One of my favorite things to do at Christmas-time
is to make a warm cozy drink.

The post Warm Cozy Holiday Drink Recipes & Music Suggestions appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

In a world faced with uncertainties, we crave our holiday traditions now more than ever. We want to embrace what is familiar.

What is more comforting than a table filled with family, friends, laughter, and foods made using holiday recipes and ideas that have been passed down from generation to generation? You don’t have to abandon these culinary legacies, even if you’re trying to eat healthy.

A few simple ways to make your family holiday recipes a little healthier.

 1. Redesign the “sad beige” sides

Potatoes are nutrient-rich comfort foods, but most people have traditionally used white potatoes because there weren’t many other choices at the grocery store, and this was what they were used to eating. However, a healthier choice when preparing a potato dish would be to consider using sweet or purple sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes.

If you’re going for that traditional potato flavor, keep the peels on the potatoes, as this adds protein and healthy fiber!

If you want to try a recipe with something else, sweet potatoes are delicious, and they are high in fiber and beta-carotene. Kansas State University has been studying the potential health benefits of the purple sweet potato and its anti-cancer properties. Purple sweet potatoes typically contain unusually high amounts of anthocyanin, which is a powerful anti-cancer pigment.

Anthocyanins can be red, blue, or purple depending on the food’s chemical structure. (These anthocyanins of blue, red, and purple color pigment can also be found in many colorful fruits, like blueberries, black raspberries, and red grapes.) Anthocyanins are known to have anti-angiogenic properties. (Angiogenesis means the growth of new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic means that it stops tumors from growing their blood vessels.)

The antioxidants are the color pigment of the food. These dark purple, blue, and red foods also contain phenols. Phenols are organic compounds that are naturally occurring in certain foods, and that have anti-aging and antioxidant components. Additionally, an American Chemical Society study found that eating purple potatoes may lower blood pressure.

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice, wild rice, or sprouted organic bread stuffing (using bread like Ezekiel or Alvarado Bakery) in place of the white, refined bread. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat). Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allows the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the BT toxin, that is found in some genetically modified corn, and usually grown with heavy pesticides). If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

     2. Make moister meat with healthy fats

Christmas dishes typically involve a type of creature food, like turkey or other types of meat. Try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking them instead of frying them. If you are baking, frying, or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil, or avocado oil in place of lard, vegetable oil, or a trans-fat like Crisco. They handle heat well and have fantastic health benefits.

For other types of animals, fish, or fowl, you can grill, broil, or sauté them in a little organic cold-pressed coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra virgin olive oil on them, and serve  them with lemon juice or a lemon juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, low-fat meat pieces and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

    3. Deliver everyone’s ‘just desserts’

For dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself, or you can find a whole grain ready-made crust at the store, and serve coconut milk whipped cream for the topping. It’s delicious and it’s a great way to cut down on dairy.

You can also have a simple pitted date as a sweet treat. It’s just fruit and a much healthier choice. Try using non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the pitted dates in water to make them softer so they will crème up easier, and voilà! You have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg on top for a beautiful and delicious presentation

    4. Add a little nutrition to favorite snacks

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole.

Cut some cucumber, red bell pepper, or celery to use as the dipping chips! If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days.)

For snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, peeled oranges or tangerines, apple slices sprinkled with a tiny bit of lemon juice, olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips, organic healthy food bars, and coconut chips.

Here are some easy substitutions:

1. Unsweetened yogurt in place of sour cream

2. Hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches

3. Unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk in place of dairy

In closing, we know how important our holiday dinner recipes are and how these traditions can be such a stabilizing part of our lives.

And yet, we also know that some of these foods use ingredients or cooking techniques that may not be as healthy as we might desire. Eating these foods doesn’t always make our body feel its best.

There is a way to promote a healthier lifestyle, while still enjoying these holiday meals. Simply substitute a few ingredients, or make different food choices when making your Christmas dinner recipes. In this way it will be both delicious and healthier for you and your family.

The post How To Turn Classic Holiday Recipes Into Foods That Are Still Traditional But Are Much Healthier appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

May all the joys of this beautiful holiday season be yours!

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time

is to make my house smell

Christmas-y!!!

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: https://www.organichealthylife.com
Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison – any amount would be greatly appreciated.

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 Merry Christmas And Happy Holiday Wishes appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

The sweet potato is sweet, but not the high-calorie indulgence most people think. It has 105 calories per 3½ ounces, about the same as a regular white potato. It is not even a potato but a member of the morning glory family. It is packed with Vitamin A and beta-carotene. This high-fiber food is a wonderful way to add color and variety to a meal.

This recipe makes eight servings.

Ingredients:
5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes
2 T. pure coconut oil
1 large green apple, cored, peeled, and diced
1 c. raw cranberries
½ c. raisins
1 T. raw, unfiltered honey or coconut sugar
½ c. orange juice

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place sweet potatoes in a large, oiled (coconut oil or butter) baking dish, and top with apples, cranberries, and raisins.
3. Drizzle with honey or raw sugar.
4. Pour orange juice over the top.
5. Cover and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Variations:
Substitute yams for sweet potatoes.
Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
Substitute dried cranberries for fresh.
Substitute butter or ghee for the coconut oil.

