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Celeste DavisJanuary 11, 2024Inspired by Savory Experiments Fabulous Egg Soufflé was a great starting point for my first attempt at any kind of soufflé.  I was super hungry for one of our celebration foods, Panera’s Egg Soufflé, however, due to C-19 we haven’t had one of those in well over a month.   Speaking of celebration foods, it is actually GOOD for you to have one meal a week (not one meal a day),  where you enjoy a favorite food and don’t worry about the nutritional profile.   We call this a Celebration Meal.  Why?   First it helps you to not feel deprived of some foods you have enjoyed most of your life.   Second, it allows you to be more social without being a food snob; which is important for you and your family and friends.   Third, your body adapts to changes and having a celebration meal each week can promote weight loss.  Just make sure you aren’t celebrating with something that you are sensitive or allergic to.  Don’t hurt yourself as you celebrate. Fourth, it’s fun!  God gave us tastebuds to enjoy food.  So enjoy! This soufflé is a celebration meal.  If you would like to enjoy a soufflé more frequently (like every day)… I suggest our Fabulous Dairy Free, Gluten Free Soufflé. What is a Soufflé? You might be asking yourself, what in the heck is a soufflé anyway, sounds kind of “Julia Childs”… A soufflé is a light and fluffy egg dish with cheese and any other goodies you want to add.  Kind of like a frittata or an omelette only lighter than a cloud and full of flavor.  Yummy.   Savory Experiments have great recipes for those who don’t have food allergies or intolerances.  I’ve reworked this recipe for some of my students who must avoid dairy, cheese, wheat, gluten and ham, Fabulous Egg Soufflé Gluten Free Dairy Free here.   Honey, this ain’t no diet food! This particular soufflé is rich, fatty, cheesy and absolutely perfect!  It’s easy to make, especially if you do your prep the day before; then it’s just a matter of whipping the egg whites and folding it all together and baking. Read up on Soufflé’s before you start I highly suggest reading Savory Experiments blog if you’ve never made a soufflé.  DO THAT BEFORE you start making it!  You’ll be happy you did, also read completely through mine. So … get your cup of Peppermint Tea or whatever your favorite is, look through this recipe and also read through her blog on Savory Experiments. You could just use her recipe if you don’t have a problem with wheat and you only want ham and cheese.  Savory Experiments Souffle recipe. Mine is a bit of a healthy upgrade, that said, this isn’t really a healthy dish, it’s a Treat!  Enjoy celebration foods once a week, so you don’t feel deprived…HOWEVER, if you have a wheat, dairy, or any type of food allergy that makes you sick – then don’t eat them!  You don’t celebrate to make yourself sick, right? What did I do differently in this recipe? What is the difference between Savory Experiments recipe and mine?  All organic ingredients, raw cheese, organic uncured ham and lots of extra veggies. Half and Half/Raw Cheese I used half and half instead of milk, mostly because that is all I have!  I used raw cheese, it is sharp so you don’t need as much for flavor, which is really what the cheese does for the soufflé.  Raw cheese is easier to digest for some people because the enzymes are not destroyed by pasturizing.  Learn more about Raw Cheese, I highly suggest you try it! White Spelt Flour I use white spelt flour instead of wheat flour, spelt is never genetically modified or hybrid, it is an ancient form of wheat and some people who can’t tolerate wheat can tolerate spelt.  I alternate between gluten free and spelt.  I use spelt for anything bread-like, pizza crust, sprouted spelt bread and when wheat would be a better option.  I use gluten free flour where the end result is unaffected. Cooking Time My cooking time is much different.  She used a 200 degree F cooking time and honestly this did not work for me; after the 30 minute  recommended cooking time my shuffle’s sat there looking just like they did when I put them in!  So I bumped up the time to 350 degrees F and in 20 minutes they were fat and happy!   Dish Size I also used 2-cup dishes, hers were 4 ounces so that could make a difference.  The cooking time was only 8 minutes at 350 F when I made the dairy free, gluten free version in medium muffin cups.  The 2-cup sized dishes made 3 soufflé to her 6.  A light eater might find that too much.  I think it could easily be split between 2 people.  Again, the dish size may have affected cooking time. Prepare Ahead I’m all about doing prep ahead so your meal prep goes fast.  Here are the things you can do ahead for this soufflé. Here is what you can do ahead, read on to see how to do the prep. Separate your eggs Cook your veggies Make the Roux (which would include grating cheese, etc) Eggs Separate eggs, put whites in a glass container and store in fridge.  You will need to bring them to room temp before you whip them up.  The yolks will go into your Roux. Roux What is a Roux you might ask?  It’s a thickened milk sauce.  In the recipe you make this super easy thick milk sauce and add your cheese and veggies to it.  This is the most time consuming part of the soufflé.     The recipe calls for nutmeg in the Roux…I wasn’t too sure about this, it’s just a 1/4 teaspoon.  I found it brings all the flavors together and you don’t really have a “nutmeg” flavor.  My recommendation…don’t leave it out! Make your Roux the day before. Add your chopped veggies, ham and cheese.   The next day (serving day) all you have to do is bring everything to room temp and then fold together, put in your baking cups and bake!  That will take about 15  minutes.  Simple! Grate cheese, you will add to your Roux. Veggies you will add to your Roux.  Chop veggies and lightly sauté.   Idea! Plan a stir fry the night before you want to make your soufflé and sauté about a 1/2 cup extra veggies, whatever you like, and save for your soufflé.  Easy!  You will add this to your Roux as well.  Mushrooms, Kale, Onion and Broccoli are my favs. Ham, chop ham into little pieces if necessary, pre cook with your other veggies, this removes excess liquid.  You could also use bacon, turkey, chicken smoked fish, whatever you like, or no meat at all…it’s YOUR Way! Whaaattt???? Ham???  If you know me you know I preach against any kind of pork as a regular food.  Honestly ham is not one of our go-to foods.  We have ham or bacon or pork of any kind less than a few times a year, but since it was Easter and we are quarantined…well…. Occasionally throughout the year we will buy a package of Simple Truth Uncured Ham for use in omelettes, beans or this Soufflé. Why Uncured Ham? “Cured meats have been a target for health concerns recently. The evidence suggests that in cultures where the diets include regular (daily) consumption of meats that have been cured, smoked, and salted have higher risks of stomach cancer. It is difficult to separate the exact cause and effect of this relationship because of the many variables. It is known that smoked foods contain a variety of potential cancer-causing compounds, and high salt intakes cause damage to the stomach lining that may be related to cancer progression.” The Simple Truth Uncured Ham is technically cured, however it is cured with celery, which naturally creates nitrites and acts as a preservative. Read more about how to avoid nitrates and the health hazards of cured meats from Dr. Josh Axe. 2 Learn More  Processed meats and cancer (1) bestfoodfacts.org/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-processed-meats-and-cancer (2) Alternatives to processed meats What Are Nitrates? Reasons to Avoid Nitrates (and Better Alternatives) Print Recipe Fabulous Egg Souffle A wonderful celebration meal with some nutritional upgrades. Prep Time30 minutes minsCook Time20 minutes mins Course: BrunchCuisine: FrenchKeyword: brunch, souffle, eggs Servings: 6 Large Ramekins Calories: 265kcal Cost: $6.00 Equipmentsharp knife, cutting board, electric mixer, ramekins or muffin cups Ingredients1/4 cup unsalted butter organic2 Tablespoons spelt flour organic, white spelt1 cup