3. To make the broccoli pesto:  puree 2 cups of the blanced broccoli, garlic, ⅓ cup of the almonds, 1/3 cup of the parmesan, salt and lemon juice in a food processor. Drizzle in the olive oil and cream and pulse until nearly smooth.

4. Just before serving, toss the quinoa and remaining broccoli florets with the broccoli pesto. Taste and dd more lemon juice or salt if desired. Add the remaining ⅓ cup parmesan cheese.

5. Spoon mixture onto serving platter or plates. Add toppings. I recommend sliced avocado and liberal amounts of the red chile oil.

6. Red Chile Oil: Heat ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil in a small saucepan until heated, but not so hot that it smokes. Turn off the heat and stir in 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside and let cool. This is good prepared the day before and kept in refrigerator overnight. Bring back to room temp

My Chocolate Nut Balls

Ingredients:  Makes about 12 balls

•  1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup whole almonds
• 1 - 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

Place walnuts in a food processor and process until coarsely ground.  Add the dates and pulse until well combined with the nuts.  Add the cocoa powder, syrup, almond butter, vanilla and salt.   Process until the mixture is thick and smooth.   Add the almonds and pulse a few times until combined.   There should be some almond chunks remaining.

Form the mixture into balls and roll in coconut.   Store in freezer.

Why Is My Metabolism Slow?

“No matter what I do, I can't seem to lose weight. I think I'm cursed with a slow metabolism.”

I hear this often from my clients, and the good news is that no, you're not cursed and yes, you can fix your metabolism.

Why does this happen?  Why do metabolic rates slow down?

What can slow my metabolism?

Metabolism includes all of the biochemical reactions in your body that use nutrients and oxygen to create energy.  And there are lots of factors that affect how quickly (or slowly) it works, i.e. your “metabolic rate” (which is measured in calories).

But don't worry – we know that metabolic rate is much more complicated than the old adage “calories in calories out”!  In fact it's so complicated I'm only going to list a few of the common things that can slow it down.

Examples of common reasons why metabolic rates can slow down:

●      low thyroid hormone

●      your history of dieting

●      your size and body composition

●      your activity level

●      lack of sleep

We'll briefly touch on each one below and I promise to give you better advice than just to “eat less and exercise more”.

Low Thyroid Hormones:

Your thyroid is the master controller of your metabolism.  When it produces fewer hormones your metabolism slows down.  The thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) tell the cells in your body when to use more energy and become more metabolically active.   Ideally it should work to keep your metabolism just right.  But there are several things that can affect it and throw it off course.  Things like autoimmune diseases and mineral deficiencies (e.g. iodine or selenium) for example.

Tip: Talk with your doctor about having your thyroid hormones tested.

Your history of dieting

When people lose weight their metabolic rate often slows down.  This is because the body senses that food may be scarce and adapts by trying to continue with all the necessary life functions and do it all with less food.

While dieting can lead to a reduction in amount of fat it unfortunately can also lead to a reduction in the amount of muscle you have.  As you know more muscle means faster resting metabolic rate.

Tip: Make sure you're eating enough food to fuel your body.  Diets that restrict calories below 1000 per day can slow down your metabolism.

Your size and body composition

In general, larger people have faster metabolic rates.  This is because it takes more energy to fuel a larger body than a smaller one.

However, you already know that unless you are severely under weight, gaining weight is not a good strategy for increasing your metabolism.

Muscles that actively move and do work need energy.  Even muscles at rest burn more calories than fat.  This means that the amount of energy your body uses depends partly on the amount of lean muscle mass you have.

Tip: Do weight training to help increase your muscle mass.

Which leads us to...

Your activity level

Aerobic exercise temporarily increases your metabolic rate.  Your muscles are burning fuel to move and do “work” and you can tell because you're also getting hotter.

Even little things can add up.  Walking a bit farther than you usually do, using a standing desk instead of sitting all day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can all contribute to more activity in your day.

Tip:  Incorporate movement into your day and exercise regularly.  10,000 steps a day is the encouraged level of activity. 

