ThriveLiving

Superfood Kitchen: How to Take Your Health to the Next Level (Acai Berry Cheesecake Recipe Included!)

You eat an organic diet, exercise, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. But is it enough?

In our daily grind, we try to keep it healthy and real by watching what we eat, minimizing processed food, staying active and going to bed at a decent hour. Although it's a good start for maintaining general well-being, if we really want to thrive and lead a vibrant life — we need extra help.

This is where superfoods come into play.

Dynamic and Nourishing

Julie Morris is a master of taking exceptionally nutrient-dense food and creating magic in the kitchen. As a bestselling author and natural foods chef, she’s put together a number of cookbooks, including Superfood Kitchen: Cooking With Nature’s Most Amazing Foods. Gorgeously photographed with stunning recipes, Julie has shattered the myth of bland health food. Carrot & Yacon Soup with Gojis, Butter Lettuce Salad with Creamy Sea Buckthorn Dressing, Black Bean—Hemp Protein Patties and Lucuma Ice Cream Cupcakes are just a few examples of Julie’s creativity in action.

She also includes sections on understanding superfoods, the need for nutrient density, how (and why) we should create a functional food pantry and extensive background information on the ingredients she uses throughout the book — such as camu camu, hemp seed, maqui berry, sacha inchi and more. A resource guide at the end eliminates any guesswork about where to purchase supplies.

Deliciously Guilt-Free

One of the more eye-catching creations in Superfood Kitchen is a non-dairy, nutrient-packed cheesecake using ingredients like acai berries, lucuma fruit, raw cacao nibs, coconut oil and walnuts.

Here's the nutritional rundown for each:

Acai berries are native to the Amazon rain forest and pack a serious nutritional punch. Brimming with antioxidants, beneficial fatty acids, iron, calcium, fiber and vitamin A, this dark purple fruit helps curb arthritis, inflammation, obesity, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. As an added perk, the berries are low in sugar.

A Peruvian superfruit, lucuma is a good source of beta carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium and protein. With a taste reminiscent of caramel, the fruit is an outstanding sweetener — especially for diabetics since it ranks low on the glycemic scale. Lucuma has traditionally been used to support the skin and digestion, as well as cardiovascular health.

Containing a cornucopia of beneficial compounds, research has shown raw cacao nibs protect against heart disease, diabetes and inflammation — while also improving vision, mood and dental health.

Coconut oil is famous for its ability to strengthen the immune system, promote healthy brain function, support a balanced thyroid gland, improve cardiovascular health and encourage a strong metabolism. Rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), coconut oil is easily digested and rapidly converted by the liver into energy, instead of stored as fat.

Another brain and heart food, walnuts are a valuable source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The nut demonstrates impressive diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

All the above superfoods come together beautifully in the following recipe.

Acai Berry Cheesecake

Makes One 9-Inch Cheesecake

Acai’s inherent richness is ideal for a decadent cheesecake. Loaded with antioxidants, it’s truly celebratory

1/1/2 cups (230g) raw cashews, soaked in water for 2 hours to soften, then drained
1/3 cup (50ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1/2 cup (75ml) coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup (75g) acai powder
1 tablespoon lucuma powder
2/3 cup (100g) banana mash (2 or 3 bananas peeled and mashed with a fork)
1 tablespoon tahini
1 cup (150g) (packed) soft Medjool dates (about 10 or 11), pitted
pinch sea salt
3 cups (450g) fresh blueberries, divided

To make the cheesecake, drain the soaked cashews and discard the water. In a food processor or blender, mix together the cashews with the lemon juice, agave nectar, and coconut oil. Blend until completely smooth. Add the acai, lucuma, banana mash, tahini, dates, salt, and 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) of blueberries. Blend again until smooth.

In a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan, distribute the Cacao-Walnut Crust evenly and press down to form a compact flat layer. Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the crust. Cover, and place in the freezer for about an hour. Remove the chilled cake from the freezer and decorate the top with the remaining blueberries, pressing down slightly to make the berries “stick.” Re-cover and freeze for another 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, release the cake from the springform pan and defrost for about 3—4 minutes to soften. Store in the freezer when not in use; will keep frozen for a few months.

