Sad news. No video today.
But get excited, we are prepping for our special cooking demo video that will be entered into the "Taste of Archstone" contest. The grand prize is a trip to Napa Valley, and Christa and I need a vacation. Badly. So please make our dreams come true and vote for our video next week!
If you are curious about the contest, follow the link: http://www.archstoneapartments.com/apartments/tasteofarchstone_video/?utm_source=Press&utm_medium=Link&utm_content=NAT&utm_campaign=LETOA_0910
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mom's Vegan Peach Pie
Though we try and eat as clean as possible (whole foods, unprocessed, fresh), we are not even going to try and pretend we have perfect diets. Every once in a while, we feel the need to indulge in something like sugar...or alcohol....or both....usually both...
We would go crazy if we had to cut these things out completely. So, though they may not be the best for our health physically, they certainly help mentally.
However, if you are going to indulge in something, you better do it right. That is why we chose to show you how to make one of our all-time favorite desserts.
P.S. Though we have listed this in the "indulgence" category, it is certainly not the worst thing you could eat. The majority is of the dessert is fruit! If you are trying to be really good, try substituting white flour for whole wheat, spelt, or buckwheat.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Raw Brownies - Delicious and Great for Skin
Youth and beauty are highly coveted in society today. People are constantly looking for ways to improve their skin/acne/wrinkles and get their skin to glow. What they don't realize is that what they are eating is directly affecting what their skin looks like.
Sugar is the devil. When it enters the bloodstream, it attaches itself to proteins and forms new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs for short). As these molecules accumulate, they damage adjacent proteins, especially collagen and elastin. The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop, and the less chance your skin has of remaining firm and elastic.
However, desserts are delicious and we don't want to give them up! So, we have put together a recipe for brownies which is not only sugar free, but only uses ingredients that contribute to good skin.
Watch our video here....
Here is a list of the ingredients we used and why:
Dates - One of the best natural sources of potassium (a mineral that helps with the growth of new cells). When your body produces new cells, your skin is able to become healthier.
Walnuts - Walnuts are one of the top sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, are rich in Vitamin E, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty acids are important to cell membrane function and will hydrate your skin and Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals (which are responsible for tissue and cellular damage). Lastly, anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce redness and signs of irritation.
Cocoa - Contains anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a high content of sulfur. Sulfur is often referred to as the "beauty mineral" because it promotes strong nails, hair, and healthy skin. It is also extremely high in antioxidants.
Raspberries - High in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent sunburn, and protect cells damaged from sun exposure while Vitamin C aids the production and maintenance of collagen.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
Sugar is the devil. When it enters the bloodstream, it attaches itself to proteins and forms new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs for short). As these molecules accumulate, they damage adjacent proteins, especially collagen and elastin. The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop, and the less chance your skin has of remaining firm and elastic.
However, desserts are delicious and we don't want to give them up! So, we have put together a recipe for brownies which is not only sugar free, but only uses ingredients that contribute to good skin.
Watch our video here....
Here is a list of the ingredients we used and why:
Dates - One of the best natural sources of potassium (a mineral that helps with the growth of new cells). When your body produces new cells, your skin is able to become healthier.
Walnuts - Walnuts are one of the top sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, are rich in Vitamin E, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty acids are important to cell membrane function and will hydrate your skin and Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals (which are responsible for tissue and cellular damage). Lastly, anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce redness and signs of irritation.
Cocoa - Contains anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a high content of sulfur. Sulfur is often referred to as the "beauty mineral" because it promotes strong nails, hair, and healthy skin. It is also extremely high in antioxidants.
Raspberries - High in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent sunburn, and protect cells damaged from sun exposure while Vitamin C aids the production and maintenance of collagen.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sorry, No Video. Sorry, Agave Nectar Blows.
Today we were supposed to post a video of us showing you how to make brownies with ingredients we thought were all natural and fabulous. However, right after we filmed, we took a class from Chef AJ, who immediately denounced two of the ingredients we had used (agave nectar and coconut oil). After hearing her go on about the negative effects of these ingredients, we decided to do our own research...
We have all heard about agave "nectar" and how it is "100% natural," "diabetic friendly," and in some cases "raw," but this is all extremely misleading. The brand we bought for our brownies was labeled, "Organic Raw Blue Agave Nectar." How legit does that sound? We were fooled by these "safe" words as well as the rumors surrounding the product; some stating that the native people in central Mexico had been using the agave plant for its medicinal properties for years. Unfortunately, the success of agave can be attributed to its marketing team, not its health benefits.
According to an article posted on the Weston A. Price Foundation website, agave nectar is "is not made from the sap of the yucca or agave plant but from the starch of the giant pineapple-like, root bulb. The principal constituent of the agave root is starch, similar to the starch in corn or rice, and a complex carbohydrate called inulin, which is made up of chains of fructose molecules.Technically a highly indigestible fiber, inulin, which does not taste sweet, comprises about half of the carbohydrate content of agave." They go on to talk about how the process of converting agave glucose to "nectar" is extremely similar to the way corn starch is converted into high fructose corn syrup. They also reveal that while high fructose corn syrup is 55% refined fructose, agave nectar is 70%!! So...there that is. Agave blows.
