Coconut Almond Yogurt! (Non Dairy)

It's the end of August and my favorite month just flew right by! I haven't spent much time on the computer this month. Instead of writing about life, I was just so busy living it!

How could I forget how much fun it is to go barefoot in the yard and run under the hose? 

Today I was watering my garden and the hose burst! My first thought was, oh geez, I'm getting all wet. Whahhhhh....  :)

But then I threw off my sandals and immediately felt free, like a little kid. My toes in the grass, warm water from the hose soaking my clothes, sun on my face, and I was loving it!

Playing in the backyard! 

One of the simple pleasures of summer!

This month I had the honor and delight of sharing my story alongside Dave the Raw Food Trucker   at a couple of our local raw/vegan restaurants. I was nervous about speaking, yet it always seems that what's meant to come out of my mouth, does. I get so excited about sharing the healing power of green smoothies that after a few minutes I forgot my fears. It's amazing the confidence it builds for me to step out of my comfort zone, put myself aside and just talk about what I am passionate about!

Even more exciting was speaking on my own recently!

I was invited by a friend to speak with her church group up in Waterbury. It was my first time flying solo and it couldn't have been a more rewarding experience. There was a good crowd, about 30 people. Everyone was lovely and very receptive. There was a terrific raw pot luck before hand, what a nice spread! After I spoke, which was great fun, we had a Q & A session and then a smoothie demo. I can't thank my friend Nan enough for having such faith in me, organizing such a wonderful even and introducing me to the nicest people ever. She gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and see for myself just what I am capable of. It was a great experience and such an amazing night!

The feedback I received from people looking to renew their own healthy happiness was fabulous!

 It's a wonderful feeling to know that I may have inspired even one person to incorporate more fruits & veggies into their days and begin their own personal, healthy journeys. I think it's important to stress that "going 100% raw"  does not have to be anyone's goal. What's most important is eliminating the processed junk foods and replacing them with fresh fruits & veggies. That's a great place to start and what better way than to add a green smoothie into your day!

Onto my next favorite subject ~ food!

One food that I had been missing lately is yogurt. It was a favorite of mine back when I was still eating dairy and I knew that I had to find a way to get it back into my life! 

And that I did!!

Here's a wonderful recipe that I now enjoy daily. It only requires 3 ingredients plus a spoonful of probiotic powder. It takes minutes to prepare and is so beneficial to  your tummy health as well as being just plain yummy!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Coconut Almond Yogurt

2 cups raw almonds 

(soak overnight & rinse first)

meat of 2 or 3 coconuts 

2 1/2 cups of coconut water

1 tsp of a good probiotic

1 tsp vanilla powder or extract 

(optional but delicious!)

Simple ~ Nutritious ~ Delicious

Here's a little video I made while whipping up a batch.

I hope it's helpful!

Most people will use the coconut meat from opening and removing the meat from inside the coconut. I found that because I enjoy this yogurt regularly, that it was easier for me to purchase my coconut meat flash frozen in bulk at exotic superfoods!

In the picture above I drizzled a little honey on the yogurt and added fresh raspberries.

Here I blended the yogurt with strawberries. 

The yogurt will have a bit of a bite because it is fermented, but the taste has really grown on me!

 It's nice blended or topped with fruit but it is really very yummy just as it is!

*~* Enjoy *~*

It is so about the food ~ yet it's not just about the food! Recipes & Thoughts

It is so about the food ~ yet it's not just about the food......


 Eating a diet rich in whole living foods has completely changed my life. In the beginning of my journey I focused on adding more greens into my day through green smoothies.I simply wanted to feel better!  Not long after I began drinking the green smoothies my energy increased and weight was falling off effortlessly. To me it was like magic! But I had no idea that this simple little step would take me down the path I am walking these days. I've discovered that these foods are providing me with much more than the nutrition my body needs to thrive. They are nurturing my inner being and enhancing my life on so many interesting levels. Raw living foods make me feel alive!
Today I'm not only healthy and happy but I am more centered, comfortable in my own skin and have found a place of acceptance inside myself that I never thought possible. These are all wonderful and new feelings for me! In the past I would always look at others who exuded these traits and think, "I want what they have."  Who knew that it would be my food choices that would provide me with a better sense of self and confidence that I feel today. It may have taken me most of my lifetime to get to this point but it's been worth it! And to think it all began with green smoothies ~ amazing!