Cacao-Walnut Crust

1 cup (150g) cacao nibs, divided
2/3 cup (100g) raw walnuts
1 cup (150g) (packed) soft Medjool dates (about 10 or 11), pitted
3 tablespoons lucuma powder

Set aside 1/3 cup (50g) of the cacao nibs. Place remaining nibs, walnuts, dates, and lucuma powder in a food processor and grind until crumbly dough has formed. Check moisture level by pinching the dough to ensure it sticks—if not, blend in a little water, a teaspoon at a time, until the sticky texture is achieved. Transfer to a bowl and mix in remaining cacao nibs. Cover until needed.

Acai | Navitas Naturals Chef’s Notes

Article via Wake Up World

Article sources

"Superfood Kitchen: Cooking With Nature’s Most Amazing Foods" Julie Morris, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. 2015

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/040788_chocolate_health_benefits_superfoods.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-acai/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/18/coconut-oil-uses.aspx

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=99

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/acai.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-is-lucuma/

3 Post-Pandemic Goals to Achieve

(Contributed post)

With much time on our hands to reflect over the last year, we may have made many goals. Likewise, many of us had time to create some unhealthy habits as well. Here are 3 post-pandemic goals to consider.

Lose the Quarantine 15

Just like the extra weight that most college students gain in their Freshman year, the world tended to gain about fifteen pounds over the course of the pandemic. With all the staying at home, the regular visits to the gym ceased. Plus, the extra snacks with binge-watching Netflix didn’t help most figures either. If you are one of those that could lose those extra pounds, here are some secrets.

Address Addictions

Under tremendous stress during the pandemic, many occasional habits become habitual. Whether it was drug use, smoking, or drinking, many have come out of the pandemic with addictions. To address addictions, the best advice is to find a support group led by an addiction specialist. After which, most suggest changes in lifestyle. One of the best examples is sober living house nj.

Plan an Adventure

After surviving a year of unprecedented challenges, it has changed the world for the better. The same can be said for you if you add a challenge to your life (a.k.a. adventure). By doing something new and all-consuming there are three benefits. You could travel to a new place, go on a blind date, or learn a new sport. It could be lots of fun!

Whether you choose all or just one of the above, you will be well on your way to a great post-pandemic goal. Here’s to your success!

Natural Remedies to Help Maintain Youthful, Wrinkle-Free Skin

(Contributed Post)

Ideally we want our skin complexion to remain effortlessly youthful and wrinkle free for as long as possible. There certainly is an abundance of creams on the market that play into this vulnerability. Be that as it may, many times the best remedies are those of the natural sort. By choosing natural options, we can avoid harsh chemicals and toxins. Continue reading for fresh and natural inspiration for skincare.

Facial Skin: The Power of Lemon

An ingredient that many of us already have at home are lemons. Due to its high Vitamin C content, lemons can boost the natural levels of collagen throughout your body. Collagen is particularly beneficial for the skin because it encourages skin repair and elasticity, which creates a more youthful appearance. Simply apply a small amount of lemon juice to your face. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply your usual moisturizer. Do this at least once a day to reap the benefits.

Aloe Vera

Alternatively you could use aloe vera. Many beauty products on the market add aloe vera as it helps to create a more youthful complex. There is a good reason for this. The leaves of the aloe vera plant contain a gel which is abundant in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also contains folic acid and choline which combined, works wonders at repairing skin problems and slowing down the aging process. To obtain the gel you need to cut off a segment nearest to the stem and scoop out the clear gel from inside the leaf. Apply to your face and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat each day for at least a week.

Firming the Chest Area

Instead of viewing videos about breast implant surgery, consider less invasive options. Natural alternatives to breast implant surgery are available that will help to tone your skin without a permanent surgical procedure. You can begin by incorporating some daily exercise into your daily routine. Push-ups are an excellent muscle toning exercise. The repeated movement will be effective at building your upper body and arm strength—and also will help to firm your chest area.

The types of food you eat can also make a difference. Fenugreek seeds naturally contain a high level of diosgenin, which is remarkably similar to the human hormone estrogen. It could be worth incorporating some of these seeds into your meals or taking a natural supplement containing this ingredient to see if this helps to increase voluptuousness.

