Blueberry Mint & Lime Refresher
I’ve had my fair share of ice creams, and frappuccinos, and frankly, the thing I really want on a hot summer day, is a nice fruity drink that isn’t too sweet!
Packed with the natural sugars of blueberries and full of antioxidants, this is an exquisitely refreshing drink.
Blueberry Mint & Lime Refresher
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup eliminate to make sugar free
- 3 mint leaves
- 1 lime wedge
- Ice
- sparkling water
Instructions
- In a large cup add blueberries, sugar, mint leaves and lime wedge.
- Muddle the ingredients.
- Pour into a separate cup, top with ice and sparkling water.
- Serve with lime slices.
- Relax and Enjoy!
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Volunteering…. Help Yourself by Helping Others
Can helping others help ourselves?
Most of us know that if we eat our fruit and veggies, exercise often, and avoid smoking, we have a better chance of living longer and healthier lives. But your doctor may not have told you that regularly giving to others should perhaps be added to that healthy checklist. A new paper led by Dr. Suzanne Richards at the University of Exeter Medical School reviews 40 studies from the past 20 years on the link between volunteering and health. The article, which is freely available in the open access journal BMC Public Health, finds that volunteering is associated with lower depression, increased well-being, and a 22% reduction in the later risk of dying.
Why You Don’t Need To Count Calories Ever Again
There are many ridiculous myths in nutrition.
The “calorie myth” is one of the most pervasive… and most damaging.
It is the idea that calories are the most important part of the diet, that the sources of those calories don’t matter.
If you think that a calorie is a calorie….. and it doesn’t matter if it comes from kale or cookies, then it’s time to rethink what you think you know about calories.
“A calorie is a calorie is a calorie,” they say… it doesn’t matter whether you eat a 100 calories of candy or broccoli, they will have the same effect on your weight.
It is true that all “calories” have the same amount of energy. One dietary calorie contains 4184 Joules of energy. In that respect, a calorie IS a calorie.
But when it comes to your body, things are not that simple.
Italian Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets
Italian Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets
Ingredients
- 2 small or 1 large chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup brussels sprouts
- 1 halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning * see note
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400F.
- In a large bowl combine or ziplock bag, combine all the ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Cut and lay out 2 12x12 inch (app.) squares of aluminum foil on a sheet pan. Place half the mixture on each foil and gently fold the foil around ingredients to form a tight seal.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of brown or white rice or quinoa.
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Why Eating FAT Does Not Make You FAT
According to Dr. Walter Willett, the Chair of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, the campaign to reduce fat in the diet has had some pretty disastrous consequences.
One of the most unfortunate unintended consequences of the fat-free crusade was that, although actual fat consumption went down, Americans got much fatter, during this period of time.
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is a delicious and easy way to get the fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients available in Chia seeds. As it takes only minutes to make, is low in calories, and has adequate protein and nutrients, it is a quick, on-the-go breakfast or snack option…..
Personally, I love to eat this pudding with berries, fresh fruit, nuts, and dates….. and the list goes on.
Chia Seed Pudding
Delicious and healthy, Chia Seed Pudding is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and calcium and you can make it in under 5 minutes. Basic recipe here, but see variations above.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk homemade or natural
- ½ cup Chia Seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup or less, or sub any sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon Optional: cinnamon powder
Instructions
- For Whole Chia Seed Version: Blend all ingredients except chia seeds in a blender until smooth (including any added flavors, fruits or chocolate). Whisk in chia seeds.
- For Blended/Smooth Version: Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Pour mixture into a jar or glass container and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to let gel. I prefer to make this at night to have ready for a fast breakfast the next day. It is also great to make in the morning for a delicious pre-made dessert at night.
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The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A half-dozen or more diet books are based on the anti-inflammatory idea — and numerous web sites promote “anti-inflammatory” eating. Each has its own spin. But experts concede that anti-inflammation eating is more effective for some health problems than others — and that the scientific evidence for the disease-reduction benefits of these eating plans is still being gathered.
Crustless Pumpkin Pie ~ Pumpkin Custard
Crustless Pumpkin Pie ~ (Pumpkin Custard)
This is a great way to make pumpkin pie without having to make a crust.... and it's carb-less. This custard is sweetened with dates and a banana, so there are no refined sugars, either. Served with your favorite whipped cream, and it's like a dreamy cloud on your tongue.
Ingredients
- 16 oz pumpkin puree organic, if possible
- 1 vanilla bean seeds of, or 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 banana ripe
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice recipe to follow
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice unsweetened
- 1 cup medjool dates pitted, chopped
- 4 eggs organic, free range, if possible
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
- Combine the pumpkin, vanilla bean seeds, banana, pumpkin pie spice, and milk in a food processor. Start the machine and add the dates through the feed tube. Continue to run the processor until the ingredients are smooth.
- Lastly, add the eggs and pulse gently to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish and place on top of a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully place the baking sheet and baking dish into your oven and pour 3 cups of water onto the baking sheet. This will keep the custard moist while baking.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove and let cool. Serve warm with your favorite whipped cream, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- ENJOY!
Notes
This recipe is modified from one I found on-line, by Carrie Forrest
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Beat Cravings With These 6 Simple Tricks
No matter how hard we try to stick with our healthy eating habits, hard-to-control cravings always seem to come knocking at the door. Satisfying your sweet tooth with an occasional decadent indulgence is totally OK, but giving into it more often can halt your health progress dead in its tracks. Suppress the urge to splurge with these simple tricks and swaps.
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Hi, I’m Christine Crawford, CCHt—a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master in Therapeutic Imagery, Author, and Art Therapist. I empower individuals to overcome challenges, whether it’s managing stress, breaking bad habits, or pursuing life’s biggest dreams. I also provide specialized hypnotherapy and art therapy for cancer patients, fostering resilience and peace during difficult times.
My book, Nurturing Mind, Body, and Soul: Demystifying the Journey, is an award-winning bestseller, featuring over 20 recipes with beautiful pictures alongside tools for personal growth and mindfulness. It’s designed to nourish not just the mind and soul, but also the body. Whether it’s through one-on-one sessions, workshops, or the pages of my book, I’m here to help you embrace transformation and achieve your goals. Let’s connect and create the life you envision!
Real Yummies
- Light & Lovely Crustless Quiche with Turkey Bacon & Mozzarella
- Super Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Golden Garden Tomato Mini Tarts
- Nordic Crab and Smoked Salmon Bites
- Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
- Apple Cider Donuts (Super Easy)
- Chicken Meatball Soup with Lemon and Spinach
- Summer’s Easiest Cherry Cream Tart
- Banana Cream Pie
- Herb-Roasted Salmon with Blistered Tomatoes