Lack of sleep

There is plenty of research that shows the influence that sleep has on your metabolic rate.  The general consensus is to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

Tip: Try to create a routine that allows at least 7 hours of sleep every night.  Turn off your electronics an hour before bed.  Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.  Meditate, practice deep breathing, or take a hot epsom salt bath.

Recipe (Selenium-rich): Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 4

• ½ cup Brazil nuts
• 2 cups water
• nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth (optional)
• ½ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Blend Brazil nuts in water in a high-speed blender until you get smooth, creamy milk.  If desired, strain it with a nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth.

Add Brazil nut milk and other ingredients into a bowl and whisk until combined.  Let sit several minutes (or overnight) until desired thickness is reached.

Serve & Enjoy!

Tip:  Makes a simple delicious breakfast or dessert topped with berries.

References:

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/metabolic-damage

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/thyroid-and-testing

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-energy-balance

https://authoritynutrition.com/6-mistakes-that-slow-metabolism/

https://authoritynutrition.com/10-ways-to-boost-metabolism/

http://summertomato.com/non-exercise-activity-thermogenesis-neat

Ginger Beef Stir Fry

The best thing about stir fry?  It's colorful, delicious and comes together so easily! 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Tamari

• 2 Garlic (cloves, minced)

• 1 tbsp Ginger (peeled and grated)

• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup

• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil

• 16 ozs Beef Tenderloin (sliced into strips)

• 1/2 Yellow Onion (diced)

• 1 cup Broccoli (chopped)

• 1 cup Snap Peas

• 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)

Directions

1. Mix together tamari, garlic, ginger and maple syrup in a jar. Put on a lid and shake well. Set aside.

2. Add coconut oil to a large frying pan and place over medium heat. Add beef and yellow onion. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until beef is cooked rare. Add in broccoli, snap peas and mushrooms. Saute for another 5 minutes. Pour in sauce from jar. Stir well to mix. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat.

3. Plate stir fry. Garnish with sesame seeds and hot sauce if you like. Enjoy!

Coffee - Good Or Bad?

Coffee - Who can drink it and who should avoid it?

Coffee is one of those things - you either love it or hate it. (Do you love the taste, or if it’s just a reason to drink sugar and cream.)

Not to mention the headlines that say coffee is great, and the next day you should avoid it!

There is actual science behind why different people react differently to it. It's a matter of your genetics and how much coffee you're used to drinking.

NOTE:  Coffee contains between 50-400 mg of caffeine/cup, averaging around 100 mg/cup. Coffee is one of the most popular ways to consume this stimulant. But… a cup of coffee contains a lot of things over and above the caffeine. Not just water, but antioxidants, and hundreds of other compounds. These are the reasons drinking a cup of coffee is not the same as taking a caffeine pill. And decaffeinated coffee has a lot less caffeine; but, it still contains some.

Let's look at caffeine metabolism, its effects on the mind and body, and whether coffee drinkers have higher or lower risks of disease. Then I’ll give you some things to consider when deciding if coffee is for you or not.

Caffeine metabolism

Not all people metabolize caffeine at the same speed. How fast you metabolize caffeine will impact how you’re affected by the caffeine. In fact, caffeine metabolism can be up to 40x faster in some people than others.

About half of us are “slow” metabolizers of caffeine. We can get jitters, heart palpitations, and feel "wired" for up to 9 hours after having a coffee. The other half is "fast" metabolizers of caffeine. They get energy and increased alertness and are back to normal a few hours later.

This is part of the reason those headlines contradict each other so much - because we’re all different!

The effects of coffee (and caffeine) on the mind and body

NOTE: Most studies look at caffeinated coffee, not decaf.

The effects of coffee (and caffeine) on the mind and body also differ between people; this is partly from the metabolism I mentioned. But it also has to do with your body’s amazing ability to adapt (read: become more tolerant) to long-term caffeine use. Many people who start drinking coffee feel the effects a lot more than people who have coffee every day.