half and half organic4 Large eggs pasture raised8 Tablespoons ham chopped8 Tablespoons veggies chopped sautéed1/8 teaspoon salt pink or celtic salt1/8 teaspoon nutmegdash cayenne pepper1/2 teaspoon vinegar white or rice vinegar2 Tablespoons herbs chopped1/2 cup raw cheddar cheese organic, grated InstructionsPrepEggs: Put whole unbroken eggs in a dish of hot (not boiling) water for 10 minutes to bring to room temperaturePreheat oven to 350 FGrease ramekins with butterChop veggiesChop hamGrate CheeseSauté veggies and ham in a splash of butter until fork tenderSeparate eggsPut whites in the mixing bowl, if doing a day ahead, See NotesPut yolks in a cup and whisk until golden and thick or use an immersion blenderMake RouxMelt butter in a sauce pan or skilletWhisk in spelt flour and stir until thickenedSlowly add half and half, whisk until smooth and thickAdd salt, nutmeg, cayenne to Roux, stir to blendAdd egg yolks and stir until blendedStir in grated cheese, veggies and hamIf you are making soufflé immediately, set this mixture aside, see notes if you are making next dayBeat Egg WhitesMake sure your bowl is water and grease freeAdd 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar or rice vinegar to egg whites - helps them not to collapseBeat egg whites until fluffy and form a peakGently fold Roux (with cheese, ham and veggies and egg yolk) into the egg whitesDivide mixture into greased ramekins to about 3/4 full. Will fill six-4 oz ramekins or three-16 ounce ramekins, or 16 medium sized muffin cups.Bake at 350 F for 20 minutesUse a clean knife in the middle to see if the mixture is set, knife should come out fairly cleanShould look tall and beautifulAllow to cool about 5 minutes before serving Notes Prep the Day Before If you are making soufflé immediately put whites in the mixing bowl, if doing a day ahead, put whites in a glass jar, cover and refrigerate. If you are making the next day, store in glass container, allow to cool, cover and refrigerate. NutritionSodium: 407mg | Calcium: 138mg | Vitamin C: 19mg | Vitamin A: 798IU | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Potassium: 221mg | Cholesterol: 166mg | Calories: 265kcal | Saturated Fat: 12g | Fat: 22g | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Iron: 1mg         [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisSeptember 12, 2022 Slimed…that’s what I call it when someone you love or are trying to help attacks you out of their own pain and sin.  You feel like you’ve been puked on, and it’s hard to get rid of that feeling.  Can you relate?  Now I’m not talking about getting in a fight that you had a part in, I’m talking about that sudden slam to the heart and soul you just weren’t expecting. What is your initial reaction?  Self-deprecation? Fear?  Or maybe you want to attack them back?  Or maybe you just walk around feeling gross and dirty.  You’ve been slimed.  I’ve experienced it more than once, I bet you have too.  How should we handle this when we are in covenant with Christ? That interaction was NOT from God, although He can use it for your benefit. First, we must realize that ANY condemnation, words or actions that make us feel worthless, useless, hopeless, is not from God.  John 3:17 says “for God did not send his son to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him.”  So right off the bat realize, this isn’t from God, it’s from the enemy of your soul, satan.  For some reason he wants to throw you off guard or set you back in your faith or your influence.  When the Holy Spirit convicts of sin it’s not condemning, it’s an arm around the shoulder, showing you your error and offering you forgiveness and a better way.  Romans 8:1 tells us there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  So, stop the self-deprecation immediately and take authority over that foul spirit! Take authority over the foul spirit behind the “sliming” Sliming usually brings fear and/or rejection, so take authority over that foul spirit.  Say it like you mean it… “spirit of fear and/or spirit of rejection I command you to bow to the name of Jesus Christ and leave in Jesus Name.  You have no power over me, and I bind you from my life and this situation and command you to go wherever Jesus Christ sends you and not return…  I receive God’s truth that God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind, according to 2 Timothy 1:7 and I receive that power, love and a sound mind from my heavenly father.  I also receive that I am accepted in the Beloved, Jesus Christ and because of Jesus I can cry out Abba, Father and receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” Second, confess any sin the Holy Spirit brings to mind Just ask if there is anything you did to initiate this event or open the door for it.  Did you participate in something with this person that was more fleshly than godly and open a door for the enemy to rush in. Check in with God about it by praying Psalm 139:23-24 23Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.   Third, follow Psalm 119: 69 –  69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.   Here’s a “Celeste” version of Psalm 119:69 “Though…(this individual) has “slimed me”…I keep your precepts with all my heart.   What are precepts? The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines a precept as “a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought”.  Strong’s defines “heart” as your mind and will.   So, our next prayer according to Psalm 119:69 “Heavenly Father, (this individual) has “slimed” me, but I am going to let your Holy Spirit regulate both my behavior and my thoughts. I choose to have my mind and will controlled by you and the fruit of the spirit, rather than my flesh. Your word says to forgive offenses, I choose to forgive (this individual). Your word says to bless those who curse you and pray for those who despitefully use you. I bless this person and ask you to show me practical ways to bless them. I also ask you to meet their needs and bless them with your presence. I thank you for the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus. I ask you to cover this situation and my life with the blood of Jesus, and remove every accusation of the enemy in Jesus’ name.  ” It Works! I guarantee that even if the situation has not changed, you won’t “feel slimed” any longer, and God will continue to show you how to pray over that circumstance and individual, and you WILL see God work in amazing ways. Keep these simple steps in your back pocket and in your heart. We all get slimed, not because people are bad, but because the enemy of our soul does not want us to walk in peace and joy.   Romans 14:17-18 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. By Celeste Davis, Your God-Made-Health-Mentor Need help removing the slime and walking in the freedom Jesus Christ promises? Check out my program, Dancing Through Life! http://thewellnessworkshop.org/programs/dancingthroughlife/   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJune 23, 2020Gluten Free Blueberry Orange Muffins are a great treat any time of year!  In the US, summer is here and we are all excited to share fun times with family and friends.  Whether camping, renting a VRBO or just inviting friends over, food can be healthy and enjoyable too! However, for the individual that must eat gluten free it can also be sad and frustrating.  Enter Gluten Free Blueberry Orange Muffins.  These are muffins EVERYONE will enjoy…just don’t tell them they are gluten free.  To the non-gluten free crowd they are Oatmeal Blueberry Orange Muffins…and it’s not a lie! Another BONUS is low sugar…these are made with Lankato Monk Fruit Sweetener so the only sugar in this muffin is from the blueberries…Sweet!  The nutrition facts are in the recipe notes.  Coconut flour and Oatmeal provide energy, blueberries help protect your skin from too much sun and the beneficial fats will go to your joints.  What a perfect quick breakfast treat. Did I say they freeze well?  You can keep these in a freezer container without worrying about hindering taste or texture for up to a month.  Make some now for your vacation or company, warm them in the oven and everyone will think you are amazing. Notice the great texture.  