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Health-Related Articles & Recipes

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Paleo Zucchini Bread (Gluten-Free)

Who knew Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free & Dairy-Free could look so good???

When you’re trying to maintain a diet that is strictly Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Sugar-free, the mere mention of an acceptable bread recipe sounds ridiculous. I certainly wasn’t convinced that something like this actually existed! Well, I was wrong…

After lots of searching, I eventually came across this recipe by Erin Lives Whole for Paleo Zucchini Bread.

Although Erin’s original recipe is fantastic and I recommend checking it out (links can be found above for both the blog and the recipe), I made a few changes of my own to adjust the ingredients a bit so that the flavor of the cinnamon is accentuated. You can find my personal changes written below along with my baking instructions.

Not only is this recipe is a fantastic snack for those mid-meal munchies, but it also provides the perfect amount of healthy carbohydrates and fats to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels all day long. Healthy blood sugar levels for me means decreased seizure activity so this recipe has been an excellent find for both my brain and my tummy. It’s a Win-Win no matter which version of the recipe you try! The Seize the Day Blog version can be found below.

Bon Appétit!

Simple & Healthy Ingredients!

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Zucchini Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 1 Loaf or 12 muffins

Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup Almond Flour
  • 2 T Coconut Flour
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
  • 1/3 cup Honey
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1 cup Zucchini, grated
  • Ghee, for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare loaf pan with coconut oil or ghee (a fantastic dairy-free option and my preferred method, it is much less messy than the coconut oil).
  2. Combine all dry ingredients into a small bowl & mix using a fork. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that you do not have any baking soda chunks in your bread batter. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk 4 eggs until combined and smooth.
  4. Add coconut oil, honey, and vanilla to eggs. Whisk until combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
  6. Squeeze dry your grated zucchini and fold into your batter.
  7. Pour into loaf pan (or cupcake pan, this method is especially fun for those of you with kids). If you want to add an extra crunch to the texture of your bread or muffins, add chopped walnuts to the top of your unbaked batter.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil and another 10-15 minutes without foil.
  9. If you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean, your Zucchini Bread is ready to be taken out.
  10. Let cool completely before serving.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2019/02/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-paleo-zucchini-bread-gluten-free/

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Game Day Nachos

Perfect for any game day, especially Super Bowl Sunday!

One of my favorite meals whilst being on a gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet has been these nachos. I’m already a huge fan of Mexican-style food, in general, so as soon as I found Late July’s Restaurant Style (gluten-free) Tortilla Chips it has been my personal priority to keep my pantry fully stocked.

Long story short, these chips taste great and they’re good for you! In fact, this entire meal is nothing but healthy for your whole body. They feel more like a cheat-product every time I eat them because they’re so yummy, but they’re gluten-free and Organic. My recommended recipe to try with this “Diamond in the Rough” product is Nachos. And not just any nachos, but Game Day Nachos! It is Super Bowl Sunday here in the United States, after all!

So, can you make nachos without gluten and dairy? My answer is YES! You can make bomb nachos without cheese! Beware of the skepticism you may face from the critics in your home, I faced a little myself. However, I let the nachos do the talking’ and now my original critics are huge fans too!

I like to begin with a layer of corn chips (amount of chips depends on the person). Next, add a layer of pinto, black, or refried beans (it’s your choice, all 3 are excellent). Now at this point, I’m always tempted to sprinkle a little cheese on top of my beans, but stay strong because I promise these Nachos will still taste amazing. Place a generous amount of meat on top (since you’re skipping the cheese you might as well over indulge where the meat is concerned to ensure a healthy source of protein).

I like to alternate between grilled chicken w/ garlic salt and this Crock-Pot Chicken recipe I discovered on Pinterest. Steak is another great options, just try to stick to Mexican-infused flavors. The Crock-Pot Chicken recipe I like to use is more of a shredded-chicken style of meat so if you’re a fan of the shredded chicken above the chopped grilled chicken or steak than I would definitely go with this recipe. You can find the link above.

After the meat, I squeeze a quarter slice of lime evenly around the entire plater and top generously with guacamole. For a spicier plate of nachos, add additional jalapeños on top of your guacamole to taste. I recommend being generous when it comes to the guacamole because my guacamole recipe also includes cilantro, tomatoes, lime, and jalapeños so it is going to add a lot of complimentary flavors to your nachos. Add some salsa and you’ve got yourself some gluten-free Game Day Nachos! I like to add an extra squirt of lime before serving…or in my case, Devouring!

