Hello All . . . This is the last blog in the series of "Edible Skin Care Recipes". The following recipe is super yummy and great for your skin, energy, and health. Hope you enjoy it!
SWEET - N - NUTTY SNACK MIX
Convenient and portable. One hundred percent better for you than a candy bar or chips! I often keep a baggie of this mixture or a similar one in my purse so I don't feel tempted to visit the nearest drive-through window when the munchies hit! If you frequently travel via airplane, this makes a terrific snack to carry with you on the plane. Beats airport food any day!
This dried fruit and nut trail mix contains the essential fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates your body craves just before that midafternoon slump kicks in and all the nutrients your skin demands to stay in tip-top shape.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
1/2 cup dried, unsulfured, pitted cherries (cut in half if large)
1/2 cup large, unsulfured raisins
1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts
1/4 cup lightly salted sunflower seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup lightly salted pumpkin seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup dried, unsulfured, chopped, apricots
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg powder (optional)
To Make: Place all ingredients into a plastic freezer bag or food storage container and shake well. Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator unless consumed within 2 weeks as raw nuts become rancid quicker than roasted ones.
To Use: Consume a handful or so whenever the snacking mood strikes. Try to remember portion control here as nuts and seeds contain a lot of oil and if you are trying to lose weight, these calories can add up quickly. One serving is generally a 1/4 cup or so.
Yield: Approximately 3 1/4 cups of snack mix.
To Toast or Not To Toast
Toasting nuts, seeds, and coconut does enhance the flavor of cookies and this snack mix, but also diminishes their nutritional content. If you decide to toast, here's how:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ingredients in an ungreased baking pan - in a single layer - and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the contents of the pan begin to turn slightly golden brown. Your kitchen should smell quite yummy!
NOTE: This recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of me, the author, and are for your enjoyment and educational purposes only. I disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.
Showing posts with label supplements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label supplements. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part III
These next two recipes, Honey Pecan Cookies & Apricot Chews (which I will give to you in Part IV), were graciously donated by Bill & Sylvia Varney, owners of the Fredericksburg Herb Farm in Fredericksburg, TX. This herb farm and restaurant is simply beautiful - an oasis under the hot Texas sun.
The Varneys say, "For healthy hair and skin, what goes in the body comes before what goes on it. The skin, like every other part of the body, receives its nourishment from the bloodstream. Overload your body with caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, refined sugar, saturated fat, emotional stress, and guess what? Poor color, circles under the eyes, blemished skin, and a never-ending bad hair day. Take a nibble, boost your body and your spirits with a cookie.
"Surprised? ask the Varneys, "Our cookie recipes are different! They are dense in nutrients, without the abundance of fat and refined sweeteners found in ordinary cookies. They're rich in B and E vitamins to nourish your nerves and put a spark in your eyes; rich in calcium to strengthen your bones; rich in iron for your blood; rich in fiber to clean out your insides; and rich in potassium for your heart, too. Best of all, you'll find that in the pursuit of health, vigor, and beauty, your taste buds never had it so good!"
RECIPE: Honey Pecan Cookies
Full of vitality-boosting minerals and vitamins B and E, that help keep you calm, cool, collected, and beautiful, these lemon verbena-scented cookies perk up those afternoon slumps. Nibble one and resist empty-calorie temptations.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons bran
2 tablespoons organic powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
1 organic egg
1 4" sprig lemon verbena, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons minced fresh lemon balm leaves, or 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup organic fresh buttermilk or reconstitute from a dried buttermilk mix
1/2 cup pecans, raw or toasted (your choice) and finely chopped
Raw or toasted (your choice), chopped pecans for garnish
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit
2. Stir together all dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In food processor, beat the butter and honey together, then add egg, lemon verbena, lemon juice, and buttermilk and process until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix briefly until incorporated. Pulse in chopped pecans.
4. Drop batter by heaping spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Garnish with pecans. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check cookies frequently, they do burn easily. Remove to wire rack to cool.
To Eat:
Enjoy one for a sweet breakfast or anytime for a quick, energizing, skin-healthy snack.
Yield: Approximately 1 dozen large cookies, 200 calories each
NOTE: The above has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
The Varneys say, "For healthy hair and skin, what goes in the body comes before what goes on it. The skin, like every other part of the body, receives its nourishment from the bloodstream. Overload your body with caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, refined sugar, saturated fat, emotional stress, and guess what? Poor color, circles under the eyes, blemished skin, and a never-ending bad hair day. Take a nibble, boost your body and your spirits with a cookie.
