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).
Tag Archives: lacto ovo vegetarian
CARE Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Lasagna
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.
CARE Recipe: Home-made Muesli Bowls
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!
CARE Recipe: Flax Almond Fiber Mix
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!
CARE Recipe: Mollie’s West African Peanut Soup
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”.
CARE Snack: Roasted Chickpeas and Herbal Digestive Tea
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!
CARE Snack: Immune & Thyroid Booster – Kiwi Fruit with Brazil Nuts
I love this snack as an example of food first (vs. supplements). This snack supports your immune system, natural detoxification, and thyroid by providing 100% of your daily needs for both vitamin C (kiwi) and selenium (Brazil nuts). It also provides fiber and just the right combination of healthy carbohydrate (kiwi) and healthy fat (Brazil nut) to help control your blood sugar in-between meals. This is how easy, and tasty, it is to eat with purpose.
CARE Snack: No Bake Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Let me show you how to stretch your chocolate craving by using chia seeds and real peanut butter in this no-bake, 5-minute, 5-ingredient recipe! We talk a lot about the benefits of high-volume, low-density leafy and tender carbohydrates on our plates, but there are three times when dense might just be better.
CARE Recipe: Cheesy Egg Bake with Buttered Toast and Fruit
This is another go-to breakfast recipe of mine – my take on a classic, yet very easy and fast to make egg bake. I have come to depend on its versatility. Many weeks when I’m rushed on weekends, I’ll quickly get this bake in the oven on Sunday and then simply warmup on rushed mornings.
CARE Recipe: Summer Very Mint Quinoa Salad
I love turning ingredient labels into recipes so played with this one – adding edamame for more protein and came up with the following adaptation of this salad. The smell is absolutely intoxicating as you make this salad. I haven’t tried the store’s version of it to see how close I am to the original in taste, but I think that’s OK.