Detoxing Smoothie to Fight Inflammation

Not everyone is a fan of green juice or smoothies.  I am!  My husband...not so much.  He prefers his greens in a salad (unless I can disguise them in a berry or banana smoothie)

I am really enjoying trying new recipes lately on my quest to fight inflammation.  If you do a bit of research, inflammation can cause disease and damages your body.  If you're looking for an anti-aging, healthier way to live...Fight inflammation!!!

Detox Energy Elixer

I love celery!!!

adapted from Healing Gourmet

Ingredients

2 medium organic cucumbers, peeled

4 slice(s) organic ginger (about 1/4" thick each)

1 whole organic lemon, juiced

1/2 cup(s) organic parsley

1 whole (2" diam) organic beet

8 stalk(s) organic celery 

Preparation
Add all ingredients to a juicer to express. 
Chill juice if desired, and serve. 

*I modified this recipe to make a smoothie*

I used 1/4 of the ingredients, added everything to the blender with 1-2 cups of cold water.  You can make it creamier with 1/2 cup organic yogurt.

Check out how I'm getting in Bikini Shape!

It Works! I Love It!

Check out this super short video!

"Slim down with Mary" check out my link:

https://slimdownwithmary.myitworks.com/Home

Does it get any better than that?  It's simple and easy to use!

The It Works! Wrap will help you tighten tone and firm in as little as 45 minutes! Trust me THIS is as close to magic as it gets.

I finished my second wrap 2 days ago and I'll share my results after my 3 days are up.  I'll just say that I'm excited so far!

Want to build a business with It Works! Global?  
I can help!  Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com or use the contact page in the link above. 

Helpful links:
Earning Income from Home: It Works! 
My It Works!

Earning Income from Home: It Works!

Hey there and Happy Tuesday!!!  I'm in a super fab mood today because I have amazing news to share.

I just joined this awesome company called It Works! Global

Wrap Pack-4 applications

I decided to try the products since my friend kept bragging about them.  
Their signature product is the It Works Wrap.  It takes just 45 minutes.

 

After finishing my second wrap I thought..."I gotta get involved in this!"  Then I thought... "I gotta share this!"  Obviously everyone is different and results may vary but I noticed results after my first wrap!!

Here's a link: https://slimdownwithmary.myitworks.com/Home

You might be interested in trying some of their products.  They offer facials products to tone and firm up your skin, weight loss support, detox supplements, menopausal support and wellness supplements. 

(I'm even going to get my husband wrap with me!) 

Greens!

You can purchase the products for personal use or become a distributor and host parties to earn income.  Either way, there are some fantastic rewards!!!

If you want more info let me know.  Super excited about the inches lost plus the firmer skin!

Email:  mari_backtonature@yahoo.com 

I'll be posting my results on my blog (maybe next week).  Hope you had a great weekend!

Cleansing Salad recipe to fight Inflammation

This is my first recipe I'm sharing specifically to fight Inflammation.  If you missed my last post,
Foods to Fight Inflammation, you really should go back and read it!
Welcome to Meatless on Monday #24!

We love brussels sprouts!

Cleansing Crucifer Salad
adapted from Healing Gourmet

Ingredients
1 cup(s) organic broccoli, finely chopped
4 Tbsp(s) fresh organic lemon juice
1 cup(s), chopped organic red cabbage
8 whole organic Brussels sprouts, finely sliced
1 Tbsp(s) raw organic extra virgin coconut oil
Optional:  semi-chopped walnuts, chopped red pepper, shredded carrots

Fantastic coconut oil.  It's non-gmo!!!

Preparation
Mix lemon juice and coconut oil in a small bowl.
Combine sliced Brussels sprouts with chopped red cabbage. Place on serving dishes.
Top with finely chopped broccoli. *Add optional ingredients*
Drizzle with lemon/coconut oil.
Serve. 

**Serve with a small piece of poached salmon to really fight inflammation**

If you're looking for a stronger, natural inflammation fight, check out the Herbal Kits at Mary's Basics.  You can make you own tincture in as little as 3-6 weeks.

I'm happily linking up HERE. 

Foods to fight Inflammation

I recently helped my husband put together a newsletter for his patients on Therapeutic Modalities to speed up the healing process as well as foods to fight inflammation.  Inflammation is a huge factor when you are dealing with pain.  Since we are a wellness-based Chiropractic clinic, we encourage natural ways to fight inflammation and increase mobility.

Basil infused Olive Oil

At the moment I am working on a few recipes to help fight inflammation.  One I have already shared is Earth Day Basil Pesto.  Basil, Garlic, Walnuts and Olive Oil are all inflammation fighting foods!!!

