Spirit as Healer, Lifestyle as Medicine
You know how alcohol is an acquired taste? There is usually something a little bitter (like tannins) or pungent in these beverages that we come to anticipate. When finding alcohol alternatives, I like to experiment with combinations of flavors that I might not exactly love at first sight – but I acquire a taste for it. This makes it more satisfying to me than just replacing my wine with a glass of juice. I still want that distinct taste that makes me sip it, slow down, and relax. Here is one combination that I enjoy. And in the spirit of CARE, the herbs are also therapeutic to the digestive system. This beverage supports your native strains of bacteria rather than stress them (as alcohol does).
This vegetarian version of lasagna is as filling and rich as its meat-based counterparts (more so really because of the 10 grams of fiber per serving!). This version is also rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and soluble fiber. The calcium comes from both the cheese and the collard greens. This lasagna also freezes well making homemade lasagna a reality on cold nights when prep didn’t get done over the weekend. I usually have this for two dinners and then freeze the rest. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
One morning while at a coffee shop, when I ordered one of those paper cups of muesli to which the barista just added water to, I realized my Flax Almond Fiber Mix could be used in the same way – with lower cost and even more nutrition! The fiber and balance of these bowls make them incredibly satiating and effective at keeping blood sugar regulated (equals feeling full and comfortable in-between meals!). They work great for fast breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, or dry staples for camping or keeping at your desk at work. I hope you find them as convenient as I have!
This nutrient and fiber-rich topper is incredible on yogurt or smoothies. A single serving of this mix provides: fiber (6 grams), vitamin E (6 grams), heart healthy mono-unsaturated fat (4 grams) and omega-3 fatty acids, calcium (48 mg), iron (3 mg), magnesium(123 mg), potassium (311 mg), selenium (18 mg), zinc (3 mg), and lutein/zeaxanthin for eye health!
A CARE member brought a copy of this recipe to me after her family just fell in love with it. It is remarkable how a staple like peanut butter, or other nut butter, can be blended into soup stock transforming it from “the usual” to absolutely unexpected. I added tofu for additional protein compared to the original recipe. This makes this vegan soup an unexpectedly rich source of calcium. Adapted and balanced from Robin Asbell’s recipe in the Star Tribune which she adapted from “The Moosewood Cookbook”.
Making a roast in the slow cooker is an excellent method for leaner, tougher, and cheaper(!) cuts of meat like chuck. The slow, lower temp cooking method is ideal for tenderizing and breaking down fibers while maximizing flavor. Roast is great for make-ahead protein, too. To keep with our CARE goal of red meat no more than 2 meals per week, enjoy a dinner with the root vegetables you cook it with the night you make it, then pre-portion and freeze left-overs for upcoming meal plans.
This recipe is a staple in CARE. It’s introduced in the first week’s sample meal plan for new members for a reason. It’s easy, so family-friendly, and a great example of how balanced doesn’t have to mean boring. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken and making your rice ahead of time makes this a quick 20-minute dinner option (lean ground turkey could also be used). This recipe also shows you how you can still make savory, comforting dishes with cheese and rice – by balancing the right quality and in the right amounts.
Roasted chickpeas were made for us “salty snackers”. Replace the afternoon pretzels with this high-fiber, high-protein yet salty and crunchy- alternative. Chickpeas are a rich pre-biotic food (from our CARE Bonus Step: Strengthening Digestion). Pair with an herbal digestive tea, like ginger or mint, for a therapeutic mid-day break that actually support your intestinal cells vs stress them (like high caffeine, high sugar afternoon snacks). PLUS, this is a great portable snack that keeps in desk drawers and bags making sure adhering to meal timing is not a problem!