Presentation is everything.

 I didn't even want to touch this plate as it came to me the other Saturday afternoon for lunch, but I did and enjoyed every last bite of it.   Presentation is everything and just the look of this made the whole lunch that much more enjoyable because it's not only delicious food, but a work of art!

Summer Morning Shake

Just one of the amazing bunches of greens in my share this month!

After our first drop off from this season's CSA, my fridge was bursting with beautiful bunches of fresh and glorious greens!  I'm doing everything and anything to make use of them, and created this totally yummy shake for my commute to work.  

Summer Morning Shake

1 stalk of kale

handful of spinach

juice of half a lemon

1/2 an apple

coconut water

tablespoon of almond butter

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil 

1/4 teaspoon raw/local honey

sprinkle of hemp seeds

Blend well and add more coconut water (or water) to desired shake-texture.  
This makes one mason jar shake.  Enjoy the fresh taste of summer!

Green Juice = Glass of Sunshine!

When I get a whiff of those bitter greens at my
local health food store my mouth actually starts to water.
I love, love, love fresh green juice!

Everyone is always so shocked to hear me say this, but I totally refuse to buy a juicer.  They're expensive, BIG, a pain to clean and require tons of fresh produce in my fridge to juice when I'm ready.  No thanks.  I'll keep things simple and snag a juice during my usual trip to my health food store or while strolling through town.  It's an expensive habit, but to me not having the hassle is worth it. 

I also feel that even though juicing is SO great, it's important to make shakes in your blender as well.  I dig fiber and enjoy blending whole (intact) foods into a shake.  As with most things, it's all about finding a balance.  I flip flop between juices and shakes all week long, allowing my body to let me know what it's feeling like that day.  Now, with either of these, the whole chewing process is eliminated.  To be sure that you're not completely confusing your body (which sometimes can result in cravings later in the day), try to enjoy something crunchy with your shake or juice like some sliced apple chunks or nuts.  You can even sprinkle coconut flakes and raw cacao nibs on top of your shake to add some crunch while enjoying, too. 

Green Juice

When I purchase a green juice it's loaded with greens and only greens.  I always ask for extra kale and a dash of cayenne pepper.  ZING!  Juices with fruits can get high in sugar dangerously fast.  This is NOT good.  If you're having a "fruit" juice, be sure to add plenty of greens (such as spinach because it won't effect the taste) and make it only on special occasions.  You want to flood your cells with nutrients, not sugar!  They are best consumed fresh, but you can keep them only for a day at the most in the fridge.

Green Shake

When I blend my morning shakes no matter what I'm throwing in it, it always turns out green.  Spirulina is a staple in every shake, and I throw whatever greens in my fridge in as well (kale, spinach).    Be mindful of the sugar in your shakes as well.  These can come from an overload of fruits, powdered protein substitutes (with additives as well, ick), or whatever juice or milk you're adding to the shake.  

Why is there such a green juice craze?

Green juices are power-packed with nutrition. Green vegetables have the ability to transform sunshine into the food that all creatures consume. True to their nature, greens produce chlorophyll, which oxygenate your body. This enables us to release stored toxins in the body. Greens improve blood circulation and give your body a boost of energy.  Chlorophyll foods also act as a form of 'stored sunshine', to regulate calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. So if you get no sunshine, then increase the greens in your diet.  Drink up and feel the amazing benefits!  

Who the heck says you can't have veggies for breakfast?

I know veggies for breakfast may sound foreign or just plain gross, but I'm telling you to give it a good try.  It's not only totally yummy, but it kicks your day off with a HUGE nutritional boost!  This morning I took the rainbow chard I had in my fridge - rinsed and chopped it up.  Sautéed some garlic in ghee (clarified butter, but feel free to use coconut oil or even some veggie broth), added the greens and covered.  Added a can of BPA-free white beans into the mix with some ground fresh pepper and BAM...there's breakfast.  Try adding ANY veggies to your breakfast and let me know how it goes!

Spiced Winter Greens

Dark leafy greens grow best in cooler weather, making them in season right now. Whenever people ask me anything about "detoxing" I immediately bring up the importance of greens. Greens cleanse us from the inside out, almost like an internal rainforest. They are a sure way to cleanse our system(s). Celebrate the dark side this winter and welcome beautifully delicious greens into your kitchen! My all time favorite = kale. This simple recipe makes a good 4-6 servings.

Ingredients
1 bunch of dark leafy greens, hand shredded into roughly 2x2 squares

6 tablespoons coconut oil
sea salt to taste
3 teaspoons coriander seed powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder

Directions: Start by melting the coconut oil in a sauce pan and then add the spices, stir them until the aroma starts to come out then turn off the flame and let it sit. The consistency should be like pesto. Next steam your favorite leafy greens. When they turn a beautiful shade of even darker green they are perfect (should only take a few minutes). Scoop them out of the steam pot and put them in the ghee and spice mixture. Stir the greens into the mixture so they become coated with the spice mixture very well. Be willing to increase or decrease the amount of spices to suit your taste. Enjoy!

Turmeric is a spice used extensively in other cultures, and for good reason. It contains curcumin, a substance that actively reduces inflammation. Add to sauces, soups or marinades for added nutrition without changing much of the taste. Just use an apron, turmeric stains everything it touches including ceramic tile and even metal pots!