Tag: Avocado

Matcha-Turmeric Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

On By juliemarie87In Breakfast, Health & Wellness, Juices & Smoothies, Recipes4 Comments

Happy “Matcha Monday” All!

I hope that everyone had a lovely weekend and wonderful Valentine’s Day! Here in Ontario the weather was quite cold and we got a LOT of snow. Fortunately I was able to keep warm and got to enjoy some family time over the weekend.We did some baking, and I made us enchiladas for dinner Sunday night.

After dinner we got cozy and put on the new James Bond – “Spectre” film that recently came out. I’m a pretty big James Bond fan, particularly of the Daniel Craig “James Bond” (he just does it so well – and looks great doing it hehe!). I did however, also enjoy a few too many not-so-healthy sweets over the weekend, which I’m feeling the effects of a little bit today. But all-in-all it was a pretty great, relaxing weekend.

Matcha turmeric smoothie 3
Today’s “Matcha Monday” Recipe: Matcha-Turmeric Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Bowl

You may already be aware of the mounting evidence suggesting that sugar has numerous negative effects on both physical and mental health. However, if you’re just learning about this now and would like a little more information, this article by Authority Nutrition does a nice job of briefly summing it up.

In short, sugar is linked to inflammation (as it tends to increase activity of pro-inflammatory mechanisms in the body), which appears to underlie many disease states, particularly those chronic in nature, enhancing their severity. Inflammation has been implicated in everything from diabetes, to heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and cancer, to name a few.

So sugar enhances inflammation, which fuels chronic disease states, yet sugar is almost everywhere, or so it seems. How can we counteract it’s negative effects? Obviously, a key first step is reducing and limiting ones intake of highly processed, high-sugar food and beverage items.

An optimal approach is to try consuming mainly fresh, local, and organic foods when possible, and to minimize your consumption of processed items. But consuming some processed food can be tough to avoid, thus it’s critical to pay attention to the nutritional information provided on the packaging. Nutritional labels give you a breakdown of what’s in the product and the ingredients that were used to make it. I appreciate how confusing ingredient lists and nutrition labels can be; to better understand them check out this article which walks you through how to read and make sense of all that info.

Another way to minimize the detrimental effects of sugar, but still satisfy your sweet tooth, is by using natural sweeteners such as raw honey or real maple syrup. For instance, raw unpasteurized honey has some scientifically validated beneficial health properties, such as antioxidants and the ability to reduce some pro-inflammatory cytokines. More on this can be found here. However, be mindful of the fact that even these natural sweeteners should be consumed in moderation.

Matcha
Matcha Green Tea

Additionally, there are several spices and other herbal compounds that have shown efficacy for antioxidant properties and reducing inflammation. One of these is of course matcha green tea. I go into more detail about matcha’s health benefits in my Maple Matcha Latte post from a few weeks back.

Another natural anti-inflammatory is the spice Turmeric, from which curcumin is derived. Considerable scientific evidence has demonstrated that curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body via its ability to regulate a range of inflammatory mechanisms, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (Borre et al., 2014; Kulkarni et al., 2009; Lopresti, Hood, & Drummond, 2012). For more information on the health benefits of Turmeric (and curcumin) check out this article by Authority Nutrition.

turmeric
Organic Turmeric Powder

Alright, now that I’ve given you a little background on how sugar and inflammation can threaten your health, and a few ways to counter this with natural compounds, I’d like to share this nutritious, anti-inflammatory smoothie bowl recipe I came up with: the Matcha-Turmeric Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Bowl!

Matcha turmeric smoothie 2
Matcha-Turmeric Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Bowl topped with chia seeds, One Degree Organics Brown Rice Cacao Crisps, shredded coconut, slivered almonds, & mint.

This smoothie has a naturally sweet taste from the pineapple (or mango if you prefer), a creamy texture from the avocado, undertones of matcha, and a touch of spice from the turmeric and cinnamon. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 3/4 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen (or mango)
  • 1 cup coconut or almond milk, unsweetened (add more if needed)
  • 1 Tbsp raw, unpasteurized honey or real maple syrup
  • 1 tsp matcha
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Optional toppings: shredded unsweetened coconut, One Degree Organics Brown Rice Cacao Crisps, almond, pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, mint.

Method:

  • Place the first four ingredients in a single serve mixer (such as a Magic Bullet) or blender. Add in honey, matcha, turmeric, and cinnamon.
  • Blend until the mixture is pureed and thoroughly combined.
  • Pour into a bowl (or leave in a travel cup if you’re on the go) and top with your favourite healthy toppings.
  • Smile, think of one thing you’re thankful for, and enjoy! 🙂
Matcha Turmeric smoothie 1
Even Calvy wants in on this delicious and healthy Matcha-Turmeric Anti-inflammatory Smoothie Bowl!

