Bok Choy & Black Bean Soup

Bok Choy & black bean soup is a savory and filling soup to add to your anti-inflammatory eating routine. We are all looking for simple ways to eat healthier and have less pain. So, why not enjoy life more by eating whole food we make ourselves? The overly processed and nutrient poor items will be less tempting when our tastebuds, cells, and bellies are satisfied.

The soup is ideal in the summer and early fall months when the Bok Choy, onions, and zucchini are ripe for picking, too! But never fret, even if you don’t grow them, they are easy to find in our local grocery store.

What Makes Bok Choy & Black Bean Soup Anti-inflammatory?

That is a good question!

Bok Choy is in the Brassica family of plants and known for its antioxidant capacity. One study identified 71 phenolic (beneficial plant kind, not the chemical derivative kind) compounds in Brassicas like, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. (1) All of which are high oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) scorers!

This soup also has broccoli, onions, and carrots, which have their own powerhouse of antioxidants to help restore and repair damaged cells. Combine that with black beans and quinoa and you’ve got added fiber, natural folate ( 1 cup as 64% RDA) vitamin A, vitamin E, and protein.

Nutrients, anthocyanins, more quercetin and flavanols are present in black beans and suspiciously resemble something of a divine design.

Devotion

Basically, they go in a mop up messes created by dying cells, and directly or indirectly reduce inflammation. Something God loves to do with His provision in the garden for our bodies. Just picture the powerful nutrients working their way through your body and absorbing disease. It’s a beautiful picture of God working through food to heal our bodies just like the Holy Spirit works through His Word to heal our souls.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Jeremiah 29:10-12 ESV – “For thus says the LORD: When seventy – Bible Gateway

Bok Choy & Black Bean Soup


Bok Choy & Black Bean Soup

  • 2 Cups Bok Choy (Chopped)
  • 1 Small Red Onion
  • 1 Small Zucchini (Chopped)
  • 1 Bunch Broccoli
  • 1 Carrot
  • 2 tsp. Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Himalayan Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp. Pepper
  • 1 Can Black Beans (Rinsed and Drained)
  • 1 Tsp Coriander
  • 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 Cup Quinoa (Rinsed and Drained)
  1. In a soup pot combine the onions, zucchini, & Bok choy, sauté in a little water until tender.

  2. Add the broccoli, carrots, rosemary and spices, then the beans, broth, and rinsed quinoa.

  3. Simmer for about 30 minutes and top with hulled pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds.


Check out more black bean recipes on the Strengthen Your Heart Blog! I’ve used them several different ways!

Remember, if you need help with getting your family on board with a simpler, healthier eating plan, book a consultation with me here. I look forward to serving you!

Have a beautiful day!

References:

Lin LZ, Harnly JM. Phenolic component profiles of mustard greens, yu choy, and 15 other brassica vegetables. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Jun 9;58(11):6850-7. doi: 10.1021/jf1004786. PMID: 20465307; PMCID: PMC3762684.




Quinoa & Black Bean Medley

A couple of years ago my daughter signed up for Purple Carrot. As with all great ideas and plans, not every recipe will please the masses. However, there was one she shared with me that featured black beans and sweet potatoes. Oh boy, was it a great combination! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve eaten it as a meal when I’m not wanting to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. My inspiration for this Quinoa & Black Bean Medley comes from that dish.

I use sauteed onions and garlic in olive oil, then add the sweet potato with salt, paprika, and cumin. After the potatoes soften a little, I add the rinsed black beans and precooked quinoa. I then top this dish off at the end with fresh oregano and kale from the garden. It is so good!

Health Benefits of Quiona & Black Bean Medley

The benefits of this medley are pretty impressive too! As many of you know quinoa is a complete protein (8grams per cup), rich in fiber (5 grams per cup), while providing a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. So paired with the 8 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein in black beans, you and I are one step closer to meeting our daily requirement in this dish. If that is not impressive enough, just think of the polyphenols and B vitamins present alongside garlic, onions, kale, and sweet potatoes. You’ll see the nutrition facts for this dish below in the recipe.