Gluten free products are often gummy without a satisfying “mouth feel.”  You can see from the picture these muffins have great texture, warm or cold.  Be sure and let them sit for about 10 minutes out of the oven.  They will be perfectly warm and hold together. Coconut flour muffins are often made with tons of eggs, which also affects the texture.  3 eggs combined with flaxseed create a nice texture.   This recipe makes 20 medium sized muffins, maybe 22 if you don’t keep tasting them like I did! About the ingredients…this uses coconut flour and gluten free oatmeal.  The sugar is a combination of erythritol and monk fruit.  This is my first recipe using this sugar and I must admit the texture and taste are just like real sugar! Nutrition Data Calories 148 Carbs 24 gr Protein 4 gr Fat 7 g Fiber  5 gr Sugar  6 gr Net Carbs 19 gr *Sugar is only from blueberries If you want to save all these delicious muffins for yourself and give the non-healthy eaters the same version, try my Lemony Blueberry Muffins made with sprouted spelt flour.  Just don’t tell them it’s healthy! The Sweetener… Product Links Are you unfamiliar with some of the ingredients in Gluten Free Blueberry Orange Muffins?  To make it easy on you I have added product links.  You can purchase through amazon and I get a VERY small commission and it doesn’t cost you any more.  I do think the links are helpful so you know what you are looking for if you are at the store.   Save Money! Costco has many of these products at a much lower price.  For example the exact Monk Fruit sweetener, same size at Costco was around $8, twice that much other places.  The coconut yogurt seems especially high on Amazon, so do your price shopping. PET FOOD WORD OF CAUTION Coconut oil and possibly erythritol could be dangerous for your pets.  So if your family is in the habit of sharing treats with the pups or kitties, you might not want to use this recipe.  My dog only gets carrots, cabbage and cucumbers so he’s not at risk.  Use wisdom with your own family. More about erythritol IBS WORD OF CAUTION Erythritol can cause problems such as diarrhea or excess gas for some people.  It is a sugar alcohol but without the side effects of other sugar alcohols such as xylitol and malitol. Print Recipe Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins Delicious gluten free muffins made with coconut flour and oatmeal, extra fiber from ground flax meal and of course melt in your mouth blueberries. Don't tell "them" the muffins are gluten free...they will never know! Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes mins Course: BrunchCuisine: AmericanKeyword: gluten free dairy free muffins Servings: 20 muffins Calories: Equipment2 large bowlsblender, mixer or blend stickmedium muffin panpaper muffin cups Ingredients1 1/2 cups Coconut Flour1 cup Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free Oats1/2 cup Bobs Red Mill golden flax meal**3/4 cup Lankato Monk Fruit brown sweetener with Erythritol or Trim Healthy Mama Super Sweet1 teaspoon cinnamon2 heaping teaspoons baking powder1/2 heaping teaspoon baking soda1/2 heaping teaspoon salt2 cups non-dairy yogurt kefir or milk*1/2 cup fresh orange juice about 1 large orange2 Tablespoons orange zest from 1 large orange1/3 cup coconut oil melted3 large eggs2 teaspoons vanilla2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries InstructionsCombine dry ingredients, stir wellCombine wet ingredients in a magic bullet and blend well*If using a non-dairy milk add 2 Tablespoons raw apple cider vinegarMake a hole in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredientsStir until all is moistened. texture resemble a thick batterAdd blueberries and gently stir to combinePut in muffin cups, I use a large scoop to fill muffin cups, pat down into cupPlace extra blueberries on top of batter in muffin cups, push down a littlePreheat oven to 400Reduce to 350Bake about 30 minutes until lightly browned and firm to touchAllow to cool 10 minutes  before serving or moving to a baking rack to cool NotesMake Ahead, They Freeze Well.   Freeze individually on a cookie sheet and store for up to 1 month in freezer bags Allow to thaw before consuming or put in warm oven to reheat for about 10  minutes     [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJune 21, 2020  Spinach Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions and a balsamic drizzle is my favorite new summer salad!  My guinea pig neighbor said it was the best salad she’s ever eaten!  Maybe she was just being nice, but I have to agree.  AND….It’s soooo easy because the goat cheese medallions only take minutes to make and well, how hard can it be to put some baby spinach, red onion and a sprinkle of nuts in a bowl…really! It’s also pretty low-carb because when you use a balsamic reduction you only use a tiny bit, less than a teaspoon!  You don’t need much because the flavor is very rich. Goat cheese medallions top off the salad with a warm, crunchy outside soft inside savory flavor that pairs well with the balsamic reduction.  Watermelon!  Who can get enough of a red ripe watermelon in the summer, right?  Goat Cheese Medallion Recipe Watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated.  God planned our food so well with each season.  Your colon is able to extract water from fiber and send it through a vein that goes to your liver and hydrates your entire body!  You actually get better hydration from fibrous veggies and fruits than from drinking water.  Who knew!  Check out more amazing health benefits of watermelon, including a surprise…watermelon is known to improve male ED.  So dish it up for him honey :0)           I mean really, don’t these crispy goat cheese medallions, the beautiful red watermelon and the balsamic drizzle make your mouth water?  Then add the crunch of the slivered almonds!  TDF for sure!  Goat Cheese Medallion Recipe I make the goat cheese medallions as soon as I come home from the store.  So simple, just open the package, slice them into 1 ounce rounds (hint…if the package is 5 ounces then you slice it into 5 rounds).  No worries if it crumbles apart, just pat it back together again.       I freeze the rounds individually on a cookie sheet and then put them in a zip loc freezer bag.  You can get the goat cheese medallion recipe here.           If you like the texture of crunchy with soft warm insides, crisp fresh salad and a nice sweet tart finish you will seriously love Spinach Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions and a balsamic drizzle.  Goat Cheese Medallion Recipe About the balsamic drizzle…it’s pretty easy to make by just cooking down a good quality balsamic vinegar, but really, why bother.  Costco carries a brand called Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze.  It’s a true reduction with no junk or thickeners.  You can drizzle right from the bottle!  No mess…it’s also on amazon.  Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Glaze Funny side note, just to make you smile.  The silly autocorrect kept wanting me to type Gonna Pia instead of Nonna Pia.  he he …   For more healthy recipe ideas check out my Pinterest Page;  Wonderfully Well   Print Recipe Spinach Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions A crisp, juice sweet and savory salad. Toss together for a quick satisfying meal. This is also a great way to impress your guests. Prep Time1 hour hr 10 minutes minsCook Time15 minutes mins Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanKeyword: , goat cheese, watermelon salad, spinach salad Servings: 1 person Calories: Cost: $1.50 Ingredients2 handfuls baby spinach or any kind of greens you like1 cup sliced watermelon1 Tablespoon sliced almonds or any type of chopped nut1/4 cup sliced red onion2 goat cheese medallions or 1 ounce goat cheese crumbles1 teaspoon Nanas Balsamic Reduction1 teaspoon good quality olive oildash Pink Himalayan or Celtic sea saltdash Cayenne optional InstructionsMake Goat Cheese Medallions here, http://thewellnessworkshop.org/gluten-free-baked-goat-cheese-medallions/Layer in a bowl in this orderwatermelon chunkssliced red onionalmondsDrizzle olive oil and sprinkle with saltToss wellPut in serving dish or bowlTop with Goat Cheese MedallionsDrizzle with balsamic reduction (you don’t need much)Enjoy! [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMay 16, 2020  Lemony Blueberry Banana Sprouted Spelt Muffins We are 6 weeks into the quarantine of 2020 and Phil and I, like most of the world, are craving more comfort foods!  