Purely Holistic Living

09/13/2024

Cinnamon has long been touted as a “superfood”. It is packed with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. But please don’t just run out and buy all the cinnamon off the shelves. Knowledge is power and a recent study published by Consumer Reports reinforces the understanding that brand does matter.
📢 The article reveals the results of a major cinnamon lab test, revealing that over one-third of the brands tested contained unsafe levels of heavy metals, especially lead ⚠️.

🔎 Want to see if your cinnamon brand made the list? I'll share the link in the comments below 👇🏻.

*Note: Organic cinnamon typically contains lower levels of heavy metals. Several brands that had undetectable levels of lead were mostly certified organic, with 365 by Whole Foods standing out as the purest.

02/22/2024

Aluminum is all around us. As we become more educated about the impact of heavy metals on our health, we should know that simple things like cooking with aluminum foil can have residual and long-term negative effects on our bodies. I’ve also included a link that dives a bit deeper into this subject.

https://bestfolkmedicine.com/2018/06/here-is-why-you-shouldnt-use-aluminium-foil-in-cooking/

1. **Health Risks**: Heavy metals like aluminum can accumulate in the body over time, leading to various health issues. Studies have linked aluminum exposure to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, as well as bone diseases and respiratory problems.

2. **Cookware Contamination**: Aluminum cookware is commonly used in kitchens worldwide due to its affordability and heat conductivity. However, with prolonged use, aluminum cookware can leach into food, especially when cooking acidic or salty dishes. This can significantly increase our intake of aluminum, posing health risks.

3. **Food Preservation and Storage**: Aluminum is also found in food packaging materials and containers. When acidic or salty foods are stored or cooked in aluminum foil or containers, there's a risk of aluminum leaching into the food, particularly if it's heated.

4. **Children and Vulnerable Groups**: Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals due to their developing bodies. Limiting their exposure to aluminum and other heavy metals is crucial for their long-term health and development.

5. **Environmental Impact**: Apart from the health implications, the production and disposal of aluminum cookware contribute to environmental pollution. By reducing our reliance on aluminum cookware and opting for safer alternatives, we can help minimize environmental damage.

6. **Safer Cooking Alternatives**: Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to aluminum cookware available, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic cookware. These options not only reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure but also offer durable and efficient cooking surfaces.

02/17/2024

Credit:

Fast, easy, cheap ( under $2.00 per serving), packed with nutrition and so darn delicious!!

Mexican Inspired Black Bean Stew

Ingredients;
-2 good sized carrots, peeled and grated
-2 cans or cartons of organic black beans
-1 cup low sodium organic vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can organic diced tomatoes
-4 Tbsp organic tomato paste
-1/2-1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic ( finely diced)
-1 tsp. ground coriander
-1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
-1 Tbsp. Olive oil
-salt and pepper to your taste

Directions:
1. Grate the carrots, dice the onion and garlic cloves. Drain the black beans.

2. Heat olive oil over medium to high heat. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots and spices and sauce for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, coconut milk, vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer, reducing heat to medium low and stirring frequently while stew thickens. Cook for about 15-20. ( At this stage, I opted to throw in a generous handful of fresh spinach to bring in some greens) .When stew is thickened to your liking, remove from heat.

4. Serve hot ( I served with rice ). Optionally garnish with vegan yogurt, coconut cream and/or fresh herbs. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days.

Please let me know if you try this recipe and share your thoughts. Enjoy!!

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02/14/2024

Today, and every day, spread love and gratitude to others, but above all, love yourself! Happy Valentines Day!!❤️❤️❤️

02/08/2024

I love finding recipes that feed my body with clean foods, packed with nutrition and ones that also feed my soul. Cooking with ingredients that fill the house with amazing aromas is incredibly mood elevationing. Highly suggest this one!

Gorgeous to gaze at ✅
Tantalizing to the tastebuds✅
Hearty and healthy✅
Packed with protein✅

Can I just say, delicioso?!!!

“Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Pasta Soup”
Credit to

Recipe serves 3-4

1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
1 onion, finely chopped
Approximately 2 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
1 can or carton chickpeas
2 tbsp tomato purée ( tomato paste works as well)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 can chopped tomatoes
Pasta of your choice
600ml veg broth + 200ml veg broth
1 package silken tofu, blended smooth
3 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1-2 handfuls of organic baby spinach
1-2 tsp lemon juice

To serve (optional):
Chili flakes
Vegan pesto

Add the oil, onions and sun-dried tomatoes to a deep pan or pot and saute until soft. Add the garlic, oregano and chili and soften for a minute or two.

