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Recipes Wellness Tips

Recipe: Immune Boosting Winter Smoothie

 

Boy, is it cold outside! Cold outside often coincides with colds inside – winter has long been regarded as cold and flu season and with recent events, boosting your immunity can be a top priority! No one wants to be out sick from celebrations and responsibilities all winter long. Strengthening your immune system and fighting bacteria and viruses can be aided with certain important nutrients included in this cinnamon orange smoothie recipe:

 

Probiotics

Probiotic foods contain the friendly, helpful bacteria that can colonize our intestines to help digest our food, keep us regular, and defend us against harmful bacterial infections. In the case of this smoothie, the yogurt will provide a dose of probiotics.

 

Prebiotics

While probiotics are the foods that contain the helpful bacteria, prebiotics are the foods the bacteria love to eat! Orange juice, especially including pulp, contains these prebiotic fibers that can make our helpful gut bacteria thrive.

 

Vitamin C

Long recognized as one of the key nutrients supporting immunity, vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits and helps to promote the production of your body’s own natural antibodies.

 

Zinc & Vitamin D

Both of these powerful nutrients are associated with lower infection rates, and shorter infections that are less severe. The also can slow viral growth and

 

Lactoferrin

Found in milk and yogurt, this compound boosts your immunity by preventing viral entry into your cells.

 

Propolis

This compound, found in honey, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as promoting antibody immune cell production.

 

The foods in this immune-boosting winter smoothie bring all these nutrients together to support your immune system’s function throughout the cold and flu season. The smoothie tastes like chai-spiced oranges and is the perfect complement to your breakfast or as a snack during the day. To make this smoothie a meal, add a frozen banana and a scoop of your favorite plain or vanilla protein powder.

 

Immune-Boosting Winter Smoothie Recipe

This cozy, spiced smoothie contains ingredients high in vitamin C, zinc, selenium, probiotics, and other phytonutrients that slow bacterial and viral growth, reduce inflammation, and promote the production of immunity cells. Let this cozy drink support your immune system all through the winter! Make it a meal by adding 1/2 a frozen banana and a scoop of your favorite protein powder.

  • blender
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk (fortified with vitamin D)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice ((juice of 2 oranges))
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2-3 tsp orange zest (dried or fresh (zest of 2 oranges))
  • 5 ice cubes
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp dried ginger
  • 1/4 tsp basil
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground clove

  1. Place all ingredients in blender.

  2. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Tips

  • This smoothie is a great snack or used as a daily supplement. You can make it a meal by adding 1 frozen banana and 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder.
  • If you make this smoothie regularly, measuring and adding all of the spices can be tedious! To expedite the process, mix 5 tsp each of dried ginger and cinnamon, as well as 2 1/2 tsp each of dried basil, turmeric, and ground clove in advance. For each smoothie, add 1 3/4 tsp of the spice mixture to the remaining ingredients. This mix is enough to make 10 smoothies.

Nutrition facts: 201 calories, 29 g carbohydrate, 17.4 g protein, 2 g fat, 64% RDA vitamin C, 29% RDA selenium, 10% RDA vitamin D, 16% RDA zinc.

Breakfast, Drinks
smoothie

References

  1. Immune-boosting functional foods and their mechanisms: a critical evaluation of probiotics and prebiotics https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220308180
  2. Network pharmacology of AYUSH recommended immune-boosting medicinal plants against COVID-19 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947620301078
  3. Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Food Supplements Targeting Pathogenesis of COVID-19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7575721/
  4. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512220303467
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Recipes

Recipe: 6-Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

 

Whether you’re longing for summer or simply searching for a refreshing sweet treat, strawberry shortcake never disappoints. This 6-ingredient make-ahead recipe is perfect to tuck in the refrigerator for a tasty Valentine’s Day dessert!

 

6-Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Whether you're longing for summer or simply searching for a refreshing sweet treat, strawberry shortcake never disappoints. This 6-ingredient make-ahead recipe is perfect to tuck in the refrigerator for a tasty Valentine's Day dessert!

  • 1/4 cup whipping cream (chilled)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 slices angel food cake (1" thick, cut into cubes)
  • 1/2 cup vanilla pudding
  • 1 cup strawberries (diced)

  1. Chill the bowl of a stand mixer or a separate glass or metal bowl in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes.