First I'll start with Herbs: (click the links for more healthy benefit info)
Chamomile
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Tumeric
Ginger

And now for a few more Inflammation fighting foods:
Dark leafy veggies 
(ex: spinach, brussels sprouts and broccoli)

source

Citrus fruits
Berries
Carrots
Peppers (Cayenne is great!)
Sweet potatoes
High-fiber foods (ex: legumes and whole grains)
Olive oil
Walnuts
Garlic
Oily fish (Ex: salmon, anchovies and mackerel)   

These are not the only inflammation fighting foods but it's a good start.  If you'd like to get the most out of your herbs, check out the Herbal Home Remedy recipes.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats such as fried foods and foods with a lot of sugar.  Both of these types of food have shown to increase inflammation.

Stay tuned for a few more Healthy Recipes to fight Inflammation!  

Check out the parties I link up to HERE.

Simple Cheese "bread" with fresh Basil Meatless on Monday

Welcome to Meatless On Monday #23!
We loved this recipe!!  It can be made using homemade  
Herb Bread or a whole wheat pita.  In the pictures I used a pita.  Add a salad and you're all set!

Cheese "Bread" with Fresh Basil

Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, optional
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
fresh Basil
2 whole wheat pitas
Optional: crushed garlic, sliced tomatoes

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.

In a bowl mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian herbs and 1/4 cup shredded mozarrella cheese.

Spread mixture over pita.  Top with remaining mozzarrella and then fresh Basil.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until slightly brown or bubbly.  Pita should be somewhat crispy.

I ran out of mozzarella cheese so this one had cheddar/jack mixture.

Linking up HERE.

DIY Herbal "Love Potion"

Happy Friday!  Hope you have a super V-day yesterday.  
I'm not really into the "holiday" so it was just another work day for us. 

I thought I would keep up the herbal remedies coming with a bit of a twist.  
Did you get a chance to check out the new Herbal Kits at Mary's Basics?  
I just added 2 more!!!

I found this information from Whole Living.  First I'll share the recipe and then the "why."

Homemade Herbal Love Potion Tincture

2 ounces damiana leaf
1 tablespoons schizandra berries
1 generous pinch of organic rose petals
4 cups organic brandy of your choice

Combine herbs in a quart-size Ball jar.  Add your brandy of choice, making sure that the ingredients are covered completely.  Let the herbs steep in a dark place for at least one week or up to a month.

(I usually let sit for 6 weeks but I'll try 4) 

Shake regularly while envisioning your heart overflowing with love, or cast your spell of choice on a long-time crush.  Strain out the herbs and compost them.

Damiana is a favorite from Central America with a long history of use.  Damiana helps ease sexual anxiety and soothes the nervous system, helping to create a relaxed and calm mood while stimulating the mind and energizing the body.

Maca is one of the most “in-style” aphrodisiac herbs these days.  Maca root can enhance libido and stamina while improving the quality and motility of sperm.  It can be helpful in cases of infertility or for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. A great ally to help build sexual health and vitality over time.

Rose: You just have to tuck your nose into a fresh rose to feel its aphrodisiac powers! I use rose in my herbal formulas for its ability to heal and open the heart, and it looks pretty too.  Always use organic roses – conventional roses are heavily treated with chemicals—not very romantic!

Schizandra: Tasting a schizandra berry is an experience in itself!  The berries have an intense and complicated flavor.  Schizandra is a superior adaptogen herb that helps the body deal with stress while building stamina, energy and endurance.   Taken over time it can help people suffering from low libido and general anxiety.

I found all of this wonderful info at Whole Living.  Enjoy!
Make your own tinctures with Mary's Herbal Kits.

Disclaimer:  Not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history. 

Linking up HERE.

Herbal Home Remedies

Does it seem like I've been slacking in the recipe department lately? Yes...Maybe?

I've actually been busy posting recipes over at Back to the Basics!  Since this is a recipe blog I thought I'd share them with you as well.  They've been quite popular and I'm working on a few more.

The first is Chamomile Tincture.  
You might was to read 
"What is a Tincture?" Explained before you get started.  You can buy "Herbal Kits" at Mary's Basics.  They include everything but the menstruum (liquid base)!!!

Making a tincture is like making Vanilla Extract.  The BIG difference is that you MUST research the herb before using/consuming.

To make your tincture you'll need:
Glass jar *Re-use a pasta sauce jar*
1 cup Dried whole-flower Chamomile
2 cups Vodka
1 cup boiling water

I chose to use dried herbs because I have them on hand.  Because I am using dried herbs I do not need to use 100 proof alcohol and I skipped the water.  There are tons of recipes out there.  When I use fresh herbs I'll use Everclear instead of vodka.
I used organic, whole-flower Chamomile from Mary's Basics in the Organic Tea section.
Or you can just buy the Chamomile Tincture Kit. 

Directions:
Make sure your jar is clean.  Place the herbs in the jar and Add vodka (and water). Cover tightly with a lid.

Shake or agitate once a week.  Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks.
Strain out herbs and place in a clean jar.