"Surprised? ask the Varneys, "Our cookie recipes are different! They are dense in nutrients, without the abundance of fat and refined sweeteners found in ordinary cookies. They're rich in B and E vitamins to nourish your nerves and put a spark in your eyes; rich in calcium to strengthen your bones; rich in iron for your blood; rich in fiber to clean out your insides; and rich in potassium for your heart, too. Best of all, you'll find that in the pursuit of health, vigor, and beauty, your taste buds never had it so good!"
RECIPE: Honey Pecan Cookies
Full of vitality-boosting minerals and vitamins B and E, that help keep you calm, cool, collected, and beautiful, these lemon verbena-scented cookies perk up those afternoon slumps. Nibble one and resist empty-calorie temptations.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached flour
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons bran
2 tablespoons organic powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
1 organic egg
1 4" sprig lemon verbena, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons minced fresh lemon balm leaves, or 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup organic fresh buttermilk or reconstitute from a dried buttermilk mix
1/2 cup pecans, raw or toasted (your choice) and finely chopped
Raw or toasted (your choice), chopped pecans for garnish
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit
2. Stir together all dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. In food processor, beat the butter and honey together, then add egg, lemon verbena, lemon juice, and buttermilk and process until smooth and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix briefly until incorporated. Pulse in chopped pecans.
4. Drop batter by heaping spoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Garnish with pecans. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Check cookies frequently, they do burn easily. Remove to wire rack to cool.
To Eat:
Enjoy one for a sweet breakfast or anytime for a quick, energizing, skin-healthy snack.
Yield: Approximately 1 dozen large cookies, 200 calories each
NOTE: The above has been adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part 2
This is another of my skin-beautifying formulas that I consume on a regular basis. I refer to the following recipe as my "anti-stress breakfast boost" formula. It's loaded with complexion-enhancing, stress-reducing B vitamins, plus vitamin E, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It is also chock-full of healthy, skin-softening fats.
I love the taste, but if you're not crazy about brewer's yeast, the flavor will take a bit of getting used to.
SKIN SO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana or 1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups raw cow or goat milk, or fortified soy or almond milk
1 tablespoon brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
2 teaspoons raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds
10 raw almonds
1/4 cup raw oat flakes or cooked oatmeal
2 teaspoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes (optional - makes a nice thick, frosty drink)
To Make: Combine all ingredients in blender and whiz on high until smooth for about 30-60 seconds total.
To Use: I usually consume the entire batch throughout the morning hours, taking sips between my work projects. Alternatively, pour half of the recipe into a mug, cover, and refrigerate the rest until later in the day.
Yield: Makes approximately two, 1 1/2 cup servings or 1 large meal.
NOTE: The above recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Books, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information. All information dispensed by the author is for educational use only. Consult a knowledgeable, wholistic nutritionist if you have any questions about food/nutrition.
I love the taste, but if you're not crazy about brewer's yeast, the flavor will take a bit of getting used to.
SKIN SO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana or 1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups raw cow or goat milk, or fortified soy or almond milk
1 tablespoon brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
2 teaspoons raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds
10 raw almonds
1/4 cup raw oat flakes or cooked oatmeal
2 teaspoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes (optional - makes a nice thick, frosty drink)
To Make: Combine all ingredients in blender and whiz on high until smooth for about 30-60 seconds total.
To Use: I usually consume the entire batch throughout the morning hours, taking sips between my work projects. Alternatively, pour half of the recipe into a mug, cover, and refrigerate the rest until later in the day.
Yield: Makes approximately two, 1 1/2 cup servings or 1 large meal.
NOTE: The above recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Books, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information. All information dispensed by the author is for educational use only. Consult a knowledgeable, wholistic nutritionist if you have any questions about food/nutrition.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part 1
Ever visit a lovely, tranquil farm and see the beautiful vitamin-pill trees growing in the orchard down by the brook? Of course not! We're so busy these days that we've become a nation of pill poppers. We swallow our "once-a-day" in an effort to ensure that we get a nutritious and balanced diet - instead of paying close attention to what we actually eat. We consume so much fast food and junk food that many of us seem to think that a fractionated, synthetically-derived pill will fill the gaps in our diets. Not so!