Another seed worth noting is sesame seed. It is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants, and is also used in cosmetics, soaps, and medicines. Research from the Department of Biology at Kerbala University discovered that the consumption of sesame seeds over the course of 20 days had an effect on the voluptuousness of the chest area.

Reduce Cellulite

Cellulite is a common issue among women and tends to grow worse as we age and the skin loses it's elasticity. Here are a few ways to minimize it.

A natural remedy made up of apple cider vinegar, water and some honey could help reduce this. Apple cider vinegar is naturally full of potassium, magnesium and calcium which can help reduce the presence of cellulite.

Combine one part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and then a spoonful of honey. Apply to the skin you would like to treat and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse off. Repeat daily for a month. If you see improvement, continue the routine to maintain smooth, cellulite-free skin.

Do You Have Back Pain? Here's How To Handle It

(Contributed Post)

Have you recently developed pain in your back? If that’s the case, then it’s important not to panic. But it is important to make sure that you are handling it the right way. There are a few reasons why you might have developed pain in your back. Here's are a few.

Is It Environmental?

If you are waking up each day with pain in your back, then it’s possible that the problem is related to your environment. Specifically, we’re talking about your sleep environment and even more specifically, your bed. You might want to think about getting a new bed or a new mattress. A lot of people think that a bed is a one-size-fits all approach and this isn’t quite true. Some people will benefit from a firmer mattress because it will provide more support for their back. You could also think about opting for a memory foam cover for your mattress if it is too firm.

Long Term Injury

It’s also possible that your back pain is due to a long-term injury. Believe it or not, it can take months or even years for the true impact of a serious injury to materialize. That’s why you should make sure that you do think about getting checked out even if there is no sign of pain after an injury. Be aware that if a long-term injury does cause pain later in life it could significantly impact your wellbeing.

One of the most common back injuries is by lifting something heavy. That’s why you should always make sure that you are adopting the right technique when you’re moving things like furniture around you.

The Right Treatment

There are a range of different treatment options that you can explore if you have back pain that won’t go away. You might want to consider basic forms of medication. Or, you can think about more advanced forms of treatment. Experts like Kevin Lucas have recently been promoting new forms of treatment for chronic pain such as Infiniti Cell Research. They believe that this has the power to change peoples’ lives for the better and ensure that they no longer have to worry about long-term issues with pain.

Barks And Bites

There is one good thing about back pain. Usually, the pain is often far worse than it seems. What this means is that if you are in agony, it could just be that you have pulled a muscle. This can leave you bedridden for at least a few days before you eventually recover, even if you take the right medication. A dull recurring pain might be a little more worrying and should be checked by a doctor.

All in all, by taking the right steps you can be assured that back pain won't become a major concern and impact your quality of life.

Weight Loss Trends Post Coronavirus

(Contributed Post)

Coronavirus brought many different areas of our lives to a grinding halt in 2020. Those of us who worked outside of our homes were forced indoors—and had to give up our hobbies, our favorite sports, our social lives, and even sometimes, our relationships. It has been a difficult twelve months to say the least, but luckily we seem to be emerging out of the virus and into “normality” once more.

Over the period of March 2020-April 2021, many people have reported that their weight has changed. More time spent at home and less time outside having fun, which has resulted in weight gain for millions of people around the world. Now that society is re-emerging, it could be said that our confidence as a whole is at an all-time low.

Whether or not you have had trouble with your weight or confidence, you might be feeling the pressure to succumb to the post-coronavirus weight loss trends that are circulating around social media.

In this post we will take a look at effective weight loss strategies, how to overcome insecurities, and how to promote kindness when emerging from lockdown and back out into the world.

Why is there so much pressure for us to shed the “Quarantine 15”?

Have you heard the phrase “Quarantine 15”? It refers to the idea that the average person put on 15 pounds during the coronavirus quarantine, and now it’s time to shed those pounds. While weight gain can cause health problems over time, the amount of pressure we are under to lose weight is not proportional to the danger it poses. It seems our society is obsessed with losing weight, so why could this be?

It seems that we are placing a lot of pressure on ourselves to be the best version of ourselves post-COVID-19. It’s not easy to emerge back into society, see friends and family, after such a long time away - we assume that others will be judging our bodies, and taking notice of whether we have lost, or gained, weight during our time in quarantine.