Bon Appétit

 

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Game Day Nachos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • Late July Corn Chips
  • Pinto, Black, or Refried Beans
  • Chicken or Steak
  • Jalapeños
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa

Instructions

  1. Just take it one layer at a time, or one ingredient at a time, and stack one after the other until you have your desired final product. Save the salsa and guacamole for last so that you can top your nachos in burst of extra flavor.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2019/02/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-game-day-nachos/

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Super Simple Blender Salsa

Those are some fine looking ingredients!!!

Salsa and chips are an incredible gluten-free snack and by far my favorite! However, it can be difficult finding that one recipe that gives you amazing flavor and the perfect texture. I prefer it a little on the chunky side, but if you’d like a smoother texture, just blend for a little longer. I love this recipe not only because it tastes amazing, but also because it is SO simple! You cut up all ingredients as directed, put them all into the blender and Blend, Blend, Blend!

“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Super Simple Blender Salsa

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 whole tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 small jalapeño peppers, seeds removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled & sliced
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 2 T lime juice

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into blender and blend for 15 - 20 seconds for a chunkier texture and 30 - 45 seconds for a more smooth texture.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2019/02/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-super-simple-blender-salsa/

Bon Appétit!

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

Well-balanced & Delicious…Exactly how Breakfast should be!

I’ve never been a huge fan of banana flavored foods, but these pancakes are drool worthy! I’m currently on a Paleo style of diet that is also Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Sugar-free. So, when it comes to satisfying my sweet tooth the options are few and far between. 

That being said, these pancakes are the perfect solution AND they’re incredibly healthy for you! With only 6 ingredients total, they are quick, easy, and delicious! 

As far as toppings are concerned, I prefer to stick with the classic Maple Syrup, but Honey makes an excellent alternative, as well! 

Or, if you’d like to skip sugar alternatives completely, you can also enjoy these pancakes topped with strawberries and blueberries. 

I used Organic Ghee as my butter substitute and I have to say that the texture and flavor of the pancakes turned out even better! So, for those of you wanting to break away from the “norm” in your day-to-day routine, I highly recommend trying this recipe! 

These pancakes will not disappoint to satisfy both your need for spontaneity and your sweet tooth! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a good pancake???

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 12 pancakes

Ingredients

  • 3 Bananas
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • Maple Syrup or Honey
  • Ghee

Instructions

  1. Place eggs, baking powder, sea salt, vanilla and cinnamon in a large bowl and whisk until combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, place bananas and begin lightly mashing all three together. You don't want to over-mash because that will take away from the texture of your pancakes.
  3. Add bowl with bashed bananas to the first bowl and whisk again until both mixtures are combined.
  4. In a frying pan, add a small circle of ghee and top with pancake batter. Only a small amount of batter is necessary. Let sit for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes before flipping.
  5. Top fully-cooked pancake with a small circle of ghee, add maple syrup, honey, or fruit and ENJOY!
http://seizethedayblog.com/2019/01/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-gluten-free-banana-pancakes/

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Sweet Potato Chips

This recipe is incredibly similar to my Sweet Potato Fries Recipe I posted last year, but the results are quite different! Although you can easily make Sweet Potato Chips by baking in the oven as well, I prefer the frying method. 

You will rarely find this preference amongst health bloggers because oils (such as vegetable oil) are SO bad for you. Can you blame the usual foodies for avoiding all oils in general? No! But you can use unflavored coconut oil instead and receive a product that is good for both your body and your taste buds!

The frying process…bubbling with potential!

In addition, the frying process takes about 5 minutes or less and the baking process is 2 hours. That being said, I easily chose the frying method as my preferred method and I’m glad I did! The sweet potato chips I created turned out delicious and they make a fantastic On-The-Go snack!

If you’ve been searching for any of the above lately, the search is over with this recipe! I hope you all enjoy my newest snack! Please be sure to comment below with any feedback you have for me! Thanks!

