Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Coconut Granola...the health benefits!!

I have come up with a new granola recipe that is awesome and full of health benefits!

Coconut~Rich in protein, good for your thyroid, intestinal tract, kidneys and bladder.  It also helps with the healing of muscles after a workout.  Coconut increases your metabolic rate so it helps with losing weight.  It is great for healthy growth in children because it improves calcium and magnesium absorption.  It can kill viruses that cause colds because it is antibacterial.  Coconut is also great for diabetics and people with stomach problems

Oats~  Great for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.  Women with higher intake of dietary fiber have a lower risk of breast cancer and oats high fiber content.  They are high both in soluble and insoluble fibers.  They are excellent for proper bowel functioning! A recent research has found that children who eat oatmeal for breakfast are 50% less likely to become obese when compared to children who do not eat oats regularly.  Like Coconut, Oats also enhance athletic performance and exercise.  When ingested 45 minutes before exercise they give extra energy boosts and offer better performance.  Who needs steroids when you have oatmeal! They also encourage the body to heal naturally because they are an excellent source of thiamin, folic acid, biotin,pantothenic acid,vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and beta glucan. WOW!!!

Honey~ I have posted previously about the benefits of honey but here are a few more.  Honey is great for preventing fatigue, especially in children and athletes.  It helps improve the digestive system and fights disease. Honey kills bacteria associated with the common cold and sore throat.

Cinnamon~ Is awesome! It has an amazing ability to stop yeast infections, also has a anticlotting effect on blood and is known to help with arthritis pain.  Cinnamon is a natural food preservative and also boosts cognitive function and memory. It can also help control blood sugar!

Almonds~ The health benefits of almonds include relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, anemia, impotency, hair repair, skin care, dental care and diabetes.  It is a great source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.

Safflower Oil~This oil helps with eliminating excess fat from the body, regulates menstrual cycles, helps with diabetes, promotes hair growth and healthy skin and is good for dry skin and acne.

Vanilla~We know it smells great but vanilla also has great health benefits!  It keeps brain cells healthy and aids in preventing diseases such as Alzheimers.


So with all that in mind here is a great granola recipe with all of these wonderful ingredients!

3 Cups Organic Rolled Oats
1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Cup Organic Coconut Flakes
3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 Cup Honey
1/3 Cup Saflower oil
1 tsp Vanilla
  • Mix the Oats, Flour, Coconut, Almonds and cinnamon together.
  • Combine the Honey, Oil and Vanilla in a seperate small bowl.
  • Mix Oat mixture and Honey mixture together until it is all coated well.
  • Oil your cookie sheet ( I use the olive oil spray)
  • Spread mixture on cookie sheet and cook at 350* for about 20 minutes
  • Stir then stick it in oven for a couple more minutes
  • You want it to be brown but not burnt~ so keep an eye on it and stir it every once in a while.
This is great on yogurt, cereal  or just as a snack by itself!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Chili for the season

This is a very comforting meal on a cold night. It is also packed with  zinc, vitamin C and B and beta carotene!
 Beef Butternut Squash Chili
1 lb lean ground beef
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
2 cans italian diced tomatoes
1 can pinto beans
1 Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (remove seeds)
3 cups water
4 beef boulion cubes
1 1/2 tsp cumin
3 tsp chili powder
 
  • Brown the beef, bell pepper, onion and garlic then drain grease and water
  • Add remaining ingredients and boil for 30 minutes
  • Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes
  • Serve with warm cornbread

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Salmon Patties

I grew up on these salmon patties! Salmon is very good for you. It is low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein, and has a unique type of health-promoting fat, the omega-3 essential fatty acids.  This is a fun and great tasting way to get in those nutrients!  These taste like they would be bad for you because they are fried but...I fry them in olive oil ! Yum! Healthy and Glorious!


1 Can of Alaskan Salmon
1 small onion finely chopped
1 egg
sprinkle of salt, pepper and garlic powder
crushed whole wheat crackers or bread crumbs
  • Drain juice from can of Salmon
  • mix salmon,onion, egg and spices
  • from small patties with salmon mixture
  • Pat into crumbs until both sides are covered
  • Place in Skillet with 1/4 inch of olive oil on med heat
  • Cook until browned on both sides
  • Place on plate with paper towel to receive extra oil
I always serve these whole wheat mac n  cheese and either broccoli or spinach!  Kids get so excited when I make these!

Sweet Potato and Black bean lasagne

I have not tried this but it sounds yummy!
http://jeremyandkathleen.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweet-potato-and-black-bean-lasagna.html

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Whole wheat waffles or pancakes

This a whole wheat waffle recipe but I dont see why it couldnt be used for pancakes too.
http://thehungrymomma.blogspot.com/2010/10/whole-wheat-waffles.html

Whole Wheat Pizza

http://thehungrymomma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whole-wheat-pizza.html

Whole Wheat Italian Pasta Salad

I make this recipe different all the time.  You can throw in whatever in it is good. Ham, veggies, mozzerella...

1 Box of Suddenly Salad Italian Pasta
1 Box Whole Wheat Spiral Noodles
Kraft Free Zesty Italian
Canadian Bacon or lowfat Ham
Black Olives
Red Onions
Small pieces of broccoli or bell pepper

Cook your noodles then add whatever ingredients you like
Add season packet and 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
Refrigerate over night

My kids love this!!!