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!




A Faith-Based Approach to Stress Relief- 3 Easy Steps

A faith-based approach to stress relief shares some characteristics of modern psychology, but also has significant differences. Here are three simple ways to understand the difference and begin our a spiritual action plan to reduce stress.

We will do well to remember there are many approaches for both methods, that are not mentioned here. However, the idea is to look for a starting point.

Starting points make it simple for the average person experiencing daily stressors. Although it’s a good idea to keep in mind, chronic sufferers (not getting relief from stress for six months or more) require a more specialized approach!

Approaches to Stress Relief

The World’s Methods

  • Take deep breaths to calm ourselves–this is good! The world teaches us to do this for calming our hearts and minds. It is a very effective technique to implement for stress relief.

  • Look inside yourself for strength. We are not denying we each have our own strengths. Resilience, grit, tenacity, lightheartedness, resourcefulness, and sensibleness are all qualities we develop as we age. In a moment of overwhelming emotion this is our go-to. What happens when it fails? Ruminating, self-doubt, and fear take control.

  • Medications First. We are not denying there is a time and place for medication. But should it be first-line treatment? Thank God, for good counselors who determine a person’s strengths, assess past traumas and help the person work through those things. They determine a true need for added substances. But oftentimes, natural techniques are placed last.

Faith-Based Methods

  • God is breath, so breathing in fresh air gives our brains the much-needed oxygen to think clearly. We can focus, lower our heart rates, and gain control of emotions.

  • Look to God for strength. We understand our inner strengths, and put them in the perspective of “Ultimately, I am not in control of what happens here, God is.” So, how can we trust Him, regardless of what happens? Is there a personal relationship between me and God, instead of distant communication?

  • Look for the underlying cause. Counseling, working through trauma, evaluating eating patterns, exercise, baseline vitamin deficiencies, past antibiotic use, and determining gut health (and the techniques mentioned above) are first-line ways to help with stress. We can appreciate how James puts it too, see James 4:1-3 below.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?  You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

James 4:1-3 ESV – Warning Against Worldliness – Bible Gateway

3 Stress Relief Tips from James 4:1-3

  1. Identify the trigger of stress (The situation that sets the stress into motion –an argument, pressure to finish a project, a relationship issue, a safety concern, talking to a large group, preparing for an exam, etc.)
  2. What is the cause of the stress? (The trigger is not the cause. The trigger is the situation; the cause is the underlying emotion it evokes. Is it something we want, we think, we do not have—-Maybe, love from a family member, respect from a boss, children, or others, fear of failure, pressure to perform tasks outside of our comfort zone, fear of harm or danger, lack of confidence.
  3. Are you asking for what you want in the right way and for the right reasons? Friends, family, and bosses are not mind readers. And in most cases, they are reasonable people who are willing to listen to our concerns! What would it take to state clearly and concisely how we feel about the trigger (situation setting the stress into motion) and the cause. (I feel __________ about ___________ and I’m asking for___________.) If it’s a situation outside of our personal relationship circles, we take the same steps before the Lord.
stress relief

How the Faith-Based Approach
To Stress Worked for Me

Several years ago, my two girls were attending a large urban college. At the time, I was working in an intensive care unit (ICU) close by. One day I cared for a professor who taught at their school. I asked him if it were true the crime rate is as bad as reports on the news made it out to be. He said, “Oh yes! I’ve been mugged in broad daylight twice, and it happens to people every week.”

This momma’s heart trembled with an intense and sudden fear for her girls. “Ok, breathe!” I commanded myself. “Next, get moving!” Use the adrenaline to minister to others. No problem there! Movement in an ICU is a constant companion.

After breathing and moving, I prayed and handed them over to God.

But I’d take them back five minutes later.

As the day progressed, I’d get distracted by work and put the thoughts aside. But they were never far away and came looming through my head once again. By the end of my twelve-hour shift, I was ready to run.

