Low-Glycemic Blue Bliss Smoothie

Lyme disease isn't something to fool around with.  It's a pretty scary disease, especially since it mimics many other diseases and can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years - all the while penetrating the body's tissues deeper and deeper.  It took 2 years to figure out why I was having all these weird  - what seemed like unrelated - symptoms.  I went from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist who could not figure out what the heck was going on with me.  The only thing the blood tests showed was that I had a lot of inflammation in my body and that I was anemic.  I can't tell you how many hours I spent in doctors waiting rooms only to get the same response  - 'I don't know, maybe you are depressed.'  Well, I knew I wasn't depressed because I'd been there and done that and this wasn't what was going on.  If the tests can't diagnose it, it must be in my head, right?! Grrr...  I was frustrated, terrified, and felt terribly alone.  I knew something wasn't right in my body, but no one else could see it or help me figure it out.

I eventually found two doctors (persistence prevails!) that recognized what was going on with me and said they would treat me.  Finally!  As part of the treatment protocol, I was encouraged to give up all sugar and flours (even gluten-free flours) and limit my intake of sweet fruit and whole grains.

Now, I had eaten pretty healthy before.  I ate a predominantly whole foods diet, moved my body regularly, and had adopted self-awareness practices that had helped me to get over my long-term struggle with depression, yo-yo dieting addiction, and body image issues.

But, I had no idea how much sugar, flour (even the whole grain, gluten-free, healthy flours), and other 'healthy' foods were exacerbating my Lyme symptoms and hampering my immune system's ability to fight this disease.  I also had no idea how much these foods contributed to my digestive dysfunction (painful gas, bloat, and constipation), joint pain, skin break outs, brain fog, and weight fluctuations - until I let it go....

Two words sum it up as far as what I experienced after eliminating sugar and flours:

 'Relief' and 'Freedom'

When I gave up sugar my body began to heal.

I got my energy back and regained mental clarity.  My joint pain decreased, my weight stabilized, my skin breakouts decreased in severity and frequency, and my Lyme symptoms went from near debilitating to minor annoyances.

I am sharing my story with you because I feel that everyone should know that they, too, can experience major relief and freedom from their debilitating symptoms regardless of the condition - whether it's chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, infertility, or acne - simply by eliminating (or greatly reducing) sugar and processed foods AND figuring out the foods that are triggering an inflammatory response in the body.

By taking these foods out of the diet, the digestive system has a chance to heal and all the systems and organs of the body are provided the opportunity to reestablish balance and function efficiently - including the immune system.

On top that you look and feel amazing!  For real.  You don't know how good you feel until you experience it.

But, I also know that giving up sugar is really really hard - especially since it's eight times more addictive than cocaine!  Whoa!

But, it is totally possible.  All you need is a plan, support, and a little accountability.

My 21-day 'Ditch the Sugar' DETOX is designed to help guide you step-by step to eliminate sugar and processed foods while adopting a healing and nourishing whole foods diet.  It is also based on the elimination diet so it provides you the opportunity to figure out the foods that fuel you and the foods that wreak havoc on your health.  I provide daily guidance, a step-by-step plan, recipes and accountability over the course of 21 days so that you can let go of sugar and support the healing of your body.  I call this program a detox, but it is really a sensible, whole foods, clean-eating program.

It is NOT a cleanse or a deprivation diet.  This program is meant to help you get the sugar out, transition to a predominantly whole foods diet, and figure out the EXACT foods that nourish your body and the ones that don't.

If any of this resonates with you, please check out my 'Ditch the Sugar' Detox at: http://www.tealstamm.com/ditch-the-sugar-detox or email me at teal@tealstable.com.

If you register before October 10th, you get 25% off the program and get a bonus 30-minute 1:1 session where we tailor the detox to meet your unique health needs and goals.