Finished Product: Sweet Potato Chips

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Sweet Potato Chips

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 3 batches

Ingredients

  • 6 small sweet potatoes, cut into halves or quarters
  • 3 cups unflavored coconut oil
  • sea salt, to taste
  • Tools:
  • Food Processor for slicing sweet potatoes
  • 1 Large frying pan
  • 1 Glass Baking Dish (I prefer using a 10 x 16 dish)
  • 2 Paper Plates
  • 1 Large Spoon (for scooping chips out of pan)
  • 1 Large Spatula (for stirring chips while in frying pan)

Instructions

  1. Using a large knife, cut sweet potatoes into halves or quarters and begin feeding through your food processor. You are going to want to use the medium-sized attachment for the "standard" round chip shape. Set aside.
  2. Scoop the 3 cups of coconut oil into the frying pan. Turn your stove-top to Medium Heat. You're going to want to let this oil sit for about 10 minutes in order for it to become hot enough to actually fry the sweet potato slices and turn them into chips.
  3. While you wait for the oil to heat completely, set out 2 paper plates and one glass baking dish. Line each with a napkin and set aside for later.
  4. Once the oil has heated completely, use a large spoon to scoop raw sweet potato slices from the food processor and gently drop into oil. I prefer the spoon to scoop instead of using my hands to prevent being burned by the "popping" coconut oil.
  5. You will want to simultaneously spread chips evenly about the pan until it is completely covered by a single layer of slices. The amount to scoop will depend on the size of your chips.
  6. Let each batch cook for about 5 minutes and stir every 1-2 minutes.
  7. The longer the oil sits, the hotter the oil will become which means you may not have to cook the next batches for quite as long as the first batch. Be sure to watch each of your batches closely and decide what amount of time works for you. *Note: My 1st batch cooked for the full 5 minutes, but my 2nd batch only needed 4 minutes and my 3rd batch only needed 3 minutes.
  8. As each batch is removed, set on one paper plate so that you can add salt (to taste) on your chips. Cover (like a lid) with the 2nd plate and give them a good shake to evenly distribute the sea salt. This is a good way to soak up extra oil, as well.
  9. Transfer chips to a glass pan in order to let cool. They will also crisp up A LOT during this time.
  10. Once cool, serve immediately or transfer to a storable container with lid to maintain freshness. Chips remain fresh and crispy for up to 1 week if properly stored.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2019/01/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-sweet-potato-chips/

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Proper credit should be attributed when republishing any material found on [seizethdayblog.com]. 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Guacamole

Avocados are one of my favorite foods. Partly because you can do so many different things with them from guacamole to face masks, but also because they are such a great source of saturated fats! They are healthy, tasty, and promote long-term health for anyone who consumes them.

Guacamole is a phenomenal bi-product of avocados and man is it good! However, when scanning the super market shelves for a pre-made guacamole it is close to impossible to find one who’s ingredient label is actually healthy. So many preservatives are necessary to prevent the mashed avocados from browning after just a few hours that the product becomes mostly synthetic derivatives instead of what it started out as…avocados.

Skip the scary wannabe guacamole and make your own instead! This recipe contains only six ingredients, but its flavor is unparalleled! Plus, it takes less than five minutes to make! Simple cooking at its finest!

***Side Note: If you accidentally add too much garlic salt, add another avocado to soften the taste.

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Guacamole

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 Bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 Avocados
  • 1/2 Tomato, diced
  • 1/2 Jalapeño, diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Lime
  • Garlic Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by cutting the tomato in half and removing the insides. Once you have only the thick outer layer remaining, begin dicing. Feel free to add the other half of the tomato if the first half does not satisfy your desired flavor. Add to a small bowl for mixing.
  2. Using a serrated-edge knife, remove the entire stem from the top of your jalapeño. This will allow you to slice the jalapeño body in half from top to bottom so that you have two matching pieces. Depending on your preference of flavor, you can either remove the ribbing and seeds altogether or you can scrape the seeds from the ribbing into the prepared bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Warning: Adding all of the seeds will make the guacamole very spicy. I prefer to add only a few seeds instead (maybe 10-15) just to give it a subtle kick. Once all the insides have been removed, dice jalapeño and add to the small bowl. Also add the 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves. Set aside.
  3. Next, slice each avocado in half and remove the seed. Use a spoon to scoop behind the light green part of the avocado, removing it from the dark green skin. Place the core of the avocado into a separate, medium-sized bowl. Using a fork, begin mashing the avocados until they reach your desired consistency.
  4. Add ingredients in the small bowl to the medium bowl containing the avocados. Squeeze as much of the juice as possible from the 1/2 slice of lime directly into your guacamole mixture. Gently mix all ingredients together.
  5. Lastly, add garlic salt to taste. Start out with a very small amount of garlic salt, mixing it into the guacamole, testing the final product, and then deciding if more is needed. Everyone is different as far as their preference, therefore, I leave the final amount up to you. Enjoy!
http://seizethedayblog.com/2018/03/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-guacamole/

