I used ripped up lettuce of several different varies. Use whatever kind of lettuce you like.

* I first wash each piece of lettuce then I lay them down on heavy paper towel, when I’ve got the amount of lettuce I want washed, then I lay  double pieces of  paper towel over top and roll up the lettuce leaves.  (with paper towel below and on top of them).  This is a great way to store lettuce in your fridge and it stays fresh for days without wilting.

I also added  fresh spinach, parsley and cilantro.  I hardly ever make a salad without adding cilantro anymore.  I love it. 

Then I broke up walnut pieces and threw them in. 

Next came the sugarless shredded cocoanut (available at any health food store & very inexpensive.  I paid 94 cents for the bag you see here.  (it’s also incredible in fruit salads!)

I then added an avocado and a tomato.

So, hey Dawg, then comes the killer dressing   

As follows:

Fresh grated ginger, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, & honey.

Experiment with amounts, I just kinda guesstimate, maybe  less lemon juice than olive oil, honey to taste, and not too much ginger   (you’ll figure it out as you go….no matter how I do it and even it I throw it all together without much thought, this combination always comes out great, and I never do it the same every time, so don’t fret about it too much).

Here’s what it looks like before I shook it all up (which you’ll need to do to mix it of course).  You may choose to mix it up in a blender as well.

I thought it looked pretty cool.   Best dressing I have ever had, and the best part is that there is no sugar and plenty of MUFAs (MonoUnsaturated Fatty Acids).

Drizzle it over your salad!

This is seriously the best tasting salad in the universe, and probably one of the healthiest.  Enjoy!

A very healthy start to your day!

The oatmeal remains uncooked in this delicious morning meal to maintain every last drop of nutrition. (When cooking oatmeal many of the nutrients get boiled off).

Step One:

Take your favorite brand of oatmeal and place in your breakfast bowl (you may substitute oatmeal for granola).

Step Two:

Take your favorite brand of Probiotic Yogurt with all of the active bacteria culture, and with very little, or no, sugar added.  (I like Olympic brand organic probiotic yogurt).

Steps Three and Four:

Mix the yogurt with the oatmeal until moist and the oatmeal is no longer dry.

Then put dollops of yogurt all over the top to add extra yumminess, creaminess and smoothness to the recipe.  Don’t be shy, put on as much as you like!  it’s soooo good for you!

Step Five:

Slice your favorite fruit on top, and enjoy this healthy sundae supreme!

This recipe is equally good with beef or pork.

May be cooked in the oven @ 375º for about 3 hours, or slow cooked in crock pot for 8-10 hrs.

* * *

Begin with your favorite Pork or Beef Roast cut.

Chop up garlic pieces into various sizes:

With small, sharp knife make a tiny slit anywhere in the roast and insert one piece of garlic.

push garlic all the way into the cut.

Continue doing this to cover the entire outer area of the roast (where you are able).

Save any garlic pieces you may have leftover to add to vegetables later, or throw them on top of roast.

Rub moderate amount of pepper over roast.

Rub 1/2 pkg of dry onion soup mix over roast.

Place in roasting pan or crock pot with 1/8th of an inch of water at bottom of pan/pot.

*If you are using a slow cooker, add vegetables (see below) at this point as well, and cook for 8-10 hours.*

In the oven at 375 degrees cover and cook for 2 hours. (you will add vegetables in the third hour).

It is wisest to overcook, rather than under-cook, pork as raw pork can make you sick. Beef can be cooked in less time.

Wash and chop potatoes, leaving skins on. (or use tiny red or white potatoes without chopping and leaving the skins on).

Chop up carrots into elongated chunky pieces, cutting off ends, but leaving skins on.

Always leave skins on potatoes & carrots for optimal nutritional quality.

Peel and chop onions into quarters.

After roast has cooked for 2 hours, then add your vegetables, arranging them around the roast, adding more water to bottom of pan as necessary to maintain 1/8th of an inch in the bottom.

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables as well  if you desire (i.e., parsnips, bell peppers etc).

(*note, there is tin foil in this picture for other purposes.  Do NOT add any tin foil).

No need to add salt or pepper as there is plenty in the pepper and soup mix you rubbed on the roast.

Bake for an additional hour.  Lift the lid for final 20 minutes to slightly brown your vegetables.

Once done, take out meat and vegs and make gravy with the drippings (water in the bottom).

Arrange meat and vegetables on a platter and serve with gravy and biscuits  on the side.

Mmmmmmm an aroma to die for.  Home cooking at its best!

Simply Delicious!

Boil & mash 4-5 potatoes in the usual way. When finished save 1/2 cup of potato water & set aside.

Meanwhile:

Fry 1.5 lbs hamburger or ground turkey or mixed.

