Many of you may be cooking outdoors this month. This is a great vegan/vegetarian version to serve plant-based diners. I used to take a portobello mushroom with me whenever I went to cookouts and I wanted to have something plant-based to eat with everyone. I have made this for many non-vegetarian Texans with great success, much to their surprise!

This was one of Larry Hagman’s (also known as J. R. Ewing, in the television show “Dallas”) favorite meals. I would make this for him when I was his chef & nutritionist, when he had throat cancer and diabetes. I had him on a very strict healthy diet, and I would serve this to him when he was craving something “meaty,” like a hamburger.

Mushrooms are nutrient-dense and have fewer calories than meat. They have also been found to prevent cancer.

According to a study conducted by The University of Western Australia in Perth, eating mushrooms daily may reduce breast cancer risk by nearly two-thirds.

The study, conducted in China, looked at more than 2000 women, half of whom had suffered from breast cancer. Researchers found that the women who ate a third of an ounce of fresh mushrooms every day had lowered their risk of developing a tumor by 64 percent. (1)

Dried mushrooms didn’t have quite the same benefit, but still reduced the risk “by around half.”(2)

It is certainly great to have the reinforcement of knowledge that mushrooms are such a healthy food.

Portobello mushrooms contain a variety of B-complex vitamins (including vitamin B6, thiamine, and folate), are an excellent source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin. Protein (complex amino acids), selenium, lysine, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron are some additional benefits of eating this mushroom.

Portobello mushrooms are a great alternative to meat, because of their meaty texture and flavor.

The quantities in this recipe are enough for one person.

Ingredients:

1 large portobello mushroom

3 T. organic coconut liquid amino sauce or teriyaki sauce

1 whole, sprouted-grain hamburger bun or bread (I love the Alvarado Bakery hamburger buns)

¼ cup sliced goat cheese (from goats that are grass-fed and humanely raised, or you can use a vegan goat cheese)

Directions:

1. Brush off the mushroom and remove the stem. (Save the stem to cut up and use in a stir-fry or pasta dish later.)

2. Soak the mushroom in your choice of sauce for at least five minutes (although 30 minutes is even better).

3. Grill, or bake at 350°F, just until thoroughly warm, making sure it is moist with the amino sauce or teriyaki sauce.

4. Warm or toast bun.

5. Place the goat cheese (if using) on top of mushroom and leave in oven for just a couple of minutes to soften the cheese.

6. Remove mushroom from grill or oven and place on bun.

7. Serve immediately.

Variations:

1. For a vegan version, you can use sliced avocado instead of goat cheese. It’s a really delicious addition to this sandwich.

2. You can add a few leaves of romaine lettuce, or tomato slices, or onion, but I found it is simply delicious just with the goat cheese.

Source: 1,2, & 3. “Eating mushrooms daily ‘may cut breast cancer risk by two thirds’.” (16 March, 2009). The Telegraph. Click here for the link.

copyright@nancyaddison2015

Nancy’s 7 books on Amazon are also in Audio and some of them are in large print:

 https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Addison/e/B00E6K5KGY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Nancy’s website is: http://www.organichealthylife.com

Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Portobello Mushroom Burger Recipe appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

The bright orange color of the carrots is the beta-carotene, an antioxidant, that gets converted into Vitamin A when we ingest it. Carrots are packed with vital nutrients and health benefits.

Raisins are a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Raisins are also rich in B vitamins, iron, and potassium. This might seem surprising, but compounds found in raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

Ingredients:
1 bag carrots, unpeeled, grated
1–2 c. raisins
¼ c. mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen is one brand I recommend)

Directions: 



Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

Variations:

1. Substitute ¼ cup orange juice mixed with 2 tablespoons raw, organic, extra virgin, pure coconut oil for the mayonnaise.
2. Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the salad.
3. Substitute chopped dates for the raisins.

I hope you love this recipe!

Please like this post and make a comment

and share this with your loved ones.

The post My Grandmother’s Carrot Salad Recipe appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Well, here is a little explanation about the various definitions having to do with eating a more plant-based diet.

The mainstream vegetarian is the ovo-lacto vegetarian, who avoids all animal products that require the slaughtering of an animal. In addition to plants, ovo-lacto vegetarians eat non-fertile eggs and dairy products.

Cheese is allowed in the ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, as long as it doesn’t contain animal rennet, which is composed of enzymes usually taken from calves’ stomachs. Rennet is added to make cheese firm. Vegetarian cheeses are made with vegetable rennet, vegetable enzymes, or figs instead.