Sweet potatoes contain provitamin A, a nice supply of potassium, B5, B6, and naturally occurring vitamin E. Why is natural occurring vitamin E important? Because synthetic vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) has been implicated in negative outcomes for health! In a meta-analysis study it has been shown to increase all cause mortality! (1)

So, please, ditch the synthetic garbage and stick with God’s essential nutrients he provided for brain health, metabolism, energy, fighting inflammation, and disease. In addition to the sweet potato beauty, the powerhouse of kale is providing antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. It grows easily in the back yard or container garden too!

Buy some seeds in the spring and enjoy this wonderful vegetable all summer!

Snap Peas & Kale

Devotion

Moreover, feel confident in this: God knew exactly how to provide for your every need before you came to be. From reducing oxidative stress, helping your cell’s fight cancer, improving your digestive health, controlling blood sugar, and lowering your risk for chronic disease; He has a plan in the food he provides. The Psalmist is overwhelmed with God’s glory in the beauty of the moon and stars. He sees a bigger picture of life outside himself, and wonders at the mightiness of God.

It is exactly how I see God when I think of how mindful He is of us when reading about the nutrition facts in plants and animals. He also created a body for you and me that is always working overtime to undo the toxic elements it is exposed to. Although we are crowned with glory and honor and dominion over animals, plants, and creatures of the sea; alongside the great honor, comes stewardship.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalm 8:3-5 ESV – When I look at your heavens, the work – Bible Gateway

Humbly accepting his great gift of healing for our spiritual health occurs by accepting His Son, Jesus Christ. But mindfully choosing the food he provides for our body’s health from the garden, over man-made harmful products, is also a way to honor Him physically.

God is so worthy of praise, isn’t He?!


Quinoa & Black Bean Medley

  • 2 Sweet Potatoes
  • 1 Can Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 Cup Quinoa (Precooked)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1/2 Medium Onion
  • 2 Tbsp. Oregano (Fresh)
  • 2 Cups Kale (Fresh Chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1 Tbsp Olive extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  1. Heat a skillet to low/medium heat. Add the olive oil, onions and garlic. Sauté until tender.

  2. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and cook until tender about 5 min, Sprinkle with paprika.

    Add the rinsed black beans and the water. Stir occasionally, then add the precooked quinoa. Season with salt and cumin.

  3. Lastly, stir in the chopped oregano and kale and stir until just wilted. Serve immediately.


References:

Clarke MW, Burnett JR, Croft KD. Vitamin E in human health and disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2008;45(5):417-50. doi: 10.1080/10408360802118625. PMID: 18712629.




Quinoa Black Bean Chili

“And here is my advice in this matter: Last year you were the first to not only to give but also have the desire to do so.”

2 Corinthians 8: 10

Paul has to continually remind the believers in Corinth to remember the grace of God. He recounts the Macedonian churches who overcame ‘severe trial and extreme poverty but still welled up in rich generosity.’ (2 Cor. 8:12) In comparison to Jesus who left the vast wealth of the Heavenly realm to become the poorest of poor for us (vs.9).

The apostle says the sincerity of our love is tested with the earnestness towards others. I believe that is true. It’s tempting to hold on to our resources and forsake giving, but these people were impoverished and still giving all they had. He doesn’t want us giving out of guilt, but gratitude!

It’s a heart check for all of us!

Here’s my heart for you today: I desire for you to know Jesus, enjoy life, enjoy food, and live gratefully.

I eagerly offer you this delicious Quinoa Black Bean Chili to start your day living in the full grace and love of others; the essence of strengthening our hearts. I know, everyone has there own recipe and this one is not very original, but I used what I had in the cupboard and from the garden at the time to make this, and it turned out pretty good. I hope you enjoy it too!

