Super-Food of the Week: 5 Reasons I Love Chia Seeds

One of my favorite meals to make for breakfast is a Raw, Vegan Chia Seed "Oatmeal." To make this "oatmeal" simply blend 1 cup of soaked almonds with 3 cups of water, then soak the Chia seeds for 3-12 hours. Add cinnamon, honey, vanilla, fresh fruit, or whatever other natural ingredients to flavor it to your liking! Full of omega 3's, high in fiber, calcium, complete protein, and vitamins, to me, chia seeds are an ideal way to start the day! Here are a few reasons why I love these little nutrient-packed seeds!

Reason #1: Chia seeds are packed with Protein.
Chia Seeds are often referred to as "the runner's food" for providing amazing energy without feeling jittery or causing a "crash" later on. The reason for this is because they are packed with protein, and they are a complete protein at that. 

Reason #2: Chia Seeds are full of Fiber.
Chia seeds contain more fiber than whole wheat bread, helping you stay full throughout the morning and helping promote regulation and elimination of toxins. In addition, staying full longer can contribute to healthy weight reduction and maintaining a healthy body mass index.

Reason #3: Chia Seeds Balance Blood Sugar.
Chia seed's ability to slow down digestion is one of the reasons it's been used to help treat type 2 diabetes. In addition, the gelatinous coating surrounding the seed can also help prevent blood-sugar spikes. 

Reason #4: Chia Seeds are Good for the Brain.
Not only does protein promote the production of brain-stimulating neurotransmitters, but Chia seeds are full of Omega 3's. In fact, they have more Omega 3's than salmon per serving. Omega 3's are also vital to heart, skin, and joint health. 

Reason #5: Chia Seeds are Full of  Calcium.
Chia seeds are full of calcium and can therefore help support health bones and teeth! For those of you who maintain a completely plant-based diet, Chia seeds are a great source of calcium and alternative to drinking milk. 

You can trade in your eggs, coffee, whole wheat toast, and milk in the morning for some chia seed and still get the protein, energy, fiber, and calcium you need to fuel your day!

BANANA-RAMA!

I had some left over coconut cream from the watermelon cake that I made the other day, so I decided to chop up some bananas, and top it with the cream and some Dang toasted coconut chips. And I have to say, it was De-lish! It's incredibly simple to make as all you need are the coconut chips, bananas, and coconut cream (You can find the recipe by clicking here).

Enjoy! :-) 

Watermelon Cake!

When I came across this watermelon "cake" on the internet I immediately knew I had to try it! It's super simple to prepare, and a delicious, refreshing alternative to regular cake.

To make this "cake" you will need: 

• 1 Medium- Large sized watermelon
• Raw Almond Slices (Preferably Activated)
• Berries of Your Choice
• And all the ingredients for my coconut cream recipe which you can find by clicking here.

All you need to do is cut off the top and bottom of the watermelon, and then cut off the remaining shell so that the watermelon meat is cylinder shaped. Next, cover it with your coconut cream, top with berries, and adorn with almond slices. And voilà! You have yourself a beautiful, delicious, and nutritious watermelon cake! 

Amazingly Delicious Coconut Cream

I made a coconut cream the other day that was so good, I literally had my friends and family eating it from a bowl as if it were a soup! As delicious as it is just on it's own, this recipe is fantastic for using as an icing for your raw vegan cakes, or as a delightful dip or topping for fruits (I just tried some with strawberries, bananas, and a watermelon "cake" and it was AH-MAZING!). I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! :-) 

To make this Coconut Cream, you will need: 
1 Young Coconut (Use both the water and the pulp)
2 Cups of Cashews (Soaked for 2 hours and drained)
1 1/2 tablespoons of Coconut Nectar
1 1/2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
1 Vanilla Bean (Scraped)
Pinch of Sea Salt (Optional) 

Then simply blend all the ingredients together in a food processor, and you'll be ready to enjoy this delightful coconut cream! Enjoy! ;-)

The Rainbow Diet

EAT THE RAINBOW, TASTE THE RAINBOW️ 



Did you know that each differently pigmented fruit and vegetable has certain phytonutrients and chemical components specified to various needs of the body? This is why it's so important to have the most COLORFUL diet possible! Here are a few benefits of eating from each of the colors of the Rainbow:

REDS: Are known to help promote a healthy cardiovascular system and promote healthy aging. They contain powerful photo-chemicals and antioxidants like lycopene, resveratrol, and proanthocyanin which have the ability to reduce oxidative stress on the body. To get the best of the reds, eat Apples, Cranberries, Gogi Berries, Pomegranate, Red Bell Peppers, Strawberries, and Tomatoes.

ORANGE: These are Powerful IMMUNITY BOOSTERS protecting against harmful illness-causing bacteria and invaders! Full of Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and selenium, these foods help strengthen the immune system and act as the "line of defense" against infection and disease. Foods like Carrot, Orange, Orange Bell Peppers, Red Lentils, and Sweet Potato all aid in keeping your immune system in check! ️

YELLOWS: Have ANTI-INFLAMATORY properties due to their yellow flavonoids and carotenoids. Inflammation is a condition linked to numerous health issues like heart disease, diabetes,cancer, arthritis, and dementia. The best yellow foods you can eat are Ginger, Golden Beets, Pineapple, Rainier Cherries, Saffron, Tumeric, and Yellow Chili Peppers 

GREENS: DETOXIFY Green foods contain chlorophyll, which has been shown to both neutralize & eliminate toxins like heavy metals, industrial pollutants, and pesticides. Many of them are also sulfur rich, containing a compound known as glucosinates that trigger detoxifying enzymes in the body. The best green-things you can eat are: Artichoke, Brocolli, Brussels Sprouts, Cilantro, Parsley, Chlorella, Green Tea, Kale, Wheatgrass, And Red Beets with their Greens

 BLUES: are BRAIN BOOSTING! If you've ever struggled with "feeling blue," then it's time to get some more blues in your diet! Blue foods are rich in a compound called Anthcyanin, which is shown to help the brain recover from trauma and prevent brain degeneration. The best Blues to eat are:Black Beans, Blackberries, Blueberries, Eggplant, Plums, Purple Cabbage, Purple Grapes, Avocados,and Flax Seed.

Here's to optimized health and healing with Nature! ️

Berries & Cream Coconut Crepes!

Just one bite of these crepes, and you'll be convinced you just had a little taste of heaven. To make the cream for these heavenly treats you will need:

2 cups of raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup of agave nectar

1/2 vanilla bean (scraped)

Process all of the ingredients together and for optimal serving, let it chill for a couple of hours to firm. If the cream is too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water at a time. 

For the raspberry sauce:

You simply need 2 cups of raspberries

and 2 tablespoons of agave nectar blended together.

You can make your own raw vegan coconut wraps with a dehydrator, but to save time I used Sunfoods Superfoods Raw Vegan Coconut wraps. 

Then take the wraps and fill them with your cream, freshly cut strawberries, and blueberries. Then top with your raspberry sauce, and you have gourmet, raw vegan, berry crepes! Enjoy! ;-)

Guac N' Rawk

To make this rawkin' guacamole, you will need: 

4 Ripe Avocados

1 Tomato (Diced)

1/2 Small Red Onion (Diced)

1/2 Bell Pepper (Diced)

1/2 Bunch of Cilantro (Chopped)

2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)

Juice of 1 Lemon and Lime

1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Sea salt

Have all the ingredients prepared. Then mix and mash avocados in with the rest of the veggies. 

Relax and enjoy!