Goji Delight

Goji berries are one of the most incredible ultimate superfoods I know. I have been creatively experimenting on how to incorporate them into my life on a daily basis. Here is a recipe I have been working on for a few weeks:

Chipotle, Hemp, Goji Dressing and Dip

1/2 cup goji berries (soaked in just enough water to cover 20 minutes-2 hours)
2t chopped garlic
1/3 cup hemp seeds
1/2 chipolte pepper (soaked for 2-3 hours)
1T lemon juice
pinch of sea salt
chopped, fresh cilantro or basil for garnish

Empty the soaking water and goji berries in the blender with the hemp seeds, salt, lemon juice, chipolte pepper (careful here, all chipolte peppers are not created equal in spiciness. Be sure to remove seeds if you want to curb the bite of the spice.) Blend until a thick, creamy sauce emerges and enjoy with vegetable crudite, over shaved fennel or Swiss Chard or your favorite salad greens.

Goji berries are one food that has been directly linked to improving liver function, eyesight and is known to boost sperm production among men.

Goji berry detoxifies the body in an entirely natural way. Did you know that Gojis contain essential acids, dietary minerals, vitamins, monosaccharides, polyscharrides, fatty acids, linoleic acids, alpha-linoleic acids, phytosterols, beta-sitoterol, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, xanthopyll, lycopene, cryptoxanthin along with calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, riboflavin, Vitamin C as well as a multitude of other natural ingredients?

After centuries of use in China, Goji berries have proven to strengthen the immune system and stimulate the release of rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Goji berries have been related as overall strength building. They increase longevity and are linked to sexual potency

Raw Chocolate

Raw chocolate is the world richest source of antioxidants. Per 100 grams it contains 13,120 ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). That is more than goji berries, green tea, red wine, blueberries and acai combined! Incorporate raw chocolate into your life. Buy raw, fair trade cacao nibs and mix with your favorite sweetener, vanilla, raw coconut oil and a pinch of salt. 

Baddhakonasana, whether sitting, laying (Supta) or inverted, the "fixed angle" pose has many benefits as it stimulates the heart and improves circulation in the pelvic region. It tones the spine, abdominal and pelvic regions as well as preventing hernia, alleviating sciatica and varicose veins. Baddhakonasana reduces menstrual pain, irregular periods and leukorrhea. Come to class to understand the inner working of how to practice this pose and its variations.

Medicinal mushrooms such as Royal Sun Blazei, Cordyceps, Enokitake, Amadou, Agarikon, Artist Conk, Reishi, Oregon Polypore, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Mesima, Birch Polypore, Zhu Ling, Split Gill Polypore and Turkey Tail help to strengthen your immune system. Common to us are the shiitake mushrooms. Try slicing them and topping with fresh thyme, tamari, olive oil, lemon juice and crushed red pepper. Dehydrate for an hour to soften and enjoy all ways.

Raw Onion Bread

Raw Onion Bread: 

6 sweet onions, peeled and quartered

1.5 cups golden flaxseeds, freshly ground

1.5 cups hempseeds freshly ground

3/4 cup Nama Shoyu or tamari

1/2 cup olive oil 

1-10t Maca powder

poppy seeds for dusting 

Process ingredients in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade. Spread about 2 cups of the mixture on a dehydrator tray with a Teflex sheet repeating until the mixture is used. Dehydrate at 100 degrees for approximately 12 hours, flipping over and peeling off the Teflex sheet after 6 hours. Cut into desired size.

Onion "Bread"

Incan berries or commonly known as Peruvian gooseberries are extraordinary fruits full of phytonutrients and contain 16% protein. Hundreds of studies on bioflavonoids confirm that Incan berries strengthen the immune system and act as anti-virals, anti-carcinogens, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, antioxidants and as antisclerotics. They improve the functioning of the eyes, brain and reproductive organs through their ability to nourish the capillaries.

Almond Milk

Making your own almond milk is easy and fun. Just soak 1 cup of raw almonds overnight, rinse and drain. Blend with 3 cups of water, a dash of sea salt. For a sweeter drink, blend with a date and 1/2t vanilla paste. Strain through a clean stocking or a nut milk bag and reserve the dry almond pulp to dry for later use as almond flour.

Phytic acid is the principal storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues, especially bran and seeds. Phytate is not digestable to humans and soaking nuts and seeds and fermenting grains before eating them will facilitate their digestion by breaking down the phytic acid. Not soaking and fermenting chelates and makes unabsorbable certain important minor minerals such as zinc and iron, and macro minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

When you are out and hunger strikes, there may not be healthy options close by. Prepare yourself with chopped raw vegetables such as fennel, jimica, carrots, celery, celery root, beets, zucchini slices...Pair these with a sut or seed pate for a balanced meal/snack. When you nourish yourself well, your energy level maintains a balanced level and you are creating a happy environment for yourself and all those around you.

