Thursday, March 26, 2009

Lemon Ginger Morning Tonic

This drink is perfect to start the day with! Ginger is a natural energizer, lemon is a detoxifying agent and blood purifier. Both stimulate digestion to assist with a healthy metabolism and maintaining a trim figure.



Ingredients:
1 lemon
1 piece of fresh ginger (about 3/4 the size of the lemon)
1/2 liter of water
Recommended: agave nectar

Instructions:
-Using a vegetable peeler, peel off only the outer colored part of the lemon skin.
-Dice up the lemon and ginger then blend with water.

Usage: What you will have is a highly concentrated mixture to store in the refrigerator. Each morning combine 1/2 cup hot water with 1/2 cup mixture, or to desired strength. Stirring in a little squeeze of agave or other natural sweetener is highly recommended. Drinking this tonic warm on an empty stomach promotes optimal absorption and assimilation.


Medicinal Properties:
Lemon - antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, liver stimulant, digestive agent, nourishes brain and nerve cells
Source of - Fiber, Vitamin C, B6, Calcium, Potassium, copper, Thiamin, Riboflavon, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium

Ginger - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aids digestion, natural stimulant, mood enhancer, immune booster
source of - Fiber, vitamin E, B6, Iron, Potassium, Selenium, Magnesium

Friday, March 20, 2009

Mint Zucchini Brownies

Although deserts don't play a key role in a healthy diet, the occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable. Besides, I wanted to get this blog off to a sweet start!

With veggies and herbs this desert is almost good for you. The zucchini is used in place of oil or shortening to make these brownies super moist without altering the flavor.


Ingredients:
(wet)
1/3 C rice milk
1/2 C sweetener (agave nectar, maple syrup, or cane sugar)
3 Tbsp. unsweetened apple sauce
1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds mixed with 3 Tbsp. warm water (let sit 15 minutes to thicken)
1 tea. vanilla extract
(dry)
3/4 C whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 C rice flour
1/3 C cocoa powder
3/4 tea. baking soda
(other)
1/2 C grated or finely chopped zucchini
1/4 C finely chopped mint
1/4 C vegan chocolate chunks (optional)

The Process:
-Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl.
-In a smaller bowl mix together dry ingredients, then add to the wet.
- fold in zucchini, mint, and chocolate.
-Preheat oven to 350
-Oil an 8 by 8 pan with coconut oil.

Bake - at 350 for 25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.

Enjoy!


Medicinal Properties:
Mint
- aids digestion, inhibits stomach and pancreatic cancer
Cocoa
- improves blood flow and circulation, boosts endorphins, is a natural energizer

Introduction

The food we eat is fuel for the body, and the body is the vehicle for the soul. This blog is about eating mindfully, for optimum nourishment to preserve health. As well as lightening the impact on our planet through positive vegan choices.

The recipes and ideas displayed will be healthy, enjoyable, sustainable, cost effective, and most significantly... Cruelty-free!