Here’s a list of these effects (that usually decrease with long-term use):

●      Stimulates the brain

●      Boosts metabolism

●      Boosts energy and exercise performance

●      Increases your stress hormone cortisol

●      Dehydrates

So, while some of these effects are good and some aren’t, you need to see how they affect you and decide if it’s worth it or not.

Coffee and health risks

There are a ton of studies on the health effects of coffee, and whether coffee drinkers are more or less likely to get certain conditions.

Here’s a quick summary of what coffee can lead to:

●      Caffeine addiction and withdrawal symptoms (e.g. a headache, fatigue, irritability)

●      Increased sleep disruption

●      Lower risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

●      Lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes

●      Lower risk of certain liver diseases

●      Lower risk of death (“all cause mortality")

●      Mixed reviews on whether it lowers risks of cancer and heart disease

Many of the health benefits exist even for decaf coffee (except the caffeine addiction and sleep issues).

NOTE: What’s super-important to note here is that coffee intake is just one of many, many factors that can affect your risks for these diseases. Please never think regular coffee intake is the one thing that can help you overcome these risks. You are health-conscious and know that eating a nutrient-rich whole foods diet, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep and exercise are all critical things to consider for your disease risk. It’s not just about the coffee.

Should you drink coffee or not?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether you should drink coffee. No one food or drink will make or break your long-term health.

Caffeinated coffee is not recommended for:

●      People with arrhythmias (e.g. irregular heartbeat)

●      People who often feel anxious

●      People who have trouble sleeping

●      People who are pregnant

●      Children and teens

If none of these apply, then monitor how your body reacts when you have coffee. Does it:

●      Give you the jitters?

●      Increase anxious feelings?

●      Affect your sleep?

●      Give you heart palpitations?

●      Affect your digestion (e.g. heartburn, etc.)?

●      Give you a reason to drink a lot of sugar and cream?

Depending on how your body reacts, decide whether these reactions are worth it to you. If you’re not sure, I recommend cutting back to 1 cup or eliminating for 3 days.  Notice if you feel a difference in your symptoms.

Recipe (Latte): Pumpkin Spice Latte

Serves 1

• 3 tbsp coconut milk

• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

• ½ tsp maple syrup (optional)

• 1 cup coffee (decaf if preferred)

Instructions

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip: You can use tea instead of milk if you prefer.

References:

https://authoritynutrition.com/coffee-good-or-bad/

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-coffee

http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/a-wake-up-call-on-coffee

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-your-coffee-habit-help-you-live-longer-201601068938

Chef Krisi's Butternut Squash Hummus

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

• 1 pound of butternut squash , cubed 1 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 can chickpeas
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of one Meyer lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Roast squash with sprinkle of salt, smoked paprika and drizzle of olive oil
At 375 degrees for 20 to 30minutes . (I like a bit of charring on them.)
2. Let the squash cool, then place in a Cuisenart.  Add the remaining ingredients and pulse till smooth.
3. Taste and adjust to your preferences.

Friday Night Dinner Party

"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house......the people who give you their food give you their heart." -Cesar Chavez

It's true, I love cooking for family and friends.  Everything about preparing, cooking and sharing food makes me happy.   Making something with my own hands feels creative and satisfying, and sharing it with others is a joy and a privilege.  The meals I make are one way that I show my love and appreciation for my friends and family.

I really love having people over for dinner on Friday night.....I think it is the most relaxed evening of the week.  But when you work all day, your menu has to be easy - Here is one of my favorites:

Friday Night Dinner Party

Menu

Chef Kris's Roasted Garlic and Kale Hummus

Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken, from The Barefoot Contessa served over Brown Rice

Gwenyth Paltrow's Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas with Mustard, from It's All Good

Simple Green Salad (I used 50/50 salad blend and dressed with oil and vinegar, salt and pepper)

Mixed Berries and Chocolate Covered Almonds

How To Improve Gut Health

How to Improve Gut Health

 Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.”