Remember to add the main ingredient.
The Main Ingredient Is Always Love!

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: https://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 Sweet Potatoes With Cranberries and Apples – Recipe Is Gluten-free & Plant-based appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

A potato dish can be made with sweet or purple potatoes in place of white potatoes. Use a high quality, organic butter, or use organic ghee or coconut oil as the healthy fat for mashed potatoes or when baking fries. Sweet potatoes are delicious and high in fiber and beta-carotene.
For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice or even wild rice. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat). Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allow the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase the non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the Bt toxin). This can be a great option for those guests who need to eat gluten-free. If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

Many people are now needing to eat gluten-free. Rice and corn are gluten-free, so creating a stuffing using one of these ingredients will be a wonderful option for your gluten intolerant guests.

When preparing creature (beef, lamb, pork, fowl, fish) foods, try buying humanely-raised, 100% grass fed, hormone-free, antibiotic -free, creature foods. When preparing these foods, you might try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking it instead of frying it. If you are baking, frying or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil in place of:
non-organic lard, Crisco (which is a trans-fat), vegetable oils (which can contain GMO: corn, soy, canola, and cotton seed oil, which are toxic oils in my opinion). Pure coconut oil handles heat well and has fantastic health benefits.

You can also grill, broil, or sauté them in a little coconut oil. 
After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra-virgin olive oil on them and possibly top it with some lemon or lime juice, or a lemon or lime juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, white meat pieces, and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

Now for dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself or you can find a whole-grain ready-made crust at the store, and make my cashew crème recipe as the whipped cream for the topping. (Recipe is on page 185 in my book: “How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian”, 2nd edition.)

They now have a coconut milk whipped creme in the freezer section of most grocery stores.

I also love having a simple pitted date as a sweet treat or dessert. It’s just fruit, and it is a healthier choice.

There are delicious pre-made, frozen gluten-free, whole wheat, and organic pie crusts in many grocery store freezer sections. Wholly Wholesome is one brand. For the gluten-free family and friends, most grocery stores now have gluten-free sections in the store and also in the freezer section. You may be surprised to find a variety of delicious healthy choices there.

You can create healthier versions of traditional family recipes
 by simply buying organic and/or humanely-raised, hormone-free, antibiotic-free ingredients.

Some foods you can switch out in your recipes are:
1. Use pure coconut oil or organic 100% grass-fed butter, or pure, extra virgin olive oil, instead of Crisco or vegetables oils
2. Use whole grain sprouted flour instead of white refined flour
3. Use organic date or coconut sugar instead of white refined sugar
4. Use honey or maple syrup in place of high fructose corn syrup or agave syrup.
5. Use organic sprouted breads, crackers, or chips instead of white refined varieties

Read the ingredient labels because a lot of gluten-free foods are loaded with sugar and/or have GMO oils in them, like canola oil.

There are new FDA label regulations. Now the labels will read: “Contains a bioengineered food ingredient”. These warnings on labels will tell you they contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in the product. I highly recommend avoiding the purchase of anything which “Contains a bio-engineered food ingredient” 
on the label.

Try using an organic non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the organic milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the dates in water to make them softer, so they will crème up easier, and voilà … you have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts!
When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as 
a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole. 
Cutting some cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, or celery 
to use as dipping chips is also a great choice! If you want
to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. 
(Late July is a good brand for chips and 
Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days.)

For additional snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, 
try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, 
pitted olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips, 
and coconut chips.

You can create a candy cane appetizer by simply arranging sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese alternately in the shape of a candy cane on the dish, and it’s a healthy and beautiful holiday presentation.

The cute little Santa desserts (in the photo above) are grapes 
with strawberries and slices of banana. Santa’s nose is a 
candy “red hot”, and his eyes are chocolate sprinkles. 
You use small marshmallows for the top of the Santa hat. 
There are a few marshmallow slices (which aren’t the 
healthiest of foods, but there are some healthier versions, 
if you look for them), but it is all about balance and making 
foods more nutrient dense. They are easy and fun to create! 
I taught a cooking class on making healthier holiday foods 
and we made a party of it!

Grown-ups and Children love making these! I like to use the larger wooden shish kebab skewers with a small fork on the tip to hold them, because they are more stable and longer. Be careful to help smaller children with eating them, if you are using skewers of any type.

Here are some easy substitutions I use frequently:

1. Unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese in place of sour cream
2. Hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches
3. Unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk in place of pasteurized dairy

With these ingredient substitutions, you can still enjoy all of the delicious flavors you love, and at the same time, you can increase your health benefits.

Eating this way, you can feel and look your very best as holiday activities continue into January. Instead of regretting what you ate, you will glow with radiant health as you welcome the New Year of 2024!

I send wishes for you, your family, and your friends to have a

Blessed, Joyful, Loving, and Healthy December!

copyright@nancyaddison2023

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: https://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 Creating Healthy Holiday Food appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

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: https://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 Creating A Healthy And Wonderful Holiday Season appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

The post Holiday Chocolate Cake Recipe appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

May all the joys of this beautiful holiday season be yours!