I quickly entered the stairwell to leave the hospital, and up the stairwell of the parking garage to go home (yes, I believe in moving to relieve some stress!)

Nearly overwhelmed with anxiety at that point, I tried to breathe again, and empty my mind of all thoughts.

That is when the still small voice said to me, “They are not yours they are mine. Will you trust me no matter what happens?”

In that moment I knew I could let them go. Or maybe, I had to let go of this false sense of being in control.

Okay, so that’s how it’s going to be.

No matter what happens to them, I am going to be there for them and love them as fiercely as I did when they were little girls. So is God. He loves them, too.

It’s a relationship of love, only a parent understands. And the good news is, you and I have a parent (our Father) in heaven who understands every fear, doubt, insecurity, and sense of helplessness we experience. For me, and hopefully for you, a personal relationship with our Creator surpasses any worldly approach to stress relief.

stress relief

Friend, you and I will always have stressful situations to maneuver in life. Some will be huge and real; others will be imagined. But for every single one of them, God is with us, and for us, as a parent is over His child. We can take comfort in that today.

If you are interested in other steps that help our moods check out this post: Ten Ways to Biblically Boost Your Mood. I I hope this reminder helps you as much as it does me, today. If you need a RN Health and Wellness Coach, I’d be happy to help there too!

God bless you!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

 




Flaxseed & Cashew Pancakes

These fluffy and tasty flaxseed & cashew pancakes are lower in carbs and high in protein and fiber. I had some fresh cherries going bad and needed to use them up, so I brought them to a simmer in a saucepan and made a sauce.

When I make a fruit topping, I always think of pancakes! Since I’d gotten my Azure hall just last week, the fresh seeds and nuts seemed like perfect thing to use! So, here we go!

Flaxseed cashew pancakes


Flaxseed Cashew Pancakes

  • 3/4 Cup Ground Golden Flaxseed
  • 1/4 Cup Ground Cashews
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1/3 Cup Yogurt
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • 1 Tbsp. Hemp seeds
  • 1 Tbsp. Sunflower Seeds
  • 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
  1. Grind your flaxseeds with a flat blade bender, then grind your cashews. Once finished place them in a bowl and add the hemp seeds and sunflower seeds, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

  2. Add the yogurt, egg, and water and stir until well combined.

  3. Heat skillet to low/medium. Add a teaspoon of ghee, avocado oil, or coconut oil.

  4. place 1/4 of batter in small rounds in the skillet and cook until brown on the bottom about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side 2-3 minutes until done.

  5. Enjoy with your favorite fruit topping or maple syrup.





Mental Fog & Fatigue: Am I Getting Enough Iron?

Sometimes I ask myself if I am getting enough iron when mental fog and fatigue wear me down. There are several conditions and ways that iron absorption is hindered in our bodies. Today, I’d like to cover a few of them and get to the root of preventing it for you and me. Sound good?

What Iron Does in The Body

Iron is an essential mineral in hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues via the red blood cells. It is also essential for muscle metabolism and connective tissue repair. Cellular synthesis, neurological function, physical growth, and hormones all need iron to function, too! (1)

Is it any wonder that we experience brain fog, fatigue, nervousness, poor exercise endurance when we don’t get enough iron? Iron deficiency anemia is common in underdeveloped countries, but with certain conditions it is here in the United Sates, too.

Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates the use of iron throughout the body and alters its use and absorption for various conditions like fighting infection, or chronic inflammatory states. (2) We will see iron come in two forms.

Two Types of Iron:

  1. Heme-Iron—is more bioavailable for the body to use and is found in lean meats like beef, poultry and fish.
  2. Nonheme Iron —comes from plants and iron fortified foods.
enough iron

Who’s at Risk for Not Getting Enough Iron?

There are several people groups and physical conditions that interfere with iron absorption. One group is childbearing women, who’s monthly cycle and high demands on the body, use up iron stores in the cells. Growing children and adolescent are another group.