A vegan avoids all products that have an animal origin, including dairy and eggs. A vegan may avoid honey because it is made by bees, and collecting honey can deprive the bees of their natural, healthy food source for winter.

In addition to eating a plant-only diet, many vegans choose to not exploit living creatures in any way. So, they will not wear clothes made from wool, leather, silk, or fur, or use products that contain gelatin, lanolin, rennet, whey, casein, beeswax, shellac, carmine, bone, or animal fat.

People who eat chicken and fish are not vegetarians, though many call themselves vegetarian. There is frequent confusion about this point. People who eat fish but no red meat or poultry are pescatarians.

Sometimes, I am invited to dinner and served chicken, shrimp, or fish based on the misconception that a vegetarian eats chicken and seafood. When this happens to you, simply explain what foods you do or do not eat. In my experience, educating people in a kind and informative manner can turn the situation around, creating a setting that can accommodate you and be fun and educational for everyone concerned.

When it comes to choosing the right vegetarian diet, a person should see how his or her body reacts to certain foods and lifestyles. It is all about balance.

The diet that works for me and my O blood type and lifestyle may not be the perfect diet for someone else. Try the various vegetarian diet choices that your heart tells you to try, and see what works. Some people’s diet choices may change over time along with age, environment, lifestyle, and circumstance.

It helps to allow a little flexibility, especially when you travel to foreign countries. Having everything set in stone can make it more difficult to maintain your vegetarian lifestyle when life throws you the unexpected. Balance, flexibility, and the ability to live in the moment can be the difference between success and joy or anger, frustration, and failure.

Find what works for you, and listen to your heart and your own body. They will tell you the best choice of vegetarian food for you. You are the best guide and judge of your body and your health.

For many of us in transition with new food choices or life in general, it takes baby steps. Some people will find that eating a little cheese or eggs now and then makes the transition easier. Later, they may be able to cut something out completely—or not.

Becoming a vegetarian or simply eating more vegetarian or vegan meals is a journey. Eating more organic, fresh, plant-based foods will definitedly help improve your health.

Simply start the journey, and see where it takes you!

Bon Appétit!

Copyright@nancyaddison2015

For more information like this,  you may want to sign up for my free newsletter (sign up form is  in the banner of my website) or you may like one of my 4 healthy, plant-based cookbooks.

Click here to see them on Amazon.

Leave a comment and join in the conversation!

I would love to hear from you!

The post Types of Vegetarians appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

I consider it our sacred job to support and protect the precious soil and creatures that live here.

Butterflies and frogs are indicator species that show how healthy our environment is.

If our environment lacks these species, then we need to make it healthier and less toxic.

For this reason, I do three things I feel are vitally important for the health and well-being of my garden: plant flowers that attract pollinators, avoid using pesticides, and provide clean drinking water for animals.

When I plant my garden every year, I plant fragrant, pollen-rich, and nectar-rich flowers.

These will provide safe, nourishing food for butterflies and draw more pollinators to my vegetable, fruits, and herbs. This helps the plants produce more food, and it makes my garden more beautiful to be in.

This is now more important than ever, because many GMO plants and hybrid flowers like the “knock-out roses” have flowers that have no nectar.

Four species of large bumble bees are now extinct because they quite literally starved to death due to enormous areas full of flowers lacking pollen. I try my best to support the pollinators in our web of life: bees, hummingbirds, dragonflies, bats, and butterflies.

These fragile creatures do so much for the health of our environment, but they need our support. If you care about this, buy plants for your garden or landscaping that are rich in fragrance, pollen, and nectar.

Organic, native heirloom plants are always best. Heirloom plants have been handed down from generation to generation of gardeners in a region, so they have proven to do well in a particular soil and temperature.

If you inter-plant some of the flowering plants with your hedgerows, you will provide additional forage for pollinators of all kinds.

Stagger your plantings so there is enough food throughout the year.

Here are seven outstanding, nectar-rich flowering plants that attract butterflies and pollinators to keep your garden lovely, fragrant and environmentally healthy!

Butterfly Bush. The butterfly bush is a shrub that produces flowers of white, yellow, pink, and purple. The flower clusters are up to 15 inches long and have a delicate scent that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. They require partial shade to full sun, and they grow up to eight feet tall. They are deer-resistant. They bloom from midsummer to the first frost.