Here is what you’ll need:

  • 1 LB of Lean Ground Beef (Substitutes: chicken/turkey or 1 cup lentils)
  • 1 Cup Rinsed, Red Quinoa
  • 2 Fresh Ears of Corn, Shucked (sub: 12 ounce bag of frozen)
  • 2 Cans Rinsed Black Beans
  • 6 Large Fresh Diced Tomatoes (this is how you control the salt/if no concern/ substitute 3 cans diced stewed tomatoes)
  • 1 Large Onion Chopped
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Small green pepper Chopped
  • 2 Teaspoons Oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon Organic Chili Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon No Salt Seasoning
  • 1 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Paprika (sounds like a lot, but I don’t add salt, I’m a heart nurse, remember?)
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 4 Cups Low Sodium Beef Broth (Sub. Vegetable or Chicken)
  • 4 Cups Water

In a large soup pot, sauté’ the beef with onions, garlic, and peppers until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain fat if necessary (mine is lean and this is not necessary). Add the corn, tomatoes, and spices. Add the broth and the water. Bring to a boil, turn it on low and add the quinoa, let simmer a couple of hours until thick and all the flavors meld together.

I hope you enjoy this satisfying Chili with your group today as you excel in all you do for the Lord!




Black Bean and Squash Medley

Psalm 63:5

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

Don’t you just love the confidence of this psalmist? My soul will be satisfied. No could be’s here…

He’s all in. I’m all in too! I want my soul rich with the word of God and my belly full of what He puts in the garden.

It sure does help praise Him with joyful lips. Because I know He is in control.

Let your lips enjoy this fresh from the garden dish today!

Black Bean and Squash Medley

1 Cup Fresh zucchini

1 Cup Yellow Squash

1 Cup Butternut Squash

1/2 Small Onion

1 Clove Minced Garlic

2 Cups Rinsed Black Beans

1 Tsp Oregano

1 Tsp Coriander

1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley

2 Tbsp. Organic Olive Oil (If doing fasting mimicking omit the oil and sauté in vegetable broth)

Preheat a large skillet on the stove. Chop all of the above vegetables. Add the olive oil to the skillet then the chopped onion, zucchini, garlic, and squash. Sauté’ about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Add the black beans and spices. Heat beans through and Top with fresh parsley.

This dish is good for your taste buds and good for your skin, with 40% of your RDI of Vitamin A! Your cells may also like the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal benefits of oregano! Coriander is good for digestion and lowering LDLP cholesterol!.

This dish also has potassium, magnesium, folate.

What God put in the garden is good!

Enjoy!




Garden Veggies and Black-Eyed Peas

I wonder sometimes why they call these beans peas. Although, they are in the legume family, they have no relation to the peas. However, don’t let that stop you from soaking, rinsing, and stewing them with some garden veggies. This savory garden veggie and Black Eyed Pea stew is well worth the time and effort of soaking and simmering. Not only is it low calorie, it is loaded with nutrients.
So, if you’re looking for a substantial amount of folate, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, you’ve picked the right legume. Pair this with carrots, onion, garlic, and spinach and you have a strong start to strengthening your heart! In the meantime, you’ll also be meeting your daily energy needs. Check out additional benefits of this hearty legume Here.
And don’t forget, strengthen your heart with God’s word each day too!

Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their hearts.
You will listen carefully,
 doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed
so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.
Psalm 10:17-18


Garden Veggies & Black-eyed Peas

  • 1 16 oz bag Dry Black Eyed Peas
  • 4 Cups Water
  • 2 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 Carrots Chopped
  • 1 Cup Fresh Spinach
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 2 Teaspoons Thyme
  • 1 Teaspoon Each Salt and Pepper
  1. Rinse and soak beans according to package directions. Rinse again. Place in a large soup pot and bring to a boil with four cups of water. Simmer one hour, then add spices, salt and pepper, carrots, onions, and garlic. Simmer another hour until beans are done. Chop spinach leaves and add just before serving.

    Enjoy!


Staying on track with a focused plan to heal the heart physically and spiritually will bless those around you for years to come! Hang in there because you and your family are worth it! You can start with meals like this Garden Veggie and Black-eyed Pea stew.
Check out the Bold Faith Page for more encouragement.



Tasty & Simple Salad in a Jar Ideas

Don’t you just love salad in a jar? Well, maybe not eating it from a jar, but the flavor combination and storage capacity of these tasty mini meals or side dishes is fabulous!

It also helps us meal preppers plan the week a little easier so it flows into everyday life. Then we can actually enjoy life, instead of spending hours and hours in the kitchen.

After all, enjoying life is all about doing what we love to do and having the energy and stamina to do it, right?

Therefore, intentionally thinking about all the vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and protein we are packing in these cute little jars is going to give us the healthy bodies we need to do what we love!

