"Plants"..it's whats for lunch!

Plants...It's whats for lunch!

 Here's two quick and easy lunch ideas with very little prep time needed.

This afternoon, Kris wanted Asian inspired lettuce wraps.

She already had some colored bell peppers sliced, so it was a quick fix.

Lettuce Wraps

Several Butter or Boston lettuce leaves, rinsed.

1 slice each of green, red and yellow bell pepper.

1 slice oven roasted "Tofurky."

A mixture of Just Mayo and dried dill.
Add whatever else you like.  Avocado, red onion, water chestnuts etc.

I decided I wanted a little something different:

Chickpea Sammies

1-15 oz. can of chickpeas.

1/2 cup of diced green, red and yellow bell peppers.

1/4 cup of diced sweet onions.

Pinch of garlic powder.

Pinch of smoked paprika.

Sea salt and black pepper.

Mash the chickpeas or put them in a food processor for a few seconds.

Add all other ingredients.

Stir in a little bit of Just Mayo as well as dried dill or chipotle powder, 

depending on your preference.

Stir until the consistency resembles tuna salad.

I had mine on sliced homemade whole wheat bread with Organic Romaine lettuce.

Quick and easy!

Lizzie the sous chef says:

Have a great week!

Be kind.

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world — one fruit can weigh between 10 and 100 pounds and contain hundreds of seeds that are rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.

The fruit known as a jackfruit is being hailed as a "miracle" crop that could save millions from starvation.  You can follow this link for more information. 

Here's my favorite recipe using jackfruit.  With the right seasonings, you will think you are eating pulled pork!  You can find canned jackfruit at your local Asian Market.

Jackfruit Carnitas

1-2 tbs coconut oil

1 small onion diced

2-- cloves crushed garlic

Homemade spice blend:

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chipotle seasoning

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp lime juice

1 tbs maple syrup

1 tsp Bragg's or Coconut Amino acids

In a large skillet, on medium heat saute onions and crushed garlic.

Stir until onions are clear. Add lime juice, maple syrup and Bragg's.

Drain and rinse jackfruit, break apart and shred fruit ( like pulled pork)

Add spice mix and fruit, stirring to completely for good coverage.

The fruit will start to brown and liquid will dissolve.

Ready to roll into a burrito with black beans and salsa or guacamole. 

Serves well with sweet potato fries.

For a Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" variation:

Wet sauce:

3 tbs tomato paste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp tamarind paste or sweet chili sauce 

1/4 cup water

2 tsp maple syrup

Add sauce to cooking fruit and spices and simmer until ready to eat.

Serves well on toasted buns, with coleslaw made with "Vegenaise or Just Mayo".

 For nutritional information see: Jackfruit

Have a great week!

Be kind!

Judd

Fighting Diabetes With The Power Of Plants

The Power of Plants

In a new study from the U.S.National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys,

up to 14% of adults in the U.S. had diagnosed or un-diagnosed type 2 diabetes (2011-2012).

About 38% had diagnosed or un-diagnosed pre-diabetes.  About 1/3 of those with pre-diabetes

don't even know they have it!  From what I understand, research shows that our diet and lifestyle determines the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

There is no reason with the nutritional information available today that we can not live a long and 

healthy life. Our bodies are capable of preventing and reversing diseases through the food we

consume on a daily basis.

Please take one hour of your time and watch this video from Dr. Michael Gregor:

Food as Medicine

It will change your outlook on the healing power of food.

Have a great week!

Be kind.

Judd

Pina Colada Sorbet

Happy Labor Day!

It has been a busy past few weeks.  We have  got our daughter, Bree, moved to

Lexington, Ky. She is enjoying the different weather then here in Florida. Lower humidity

to say the least and soon the temps will be dropping also. It was great seeing friends and family

for the short time we were there. We will now be making more trips north!

Here's a quick dessert recipe for Labor Day:

Pina Colada Sorbet 

3 cups frozen pineapple

1 banana

1 16oz. can of full fat coconut milk

Blend all together in blender,

Transfer to airtight container and freeze for 2-3 hours.

You can add some rum if desired!

Over the next several weeks I am going to be blogging about our "Gut Micro-biome"

Did you know there are 500-1000 different bacteria living on our skin and in our

intestines. There are 10 times the amount of bacteria than human cells, totally more 

then 100 Trillion bacteria!  The microbiome in our intestines effect every aspect of our lives.

including health, moods, risks of diseases etc..