Add the tomato purée, balsamic vinegar and chickpeas and season well with salt and black pepper.

Stir over the heat for a minute or so and then add the chopped tomatoes and 600ml of stock. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, stirring now and again, until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.

Add the pasta and the remaining 200ml stock. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for a further 10-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir now and again to stop pasta sticking.

Stir in the creamy tofu and nutritional yeast and warm through. Season to taste and add the lemon juice to taste.
Just before serving, stir in the spinach.

Serve with crusty, lightly toasted sourdough bread.

01/24/2024

I saw this analogy and it made so much sense, so I’m sharing it with you 😊

A bottle of water at Costco is $0.25.

The same bottle in the supermarket is worth about $0.50.

The same bottle in a bar costs $2.

In a good restaurant or hotel it can be worth up to $3.

At an airport or on the plane, you may be charged $5.

The bottle and the brand is the same, the only thing that changes is the place. Each place gives a different value to the same product.

When you feel like you are worth nothing and everyone around you belittles you, change places, do not stay there.

Have the courage to change places and go to a place where you are given the value you deserve. Surround yourself with people who really appreciate your worth.

Don't settle for less.

12/31/2023

How many of you knew that cinnamon is considered a “superfood”? There’s a lot more to this incredible spice than just its sweet aroma, association with the holidays and its subtle, but oh so wonderful treat to the tastebuds. I add cinnamon as an unexpected addition to much of my food prep. It’s amazing in soups, stews, smoothies, baked goods and of course, in your morning coffee. Drop me a ❤️if you love cinnamon too.

https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/

12/31/2023

From my heart to yours, wishes for a wonderful new year!

12/19/2023

We are bombarded by so much information about what we should and shouldn’t eat because it’s not good for our health. One of the misnomers out there is that dark chocolate as a whole is much better for you than milk chocolate. Because I cannot eat dairy, I’ve always believed this to be true. The article I’ve linked here warns that all chocolate products most specifically, dark chocolate, can contain very high levels of heavy metals. It’s important to be a wise consumer and I learned that some of the brands I’d been consuming are now off my list. I hope you find this information helpful, too.

Find out which chocolate products have less lead and cadmium, based on Consumer Reports' tests of heavy metals in chocolate.

12/16/2023

How many of you have been searching for the perfect protein bar that actually tastes delicious and contains a whopping 18grams of protein? Stop looking and make your own. Although these did not photograph as the prettiest of my finished products, they were well worth the effort. These bars are organic, gluten free and filled with delicious and nutritious ingredients. See below for the complete recipe.

Dry ingredients:

-2 cups of rolled gluten free (sprouted if possible) oats
-1/2 C pumpkin seeds
-1/2 C h**p seeds
-1/4 C ground flax seed
- 1/2-1 C chopped nuts ( I used pistachio and walnuts, but any personal favorites can be used)
-3/4 C chopped dried fruits ( you can use any or a mix of cranberries, raisins, dates, figs, dried blueberries)
-1 tsp of Redmonds or pink Himalayan salt
-1 tsp cinnamon
-2-3 scoops organic unflavored protein powder

Wet ingredients:

-1/2 C almond/ cashew/ peanut/ sunflower butter ( or tahini for another nut free option)
-2 TBSP coconut oil
-1/2 C raw honey or maple syrup ( or date syrup)
-1 tsp Vanilla extract

Topping:
Melted dark chocolate, about 1/2-1 cup with 1 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

Mix together dry ingredients, add half to food processor and pulse until finely chopped up. Mix back in with the remainder of the dry ingredients.

Melt together wet ingredients. Mix well and then firmly press mixture into a 13 X 9 inch pan. Spread melted chocolate evenly and freeze well for at least one hour.

Remove and slice. Enjoy!!

Credit to

12/15/2023

As we are deep into the holiday season, and this year is coming to a wrap, what information would you like to see more of? Please comment the number from the list below and watch for some interesting and Illuminating posts coming your way.

1. Healthy eating tips for improved well-being
2. Longevity secrets for a fulfilling life
3. Natural anti-aging techniques
4. Nutritious recipes to try
5. Managing and reducing inflammation in the body
6. Weight loss strategies for those over 50
7. Motivational posts to shift mindset positively
8. Steps to set and achieve personal goals
9. Exploring and finding one's purpose
10. Breaking through life stagnation
11. Tips for overcoming sleep issues
12. Detoxifying body, environment, mind, and relationships
13. How to manage digestive issues
14. Living with autoimmune diseases

11/29/2023

The past is behind us and cannot be changed. The future is ahead and is uncertain but is yet in your power. The present is now and is a true gift.

11/21/2023