A third group are people facing chronic disease and have inflammation, celiac disease, malabsorption issues in the gut or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. (3) When considering these conditions, it’s important to remember the underlying cause and effects:

  1. Chronic Inflammation stresses the body and puts a higher demand on all the cells, therefore requiring increase use of available nutrients. (2)
  2. Malabsorption issues are a result of damage to the intestinal lining or gut microbiome and the ability to store and use the iron in the red blood cells is hindered. (2)

Simple Ways to Get Enough Iron in the Body

There is always good news, my friend! God gives us everything we need to heal our bodies, reduce inflammation and provide the necessary resources to refuel and absorb our iron. Proverbs 1:5 says to let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance.

It is imperative to know what God’s design for our bodies is and how the food He provides increases health and wellness! An anti-inflammatory diet containing berries, green leafy vegetables and bright orange vegetables, as well as vitamin C rich foods, is going to help decrease chronic inflammation.

Some of my butternut squash recipes, that are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, are here to help you with this process!

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:5

It is also good to understand how some common cultural habits may interfere with our iron absorption. Take for instance drinking tea or coffee with our meals. Both beverages are known to interfere with iron absorption. Oops! That’s one I am guilty of enjoying with my meals. Instead, I’ll be ordering more hot water with lemon or skipping a drink with my meal altogether!

A source from the University of Louisville says drinking milk interferes with iron absorption and others say it doesn’t. (1) With conflicting professional resources in reputable sites like the National Institute of Health, maybe it’s best to be cautious, just in case.

It’s interesting too, that phytates from grains and cereals are mentioned as interfering with iron absorption. Soaking beans and legumes can reduce this effect, while using sourdough breads and the milling and soaking process of breadmaking has a similar effect. The University of Louisville source also reports casein, whey, egg whites, and soy proteins inhibit iron absorption in people, so being aware of potential disruptors is a good idea. (3)

Bottom Line

Yearly exams and bloodwork will alert you and me to our iron levels, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of our levels. Being aware of what God provides in the garden to heal and sustain is a good idea, too! We don’t want too much iron, that can interfere with our heart and kidneys. But we do want the delicate balance designed by our Creator to stay put.

Friend, that means eating what He supplies in the garden to reduce inflammation and avoid these chronic conditions. That way we are getting enough iron and all the other vitamins and minerals we need to do the work He has called us to do.

You are not alone, and if you need extra help, I am willing to walk alongside you as your RN Health & Wellness Coach! Contact me here for more information.

References:

Begum S, Latunde-Dada GO. Anemia of Inflammation with An Emphasis on Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 11;11(10):2424. doi: 10.3390/nu11102424. PMID: 31614529; PMCID: PMC6835368.

Chinzon D, Domingues G, Tosetto N, Perrotti M. SAFETY OF LONG-TERM PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS: FACTS AND MYTHS. Arq Gastroenterol. 2022 Apr-Jun;59(2):219-225. doi: 10.1590/S0004-2803.202202000-40. PMID: 35830032.

Ems T, St Lucia K, Huecker MR. Biochemistry, Iron Absorption. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448204/




Ultimate Cabbage Rolls

The ultimate cabbage rolls for you will certainly be different than they are for me. However, when you have issues with nightshade items like tomato, causing digestive upset, you learn to do things differently.

One way, my cabbage rolls are different is the sauce. I use butternut squash for my sauce instead of tomato. It’s easy, you just mix 2 cups of baked butternut squash and add 1 cup of broth (I like bone broth), 1 clove of fresh minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder –use what you have), a teaspoon of chopped rosemary, and 1 tsp of salt.

Another way my cabbage rolls are different is I line the cabbage leaf with either kale or spinach to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

A third way my cabbage rolls are different is I use quinoa instead of rice for a filling. I want more fiber, protein, and nutrients here as well, making them the ultimate cabbage rolls. Now, if you are one of my low carb friends you know what to do!