And while this may not be 100% true for every disease in every person, more and more research shows that our gut (digestive system) has a bigger role in many diseases than we used to think. And we're not just talking about heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, IBD, etc. We're talking about all kinds of issues like allergies, pain, mood disorders, and nutrient deficiencies.

There are a lot of reasons for this. Our gut is the portal to the outside world. It's here where we take in disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. We also take in nutrients (and toxins) through our gut. The nutrients we ingest and absorb are the building blocks of every single part of our body. We're just learning the connections between our gut and other areas of our body, like our brain (have you heard of "the gut-brain axis"). Not just our gut per se; but, its friendly resident microbes too. These guys also have newly discovered roles in our gut health and overall health.

So, let's talk about the roles that our gut and our gut microbes play in our overall health. Then I'll give you tips to improve your gut health naturally.

Our gut’s role in our overall health

Our gut’s main role is as a barrier. To let things in that should get in, and to keep things out that should stay out. Think of “absorption” of nutrients as things we want to let in; and “elimination” of waste as things we want to pass right through and out.

This seemingly simple role is super-complex! And it can break down in so many places.

For one thing, our guts can "leak." Yes, like a long tube with holes in it, it can allow things to get into our bloodstream/bodies that can wreak havoc (bacteria, undigested food, and toxins). You name it, whatever you put into your mouth can be absorbed by your gut and get into your bloodstream, even if it's not supposed to. And when your gut wall gets irritated, it can "leak." When this happens, you get inflammation, which is a starting point for many diseases that don't seem linked to the gut but have a sneaky connection there.

FUN FACT: About 70% of our immune system lives in and around our gut.

A healthy gut is not a leaky gut. It maintains its barrier and shuttles things through to be eliminated. Maintaining a healthy gut barrier is the first pillar of gut health.

The second main part of your gut are the billions of friendly health-promoting microbes. Gut microbes help us digest and absorb nutrients. They fight off disease-causing microbes, make some vitamins for us, and have all kinds of other health benefits, like mental health benefits, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing blood sugar.

So, keeping your gut microbes happy is the second pillar of gut health!

How to improve gut health

There are a lot of natural ways to improve gut health. Let’s start with what to stop. It’s always best to eliminate the cause, so let’s stop giving our guts junk to deal with. How about eliminating added sugars, processed foods, and alcohol? Try that for a few weeks, and you may be amazed at how much better your body (and gut) feels.

You may also want to eliminate other gut irritants. Dairy and grains contain common compounds known to irritate some people’s guts. Sometimes you only need to eliminate them for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference for your health.

By eating nutrient-dense foods, we allow ample macro- and micro-nutrients into our gut to maximize the chance for absorption. These nutrients help our bodies build and repair our gut, and every other body part as well. Some of the most nutrient-dense foods include dark leafy greens, colorful fruits and veggies, liver, and fish.

The second pillar of gut health is our microbes. By ingesting probiotic-rich foods and drinks, we can help to replenish our gut microbes. These are found in fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Make these a part of your daily diet.

Whole foods are full of gut-friendly fiber. Not eating enough fiber increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Fiber plays lots of roles in our gut, including whisking away some of those pesky bad bacteria and toxins so they can be eliminated. Fiber also helps to feed our friendly resident microbes that help us absorb and digest our food better. What foods have a lot of fiber? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and even cacao.

And don’t forget the uber-important lifestyle factors like getting enough sleep, stressing less, and getting the right amount (and intensity) of exercise for you. It’s easy to forget some of the simple, but key links there are between what we do with our bodies and how well they function.

Conclusion

The function of your gut is key to your overall health. There are two pillars of gut health: maintaining a good barrier and maintaining healthy gut microbes.

The main ways to improve both of these naturally is by eating nutrient-dense whole foods. Foods filled with nutrition, probiotics, and fiber. And eliminating common gut irritants like added sugar, processed foods, and alcohol.

Recipe (Probiotic-rich): Fermented Carrots

Serves 12

• 1 L warm water
• 4 tsp salt
• 4 carrots, medium, peeled, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)

Instructions:

Make a brine by dissolving the salt in water.