Dosage for Adults: approx 1 teaspoon 1-3 times per day as needed.  Not for long-term use.
**Chamomile is contraindicated during pregnancy**

Next, try the Fresh Basil Tincture (love it!):
Fresh Basil Tincture  

Day 1

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh Basil, chopped

2 cups Everclear

Directions

Place the herbs in your jar and cover with Everclear.  Shake every other day (or every day)  **Label your jar**

Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks, strain out herbs and place in a darker jar or leave in a dark place (cabinet).

Dosage for Adults: 1 - 2 ml, two times daily

*Because I used alcohol as the solvent and I'll keep the finished tincture in an amber bottle, this herbal remedy should last indefinitely.  I could pass it on to the next generation but we'll use it up before then!

Day 10

Disclaimer: Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Stay tuned for more Harvest Recipes!
Linking up HERE.

Black Bean Quinoa Patties Meatless #22

For a while now we have been trying to completely eliminate red meat from our meals.  *For several reasons*  It's not that we don't like the taste but it is high in fat and can be expensive.  More importantly, commercially-raise beef takes quite a bit of resources (chemicals, water, feed) to produce a single "cut."  Not to mention the inhumane treatment of commercially-raised meat.

I keep referring to "commercially-raised.'  Those who raise their own to feed their families or like South Pork  Ranch are in a completely different category.

Black beans and quinoa are both low in fat and high in protein.  Together they create a complete protein and add plenty of fiber for a healthy, well-rounded meal.  My husband's response, "It taste like a real burger!"  He asked for seconds!

Black Bean Quinoa Patties

adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients
1/4 cup quinoa
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced yellow bell peppers 
*I omited*
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*or 1 clove minced*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt *I omited*
1 teaspoon hot sauce
*I used 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead*
1 egg
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.  

Roughly mash the black beans with a fork leaving some whole black beans in a paste-like mixture. 

Mix the quinoa, bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, hot pepper sauce, and egg into the black beans using your hands.

Form the black bean mixture into 5 patties.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. 

Serve as patties or on a bun like a "burger."

These were so easy to make that I've decided to make a triple batch and freeze for future meals.  They were a HUGE hit!

Protein Shake for Breakfast

Good morning!  Just dropping by to share what I had for breakfast.  You might cringe at the thought of adding lettuce or spinach to your shake.  Don't.  Because I used an entire banana and blueberries, I don't even taste the lettuce.

Breakfast Protein Shake

Ingredients
1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup fat-free, organic vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 cup lettuce (or 1 cup spinach)
*Use a dark lettuce, not iceburg*
1 cup water
1 tablespoon flax seed, optional
1 scoop protein powder, optional
Ice

Directions:
Add all of the ingredients except for the ice in the blender.  Blend thoroughly (1-2 mins.)

Add Ice and blend.  Serve immediately!  

I haven't forgotten about you!

It's true!  I have been cooking/baking and taking pictures so I've got quite the backlog of recipes.

BUT...If you've stopped by Back to the Basics lately, you know that I have a series of Herbal Remedy recipes: Cayenne Tincture, Homemade Chamomile, Fresh Basil Tincture, Allergy Tincture  and Feverfew Tincture that have been taking up quite a bit of my time.

AND...There is a HUGE seed sale extravaganza going on at 
Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
For only 4 days (feb 4th-8th), select seed packs are on sale for only $0.99...YES, 99 cents!  
Varieties include:
Whiteglobe Purple-Top Turnips, Crenshaw Melon,
Self-blanching Cauliflower, 
Tom Thumb Lettuce, 
Beefsteak Tomato and 
Extra Dwarf Pak Choy.

Details for the .99 cent seed sale:

-Order minimum is $6  (regular and sale varieties. excludes sprouts)
-No order max and Shipping is free

AND, the "RED" variety seed sale is still going strong through February 14th.  Get it...RED for Valentine's Day!  RED varieties include Detroit Dark Red Beet, Radicchio, Cal Wonder Bell Pepper, French Breakfast Radish, Swiss Chard, Ace 55 and Roma Tomatoes. 
*Forgot to add: Orders over $35 will include and extra FREE seed pack of Pink Oxheart Tomatoes*  

Please bear with me!  I've been cooking with fresh Basil lately and I've got plenty of recipes to share.  For now, enjoy my favorite protein shake.

Blueberry Mango Smoothie

Ingredients

1 tablespoon chia seeds (or flax seeds)

1/2 cup vanilla or plain yogurt

1/2 cup mango juice

1/4 cup fresh blueberries

1/4 cup fresh mango chunks

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1/c cup spinach

*I add 2 scoops of SP complete powder which is a whole food protein powder with veggies included* It also comes Dairy-free 
 

Directions

Add all of the ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth.   Add ice and blend until smooth.  Serve.  It might be easier if you blended your chia or flax seeds in a food processor first but that just makes more to clean up.