Sure, laboratory-made vitamin and mineral supplements have their rightful place in certain disease conditions and deficiencies - for short-term usage only - but for general health and well-being and the prevention of disease, consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as Mother Nature presents them is the way to go. Additionally, naturally-derived supplements such as herbal capsules, tinctures, teas, and herbal syrups, plus brewer's yeast, spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, and barley and alfalfa grasses,to name a few, are wonderful, nutrient-dense foods to include in your beautiful-skin regimen.
The recipe that follows and the future edible skin care recipes that I will share with you in the next few weeks, are chock-full of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. They'll also provide you with a delicious way to boost your energy level as well as your natural immunity.
Recipe: SKIN-SATIONAL HERB TEA
This herb tea, also referred to as a herbal infusion, is a tasty blend that, hot or cold, helps replenish a deficient system and restores lackluster skin, hair, and nails. All herbs in this formula are in dried form. Please purchase organically-grown herbs whenever possible.
2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 tablespoon peppermint leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon nettle leaves
1 tablespoon alfalfa leaves
1 tablespoon rose hips
2 teaspoons dandelion leaves
2 teaspoons raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon ginger root
To Make: Combine all herbs in a medium-size bowl and stir to blend. Store in a tightly-sealed tin, jar, or plastic tub or bag away from light in a cool, dry location. Best if used within 6 months.
To Use: Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried tea blend. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. The longer it steeps, the more nutrients will be infused into the water. Strain before drinking. Add honey, cream, or lemon if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
Yield: Approximately 30 cups of tea
Disclaimer: This article was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist if you have any questions regarding herb usage.
Sure, laboratory-made vitamin and mineral supplements have their rightful place in certain disease conditions and deficiencies - for short-term usage only - but for general health and well-being and the prevention of disease, consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as Mother Nature presents them is the way to go. Additionally, naturally-derived supplements such as herbal capsules, tinctures, teas, and herbal syrups, plus brewer's yeast, spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, and barley and alfalfa grasses,to name a few, are wonderful, nutrient-dense foods to include in your beautiful-skin regimen.
The recipe that follows and the future edible skin care recipes that I will share with you in the next few weeks, are chock-full of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. They'll also provide you with a delicious way to boost your energy level as well as your natural immunity.
Recipe: SKIN-SATIONAL HERB TEA
This herb tea, also referred to as a herbal infusion, is a tasty blend that, hot or cold, helps replenish a deficient system and restores lackluster skin, hair, and nails. All herbs in this formula are in dried form. Please purchase organically-grown herbs whenever possible.
2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 tablespoon peppermint leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon nettle leaves
1 tablespoon alfalfa leaves
1 tablespoon rose hips
2 teaspoons dandelion leaves
2 teaspoons raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon ginger root
To Make: Combine all herbs in a medium-size bowl and stir to blend. Store in a tightly-sealed tin, jar, or plastic tub or bag away from light in a cool, dry location. Best if used within 6 months.
To Use: Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried tea blend. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. The longer it steeps, the more nutrients will be infused into the water. Strain before drinking. Add honey, cream, or lemon if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
Yield: Approximately 30 cups of tea
Disclaimer: This article was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist if you have any questions regarding herb usage.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Maximize Your Nutrition: Part IV
Essential Fatty Acids: Raw Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds
I realize that at the beginning of the "Maximize Your Nutrition" segment . . . I told you there would be three parts to the discussion . . . but I just had to add a "Part IV" regarding the importance of essential fatty acids to skin care.
There is a simple snack mix you can make that will boost the vitality of your skin and health. Mix equal parts of raw, hulled sunflower seeds and raw pumpkin seeds (sometimes called pepitas) in a plastic container or bag and carry this tasty, crunchy treat with you as a healthy fast-food snack or toss it in your daily salad in lieu of white-bread croutons. For a zestier taste, sprinkle a bit of your favorite salt-free seasoning on the mix.
These seeds have essential fats and substantial amounts of iron and zinc. Raw, unprocessed, unheated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be two of the most powerful tools in your anti-wrinkle arsenal. Fat preserves your skin's suppleness and youthful dewiness. Raw fats also have potent anti-inflammatory properties, promoting heart health, relief of pain, and reduction of roseacea in the skin.
