THRIVE: Natural Family Living: chia seeds

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Low Glycemic Index Smoothie Recipe - Dairy Free and Gluten Free

We love smoothies when it’s hot outside. They are delicious in the morning for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The smoothies I make are low on the Glycemic Index (GI) and full of nutrients. I follow a simple formula that is based on the smoothies at my favorite vegetarian restaurant in Hilton Head, Delisheee Yo, http://delisheeeyo.com. If you have picky eaters in your house, this is a great way to get some more vegetables and nutrients in them.

My formula (2 Servings):

2 Low GI fruits (berries, kiwi, apple, etc), Strawberry and Blueberry is a favorite combination in our house. Fruits High on the GI are bananas, grapes, melons, etc. We stay away from these fruits.

2 Tbls Gluten Free Organic Oats

1-2 Tbls Nuts (almonds are a favorite in our house. Walnuts are good for added Omega-3's)

2 Tsp Chia Seeds (Pack your smoothie full of Omega-3's)

A handful of fresh organic greens, I like arugula because it gives the smoothie a peppery flavor. Other options are spinach or kale.

1-2 Super Food Powders (spiralina, bee pollen, maca or acai) (Recently we have been using 1-2 tsp of acai powder)

1 Tsp Spice (I use cinnamon and/or turmeric) (For information on Turmeric click HERE)

2 Tsp Flax Oil

Liquid (coconut water, coconut milk or almond milk)

Ice if using fresh fruit (not necessary with frozen fruit)
**Note: I use all organic ingredients**

Blend in a high quality blender until smooth and desired consistency is reached. Add liquid and ice as needed.

Try serving your delicious smoothie with my favorite eco-friendly stainless steel straws!!

Enjoy and Healthy Regards!!

For more healthy and delicious recipes click below:
"The Best" Smoothie Recipe
Low GI "Chocolate Shake" Smoothie Recipe - Dairy Free
Amazing Almond Butter Smoothie
Low Glycemic Dairy Free Ice Cream

Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

Healthy Homemade Cereal

Green Green Juice

Buddah Bowl
Healthy, veggie-packed meatballs - gluten and dairy free

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Homemade Healthy Cereal

(Mommy and Me Cereal)

When I first began my whole foods lifestyle and cut out packaged foods, I simply stopped eating cereal. However, many of my clients have been asking me for an alternative to their packaged, sugary, unhealthy cereals. Ah, a mission! I have finally created my own delicious, healthy, homemade, kid-approved cereal. Emerson (21 months) ate 2 (child-sized) bowls and was still asking for more this morning. :)

This cereal is chalked full of antioxidants, Omega-3's, fiber, protein, and many more vitamins and minerals varying upon the chosen ingredients. (To learn more about Omega-3's read my Omega-3 blog post here).

The basic formula is:
2-3 tablespoons of Organic Ground Flaxseeds
A sprinkling of Chia Seeds
2 nut variaties of your choice
2 organic fruits of your choice
Superfood (optional)
Topped with the milk of your choice

For example, in today's cereal I used ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds, pecans, strawberries and blueberries with unsweetened almond milk. (Feel free to add any "extras" you might enjoy. For example, dried fruits, goji berries, pumpkin seeds and unsalted organic sunflower seeds are some options I find tasty...I use them on different days....not in the same bowl of cereal).

UPDATE 6.5.13: I recently started adding bee pollen to my cereal. This amazing superfood assists in ailments from allergies to cancer to infertility and "contains all the essential components of life". For more information on this incredible food go to: http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm

The ground flaxseeds give it the cereal texture while the chai seeds add a nice seedy texture. I encourage you to play around with it to find your favorite variety. Enjoy!!