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time

is to make my house smell

Christmas-y!!!

Here is the recipe for making my home smell Christmas-y!

Recipe
Easy home aromatherapy and healthy air!

Ingredients and Directions

Simply put about 4 cups of water in a saucepan
on the stove and turn on the heat.

Add 2 to 4 whole cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup of whole cloves

4 bay leaves

A few star anise pods

1/2 an orange or tangerine sliced

1/2 a lemon sliced

Then bring it to a boil, but just for a second.

Turn down the heat and simmer.
This will release a wonderful holiday fragrance,
and your home will smell festive and warm.

Notes:

1. This simmering pan is an easy way to create a
home-made humidifier. Be certain to add more water regularly, so it doesn’t get too low and to avoid burning the pan. I set a timer to remind myself to check it.

2. The fragrant moisture will humidify the air. This can help with sinus problems, help prevent nose bleeds, and soothe the tissues at the back of your throat. Adding more moisture to the air in the dryer indoor winter months can aid in the reduction of skin and eye dryness, as well as prevent airborne pathogens from floating around in the air.

3. You can add drops of essential oils (like cinnamon) to the mixture. I recommend creating your own recipe with what you have available. Simply use my recipe as a guide.

It has been a bit of a challenging couple of years
for us all.

No matter what holiday you observe at this time of year,
it is a lovely time for all of us around the world
to unite and celebrate each other.

Let’s raise our vibration
and keep our immune system strong.
Please join me in putting on a smile,
wherever you are
or whatever circumstances you may be in.

A smile can create health and well-being
in your body.
Let’s allow our inner light to shine.

Put a smile on your face, and let that
light shine in your heart.

Holidays can be tough for some, so I challenge you,
my dearest friends to push through this…
put on some joyful music, smile, find something joyful
to think about (no matter what is around you),
and be your beautiful, amazing, incredible,
unique, divine self!

Here is an uplifting story
about how two men worked together
to accomplish an amazing goal,
to save their village.

Click here to read the full story
Blind Man And His Friend With No Arms
Work As One To Plant A Forest

Here are a few songs I have been enjoying in 432 & 528 hz,
which are healthy frequency tones!

The Christmas Song (432 hz) Nat King Cole

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (432Hz)

It’s Beginning To look A Lot Like Christmas (432 hz)
Michael Bublé

Linda Ronstadt – Silent Night 528 Hz

I wish you a healthy, abundant, joyful,
loving, and peaceful holiday season!!!

All my blessings and best wishes,

Love, Nancy

The post Merry Christmas And Happy Holiday Wishes From My Family To Yours! appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Whether we make gingerbread cookies to eat, or gingerbread to make houses with for decoration, gingerbread can be a joyful activity during the holidays. The aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven can make the house smell amazing.

Cookies can be fun to make during the holidays. My children and grandchildren and I love to cook together when we get together.

Gingerbread has historically been consumed as an after dinner digestive aid. Ginger is known for boosting the immune system.
It gained a good reputation for protection against the Bubonic plague. Ginger was also known to ease or lessen the effects of nausea, gas, and bloating. It has the same reputation today. Finishing the meal with gingerbread biscuits can bring quick digestive relief.

On holidays when people tend to overindulge in rich foods, gingerbread cookies can be a lovely accompaniment to a meal.

Wheat, barley and rye are the three main gluten-containing grains. The gluten in wheat is named gliadin, while the type of gluten in barley is hordein and the one in rye is secalin.

If a grain is sprouted, whether it’s gluten-free or gluten-containing, it has had the enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid removed. Then,
it will be more digestible and you will absorb the nutrition more effectively. I order my organic sprouted flours from Blue Mountain Organics.

Organic, non-GMO ingredients are always encouraged.

Note: I have two recipes below. The gluten-free recipe follows this gluten-containing recipe.

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

6 cups sifted organic flour (that contains gluten like wheat, kamut, or spelt. Thrive Market or One Degree both sell organic sprouted spelt flour.)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup dark-brown sugar, packed

4 teaspoons ground ginger

4 teaspoons ground Ceylon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons mineral-rich salt (Real by Redmond’s is a good choice.)

1 teaspoon finely ground black-pepper

2 large pasture-raised, organic, humanely-raised eggs

1 cup unsulfured molasses

Organic powdered sugar (optional for dusting the finished cookies with)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Mix in the spices, mineral-rich salt, and black-pepper, and then the eggs and molasses.

4. Add the sifted flour mixture on a low speed and be slow and steady.

5. Divide the dough into three parts. Wrap them in parchment paper and chill them for at least 1 hour.

6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Keep it in the parchment paper, but unfold it. Cut a new large piece of parchment paper out. Press down with your hands to flatten the dough on the bottom parchment paper a bit.
Place the new piece of parchment on top of the dough, so your dough is between the two large pieces of parchment paper, and then roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.