Other sources of essential fatty acids include daily consumption of a tablespoon or two of fresh flaxseed, extra-virgin olive, fish, or unrefined coconut oil. Try to mix them up and have a different one every day or so. A quarter-cup of raw walnuts is also a good, crunchy vegetarian source of omega- (or take a few capsules if you can't stand the fishy taste).
(NOTE: Portions of this article were adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information in this article is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information and recommends that the reader use his/her common sense. This information is for educational purposes only.)
I realize that at the beginning of the "Maximize Your Nutrition" segment . . . I told you there would be three parts to the discussion . . . but I just had to add a "Part IV" regarding the importance of essential fatty acids to skin care.
There is a simple snack mix you can make that will boost the vitality of your skin and health. Mix equal parts of raw, hulled sunflower seeds and raw pumpkin seeds (sometimes called pepitas) in a plastic container or bag and carry this tasty, crunchy treat with you as a healthy fast-food snack or toss it in your daily salad in lieu of white-bread croutons. For a zestier taste, sprinkle a bit of your favorite salt-free seasoning on the mix.
These seeds have essential fats and substantial amounts of iron and zinc. Raw, unprocessed, unheated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be two of the most powerful tools in your anti-wrinkle arsenal. Fat preserves your skin's suppleness and youthful dewiness. Raw fats also have potent anti-inflammatory properties, promoting heart health, relief of pain, and reduction of roseacea in the skin.
Other sources of essential fatty acids include daily consumption of a tablespoon or two of fresh flaxseed, extra-virgin olive, fish, or unrefined coconut oil. Try to mix them up and have a different one every day or so. A quarter-cup of raw walnuts is also a good, crunchy vegetarian source of omega- (or take a few capsules if you can't stand the fishy taste).
(NOTE: Portions of this article were adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information in this article is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information and recommends that the reader use his/her common sense. This information is for educational purposes only.)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Maximize Your Nutrition - Part III
"Whole Food Supplements - OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)
OPCs are another of my daily natural supplements that I swear by! My health and clarity of my skin wouldn't be what they are without this tasty, reddish-purple supplement. Yes, the long scientific name for OPCs is indeed a tongue-twister, but here's a short explanation: OPCs are becoming recognized as one of the most potent categories of anti-oxidants (which act as anti-aging or youthifying agents). They fight the free radicals that cause oxidation, the process responsible for the rusting of metal, the browning of a cut apple, or the appearance of brown age spots on your body. OPCs are present only in plants and have blue-green, yellow, red, and purple pigments.
An OPC supplement is available in liquid, capsule, or powdered form at any good health food store and often includes: red wine, purple and red grapes, prunes, raisins, blueberies, blackberries, red bilberries, lingonberries, raspberries, spinach, kale, currants, rose hips, turmeric, ginger, pine bark, grape seeds, green tea, gingko leaf, hawthorn leaf, and oregano. It's recommended that you include many of these foods in your daily diet. An added bonus: Liquid OPC formulations are usually quite delicious, tasting like fruit juice.
NOTE: Portions of this article were adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles, 2007, Storey Publishing. The information in this article is true to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She recommends that readers use their common sense. This information is for educational purposes only.
OPCs are another of my daily natural supplements that I swear by! My health and clarity of my skin wouldn't be what they are without this tasty, reddish-purple supplement. Yes, the long scientific name for OPCs is indeed a tongue-twister, but here's a short explanation: OPCs are becoming recognized as one of the most potent categories of anti-oxidants (which act as anti-aging or youthifying agents). They fight the free radicals that cause oxidation, the process responsible for the rusting of metal, the browning of a cut apple, or the appearance of brown age spots on your body. OPCs are present only in plants and have blue-green, yellow, red, and purple pigments.
An OPC supplement is available in liquid, capsule, or powdered form at any good health food store and often includes: red wine, purple and red grapes, prunes, raisins, blueberies, blackberries, red bilberries, lingonberries, raspberries, spinach, kale, currants, rose hips, turmeric, ginger, pine bark, grape seeds, green tea, gingko leaf, hawthorn leaf, and oregano. It's recommended that you include many of these foods in your daily diet. An added bonus: Liquid OPC formulations are usually quite delicious, tasting like fruit juice.
NOTE: Portions of this article were adapted from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles, 2007, Storey Publishing. The information in this article is true to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She recommends that readers use their common sense. This information is for educational purposes only.
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