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!





Happy Hormones. It’s Complicated.

Are your hormones happy? Not in the sense of dancing for joy but putting the message they carry to the right place, at the right time, without hindrance. After all, they are the message transporters who help keep the body in balance.

God uniquely designed this endocrine system to help you and I maintain our body temperature, metabolic status, and our growth and development. We may function in harmony or be dysfunctional according to our hormone balance. In addition to that, there are many environmental disruptors to throw us off balance.

Happy Hormones Start in our Glands

The hypothalamus is the center of control for our hormones. It communicates with the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads (testes and ovaries) thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, and pancreas.

When you and I see how these hormones interact and affect the cells, we will understand how they affect metabolism and weight control. For instance, the anterior pituitary gland produces several important hormones that either stimulate target glands (e.g., the adrenal glands, gonads, or thyroid gland) to produce target gland hormones or directly affect target organs.

The message will go into the cell to change the structure, or it will settle on a receptor outside of the cell to make changes. Any interruption in the process can result in an imbalance of hormones and therefore, appetite, weight, sleep, and over all function.

The following gallery lists how a few of these hormones affect weight:

hormones and weight
happy hormones
happy hormones
happy hormones
happy hormones
happy hormones

Hormone Disruptors

The natural decline of reproductive hormones plays a role in weight gain. For women, after child-bearing years, estrogen and testosterone drop, and a redistribution of fat takes place. In addition to storing more fat around the middle, women have an increased appetite. Men also enter a period of hormone changes in their midlife years, with lowered testosterone.

Although it seems like an uphill battle for many of us, there are ways to make the transition to middle age without losing vitality.

For instance, scientists report our hormones are designed for periods of scarcity and famine. The hormones we have hold onto calories/energy for these times of famine. It is a survival mechanism. However, in United States, when every fruit is available every season at our local grocery store there is no scarcity. In addition to excess fruit and food, we have a plethora of high sugar products on the shelf disguised as food.

Weight gain naturally occurs with lowered sex hormone production and lower metabolisms in men and women. Especially if they are not active during this time frame, and they consume products filled with chemicals. The additives, and preservatives in boxed items are things the body cannot recognize or process as useful. The inflammatory seed oils are also used in many of these products, which contribute to cardiovascular and hormone disruption. (2)

God’s Garden Provision Helps Balance Hormones

The good news is an adequate intake of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables supplies vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to maintain our happy hormones. Here are some basic principles to remember when we are getting our hormones in balance:

  • Remove as much ultra processed food from the diet as possible.
  • Include as much clean filtered water as possible.
  • Fast between meals and after dinner to allow the body to digest, metabolize, disperse nutrients where they need to go, and remove waste products.
  • Eat 3-4 servings of (clean) green leafy vegetables a day. My 10 Easy Tortilla Wrap Ideas can help you do this!
  • Enjoy bright colored yellow, red, and orange vegetables too! They have vital nutrients and antioxidants to help balance hormones.
  • Bright red fruits and berries are also designed to help us function at our best! When the refined white sugar is removed from the diet, there is generally no fear of natural sugar. The fiber and nutrients in the fruit are good, too. Of course, those who are insulin resistant, will have to keep and eye on portion sizes of fruit.
  • Add fresh herbs and spices to every meal for added flavor and antioxidant benefits.
  • Incorporate nuts and seeds in your side dishes, salads, or soups for added protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Don’t forget!

You are divinely designed with a meticulously thought-out system of checks and balances. When one system is out of balance, another tries to step in and help.

Hormones are no exception.

You can fall for the latest promises on the market to overcome an imbalance, or you can trust the One who created you.

Friend, He loves you and wants you to be whole. The battle for your body is only outweighed by the battle for your soul.

Trusting him with both is where we all find victory!

You’ll notice the differences over time as your body begins to heal itself naturally.

The cost is only reflected in the grocery cart of what you purchase each week, and not in the latest plan or supplement promising to fix what only God can fix.

(**I realize there are exceptions and needs with certain conditions**)

Although hormones are complicated, balancing them doesn’t have to be.

There are plenty of wonderful coaches out there to help you! I am here for you, too!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;

save me, and I shall be saved,

for you are my praise.”

Jeremiah 17:14

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574539/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004000.htm

Ghrelin: much more than a hunger hormone – PubMed (nih.gov)

Deacon CF, Ahrén B. Physiology of incretins in health and disease. Rev Diabet Stud. 2011 Fall;8(3):293-306. doi: 10.1900/RDS.2011.8.293. Epub 2011 Nov 10. PMID: 22262068; PMCID: PMC3280665.

Varlamov O. Western-style diet, sex steroids and metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2017 May;1863(5):1147-1155. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.05.025. Epub 2016 Jun 3. PMID: 27264336.




The Ultimate Breakfast Cookie

If you’re looking for a little take-along snack with your morning smoothie or egg, this ultimate breakfast cookie will help. It’s nutrient dense with pumpkin seeds, walnuts quinoa, and whole grain. It’s also low in sugar, which is tolerable to those who have completed their sugar fast to remove its sweet desire from the pallet.

There are studies to prove you can retrain your taste buds to remove excess salt and sugar. (1)

Keeping sugar at a minimum in our diet for optimal health, is the goal here. We want whole food, all the time! And giving up those highly processed items without nutrients, is a start to better health.

Ultimate Breakfast Cookie

Plus, you can choose if you want to go with baker’s honey (17 grams of sugar per tablespoon and 60 calories) or cane sugar, which has 13 grams per tablespoon. Using 2 tablespoons of honey in this recipe keeps the sugar less than 1 teaspoon per cookie.