Butterfly Weed. The butterfly weed is a pest-free perennial wildflower which is great for saving time and money. Its beautiful flowers are orange, red, and yellow. They grow about three feet tall and bloom from spring to early fall. With full sunlight and enough water, this easy-to-grow plant will produce beautiful, nectar-rich flowers. Monarch butterfly larvae prefer this food.

Keys of Heaven. Keys of heaven are a brilliant scarlet red that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. This bushy plant grows at least three feet tall and makes a lovely border. It needs full sun. It will grow in early midsummer in hotter climates, and it will bloom all summer in cooler climates.

Joe-Pye Weed. The Joe-Pye weed is a large plant with nectar-rich, pink flowers. It is a butterfly favorite. It can produce many seeds that you can replant in more areas of your garden.

Sunflowers. Sunflowers come in many varieties. They are extremely easy to grow and are incredibly rich with nectar. They will keep blooming all summer long until the first freeze. They will reseed if you allow them that freedom. The best part is that they will provide beautiful flowers for your home all summer long.

Asters. Asters are a perennial flower that brightens up late-summer and fall gardens with its star-shaped blooms. There are more than 175 species found in North America with a huge variety of colors to choose from. They smell divine.

Dragon Flower. The dragon flower is an easy-to-grow perennial with gorgeous white or cream-colored flowers. They are very nectar-rich and will attract a wonderful array of life to your garden. The Monarch butterfly is particularly fond of these flowers. If you plant them with dill, which the Monarch butterfly caterpillar loves, you have a fabulous combination to help the Monarch butterfly.

A few more plants to add are marigolds, zinnias, violets, lilies, red penstemon, and crocuses. You can grow berries in your garden, or herbs such as lavender, sage, parsley, and dill. Butterflies love dill for their caterpillars.

I have some of the most beautiful Monarch butterfly caterpillars in my garden when I plant dill amongst my flowers. You can also plant female yaupon holly, poplar trees, and redbud trees. (Make sure your gardener knows to leave the caterpillars alone and safe. Some may think it’s their job to kill them.)

To make your garden non-toxic and healthier, stop using pesticides! Pesticides kill our pollinators, poison the environment, destroy vital nutrients in the soil and the food we grow, and can cause nerve damage to anyone exposed to them. Their runoff pollutes our water, too.

Avoid using pesticides in your yard or garden.

On the environmental side, the weed killer, glyphosate, has virtually wiped out milkweed in Midwest corn and soybean fields, a major factor in the dramatic 20-year decline of monarch butterflies that depend on milkweed for food and reproduction.

It’s also important to provide safe, clean drinking water for all the wildlife, including the pollinators. Every living creature needs water to survive.

I put a drip on my birdbath, so it has a ripple which is easy for pollinators and hummingbirds to see. The ripple also prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the water, because mosquitoes only lay eggs in still, standing water.

I also put water on the ground to help the local wild animals have enough water to drink. It’s a web of life, and I try to support all the precious parts of that web that God gave us.

With these organic, healthy gardening tips, I hope you have a healthy and lovely garden!

Over the last few decades, a handful of agrichemical giants have acquired 65% of the world’s seed supply, so I recommend buying organic seeds you like, in bulk, and keeping them for your own personal use. I buy them to use for growing my sprouts, which I put in my salads.

Here are a few organic, non-GMO seed companies I recommend:

Heirloom, Organic, Non-GMO Garden Seeds – Salad, Salsa, Fruit, Herb, Vegetable – Collection of 16 Non-Hybrid, Open Pollinated Seeds: Zucchini, Kale, Beet, Tomato –

Mountain Valley Seed Company

$21.99

100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC NON-GMO Culinary Herb Set – 12 popular Easy-to-Grow Herb Seeds by Zziggysgal

$13.99

Heirloom Garden Vegetable Seeds NON GMO Easy Growers

Veganseeds

$15.95

*100% USDA Organic* Highest Quality Non GMO Herb Seeds – Elegantly Designed Variety Packets and Instructions For Home Cooks – Product of U.S.A. – HOME CHEF HERBS – Ideal For Indoor and Outdoor Growing – No Gardening Experience Required – Start NowHome Chef Herbs

$14.95

Herb Garden – Organic Herb Seeds – Non GMO, Heirloom, Non Hybrid – 10 Culinary Varieties Including Basil, Cilantro, Fennel, Parsley and More

Rebel Gardens

$15.99

I like Arbico Organics – A Garden Supply Company.

Notes: I made a short organic gardening video if you wish to view it, click here.

The post Creating An Organic Garden That Butterflies Love! appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.