To loosely quote a line from the movie Julie and Julia, “in a world where nothing makes sense you can take milk, eggs, chocolate and sugar and make a chocolate pie.”  and so, when we have stress we eat…and sometimes cook :0) We are sick of being fat.  Seriously sick of it.  The “quarantine 15 has got to go!”  But…there is still the ingredients for Lemony, Blueberry, Banana Sprouted Spelt Muffins and so, like an alcoholic who takes one last drink before they quit…I made these amazing Lemony Blueberry Banana Sprouted Spelt Muffins. And. They. Are. Good.  Lemony Blueberry Banana Spelt Flour Muffins.  I got a “Hankering” to try my hand at a recipe for these after buying one at a high end bakery in town that was well…disappointing.  Stick in your throat dry and the lemon flavor was barely noticeable.  I worked hard at making these moist and flavorful. We will eat a few, bless our neighbors and remember, when the time is right again, this yummy treat…probably saved for company who are afraid of health foods like celery. It is a little healthier! Sprouted Spelt Flour is full of nutrients, and hasn’t been genetically modified. Kefir is also a nutrient dense fermented milk (think buttermilk). Organic Cane Sugar…well…it’s better than regular sugar. But there are Organic Blueberries!  Yes!  and Bananas and they are SUPER lemony. Enjoy.  And then get back on track.  Be Nourished 4 Life! Oh, by the way…to assist in removing our quarantine fat we are riding bikes, playing basketball and RUNNING LINES!  Yikes!  and on Monday (yes, Monday)  we will do a 21 day cleanse to break our addictions and begin to nourish ourselves! What about you? Print Recipe Lemony Blueberry Banana Sprouted Spelt Muffins Makes 12 medium sized muffins or 20 mini muffinsBake at 375 F for 15-20 minutesThese are light and moist and VERY lemony! Prep Time20 minutes minsCook Time20 minutes mins Course: BrunchCuisine: American Servings: 12 medium muffins Calories: Cost: $7 Equipmentmedium muffin panSilicone or paper muffin cupsMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric hand or stand mixerMedium cookie scoop Ingredients2 cups organic white spelt flour1/4 cup organic sprouted spelt flour2 Tablespoons organic kefir2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt or Celtic sea salt2/3 scant cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon2 large organic ripe bananas mashed2 large eggs1/2 cup organic butter melted1 Tablespoon organic vanilla2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice1 1/2 cups organic frozen blueberries1 Tablespoon white spelt flour3 Tablespoons grated lemon zest divided1 Tablespoon organic cane sugar InstructionsIn your stand up mixer or electric mixer beat together mashed bananas, eggs, sugar, melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla until well blended.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. If you mix it too much your muffins will be tough.Sprinkle the frozen blueberries with 1 Tablespoon spelt flour and toss until all blueberries are coated with flour.Stir frozen blueberries into batter.Use a potato scoop to fill medium muffin cups.Mix 1 Tablespoon grated lemon zest and 1 Tablespoon organic cane sugar until combined well.Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon lemon/sugar topping over each muffin.Bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes.Check. If tops are firm, remove from oven and allow to finish in the muffin cups (out of the oven) for another 5 minutes. If tops are soft, leave in oven for another 5 minutes.You can use regular wheat flour or Bob’s Red Mill One to One gluten free baking mix for spelt flour and sprouted spelt flour. NotesFrozen blueberries make the best muffins. Toss in flour to help them stick better in the muffins. You can use a baking tester to check the muffins to see if they are done in the middle. inspired by https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2010/12/banana-blueberry-and-lemon-muffins.html or the love of cooking @ blogspot. NutritionServing: 1g [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 31, 2020In the midst of our first detox Celeste was making dinner and Phil said “If I have another salad I’m going to run out of here screaming! Print Recipe Phil’s Famous Kitchen Sink Soup This is our most popular soup. It is a favorite from our Affordable Healthy Eating classes and a staple at our house. We store some in the refrigerator to eat and put some in the freezer for later. Remove from freezer, thaw in refrigerator over night, warm on stovetop and serve. Servings: 6 Calories: Cost: $8 EquipmentLarge Crockpot or Soup pot, knives, cutting board Ingredients½ head of green cabbage4 carrots peeled and sliced1 large Yukon Gold potato chopped1 large yellow sweet onion chopped3 large cloves of garlic optional, minced4 large leaves of kale sliced thin1 small head broccoli chopped2 stalks celery chopped or sliced thinCelery leaves from the middle of the celery stalk1 14-15 oz size can organic Italian style diced tomatoes1 teaspoon dried Basil1 teaspoon dried red pepper1-2 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt1-2 Tablespoons Grape seed oil can use less or even none to reduce fat2-3 teaspoons Organic Better than Bouillon vegetarian vegetable baseFiltered water InstructionsDilute Better than Bouillon in a pan of boiling filtered water, stir to dissolve.Put Grape seed oil in the bottom of your crock pot or soup kettle.Add all the veggies.With your hands, stir to coat all veggies with Grape seed oil. Stir in Celtic Sea Salt, basil and red pepper.Add the Bouillon mixture.Add filtered water cover veggies and stir well.Cook all day, in Crock-pot or 2 hours in oven or at least 1 hour on the stovetop, until veggies can be pierced with a fork.This can be frozen and reheated (not in microwave) or will last about 3 days in the fridge.Only reheat enough to eat at a time, not the whole pan. NotesYou can substitute 1-2 boxes of an organic veggie broth from Imagine, Pacific or Whole Foods 365 brand (watch for MSG words) for the Better Than Bouillon base if you like. **You can add any of your favorite veggies and/or add a can of your favorite beans or a cup of cooked Quinoa for protein.   He jumped up, ran to the fridge, got out every veggie in the fridge and Phil’s Kitchen Sink Soup was born. It has been a favorite of our Whole Foods Cooking Class students since 2006. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisNovember 23, 2019Brain Focus Smoothie, aka the “Better Than Adderall Smoothie” increases brain power and focus for study or work.   Healing to the entire body. My friend recently reminded me that Adderall is becoming quite popular among young students and even executives.  They use Adderall to increase focus and create a sense of endurance.  What’s so bad about that? Adderall is a chemical cousin to Methamphetamine and dangerous for those who don’t really need it to control a true medical problem.   This Brain Focus Smoothie “Better Than Addreall” is based on recommendations in this article, Natural Alternatives to Adderall (1),  made by Ehsan Ali, MD, the Beverly Hills Concierge doc. Let this true story convince you of the long term crisis Adderall can create in your life…or the life of your child – from the New York Times, Generation Adderall. (2)   We send our children to college to learn to work hard and get a good education so they can be successful in life. The Brain and the Physical Body are the vehicles for hard work, good grades and overall success! It doesn’t matter how much you “know” or what kind of skills you develop if your brain and/or your body don’t work properly for the rest of your life…am I crazy here? So to end my rant, if you are a college student, a young adult trying to “work your way to the top” or a parent, close friend or significant other to any of the above, ENCOURAGE proper self-care. IF you are a high-school or college professor, administrator or decision maker, PLEASE consider making proper self-care part of the every day life of your students.  