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

 

 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Whipped Cream

Ordinarily, whipped cream could be considered as one of those “Catch 22” type of products…it is sweet, creamy, fluffy and incredibly tasty, but it isn’t exactly the healthiest of creams to consume for those of us trying to get that bikini body (or swim-trunk body) ready for the quickly approaching Summer season. That is, until now!

Yes, commercially produced and synthetic whipped cream brands are (and probably always will be) full of fattening and unhealthy ingredients galore. High Fructose Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavor, Xanthan Gum, and Guar Gum are only a few of the terrible ingredients found in the most commonly known whipped cream products. These ingredients will no doubt crush your ambitions toward that bikini body. They are synthetic, unhealthy, and will have detrimental effects on the human body.

But, the whipped cream you will find in this article is actually quite the opposite. I know that making anything from scratch sounds like a lot of work, especially when you’re just returning from a long day at work. However, this recipe is literally the simplest recipe I have ever made and it only takes about 2 minutes to whip up (no pun intended). It is fantastic on another dessert such as strawberry shortcake (as pictured above), on top of fruit, or alone (yes, it’s that good!). All you need is three ingredients, a whisk or whisk attachment for your Kitchen-Aid mixer, and two minutes to spare.

All instructions on how to make your own healthy version of whipped cream can be found below. I hope you all enjoy this simple, yet delicious recipe! As always, Bon Appétit!

 

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Whipped Cream

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1 bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in bowl and mix on high until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes if using a Kitchen Aid mixer. This process may take a bit longer if whipping by hand.
  2. Once stiff peaks form, transfer to another bowl for proper storage in the refrigerator.
  3. If you have any left over to be stored, please note that the whipped cream should only kept for a maximum of three days if the proper "whipped" texture is to be retained. I recommend making a new batch after this time period has elapsed.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2018/03/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-whipped-cream/

***Side Note: If you would like to make a larger batch of whipped cream than is instructed in the recipe above, doubling or tripling the ingredients will still produce a product with the proper texture and flavor. Enjoy!

 

Sources:

Whipped Cream Ingredients: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/coolwhip/products.aspx

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

 

From My Recipe Box To Yours: Classic-Style French Fries

I could not post a picture of those delicious homemade French fries in my recent Saturated Fat Article without sharing the recipe, as well! The link to this article on Saturated, Monounsaturated, and Polyunsaturated Fats is provided if you’re at all interested in learning about a rarely discussed facet of fat…the healthy facet.

Not only are these French Fries healthy for you, they’re loaded with healthy fats that your body will thank you for. There is no reason to feel guilty after eating these babies if you follow the recipe below. The key to a healthy fried potato lies solely in the cooking oil you choose to use. Skip those yucky hydrogenated oils such as vegetable, palm, soybean, etc. and go with a healthier, saturated option like coconut oil instead.

I LOVE coconut oil, it should be known as the superhero oil because it can be used for practically anything across a diverse list of fields and it offers so many benefits for the human body. For example, I use coconut oil as a body moisturizer in place of a synthetically-derived product filled with petroleum, soy, and who knows what else! It makes an effective hair mask for dry, damaged hair. I also add coconut oil to my Ginger-Honey Tea that I drink every morning as well as my green smoothie in the afternoon. And that’s just the beginning of my list! Basically, it is an irreplaceable item in my daily routine.

We all want to be healthy, no one enjoys being sick! But we don’t always realize that the path toward a healthy and balanced human body does not begin at the gym, it begins within.

Your brain is composed of 60% fat. When the proper amount of fat is not being delivered to the brain, it becomes prone to all kinds of health issues! There are many protective layers within your brain, two of which are essential in maintaining strong, healthy brain function. They are known as the Myelin Sheath and the Blood-Brain Barrier. Each has a different function, of course, but they are equally important and equally prone to degradation when frequently exposed to toxins. Unfortunately, fighting against daily exposure to these toxins is much more difficult than it sounds because we are constantly absorbing toxins into our bodies from an array of sources. The environment, our lifestyle choices, the lifestyle choices of others, and pollutants (naturally-occurring and synthetic) are only a few examples of the very real dangers threatening every human being’s ability to maintain superior health.