  Synchronicity ~  "The experience of two or more events which are casually unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner."


 I've been experiencing more and more of this in my life on a daily basis. Once I really began to notice it, to be aware of it, I was amazed and intrigued!  I mention a friends name and not seconds later they are calling me on the phone. Not once mind you but over and over. Several times I have written an email to a friend on a particular subject and no sooner did I push "send" then an email or phone call regarding this same topic appears from her. I was pondering a completely new idea, like "oil pulling" and when I opened a new book I just bought, it opened to the page on just that subject.  I was thinking about a friend and her favorite song came on the radio. I've been wondering how next to share my passion for green smoothies. Suddenly I receive not one or two but three people's requests that I make them and offer them up for sale in my neighborhood! I'm meeting with my first customer in a few days!  How cool is that?


 Over and over these little things occur each day now! After researching this subject I found there is a connection between a raw food lifestyle and these interesting events. It seems that there is a heightened awareness that comes with eating cleaner. It makes sense that by eliminating the processed foods we clear the way for subtle energies and a deeper connection within ourselves and the Universe. I've mentioned that I feel gentle shifts happening as I continue on my journey, a wonderful mind body & spirit connection..These are just a few more of the wondrous and unexpected benefits that I've experienced in the past year and a half and I am certain there are more on the horizon!


 Here are some new recipes I've enjoyed recently! With the cooler weather coming to Connecticut, I've been craving foods with a little more substance than I've enjoyed throughout the summer. This recipe is my own simpler version of the zucchini "pasta" recipe in Jennifer Cornbleet's book Raw Food Made Easy.  It makes for a delicious dinner and is really easy to prepare. The noodles are actually zucchini that has been put through a spiralizer , a simple vegetable slicer that creates a spiral strand much like spaghetti. Before I had the spiralizer I would use a vegetable peeler which works just as well! The results will be a longer "fettuccine" style shape instead. I absolutely love my spiralizer, it's one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

      Zucchini Marinara

Zucchini Pasta Marinara


2 spiralized zucchini


Marinara Sauce
3 vine ripe tomatoes
1 chopped red pepper
1 cup soaked sun dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp olive oil


Blend all sauce ingredients in the blender until smooth or until desired consistency. (I prefer it a little chunky)


Pour over zucchini noodles & Enjoy!!


Top with nutritional yeast for a healthier alternative to Parmesan cheese!


This meal is super easy, it only takes a few minutes to prepare... It's a keeper  :)




                                                            Butternut Apple Soup

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup


1 Butternut Squash diced
3 large red apples 
1 Tbsp Coconut oil


Blend well & Enjoy!


This was so amazingly simple and tasty!    Another keeper   :)
I had the ingredients on hand, threw them together & voila!


Optional ~ I added 1 Tbsp of curry to 1/2 the batch and it completely switched up the taste ~ Amazing!!




                                                 Pineapple Romaine Cucumber Juice

Green Smoothies!!


When I did my 23 day juice & smoothie feast, I began to get more creative with my smoothies, using a larger variety of fruits and greens and adding other healthy ingredients as well. My glorious green smoothie is still the one I enjoy most frequently, here are a few new recipes that I especially love!

Coconut Mango
1 fresh mango (or 2 cups frozen mango chunks)
2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 cups Coconut water

This smoothie is terrific for the cooler weather! With a pinch of cayenne, it adds a nice blend of spice to the sweetness of the mango and warms you up on the inside too! I LOVE this as a green treat now and then!


 Sweet & Spicy Green
1 1/2 cups frozen mango  (or 1 fresh mango)
2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 tsp coconut oil
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups almond milk

Seriously Green 
Romaine
kale
dandelion
parsley 
cucumber
celery
sprouts
pear
apple
lemon
ginger


This is definitely a favorite of mine! The lemon & ginger are the top flavors and blend so nicely together  ~ Seriously green is seriously delicious &   seriously getting your greens on!