"Consciousness can be compared to a lens. Its inner surface faces the soul itself, and its outer surface comes into contact with the world." The outer surface accumulates grime and obscures our vision seeing out and distorts our soul's light from shining through clearly. "Clean the lens of consciousness in order to admit the sun/soul." BKS Iyengar Yoga

Carrot Dill Dressing

A long time favorite dressing of mine inspired by Angelica's Kitchen in NYC. 

Blend: 

1T shallot, chopped

1 cup peeled and grated carrots

2t peeled and chopped ginger

1/4t mustard powder

2t dry or fresh dill

2t tamari

2T apple cider or 1/2 an apple chopped

4T apple cider vinegar

6T (4 work well too) olive oil

(optional) 1t toasted sesame oil. 

I love this dressing over shaved fennel and field greens.

Goji Majic

Did you know that goji berries contain 21 trace minerals including: calcium, copper, geranium (an anti-cancer mineral), iron (11mg/100g), magnesium, phosphorus, selenium (important for Marylanders due to our deficient soil), and zinc.? They also contain vitamins A (for eye and nerve health), C (73mg/100g), B-complex, and E. Goji berries also contain 18 amino acids (including 8 essential) making it a complete protein source. Wow. Try these miraculous fruits, for they have much to offer you.

Mock Tuna Dip

I re-created a mock tuna dip from Gabriel Cousens, M.D. Ummmm. 

1 cup soaked sunflower seeds, 

1 cup soaked almonds ground finely in a blender or homogenized through a juicer. 

Mix with: 

1/4 cup celery, minced

1/4 cup red onion, minced

1/3 cup pickles, minced

2T lemon juice

1/2t dill

1T fresh oregano, minced

1t freshly ground black pepper

1t dulse flakes

1/2t sea salt

Ginger, Goji, Chia, Macadamia Nut Fudge

I just created a new raw chocolate flavor which is stunning. 

Ginger, goji, chia, macadamia nut fudge with Jerusalem artichoke syrup and yacon syrup. It just keeps getting better. Ummmm, the perfect way to start the day.

Fresh Juice

Drinking freshly pressed green juices alkalize the blood and are an excellent source of minerals. Fresh is the key word here because as the colloidal leaf minerals precipitate out of freshly-made juice (by sitting), it loses its energy, begins to change from an alkaline medium to an acid medium - where it no longer has the energy to hold minerals in suspension. Drink freshly pressed green juices daily of you are able.

Chia Delight

Add chia seeds to your diet. They offer more fiber than flax seeds, are high in omega 3 fatty acids (more than salmon), contain high amounts of absorbable calcium (more than milk), and significant amounts of antioxidants (more than blueberries). Chia seeds ease digestion, reduce inflammation, improve joint health and skin tone. Either white or black, chia seeds are great for you on all levels.

A breakfast of champions: 

4T white chia seeds

1.5 cups almond milk or coconut kefier  

1/4t vanilla 

1t agave syrup (optional)

1T maca powder

fresh ripe fruit and nuts if you choose. 

Mix all ingredients together and let stand for 15 minutes. This will turn into a tapioca pudding like texture. It is scrumptious and keeps you fully nourished for seemingly endless hours.  Make your own almond milk, it is really easy. 

So aptly said by David Wolfe: "Everything we eat could and should be saturated with love. Loving our food is the next massive health revolution." 

Find Ways to Enjoy Leafy Green Vegetables

They provide you tremendous amounts of perfectly absorbable calcium, protective phytonutrients, protein, vitamins, iron, good for the liver, immune system, skin, eyes and integrity of the mucous membranes. I have innumerable ideas if you need guidance...Just ask.

Chop kale and steam fry with 1/4 cup of water 2 slices of lemon until the kale is just turning bright green. Remove from heat, and add 1T of white miso. Enjoy.

Or slice kale and top with your favorite salad dressing. I love simply adding 1T of hemp seeds, , 1/2 of a chopped red pepper and olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Kale is an excellent choice for a salad and tastes wonderful with  pears, goji berries, avocado, chia seeds, mulberries and red pepper.

Shaved Fennel Salad with Hemp Seed Pesto

A true delight. 

For the pesto: 

1T chopped garlic

3/4 t sea salt

3 bunches of basil or cilantro

1/2 c extra virgin first cold pressed olive oil

1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice 

1/4 cup raw hemp seeds  

Blend well and toss with shaved fennel, minced red peppers and red onions.

Hemp Milk Smoothie

Delicious smoothie ummm: 

1 cup hemp milk 

Seeds of one pomegranate

One pear

Dash of vanilla paste 

Raw germinated brown rice protein powder (Sun Warrior)

1T maca powder

Ginger (if you are feeling spicy)

1T goji berries

1T Vitamineral green from Healthforce (optional). 