Here is a little taste of what you'll be getting if you sign up for the DETOX:

Blue Bliss Smoothie Recipe
(serves 2)

1 1/2 cups almond milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 ripe avocado
1 cup blueberries
small handful of strawberries
1 ounce gogi berries (optional)
2 tablespoons of flax seeds (If you don't have a high speed blender - ground the flax seeds in a coffee grinder first)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
dash of sea salt

Would you like more delicious smoothie recipes at your fingertips?  Click HERE to receive my FREE Smoothie Challenge e-book which contains 17 delicious and healthy smoothie recipes!

Love and Light!

XO,
Teal

Mom's Granola

I love finding old recipes stuffed into books!  It's almost better than finding money in a pair of pants you haven't worn for months.
Here is a lovely granola recipe my mother gave me years ago.  She always makes the best darn granola!
Of course I tweaked the recipe a bit - because I never can just follow a recipe...

Mom's Granola Recipe (slightly adjusted)

5 cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup coconut oil
1-2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of cinnamon (or to taste)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Combine oats, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon in large bowl and set aside.  Melt the coconut oil on low heat.  Add the vanilla extract and salt to the melted coconut oil and stir.  Pour the oil/vanilla/salt combination over the oats and seed mixture and mix thoroughly until all of the seeds and oats are well-coated.  Pour into a cast iron pan or baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes checking and stirring every 7-10 minutes.  After 20 minutes, stir again and then add the shredded coconut to the granola by sprinkling a thin layer evenly over the top (this allows the coconut to toast).  Bake for an additional 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven, add the raisins (or dried fruit of your choice) and cool.

Avoid Colds this Season with these Immune Boosting Foods!

It is almost fall which means now is the time to start thinking about IMMUNE SUPPORT!

In order to avoid those nasty colds and viruses that seem to wreak havoc on our communities this time of year, we want to be thinking about foods and lifestyle behaviors that support a healthy immune system.

Why do we get sick in the fall?  Autumn is the time of year when we come into contact with more people and more germs (back to school, anyone?) and our stress levels amp up with our increased involvement in projects and preparation for the holidays. That's why it is so important to shift our attention and love to our immune system.

Foods that Support a Healthy Immune System

Supporting the immune system, means supporting the digestive system.  To boost immunity, support digestive health by:

1.) Taking a probiotic supplement every day

2.) Eating PRObiotic foods that contain beneficial bacteria that support the health of our intestinal flora and healthy intestinal flora is crucial for a healthy immune system. Eat more cultured foods and drinks like: 

• sauerkraut
• kimchi
• coconut water kefir
• miso
• yogurt

3.) Incorporating PREbiotic foods into your daily diet. What are prebiotic foods? Foods that contain a plant fiber that feeds and nourishes the beneficial intestinal flora.
Prebiotic foods are:

• raw and cooked onions
• raw leeks 
• raw garlic
• raw asparagus
• raw chicory root
• bananas - unless you have a history of candida
• jerusalem artichokes 
• dandelion greens

4.) Including foods that are known for their immune boosting properties:

• mushrooms 
• green leafy veggies
• berries - blueberries, raspberries, and gogi berries are my 3 favorite!
• chaga mushroom tea
• onions and garlic
• green tea
• turmeric (curry baby, curry!)

In addition to adding these immune boosting foods, try to avoid sugar (a major immune suppressor) and processed foods as much as possible!

Love to all your immune systems!

Supporting the Liver with Vegetable Juice

Feeling in need of some liver support! Juice time, baby!

I ate a heavy dinner late last night (right before bed), and guess what happened? I woke up at 2:30 in the morning - hot and anxious. No surprise here!

This is what happens when the liver is stressed. This happens to me when I have a few too many glasses of wine as well. Can you relate?

It is a sign that the liver is having a hard time processing something that has been taken in to the body - food, drink, environmental toxins...

According to Chinese Medicine, each organ or organ meridian is active during a specific two hour period of each 24 hour cycle. The liver meridian is most active between 1AM and 3AM. If this meridian is excessively active (working hard to digest a heavy late night meal or too many glasses of wine) it will manifest as symptoms during this period of time - hence waking up at 2:30, sweating and anxious.

It is also a good reminder to eat no more than 3 hours before hitting the hay. Snooze time is when our body detoxifies and repairs tissues. If we eat shortly before bedtime, our body has to contend with digesting a meal as opposed to detoxifying and regenerating.