The benefits of God’s garden goodness cannot be beat!

I have another cabbage roll recipe here, Oregano and Mushroom Cabbage Rolls, where I list the benefits of cabbage and oregano. Hey, not to worry, you can’t have too many ideas for cabbage rolls!

But things like antioxidants, cancer fighting kaempferol, fiber, protein, and minerals are all beneficial ways to maximize the nutrition in our meals. While we are at it, we can nurture our souls with God’s Word!

When I was studying Deuteronomy this morning I was impressed with God’s faithfulness to an unfaithful people. Israel’s story of weakness and forgetting to rely on God for everything is also my own. Maybe it’s yours’s too.

We can both take heart today from God’s reminder in Scripture:

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8 ESV – Remember the LORD Your God – “The – Bible Gateway


Ultimate Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 Head Cabbage (Lightly Cooked, firm yet pliable)
  • 2 Cups Butternut Squash Sauce (See Recipe)
  • 8 ounces Kale or Spinach
  • 1 Cup Quinoa
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey
  • 6 Mushrooms
  • 2 Carrots
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 Sprigs Oregano (or 2 tsps. dried oregano)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (use real salt)
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 Cup Romano Cheese (grated)
  1. In a Insta Pot or large pot bring your cabbage to a simmer and cook until just tender and pliable. Drain the water off and let it cool.

  2. Get your precooked quinoa and butternut squash ready (I cook these on my prep day so I can use them throughout the week)

  3. In a medium skillet sauté the ground turkey with the chopped onion, carrots, mushrooms and garlic until the meat is done. Add the quinoa, oregano, salt and pepper. Set it aside to cool.

  4. In a 9×13 baking dish spoon 1 cup of the butternut squash into the bottom of the pan and spread it out to cover the bottom of the dish. Set it aside, it is ready for the cabbage rolls to be placed.

  5. Assemble a leaf of cabbage onto a large cutting board, add two or three leaves of kale or spinach and scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, grate a little Romano cheese over it and roll it up until covered. Place it in your prepared 9×13 dish. Repeat until all the cabbage and filling is gone.

  6. Use the remaining butternut squash to drizzle over the rolls and top with the shredded Romano cheese.

  7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.


I hope you enjoy these ultimate cabbage rolls and check out the rest of the recipes offered here to make your life a little more whole and a little less complicated. Filling our guts with healthy fiber and vegetable dishes like this is a good start.

I am here for you if you need coaching!




When We Change our Minds, We Change Our Lives

God does not want you and I floundering, my friend! He wants us flourishing! So, when we change our minds, it empowers us to change our lives!

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

When I asked my class yesterday to share their greatest strength, they all paused. People do not stop to think about their strengths. But each one of them have overcome challenges, heartache, defeat, and health issues just like you and me.

Yet here we all are facing a new day.

So, do not beat yourself up today. The health issue you are facing may seem like a mountain you cannot climb. But remember, God has given you the strength to move every mountain.

Jesus reminded the disciples about this when they could not remove the demons in Mathew 17:19-21

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mathew 17:19-20 ESV – Then the disciples came to Jesus – Bible Gateway

When God is our portion, change is possible.

How to Change

I am praying for a shift in our thinking of health and wellness, so our individual mountains will move for us too!

The shift comes from the strength of our faith. We are a children of God and we house the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When we approach our health like we approach any aspect of loving fulfillment in our lives, there is also a shift in thinking.

Trusting in the Holy Spirit, who loves us, and showers us with reassurance gives us the ability to value our bodies in a new way.

  • We want more energy—show us what zaps our energy, Lord!
  • We want less pain—-open our eyes to the items that are causing our pain, God.
  • We want to be loved and appreciated—-fill the empty places of our hearts, Lord, so we don’t turn to food or drink for comfort.
  • We want to maintain our independence—God, strengthen us to do your will, and fasten our desires on you!
  • We want clear thoughts and peaceful minds—Only you God, can settle the restlessness in our souls.