THIS is the most important tool they can carry through life.  Anyone, at any age, can learn to use a computer, calculator, negotiate, speak in public or write a paper, but if they don’t have their brain and their body these skills are USELESS! My rant is over…now to the smoothie… The Brain Focus Smoothie is great for us older folks too…improve cognition, memory and feel happier!  Phil and I enjoy one every day. The ingredients in this smoothie are known to increase alertness, and help you sleep better.  Food, rather than drugs, will increase your performance putting you WAY above your competitors or classmates who use Adderall because you won’t have crashes, anxiety attacks, schizophrenia, depression, or psychosis, to name a few. If you are a senior and concerned about too many “senior moments” this smoothie is for you! Brain Focus Smoothie Recipe Magic Bullet or high speed blender or shaker cup if you don’t use any fruit Layer in this order: 1 cup filtered cold water or your favorite alternative carrageenan free milk 1 scoop ProPeas Plant Protein – Clean, vegan, useable concentrated plant protein    2 teaspoons of Cocoa LeafGreens    1 Tablespoon Navitas Raw Cacao 2 Tablespoons Organic Chia Seeds (white or black) I use white chia seeds in my chia pudding (only because it looks better) and black chia seeds in everything else… 1-2 cups raw organic spinach ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries or any fruit you like) blueberries make it purple rather than green – spinach will give it a green hue with lighter fruits like mango/pineapple.  Fresh or frozen cranberries are my current fav and give it a pink hue. Optional:  Ice, ½ banana, 2 Tablespoons Almond butter (the almond butter helps you stay full longer) Make Your Smoothie Into a Bowl by using less liquid and topping with yummy crunchies like crushed nuts and seeds. FOODS THAT INCREASE BRAIN POWER Fish: Salmon, Trout, Halibut Red Meat: Grass Fed Hamburger, Steak, Bison Black Beans Bean Salsa Salad (page 233 in original spiral bound Wonderfully Well book or Page 253 in Amazon paperback version https://amzn.to/2PJylqi Nuts and Nut Butter German Chocolate Brain Bombs http://thewellnessworkshop.org/german-chocolate-brain-bombs/ Coconut Oil Avocado  FOODS THAT INHIBIT BRAIN POWER AND ALTER FOCUS Sugar Non-sprouted wheat products (regular breads and pastas) Trans Fats and Damaged fats found in fast foods and processed foods and junk food Alternative sugars such as Splenda, and all the pink and yellow packets and foods made with Sucralose (these kill brain cells) Sodas, including diet sodas (these kill brain cells) Alcohol Affiliate disclaimer: There are affiliate links to some products in this smoothie recipe.  I only recommend products I use and know to be of the highest quality.  Purchasing through these links does not cost you any more money but does help to support the valuable information in this site. ProPeas Plant Protein“Assists with weight management. Helps build and maintain healthy muscles.  Improves circulation and calcium absorption.  Increases energy and endurance.  Provides a feeling of fullness (satiety).  Boosts metabolism.  Vegetable protein promotes a healthy pH balance.  Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, & Certified Vegan”. (4)   ProPeas Plant Protein is the cleanest protein powder you can buy. All AIM products are tested to be pesticide and herbicide free and tested for over 300 other contaminants.  It is a low carb, high protein concentrated pea protein, not an isolate.  All the cofactors needed to make this protein useful are in the product. AIM Fit’n Fiber is a simple and delicious way to add more brain power to your smoothie.  The connection between the brain gut micro biome functions are highly researched.   The graph below shows how butyrate in fiber impacts brain related dysfunctions. Simply put, butyrate supplies “brain food” (neuro = brain, trophic = food) to the hippocampus, the brain’s hub for memory and emotions. This gives birth to new neurons, called neurogenesis, a process that can reshape the brain. (6) Cocoa LeafGreens is an alkalizing chocolate with 4 types of leafy greens and broccoli sprouts to enhance brain function and overall health. Contains the flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin not found in all greens products 0 grams of sugar High levels of natural chlorophyll, 21 mg per serving Contains the recommended 400 µg of sulforaphane per daily serving Barley leaf, spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard and broccoli sprout powders and cocoa powders Vegetable source of potent antioxidants, flavonoids and other vital nutrients Boosts mood and cognitive function Cleansing, energizing chocolaty greens (5)  Choose a Carrageenan-free Alternative Milk   Costco Almond Milk: https://amzn.to/2NPY6mk 365 Whole Foods Almond Milk: https://amzn.to/2MTlhMT Homemade Almond Milk (delish, cheap and easy) (pg 242 spiral bound Wonderfully Well) Get Wonderfully Well on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PJylqi Sources (1) 5 All Natural Replacements for Adderall (2) Generation Adderall (3)  7 WORST Foods for Your Brain (4) ProPeas Concentrated pea protein (5) AIM Cocoa LeafGreens  (6) Health Benefits of Butyrate from Fiber (7) Adderall Side Effects [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 2, 2019OMGosh these are T.D.F. (to die for)!  Serve with over baby spinach with Aunt Pauline’s Tomato and Cucumber Salad. They make a great “company salad” for your next BBQ…so easy with this Spinach Watermelon Salad, just a few minutes to prep, plate and serve.   When you avoid gluten and cow’s milk dairy, you really miss some textures.  Crunchy bite wth a soft creamy interior…these Goat Cheese Medallions fill the ticket!  This recipe has a few “steps” but is really very easy to create and worth the time and effort. Kirkland Fresh Goat Cheese at Costco has the best buy on goat cheese, twice as much for the same price at other grocery stores; around $7.00 for two 10.5-ounce rolls.  But you can usually get goat cheese at any grocery deli case.  It’s OK to purchase a larger amount than you plan to use; it freezes well. Haven’t tried goat cheese? It is a little stronger flavor than cow’s milk cheese with the consistency of cream cheese.  Organic goat cheese tends to have a milder flavor. Like cream cheese, goat cheese tends to take on the flavors of whatever you combine it with so you can be creative and add your favorite flavors.  You can make it sweet, savory or leave it plain. Another favorite salad for these medallions is my Spinach Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese Medallions with a Balsamic Reduction.  A real show stopper for company or a quick salad when you are on the run. I cut my goat cheese rounds according to the ounces on the package so each round is 1 ounce.  You’ll notice you can get 20 rounds from this Costco package that costs around $7.00 US.  A 3 ounce package at my local grocery runs around $5 and an organic 3 ounce package costs the same as the Costco 20 ounce package.       It’s so simple to cut the rounds, freeze individually and then when you are ready to eat, pull out, dip in the panko crumbs and pan fry or bake.  When these are frozen I’ll put them in a zip loc baggie and be sure to write what they are and the date.             I also love to use a gluten free Panko crumb like Vans, with Everything Bagel seasoning.  You can get a lifetime size jar of Everything Bagel at Costco, I prefer the mix from Savory Spice shop, but admittedly Costco is more economical.  Try it on any cooked veggie…or even in your salad…YUMMM!   Look at the mouth watering crispy crust on the soft warm cheese inside, TDF (to die for).  