As for coconut oil, it has been a little more difficult for the health community to come to a conclusion. There is a lot of debate going on as to whether or not this a good choice. Some are against coconut oil due to the fact that it is extremely high in saturated fat (nearly 90%). Others argue that just like there are good cholesterols, there are good saturated fats. They also praise coconut oil for being a medium-chain triglyceride (MCTs), opposed to other fats (vegetable oils and animal fats) which are long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). MCTs are digested very quickly and burned like carbohydrates for energy. LCTs, on the other hand, are digested slowly and stored in fat cells.
While we certainly do not believe that coconut oil is the worst thing you could put in your body, we support the argument that we should be eating as nature intended. Eating whole foods is always a better idea than eating something processed or man made. Nature created coconuts, not little bottles of concentrated fat from coconuts. Additionally, whether you prefer coconut oil or the real thing, it should be eaten in moderation. Chef AJ made a good point in her class. She brought attention to the fact that coconuts are hard to get to, and perhaps this is nature's way of telling us we should be eating them sparingly. In that same vain, there are not many coconuts growing around our apartment. It makes sense that the food you need for your body will depend on the climate you are in. You don't crave pineapple in the dead of winter in Minnesota, but that would sound great if you were vacationing on a tropical beach in the summer. Pay attention to your body and to what's around and readily available.
So, to put an end this diatribe, we apologize for the fact that we do not have a video for you today. Wait till next week when you can expect a video from us showing you how to make delicious brownies made from ingredients we KNOW are great for you, and more specifically, great for your skin. Only whole foods allowed.
We have all heard about agave "nectar" and how it is "100% natural," "diabetic friendly," and in some cases "raw," but this is all extremely misleading. The brand we bought for our brownies was labeled, "Organic Raw Blue Agave Nectar." How legit does that sound? We were fooled by these "safe" words as well as the rumors surrounding the product; some stating that the native people in central Mexico had been using the agave plant for its medicinal properties for years. Unfortunately, the success of agave can be attributed to its marketing team, not its health benefits.
According to an article posted on the Weston A. Price Foundation website, agave nectar is "is not made from the sap of the yucca or agave plant but from the starch of the giant pineapple-like, root bulb. The principal constituent of the agave root is starch, similar to the starch in corn or rice, and a complex carbohydrate called inulin, which is made up of chains of fructose molecules.Technically a highly indigestible fiber, inulin, which does not taste sweet, comprises about half of the carbohydrate content of agave." They go on to talk about how the process of converting agave glucose to "nectar" is extremely similar to the way corn starch is converted into high fructose corn syrup. They also reveal that while high fructose corn syrup is 55% refined fructose, agave nectar is 70%!! So...there that is. Agave blows.
As for coconut oil, it has been a little more difficult for the health community to come to a conclusion. There is a lot of debate going on as to whether or not this a good choice. Some are against coconut oil due to the fact that it is extremely high in saturated fat (nearly 90%). Others argue that just like there are good cholesterols, there are good saturated fats. They also praise coconut oil for being a medium-chain triglyceride (MCTs), opposed to other fats (vegetable oils and animal fats) which are long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). MCTs are digested very quickly and burned like carbohydrates for energy. LCTs, on the other hand, are digested slowly and stored in fat cells.
While we certainly do not believe that coconut oil is the worst thing you could put in your body, we support the argument that we should be eating as nature intended. Eating whole foods is always a better idea than eating something processed or man made. Nature created coconuts, not little bottles of concentrated fat from coconuts. Additionally, whether you prefer coconut oil or the real thing, it should be eaten in moderation. Chef AJ made a good point in her class. She brought attention to the fact that coconuts are hard to get to, and perhaps this is nature's way of telling us we should be eating them sparingly. In that same vain, there are not many coconuts growing around our apartment. It makes sense that the food you need for your body will depend on the climate you are in. You don't crave pineapple in the dead of winter in Minnesota, but that would sound great if you were vacationing on a tropical beach in the summer. Pay attention to your body and to what's around and readily available.
So, to put an end this diatribe, we apologize for the fact that we do not have a video for you today. Wait till next week when you can expect a video from us showing you how to make delicious brownies made from ingredients we KNOW are great for you, and more specifically, great for your skin. Only whole foods allowed.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hangover "Cure-All" Tea
Hangovers are the definition a bad time. Everyone has their own ideas on how to cure them, but unfortunately, most theories revolve around greasy food or...more alcohol. We prefer a healthier alternative.
This recipe comes from Alicia Silverstone's, The Kind Diet, and it is the perfect solution for a hangover. Not only does it cure fatigue, headaches, and nausea, but it also helps to curb cravings. This way, you feel much better and avoid spending the entire day reaching for every greasy/fatty meal you can find.
