Lee – Page 57 – Supercharged Food

Chicken Noodle Soup

cH icK en nO O dL e S O U p!

Yum! Chicken Noodle Soup is almost every kid’s favourite, and some adults love to indulge in it on doona-days or bed holidays too. With this easy recipe, you’ll get delicious and quick results without having to slave over a hot stove for hours. Not to mention the slurpability factor which is just out-of-this-world.

Get ready for shouts of More Please! Here’s what to do…

Ingredients

1 packet brown rice noodles
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 onion finely chopped
4 fresh celery leaves torn
3 celery sticks sliced
3/4 cup carrot sliced
2 Tb minced dried parsley
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. thyme
Freshly cracked black pepper
2 chicken breasts roughly chopped
1 head broccoli roughly chopped
1/2 cauliflower head roughly chopped
1 cup green beans chopped
5 cups homemade chicken stock
1 TBS wheat free tamari
1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar

Celtic Sea salt to taste

Method

Cook noodles as per directions so that they are al dente
Brown onion in a saucepan in coconut oil
Add celery, carrot and herbs and sauté for a further 3 minutes and season
Add chicken and sauté for 4 minutes stirring often
Add vegetables then pour in stock, and tamari and ACV bring to boil and
reduce and simmer for 20 mins
Just before serving the soup, add the noodles to the pot and stir to separate

You can purchase the book here.

Crepe Wraps

This recipe for crepes is so easy and they are versatile too, you can use them to make delicious gluten-free wrap sandwiches for lunch boxes or top them with berries and goats cheese for breakfast for the whole family.

Ingredients

3 TBS butter
1 cup tapioca flour
1 cup coconut milk (no additives)
1 egg
Pinch sea salt

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix
Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat
Pour in 1/3 mixture and swirl around the pan
After 2- 3 minutes carefully flip and brown other side

Enjoy!

Pea and Lamb Soup

Tonight I’m indulging in a fireside supper. And what better marriage made in heaven than fresh pea and lamb. I used pasture fed lamb and organic fresh peas for this soup and 100% grass fed stock.

Rustic and hearty, simmering on the stove top increases the flavour ten-fold in this soup and if you’re not rushed for time, let it simmer for 15 minutes before blending. This perfect winter fare also contains parsley which provides a deeper flavour but you can substitute with mint if you prefer a more traditional tang.

Peas are rich in protein and a good source of fibre, Vitamin A, C and B1. Whether fresh or frozen they’re an abundant supplier of B1 (thiamin) and iron. Thiamin is essential for energy production, nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism. If you’re looking to promote good intestinal health, peas are the bees knees due to their water-soluble fibers which bind with cholesterol and help excrete it from the body. (more…)

Chai Chia Breakfast Pudding

Are you ready to spice up mornings with a new breakfast option? This one's from my latest book Eat Clean Green and Vegetarian.

Long term commitment… three little words that shoot alarm bells through the ears of commitment phobes across the land, quivering in their running shoes.

But LTC doesn’t just apply to human relationships. If you’ve been trapped in a dreary relationship with the same old breakfast food for the past few months then perhaps now’s a good time to shake up the monotony and slip on a new shoe for size?

You’re alarm has gone off, you slam the snooze button a couple of times, hit the shower and then not surprisingly by the time you look up at the clock hands whizzing by, it’s time to set off. With 9am closing in on you like a whistling kettle, you pop a slab of bread in the toaster and well, there you go again.

Eating the same food every morning is like a relationship where you’re watching someone talking, you notice their lips are moving but you can’t hear anything, only your thoughts stampeding through your mind like a Spanish matador in close fitting tights and a tasseled Chaquetilla.

Eggs, eggs, eggs and more eggs? Again. Really?

(more…)

8 simple ways to improve digestion and absorption

Le-cycle-de-la-digestion--illus.-Osterwalder-(Le-Livre-de-Sante--v.6--1967)

I have a new theory. You are NOT what you eat. I know that sounds a bit random, but essentially, you are NOT what you eat, you are what you digest and absorb.

Have you ever eaten food which is perfectly healthy and nutrient rich only to discover the after affects of pain and bloating and wishing that particular food had never been on the guest list?