Salad in a Jar ideas

Mediterranean
Style Salad

Salad in a Jar ideas

All you do is place a mix of the oil/lemon, and spices in the bottom of six-pint jars, then place a tablespoon of each vegetable in the jar. Top with a tablespoon of quinoa, a teaspoon each of sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Fill the rest of the jar with salad greens. Store in the fridge until ready to eat! Enjoy!

Dressing

  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp each onion powder, salt, and pepper—Mix in the bottom of your jars.

Vegetables/Grain/Protein

  • 1/4 Chopped Red Pepper
  • 1/4 Chopped Orange or Yellow Pepper
  • 1/4 Chopped Onion & Cucumber
  • 3/4 Cup precooked quinoa
  • 1/2 Cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup of your favorite olives (kalamata are great!)
  • 2 cups of Salad Greens

Turmeric/Ginger
& Veggie Salad

Dressing

  • 1 Tsp Turmeric/Ginger/Honey Sauce *
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Veggies/Protein

  • 1/4 head of shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 small shredded beet
  • 1/4 finely minced onion
  • 1/2 Cup quinoa
  • 1/4 Cup pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/2 Cup Chick Peas
  • 2 Cups Spring Greens

Again, you’ll need six clean pint jars. In the bottom of each jar place the tsp of turmeric/ginger/honey sauce (see recipe below) and 1 tbsp on EVOO. Add 1 tablespoon of the cabbage, beet, quinoa, and chickpeas. Add a teaspoon of pumpkin seeds, then divide the spring greens among the remaining space in the jars. Walla—–you have Tasty and Simple Salad in a Jar!

What are your ideas for a great salad in a jar?

More Salad in a Jar Ideas

A Cobb salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, nitrate free turkey bacon, boiled eggs, salad greens with ranch at the bottom? OH, my!

Black Bean Salad—-, black beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, & salad greens with avocado dressing (1/2 cup plain yogurt, onion powder/lemon juice/ and 1/2 avocado mashed and mixed)

Chick Pea/Red Pepper/Cabbage and Beet—–in a pint jar mix 1 tbsp EVOO, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp honey, a pinch of salt & pepper. Whisk together well. Add flavored chickpeas, 1 tbsp shredded carrots, 1 tbsp red and yellow peppers/ 1 tbsp of red cabbage relish, 1 cup of spring greens, 1 tsp sunflower seeds.

Store all of them in the fridge up to four days until ready to eat!

Turmeric/Ginger/Garlic/Honey Jar

This delicious concoction came from my friend Halina—she says she puts 1 cup of fresh ground turmeric/1 cup fresh ground ginger/ 1/4 cup fresh ground garlic/ and 1 cup of raw honey with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. She then mixes it all together and divides into little gift jars.

How cute is that for an anti-inflammatory gift in a jar?

I mix a teaspoon of this with black pepper and a tablespoon of olive oil for my salad dressing. It’s delicious!

I hope you like the recipes. There are plenty more salad ideas here, so check them out too!

Red Relish and Cherry Salad

Simple Pear & Pepper Salad

Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa

What God puts in the garden is so good! He loves us and gave his Son for our souls, as well as all these goodies in the garden for our physical health!

Enjoy this verse today for your spiritual gifts, and for the spiritual strength to do his will!

I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus, that by Him you were enriched in everything—in all speech and all knowledge. In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1 HCSB – Greeting – Paul, called as an apostle – Bible Gateway

God bless you!

If you want to check out the MetS Busters program for your workplace, church, or club, let me know here!




Almond Chia Crackers

Almond chia crackers are easy to make and hard to resist. The good news is you don’t have to resist them, you can enjoy a few with hummus and veggies. Or maybe place them alongside your anti-inflammatory Mushroom Soup or Black Bean & Bok Choy Soup.

These almond and chia crackers are a part of a 7 Day Detox plan to reduce inflammation and nourish the cells. The best part is they are delicious and simple to prepare!

There are many varieties of this cracker at the grocery store and even some recipes on the internet. I like to read the labels in the store and come up with my own healthier version at home.