Note: I used a small amount of flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, so the cookies don’t stick as badly. The drawback to this is that it can make your cookies have a white flour look on them that doesn’t come off. If you are decorating them with icing, you may not want the white flour on the cookie.
I dusted mine with the white powdered sugar and that hid the white flour and added that finishing touch of sweetness to the cookie.

8. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.

9. If you don’t use the flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, then fill a shallow, but wide, bowl with 1/8 cup water. Dip your cookie cutters in the water, and then cut out your gingerbread shapes. Then, gently peel away the edges of the parchment paper with your fingers, or use a toothpick for smaller areas. If the dough is not coming up easily, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes and try again.

10. Transfer to baking sheets lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper and refrigerate them until they are firm. That is about 10 to 15 minutes.

11. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp but not darkened.

12. Cool on wire racks, and decorate with icing or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

copyright@nancyaddison2022

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

1 egg

3/4 cup blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup brown sugar (date or palm sugar works well)

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. ginger, ground

1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon, ground

1/4 tsp cloves, ground

3 1/2 cups gluten-free flour – you can use all-purpose (I used sprouted oat or garbanzo bean flour)

1/2 tsp mineral-rich salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 T. pure water, warm

organic powdered sugar (optional to use to sprinkle on finished cookies)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room-temperature butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

3. Mix in the spices, mineral-rich salt, and then the egg and molasses.

4. Add the sifted flour mixture on a low speed and be slow and steady.

5. Turn the mixer to medium-low and slowly dribble the water into the bowl.

5. Divide the dough into three parts. Wrap them in parchment paper and chill them for at least 1 hour.

6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Keep it in the parchment paper and cut a new piece of parchment paper out. Press down with your hands to flatten the dough on the parchment paper a bit.
Place the new piece of parchment on top of the dough, so your dough is between the two large pieces of parchment paper, and then roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.
Note: I used a small amount of flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, so the cookies don’t stick as badly, The drawback to this is that it can make your cookies have a white flour look on them that doesn’t come off. The white powdered sugar will hide this though, if you are using this as your decorative finish to the cookies.

8. Remove the top piece of parchment paper. 9. If you don’t use the flour to dust the bottom piece of parchment paper, then fill a shallow but wide bowl with 1/8 cup water. Dip your cookie cutters in the water, and then cut out your gingerbread shapes. Then, gently peel away the edges of the parchment paper with your fingers, or use a toothpick for smaller areas. If the dough is not coming up easily, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes and try again.

9. Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper and refrigerate them until they are firm. That is about 10 to 15 minutes.

10. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until firm.

11. Cool on wire racks, and decorate with icing or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Enjoy these healthy delicious gingerbread cookies!

copyright@nancyaddison2022

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 Gingerbread Cookies – Two Recipes – Gluten & Gluten-free appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

However, many of our holiday foods often involve a number of rich, savory foods, creamy dips and fried foods. These foods taste good, but they don’t always make our body feel it’s best. Here are a few ingredient or food choice tips that can make our dishes healthier to share with our family and friends.

A potato dish can be made with sweet or purple potatoes in place of white potatoes. Use a high quality, organic butter, or use organic ghee or coconut oil as the healthy fat for mashed potatoes or when baking fries. Sweet potatoes are delicious and high in fiber and beta-carotene.

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice or even wild rice. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat). Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allow the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the Bt toxin). This can be a great option for those guests who need to eat gluten-free. If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

Many people are now needing to eat gluten-free. Rice and corn are gluten-free, so creating stuffings using these ingredients will be a wonderful option for your gluten-intolerant guests.

When preparing creature (beef, lamb, pork, fowl, fish) foods, try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking it instead of frying it. If you are baking, frying or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil in place of lard, vegetable oil or a trans-fat like Crisco. It handles heat well and has fantastic health benefits.

You can also grill, broil, or sauté them in a little coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra-virgin olive oil on them and possibly top it with some lemon or lime juice, or a lemon or lime juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, white meat pieces, and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

Now for dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole-sprouted grain crust yourself or you can find a whole-grain ready-made crust at the store, and make my cashew crème recipe as the whipped cream for the topping. (Recipe is on page 185 in my How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian, 2nd edition.)

They now have a coconut milk whipping creme in the freezer section of most grocery stores.

I also love having a simple pitted date as a sweet treat or dessert. It’s just fruit, and it is a healthier choice.

There are delicious pre-made, frozen gluten-free pie crusts in many grocery store freezer sections. Wholly Wholesome and Trader Joe’s are two of the brands. Most grocery stores now have gluten-free sections in the store and also in the freezer section. You may be surprised to find a variety of delicious healthy choices there.

Try using non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the dates in water to make them softer, so they will crème up easier, and voilà … you have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts!

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole. Cutting some cucumber, red bell pepper or celery to use as dipping chips is also a great choice! If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days. Trader Joe’s has a delicious organic corn chip.)

For additional snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, pitted olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips, and coconut chips.