Remember, the American Heart Association recommends less than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day to minimize heart disease risks! The American Cancer Society also recommends a low sugar and decreased intake of processed food. (1) So, making our own items and having complete control of the ingredients in them, helps us stay within range.

Exercising portion control is still a must here, as well. Just because they are healthy doesn’t mean we can eat the entire batch!

Practicing intentional eating and making healthy, purposeful choices alongside this cookie to attain fullness is doable.

Good Land

When we look around at all the things available to us in our markets and our farmland, we can see how the Lord has given us good land. I feel a small piece of the promise for Israel came true for Americans too, so many years ago. As they sought freedom to worship in a better land, on the Mayflower and her sister ships, they arrived at a land of plenty.

And they took in their hands some of the fruit of the land and brought it down to us, and brought us word again and said, ‘It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.’

Deuteronomy 1:25

Enjoy your good land today, my friend! And while you’re at it, try this ultimate breakfast cookie to get you started! I am here for you, if you need a RN health and wellness coach to guide your through healthier lifestyle changes. Book a consultation here!


The Ultimate Breakfast Cookie

  • 1 Cup Whole Grain Flour
  • 1 Cup Oats
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 2 Tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp. Baking Soda
  • 4 ounces Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 ounces Butter
  • 2 tbsp apple sauce
  • 2 Tbsp.. Honey
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tbsp Chia Seeds
  • 1 Cup Quinoa (Precooked)
  • 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/2 Cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
  1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

  2. In a medium bowl combine the oil, softened butter, egg, honey, and chia seeds apple sauce, and set aside.

  3. Combine the whole grain flour of your choice (spelt/oat, hard red/ sorghum, gluten free, etc.) with the salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and cooked quinoa.

  4. Add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Add the pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and chocolate chips.

  5. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes or until done. Times may vary with ovens.


I hope you enjoy these ultimate breakfast cookies! if you’re looking for more cookie recipes check out these Vegan Cookies and Low Sugar Lemon Cookies.

References:

May CE, Dus M. Confection Confusion: Interplay Between Diet, Taste, and Nutrition. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Feb;32(2):95-105. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.11.011. Epub 2020 Dec 28. PMID: 33384209; PMCID: PMC8021035.




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.




The Messiness of Passing Through

“And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. She gave birth to a son, and he called his name, Gershom, for he said, ‘I am a sojourner in a foreign land.”

Exodus 2:21-22

Exodus 2 ESV – The Birth of Moses – Now a man from the – Bible Gateway

The messiness of passing through this life affects us physically and spiritually. I see this in my life and the lives of the ancient people in the bible as God shows me how they struggle, just like me.

In Exodus 2 this morning, I learn about Moses’ journey to becoming a leader. I see the cry of his heart gain a voice as he names his son, Gershom. ‘A sojourner in a foreign land’; he is not a permanent settler but readying for a temporary stay.

It’s a familiar story in his life.

He is passing through Midian as he passed through the tall reeds of the Nile River as a baby escaping infanticide. Displacement sets deep in his heart as Pharoah’s daughter took pity on his crying frame.

Although his sister secures continued nursing from the mother who loves him by offering the princess a wet nurse, he is destined to be raised an Egyptian. A few short months later, the young toddler is handed over to the princess. She calls him Moses because she drew him out of the water.

It’s messy when you know you are different and you feel like you don’t belong.

He is an outcast among his adopted family because of his heritage and he is scorned by the Hebrews because he looks, and acts like an Egyptian. Although he risks his own life defending a man being beaten by an Egyptian, he is not accepted.

One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked at their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.  When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?”  He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.”

Exodus 2:11-14

Fleeing in fear as word of his killing the man spreads to Pharaoh, he arrives in Midian. He is rewarded for defending the daughters of Reuel as they attempted to water their flocks among rowdy neighboring shepherds. Reuel gives him Zipporah as a wife, and she bears him Gershom.

the messiness of passing through

Lean On Jesus and Follow His Example

I think you and I can empathize with Moses’ predicament. In a culture whose values and morals are very different from God’s plans and ways, we can feel like outcasts, too.

Not feeling a kindred spirit with the people of Pharoah’s palace or in Midian is the same way we feel about the world. It has no eternal hold on us because we are just passing through.

We have a heart for the weak and the downtrodden, just as Moses did, and we’ll face retribution for standing up for what is right. At times our biblical worldview clashes so abruptly with the culture we have to decide when to stand our ground.

The best news of all is Jesus came passing through our mess to share the load. When the weakness of spirit and body begins to overwhelm us, we lean on his example of perseverance and prayer.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Mathew 11:28-29)

We can also rest in what He accomplished on the cross. Defeating sin and death by taking on God’s wrath was the major purpose of his sojourn. However, in the process, he also accepted the outcast thief beside Him, forgave those who persecuted Him, and secured the care of His mother.

 His short, messy stay here changed the entire world.

We can too.

Focus More on God as We Pass Through Life

Knowing you and I are sojourners in this place helps us focus more on God and what He wants us to do.

The apostle Paul understands this age-old struggle. He assures Christ’s followers at Corinth to rest assured when this tent of a body is gone, we have a heavenly home with God for eternity. It is normal to groan in these feeble bodies as we long for our heavenly home.  (2 Corinthians 5:1-2)

Despite feeling out of place, we can be effective and fruitful in our calling.

The darkness of the world is passing away and the true light is shining through the hearts and faith of every believer. (1 John 2:8) We have hope as we keep our eyes fixed on Christ.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

(1 John 2:17)

So, if the cry of the outcast is on your heart today, embrace it!

Following the examples of Moses who struggled with it, and Jesus who accepted it, is part of our ministry. Neither one of them let the messiness of passing through stop them from accomplishing God’s purpose.