Benefits

I think the best benefit of these crackers is they can be easily incorporated into a low carbohydrate eating plan. Evidence is mounting across the healthcare spectrum, and in science, that lower carbohydrate eating alongside intermittent fasting (not eating between meals or after dinner) helps lower chronic disease.

According to one PubMed article, this eating pattern is helping many people lose weight and reduce insulin resistance. (1)

I like to explain it to my clients this way: Insulin resistance is when the muscle cells are not receptive to insulin moving glucose through the cell wall to be stored for energy. It’s connected to weight gain and prediabetes, among other chronic conditions.

Almond & Chia Crackers

Almond Chia Cracker Recipe


Almond & Chia Crackers

  • 1 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Water
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.

  2. Combine the flour and salt. Set it aside, and combine the chia seeds and water, let it set 10 minutes until gelled.

  3. Combine the chia water with the flour and mix well. It will be sticky. Let it set a few minutes to soak up all the water.

  4. Place between parchment paper and roll out into thin dough, less than 1/8th inch.

  5. Remove the top layer of parchment paper and cut the dough into small squares.

  6. Take the bottom parchment paper and place it on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flip over and bake another 20 minutes.


I hope you enjoy this low carbohydrate chia cracker recipe! It can be a part any anti-inflammatory eating plan. If you like it give it a rating and share it with a friend!

Take care and remember, what God puts in the garden is good!

Mysty

References:

Arbour MW, Stec M, Walker KC, Wika JC. Clinical Implications for Women of a Low-Carbohydrate or Ketogenic Diet With Intermittent Fasting. Nurs Womens Health. 2021 Apr;25(2):139-151. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2021.01.009. PMID: 33838849.




2 Labor Day Leftover ~ Omelets

I love having a good amount of leftovers after Labor Day to make eating throughout the week simple. Omelets are the perfect meals to use them in too!

Even if you are only cooking for one or two people.

The leftover black bean and corn salsa will make a delicious omelet, while the leftover grass-fed burger will provide a good amount of protein and much needed iron. If you’re worried about gathering supplies for the salsa.

Don’t sweat that either!

It’s the perfect time of year to gather your peppers, onions, corn and tomatoes and put this salsa together. Chop them and add a can of rinsed black beans, some fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt and there you have your black bean and corn salsa for your 1st omelet.

By the way, what are your favorite combinations for salsa?

Black Bean and Corn Salsa Omelet

  • 2 Medium Eggs
  • A Teaspoon of melted butter
  • 1 cup of black bean Salsa
  • Heat your skillet and add the butter. Beat the eggs and add salt and pepper. Pace in the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes. Add the salsa to half of the omelet and fold over and serve. This would be good with some melted pepper jack cheese or topped with plain yogurt and fresh parsley.

How simple is that?

I bet you’ll be very happy with the flavor too!

omelet

Burger & Mushroom Omelet with Rosemary

This omelet is a good fit for my low-carb friends who want to increase their protein intake without overdoing it on the carbs. I like the idea of extra protein in the morning too, because it keeps me full longer. The herbs give it a nice fresh burst of flavor, while the mushrooms get our immune systems raring to go.

Here’s what you’ll need for ONE omelet.

  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
  • 1 Sprig of Oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
  • 3 mushrooms (cleaned and chopped)
  • 1 Leftover burger chopped
  • 1/8 tsp. each cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt
  • Heat your skillet, add a tsp of butter. Saute` the chopped mushrooms and warm up the burger in the skillet. Beat and add the eggs, cook one minute. Add the beaten eggs, and spices. Cook until done. Enjoy!

Summary

What God puts in the garden is good! And these two breakfast omelets are quick and easy to prepare. You and I need quick and easy so we can get away from plastic covered breakfast cereal, pop tarts, doughnuts, etc.

You know, those obesogens I’ve been talking about lately! It’s hard to get away from the things that steal our joy, physically and spiritually. That is why I hope to bring you recipes that build you up in both ways!

I pray you are encouraged to face each new day with hope and vigor as you become intentional about eating to heal your body and praying to heal your soul. We need both to function at our best, don’t we?

 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:3-5 ESV – For Christ did not please himself, but – Bible Gateway

Don’t forget if you need help with health coaching contact me here:




Derailing to Detox in 7 Days!