If you suffer from any kind of digestion stress and feel sleepy and sluggish after meals, you may need a digestive tune-up.

Follow these tips to get yourself on the right road to maintaining a healthy digestion. These are provided by some of the best doctors from ArabiaMD.

Use more coconut products

Coconut oil contains lauric acid - a proven antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that is easily digested and absorbed. The anti-fungal aspect helps kill candida in the gut, which is a common problem for people with digestive stress. Plus, coconut helps absorb beneficial nutrients from our food.

Take probiotics

Probiotics are a live microorganism that improve the balance of flora in the digestive system. For a healthy digestion these friendly bacteria are essential. They help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and are often depleted if you've been taking antibiotics or if you've had gastro. Probiotics can be found in some yogurts or taken as supplements.

Soak your nuts and grains

When you soak your nuts and grains you are reducing toxic substances and inhibitors that occur naturally within the grain. For example, phytic acid which is found in most nuts, seeds and grains, will combine with minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium and prevent them from being absorbed during digestion. Soaking neutralises this natural inhibitor.

Do an elimination diet

If you find you experience adverse affects after eating a particular food, it might be worthwhile trying an elimination diet. Remove the suspected food or food group from your diet for anywhere between two weeks and a month and see if symptoms resolve.

Try bone broth

Your digestive lining is supposed to be permeable to absorb nutrients. But for some people it can become too porous and let too much "leak" through without absorbing it properly. When this happens, your body can react, attacking the foods you eat. This can create IBS and other gut problems, even some autoimmune disorders. Bone broth contains gelatin which helps reinforce the lining of the gut and soothe digestive distress.

Drink less with meals

Drinking a lot of fluid (even water) while you eat can dilute the level of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your stomach. This acid is needed to help kill bacteria and digest your foods. It's best to minimise the fluid you drink while eat and for at least an hour after you finish your meal.

Drink warm water and lemon

Along with a delicious breakfast, it's a good idea to get into the habit of starting the day with a cup of warm water with lemon. This alkaline drink will help jump start your metabolism and get your digestion moving. Additionally, you should replace tap water with spring water as well. Spring water provides you with much needed oxygen to the body and the brain, aids in good digestion, helps us maintain a healthy weight, and tastes great. Diamond Rock will deliver fresh spring water according your requirements at your doorsteps.

Chew your food

If you're a mum, you probably tell your kids this all the time: chew your food! Chewing is the first step in food digestion. Try not to rush through your meal, but allow yourself plenty of time to chew, chew, chew before you swallow.

Let me know how you go with these tips.

Blueberries and Brown Rice

As I type this rain drops are attacking my window. Soon I’ll be walking my dog in the squelchy, slushy grass that lines the water-logged footpath outside. Cashew, my dog, likes to dawdle and sniff every solitary blade of grass in the Olympic-sized park at the top of the hill and the snuffling and shuffling can be problematic on days like today when time is limited and bucket loads of rain are pelting down and collecting in rather large swimming pools on the awaiting pavement.

Right now I’m in bed with a cup of morning chai and for some reason; blueberries and brown rice are whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Maybe it’s just the two of them and the fact that their nourishing combination goes together like a man and his wife that is making me feel comforted and absorbing my thoughts.

The food I’ve been eating lately is simple stuff, not because it’s all the rage, but for other reasons. My mission when nourishing my body is to ensure I cook with the least amount of processed foods and look for ingredients that are environmentally sound where I can.

All rice, travels through several processes before it makes its way conveniently to your plastic package. Once picked, the seeds are milled to remove the outer husk. This results in simple, untarnished brown rice.

But wait, there’s more to this story. (more…)

Orchard Street Cleanse

I recently discovered a new business that has popped up in Sydney, which is the brainchild of Kirsten Shanks a qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist. Orchard Street offers 3-5 day liquid cleanses which use local and fairtrade produce grown using sustainable, organic and chemical-free farming methods. The cleanses are chemical free, alkaline, raw and vegan. And to top it off…the packaging is just gorgeous! There are three cleanse options as well as a custom program to choose from. Orchard Street’s juices incorporate Australian Natives such as finger limes, sea parsley and kakadu plum as well as Wild Weeds such as dandelion and marshmallow, which contribute a range of vitamins and minerals to enhance your health.