Unfortunately, diet culture profits heavily off this insecurity. Many influencers and other irresponsible sellers will pedal quick-fixes that don’t work, simply because they know that desperate buyers will do anything to lose weight fast.

So what’s the solution to this weight loss pressure? Let’s take a look at the two sides of this: first, how to feel more confident, and second, how to lose weight safely and effectively.

How can we all feel more body-confident in 2021?

Let’s take a look at how to look and feel more body-confident in 2021. We all have bodies of different shapes and sizes, and all of us deserve to feel proud as we go down the street, meet with friends, go to events and return to work.

Revamp your wardrobe to suit your shape

If you have gained some weight over lockdown, it might be time to revamp your wardrobe. Wearing clothes that flatter your shape and suit your style is a great way to feel and look more confident in your own skin.

You could contact a stylist to make sure you have the right idea, or simply take a friend with you for a second opinion. Having some fabulous new threads on your back that fit you properly can be game-changing for your confidence.

Follow body-positive people on social media

Social media is well known for making us feel insecure about our bodies. Celebrities and influencers can portray an image of perfection that most of us just can’t live up to, making it very difficult to have confidence in your own appearance.

One way to combat these feelings is to follow body-positive people on social media. Following plus-size models such as Ashley Graham can make you feel fly in your curvy body, rather than feeling less-than while comparing yourself to someone slimmer.

Talk to yourself like a friend

One trick that many psychotherapists use to help their clients boost their self esteem is: talk to yourself like a friend. If your best friend came to you crying about their weight, what would you tell them? You’d probably tell them that they are beautiful no matter their size, and that they’re worth more than their appearance. You’d probably tell them you love them for them, not because of their jeans size...

… So, try telling yourself that! It’s easy to be your own worst critic when it comes to your body, but if you look at yourself like someone else you love very much, you’re bound to be kinder to yourself than you have been in the past.

Are there safe, effective ways to lose weight for summer?

If you do want to lose weight this summer after gaining some pounds during quarantine, we’ve got your back. Here are three safe, effective ways to lose weight this summertime.

Reduce your calories by just a few hundred per week

Many people, when they begin their weight loss journey, do too much too fast. By shocking their bodies into a new regime or diet, they make themselves feel exhausted, and when they don’t see results, it is easy to give up and go back to old habits.

While reducing your calories slowly won’t yield immediate results, it will help with long-term, sustainable weight loss. By cutting just 100 calories per day, or up to 1000 calories per week, you will barely notice the difference in your daily routine, but your body will. You’ll start seeing results within 6-8 weeks, and this change will actually be achievable and sustainable!

Do gentle daily exercise that you can maintain

Consistency is key when it comes to losing weight, and just like with food, too much exercise too soon will only exhaust your body. Especially if you are combining your exercise with cutting out some calories, you don’t want to burn out your body, or you’ll return to your old ways.

Instead, do gentle exercise every day that serves as part of your routine. You’ll stop dreading exercise, and start treating it like something you enjoy doing daily, like making your morning coffee or taking a shower.

This exercise could be jogging, walking, pilates, dancing, conditioning exercises such as squats, or playing a sport such as football or tennis. You should try to find an exercise that you genuinely enjoy, as this will make it easier to stay consistent even on days when you’re tired!

It is also important to give your body rest when it needs it. Make sure you aren’t pushing your body beyond its limits, as this increases the likelihood of becoming injured.

Speak to your doctor about medications

If you struggle to lose weight due to a condition or hormone issue, you should speak to your doctor about medications that can safely help you lose weight, such as Saxenda.

Certain medications that are prescribed by professionals can aid weight loss without subjecting your body to chemicals or hormones that will damage it long term. Beware of “quick-fix” diet products - these won’t be recommended by doctors, and therefore shouldn’t be used. You should only take weight loss medications that are recommended by a medical professional.

Final Thoughts

It can be easy to succumb to pressure when everyone’s talking about weight loss. Whether or not you want to lose weight after quarantine, this blog will help you become more body confident, while giving you top tips on how to safely lose weight over time. Be proud of being you, no matter your body size!