I hope that you’ll enjoy this nutritious, anti-inflammatory smoothie! It’s a great one to start the day with as it will fill you up thanks to the fiber from the avocado and pineapple, and keep your energy levels up too. The anti-inflammatory properties are a wonderful way to help your body re-establish homeostasis (ie. balance), particularly after a night out enjoying some sugary cocktails or after eating a few too many yummy sweet treats.

Wishing you health and happiness,

xo Julie

 

Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl

On By juliemarie87In Breakfast, Health & Wellness, Juices & Smoothies, Recipes2 Comments

Happy Monday Wonderful People!

I’m starting to think we should call Monday’s “matcha Monday’s”. Is that cheesy? Perhaps a little eh (lol) but I think it’s kind of catchy too. I know many people dread Monday because it tends to bring with it the start of a new work week. So perhaps adding a little matcha green tea to your Monday’s will help brighten them a bit? Heh It’s worth a try I suppose!

Given that logic, it’s settled: “Matcha Monday’s” it is! And in honor of the delightful delicacy that is matcha, I have a tasty recipe to share with you all: the Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl!

Tropical Matcha Smoothie bowl 1
Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl

But first lets have a quick review on why matcha is just so darn awesome and great for you!

In short it’s a powerful antioxidant, has select vitamins and minerals, lowers blood glucose levels, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and oxidative stress, among others. A great resource to learn more about the health benefits of matcha can be found here. One of my previous posts for the yummy Maple Matcha Latte also goes into more detail about the health benefits of matcha and scientific evidence supporting such claims.

Matcha
Matcha Green Tea

This recipe also features avocado, which boasts several nutritious benefits including healthy fats, fiber, and numerous vitamins and minerals, to name a few. You can learn more about the health benefits of avocado here. I try to incorporate one avocado each day into my diet. However, I understand that many people aren’t a fan of the taste or texture of these nutritious little items. Fortunately though, when combined in this smoothie recipe the taste of the avocado becomes undetectable while adding a creamy texture that compliments the smoothie perfectly.

The other key ingredient in this recipe is pineapple (or mango if you prefer). Pineapple is noted as having powerful anti-inflammatory properties, are packed with Vitamin C (among other vitamins and minerals), and not to mention a delicious taste! Nutritional properties and health benefits can be found in more detail here.

Combine all this awesomeness together and what you get is a nutrient packed, delicious tasting, creamy smoothie that’s going to keep you full and energized for several hours! I recommend having this one for breakfast, but it also makes for an easy and healthy lunch. Feel free to toss on whatever toppings you prefer, or if you’re on the go leave it in a cup and skip the fancy toppings to make for easy sipping. As always, try to use local, fresh, and organic ingredients when possible.

Avocado Matcha Smoothie Bowl 2
Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl topped with raspberries, blueberries, hemp hearts, and cinnamon

Here’s how I make the Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl! (1 serving)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen pineapple (or mango), chopped
  • 1 tsp matcha
  • 1 Tbsp raw, unpasteurized honey (or maple real maple syrup)
  • 1 cup (approximately) unsweetened coconut or almond milk
  • optional: 1 Tbsp coconut flour for added fiber (this is great if you’re having trouble moving things along your digestive track)
  • optional: 1 handful spinach

Topping ideas: fresh fruit, granola, One Degree Organics Sprouted Brown Rice Cacao Crisps, shredded unsweetened coconut, walnuts, pecans, almonds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg.

Method:

  • Place avocado, banana, and pineapple in a single serve blender (or regular blender) with enough liquid just to cover the ingredients.
  • Add in honey and matcha (and coconut flour here too if you’re including it; you’ll want to add about 1 or 2 more tablespoons of milk as well if you do).
  • Blend ingredients together for about a minute or so, until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  • Top with your favorite healthy toppings.
  • Take a deep breath, smile, and think of one thing for which you’re grateful; serve cold and enjoy! 🙂
Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl 2
Tropical Matcha Smoothie Bowl topped with One Degree Organics Sprouted Brown Rice Cacao Crisps, shredded coconut, and pecans

I hope you’ll find this nutritious smoothie as delicious and enjoyable as I have!

This is a great recipe if you need an extra (and filling) boost of energy to get you through your day. It’s a lovely one for kids as well, since all the healthy stuff is camouflaged for those picky eaters out there, and it has a naturally sweet tropical taste from the pineapple! Give it a cool name (I’m thinking something that has to do with The Hulk or Ninja Turtles with all of that green? heh) and you’ve got a winner! 🙂

Happy “Matcha Monday” y’all!

xo Julie

 

Black Cherry Avocado Smoothie Bowl

On By juliemarie87In Breakfast, Health & Wellness, Recipes1 Comment

Good day wonderful people!

If you’ve been following the latest health trends then you’ve likely noticed the good ol’ avocado has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason! It’s packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and a bunch of other nutritional and health benefits which you can learn about through this great resource.