It is a journey, my friend. But oh, when we reach that peak and look back at the journey, we see God all over it!

Lasting change, starts with a  journey

Although you may be like me and battle this flesh every single day. . . and oftentimes lose, He is still with us and helping us.

Once we learn that the physical choices we make each day have an impact on our emotional and spiritual health, we can became intentional about eating and moving.

Study after study proves how what we eat, how we move (or don’t move) our bodies, how we sleep, and how we forgive others affect our mental and physical health.

The good news is, when we change our minds, it empowers us to change our lives.

God has given us every tool to do it in His Word and with His food from the garden.

I’m praying we trust Him and rely on Him in order to see victory and joy instead of the enemy stealing it!

changing your mind, empowers you to change your life

My prayer for you today, friend:

Lord, you are my portion and my lot, my very great reward. Will you be with me and my friend today to help us see contentment in you, and satisfaction and joy in your presence as we read scripture? May your presence fill us with worthiness and grace. Eliminate the feelings of fear, loneliness, shame, and guilt as we lay our hearts open before you. As you give us peace Lord, may we renew our minds to do your will. In fully trusting You, we change our minds, and it empowers us to change our lives.

God bless you,

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way




Peanut Chocolate Chip Muffins

Looking for hearty breakfast muffins that are healthy can be a problem. So, I am hoping these peanut chocolate chip muffins will be one of those simple lifestyle habits you can mark off your list of healthier things to do.

Although these muffins are not ideal for the low fat crowd or the low carb crowd, they will please the whole food people I love to serve! Also, keep in mind, I would not eat one of these on its own and expect it to meet my hunger needs in the morning either. However, I would combine it with a boiled egg, smoothie, or string cheese (if that is your morning go-to) to meet my hunger needs and add some nutrition.

Or, I might use it as a side to my extra-large salad for lunch.

Ingredient Options

Now, I know a lot of people will use honey in place of sugar for their muffin recipes and that’s fine if you choose to go that route. However, please know that 1/4 cup of baking honey (which is processed and heated, so the nutrients are removed, and so are the antioxidants) is equivalent to 85 grams of sugar making each muffin contain 9 grams of sugar which is just over 2 teaspoons of sugar per muffin. The organic sugar with minerals, on the other hand provide 50 grams of sugar.

So, before you get worked up about the carbohydrate content, look at the 9 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber in each muffin, too. If you use plain organic sugar that is minimally processed you will have 7 grams of sugar per muffin, which is just under two teaspoons of sugar per muffin. I do notice they taste sweeter with the plain sugar, just so you know.

On the other hand, the honey makes the muffins moister, so you decide what works best for you!

Benefits of Peanut Chocolate Chip Muffins

  • Dark Chocolate Has Antioxidants/Magnesium/ and minimal sugar.
  • Whole & Multigrain Fresh Milled Flour has all the bran and germ present for fiber, and beneficial B vitamins and Vitamin E.
  • Peanuts contain a combination of mono and polyunsaturated fats, and a decent amount of protein. They contain biotin, copper, niacin, folate and manganese, vitamin E, and magnesium. They are rich in antioxidants too and will help you stay full longer.
  • Eggs provide a wonderful amount of protein and vitamins.
  • Chia Seeds provide quality, healthy fats like omega 3, plus protein and fiber. They also have quercetin, zinc, kaempferol, and other antioxidants that are good for your heart and liver. (1)

Devotion

Friend, God put all these wonderful things in the garden so you and I can simply thrive! We just have to take a little extra time to prepare and adjust a few things in this modern world and get back to whole food in order to do so! He wants us whole! Not just getting by and miserable, but healthy, active, and strong. So, we can worship Him with gladness and praise Him for His wonderful deeds!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.
    I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

Blessed be his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!

