Make it your way–Satisfying Gluten Free Veggie Pizza

“Fingers of aroma” waft and swirl out of our thoughts, like the iconic pie sitting on the window sill cooling before it is stolen.  Sometimes–no actually most of the time-we are bombarded by relentless advertising and commercials enticing us to buy “this” or order “that”.  Enticing and tasty looking professionally photographed pizzas, burgers or sandwiches available almost anytime. These ads seem to somehow come when we are most vulnerable and make it extremely easy to pick up the phone or drive through–and in a split instant we have satiated that desire.  What if we could plan ahead?  I have a client who had been resisting the temptation, but wanted a satisfying pizza–“just pizza” he said. Over the months we have been substituting and adding  healthier and healthier options and to his credit he is down 17 lbs at last count! Even better, I decided that pizza would give him the reward for his efforts, but not sabotage them either. So I share this easy to duplicate lunch or dinner–personal pan size pizza! (Each person in the family could in fact add their own toppings of choice and create their custom and satisfying pie.)

My choice was to choose gluten free crusts.  They can be purchased at WholeGluten Free Veggie Pizza Foods. I chose one in the freezer section. On an intuitive level, I surmised it would have less preservatives than one that could hang weeks on the end cap sleeved in its adorned plastic wrapper. (Read ingredient list).

At home I decided to forgo the traditional tomato sauce, since the commercial varieties usually contain hidden sugars, and opted for a quick homemade garlic olive oil which I “painted” on the crust like an artist preparing a canvas.

I sprinkle some organic mozzarella cheese, prepared portobello mushrooms, roasted orange peppers and sliced fresh green onions.  Finishing off the pizza was easy as I sprinkled Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, giving it a bit of zing.  The fragile fresh basil would be added after the pizza was pulled from the oven.

Satisfying, beautiful and a happy-fun creative” build it yourself” dinner ready in minutes. I control the ingredients. I limit the preservatives and I take charge of what I get to eat! A meal like this–homemade in my kitchen also brings with it a higher energetic frequency that more closely aligns with our divine nature. And, when we see this as a meal from our hearts infused with love–it simply tastes better too!  A small salad could be added as a side.  I chose to serve blanched cold asparagus spears and hummus /Thai chili dressing.

As Hippocrates said so many years ago, “let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”. I would only add, choose carefully and mindfully and try to select things that need no labels and ingredient lists that need no chemists’ explanation.

Be well,

Cathy

Asparagus, white

A look “behind the scenes” – Juicings’ magical phytonutrients

Firing up my juicer once again, I have begun to explore new recipes. This is a delicious apple-beet juice with lemon, pear and ginger that comes out of a juicing book by Pat Crocker. I was giving a “Sugar Blues” talk at the Hollywood Healing Center and wanted the refreshments to reflect and represent alternatives to the usual fare of snacks. I share one today and give you a few behind the scenes look at the ingredients and what they offer our cells, tissues and well-being.  For those unfamiliar with the benefits of juicing it is certainly worth exploration. 

Beet Juice Cocktail

Hippocrates: “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

2 apples
1 pear
3 beets
1/2 lemon
1 – 1/2″ piece gingerroot

Put all ingredients through your juicer. Stir and pour into glasses and enjoy!

Did you know???  This is partial and abbreviated–just to give you an idea what a fresh-organic produce offers . . . who knew!

Beets: are antibacterial, antioxidant, cleansing. They strengthen and nourish the liver and gallbladder. They are an excellent source of potassium and are cleansing for the liver, kidneys and gallbladder.
Apples:  are a tonic, digestive, diuretic, detoxifying, cholesterol lowering, anti rheumatic, and liver stimulant. Fresh apples help to cleanse the system, lower blood cholesterol levels. They help to eliminate toxins and are a good source of vitamin A, B, C riboflavin as well as the phytochemicals pectin and boron.
Lemon: this small yellow fruit is amazing. To name a few benefits consider they aid in digestion, act as a laxative and diuretic. They have both antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Lemons support liver function improve the absorption of minerals, cleanse the blood and are useful in treating high blood pressure.
Ginger: contained in half of all Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, they were listed as a taxable commodity by the Romans in 200 A.D. How can you begin to incorporate ginger into your modern lifestyle? Ginger is great for nausea. It relieves headaches and arthritis as it is an anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. By increasing circulation, it helps effect a systemic cleansing through the skin, bowels, and kidneys. It also destroys many internal parasites and helps to normalize blood pressure.
Pears: used to energize the stomach, spleen and lungs. The pear is used in the treatment of diabetes, hot cough, gallbladder obstruction and constipation. The pectin in pears reduces serum cholesterol and cleanses the body of environmental and radioactive toxins.