Place carrots into a clean canning jar, packing them in tight. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of head space at the top.

Fill the jar with brine, making sure to cover the carrots completely. Weigh the carrots down to make sure they don't float (you can use a "fermenting weight").

Close the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 1-4 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavor will develop. Feel free to open and taste.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip: Use this as a side dish, or even a snack.

References:

https://authoritynutrition.com/does-all-disease-begin-in-the-gut/

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-nutrition-gut-health

http://neurotrition.ca/blog/your-gut-bugs-what-they-eat-and-7-ways-feed-them

Simple Tips For Getting A Good Night's Sleep

Have you said “bye bye” to the days when you used to sleep through the night?

Are you feeling exhausted or “running on stress hormones” all day?

Do not fear, I have some great tips (and an amazing recipe) for you!

The science of sleep is fascinating, complicated and growing

Sleep is this daily thing that we all do and yet we're just beginning to understand all of the ways it helps us and all of the factors that can affect it.

Lack of sleep affects just about everything in your body and mind.  People who get less sleep tend to be at higher risk for so many health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer; not to mention effects like slower metabolism, weight gain, hormone imbalance, and inflammation.  And don't forget the impact lack of sleep can have on moods, memory and decision-making skills.

Do you know that lack of sleep may even negate the health benefits of your exercise program?

Knowing this it's easy to see the three main purposes of sleep:

●      To restore our body and mind.  Our bodies repair, grow and even “detoxify” our brains while we sleep.

●      To improve our brain's ability to learn and remember things, technically known as “synaptic plasticity”.

●      To conserve some energy so we're not just actively “out and about” 24-hours a day, every day.

Do you know how much sleep adults need?  It's less than your growing kids need but you may be surprised that it's recommended that all adults get 7 - 9 hours a night.  For real!

Try not to skimp!

(Don't worry, I have you covered with a bunch of actionable tips below.)

Tips for better sleep

●      The biggest tip is definitely to try to get yourself into a consistent sleep schedule.  Make it a priority and you're more likely to achieve it.  This means turning off your lights 8 hours before your alarm goes off.  Seven. Days. A. Week.  I know weekends can easily throw this off but by making sleep a priority for a few weeks your body and mind will adjust and thank you for it.

●      Balance your blood sugar throughout the day.  You know, eat less refined and processed foods and more whole foods (full of blood-sugar-balancing fiber).  Choose the whole orange instead of the juice (or orange-flavoured snack).  Make sure you're getting some protein every time you eat.

●      During the day get some sunshine and exercise.  These things tell your body it's daytime; time for being productive, active and alert.  By doing this during the day it will help you wind down more easily in the evening.

●      Cut off your caffeine and added sugar intake after 12pm.  Whole foods like fruits and veggies are fine, it's the “added” sugar we're minimizing.  Yes, this includes your beloved chai latte.  Both caffeine and added sugar can keep your mind a bit more active than you want it to be come evening. (HINT: I have a great caffeine-free chai latte recipe for you below!).

●      Have a relaxing bedtime routine that starts 1 hour before your “lights out” time (that is 8 - 10 hours before your alarm is set to go off).  This would include dimming your artificial lights, nixing screen time and perhaps reading an (actual, not “e”) book or having a bath.

So how many of these tips can you start implementing today?

Recipe (Caffeine-free latte for your afternoon “coffee break”): Caffeine-Free Chai Latte

Serves 1-2

• 1 bag of rooibos chai tea (rooibos is naturally caffeine-free)
• 2 cups of boiling water
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (creamy is preferred)
• 2 dates (optional)

Cover the teabag and dates (if using) with 2 cups of boiling water and steep for a few minutes.

Discard the tea bag & place tea, soaked dates, tahini & almond butter into a blender.

Blend until creamy.

Serve and Enjoy!

Tip:  You can try this with other nut or seed butters to see which flavor combination you like the best.  Cashew butter anyone?