The cute little Santa appetizer the lady made in my healthy holiday food cooking class that I taught last month (in the photo above) is simply a banana with a strawberry hat.  Santa’s nose is a candy “red hot”, and his eyes are chocolate sprinkles. You use large marshmallows cut to make the white hat brim and a small marshmallow for the top of the Santa hat. There are a few marshmallow slices (which aren’t the healthiest of foods, but there are some healthier versions, if you look for them), but it is all about balance and making foods more nutrient-dense. They are easy and fun to create! Children and adults love making these! I like to use the larger wooden shish kebab skewers with a small fork on the tip to hold them, because they are more stable and longer. Be careful to help smaller children with eating them, if you are using skewers of any type.

Here are some easy substitutions I use frequently:

1. Unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese in place of sour cream

2. Hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches

3. Unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk in place of dairy

With these ingredient substitutions, you can still enjoy all of the delicious flavors you love, and at the same time, you can increase your health benefits.

Eating this way, you can feel and look your very best as
holiday activities continue into January. Instead of regretting
what you ate, you will glow with radiant health as you welcome the New Year of 2023!

copyright@nancyaddison2023

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 Healthier Holiday Foods appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time

is to make a warm cozy drink.

Two of my favorite winter holiday drinks are Vegan Eggnog and Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte.
Here are the recipes!

Vegan Eggnog

This is an easy recipe to make and it is vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

1½ c. unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk

1 organic banana

Pinch of nutmeg

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. raw date sugar or maple syrup (or raw honey – which is not vegan.)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.

2. Sprinkle a tiny bit of nutmeg on the top of the filled cups for a nice presentation.

Note: This recipe is easy to double.

Serves one to two.

Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte

This is a holiday drink made with Ceylon Cinnamon, which boosts your immune system, aids in digestion, circulation, and helps regulate blood sugar. If you have a froth maker, that is great, if not just use a whisk or fork to mix it with and make it lighter.

gluten-free/vegetarian

Ingredients:

2 cups unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk (milk of choice)

1 tsp. Blue Lotus Rooibos Chai (Blue Lotus Chai – made with organic spices. It’s an instant tea that doesn’t require steeping and it’s gluten-free!)

2 tsp. date sugar or honey (to taste)

A few dashes of Ceylon Cinnamon

½ tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Put the tea and the sweetener of choice in your cup.

2. Warm your coconut or hemp milk on the stove making it warm to touch, but not too hot.

3. When it’s just warm, add about 1/2 a cup of the milk to your cup. (If you have a frother, use a frother to mix it well or whisk it to blend.)

4. Add the remainder of your milk and sprinkle a touch of cinnamon on top!

5. Serve warm.

Note:

Cinnamon is a spice, and it’s obtained from the inner bark of a few tree species. Research shows that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon contains antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon can also benefit us with increased alertness and energized senses. Even a teaspoon a day helps tame blood sugar levels.

Ceylon cinnamon is the best cinnamon to use. Cassia, Saigon, and Chinese cinnamon contain five percent coumarin, which is problematic for the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has only .0004 percent coumarin.

It has been a bit of a challenging couple of years for us all.
Let’s raise our vibration and keep our immune system strong.
Please join me in putting on a smile, wherever you are
or whatever circumstances you may be in.

A smile can create health and well-being in your body.
Let’s allow our inner light to shine.

Put a smile on your face,
and let that light shine in your heart.

Holidays can be tough, so I challenge you,
my dearest friends to push through this…
put on some joyful music, smile, dance,
find something positive to think about
(no matter what is around you),
volunteer somewhere,
and be your beautiful, amazing,
incredible, unique, divine self!

Here are a few songs I have been enjoying in 432 HZ,
which is the healthiest tone to help us be in our best health!
If you want to know more about 432 HZ
and why I recommend it, click here to read about it.

The Christmas Song (432 hz) Nat King Cole

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (432Hz)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (432 hz)
Michael Bublé

I wish you a healthy, joyful, loving holiday season!!

Know that I love you, I am grateful for you,
and I have you in my heart now and always.

All my blessings and best wishes,

Love, Nancy

The post Merry Christmas And Happy Holiday Wishes appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

However, many of our holiday foods often involve a number of rich, savory foods, creamy dips and fried foods. These foods taste good, but they don’t always make our body feel its best. Here are a few ingredient or food choice tips that can make our dishes healthier to share with our family and friends.

A potato dish can be made with sweet or purple potatoes in place of white potatoes. Use a high-quality organic butter, or use organic ghee or coconut oil as the healthy fat for mashed potatoes or when baking fries. Sweet potatoes are delicious and high in fiber and beta-carotene.

The reason I would recommend a colorful potato over a white potato is that they are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are the color pigments in foods, so plant foods with vibrant colors are extremely high in antioxidants. Antioxidants counteract the assault of free radicals.

My children always asked me to make my purple mashed potatoes when they had friends visit for dinner because they thought it was fun. These days, my grandson frequently asks if we are going to have purple potatoes to eat when I come to visit. So this year, I encourage you to make some delicious and extraordinary foods for the holidays that are also healthy!

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice or even wild rice. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat). Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allow the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase the non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the Bt toxin). (The stuffing can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornmeal.) If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

When preparing creature (beef, lamb, pork, fowl, fish) foods, try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking it instead of frying it. If you are baking, frying or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil in place of: lard, vegetable oil or a trans-fat like Crisco. It handles heat well and has fantastic health benefits.