Just as this recipe and these fruits and veggies contain many micro-nutrients that the causal observer  fails to notice on first glance,and that I might add are not contained in a particular supplement, whole food nutrition will bring benefits beyond what we think we know about eating healthy.  Each recipe and fruit delivers nutritional benefits in the way nothing else can. Our body and its innate wisdom together with Mother Natures innate wisdom provide a much higher vibration for our body than the man-made manufactured “educated” guess that selectively segments one or two nutrients and calls it the next great miracle.  Isn’t time we get back to basics? To me they work in such a way to create the symphony and composition of total health and wellness; one that we cannot possible out guess! There seems to be no short-cuts and no magic pill!  See if you can begin to open your mind to the possibility of fresh juicing and take your health to the next level!

Be well!

Cathy Silver

http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

http://www.thepowerofph.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Turkish Tacos

Falafel with salad--dinner!

Falafel with salad–dinner!

Travel around the world without leaving home tonight for dinner. I prepare this at least once a month and am surprised when it is a new experience for my guests. It is satisfying for meat eaters and pleases the vegetarians alike.
It’s sort of like eating a taco from Turkey, only instead of ground beef or shredded chicken as the major ingredient, it is chickpeas, a.k.a. garbanzo beans. (I know falafel is certainly something odd sounding and foreign, probably where guacamole was 30+ years ago.) Isn’t it nice to grow and discover new cuisines and dishes!

For those who enjoy history, these ancient legumes date back from Turkey to somewhere around 7,000 B.C. They are a nutrient-dense food and are high in protein, fiber and other nutrients without offering a lot of calories.

This dinner makes a great alternative to the regular fare, and I find it also fun. We’re allowed fun for dinner–right? You can serve this in pita or flat bread and garnish with diced cucumber, tomatoes, chopped parsley or cilantro, hummus and/or tahini. A green salad or quinoa salad makes a fine accompaniment. Or as in the photo, make a great dinner salad and include the falalfel in any capacity you choose. Be creative –drizzle tahini and fresh lemon for dressing. (Or dip them in the tahine, the traditional sesame-seed topping.) The most important ingredient is love. I buy the falafel mix–easy, quick and fresh tasting. Please do remember to fry them in grape seed oil as it is able to withstand the heat without damaging your health. Another time saver is to use a small cookie size scoop with the squeeze-action handles!!

falafel

Be well,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Spring cleaning; How does that look for you?

Beginning signs of springtime--

On March 20th the sun shines directly on the equator and the night and day are nearly exactly the same in length–12 hours–all over the world; the spring equinox. For us another season.  Spring or springtime is known as a time of renewal, rejuvenation and rebirth.

For some it may mean melting snow and softer breezes or noticing the beauty of the first spring flowers;  crocuses, daffodils or tulips as they merge from their hibernation. Each culture and region have their own customs and their own reminders.

For me it is the inspiration of opening up my home and shaking out the dust–maybe a bit metaphorically now since South Florida is where I live, but a shift is definitely in the air and certainly can be felt on many levels.

Today, I am starting to think about new recipes and new tastes reflected in my choices to eat–about my yearning and desire for new seasonal foods.  I have begun juicing and detoxing rituals. As the cooler weather waves good-bye, I find myself anxious to fire up my Vitamix and begin to make my trade-mark green shakes which I graciously offer to share with all who walk through my kitchen door. Somehow, my body’s innate intelligence seems to know this as I begin to think about foods that I have not really had a desire for in months.

Our ancestors ate seasonally because they had no other options. Newly sprouted greens came up in the spring, fruit ripened in summer, root vegetables sustained them in the fall and animal sources got them through the winter. Alkaline food makes the body detox. How wonderful that nature provides this naturally–leafy greens, berries, cherries, grapefruits, asparagus, spinach, and dandelion greens or wheatgrass come to mind, to cleanse the body from the heavier foods we have enjoyed throughout the colder winter months and that were needed for our survival.

What is your ritual? Are you craving something new? Is it time to begin to detox our systems–flooding our cells with fresh green juices? How can we begin to live in harmony with the natural cycles? Is it a great excuse to try a new way of doing something–perhaps buying local produce from a farmers market once a week?  Maybe it is a “Food upgrade”? Choosing less chemicalized, processed, packaged or drive-through meals?  Whatever you chose, think of the rebirth and renewal of yourself–your cells.  Honor yourself and live in harmony with your body and Mother Earth–treat yourself to the best food you can afford because in the end as Jim Rohn says, “It’s the only place you have to live.”

Maybe a Kitchen Herb Garden would fit you?

Be Well,

In Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

Superfoods; Great for Mind and Body; Health and Vitality

Increase the vital force and energy of one's body.

Increase the vital force and energy of one’s body.

Busy life, busy day–I’m going to do a short post on three more SUPERFOODS that I enjoy everyday!  They are just one of the additions that keep me vitalized and energetic each day!