  2. Pour whipping cream into chilled bowl. Mix on medium speed with a stand mixer or hand mixer just until bubbly.

  3. Add sugar and vanilla. Resume mixing until it reaches your desired whipped cream texture. This can take 3-4 minutes.

  4. Layer 1/4 of the cake cubes, 1/4 of the strawberries, and half of the pudding, followed by 1/4 of the cake cubes, 1/4 of the strawberries, and 1/2 the whipped topping in a jar or parfait glass. Repeat for second parfait.

Each serving contains 253 calories, 4 g protein, 11 g fat, 35 g carbohydrate, and 1.6 g fiber. Use these numbers as needed to follow a medical diet – otherwise, and particularly on holidays, use this rule of thumb: enjoy your food and the people you share it with. 🙂

 

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Recipes

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mudslides

 

If you’ve got a chocolate lover in your life (that includes yourself) this is absolutely the dessert for you! Smooth, creamy, fudgy chocolate mousse with a chocolate wafer cookie and some juicy raspberries. Oh, and there’s only 5 ingredients! What’s not to absolutely love? This make-ahead Valentine’s Day dessert will thrill your inner chocolate lover any time of year.

 

 

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Recipes

Recipe: Japchae-Inspired Spaghetti Squash

Low carb Asian noodle dish

 

Japchae (pronounced jap-chay) is a savory, umami Korean noodle dish I always get whenever I visit a local Korean day spa. It is one of my favorite things to eat and always conjures feelings of healthy, relaxed self care for me. 🙂 Typically, japchae is made with sweet potato glass noodles (you should definitely try it that way also!) but I’ve made this spaghetti squash version because I have piles of spaghetti squash in my winter food storage left over from my summer garden.

It’s also a great dish to practice your chopstickin’ skills on! Enjoy – and let me know in the comments if you tried japchae for the first (or 50th) time!

 

Japchae-Inspired Spaghetti Squash

Japchae is a delicious, umami Korean dish typically made with sweet potato glass noodles. This spaghetti-squash version is a great seasonal option since spaghetti squash stores great throughout the winter. Serve with a scoop of brown or white rice and enjoy!

  • 1/2 large spaghetti squash
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 3 carrots (cut into thin strips)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
  • 3-4 mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1/2 head cabbage (shredded)
  • 3 chicken thighs (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • sesame seeds, green onions, cashews (optional – for garnish)

  1. Carefully slice spaghetti squash in half and scrape seeds and pulp. Place half in a microwave for 15 minutes.

  2. While squash is heating, mince garlic and slice onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, cabbage, and chicken.

  3. In a heated skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken pieces on all sides.

  4. When cooked through, add garlic, onions, and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions begin to be translucent.

  5. Add carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms, and gently stir fry until cabbage is softened.

  6. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Stir until mixed through.

  7. Remove cooked spaghetti squash from microwave with a towel or pot holder (it will be very hot). Place paper towels or a kitchen towel on the spaghetti squash and press the extra water from the squash.

  8. Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti squash strands into the skillet with the rest of your ingredients. Stir to combine.

  9. Optional: garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and cashews

This recipe may contain too much sodium if you are on a low-sodium diet. To reduce the sodium by about half, exchange the soy sauce for coconut aminos.

 

1 serving contains 271 calories, 14.3 g protein, 22 g carb, 15.8 g fat, 742 mg sodium, 123% DV of vitamin A, 44% DV of vitamin C, and 33% DV vitamin K.

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Recipes

Recipe: Veggie-Loaded Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese with butternut squash and cauliflower in the sauce

 

This creamy, delectable macaroni and cheese is the definition of comfort food. In an epic stroke of blended brilliance, this one-dish meal brings you lean protein, a mondo-dose of calcium and vitamin A, a full serving of vegetables, complex carbohydrates for sustainable energy, and all the cozy, cheesy winter vibes you could desire. The sauce contains an entire butternut squash and a cauliflower to boost the nutritional impact of this otherwise unassuming kid-friendly dinner.