Have you ever gone on vacation and completely derailed your healthy eating habits? If you have, you are not alone! We’re talking about derailing to detox today, so we can get back on track.

Derailing happens to all of us, and it’s not a bad thing. It’s actually freeing to taste the scoop of ice cream we’ve been avoiding due to joint and muscles aches. Or to accept the side of fries with our burger as we did when we were living the American dream.

We are enjoying our free time. Celebrating with family and getting the rest God designed us to take when we go on vacation.

What Derailing Looks Like Biblically

It reminds me of the Feast of Booths in the Bible. God commanded a period of seven days to gather in booths each year so Israel could worship Him and rest as they enjoyed the fruit of their harvest. Of course, their derailing, or in this case, feasting, did not consist of fried foods or ice cream.

“On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. You shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. (Leviticus 23:39-41)

Leviticus 23 ESV – Feasts of the LORD – The LORD spoke to – Bible Gateway

They didn’t have to detox from chemicals in their food or inflammatory markers that get set off with preservatives and additives though! There were no dyes or altered forms of seed oils, either. The toxic ultra-processed boxed items we consume on vacation poorly resemble the fruit of the land they enjoyed.

However, the ideas of rest, celebration, worship, and enjoyment for seven days stands! And so can we. We can get back to the produce of our land and begin a 7-day detox right from the garden!

A Simple 7 Day Detox Plan for Healthy People —Not Taking Medication

Now, you know the usual disclaimer here: This is NOT a diet plan for you, and you MUST listen to your doctor or dietician’s advice about meal planning. Especially if you are on medication to lower your blood sugar or blood pressure.

By detoxing for 7 days, we healthy individuals are simply eating vegetables, nuts, beans, and a small amount of fruit for our meals, with plenty of water. Organic extra virgin olive oil, in small amounts for a dressing, is beneficial with all its polyphenols and healthy fat, too! There is no snacking between meals for a detox, nor is there sugar, corn, or potato chips.

If this sounds close to a vegan detox plan, it is. . .without the sugar or ultra-processed, packaged, franken food a few of them eat. And we can take encouragement because people all over the world eat the produce of the land, safely, every single day, while suffering no ill effects.

There is ZERO artificial sweeteners, colorings, additives, or flavorings. Also, zero diet anything, fried anything, or sugar of any kind. Did I say, “No sugar’ again? Yes, I sure did! I’m thinking excess sugar gets most of us into more trouble with inflammation than any other substance.

It’s black tea, black coffee, herbal teas, lemon water, and one of my favorites: A Derailing to Detox Smoothie

Derailing to Detox Smoothie


Derailing to Detox Smoothie

  • 1 Lemon
  • 1 Kiwi
  • 2 Cups Spinach/Kale Blend
  • 2 Tbsp. Blueberries
  • 1/2 Tsp. Celtic or Himalayan Salt
  • 2 Cups Ice Water
  1. Juice the lemon and peel the kiwi. Add it to the Bullet (or blender of your choice) with the spinach/kale, blueberries, and salt. Add the ice water and blend until a nice liquid. Enjoy!


Derail to Detox Summary

Friend, first of all I hope you enjoyed your vacation without guilt or shame! I pray God restored you with much needed rest and you had a chance to thank Him for all of His goodness! I also hope this little seven-day idea of healthy eating is doable for you as you imagine your own recipes forming with exploration through the farmer’s markets, grocery produce sections, or maybe even, your own back yard. The Highlights are:

  • *Consult your doctor or dietician for your individual caloric/nutritional needs with healthy eating*
  • General ideas for nutritional needs are also available for healthy individuals (not taking medication) at Calorie Calculator
  • Enjoy vegetables cooked or raw
  • Enjoy fruit cooked or raw
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Enjoy herbal teas, black coffee or tea
  • Enjoy beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds
  • No eating between meals
  • No sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives, dies, flavorings, fried foods, or preservatives
  • Take your usual multivitamin or supplements

It’s not a meal plan, but it’s a beautiful gift of good ideas from God’s garden to turn us from derailing to detox. I hope it has been helpful to open our eyes to proper feasting and fasting in a healthy, biblical kind of way. If you need further encouragement or recipe ideas check out the blog!