4.) Hemp Products (eaten in their RAW form) The seeds are packed with 33% pure digestible protein, and are rich in iron, amino acids and vitamin E as well as omega 3’s and GLA.* Hemp is a perfect food for growing children and adults to increase protein intake.

5.) Camu Berry–Highest Vitamin C source on planet. Great for rebuilding tissue, purifying blood, and enhancing immunity and energy. Camu berry is one of the best anti-depressants, immune building, and eye-nourishing superfoods in the world.

6.) Bee Products (honey, pollen, and propolis) –Bee pollen is the most complete food found in nature containing nearly all B vitamins especially vitamin B-9 (folate) and all 21 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Honey, in its organic/wild, raw unfiltered states is rich in minerals, antioxidants, probiotics and enzymes, and is one of the highest vibrational foods on the planet.  If your metabolism can handle sweeteners, honey is the best. Russian research indicates that honey is a longevity superfood.

Remember health is a journey not a destination.  Excellent health is about more than just feeling good.  Vitality and strength allow us to be active in our families, our communities and our world giving us the ability to achieve much more than when we are “sick & tired.” It is a gift you give you yourself and others.

*GLA (gamma linoleic acid) Is an essential omega-6 fatty acid.  We become deficient in GLA when large amounts of sugar, trans fatty acids (margarine, hydrogenated oils), and red meats and dairy products are consumed.

Be Well–in love and light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

 

SUPERFOODS . . . WHAT ARE THEY?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

Super foods are a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient rich foods on the planet. As I began to sprinkle them on my super healthy steel cut oats—I thought my followers may want to do the same. Breaking the fast should after all begin with some goodness. So rather than some highly processed—highly refined carbohydrate laden with trans-fat and corn syrup—why not temp yourself with a breakfast the really does a body good!
To make it super-easy and super-fast, I make a big batch of the steel cut oatmeal when I am not rushed for time, and then transfer it into a glass container to store in the refrigerator. I can either take a serving size out and heat it with a bit of Kangen water on the stove—or heat it for a minute if you are still a microwave person—
I dress my wholesome oatmeal making it tasty and delicious adding chia seeds, Maca powder, Goji berries, golden berries and some cacao nibs. I also toss in a few almonds or walnuts. Sometimes I add a bit of rice milk. It is quite a delicious mixture, and it is never quite the same.
Let me share a little about some of the new Superfoods available on the market today. The first thing, is they have a tremendous ability to increase the vital force and energy of one’s body and are the optimum choice for improving over-all health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, lowering inflammation and alkalizing the body—wow! According to David Wolfe, raw foodist and Superfoods expert, “nourishing us at the deepest level possible, they are the true fuel of today’s superhero.”
So, let me talk about a couple . . .
1.) Cacao (Raw Chocolate) The seed/nut of a fruit of an Amazonian tree, cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium and is also extremely high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support) and anandamide (“bliss chemical”). Raw chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy and increases longevity.
2.) Goji Berries (Wolfberries)—used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B & E vitamins and many other nutrients.
3.) Maca—A staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber.

The weekend is coming—you may be able to catch your breath. Break out of your routine. Try something new. Make a commitment to yourself. You are a spark of the divine—so treat yourself divinely!
“The only way to win, sometimes, is to surrender.”
–Richard Bach
Be Well—and with Love and Light,
Cathy
http://www.energiesofhealing.com
http://www.cathysilverhealth.com
http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

Gluten Free Quinoa Applesauce Bread

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and it is hard for many people to digest.  Wheat is heavily subsidized, and promoted by the government in things like the food pyramid and it is pretty much everywhere. Breakfast cereals, cookies, cakes and crackers–and of course most bread. Growing up, we always ate whole wheat bread as my Father insisted on it.  However,  I know I feel much better these days when I avoid gluten. I feel bloated and it seems that it does not support an ideal weight. It often “stuffs me up” making it hard to breath.  Sensitivities also include constipation, or gas. Other related problems are allergies, celiac disease, brain fog, chronic indigestion and candida.  If you think you have a sensitivity–take notice of how you feel when you eat products that contain wheat, rye or barley.  Sometimes they occur immediately–sometimes not so immediate.  A good test is to remove all wheat and gluten products.  Rice pasta, and Oat bread–made with OAT FLOUR are available as substitutes, but you must read labels!  Other alternatives include gluten-free grains such as amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff. –Oh and be careful of those well meaning waiters who offer you a basket of bread upon sitting down at your favorite restaurant–not only is it tempting and hard to resist but it is easy to eat the very gluten you’ve been so good not to eat at home!

Gluten free and a wonderful easy homemade treat!

Gluten free and a wonderful easy homemade treat!