This is where we come in…we need to strive to eat foods free of synthetic and chemical ingredients so that we fight against those unwelcome toxins instead of adding more. Why not begin this fight with a batch of French Fries?? I don’t wish to force your hand with this, but when it comes to making changes to your diet does it get better than French fries as your first step?? Not in my opinion!

Coconut Oil can be purchased in both flavored and unflavored forms. I highly recommend using an unflavored coconut oil for this recipe! Coconuts and potatoes just don’t mix very well (go figure!). I prefer the Tropical Traditions brand of coconut oil because it is a good quality, raw, and organic product as it always should be, but frequently isn’t when sold by other companies. We do not want any pesticides sneaking in by using a “natural,” but not organic product. Food corporations are too good at confusing us consumers by getting wordy with their product labels. Just in case you are in need of a good coconut oil brand, I provided a link to the product I use above.

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From My Recipe Box To Yours: Classic-Style French Fries

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4-6 Medium Potatoes, sliced
  • 4 cups Coconut Oil
  • Sea Salt, for topping
  • Tools:
  • Heavy Duty Frying Pan, 12 inches
  • French Fry Cutter/Vegetable Slicer

Instructions

  1. Place four cups of coconut oil into the frying pan. Heat over medium low heat for about 7-10 minutes (approximately). The best way to test whether or not the oil is ready is to place a single uncooked french fry into the oil. If the oil surrounding the french fry bubbles then your oil is definitely ready. Be careful not to overheat oil because this will make it prone to splattering (and you do NOT want that!).
  2. You will want to split the whole amount of sliced raw potatoes in half and fry each half in its own smaller batch. In this way, you will allow the fries to cook up properly to a nice golden brown color.
  3. After about 8 minutes of cooking, use a spatula to separate any potatoes that may be stuck together or flip those that appear to need a little extra heat on the upward facing side.
  4. The total cook time for these french fries will be around 15-20 minutes in total. However, every stovetop is different, there I recommend keeping a close eye on your fries if it is your first time making them. Once again, you only want to cook until golden brown.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2018/02/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-classic-style-french-fries/

I hope you enjoy this recipe and please comment below with any questions about preparation or if you try the recipe and would like to add a tip for other readers. I’m always looking to improve the recipes I post because you better believe I’m eating them too!

***Side Note: These French Fries are an excellent side dish with hamburgers.

Recipe for Sweet Potato Fries cooked in coconut oil for those of you who prefer this style of fry!

 

~ Bon appétit! ~

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

 

Sources:

1. Blood Brain Barrier:

– http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-the-blood-brain-barrier-and-how-can-we-overcome-it-75454

– https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-blood-brain-barrier

2. Myelin Sheath: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/function-b12-production-myelin-8022.html

3. Tropical Traditions: https://healthytraditions.com/tropicaltraditions/coconut-oil/expeller-pressed-organic-coconut-oil/coconut-oil-organic-expeller-pressed-1-quart.html

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Strawberry-Lime Margaritas (Alcohol-Free)

One of the most most common New Year’s Resolutions worldwide is to become more healthy. Whether this means increased mental, spiritual, or physical health (maybe all three) will depend on the person. However, if we’re talking about physical health, the typical first step is to join a gym. This action shows great initiative, but will it last all year long??? Probably not. Don’t get me wrong, I will always consider becoming more active as positive behavior in relation to the human body, but in this particular case I’m thinking of something a bit more specific to help you reach your goals for 2018…something that I know to be a challenge and will, unfortunately, go against a popular trend in society, but in the end provides you with a greater sense of stability in every area of your life, most especially your health. And without further ado, this mysterious something I’m referring to is the amount of alcohol you consume on a daily basis.

No one ever addresses their alcohol intake when trying to become healthier and I am constantly shocked by this fact. Come on people, have you seen what alcohol does to the human body? I have two words for you…Beer Belly. Now I understand that there are lots of different types of alcohol that won’t give you such a curvy physique, but they all still have the potential to make you feel absolutely dreadful the next day (and possibly longer). When you’re filled with regret over the amount of alcohol you consumed and can feel it pulsing through your head in sharp, consistent waves of pain are you going to get up, go to the gym, and honor the commitment you made to become healthier?? Or are you going to stay in bed and sleep off that miserable headache you now have thanks to one too many drinks you had the night before??

