I've been doing so well buying more fruits and vegetables. If you open our refrigerator all you will see is healthy Whole food. I know you might think that eating natural means that my grocery list is really high, but it's not at all. By shopping smart I have spent the same and some times even less then what I did before. I've been planning our meals around what is on sale at the grocery store. Some times I buy organic but there are times when it's just a better deal buying non organic. For example Organic Red Peppers are $1.49 each but the non organic ones are 5 for $5 right now. So I stocked up on non organic and just made sure I gave them a really good wash. I've noticed a big difference on what the boys grab for a snack and what Richie does too. If you only have Whole foods in your kitchen you really do not have a choice. Here's a great recipe that we love as a afternoon snack or as a side dish with dinner.
ZUCCHINI BOATS
4 large zucchini
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 red pepper, minced
1 red onion, minced
1 cup mushrooms, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup crumbled goat cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 and cover cookie sheet with foil
2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and clean the seeds out of the center to make a large opening for the vegetables.
3. Preheat a large skillet with coconut oil over medium heat.
4. Saute the pepper, onion, and mushrooms with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the veggies are slightly softened.
5. Pack the saute veggies into the centers of each zucchini, and top with goat cheese.
6. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

There is no more buying granola bars for us! This is my new favorite recipe, it's perfect for school lunches and after school snacks. I've switched it up a little each time I've made it, leaving some things out and adding others. I buy a “Antioxidant Mix” at Whole Foods and add that when I make this recipe for cereal. I'll be sure to do another post on the “Antioxidant Mix” soon.

Granola Bars

3 1/2 cups rolled oats (if you want bars use steel cut oats so it will stick together better)
1 cup raw sliced almonds
1 cup raw cashew pieces (or walnuts or pecans)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flaxseed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Also need – parchment paper

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cover a rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry oats, almonds, cashews, coconut, seeds and spices together in a large mixing bowl.
3. Heat the butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter melts stir in the vanilla.
4. Pour the hot liquids over the dry ingredients and stir together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
5. Spread mixture onto prepared pan in one even layer. Bake for 75 minutes.
6. The granola will become crisp as it cools at which point you can break into pieces (if making bars) or break it up into small chunks by pounding it in a zip lock bag (if making cereal). Store in air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Try this recipe, I know you will like it. Switch it up and share your ideas, I would love to hear what others are putting in their granola.

In need of Tea

Horrible week! This post is about the opposite of what this blog stands for.
The family is not so healthy right now. Jibril has walking pneumonia, and has spread a little of his virus through out the house. YUK! But with this going around I have not stopped our healthy living. We have been drinking so much fennel and anise tea, taking echinacea tablets and getting lots of rest. I think this is the main reason why the rest of us have not got as sick as Jibril (our picky one).

So we are going to have a nice warm dinner tonight “ A Whole Chicken in the Crock-Pot, Homemade Wheat Bread and Steamed Spinach.” After dinner I will put the bones back in the crock-pot and make stock. I plan on freezing a few containers to have on hand.

While typing this I just received a package! It's from my favorite herb site mountainroseherbs.com with more tea and spice goodies inside. They have the best Rooibos tea it's so good! If you don't already know Rooibos teas are herbal infusions made from a South African red bush and sometimes called “red tea”. Rooibos teas are delicious iced or hot and come in a wide variety of flavors. We love the vanilla flavor.

Tea Benefits of Rooibos Tea:

*May support the immune system, promoting well-being
*Helps promote digestion
*May provide relief from an upset stomach
*Naturally caffeine-free, so great for kids!!