Quinoa Applesauce Cake

1 ¾ cups quinoa flour

1 cup currents

½ cup chopped pecans

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. aluminum-free baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 large organic egg

2 cups unsweetened, organic applesauce

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Sprinkle ¼ cup of the flour over the currants and nuts and set aside.  Blend the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cloves with the remaining quinoa flour.  Separately mix together butter, sugar and the egg.  Combine all ingredients, adding the fruit and nuts at the end.  Spoon into a prepared 8 x 8 cake pan. (Or three small loaf pans work great also.) Bake or 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.  The small loaf pans require 27-32 minutes.

This cake is not as sweet as banana bread and is great for those who are sensitive to gluten.  The currents and pecans give it a wonderful interesting addition.

Enjoy!

Be Well,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Pesticide Residues in Produce

As I ran into Whole Foods to quickly gather fresh organic ingredients for a pot of homemade chicken soup–I found that they had just run out of celery. Much to my dismay and to the young lady in the isle next to me–we inquired–and we’re told–No. They were sold out and would not have anymore until tomorrow. We briefly chatted, and I mentioned that celery was one of the worst in pesticide residue–apples are #1. So, I again put this information out for everybody to see. It is important that we increase our awareness. Our personal food choices not only have an impact on our bodies, and our health, but also the health of our environment.

Produce with the most residues.

Produce with the most residues.

20130218-193548.jpg

This information comes directly out of the book, Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal.

“The Produce ranking, developed by analysts at Environmental Working Group (EWG), is based on the results of nearly 51,000 tests for pesticide residues on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2009. EWG is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the Environment.”

Be Well, and in Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Genetic Roulette-The Gamble of our Lives

A Sobering look at deception and our growing illness. What are we EATING???

A Sobering look at deception and our growing illness. What are we EATING???

Please watch the following movie! It is sobering and eye-opening and we must be the change we want to see. We cannot afford not to watch and learn about the deception pushed upon us and served at every grocery store and restaurant across the country–that ends up on our plate–and in our body!

The documentary the summary states: “Experts expose the serious threats and how corporations like Monsanto hide the evidence.

NEVER-before-seen evidence points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the U.S. population, especially among children. Gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, infertility are just some of the problems implicated in humans, pets, livestock and Lab animals that eat genetically modified soybeans and corn.

Monsanto’s strong-arm tactics, the FDA fraudulent policies, and how the USDA ignores a growing health emergency area also laid bare.  This sometimes shocking film may change your diet, protect you and your family, and accelerate the consumer tipping point against genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) already underway. Don’t miss this film!”

Go to http://www.geneticroulettemovie.com/press/

Be Well–and Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Practice Cooking? Stretch Yourself to Try Something New this Weekend!

Make it your own--practice cooking.  Organic and Healthy right from your own kitchen!

Make it your own–practice cooking. Organic and Healthy right from your own kitchen!

The music moved through me.  Classic Queen playing, the volume up–and heading into the kitchen to be creative.   This was a new recipe for me, but I thought only just to make it before sharing.  It was quick to make and I enjoyed every bite. (work well done–right?) Huevos Rancheros is something that would be great to serve for Sunday brunch–filling and satisfying and a break from the regular Sunday fare of bacon and eggs and toast.

Chef notes . . . I placed the black beans in a sauce pan rather than just sliding the black bean mixture aside as noted in the recipe below.  I liked the simplicity but chose to add onion, and 2 T. of poblano pepper that I keep frozen in my freezer.  If you are unfamiliar, they add flavor without adding heat.  Instead of the cheddar cheese, I crumbled organic feta goat cheese.  I found and used Mission yellow corn tortillas–because upon reading the ingredients list of many of the other varieties–all contained hydrogenated oil of some kind–and this is another word for trans fat and should not be in our food supply!* I also spooned the black bean mixture on top of the eggs–and served additional salsa on the side.  (Living almost 20 years in Texas, including El Paso, I grew fond of salsa with my eggs.)

Huevos Rancheros
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Fresh cilantro growing in my backyard was a nice addition.

Fresh cilantro growing in my backyard was a nice addition.

Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
4 eggs
4 tortillas
1/2 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup medium salsa
Possible Toppings:
grated cheddar cheese
chopped scallions
chopped parsley or cilantro
tofu or almond milk cheese
Directions:
1. Heat tortillas in oven or toaster just until soft.
2. Warm salsa and black beans in a nonstick pan.
3. Move to one side. Crack eggs and cook 3-5 minutes to desired firmness.
4. Place two warm tortillas side-by-side on a warmed plate and slide eggs and half the salsa and beans
onto the tortillas.
5. Repeat with remaining eggs.
6. Garnish with your choice of topping

*From the New York Times–an Editorial published June 25th, 2005

“As things now stand, the FDA acknowledges that trans fats are unhealthy at any level, and yet maintains that the partially hydrogenated oils that contain them are basically safe.  The agency can’t have it both ways.”

Be Well, and in Love and Light,

Cathy