An immersion blender can be a very helpful tool to make this recipe prep a snap, but it’s not necessary. You can use a regular blender, food processor, or even a potato masher (though the blend-ier options will get you a smoother sauce). To save time, you can also purchase the butternut squash and cauliflower already cubed (fresh or frozen).

Let me know in the comments if you give this recipe a try!

 

Veggie-Loaded Macaroni & Cheese

This creamy, delectable macaroni and cheese dish is the definition of a comfort food. Plus, each serving includes lean protein, vegetables, healthy complex carbs, and a mondo dose each of calcium and vitamin A.

  • 1 whole butternut squash
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice macaroni (sub any whole grain or legume-based pasta if desired)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 block reduced fat cream cheese (8 ounces)
  • 2-3 Tbsp low fat milk
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 c diced ham

  1. Place a large pot of water on high heat to boil (include a strainer basket if you have one).

  2. Roughly chop cauliflower into large florets. Peel and cube butternut squash.

  3. When water is boiling, add butternut and squash and boil until fork tender, about 8-10 minutes.

  4. While vegetables are boiling, shred cheese.

  5. Strain vegetables from boiling water and add macaroni to same water. Cook according to package directions.

    Note: this adds flavor and nutrition to the noodles, but to save time, you can cook macaroni in a separate pot at the same time as the vegetables.

  6. While macaroni is cooking, place squash and cauliflower in a large casserole dish with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings. Using an immersion or stick blender, blend very thoroughly until sauce is smooth and creamy and there are no large pieces of vegetable remaining.

    Note: If you do not have an immersion blender, perform this step in a regular blender or a food processor and add to casserole dish when done.

  7. When macaroni is done cooking, drain and add noodles and ham to casserole dish with sauce. Stir until well combined.

1 serving contains: 352 calories, 20 g protein, 33 g carbohydrate, 15 g fat, 1026 mg sodium, 8.7 g saturated fat, 6.3 g fiber. It meets 25% daily RDA for fiber, 10% for iron, 26% for calcium, 27% for potassium, and 84% for vitamin C, based on a 2000 calorie per day diet.

Health notes: This recipe contains a higher sodium level than may support heart health with certain conditions. To reduce the sodium, cut the salt to 1/2 tsp and try chicken or chopped Canadian bacon in place of the ham.

Disclaimer: Products purchased through affiliate links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products that I have used and believe in.

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Food Trim Healthy Mama

Recipe Feature: Italian Meatball Casserole (low carb, Trim Healthy Mama S Meal)

These cheesy, saucy meatballs were like delicious little meatloaf bites. They paired superbly with a salad or green beans, and reheated well for lunches. My kids loved them too!

 

 

You can find the recipe for these meatballs on Briana Thomas’ blog. I topped them with my 5-minute heart healthy pizza sauce and it was delicious! Make them with lean meat and a light dusting of mozzarella cheese and you can improve the saturated fat content for heart health. They would be great with some whole grain spaghetti also. I hope you enjoy them too!

 

 



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Anti-inflammatory Diet Carb Counting Heart Healthy MyPlate Guidelines Recipes

Recipe: 5-Minute Heart Healthy Pizza Sauce

We LOVE pizza at our house – especially as Super Bowl season draws near! Unfortunately, our Seahawks didn’t make the playoffs this year, but we can still enjoy the spirit of the game with a few slices of pizza pie. Store-bought pizza sauces can sometimes contain added sugar or, more often, high levels of sodium. Not to mention the sodium in everything else that goes on your favorite pizza!

 

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If you’re looking to eat less sodium or simply cook more from scratch, this pizza sauce recipe is a great option! It’s very easy and fast to make – just stir it up in 5 minutes and spread it on your favorite pizza! The tomatoes, herbs, and spices add an antioxidant punch to any pizza-flavored dish.

 



5-Minute Heart Healthy Pizza Sauce

If you’re looking to cut sodium or simply cook more from scratch, this pizza sauce recipe is a great option! It’s very easy and fast to make – just stir it up in 5 minutes and spread it on your favorite pizza! The tomatoes, herbs, and spices add an antioxidant punch to any pizza-flavored dish.

  • 15 oz. canned tomato sauce ((no salt added))
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/8 tsp ground red pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp basil

  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Contains 4 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein, 0 g fat, 63 mg sodium per 1/8 cup serving.



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