According to studies, plant based diets are the best way to have a healthy micro-biome.

Hers a link to a great podcast about superfoods for a superlife;

Rich Roll Podcast: Darin Olien 

and video about animal fats and the effects on our micro-biome:

Nutritionfacts.org

Have a great week!

Be kind!

Judd

Food for Thought

Food for Thought

It's been a busy week and it's not going to get any slower for the next few.

Our daughter has accepted a new position as Project Manager for an organization

in Lexington, Ky. We are so proud of her!

Kris and her have been busy prepping for the move on August 21st.

This week is just a link to a great article from mindbodygreen.com 

"11 great reason to eat less meat".

Also tune in tomorrow to Rich Roll Podcast, to listen to "Iron Cowboy" James Lawrence

talk about his epic accomplishment "50/50/50".

Have a great week and be kind!

Judd

Berry Chia Jam, Lemon-lime "soda" and BerryACV

Berry Chia Jam

Here's a quick all natural jam recipe;

1 cup of diced fresh strawberries, blueberries or raspberries.

(Combine them for a awesome flavor.)

A dash of vanilla extract

1 pack of Stevia or 1 tsp Coconut Palm Sugar

1 tb chia seeds

In a glass bowl mix/stir all ingredients.

Microwave for 2 minutes.

Stir and let cool.

Store in an old jelly/jam jar in refrigerator.

PBJ's never tasted better!

Lemon-Lime "soda"

This what "Sprite" ought to be!

Squeeze 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime and 1 pk of stevia into a tall glass.

Fill with chilled Sparkling water (Acqua di Nepi or Pellegrino,etc.)

Add ice and enjoy refreshing "Sprite"

Berry ACV Energy Drink

The benefits of apple cider vinegar are amazing!

Discovered  around 5000 BC, it has been used as a food preservative and soon found its way for 

medicinal purposes.  Hippocrates used it to manage wounds and since the 1700's has been used for

everything from skin issues, stomach ailments and even diabetes treatment. (Note: last week while at work, I was stung by ground hornets at least 10 times, I applied ACV to the stings. The itch and pain wasn't as intense!) Check out: Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.  Here's a easy morning drink recipe to start your day.

In a tall glass;

1 heaping spoonful of fresh or frozen berries.

"Muddle" the fruit with the back of a spoon.

Add 1/2 to 1 tbs of organic apple cider vinegar.

Stir and fill with chilled filtered water.

You can add Stevia or honey to taste.

Thanks for reading!

Have a great week and be kind.

Judd

Sauteed Kale and Quinoa with Spiced Chick Peas

Kale and Quinoa with Spiced Chick Peas

Here's a quick and energizing lunch or light dinner recipe.

Quinoa is a quick-cooking, gluten-free grain known for its amount of protein.

But it is not the amount of protein, but the type of protein.  Quinoa has the perfect balance

of all nine amino acids essential for human nutrition. Though common in meats, it is rarely

found in plant foods.  Quinoa also offers a good dose of fiber and iron.  It comes in a rainbow 

of colors, but most commonly in white(fluffier), while red and black have a crunchier texture.

Prepare the amount of Quinoa you want according to directions.

(leftovers can be eaten with a combination of fruits or veggies)

When it's done, set aside and let the Quinoa cool.

Rinse and drain a 15 oz.can of chick peas.

In a small skillet, heat 1 tbs of olive oil.

Add;

Chick peas

2 tbs lemon juice

1 tsp Braggs amino acids(soy sauce)

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp maple syrup

Stir until well coated and warm.

In another larger skillet;

Heat 2 tbs olive oil

Add sea salt and pepper to taste

Add 4 cups chopped organic kale

Stir kale until coated and wilted.

The kale will wilt and shrink as it warms.

In a large bowl combine Quinoa, Kale and top with spiced Chick peas.

I always add sliced avocados on top!

Quick and easy!

My daughter creates a delicious Cold Raspberry Sorbet Lemonade with hers.

In a tall glass add 2 scoops of Raspberry Sorbet and fill with  Raspberry Lemonade, 

Enjoy!

Back on June 7th I did a post on Iron Cowboy James Lawrence.

He was attempting to do 50 Ironman distance races in 50 consecutive days in all 50 states.

Yesterday July 25th he did it!!

Incredible!

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd