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Tag Archives: Wholefoods

Categories Free Resources, Listen

Guest: Trauma, Grief and Health – Podcast

Today I am chatting with Sara. Sara and I initially intended to chat about diabetes, yet this episode quickly turned into talking about something else. An intricate pathway which led Sara to where she is today has impacted her health and she openly and beautifully talks about it. This episode is yet another reminder that there may be some events in our lives that could most likely turn into underlying triggers and translate into health challenges later on in life.

Sara, now in her late 50s, expresses quite a few invaluable points that will remind us all of the interesting and complex collaboration between the body and mind.

Categories Recipes, Snack

High-Protein Dairy Dip with Roasted Peppers

High-Protein Dairy Dip with Roasted Peppers

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Protein, being one of the 3 macros, not only helps us build tissue, maintain good health and support a good immune system but can also assist with weight management by keeping us fuller for longer. This high-protein dip is super satisfying and can help with cravings and munchies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 container cottage cheese 500 grams
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2-3 pieces jarred roasted red peppers drained
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, place the cottage cheese and onion powder and blend until smooth.
  • With a paper towel, pat dry the drained peppers to remove excess moisture. Add the peppers to the blender and blend again until smooth.
  • Taste and add salt & pepper to taste.
  • Place in a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or keep refrigerated in an air-tight container. The dip will keep good at roughly the same time as the stated expiry date on the cottage cheese container.

Notes

Cottage cheese comes in a variety of fat % content. This recipe works well with any type of cottage cheese.
Dip your veggie sticks and enjoy as a satisfying snack or you can spread it over toast, bagel or crackers as a substitute for cream cheese.
For a thicker dip, prior to blending place the cottage cheese in a cheesecloth for a couple of hours to drain excess liquid.
Categories Free Resources, Read

Should we consume superfoods?

The term superfood is quite magical for those of us wanting to improve our health. Think of exotic berries or ancient seeds that can provide us with nutritional benefits like no other food. But should we dig deep into our wallets and invest in such foods? Let’s explore:

What does the term superfood mean?

When the term superfood is used, it usually refers to a certain food item being exceptionally dense in nutrients. That means such food would have a relatively larger number of nutrients per gram, might be linked to certain disease prevention, or may provide certain advantages beyond its nutritional ability. However, it is important to understand that the term superfood is not regulated nor scientifically based but is more of a marketing term.

What are some examples of superfoods?

The American Heart Association references these so-called superfoods as legumes, dark leafy greens, certain berries, some nuts & seeds, salmon, green tea, avocado, garlic etc. However, the AHA also clearly points out that only consuming superfoods will not make us healthy.

Which superfoods are the best?

One of the most recent hypes was about blueberries. There is no doubt that blueberries are truly fabulous being high in antioxidants, can inhibit the growth of cancerous human colon cells, and can help in protecting the body from free radicals. But what if you don’t like blueberries? Would that mean you would be missing out on these benefits and cannot get them by eating other fruits or vegetables? What about apples, bell peppers and carrots? These have not been categorized as superfoods yet, so should we put less emphasis on eating them? Do they not provide great health benefits? Most plant foods provide a wonderful package of valuable nutrients that contribute to our health in different ways. Focusing on consuming a variety of whole foods is an important part of healthy eating.

What about the research done on superfoods?

Research done on a certain type of berry or seed will provide more knowledge about that specific food. However, it does not mean that other food items which were not researched are not beneficial to us. The known phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” probably increased the sales of apples, but does that mean that oranges wouldn’t help do the same? What about pears, spinach and cucumbers?

Should I invest in superfoods?

As marketers want to increase sales, they take an already-perceived-as-healthy food item and sell it for a higher price by marketing its unique qualities that could contribute to our health more than other foods. It is important for people seeking to improve their health to understand that we need to manage the different components of a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve such a goal.
At the end of the day, whether to buy superfoods or not is a personal choice. My concern is that this fancy term can advertise the wrong notion that healthy eating is pricey and out of reach to the majority.

My hope with writing this is twofold: To create awareness of fancy marketing words that may cause unnecessary confusion, overwhelm and a big hole in our pocket, as well as to reiterate that a healthy lifestyle is accessible and can be done by most. If we really want to improve our health, we should probably focus more on eating enough fruits and vegetables daily, consuming a variety of wholesome foods, keeping active enough, sleeping well, staying well hydrated, enjoying a nourishing social life and surrounding ourselves with love.

Categories Recipes, Snack

Vegan, gluten-free savoury crackers

Vegan, gluten-free savoury crackers

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I’m fascinated by chia seeds. These tiny little dot-size gems can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid! Once they become gelatinous, they can act as a thickener and an egg replacement in baking. In this simple & easy crackers recipe, chia seeds star alongside 2 more seeds which are all good sources of minerals such as calcium and zinc. They also provide protein and fibre as well as a good plant-based source of omega-3.
If you prefer non-savoury crackers, please read the notes at the bottom.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Baking 40 minutes

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Fork
  • Parchment paper
  • Large baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • Heat your oven to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C.
  • Prepare a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper, leaving about 1-inch edges of the parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, place the chia seeds and pour in the 2 cups of water. Stir well with a fork and let sit for 10 minutes allowing the mixture to become gelatinous.
  • Add the pumpkin and sunflower seeds as well as the spices. Stir well.
  • Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and smooth with a spatula ensuring the mixture is spread as evenly as possible, to allow consistent results.
  • Place the baking sheet at the centre of the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The mixture should look dry and have a bit of golden colour on top. When tapping, it should feel hard to the touch and cracker-like feel.
  • When the cracker sheet is ready, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Wait about 10 minutes or until you are able to hold the cracker sheet in your hands.
  • Break the crackers with your hands to the desired sizes and allow them to cool completely.
  • Place in an air-tight container and enjoy within up to a week with your favourite dip or spread.

Notes

These crackers can be made neutral-tasting or lightly sweetened instead of savoury.
For neutral, simply omit all spices. For sweetened, omit all spices and add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional).
Categories Recipes, Snack

No-Bake Granola Bars

No-Bake Granola Bars

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
The shelves at the grocery store are packed with granola bars. Why bother making them at home? Because these seriously beat any granola bars I have ever had. They are incredibly delicious, satisfying and simple to make. When feeling like having something sweet and nutritious, these will become your favourite go-to granola bars.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Refrigeration 4 hours

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Small saucepan
  • Medium bowl
  • Baking pan, 9x9 inches
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 200gr pitted date fruits
  • 1.5 cups large oats
  • 1 cup almonds or hazelnuts
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup sesame paste
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder optional
  • A pinch sea salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Place dates in the food processor and pulse until small, sticky crumbs are formed. These may come together to a ball as you process. Move into a medium bowl and set aside. No need to clean the food processor yet.
  • Lightly toast the almonds or hazelnuts. Place in the food processor and pulse into medium-size pieces. Add the nuts to the bowl of dates.
  • Lightly toast the oats. Add to the bowl of dates and nuts.
  • Place the honey (or maple), sesame paste and cinnamon powder (if using)  in a small saucepan and warm up. Stir to combine. Do not boil or overheat.
  • Pour the warm mixture onto the dates, nuts and oats. Add a pinch of salt.
  • Mix well with a fork, ensuring the dates pieces are well spread in the mixture.
  • Allow mixture to cool a bit.
  • Add chocolate chips and mix in with a fork.
  • Line your 9x9 pan with parchment paper leaving enough paper edges for easy removal of the bars after cooling. Pour the mixture in, flattening and levelling it in the pan.
  • Cover with Saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Using the edges of the parchment paper, carefully remove the bar from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 8-10 even bars. Keep refrigerated in an air-tight glass container for up to a week.

Notes

Nut-free version - Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds. 
Vegan version - Use maple syrup (instead of honey) and vegan chocolate chips.
Categories Recipes, Snack

Chocolate-Hazelnut Energy Bites

Chocolate-Hazelnut Energy Bites

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I love chocolate. So if I can have both a nourishing and chocolaty snack - now that’s a bonus! These little bites are definitely my go-to whenever I have these cravings. I keep them in the freezer in a container to grab as a pre- or post-workout snack. Sometimes they just call my name and I just have to answer. Wouldn’t you?
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Prep Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or a powerful blender
  • 2 small bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 15 Medjool dates pitted
  • Some boiling water
  • 1.5 cup raw hazelnuts
  • ¾ desiccated coconut unsweetened
  • ⅓ cup good quality cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the dates in a heat-proof bowl and carefully cover with boiling water. Allow the dates to soak for about 20 minutes.
  • While the dates are soaking, place the raw hazelnuts on a baking tray and bake at 350 F or 180 C for 5 minutes or until hazelnuts are warm to the touch. Carefully remove from the oven and divide hazelnuts into 1 cup and 0.5 cups.
  • Place 0.5 cups of hazelnuts in the food processor and process to a meal texture. Place the hazelnut meal in a small bowl and set it aside. No need to clean the food processor container before the next step. Simply place it back on its engine.
  • Drain the softened dates discarding the water.
  • In the food processor place dates, the remaining whole hazelnuts (1 cup) and the desiccated coconut. Process until a crumbly mixture has formed.
  • Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon and vanilla extract (if using). Blend until a sticky dough-like texture has formed, and most of the mixture is coming together. Stop blending to scrape the sides if needed.
  • With a teaspoon, scoop enough mixture to create 1-1.5 inch size balls. Roll the balls in the hazelnut meal.
  • Keep bites refrigerated or place in a freezable container to enjoy later.

Notes

For additional coating options, roll the balls in a ⅓ cup cocoa powder or desiccated coconut.
Categories Free Resources, Read

How to Make Healthier Choices on a Budget

A common misconception is that a healthy lifestyle is expensive and only a minority can afford it. Often, when picturing a healthy lifestyle, images of expensive gym memberships, pricey organic produce and some high-cost environmentally-conscious products. While there is definitely a lot of money in the health industry, the wonderful news is that living a healthier lifestyle can be done with little financial investment. In fact, you will find the investment is more of a time & effort one, rather than financial.

The important thing is to be willing to make small changes, start making them and keep consistent. With time, these can help you improve your current situation. It is the little changes we do that slowly and gradually impact our own lives for the better, our community and if we are patient enough, the environment we live in.

I came up with a list for you to have. You are more than welcome to adopt one or multiple suggestions. Please share this with people you think could benefit from it.

1. Cook more at home.

This will save you a lot of money and will provide you with more control over what goes into your food. Eating out or ordering take-out can add up in both money and less healthy choices.

2. Buy seasonal produce.

No one has to have grapes in the winter or oranges in the summer. Imported produce can be pricier and sometimes less nutritious due to longer storage and travel time. Someone has to pay the price of travel and storage and that would be you.

3. Make your own protein/granola/energy bars.

Most recipes available online are easy to follow and most bars freeze well. Most recipes use products that are available at home or can be found in any superstore. Keep a stash in the freezer for you to grab & go.

4. Try frozen veggies & fruits.

There are times throughout the year where the variety of fresh produce is small, or what is available is pricey. Frozen options can often be as nutritious as fresh, and it is better to choose frozen than to not have any fruits and veggies at all.

5. Go for daily walks.

Whether it is a long stroll or a short fast walk, with or without added weights, the benefits of walking are frequently underestimated. It is a great exercise, can be adjusted to any fitness level and can be done by most people year-round.

6. Reduce intake of expensive meats.

Instead of having beef, chicken, turkey or fish daily, consider replacing a few meals per week with a vegetarian option such as lentils and beans dishes, eggs or tofu.

7. At-home cosmetics.

Consider using good quality olive oil or coconut oil to replace some cosmetic products such as hair masks, makeup removers, lip balm and lotions. Often these oils are available at home and are a much cheaper and healthier option than chemically-heavy cosmetics.

8. Double up on your favourite dishes.

When cooking your own meal, consider doubling a recipe to freeze and enjoy later. It will save you time and effort and maybe even help you refrain from ordering take-out.

9. Online exercises library.

Search online for some safe, at-home exercises that require no special equipment or conditions, and use body weight and a small space. There are many completely free options out there that can fit any style and fitness level.

10. Relax for free.

Instead of going to an expensive spa or for pricey massages, try relaxation methods at home, such as meditation, listening to calming music, stretching and/or breathing techniques.