Psalm 72:19

Peanut Chocolate chip muffins


Peanut Chocolate Chip Muffins

  • 2 Cups Whole Wheat Four (I used a mixture of oats/spelt/hard white.)
  • 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
  • 1 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp. Pure Stevia
  • 1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Apple Sauce
  • 1/4 Cup sugar ( (or 1/2 cup if you are ok with 2tsp sugar per muffin, I'm trying to keep it to 1 tsp/muffin).)
  • 1 Cup Milk of your choice
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 Cup Peanuts
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  2. In a large mixing bowl add your flour, salt, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, stevia powder, and chia seeds. Mix until well blended.

  3. In a large (4 cup) measuring cup combine your oil, honey, applesauce, milk, and eggs and mix well.

  4. Combine the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until well incorporated.

  5. Line the muffin tin with paper wrappers and fill each one 3/4 full.

  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Store the cooled muffins in a zip lock bag and refrigerate for longer shelf life.

If you are using Honey please note that ( 1/4 cup of honey = 85 grams of sugar) whereas 1/4 cup of Sugar is 50 grams sugar)


I hope this peanut chocolate chip muffin recipe helps you add more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals to your daily routine. I have plenty of other muffin recipe ideas to help you keep breakfast simple and nutritious too! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you try it and let others know how you like them! I apprecite you stopping by to check it out! I am here for you if you need a RN Health & Wellness Coach to guide you in other lifestyle changes, so contact me for a free consultation.

References:

Ullah R, Nadeem M, Khalique A, Imran M, Mehmood S, Javid A, Hussain J. Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.): a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016 Apr;53(4):1750-8. doi: 10.1007/s13197-015-1967-0. Epub 2015 Oct 1. PMID: 27413203; PMCID: PMC4926888.




Acai Berry Yogurt

This acai berry yogurt is nice and refreshing for breakfast or as an after-dinner dessert. The freeze-dried powder of this amazing berry has been in my freezer for a year because I didn’t really have a habit of drinking it regularly. However, after injuring my shoulder a week ago, I remembered how wonderful it was for preventing sore muscles.

I figured if it’s good for keeping me from getting sore form a work out, it must also be good for healing a torn muscle. I decided to mix a teaspoon of it with water twice a day to see what would happen. I also used my red light belt on the should for twenty minutes, twice a day.

The powder did not dissolve well in the water, so I put it in my yogurt instead. It worked great, and tasted much better!

Benefits of Acai Berry

God’s wonderful plants continue to amaze me with their ability to help us heal! The wonderful properties of this plant are truly a gift. The rich amount of polyphenols help decrease inflammation, while the oxygen radical absorption capacity of this berry helps prevent disease. The berry is loaded with antioxidants has been shown to have the following benefits (1):

  • Cardioprotective—yes your heart!

  • Renoprotective—your kidneys!
  • Hepatoprotectives– the liver!
  • Neuroprotective —the nerve cells!

The impressive benefits go on and on…..I am thankful it assisted my red-light therapy belt to improve a potentially serious shoulder injury in 5 days. I went from not being able to raise my right arm to touch my ear to full mobility. I did some light stretches, drank plenty of water, and rested the arm, too. Moreover, the pain relief I felt in just two days was even more impressive.

I’m sure you can find a reputable brand near you to use for this recipe! Here is what I chose “Earthly Choice, Great Day Acai Powder”:

I exalt you, O Lord, for your amazing provision!

Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
    We will sing and praise your power.

Psalm 21 ESV – The King Rejoices in the LORD’s – Bible Gateway


Acai Berry Yogurt

  • 1 tsp Acai powder
  • 2 Tbsp. Yogurt
  • 1/2 Cup Blueberries
  • 1 Tbsp. Walnuts


Enjoy your berries, my friend! God’s plan for you is good! I am here if you need a RN Health and Wellness Coach to get you started!Book an Appointment

References:

Laurindo LF, Barbalho SM, Araújo AC, Guiguer EL, Mondal A, Bachtel G, Bishayee A. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review. Nutrients. 2023 Feb 16;15(4):989. doi: 10.3390/nu15040989. PMID: 36839349; PMCID: PMC9965320.