You can also grill, broil, or sauté them in a little coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra virgin olive oil on them and possibly top it off with some lemon or lime juice or a lemon or lime juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, white meat pieces, and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

Now for dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself or you can find a whole grain ready-made crust at the store, and make my cashew crème recipe as the whipped cream for the topping. (Recipe is on page 185 in my How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian, 2nd edition.) I also love having a simple pitted date as a sweet treat or dessert. It’s just fruit, and it is a healthier choice.

Try using non-dairy milk (or if you are fortunate to be near a raw, organic farm with raw goat or cow milk, that is healthier also) in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the organic, unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the dates in water to make them softer, so they will crème up easier, and voilà … you have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts!

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole. Cutting some cucumber, red bell pepper or celery to use as the dipping chips is also a great choice!

I frequently cut up and serve fresh green beans with a tiny bit of mineral-rich salt sprinkled on them and serve them as finger food appetizers. I like to eat them alone with the mineral-rich salt, but green beans also go well served with hummus, bean dip, or onion dip. Green beans have some amazing health benefits, and this is one of my favorite ways to serve them.

Green beans are high in orthosilicic acid, which is a natural substance found in seafood, certain mineral waters, vegetables, whole grains, and certain beverages (including beer). Orthosilicic acid is sometimes referred to as soluble silica. Orthosilicic acid is a dietary form of silicon. Silicon is a mineral involved in the formation of collagen and bone. Silicon can help detoxify the body (from aluminum) and also help build strong bones.

If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days. Mary’s Gone Crackers also has delicious gluten-free crackers.)

For additional snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips and coconut chips.

Here are some easy substitutions I use frequently:

1. Unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese in place of sour cream

2. Hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches

3. Unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk in place of dairy

With these ingredient substitutions, you can still enjoy all of the delicious flavors you love, and at the same time, you can increase your health benefits.

Eating this way, you can feel and look your very best as holiday activities continue into January. Instead of regretting what you ate, you will glow with radiant health as you welcome the
New Year of 2022!

copyright@nancyaddison2019

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.

The post Making Healthier Holiday Food! appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

And yet, some of these foods use ingredients or cooking techniques that may not be as healthy as we might desire. Eating these foods doesn’t always make our body feel at its best. So, I thought I would provide you with a few ingredient or food choice tips which you can substitute to make some family recipes or dishes that are healthier to enjoy, and which also promote optimum health during the holiday season.

Potatoes are a nutrient-rich comfort food, but most people have traditionally used white potatoes, since there weren’t many other choices at the grocery store, and since this was what they were used to eating. However, a healthier choice when preparing a potato dish would be to consider using sweet or purple sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are delicious and high in fiber and beta-carotene. Kansas State University has been studying the potential health benefits of the purple sweet potato and its anti-cancer properties. Purple sweet potatoes typically contain unusually high amounts of anthocyanin, which is a powerful anti-cancer pigment. Anthocyanins can be red, blue or purple depending on the food’s chemical structure. (These anthocyanins of blue, red, and purple color pigment can also be found in many colorful fruits, like blueberries, black raspberries, and red grapes.) Anthocyanins are known to have antiangiogenic properties. (Angiogenesis means the growth of new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic means that it stops tumors from growing their own blood vessels.)  As I often state, the antioxidants are the color pigment of the food.

These dark purple, blue, and red foods also contain phenols. Phenols are organic compounds naturally occurring in certain foods, that have anti-aging and antioxidant components.  Additionally, an American Chemical Society study found that eating purple potatoes may lower blood pressure.

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice, wild rice or sprouted organic bread stuffing (using a bread like Ezekiel or Alvarado Bakery) in place of the white, refined bread. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat.) Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allows the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase the non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the bT toxin). If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

When preparing creature (turkey or other types of meat) foods, try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking them instead of frying them. If you are baking, frying or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil or avocado oil in place of lard, vegetable oil or a trans-fat like Crisco. They handle heat well and have fantastic health benefits.

For other types of animal, fish or fowl, you can grill, broil, or sauté them in a little coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra virgin olive oil on them and serve with lemon juice or a lemon juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, white meat pieces, and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

Now for dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself or you can find a whole grain ready-made crust at the store, and serve the coconut milk whipped cream for the topping. It’s delicious and it’s a great way to cut down on dairy.

For dessert, I also love having a simple pitted date as a sweet treat. It’s just fruit, and it is a healthier choice.
Try using non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the pitted dates in water to make them softer so they will crème up easier, and voilà! You have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg (I use whole nutmegs in a pepper grinder) on top for a beautiful and delicious presentation!

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole. Cutting some cucumber, red bell pepper or celery to use as the dipping chips is also a great choice! If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days.)

For additional snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips and coconut chips.

Here are some easy substitutions I use frequently: 1. unsweetened cashew yogurt in place of sour cream, 2. hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches, 3. unsweetened vanilla coconut, hemp or cashew milk in place of dairy.