I tried the pure cleanse which is designed for those with sensitive digestive systems as it is low in fructose and anti-candida. I found it to be a really strong cleanse, not for the faint hearted and I must admit I did experience a few detox symptoms…but in saying that, I really liked it and felt renewed and refreshed post-cleanse!

Find out more here.

Cellgevity

I was recently sent Cellgevity by Max International. Cellgevity is a supplement which works to support and enhance the natural functions of glutathione which is your body’s natural defense to the constant attack of free radicals and chemical toxins. Glutathione helps your body to detoxify and protects cells as well as support the immune system. Reduced levels of glutathione can result in accelerated ageing, lower energy levels, increased inflammation and a higher susceptibility to chronic illness. Cellgevity provides cells with patented nutrients that have been clinically shown to raise intercellular glutathione levels more effectively than any other supplement. I took the supplements for a week and experienced a higher level of alertness and a more stable level of energy. As many of the testimonials point out Cellgevity works amazingly to increase energy levels and have you saying goodbye to that sluggish feeling!

For more information or to purchase click here.

Sugar Free Chocolate

Hey guys… I have just reinvented the chocolate recipe to make it more creamy, smooth, tasty and delicious. Here’s the new recipe, enjoy!

White Chocolate Ingredients:

1/4 cup organic coconut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 TBS vanilla essence
10-12 drops liquid stevia or 1 tsp powdered or to taste
2 TBS shaved cacao butter

Method:

Melt cacao butter and coconut butter and oil in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water then add additional ingredients
Place in a container or mould of your choice and freeze for 30mins. Break into bite sized pieces.

Dark Chocolate Ingredients:

¼ cup raw organic cacao powder
¼ cup organic coconut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 TBS vanilla essence
10-12 drops liquid stevia or 1 tsp powdered or to taste
2 TBS shaved cacao butter

Method:

Melt cacao powder and butter, coconut butter/oil in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water then add additional ingredients
Place in a container or mould of your choice and freeze for 30mins. Break into bite sized pieces

Don’t forget, you can make other versions to suit your taste by adding orange or peppermint essence, crushed raw almonds, walnuts or cashews.

Supercharged Lasagne

My mantra for this year is...

‘It’s the small changes you make every day that count’

Making a concerted effort to eat more vegetables and less processed food will have an ah-mazing effect on your body. Even if you feel the irresistible lure of comfort food, including a couple of healthy swap outs, like using zucchini in place of pasta and adding yoghurt instead of white sauce you can still enjoy a wonderfully healthy and filling meal such as this scrumptious Supercharged Lasagne.

I think small changes everyday work. When you think about it, that extra-large slice of cake or chocolate square is ok, on occasion, because if we go cold turkey and become too strict on ourselves then we end up craving a sweet treat even more. Then what can happen is that you starve yourself of the occasional treat and then when you do relent you gorge out on the whole cake, which can leave you feeling guilty and mad at yourself. (more…)

Cashew and Coconut Yoghurt Dressing

Drinking coconut water it seems is de rigueur. But have you ever wondered what happens to all that delicious coconut flesh still left behind in your newly lopped coconut?

Do you even eat it?

I was thinking just that the other day so I wanted to create the perfect recipe using all of the coconut, meat included.

You might be thinking that raw coconut meat contains a large amount of saturated fat, but please don’t let that scare you away! Most of the fat in coconut meat is a medium chain fatty acid, which is broken down a lot faster than long chain fatty acids. As a result, it doesn’t contribute to high cholesterol.

A good thing to remember when it comes to coconuts and all good fats is moderation is the key.

Here are a few good reasons why all of the coconut should be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet... (more…)

Supermodel Vegetables

You don’t have to be a supermodel to have a close personal relationship with your veggies. Finding appealing ways to increase your intake of veggies isn’t always a simple walk on the catwalk. Although we all realise the benefits of including them in our diets, there is often a disconnect between what we know and what we actually do.

The abundance of options in the vegetable department can often be overwhelming as many of us struggle to accessorize our veggies and turn them into attractive designer dishes.

Here are a few delicious vegetable recipes, which will transform your evening meals and have you hungering for veggies like there’s no tomorrow!

(more…)

Eggs, eggs, eggs and more eggs? Again. Really?

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