Basic Fresh-milled Muffin Mix

The basic fresh-milled muffin recipe is an easy breakfast item to prepare and take on the go. You can pair it with a boiled egg, slice of turkey, or chicken left over from the night before. The basic recipe is multigrain flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and aluminum free baking powder. If you have dried stevia on hand, that works too, but if you don’t a couple of small scoops of the Pyure stevia will do (see the picture below recipe).

I also have a maple pumpkin and pecan muffin recipe that uses a different combination of ingredients, but it’s moist and delicious too!

Just an FYI, the nutrition label is not accurate on this recipe because I did not specify what wheat berries I used, nor does it calculate the fiber in the nuts and fruit.

I hope you enjoy these muffins! God’s abundant supply of nutrients never ends, nor does His love for you!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
 Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
 The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Psalm 34 ESV – Taste and See That the LORD Is Good – Bible Gateway

basic muffin mix

Basic Muffin Mix with Carrots & Walnuts


Basic Fresh-milled Muffin Recipe

  • 2 Cups Multigrain Flour
  • 2 Tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1 Tsp. Baking Powder (Aluminum Free)
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 Tsp. Dried Ground Stevia leaves
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Honey ((optional))
  • 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Cup (Fruit of Your Choice)
  • 1/2 Cup (Nuts of your choice)
  1. On the day of your meal prep, mill your favorite grains. I like to use oat, spelt, hard white, or hard red.

  2. In a separate bowl mix one cup each of your favorite flours, and add the cinnamon, salt, baking powder, soda, and dried stevia. Stir until well blended.

  3. This is your basic muffin mix you can place it in a zip lock bag and store it in the freezer until you are ready to bake muffins or you can add the ingredients below and bake at this time.

Wet Ingredients

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

  2. Add 1 cup of milk of your choice (regular, buttermilk, almond milk ect.) to the dry flour mixture.

  3. Add the egg, honey, and oil

  4. Mix until just blended.

  5. Add the fruit of your choice (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, chopped strawberries, or apples, or peaches).

  6. Add the nuts of your choice.

  7. Fill your greased muffin pans (or paper lined muffin pans) half full (about 1/4 cup of batter for each muffin) bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.


Basic Muffin Mix Sweetener

I hope you enjoy this basic muffin mix! As you can see each muffin has a good amount of fiber and protein to get you started on your day! When eaten alongside another good protein source, it will keep you and I full all morning! A well-rounded breakfast can be helpful to get us through the day.

There are many other flour alternatives to use in place of wheat berries for those who have a gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. Finding oats not processed with wheat, using millet, buckwheat, or amaranth are some options.

Let me know what you think of these muffins by giving them a rating! I look forward to hearing from you! Remember, if you need a RN Helath & Wellness Coach, I’m here for you.




Turkey & Quinoa Hash

Turkey & Quinoa Hash


Turkey & Quinoa Hash

  • 1 lb. Ground Turkey
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 1 Cup Quinoa
  • 6 Small Mushrooms
  • 5 Stalks Asparagus
  • 1 Sweet Potato
  • 1 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Oregano ((or 1 tbsp. dried))
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  • 1 Tsp. Pepper
  • 2 Tsp. Turmeric (Fresh grated)
  1. Heat skillet with olive oil on low add the mushrooms and cook until tender.

  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.

  3. Add the ground turkey, salt, pepper, turmeric root and cook until meat is done about 6 min.

  4. Add the chopped sweet potato and cook another 6 min or so until they are tender.

  5. Add the quinoa, asparagus, and fresh oregano last (If using dried oregano add it with the salt and pepper).

  6. If necessary, add 1/4 cup of water for some moisture. Serve it hot and enjoy!