Tip ~ try adding 1/2 banana or fresh lemon juice to cut the bitterness of dandelion greens in any smoothie and still reap the benefits!!


Enjoy!!

                            *~*   Simple ~ Nutritious ~ Delicious &  Satisfying   *~*

Simple Pleasures Through Glorious Greens ~ my Ebook!! :)

  I am over the moon excited about a project that I have just completed! 


  I have just published an Ebook that follows my journey of renewed health & weight loss for the past year and a half. It talks of the changes that have occurred for me in mind, body & spirit that all began with my glorious green smoothies! In it you will also find my favorite smoothie recipes and recipes for other foods I enjoy today.


It is truly a labor of love and I hope it will be helpful to anyone that is on their own journey or thinking of starting down the path to healthy happiness.....


May I ask a favor? If you do chose to buy my book, would you please leave me a little comment down below so I can thank you personally ~  that is one of life's Simple Pleasures :)


Much Love & Gratitude
Kathy


Here's the Link  :)  

                      http://gettingthewordoutmedia.com/    






        

Life is Good! *~* Recipes & Life's Simple Pleasures *~*

Good Morning!

 I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and a spring in my step :)

I feel happy & energetic ~ Life is Good!!

Lot's of exciting things happening for me these days... They've kept me away from my blog a little longer than I hoped, but I'm happy to be back! 


You never know where life will take you, that's for sure.Back in July I was so very nervous to get up and share my journey of renewed health and weight loss at Catch A Healthy Habit. But because I was speaking from my heart, it was easier than I expected and turned out to be a wonderful experience :)


Not long after I shared my story of healthy happiness at Catch a Healthy Habit, I was contacted by Dave The Raw Food Trucker!! If you are not familiar with this very special man, you should be. Dave was one very sick man not too long ago. He was suffering from colon cancer,diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and failing kidneys. He weighed over 430 pounds. Dave was dying and he was resigned to that fate.Until he met two people who introduced him to juicing and ultimately changed his life..Through raw foods and green juicing Dave has lost over 200 pounds and more importantly, is now a healthy happy guy!!

 Dave had seen my post on Facebook about giving my talk and invited me to come share my story at the International Day of Juice Feasting in Seattle,Washington,which he is sponsoring. I can not tell you how honored I am. I was so excited to speak with this man who has been such an inspiration along my own journey! He is a man filled with genuine love for life and everyone he comes in contact with. He's the real deal, nothing phony about this guy. He's down to earth and his smiles lights up the room. This event is held to promote the many benefits of juicing and the raw food lifestyle and hosts many special speakers. It's streamed live online and reaches people all over the world..
So...  I am going to Seattle Washington for a week to participate in this very special event and I couldn't be more thrilled!! wow.......  :)    I hope you'll all tune in!!


  There's even more exciting things in the work ~ but I'll share all about that in an upcoming blog....


Let's talk food!
Or should I say smoothies & juices :)


You all know how much I love my smoothies.... Recently I decided it was time to add juicing back into my daily ritual too!
I belong to a group online called Raw Food Rehab, a wonderful community of people looking to add more living whole foods to their diets in any way that works for their lifestyle. The site is run by Penni Shelton, a sweetheart of a woman that somehow manages to keep up with the nearly 10,000 members in a very personal way. It feels like one big family there, you couldn't find a nicer group of like minded people sharing and learning together.Raw Food Rehab is by far the most comprehensive site online for everything and anything related to not only raw foods but overall health and well being!! I always start my mornings with a little fix of Penni's videos, recipes, inspiration and the many discussions that are ongoing on the site. Right now I am involved with an 11 week initiative with Penni and the folks at RFR that is focusing on a liquids only diet for 30 days.This involves drinking green smoothies,juices, teas, tonics, elixirs and blended fruit and veggie soups.It began 9 days ago and runs through to Sept. 15th, in honor of the International Day of Juice Feasting. Penni is also going to be one of the live food leaders speaking there and I am really really excited to be meeting her in person!!  :)


 I've been wanting to incorporate juicing into my daily routine for awhile now and this seemed the perfect time.  My husband surprised me with a wonderful Omega 8004 juicer. It's terrific! It not only easily juices fruits, greens and veggies beautifully, it also juices wheatgrass and makes nut butters too!
 I LOVE it  :)

                  Look at the this morning wake up juice I just made!! Simply melon and oh so delicious :)


                                                                My Morning Melon

                                    Simply juice one organic cantaloupe in the juicer and Enjoy!!


Today is day 7 for me of the liquids only initiative, and I feel wonderful! The past 5 of those days have been strictly juicing, but that doesn't mean I love my green smoothies any less! I want to experience something new for a bit and when my body calls out for smoothies again, I will listen... I will certainly add them back in with pleasure!


 I am enjoying juices of all sorts, which I'll share with you here and also,of course, many terrific green smoothies.I can honestly say that if it is possible to feel more amazing than I already do on a regular basis, I DO!! I wake up bright and early feeling energized and happy and this wonderful feeling stays with me long into the night. When I jump on my rebounder now I'm going much, much longer and incorporating jumping jacks throughout the routine. Walking at St. Mary's by the Sea is a joy that I'm sure to find time for each day,whether it's in the morning or late in the evening. It was really windy last night and the waves were splashing up over the seawall, it was so beautiful. 
More and more I am expanding my horizons and enjoying so many of life's simple pleasures ~ Yes ~ Life is Good!!


                                                   Watermelon Lime Ginger Smoothie

Scoop out 1/2 of a watermelon ~ add the juice of 1/2 lime ( I used my hand juicer for this) ~ 1 pc of fresh peeled ginger ~ Blend & Enjoy
 This is THE most delicious, simple and refreshing smoothie.It's not green here but I did add in a handful of Swiss chard to my second batch and it was just as amazing and even more nutritious ~ getting my greens on...
This can also be enjoyed as a juice in the juicer ~ use the same ingredients and enjoy!


 The first juice I made in my new juicer was the exact same juice I made back when I first began my journey into healthy happiness. At that time I didn't stick with juicing, although I did feel wonderful. I am so glad that I've now added it back into my life and reaping the benefits of juicing along with my beloved green smoothies!


                                                                    My First Juice

1 Beet
2 apples
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 cucumber
1 bunch romaine lettuce
Delicious!!!


                                                              Raspberry Green Smoothie

1 Pint raspberries
handful of strawberries ( optional )
1 cucumber
handful baby spinach leaves
2 cups water, coconut water, hemp milk or almond milk (find hemp milk and almond milk recipes in previous posts)


Blend until smooth ~ you can throw in a little ice to give it a thicker, chilled consistency!


                                            *~*   Simple ~ Nutritious ~ Delicious  *~*


                                                 I'm SO happy to be back to my blog!!  

                                            Be sure to come back for more recipes soon 
*~* Hugs *~*

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.
Emily Dickinson

Happy Birthday to me ~ today I turned 53 years new :)


I'm so grateful and blessed to feel so wonderful and healthy at this stage of my life. Do I wish that I had found my way to healthy happiness 20 years ago? Of course ~ but I believe everything happens for a reason. Perhaps it's as simple as just appreciating each and every day :)
I love waking up early to start my day as the sun comes up. Listening to the birds sing and watering my garden are highlights of my mornings. Blending up my greens and tending to my wheatgrass and sprouts bring me joy. I don't think these little things would have brought me such pleasure in my busy,hectic 30's. Everything in it's own time. This is my time to nourish myself body,mind and soul and to finally feel comfortable in my own skin   :)


 With this summer weather comes lots of lovely local greens and veggies! This year I'm participating in a CSA program (community supported agriculture) and I've already received 2 boxes of glorious green goodies. Patti at Sport Hill Farm teamed up with Linda at Green Gourmet to Go and each week they provide a box of seasonal produce along with a container of vegan or vegetarian soup and a healthy dessert :)   Wonderful!!

I've been blending up delicious green smoothies and putting together some great recipes with all this wonderful produce!!


                                                      This smoothie is awesome

ultimate green goodness  :)


1 bunch romaine lettuce
handful of dandelion greens
handful fresh sprouts
large cucumber
2 stalks celery
1 pear
1 inch piece ginger
handful of parsley
1 1/2 ups water


Blend well & sip your way to health!!