With these ingredient substitutions, you can still eat all the delicious flavors you love while enjoying a number of health benefits.

In this way, you can feel and look your best as holiday activities continue on into January. Instead of regretting what you ate, you will glow with radiant health.

So as we continue our traditions, remember that we can create comforting, wonderful memories with our families and friends by just relaxing, and putting a lot of love into everything we do.

It is the warm feelings in the traditions that we will always cherish. It truly is about being present, and being here, right now. Slow down and savor the moment. It is food for our soul.

copyright@nancyaddison2018

Nancy Addison is a certified health counselor, certified in plant-based nutrition, certified raw food chef, certified in Health-Supportive Cooking, and certified in Mediterranean Cooking. Nancy has written award-winning books on health, nutrition and cooking. You can reach her on her website, Organic Healthy Life, or find more easy, healthy recipes in Nancy’s books, using her universal author link for amazon: Author.to/nancyaddison

The information from Nancy Addison and Organic Healthy Lifestyle LLC is not offered for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or disorder nor have any statements herein been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We strongly encourage you to discuss topics of concern with your health care provider.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article, book, podcast, website, email, etc. is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC, AADP. 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.

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

The author and publisher are not liable for misuse of this material. This article, website and books are strictly for informational and educational purposes. Nancy Addison offers information and opinions, not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before taking any home remedies or supplements, or following any treatment suggested by Nancy Addison or by anyone listed in the books, articles, or other information contained here. Only your healthcare 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.

The post Create Healthier Holiday Food appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

The post Holiday Survival Tips appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Holiday foods often involve a number of rich, savory foods, creamy dips and fried foods. And yet, these foods don’t always make our body feel at it’s best. So, here are a few ingredient or food choice tips that can make our dishes healthier to share with beloved family and friends.

A potato dish can be made with sweet or purple potatoes in place of white potatoes. Use a high quality, organic butter, or use organic ghee or coconut oil as the healthy fat for mashed potatoes or when baking fries. Sweet potatoes are delicious and high in fiber and beta-carotene.

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice or even wild rice. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of high saturated fat from the meat.) Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allow the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase the non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the bT toxin). If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

When preparing creature foods, try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking it instead of frying it. If you are baking, frying or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil in place of lard, vegetable oil or a trans-fat like Crisco. It handles heat well and has fantastic health benefits.

For other types of animal, fish or fowl, you can grill, broil, or sauté them in a little coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra virgin olive oil on them and serve with lemon juice or a lemon juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, white meat pieces, and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

Now for dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself or you can find a whole grain ready-made crust at the store, and make my cashew crème recipe as the whipped cream for the topping. (Recipe is on page 185 in my award winning cookbook,  How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian, 2nd edition.) I also love having a simple pitted date as a sweet treat or dessert. It’s just fruit, and it is a healthier choice.

Try using non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates (I soak them in water to make them softer, so they will crème up easier) and voilà! You have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts.

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole. Cutting some cucumber, red bell pepper or celery to use as the dipping chips is also a great choice! If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days.)

For additional snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips and coconut chips.

Here are some easy substitutions I use frequently: 1. unsweetened cashew yogurt in place of sour cream, 2. hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches, 3. unsweetened vanilla coconut, hemp or cashew milk in place of dairy.

With these ingredient substitutions, you can still eat all the delicious flavors you love while enjoying a number of health benefits.

In this way, you can feel and look your best as holiday activities continue on into January. Instead of regretting what you ate, you will glow with radiant health as you welcome the New Year of 2018!

copyright@nancyaddison2017

If you like this information, you may like Nancy’s free monthly Newsletter.

Sign up for it in the banner of this website or her #1 best-selling, award-winning cookbooks!

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The post Healthier Holiday Food appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

One of my favorite things to do at this time is

to make my house smell Christmas-y!!

 

Simply but a pot of water on the stove

and throw in a couple of

whole cinnamon sticks,

1/4 cup of whole cloves,

a couple of bay leaves

and an orange slice

and  bring to a boil.

Turn down the heat and simmer for a few minutes,

and your house will smell just like the holiday season.

The post Holiday Aromatherapy For Your Home appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

First: Before going to a cocktail party, I usually take one tsp. of raw, organic green food powder (I like “Perfect Food” powder by Garden of Life, spirulina powder, or chlorella powder), and 1 tsp. of organic psyllium husks, with a little water. I then drink another glass (16 ounces) of water immediately afterwards.

Doing this makes me feel a bit full and prevents me from showing up to a party hungry, which can lend itself to overeating.  This drink mixture  also contains a lot of fiber, which can be helpful if one overindulges in the liquid spirits at the party.

Second: When I am in a buffet line, or at a party where there is an amazing amount of food, I use an appetizer or salad plate instead of a dinner plate. People who do this, on average, eat 40 percent less! I try to choose cut up fresh veggies, hummus and other truly healthy foods. In addition, I try to avoid sugar.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one teaspoon of added sugar shuts down a person’s immune system for up to five hours. (1) Since I am wanting to feel really great this season, boost my immune system, and avoid being sick, I keep this in mind while I am eyeing the beautiful deserts and goodies.