Blend and enjoy. :-)

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a fast, healthy and delicious beverage. It is the easiest of all the nut/seed milks to prepare because there is no straining involved. Simply mix 1/4 cup of hulled hemp seeds with 1 cup of water and a pinch of sea salt. Add dates and vanilla for a sweeter beverage and a frozen banana for a sweet treat.

Medical researchers and leading doctors consider hemp seeds to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet. Hulled hemp seeds contain 33 percent of pure digestible protein and are rich in iron and vitamin E, as well as omega-3 and GLA. 

Recently the Canadian government funded a study which states that hemp protein is comprised of 66 percent of the high-quality edestin protein, and that hemp seeds contain the highest percentage of edestin out of any plant source. Hemp also contains three times the vitamin E contained in flax.

It is important that Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) consumed because the human body does not produce any EFAs on a daily basis. Omega 3 fatty acid which are found in flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds are considered "good fats" that doctors recommend as part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of Americans take in too little of omega-3 fatty acid. Hemp seed are made up of 45% of "good fats" in an ideal balance of Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Omega-6 Linoleic Acid, Omega-3 Stearidonic Acid, and Omega-6 Gamma Linolenic Acid. It is also rich in vitamin E and iron. 

The quality of omega-3 you consume is vital and is sensitive to oxygen, heat, and light which all contribute to the destruction of the quality. Be sure to buy and eat freshest seeds available and be sure to store them in tightly sealed containers in a dark, cold environment such as a refrigerator.

Udo Erasmus’ book on fats, Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, it is stated that, "The best-balanced source of EFAs is hemp seed oil."

Hemp seeds should be processed using a cold mechanical process and grown without pesticides or herbicides - certified organic.

Deeelicious Raw Pasta Creme Sauce

This is a wonderful creation that is delectable and satisfying on many levels. In a spiralizer or mandolin, finely slice vegetable noodles out of zucchini, celery root, or any vegetable you like. Mix in a blender or food processor 1 cup of macadamia nuts, 1/2 cup brazil nut or almond milk, 1/4 t nutmeg, 2 scallions, 1/2 t garlic (optional), 3/4 t sea salt, fresh pepper, 1/4 cup of cilantro, parsley, or basil.

‎"Upon the destruction of impurities as a result of the practice of the eight limbs of Yoga, the lamp of knowledge arises. This culminates in discriminative discernment." Patanjali Yoga Sutras II.28

Slow Eating

Transform yourself into a slow eater. Research has proven that when you are eating on the go the sympathetic nervous system is dominating which is not designed to assimilate nutrients optimally. By taking time to breathe before meals (try 10 deep breaths) you elevate your body to use the parasympathetic nervous system creating a fertile ground to digest, assimilate and burn calories.

Twisting

Twisting poses are good to practice after the Holidays or any time really especially after eating perhaps more than usual. Among other benefits, twisting poses contribute to intestinal cleansing. Pictured below:

Parivtta Trikonasana.

Stellar Soup

A recent discovery that is truly nourishing. The infusion from goji berries and ginger makes a delectable healing superfood soup. Blend: 3 cups of the goji/ginger infusion with: 3T miso, 3T dulse, 1 clove of garlic (optional), 1t jalapeano or dash of cayenne, 1/2t maca, 1t each (fresh or dried) thyme, rosemary and sage and chives, 2t hemp seeds, 1T first cold pressed virgin olive oil, 1T raw coconut oil (optional) and ground dried medicinal mushrooms I empty capsuels from Fungi Perfecticomphrensive immune support or use shiitake mushrooms. Simply delicious. Try this.

Ginger and Goji Infusion

Stimulate your digestion and boost your immune system with my most recent favorite infusion. Fresh ginger and goji berries with warm water - allow to sit for 8-10 minutes and enjoy as a tea.

Ridiculously Delicious Raw Chocolate Mouse

This was a top hit this past holiday. Chocolate mouse knocks the socks off everyone who wraps their lips around it. In moderation, this is a pure delight. Ridiculously Delicious Raw Chocolate Mouse: 1/2 oz soaked Irish moss (14 hours) blended completely with 1/2 cup water until creamy. Add and blend: 2 cups of freshly made raw almond milk, 1/3 cup agave nectar (or split the 1/3 cup with Yacon syrup and Jerusalem artichoke syrup), 1/2 cup raw cacao powder, 2 t vanilla, 1t cinnamon (optional) 1/8 t salt. Add and blend completely: 2T GMO free lecithin and 1/2 cup raw, virgin coconut butter or oil. Pour into individual cups and cool in the fridge for at least 1/2 an hour.