I have been obsessed with kale pesto lately. It has 4 of my top 5 spring into spring detox foods as ingredients and it goes with everything. Not to mention that everyone who tries it, asks me for the recipe.
Well, lately I have been having some trouble with dairy (even with enzymes) and have committed to cutting it out for a while to see what kind of results might come about. Unfortunately, it also means that I have to give up parmesan cheese, a key ingredient of the kale pesto that I have been so crazy about.
I am finding out that desperation can be an excellent catalyst for creativity. You'll find below a recipe for kale pesto substituting garbonzo beans and tahini for the parmesan. And, I gotta tell you, it tastes pretty darn good. I had it over gluten-free pasta with baby zuchini and broccoli. Plus it has tons of fiber and nutrition!
Try it and see what you think....
Non-dairy (vegan) kale pesto:
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can of garbonzo beans (chick peas)
1/4 cup cilantro - roughly chopped
1/4 cup parsley - roughly chopped
1 cup basil - roughly chopped
2 cups curly kale - roughly chopped
3 cloves of garlic - chopped
3 Tablespoons of tahini
4 Tablespoons of olive oil
3 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Celtic sea salt to taste
Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and process/blend until smooth.
Try it as a sandwich spread, over cooked whole grains or pasta, or as a dip for crackers and raw veggies!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Top Five 'Spring' into Spring Detox Foods
Feeling a bit out of balance this season?
If you have yet to shed your winter coat (excess lbs), are lacking your normal energetic spark, or are just feeling plain out of sorts, it may mean that your liver is overburdened. To do its job efficiently your liver might need a little extra support from you.
Do not worry though, giving your liver that support is easier than you think. Simply cleaning up your diet and incorporating foods that boost your body's natural detoxification process can do wonders for your liver's ability to clear toxins from your body and get rid of fat.
My top five spring into spring detox foods are well known for their ability to:
1.) Green Leafy Vegetables
These 'super' veggies are packed with the vitamins A, E, C and K and the minerals magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and iron. Green leafy vegetables provide many of the essential nutrients that support a healthy liver and, thus, fuel the body's natural detoxification process.
Green leafy vegetables are not only nutrient dense, but they are rich in chlorophyll, which is known for its blood purifying qualities. Greens also aid in strengthening the immune system, fighting depression, improving circulation, and keeping the skin clear and blemish-free.
Some of my favorite spring green leafy veggies include:
2.) Citrus Fruits: lemons, limes, and grapefruit
Citrus fruits, especially lemons, are excellent detoxifiers. Lemons are astringent, high in vitamin C and potassium, and are particularly effective in getting the body to release toxins.
Upon rising each morning, I start my day out with the juice of half an organic lemon in a 12 oz. glass of warm water. It gets things moving, and by 'things' I mean my bowels, and keeps my coffee habit in check. Yes, I enjoy a cup of Joe in the morning, but drinking the warm lemon water beforehand naturally gives me a boost and reduces my caffeine cravings.
3.) Fresh Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices, referred to by some as nature medicine cabinet, are known for their powerful healing abilities.
4.) Extra Virgin (first cold-pressed) Olive Oil is not only a healthy source of fat, but is also a liver tonic and promotes healthy intestinal function. Healthy fat is essential to liver health, detoxification, and weight loss.
Don't cook this high quality oil, but enjoy it raw mixed into salad dressings, sauces, or by itself drizzled over delicious spring veggies like artichokes, greens, or asparagus!
5.) Daikon Radish is a major fat burner and helps to clear out congestion that results from over indulgence in unhealthy fats, sugars, and overly processed foods.
Hope this helps in your journey to become a healthier you!
Sources:
Wood, Rebecca, The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York, Penguin Books, 1999.
Haas, Elson, Staying Healthy with the Seasons. Berkley/Toronto, Celestial Arts, 2003.
If you have yet to shed your winter coat (excess lbs), are lacking your normal energetic spark, or are just feeling plain out of sorts, it may mean that your liver is overburdened. To do its job efficiently your liver might need a little extra support from you.
Do not worry though, giving your liver that support is easier than you think. Simply cleaning up your diet and incorporating foods that boost your body's natural detoxification process can do wonders for your liver's ability to clear toxins from your body and get rid of fat.
My top five spring into spring detox foods are well known for their ability to:
- Nourish the liver
- Support the body's natural detox process
- Flush out toxins and fat
1.) Green Leafy Vegetables
These 'super' veggies are packed with the vitamins A, E, C and K and the minerals magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and iron. Green leafy vegetables provide many of the essential nutrients that support a healthy liver and, thus, fuel the body's natural detoxification process.
Green leafy vegetables are not only nutrient dense, but they are rich in chlorophyll, which is known for its blood purifying qualities. Greens also aid in strengthening the immune system, fighting depression, improving circulation, and keeping the skin clear and blemish-free.
Some of my favorite spring green leafy veggies include:
- Watercress
- Dandelion greens
- Arugula
- Kale
- Collards
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
Try to incorporate as many different kinds of greens into your diet to get the full range of benefits that they offer -- 3-4 cups daily if possible. Add them to your soups, salads, smoothies, and juices. You can even enjoy them with eggs in the morning or in the afternoon on a sandwich.
2.) Citrus Fruits: lemons, limes, and grapefruit
Citrus fruits, especially lemons, are excellent detoxifiers. Lemons are astringent, high in vitamin C and potassium, and are particularly effective in getting the body to release toxins.
Upon rising each morning, I start my day out with the juice of half an organic lemon in a 12 oz. glass of warm water. It gets things moving, and by 'things' I mean my bowels, and keeps my coffee habit in check. Yes, I enjoy a cup of Joe in the morning, but drinking the warm lemon water beforehand naturally gives me a boost and reduces my caffeine cravings.
3.) Fresh Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices, referred to by some as nature medicine cabinet, are known for their powerful healing abilities.
- Cilantro is a chelator, which means it binds to heavy metals like mercury and aids in eliminating them from the body.
- Cayenne Pepper clears the blood, aids in the elimination of toxins, and increases circulation.
- Tumeric has been proven for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-cancerous, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also purifies the blood, increases circulation, and stimulates the liver.
- Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying food.
- Cinnamon increases circulation, decreases cholesterol in the blood, and possesses antimicrobial qualities.
- Parsley promotes kidney function and urinary tract health. It is high in iron and is rich in the blood purifying pigment, chlorophyll.
4.) Extra Virgin (first cold-pressed) Olive Oil is not only a healthy source of fat, but is also a liver tonic and promotes healthy intestinal function. Healthy fat is essential to liver health, detoxification, and weight loss.
Don't cook this high quality oil, but enjoy it raw mixed into salad dressings, sauces, or by itself drizzled over delicious spring veggies like artichokes, greens, or asparagus!
5.) Daikon Radish is a major fat burner and helps to clear out congestion that results from over indulgence in unhealthy fats, sugars, and overly processed foods.
Hope this helps in your journey to become a healthier you!
Sources:
Wood, Rebecca, The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia. New York, Penguin Books, 1999.
Haas, Elson, Staying Healthy with the Seasons. Berkley/Toronto, Celestial Arts, 2003.
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