This vegan peppermint hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and delicious. If you don’t have a peppermint infused chocolate bar, you can substitute any good quality dark chocolate bar and a drop of peppermint essential oil. If you prefer a lower calorie hot chocolate, use almond milk or coconut milk drink (not canned) instead.
Fresh grated chocolate and a hint of mint make this creamy vegan hot chocolate extra special!
For many people, one of the signs of fall is the appearance of pumpkin products. From pumpkin spiced coffee, candles, tea, cookies, candies, and even body products, pumpkin is everywhere this time of year. Putting all these mostly synthetic versions of pumpkin aside, did you know that real pumpkin is actually quite good for you? As a member of the winter squash family, this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit, not a vegetable) is actually packed with nutrition. For the love of pumpkin, let’s take another look at this superfruit. And you’ve got to try my super yummy pumpkin pancakes!
Pumpkin contains an impressive lineup of vitamins, including vitamin A, C, K, B2, E, and even some minerals. It’s also very high in beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body uses to manufacture vitamin A.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that are beneficial for the prevention of cancer and promoting eye health, as well as improving cognitive function and cardiovascular health. Additionally the fiber, potassium (vitamin K), and vitamin C are all heart-healthy vitamins.
Vitamin A (retinol) is also great for your skin. In fact, it helps protect against skin-damaging UV rays and contributes to maintenance of skin health and appearance. Plus, vitamin A helps to protect skin against the signs of aging. Retinol prevents transepidermal water loss, and stimulates collagen synthesis in skin. In this way, it can protect skin and even reverse some signs of aging.
These pumpkin pancakes deliver a hearty, warming breakfast by themselves. If you want an added boost of protein, serve them alongside Southwest Tofu Scramble.
This blueberry bake is so delicious it feels like an indulgence. Enjoy this dish warm or chilled, as a crumble or as a grab-and-go bar. It’ll keep for about a week in the refrigerator, so it is great to make ahead of time to supply healthy breakfasts for a busy week.
Blueberries contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that gives them their color. On top of being antioxidants taking care of free radicals, these flavonoids can protect against cardiovascular disease. They also contain a healthy dose of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. This dish is just one way to enjoy this superfood.
Blueberries and other berries, like raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, gogi berries, and more are a simple and delicious way to add lots of vitamins and antioxidants to your diet. When in season, snacking on a handful of berries is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. You can also toss them in salads or mix them in hot or cold cereals and granola. Surprisingly, berries retain nearly all of their nutritional value when frozen. This means we can enjoy them year-round in smoothies and baked goods, like this Blueberry Bake.
Many people enjoy this dish as a snack, breakfast, or even a dessert. Combine it with one of my favorite fresh juices for a vitamin-rich breakfast.
This Coconut Lentil Soup recipe includes spicy and sour tamarind concentrate to ramp up the flavor. Additionally, coconut milk adds richness and healthy fat to the dish. The oven roasted vegetables transform the creamy soup by giving it a crispy bite. Finally, bright, fresh scallions finish the meal.
Cauliflower makes up the base and topping of this soup by providing thickness and a mild creaminess. Not only that, but cauliflower is packed with nutrition, making this comfort food an immune system powerhouse as well. One serving of cauliflower contains 472% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, as well as fair amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and potassium. It also contains a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which is a phytochemical that has cancer-protective properties. Learn more about cauliflower in this post.
The lentils are a good source of insoluble dietary fiber, which promotes proper digestion and helps to stabilize blood sugar. Lentils also add about 18g of protein to this dish, making it as hearty as it is delicious. As a pulse-based food, lentils are healthy for your heart and may help to lower cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Coconut Lentil Soup with a side of naan bread to sop up every last bit. Or add a side of Barely Braised Greens for added nutrition.
If you experience any of these conditions, it may be time for you to take a closer look at the health of your gut and microbiome:
This handout breaks down the 5 R's of Healing Leaky Gut to walk you through 5 steps to getting your gut health under control to experience better overall health.