Other ideas that help us prevent/cure a hangover.
x. Eat a handful of raw almonds before going out. This was a remedy used by the Native Americans (an African remedy suggests peanut butter). Fat is digested slowly and will help protect the stomach.
x. Walk home from the bar. Not only does this keep you from getting in a car, risking a DUI and...death, but exercise helps your body rid itself of toxins and it helps blood circulation. Plus, walking that night is far more appealing (and fun) than getting up early to go to the gym.
**after this was posted, a friend e-mailed this....soo maybe just take a cab...exercise later...**
x. Before you go to bed have two huge glasses of water. Dehydration is responsible for most of the annoying effects of a hangover. Make sure you drink water to rehydrate and to help flush the alcohol out of your system.
x. Eat something! Greasy burritos and burgers are what most people reach for at 2 am, but the best thing you can do is grab some bread and olive oil. The carbohydrates will help absorb the alcohol and the olive oil will line your stomach, creating a protective layer.
x. Try to avoid taking drugs of any kind. Ibuprofen and Tylenol may sound tempting, but they lend themselves to tears in the stomach lining and liver damage. Chances are...you've already handled this on your own.
P.S. Here is the link we mentioned
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
This recipe comes from Alicia Silverstone's, The Kind Diet, and it is the perfect solution for a hangover. Not only does it cure fatigue, headaches, and nausea, but it also helps to curb cravings. This way, you feel much better and avoid spending the entire day reaching for every greasy/fatty meal you can find.
x. Eat a handful of raw almonds before going out. This was a remedy used by the Native Americans (an African remedy suggests peanut butter). Fat is digested slowly and will help protect the stomach.
x. Walk home from the bar. Not only does this keep you from getting in a car, risking a DUI and...death, but exercise helps your body rid itself of toxins and it helps blood circulation. Plus, walking that night is far more appealing (and fun) than getting up early to go to the gym.
**after this was posted, a friend e-mailed this....soo maybe just take a cab...exercise later...**
x. Before you go to bed have two huge glasses of water. Dehydration is responsible for most of the annoying effects of a hangover. Make sure you drink water to rehydrate and to help flush the alcohol out of your system.
x. Eat something! Greasy burritos and burgers are what most people reach for at 2 am, but the best thing you can do is grab some bread and olive oil. The carbohydrates will help absorb the alcohol and the olive oil will line your stomach, creating a protective layer.
x. Try to avoid taking drugs of any kind. Ibuprofen and Tylenol may sound tempting, but they lend themselves to tears in the stomach lining and liver damage. Chances are...you've already handled this on your own.
P.S. Here is the link we mentioned
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Raw Pesto Pasta
Eating raw is probably one of the best things you can do for your body. To list some of the benefits...
x. improved health
x. amazing skin
x. more energy
x. better sex
x. clearer mind
It has even claimed to help reverse cancer.
The idea is that when food is heated over 115 degrees, it kills the enzymes (which are necessary for digestion) and destroys most of the vitamins and nutrients. Why not try and keep food fresh and nutrient-rich so it can best serve your body? We promise it is equally delicious. Here is an example...
This is a recipe we were exposed to through an "uncooking class" with Jenny Ross, chef/owner of the restaurant 118 Degrees.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
x. improved health
x. amazing skin
x. more energy
x. better sex
x. clearer mind
It has even claimed to help reverse cancer.
The idea is that when food is heated over 115 degrees, it kills the enzymes (which are necessary for digestion) and destroys most of the vitamins and nutrients. Why not try and keep food fresh and nutrient-rich so it can best serve your body? We promise it is equally delicious. Here is an example...
This is a recipe we were exposed to through an "uncooking class" with Jenny Ross, chef/owner of the restaurant 118 Degrees.
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
3 Day Juice Detox
For our first episode, we found it appropriate to document our 3 day juice detox as it is an amazing way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle.
We'd been hearing about the benefits of juice fasting for a while, so we decided to give it a shot. Though drinking only juice for 3 days sounds an awful lot like a crash diet, it's actually a great way to get all the nutrients you need while giving your digestive system a rest. This way your body can go to work on other things (like clearing your skin, detoxifying your body, and improving your overall health).
If you are looking to take on the juice detox, here's a list of sources we referenced:
JuiceFasting.org
Christa's Favorite Source
Whitney's Favorite Source
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
We'd been hearing about the benefits of juice fasting for a while, so we decided to give it a shot. Though drinking only juice for 3 days sounds an awful lot like a crash diet, it's actually a great way to get all the nutrients you need while giving your digestive system a rest. This way your body can go to work on other things (like clearing your skin, detoxifying your body, and improving your overall health).
If you are looking to take on the juice detox, here's a list of sources we referenced:
JuiceFasting.org
Christa's Favorite Source
Whitney's Favorite Source
Note: If you are having trouble accessing the video for this post, view it here!
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