Liver Loving Juice

So, in this morning's juice I will be sure to include lots of liver supporting veggies - my favorite being THE BEET!

• BEETS support phase 2 liver detoxification - super important for processing the toxins that we take in from our food, drink, and the environment - if this pathway is working well you will produce sufficient bile - helps the processing of cholesterol and fats! Plus they are so pretty and in season!
• Cabbage is great for stomach issues - like ulcers - and is great for soothing the digestive system. 
• Spinach, parsley, and Swiss chard are rich sources of chlorophyll, minerals and antioxidants
• Lime is alkalizing, high in Vitamin C, aids in digestion by stimulating digestive juices, bile and acids (and makes everything yummy)
• Celery is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants

I love my body because it talks to me and tells me what it needs! Warm water with lemon between meals for the rest of the day. Let's see if I sleep better tonight. XO

Smoothie Revolution!

If you've been reading my blog posts or following me on Facebook you may have noticed that I am a little obsessed with smoothies, green smoothies to be specific.

Why is that?

Because they are so darn good for you - not to mention a fast, easy, and delicious way to get supercharged with nutrition for the day!

Smoothies are:

• Chock full of vitamins
• Easy to digest, which means optimal assimilation of the NUTRIENTS YOU NEED
• Great for stabilizing blood sugar (each smoothie should include a healthy fat, and fat is KEY for blood sugar stabilization)
• A fabulous way to consume a variety of different fruits or vegetables at one time
• Terrific for cleansing the body of toxicity
• An easy way to add more fiber to your diet for optimal bowel function

When you add a handful of greens to your smoothie, you can add and extra dose of nutrition in every serving!

Here are some of my favorite greens to add to smoothies:

• Kale
• Swiss chard
• Mint
• Parsley
• Celery
• Romaine Lettuce
• Spinach
• Dandelion Greens

Want to jump on the green smoothie bandwagon and get your smoothie on?  

RECIPE: Try this Green Thunder Smoothie with a Dash of Sunshine!

2 organic kiwi fruit, peeled & chopped

1 large organic mango, peeled and chopped

2 cups raw, organic spinach

1 cup coconut water

1 cup hemp or almond milk

Ice (optional)

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!


To encourage you to make smoothies a part of your daily routine so that you, too, can experience a boost in energy levels, better bowel flow, and decreased inflammation, I am gifting you my FREE 7-day Smoothie Challenge e-book!

This FREE 7-Day Smoothie Guide includes:

• Nutrition benefits of making smoothies a part of your daily routine
• The down-low on blending and choosing a blender
• A basic breakdown of smoothie-making so that you can create your own
• The best part - 17 delicious smoothie recipes!

Click here to access your FREE 7-Day Smoothie Challenge e-book!!!

Start blending and start having fun!

Big Hugs,

Teal Stamm

Cocomilk Ice Cubes

Try this kid-friendly, dairy-free summer dessert!!!

1 can organic coconut milk
4 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut (opt.)
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
pinch of sea salt
1 ice cube tray
Place all ingredients in a blender, except for the shredded coconut, and blend for 20 seconds. Mix in the shredded coconut by hand.
Pour mixture into an ice cube tray. Place the tray into the freezer for several hours until frozen.
*You can use your coconut ice cubes in smoothies or, as I like to do, eat them like ice pops by themselves. : )

Green Goddess Smoothie

Don't be fooled by the green color (or the manic expression on my face)!  This smoothie is so delicious and, of course, good for the 'bod', too.

What's in it?
Coconut water replenishes minerals and electrolytes lost through sweating
Spinach is a wonderful source of chlorophyll and iron, important for healthy blood
Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber
Coconut oil is a healthy fat source that supports adrenal function and fat metabolism
Hemp seeds are an excellent vegetarian source of Omegas 3's and protein

Recipe:

(serves 1)

1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 small frozen banana 
3/4 cup of spinach
2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or hemp protein powder
1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil
dash of cinnamon
a pinch of Celtic sea salt

And a happy hot day to you!