This also is great with an apple in place of the pear


Here's a couple other variations I've made ~


1 bunch red leaf lettuce
handful parsley
1/2 pint strawberries
1/2 banana
1 cucumber
2 stalks celery
1 1/2 cups of water


large handful of mixed spring greens
handful sprouts
6 large kale leaves
1 cucumber
2 green apples
1 inch fresh ginger
1 1/2 cups water


Any variation of greens & fruits are delicious & nutritious! There is so much available right now!
Always use organic when possible
mix it up ~ be creative ~ have fun with it!!    Enjoy :)

                                           Summer salad with honey lime vinaigrette dressing


Mixed fresh local lettuces
sliced red pepper
fresh scallions
fresh parsley
fresh lemongrass
raw sunflower seeds
fresh sprouts
handful of California raisins ~ no comparison to regular store bought :)


honey lime vinaigrette

juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup raw honey

pinch sea salt

Just wisk it up & enjoy

I was planning to post a few more amazing recipes I've made lately ~ but a birthday surprise is calling my name :)

Next up ~ lime ginger wraps

sprouted seed blueberry chia 

sprouted quinoa summer salad

Have a Happy Healthy Weekend!!

Green smoothie recipes

 Although I tend to stick to my basic smoothie recipe more often than not, I thought I would share a few simple recipes that I found here and there, and had tucked away.

**There are so many sites online that talk about the magic of green smoothies and offer a huge variety of blending ideas. In place of a green in any given recipe you can certainly replace it with whatever leafy green you choose or have on hand. I always buy organic produce when it comes to my green smoothie ingredients. According to Victoria Boutenko, it's not only the fact that non organic has pesticides but it also lacks nutritional value. I never knew this!  It's a bit more expensive but considering that optimum health is my goal, I only buy what's best for my body. The most important thing is getting the greens into your body  ~ so use whatever fruit combo you prefer or create your own ~ the magic begins as soon as you get your greens on :) 

mix it up ~ have fun with them ~ ENJOY :)

My Personal Favorite

1 granny smith apple

2 carrots

2 celery stalks

1 large peeled cucumber

1 bunch of kale   ( you can use 1/2 if you're new to this)

1 inch piece of fresh ginger

1 cup water 

Carrot Apple Ginger Smoothie

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 medium apple, cored

2 large handfuls of raw baby spinach

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root

1 cup water

Pineapple-Mango Smoothie
1 cup pineapple
1 large mango
2 cups fresh baby spinach 
1/2 – 1 cup water

Ginger Carrot Pineapple Smoothie

1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed

2 medium carrots

1 banana, peeled

1 inch of fresh ginger

6 ounces almond milk

 Mango-Carrot Smoothie

1 mango, peeled and pitted

2 small carrots or 1 cup, grated

2 bananas, peeled

6 ounces almond milk or water

Cucumber-Pear Smoothie
1 cucumber
2 pears
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup of water

Strawberry Pear Smoothie

1 cup whole strawberries

2 pears

2 cups baby spinach leaves

1 carrot
1 cup water

Cucumber Melon
1 cucumber
2 cups or 1/2 ripe honeydew melon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup water

Cucumber Cantaloupe
1 cucumber
2 cups or 1/2 ripe cantaloupe
1 cup watermelon
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 cups baby spinach 

1/2 cup water

Apple Blueberry smoothie
1 apple
1 cup blueberries
2 cups baby spinach
1/4 avocado
1/2 cup water

pear apple banana smoothie
1 pear
1 apple
1 banana
1 stalk celery
2 cups spinach
1 cup water
  
** I tend to copy and paste recipes regularly for my own sake on a regular basis. I will always try to give credit for where I found them when possible.Unfortunately many have been sitting in my mail folders and I can't give credit to where they originated. I may have altered them to suit my taste when I saved them!

I believe many of these recipes are from http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/smoothie-recipes/ ~ a great online source of green smoothie information.

What are you blending up? I'd love to hear what favorites everyone is blending up! 

                  Sharing is such a gift ~ Everyone benefits!
If everyone that sends me messages and posts on Facebook shared just one favorite green smoothie recipe here ~ wow ~ we'd have a lot of great recipes all in one place :)

Health & Happiness