Categories Recipes, Sip

Naturally sweetened hot chocolate with spices

Naturally sweetened hot chocolate with spices

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Hot chocolate goes together with cold nights, a cozy blanket and a good book, Christmas time etc. The store-bought version may be full of sugars and additives, so here is a healthier, nourishing and satisfying version.
The spices listed can be omitted or personalized based on your preferences. The use of dates to sweeten this hot chocolate provides many benefits. Dates are a good source of iron, magnesium, fibre, vitamin B6 and potassium.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes

Equipment

  • A small pot
  • Blender with a lid
  • Your favourite mug

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of preferred milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 3-4 Medjool dates pitted
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • A pinch of ginger powder and grated nutmeg optional

Optional

  • Whipped cream dairy or plant-based
  • Grated dark chocolate regular or vegan
  • 1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the pitted dates in a small bowl and top with about ½ cup of boiling water. Set aside.
  • In a small pot, place your milk of choice and heat until small bubbles form on the surface. Remove from heat and carefully pour into your blender.
  • Drain the dates and add to the blender. Add the cocoa and spices.
  • Start blending on a low and carefully increase speed to allow all ingredients to blend and for the mixture to be smooth.
  • Carefully pour into a mug.
  • To serve, garnish with whipping cream and a cinnamon stick, top with grated dark chocolate, sprinkle some cinnamon powder.

Notes

*This beverage can be made dairy or plant-based. You can increase or decrease the number of dates used to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Categories Dine, Recipes, Snack

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
As a mother to two athletic boys and as an active person myself, I had to find creative ways to incorporate more protein in each meal. Here is an easy way to turn a breakfast favourite into a high-protein meal that will keep anyone feeling fuller for longer. You can make these pancakes gluten-free if you ensure the ingredients provided are GF such as the oats and the baking powder.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 39 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Frying pan
  • Small ladle
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups large oats (GF if preferred)
  • 2 large ripe bananas
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup water or milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (GF if preferred)
  • Coconut oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Place oats in a food processor or blender and process until the texture resembles sand.
  • Peel the bananas and chop them into bite-size pieces. Add to the processed oats.
  • Add the eggs, yogurt, water or milk, honey or maple, and salt and blend until smooth.
  • Add the baking powder and blend for another 20 seconds. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Mixture should be slightly runny and not too thick. Add more liquid if necessary.
  • Heat a large flat frying pan or a pancake pan on medium-high heat. Place a teaspoon of coconut oil in the pan and let it melt. With a heat-proof baking brush, spread the oil to cover the cooking surface of the pan.
  • With the ladle, place the desired amount of pancake mixture and fry until a few small bubbles form at the top of the pancake, and the bottom is golden-brown. Flip the pancake and fry for another minute on the other side.
  • Place the cooked pancakes on a dish and cover them with tin foil to keep warm while the other pancakes are being cooked.
  • Repeat the frying process with the rest of the mixture.

Notes

These pancakes are more on the neutral side - not sweet or salty, so any toppings of your choice would work well. Here are some options:
Maple syrup, honey, Blueberry sauce, whipped ricotta, nut butter, chocolate sauce, cocoa nibs, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut or coconut flakes.
Categories Dine, Recipes

Epic & Colourful Summer Salad

Epic & Colourful Summer Salad

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I hereby give you your new go-to summer salad. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than this. This salad truly has it all - it’s filling, crunchy, satisfying and colourful. For lunch or as a side for dinner, you pick!
This vegetarian salad provides a nice balance between healthy carbs, fats and protein. It is high in fibre, good nutrients, and the whole family can enjoy it.
Bonus: If you don’t have a certain vegetable, just swap it with whatever you have in the fridge.
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Prep Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chilled, cooked grain of choice: quinoa, whole-wheat couscous or bulgur
  • ½ can pre-cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper cubed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper cubed
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 2 Roma tomatoes cubed
  • ½ cup fresh peas
  • 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • Black olives pitted and halved, optional
  • Dried cranberries or raisins optional for some sweetness

Dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1 tablespoon liquid honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • ½ teaspoon teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Begin with preparing the dressing: Place all dressing ingredients in a jar, close with a lid and shake until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, place the chilled grain of choice, chickpeas, bell peppers, carrot, tomatoes, fresh peas and parsley.
  • With a tablespoon, mix all ingredients. If adding black olives, cranberries or raisins, add them now and mix.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
  • Refrigerate for an hour before serving to allow the flavours to set.
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