Add to meat mixture while cooking:

chopped onions, celery, garlic (you may also want to add sliced mushrooms & or chopped bell peppers, but those are optional).

Season with pepper, basil & oregano (salt if desired, but I don’t think it’s necessary).

Meanwhile grate cheese of your choice for topping. (low fat if you can find it).  I used old cheddar here.

When meat mixture is done add 1/2 to 1 can mushroom soup to meat stirring into a creamy sauce with 1/4 c.  of your 1/2 c. potato water. (Add more  potato water if needed).

Open can of creamed corn. Set aside.

In a 9x 13 baking pan layer your Shepherd’s Pie as follows:

1)Meat Mixture

2) Creamed corn

3) Mashed Potatoes

4) Cheese with Paprika sprinkled on top

Cover with tin foil and cook 350 degree oven for 20-30 mins.

Take foil off last 5 mins of cooking and broil (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!)

The creamed corn really adds to the overall creamy feel of this delicious meal!!

Through trial and error, these are some of the things that I have found helped me to not only lose weight, but to gain better overall health.

1) NEVER EAT AFTER 6 p.m If you get hungry have one fruit (or a handful of berries) or a glass of water…several glasses if you like.  You just don’t do enough in the evening to work off all of those dinner calories. When I first began putting this into practice and a hunger pain occurred, I would allow myself 1-2 tiny rice crackers until it wasn’t an issue anymore.

2) WATER YOURSELF. 70% of the time hunger pains are thirst in disguise because we simply do not consume enough water and are usually dehydrated.  We are supposed to have 8 cups a day, right now, I am shooting for 4.  Muscle aches and pains, migraines, and perceived hunger pains can all be signs of dehydration. EXPECT headaches when you first increase your water intake.  This is a good sign.  It means toxins are leaving your body.

3) 3 SQUARE MEALS A DAY. If we eat a hearty breakfast, lunch, & dinner we will be less likely to nibble in between. Or you may choose 6 tiny, but healthy meals a day.  In any case do not eat anything past 6 pm.

4) DON’T DRINK LIQUIDS WITH YOUR MEALS. If you drink, juice, water, coffee, tea etc. with your meals, you dilute the saliva that needs to remain full strength to properly digest (break down) your foods. Wait 20 mins after a meal to drink your liquids.

5) ADD 1 TSP. GROUND FLAX TO YOUR DRINKS TWICE A DAY You may put it on top of your food if you prefer.  The flax will keep you regular and avoid constipation. This is vital to cleaning out your system daily.

6) TRY TO INCLUDE A “MUFA” WITH EVERY MEAL. What is a MUFA? It stands for monounsaturated fatty acid, which is found in nuts, seeds, avocadoes, olives and flax and olive oils.  These foods actually help to beak down the other foods you have eaten during your meal.

7) KEEP’ “SASSY”WATER IN YOUR FRIDGE. Ingredients include:

2 liters of water (about 8-1/2 cups)
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
12 small spearmint, or peppermint  leaves

Strain and drink often for a delicious and nutritious twist on the water you drink.

8 ) EXERCISE. You will never lose the weight you want, become toned, or gain good overall health without exercising.  Find a routine that works for you, and change it up a bit to keep it from becoming too mundane.  Personally, I don’t do well at the gym, but I have learned to love to walk. I try to change up my walking route.  I mostly enjoy hikes on country roads, but it is also interesting to stroll through the neighborhoods, enjoying the various housing landscapes.  I try to walk 30 mins to an hour every single day in every kind of weather.  If you can find hilly terrain, all the better for a more intense workout.  Find the exercise regime that works for you and do it at least 30 minutes a day briskly, intensely.

9) GET 7-8 HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT. If you think you are doing okay on less sleep, I urge to try getting 7-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis, and just marvel at how much more optimally you perform!  Toddlers have it right. Nap during the day if you have to. North America is a way under slept continent.  Getting more sleep allows you the mental and physical energy you are going to need every day to stay focused and on track with your better health solutions.

10) GET PLENTY OF FRESH AIR . Yes, the increased oxygen flow into your system makes all of your organs work better, expanding your lungs etc, causing better overall health.  Sleep with a window open whenever possible, and shut off that unhealthy air conditioner as often as you can!

11) ENVISION A BETTER, HEALTHIER YOU. Keep the picture in the forefront of your mind.  If you can dream it, you can achieve it. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18

12) BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF. How many years did it take you to put that weight on?  Do you really think it will all come off in a couple of weeks or months?  This is especially true for us middle aged women! When you fall off the wagon, get right back up again!  Think of it as 2 steps forward and 1 step back.  It’s a process and if you persevere, you will get there eventually.

13) KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Get educated. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6   Find out what foods are good for you and which ones  aren’t.  The internet is full of articles relating to this.  Let me give you a hint: Stay away from processed foods (anything in a box or a can) Eat only fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meat etc.  Organic foods are best if you can find/afford them. The more you know (are armed with knowledge), the easier it becomes to make the right choices.

AND FINALLY (but not least) take some time to FAST & PRAY. Ask God to help you.  Ask him to change your thinking, give you the insight to change your habits, give you the frame of mind to find and stick to a routine, anything that you ask for in faith, He will do for you.  Believe it.  It is within your grasp.

For an amazing taste explosion, substitute your regular salad with stuffed avocado!

Begin by finely dicing celery &  red onion.

Chop & add yellow, red, or orange bell pepper and firm tomato into small chunks.

Add chopped cilantro & chopped pre-cooked and cooled shrimp (remove tails if still attached).

Cut avocado in half lengthwise.  Scoop out meat from center. Set aside shells for stuffing later.

Mash up the avocado meat. (Don’t worry if it isn’t thoroughly mashed.  A few small chunks add to the texture).

Mix vegetables and shrimp mixture together with mashed avocado.  (If it seems like you have too much vegetable mixture, wrap it up for a nice light snack the next day).

Add a few drops of lemon juice to mixture.  This will help preserve the avocado color. (I prefer a little more lemon juice because I like the taste.  It’s up to you).

Scoop the blended avocado, vegetable, and shrimp mixture into avocado shells.

Garnish with cilantro and shrimp.

***

On a hot day, serve with chilled natural juices.  (watermelon, passion fruit,  etc)

Simply liquefy your favorite fruit in the blender with ice.

A hearty meal, so full of flavor!

Begin by cooking ham hock covered in water for 1-2 hours until hock begins to loosen and  fall apart.

You may substitute uncooked ham (as shown in photo) for the same amount of time.  You may also use cooked ham, and only cook for 10-15 mins).

Once meat is cooked, add coarsely chopped garlic, and onions.

Chop cabbage into large chunks, and add to mixture.

Stir in 1/8  to 1/4 cups of vinegar (for every 4 cups of water in your pot).

Season with pepper, basil, and whatever other spices you like and that you think may work.

Cook together on low-med heat no longer than 30 mins, keeping the cabbage somewhat crisp.

At times we have had this as an entire meal, (dinner or lunch).  Other times we have served it along with other foods.

Simply delicious!

Chicken soup is a great way to share your love!

There’s nothing better on a cold day, OR if you (or a friend) have a cold! 

A) Boil one whole chicken in large pot with water to cover. Add sea salt and pepper.  Cook for one hour.

B) Meanwhile, cut up: 5 large carrots, 1 med onion, 1 whole garlic bulb, & 6 stalks of celery (include the greens).  Set aside chopped vegetables. (these are approximate amounts)

C) Start 1 cup uncooked brown rice according to package directions and leave to simmer until done.  Set cooked rice aside.

After one hour remove chicken from boiled water.  Set chicken in fridge uncovered 10- 15 mins to cool. Turn off burner and save boiled water for your broth.

Skim foam & fat off top of broth with a small tea strainer, or cooking spoon. Discard all foam and fat.

When chicken is cooled, peel all fat, blood, and unsightly parts off chicken saving only the best meat.  Cut into small bite size pieces.

Transfer chicken with vegetables back into pot with chicken broth.  Add basil and thyme and more sea salt & pepper to taste.

Cook an additional 45 mins- hour.  Add cooked rice to Chicken soup just before serving.

Wowser!  A new twist on Avocado!  Delicious!

You can make this sandwich toasted or non.  I prefer toasted.

To make this sandwich, first mix a light mayonnaise with some lemon juice (enough to give mayo a nice zippy flavor).

Spread onto toasted healthy bread. I don’t recommend spreading on butter, you simply don’t need it.

Here is my all time favorite bread It is certified organic, and there is no flour used! It is so light and delicious, full of healthy ingredients,  and only baked in British Columbia. But I’m sure you can find something similar in your part of the world, or make your own healthy bread.

Add leaves of spinach <—optional, but oh so good, slices of avocado, & slices of tomato.  I like a dose of black pepper as well.

Serve for lunch for your girlfriends.  They’ll think you are amazing!     Oh, I forgot.  You ARE amazing!  (AND Jesus loves you)!

A refreshing summer salad that I make all year around because it’s so healthy!

Wash & chop the following vegetables:

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, red (purple) Onions, Cilantro.

(Put in the amounts you prefer and chop into salad sized chunks).

Squeeze in fresh Limes (or lemons) and moderate amount of  Vinegar to your taste. (can use bottled lemon/lime juice).

Vinegar is just as important as the Lime (or lemon) juice in this recipe.  Vinegar gives it a nice zip.

Mix all ingredients together.

You now have a colorful,  refreshing, and very healthy salad.