If we’re all being honest with ourselves right now, it would probably be the latter. Therefore, not only is alcohol bad for your body, but it’s bad for your ability to commit to your fitness goals, as well. You begin creating habits for yourself that do not honor your New Year’s Resolution or your personal goals and for what? A headache and some regret the next day? Ohhh yeah, that sounds like tons of fun…Not! Personally, I believe alcohol has been placed upon a pedestal and needs to be stripped of it’s overrated status.

Not to mention, alcohol has been proven to make medical conditions, such as epilepsy, worse by increasing seizure activity and interacting poorly with the majority of pharmaceutical medications. Without fail, I see alcohol consumption create more problems than it fixes in the lives of those around me who have chosen to make it a priority. So, if you’re looking for a drink that is healthy for every aspect of your life and completely free of cheap, synthetic ingredients, check out this Strawberry Lime Margarita Recipe!

The best part? You don’t have to wait until five o’clock to drink it! Since it is 100% free of alcohol, you can drink it with any meal, although I strongly recommend waiting until lunch because the sugar component might be a bit much for breakfast.

I recently served these margaritas as an after-dinner dessert and they were a hit! Everyone loves dessert, but when you serve it up in a salt-rimmed glass complete with a lime wedge and strawberry slice for decoration, no one can resist! My favorite part (besides the taste) is that this recipe is appropriate for people of all ages so no matter what the occasion may be, these margaritas will be the perfect choice! Cheers!

These recipes are also helpful if you want to keep all ingredients homemade:

Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda

Homemade Frozen Limeade Concentrate

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Strawberry-Lime Margaritas (Alcohol-Free)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 6 margaritas

Ingredients

  • 20 oz frozen strawberries
  • 24 oz homemade lemon-lime soda (3 cups)
  • 12 oz homemade frozen limemade concentrate (1 1/2 cups)
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • Sea salt & 1 lime wedge (for rim of glass)
  • Fresh limes & strawberries (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Begin by making your lemon-lime soda and limeade concentrate as directed in the recipe links above. Place both in the refrigerator until ready for use. 45 minutes before you're ready to make your margaritas, measure 1 1/2 cups of limeade concentrate into a covered glass container and place in freezer.
  2. Next, prep your margarita glasses by using a lime wedge to completely coated the rim of each glass with lime juice. Put a decent amount of sea salt into a bowl big enough to dip the rim of each glass. Evenly coat the rim with sea salt. Slice fresh strawberries into halves and a lime into 2 cm thick slices. Cut a single line into one side of each lime and strawberry to place on the rim for decoration (see picture above for example). Once fully prepped, place glasses in refrigerator until ready for use.
  3. Place frozen strawberries and homemade lemon-lime soda in blender. Blend together on high until fully combined and smooth. No one wants a chunky margarita!
  4. Pour strawberry/lemon-lime soda mixture into a large pitcher (at least 1 gallon) and stir in the limeade concentrate. If your limeade has become a little too frozen try a warm water bath. This will loosen the limeade out of its container and make it easier to mix with the strawberry mixture already in the pitcher.
  5. Add 1 cup granulated sugar (organic, preferably) and stir to combine. Add only enough water to fill your pitcher. It is okay to have some of the 2 quarts of water left over. Stir well until combined.
  6. Fill each prepped margarita glass and serve immediately.
http://seizethedayblog.com/2018/01/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-strawberry-lime-margaritas-alcohol-free/

 

 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Limeade Concentrate

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From My Recipe Box to Yours: Limeade Concentrate

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 hours

Total Time: 12 hours, 5 minutes

Yield: 2 quarts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 quarts water

Instructions

  1. Place fresh squeezed juice into a pitcher. Add 1 cup sugar and enough water to fill the pitcher. If you do not use the full 2 quarts of water, no need to worry about flavor it will still taste great.
  2. Stir well until combined and place in refrigerator until ready to use. In the fridge, the limeade will only last up to three days. If frozen and properly stored, the limeade will keep for up to one month.
  3. Helpful tip when limeade is frozen: A warm water bath before use will make the extraction process much easier.

Notes

Cook Time = the amount of time spent in the freezer

http://seizethedayblog.com/2018/01/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-limeade-concentrate/

***This recipe is great alone or can be used to make Strawberry Lime Margaritas