I often hear people say that they aren’t a fan of the taste or texture of avocado though, which deters them from eating it. Well, you’re in luck because I’ve come up with some clever ways to use avocados and you won’t even know they’re in there! The recipes are also kid friendly, especially if you have a picky eater! Mix up one of these smoothie bowls and you’ve got a nutrient packed, delicious dessert or breakfast that will surely be a hit! Toss it in the freezer for an hour or so to alter the texture and you can even call it ice cream. Now that’s what I call a win!

I’ll also mention that for anyone out there who finds eating solid food challenging, a problem faced by many who have had laryngectomy surgery such as myself and for some elderly folks, this is an awesome recipe for you too! It’s quick, easy, nutritious, and super yummy!

Okay, so today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite smoothie bowl recipes which uses black cherries, avocado, banana, and spinach to create a filling and energy packed meal that will keep you going through the day! A few things you’ll need: a blender or single serve mixer such as a Magic Bullet or Ninja, the ingredients (obviously), and a smile. Why a smile? Well, why not?! Even if you don’t feel that you have something to smile about do it anyways. Studies have shown that when a person smiles it actually influences neurochemical mechanisms in the brain associated with emotion which have the ability to boost one’s mood and elicit a more positive attitude. Pretty cool eh?! So smile away 🙂

Alrighty, enough chit chat from me… lets get to the good part!

Black Cherry smoothie bowl 1
Black Cherry Avocado Smoothie Bowl

For 1 serving you’ll need:

  • 1/2 to 1 avocado, pitted
  • 1/2 frozen banana (peel, cut in half, then freeze in bags or containers for easy access)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup frozen, pitted black cherries
  • 1 handful spinach
  • 1 cup almond or coconut milk (or other milk of choice)
  • 1 Tbsp raw honey
  • Optional toppings shown here: One Degree brown rice crisps (SO delicious, organic and GF), shredded unsweetened coconut, acai berry powder, and trail mix.

Method:

  • Place avocado, banana, cherries, then spinach into mixer. Add in milk (just enough to cover things), then honey. Blend together until pureed and mixed well.
  • Pour mixture into a bowl and top with your favorite, healthy toppings such as those suggested above.
  • Breath, Smile, Enjoy!
Black Cherry smoothie bowl
Black Cherry Avocado oh-so-yummy Smoothie Bowl

I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I do! If you give this recipe a try I’d love to hear about it and please feel free to share with Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest (#genuinelyjulie)

Well friends, as much as I’d love to keep chatting I do have some hot “Chai and Mighty” tea to drink from David’s Tea while I read “Missing Microbes” by Dr. Martin J. Blaser. “Missing Microbes” discusses how the overuse of antibiotics is having detrimental effects on the gut microbiome and by extension our health. I could go on and on about the topic of the gut microbiome and it’s implications for both physical and mental health and well-being (this is one of my major research interests), but I will save this discussion for another time.

Good reads
“Missing Microbes” and some “Chai and Mighty” Tea for this chilly Sunday afternoon

Wishing you health and happiness!

XO Julie

Creamy Walnut Avocado Soup (without the cream!)

On By juliemarie87In Recipes, SoupsLeave a comment

It seems as though winter has finally arrived here in Ontario and with the cold weather I find myself wanting something warm and comforting to eat more often. I was short on time and craving something creamy and tasty for lunch that wouldn’t take up much time to make. I had some avocados in the fridge that I assumed would spoil shortly if I didn’t eat them (they can be so temperamental!) – and one can only have so many avocado smoothies!

Putting my creative hat on, or rather apron I should say  (it’s a delightful thing with cats all over it hah), and searched around my tiny kitchen to see what I had that I could make a soup out of. Fortunately I had enough to whip something tasty up! And so the Creamy Walnut Avocado Soup became.

This is a quick and easy to make soup with a lovely, creamy texture and rich taste. But best of all is the health benefits it packs between the walnuts and avocado providing healthy fats, vitamins and nutrients. For those who like cream based soups but are trying to avoid the dairy, this is an excellent alternative.

The photo doesn’t do this soup justice – I am still trying to learn how to use my snazzy new camera. Being that I am a tad technologically challenged, this is  no easy feat. One of my many new years goals is to learn how to work that thing!

Anyhow, I hope that you enjoy this delicious healthy soup! It pairs well with a good book and a cold winter day  🙂

Creamy Walnut Avocado Soup

walnut soup

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup low sodium vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp. walnuts, crushed
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • pinch of thyme

Method

  • In a medium size pot, combine veggie stock with avocados and mash them a bit with a fork. Add in coconut milk. Combine using an immersion blender (or hand mixer), over medium heat.
  • Add in nuts. Use the blender to puree or simply stir in for more texture.
  • Add in spices and stir to combine. Once thoroughly heated, serve.
  • Enjoy!
  • Approx. 2 servings
  • 10 – 15 minutes to make