Third: If overindulgence in spirits is a problem, here are a few natural ways to help relieve a hangover:

Remedy #1: Combine 1 tsp. raw, unfiltered honey, 1/2 c. freshly squeezed orange juice, and ¼ c. kefir or yogurt. Consume. 
•   Remedy #2: Soak organic dates
(pitted) in water for a few hours or more. Drink the water and eat the dates.

Remedy #3: Eat a banana.

Remedy #4: If feeling nauseous, try cutting up a bit of fresh organic, ginger root (you can buy this in the fresh produce section of the grocery store) into little pieces, and steeping it in hot water for about 3 – 5 minutes to make a ginger tea. It is very effective for relieving nausea.

Four: Make sure to get enough rest. Everyone has experienced the fatigue, lack of focus, and short temperedness that can follow a poor night’s sleep. We don’t want to experience that during the holidays! But even beyond these side effects, research has linked poor sleep with higher risks of heart disease and stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, and depression.(2)

If you have trouble sleeping, try having a little chamomile tea or warm milk (hemp, coconut or from organic, humanely raised, and grass fed cows or goats) with 1 tiny bit of raw, unfiltered honey.
If you are under a lot of stress and need a little relief, valerian root can help with tension or anxiety. For thousands of years, the herb valerian has been used in Europe and Asia to aid with sleep or anxiety. For insomnia, it’s suggested you use between 400 milligrams to 500 milligrams of valerian root up to two hours before bed.

Also, as we get older, humans don’t produce as much melatonin, which is what helps us sleep. You can buy melatonin as a supplement at the store. It comes in different strengths (one to three milligrams). Dr. Gary Massad, who has researched melatonin and sleep problems in depth, states that studies show if you take half a milligram of melatonin around three or four in the afternoon and then another half gram again about an hour before bedtime, it will work most effectively.

Other hormone imbalances can also disrupt sleep patterns, so have your doctor check you for any hormone imbalance or vitamin deficiencies. I recommend only using a vitamin from a whole food source, and I do not recommend ever taking synthetic vitamins.

You might also listen to recorded sounds of rain or ocean waves to help with sleep, as they may relax your mind. Experiment to find out what works best for you.

Five: Most people are so busy doing everything for everyone else, that they aren’t making enough time to nurture and take care of themselves. Let’s face it, the better we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of the ones we love.

Make sure you take some time each day to slow down, calm the mind, get a little exercise, and love yourself. If we don’t take a little time for ourselves, stress can get hold of us.

Try making an appointment with yourself each day to slow down, rest, exercise, and do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Even consider marking it in your calendar or setting a daily timer to keep you on track. Try and keep that appointment like it is with your most important client or friend.
I have exercise down as an appointment, and although I reschedule once in a while, I don’t cancel it because it is a commitment to myself (even if that just means walking around the block briskly).

Six: If you’re feeling blue, pamper yourself and do what feels good. Try to take a walk, or spend time alone if that’s what you want. Remember, this is your holiday too and you can be there for yourself just like you try to be for everyone else.

I’ve spent many a holiday alone. Sometimes I have felt a little blue. When that happens, I intentionally will shift my focus to something new. Exercise has been shown to help with weight maintenance, health, stress relief and depression. So, make sure you keep it in your schedule. Or, I may turn on a funny movie, take a walk, turn on joyful music and call a friend to come over, or take a supplement called 5 HTP.
5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is an essential amino acid that can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, similar to antidepressants.

Low levels of serotonin can contribute to the development of depression and increased appetite. I have found 5 HTP really helps me when I am feeling low. Studies show it begins working as quickly as 15 to 20 minutes after taking it. You can purchase it at a healthy grocery store.

Remember, the holidays only come once a year and only last for a short time. So many of us have an idealized idea of what the holidays should be like and can be disappointed when they don’t live up to those expectations.

Try to be realistic and remember, nobody has a perfect holiday or perfect family. If you follow these tips, you might just find this year to be healthier, less stressful and more joyful!

Please leave a comment and join the conversation!

Everyone would love to hear what you think!

Sources:
1- Albert Sanchez, J. L. Reeser, H. S. Lau, P. Y. Yahiku, R. E. Willard, P. J. McMillan, S. Y. Cho, A. R. Magie, and U. D. Register. “Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis.” The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc. 1973. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/26/11/1180.abstract.
2- NHS, Government of United Kingdom, Why lack of sleep is bad for your health 
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx.

3- Find a Vitamin or Supplement, 5 – HTP,, Web MD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-HTP.aspx?activeIngredientId=794&activeIngredientName=5-HTP.
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The post Healthy Lifestyle And Nutrition Tips For Surviving The Holidays appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Recipes from “How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian” are on pages:
Nut Pate Page 178
Seitan Stroganoff Page 195
Squash Cassarole page 205
Tom Spicer’s Brown Rice with Chestnuts page 218
Stuffed Tomatoes Page 214
Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Apples Page 216
Aunt Katherine’s Yeast Rolls page 251
Southern Cornbread page 256

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