There are plenty! Here are three to get you started:

Black Bean & Bok Choy Soup

Almond & Chia Crackers

Coconut Pecan Prune Bars

Also, if you are looking for help changing lifestyle or behaviors let me know!




Fantastic Fiber Ideas!

I’m always excited to share high quality fiber recipes with you. When we understand the benefits of this tasty item for fullness, gastrointestinal motility, and gut health, it’s even better!

It is estimated Americans are getting half of their recommended dietary fiber intake each day. USDA sources place the number of grams required daily to prevent disease at around 25 grams for women and 38 for men. In addition to that, a large population study reveals a high fiber diet is associated with lower all-cause mortality. (1)

As a person who has suffered from IBS for many years, taking control of my diet mattered to me. I can only stop on the side of the road and jump over a guardrail for emergencies a certain number of times before I realize…

What the heck did I just eat to cause that and how do I get it under control?

It was also problematic watching people die, before their time, from chronic disease in my career as an intensive care nurse. I did not want to be one of my patients!

Some careful observations need to take place, and soon. The delicacies I enjoyed so often, were deceptive food.

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

Proverbs 23 ESV – When you sit down to eat with a ruler, – Bible Gateway

Changing my diet twenty years ago and getting my stress under control with prayer made a huge difference. So, I am confident you can do it too! God’s plans for you and me are good, and He gives us everything we need in the garden to restore our health.

I’m here to help you, too!

My ways of including optimal amounts of fiber in my diet are:

Fruits and vegetables, at least 5-6 per day.

Chia Seeds on my eggs, in my muffins, on my salads.

Quinoa in my eggs with kale or spinach.

Quinoa on my salads, or in my soups.

Flaxseed meal in my tortillas, muffins, multi-grain bread recipes.

fiber recipes

God made some easy take-along items to feed your gut microbiome and help you and I feel full longer.

Since we have to watch pesticide spray on all of the items I sprinkle them with baking soda, gently rub it over the surface, then rinse with filtered water. The baking soda works like sandpaper to get the wax off your grapes and apples. I love using it!

If you are worried about natural sugars in fruit, always add some spices and protein to lower the sugar spike and insulin burst from your pancreas.

For example:

  • **Peel back your banana, sprinkle on some cinnamon, and grab a few walnuts to eat with the fruit. Or add the banana to your vegetable and protein smoothie.

  • **Strawberries and full fat- sugar free–yogurt with walnuts and a dash of cinnamon is good too!

  • **Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries with a side of cottage cheese and black pepper.

  • **Cardamon sprinkled Grapes, and mozzarella slices or sticks…oh yum!

You get the idea. You are feeding your cells the antioxidants they crave and lowering inflammation throughout your body (the root cause of disease).

God will heal your soul through Jesus and your body through His provision in the garden, my friend. Just trust Him with all your needs and pray for the desire to consume more of Him and what He provides.

I am here for you, too. Let me know how you would like prayer and guidance in living more for Him and less for the world.

fiber ideas and benefits

Recipes with Fiber

Most of the recipes on this site are created with fiber content in mind. Any recipe with 3 grams of fiber per serving is a good fiber choice! I hope you enjoy some of my favorites in the links below!

Power Salad

Loaded Blueberry & Quinoa Oatmeal –

Quinoa & Black Bean Medley –

Sugar Free Berry Crisp

Smoothies: Simple & Tasty Intentional Breakfast –

Fresh-Milled Oat & Wheat Poptart –

I hope these recipes are helpful in jump starting your fiber ideas! They sure are fun to incorporate in any wellness plan. Mostly because when we don’t feel well and start connecting it to what we eat, we then understand what we’ve been missing. .

The fiber is lacking in the fast-paced, ultra-processed food plan.

Ditch that plan, my friend, and my guess is you, and your children, will start feeling better within a week!

God has a better plan for your life and for your health and it’s not in a package or a supplement.

I am here for you to get you started with a new way of thinking!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

References:

Xu X, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Qi H, Wang P. Associations between dietary fiber intake and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer: a prospective study. J Transl Med. 2022 Aug 2;20(1):344. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03558-6. PMID: 35918724; PMCID: PMC9344643.