These literally take minutes! The corn bread breading is seasoned with my favorite: Tones Garlic Rosemary Seasoning     I LOVE this seasoning…it’s great on chicken and roasted veggies too! Print Recipe Gluten Free Goat Cheese Medallions Finger or Fork, these gluten free baked goat cheese medallions are easy to make, store well and delicious! Course: AppetizerCuisine: MediterraneanKeyword: goat cheese medallions, baked goat cheese rounds, gluten free goat cheese medallions, goat cheese appetizer Servings: 0 Calories: EquipmentBaking SheetParchment Paper Ingredients4-5 oz organic goat cheese “log” organic goat cheese tends to have a milder flavor1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill gluten free cornbread mix1 egg1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard½ teaspoon Tones Rosemary Garlic Seasoning or any of your favorite seasoningDash Ground white pepper1/8 teaspoon Pink Himalayan or Celtic sea salt to taste InstructionsPrepare the Goat CheeseCut the goat cheese into 8 slices, compress each slice into a “ball” and then flatten. Freeze the slices for 15 minutes to firmPrepare the breadingWhip one egg with 1 teaspoon Dijon MustardDivide the cornbread mix into 2 different plates Add Tones Garlic & Rosemary seasoning (no MSG), and salt and pepper to one of the plates of cornbread mix, leave the other plate plain Bread the Goat Cheese MedallionsDip each cold round as follows:Plain cornbread mixEgg mixtureSeasoned cornbread mixPlace breaded rounds on a plate or cookie sheet lined with parchment paperNOTE You can prepare these ahead of time… Chill in freezer for 15 minutes (or longer)Bake Goat Cheese MedallionsPreheat oven to 450 F Bake chilled (or frozen) goat cheese rounds in oven for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned.To get a browner crust you can lightly spray tops of rounds with a coconut or olive oil cooking spray.Rounds are ready when top is crispy and cheese is soft. Serve over a bed of baby spinach topped with Aunt Celeste's Cucumber Tomato SaladCan also be panfried in a good quality olive oil, approximately 1 minute per side until brown and crispy. NotesCan be frozen for 1 month in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag. If frozen, it may take a few minutes longer to bake.Enjoy with your favorite salad, excellent with Aunt Pauline’s Cucumber Tomato Salad. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisSeptember 30, 2019The combination of this Soothing Heartburn Smoothie and AIM BarleyLife are powerful, not only for relief, but for healing! Joe called in a panic, I am so sick with heartburn.  I went to the ER and they checked everything, even ran me through “the tube”…everything is OK!  What can I do to stop this pain and sickness?.  I suggested a serving of The Garden Trio immediately.  The Garden Trio are 3 of the most healing juices, BarleyLife, JustCarrots and Redibeet. The next day Joe texted me…Garden Trio worked like magic! Joe didn’t have the ingredients for this soothing heartburn smoothie, but Emily was amazed at how quickly it nipped her heartburn and GERD in the bud!   Pineapple assists in digestion, cucumber is anti-inflammatory, celery soothes the digestive tract, ProPeas Protein Powder is an extremely clean and affordable protein powder, which alkalizes the gut and contains amino acids necessary for repair..add a teaspoon of AIM BarleyLife for even more healing power! CVS pulls Zantac and other stomach meds containing potentially cancer causing substance, Ranitidine.   Once again, the dangers of pharmaceutical drugs are exposed as the FDA announced last month that the popular GERD and Acid Reflux over the counter drug, Zantac, and generic versions contain toxic levels of known carcinogen, Ranitidine. This heartburn smoothie will work magic on your tummy!  Try it and see! Need something quick and easy?  Another MAGIC food is the juice of young barley grass.  We use AIM BarleyLife daily and many of our students have found immediate relief AND healing of Heartburn, Acid  Reflux, GERD and other digestive disorders. It’s easy to use too!  Just put one teaspoon in a shaker cup, shake and drink! AND it’s very affordable, just about 56 cents per serving.   With AIM BarleyLIfe you are not only getting fast, comforting relief, you are sending your body healing goodness. More info on AIM BarleyLife   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisSeptember 8, 2019Jump to Recipe Print Recipe This Fabulous Gluten Free Pizza Crust is delicious, has a great texture and holds all your toppings without getting soggy or saggy.  Phil and I have been together since 1973 so we’ve had many “firsts” in our lives. The first time we both had “store bought” pizza was in 1973 at Pietros Pizza in Salem, Oregon. I think our mom’s probably made the box of Chef-Boyardee pizza at home. Uhhh…that was NOT the same! This was also the first time we spent any time together. We were on a group date, we were with other people, not each other. I must say it was love at first sight…for pizza and for each other! Our pizza choice was the one with the fresh tomatoes on top, and we also both enjoyed the Hula Lula, which has fresh pineapple on top. I’ve only seen these styles of pizza on the west coast. It was also our first love for each other. We both remember Phil driving away in Dave Radke’s car with his date and looking back at me as I walked across the street with my date…our eyes met and the rest is history. We were an “item” in a matter of weeks and still are in love today. We love onions, peppers, grass fed ground beef and organic nitrate free pepperoni on our pizza. We LOVE pizza and have purchased pizza from our favorite pizza place, Marco’s here in Tennessee about once a month. We love Marco’s Pizza but…it’s not gluten free so this isn’t the best for Celeste, AND one pizza costs about $30 by the time you add tip, tax and delivery. Yikes! That is a lot of moo-lah for us retired on 2k folks, he he… Hey Phil! He Likes It! Phil loves this Gluten Free Pizza and if he likes it then I know I can make it regularly…BONUS! This “Everything” pizza only cost us $6…that is a $24 savings, so we can have pizza 4 times a month! This Fabulous Gluten Free Pizza Crust is super simple to make, it only took me about 10 minutes from mixing to the oven. I baked the crust while I was prepping the toppings and making the sauce. Then another 15 minutes in the oven to melt the cheese…so no longer than it takes to get a delivery pizza but sooo much better and better for us! Prebake gluten free pizza crust on parchment paper directly on the oven rack for a nice crisp firm crust. West Coast style pizza is quite different from anything we’ve experienced here in Tennessee, which leans more towards a New York style Italian influence. You know the big floppy pieces you fold in half that are dripping with oil, and of course we like those too. However, our true love is the West Coast style with fresh tomatoes or pineapple on top. Today we enjoyed fresh heirloom tomatoes on our Fabulous $6 dollar Gluten Free Pizza. Yummm! Print Recipe Fabulous Gluten Free Pizza This gluten free crust has a wonderful firm texture, it’s not soggy or saggy. You will make this on a sheet of parchment baking paper, directly on the oven rack. This gives it a perfect firm but tender pizza crust. This recipe would also make yummy bread sticks. Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes mins Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian Servings: 4 Calories: Cost: $6 EquipmentParchment baking paper, mixing bowl, measuring cups or food scale and measuring spoons, heavy spoon for mixing, cutting board or small cookie sheet for serving. Ingredients250 gr or 1-1/4 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1-1 Baking Mix https://amzn.to/2ZJqlsZ50.4 gr or ¼ cup Bob’s Red mill Almond Flour https://amzn.to/315HN8q4 teaspoons Bob’s Red Mill aluminum free baking powder https://amzn.to/2LE1tK61 teaspoon Pink Himalayan salt https://amzn.to/2HVwKXU1 -1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt1 Tablespoon good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil InstructionsMix up the crustMix dry ingredients in a large bowl – Bob’s Red Mill 1-1 Baking Mix, Almond flour, baking powder and salt.Stir in yogurt and olive oil.Stir until forms a smooth ball, it will be soft, kind of like a biscuit crust.Form the crustTear off parchment paper just slightly smaller than your oven rack. This is what you will make your pizza crust on.Sprinkle about 1 Tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill 1-1 Gluten Free Baking mix on the parchment paper and spread it around.Put the ball of pizza dough on the parchment paper, smooth it out and press it out into a circle or oblong, whatever shape you like. If cracks form just push them together with your fingers. Make the crust as thick as you like, but not paper thin. It will rise a little while baking. Dock the dough by poking it with a fork, this keeps it from puffing up. Brush the pizza top with olive oil, including the crust.Prebake the crust Bake the pizza dough on the oven rack (no toppings yet, for 15 minutes at 400 F (200 C)Carefully remove the dough from the oven rack. Don't burn yourself or break the crustAssemble PizzaWe use 10 slices Boar’s head nitrate free pepperoni, and ¼ pound grass fed hamburger, thin sliced onions, peppers and 6 ounces of your favorite cheese. We like to use an organic cheese. In this picture we used organic cheddar and organic pepper jack.Layer toppings in this orderSauce Cheese, you can use grated, sliced or crumblesMeats (if used)Veggies (if used) Finish Baking PizzaBake at 425 F (220 C) for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow pizza to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. I like to top with fresh minced basil. NotesWe like our pizza “West Coast Style” with fresh tomato slices on top! This pizza was a real treat because we had fresh heirloom tomatoes on top. Allow pizza to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with a crisp salad. This Fabulous Gluten Free Pizza is also yeast-free and could be dairy free if you use an almond or coconut yogurt.  I think if you use an alternative yogurt you might want to put some garlic and herbs in the crust to avoid a strong coconut or almond tasting crust. If you are allergic to the almond flour you can replace it with the same amount of Bob’s 1-1 Gluten Free Baking mix or another nut flour.  I would not use oat flour as it would be too crumbly. The Gluten Free Pizza crust has a nice firm yet tender crust to hold all your toppings. I love to dip my pizza end crust in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can see that the end crust is also nice and firm . One final thought…the ingredients to make this pizza can be spendy the first time you purchase them, but once they are a part of your pantry you can make a $6 pizza too! I purchase a pound of grass fed ground beef and divide it into 1/4 pound patties and freeze individually. So I just pulled one out to fry up for a topping. I also purchase our Boar’s Head Nitrate Free Pepperoni in 1 pound packages, then divide and freeze in ziplock baggies. This is how we get our price on our pizza down so low. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisSeptember 1, 2019Stephanie Carmichael is an inspirational speaker and author of the book Victory Over Cancer and Fear. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor and has learned how to have joy and peace in the midst of the storm of cancer. Stephanie currently serves in Stonecroft ministries, an evangelistic outreach speaking ministry. She has travelled across the Pacific Northwest as an inspirational speaker since 2010. Stephanie’s heart is to reach out to people who are diagnosed with cancer to help them walk through the fear and gain a new peace and increased faith. There is joy to be found even in the battlefield of cancer – peace in the midst of the storm, and that is victory! She and her husband Mark have also served as leaders and teachers in the Ministry Training Institute at their local church in Bend, Oregon since 2003. http://traffic.libsyn.com/thewellnessworkshop/The_Wellness_Show_2016-05-03.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: RSS [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisAugust 31, 2019A healthy version of our old family favorite baked chicken and rice, you know, the one with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup and the packets of onion soup mix?  The chemically enhanced version?  This is a simple, quick and chemical free real food recipe your family and friends will love.  We consider this a celebration meal! Healthy Chicken and Rice Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Print Recipe Super Easy Stove Top Chicken & Rice Healthy real food version of the classic baked chicken and rice Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes mins Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: chicken and rice, healthy chicken and rice Servings: 0 Calories: Cost: $7.00 Equipmentsauce pan, skillet with a lid, measuring cup Ingredients1 cup sprouted brown rice¼ cup organic dehydrated onions2 cups water2 air chilled boneless skinless chicken breast2 teaspoons Tones Rosemary Garlic No MSG seasoningPink or Celtic salt to taste1/8 tsp Ground White PepperDash Cayenne PepperDash Hungarian Paprika InstructionsIn a saucepan cover dehydrated onions with 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil and remove from heat.Add sprouted brown rice. To the onions (If you are using regular brown rice you will need to partially cook it first).Slice the chicken breasts in half so you have 2 full halves Rinse the chicken and pat dry. It’s important to pat them dry.Sprinkle the chicken with Tones Rosemary Garlic Seasoning on both sides Put 1 Tablespoon of quality oil in a skillet and heat the oil. Add chicken to the skillet at medium heat. Brown the chicken on one side, flip and brown on the other side.Add the rice and dehydrated onion to the chicken in the skillet.Sprinkle the rice mixture with Tones Rosemary Garlic seasoning.Simmer until rice is cooked through, you may need to add a little more water.Garnish with a dash of Cayenne pepper and Hungarian Paprkia NotesTo serve Put ½ cup rice on a plate. Slice the chicken and place on the rice. Garnish chicken with a dash of Cayenne Pepper and a dash of Hungarian Paprika. Serve with a crisp salad, enjoy! Note: You could add other veggies to the pan when you add the rice to the chicken. You could use real onions but the flavor will not be as rich. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisAugust 19, 2019I LOVE Falafel, but honestly they aren’t all that healthy…deep fried chick pea balls…but take heart… These Gluten Free Sweet Potato Falafel are healthy, flavorful, full of good fiber, and are completely vegan and plant based. This recipe makes about 21 falafel patties or balls formed with a small cookie scoop. My inspiration for this recipe came from Pinch of Yum Summer Bliss Bowls and Casey Jade dot com, Delish! Thank you girls! Gluten Free Sweet Potato Falafel are also Paleo and Whole 30 Friendly and of course the Gluten Free Sweet Potato Falafel Bowl lines up nicely with our “Alkaline Plate”. They freeze very well, make the “batter” and freeze, store in zip loc baggies. There are 2 ways you can cook them.  Baking is best if you are serving the entire batch right away. Pan frying, my favorite way, creates a crispy, sweet texture when you bite into one.  Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Gluten Free Sweet Potato Falafel These Gluten Free Sweet Potato Falafel are great in a "bowl" as Pinch of Yum suggested, as a quick snack or as a "cooked veggie" on your alkaline plate.To bake Preheat oven to 350 degrees Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes mins Course: Main CourseCuisine: Mediterranean Servings: 7 bowls Calories: Cost: $4.00 for batch EquipmentEquipment: Food Processor with “S” blade, small cookie scoop, cookie sheet or small fry pan. Ingredients1 can organic chickpeas rinsed under cold water2 cups cooked sweet potatoes 1-2 large sweet potatoes¼ cup almond flour1 flax egg 1 Tablespoon Flax meal with 2.5 Tablespoons water¼ cup fresh parsley¼ cup fresh cilantro¼ cup sweet onion1 large clove garlic minced1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon ground corianderPink Salt & White Pepper I used about ½ teaspoon of salt and a dash of white pepperPinch of cayenne pepper InstructionsFood Processor S-BladeChop chick peas, onion, parsley, cilantro and minced garlic in food processor and pulse to fine chopAdd sweet potato, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper and cayenne, pulse food processor to mix wellUse a small cookie scoop, flatten into rounds and top with Savory Spice Shop “Everything Bagel” for an extra kick. Also good without the bagel topping.Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, flip at 15 minutes to brown on both sides.To store in freezer, place rounds on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten rounds, freeze solid and store in zip loc freezer bags for up to 1 month. If you are baking frozen falafel, increase baking time to 40 minutes.NOTE: You can also pan fry in a good quality oil. They will be softer, more like a potato cake than a falafel. NotesPinch of Yum suggests serving as a bowl with spinach, quinoa, fresh dill, heirloom tomatoes, fresh cucumbers and goat cheese. Top with cashew jalapeno ranch dressing or vegan taziki sauce. I tried it that way, Yummy! snip fresh dill as a garnish. Layer your bowl with spinach, then a dab of “Cashew Ranch Dressing”. These would also be fabulous as appetizers topped with goat cheese and put under the broiler.  Snip dill as a garnish. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisAugust 5, 2019From our book Wonderfully Well, How We Lost 132 Pounds and Helped Our Bodies Heal, by Celeste & Phil Davis  On Amazon: https://amzn.to/31npDPA Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Aunt Pauline’s Garden always provided most of our summer meals when I went to visit.  “Go get some tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, and grab a pinch of dill too.”  And remember to shut the gate so the dogs don’t get in the garden! This salad is definitely best as a “fresh-out-of-the-garden” salad when cucumbers and tomatoes are in season.  Add some raw feta cheese or blue cheese, 4 ounces of grilled chicken and serve over a bed of baby spinach or shredded green cabbage or any fresh greens you love!  This picture uses sprouts!  Love those summer time veggies! https://amzn.to/2YoW3Ml Enjoy more recipes like Aunt Pauline’s Cucumber Tomato Salad in our book Wonderfully Well, available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2YoW3Ml Print Recipe Aunt Pauline’s Cucumber and Tomato Salad Delicious fresh salad for summer! Prep Time15 minutes mins Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanKeyword: cucumber tomato salad, fresh cucumbers, fresh tomato salad, what to do with fresh cucumbers, what to do with fresh dill, what to do with fresh tomatoes Servings: 0 Calories: EquipmentSharp knife, bowl, whisk Ingredients1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice½ teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt1/3 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper½ teaspoon raw local honey or 100% maple syrup3-4 garden fresh organic tomatoes1 large organic fresh cucumber½ organic red onion or Vidalia or sweet onion1 Tablespoon fresh dill or baby dill snipped2-3 handfuls baby spinach or finely shredded green cabbageOptional grilled chicken feta or blue cheese InstructionsIn a large bowl combine oil, lemon juice, pink Himalayan salt, white pepper and honey or maple syrup, whisk well.Add tomatoes, cucumber, red onion to the dressing, toss well and refrigerate.Serve over baby spinach or finely sliced green cabbage, top with fresh dill and enjoy! https://amzn.to/2YoW3Ml [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisAugust 3, 2019Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pinto Beans on Taco SaladPinto Beans Veggie Burger Easy Versatile Pinto Beans Pinto beans are a great protein, especially for Type O blood types. Pinto beans are also very versatile and easy to prepare. While the recipe cook time says 8 hours total, the hands on time is less than 15 minutes!  Most of the time is to soak and cook the beans…put the beans out to soak before bed and put them in the crockpot or oven on a timer to cook. We enjoy making a pot of beans. Our first meal is typically bean soup. Our second meal is usually taco salad with a cup of the yummy beans on top. I then freeze a couple of packages to have for refried beans at a later date. You can add lots of veggies to make a veggie soup, or eat the beans plain as a soup, which is really delish! I love, love Tajin Mexican Seasoning with Lime.  It brings a nicely spice flavor and an undertone of lime. Be sure and use Organic Pinto Beans where possible.  Organic pinto beans are only a few cents more than non-organic pinto beans and are safer from harmful pesticides, mold and genetically modified organisms. I love to cook with Himalayan Pink Salt because it is free from environmental toxins and provides 82 minerals needed by the human body. Ways to use cooked pinto beans As a bean soup with some of your favorite veggies, add sliced kale, sliced collard greens, sliced swiss chard, chopped onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped colored peppers, chopped hot peppers (about 2 Tablespoons if you don’t want it super hot). Simple and delicious Pinto Bean Soup As yummy beans on a taco salad. Make your salad, add beans, avocado, pico de gallo, salsa, all your taco favorites. Top with crushed tortilla chips. As yummy refried beans for tacos, bean dip, quesadilla or on a taco salad. Put beans in a skillet with some butter or a good olive oil. Smash with a potato masher or fork, cook until mashed and liquid is evaporated. Pinto Beans on Taco Salad Homemade yummy veggie burgers are an easy switch from beef or chicken burgers.  Add your favorite toppings and stuff in a bun or lettuce leaves. Pinto Beans Veggie Burger My Red Pot has been a favorite of mine since 1986!  I make Easy, Versatile Pinto Beans, sourdough bread, roasted chicken, pot roast, porcupine meatballs.  Everyone needs one! My FAVORITE way to cook is with a porcelain cast iron dutch oven. I even bake sourdough bread in mine! Disclosure: The product links in this post are to my Amazon store.  If you purchase products through the links provided you don’t pay any more and I receive a very small percentage.  I only recommend products I use and love.  Your purchases through my store help to pay the expenses of this blog and website.  Thank you! Print Recipe Easy Versatile Pinto Beans Pinto beans are a nutritious and simple protein. They are super easy to make and can be used in many ways! Prep Time4 hours hrsCook Time4 hours hrsTotal Time8 hours hrs Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanKeyword: bean soup, healthy mexican, pinto beans, taco salad Servings: 12 1/2 cup Calories: Cost: $3.25 EquipmentLarge Dutch Oven Ingredients1 pound dry pinto beans preferably organic4 cups Filtered water1-2 teaspoons Tajin Mexican seasoning with lime https://amzn.to/2yzXHeX1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano1 teaspoon Himlayan pink salt (to taste)Optional: veggies onion, garlic, carrot, celery, colored peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeno peppers InstructionsSoak Beans – this will take you about 10 minutesRinse beans in a colander, pick out any rocks (yes there may be rockwash them good sometimes there are dirt clumps…this is real food :0) Cover rinsed beans with fresh water and soak overnight.You want to have the water about 4 inches or so above the beans, so you need a big pot. I used my 5-quart Dutch oven.Cook Beans 2-4 hours approximatelyRinse beans again and cover with water, with about 2-4 inches over top of beans.Add Tajin or any chili type seasoning you enjoy.Add dried or fresh oregano.You can add any veggies you like in the last hour of cooking.Cook beans on stove top at medium or in the oven at 350. Cooking time depends on how long you soaked your beans and how high your elevation is. We live in Tennessee and it took about 3 hours to cook the beans.Watch the beans to be sure they don’t boil over or run out of water. The beans are ready when you can smash with a fork.I used a potato masher to smash some of the beans up and make the broth a little thicker. NotesYou can freeze this bean mixture. Just put in a freezer bag, pat out the air and seal, freeze flat and then store in a used spinach box in your freezer. Be sure to mark what is in the package and the date. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMay 18, 2019Jump to Recipe Yummy low-carb enchiladas without the tortillas I love Mexican food and especially enchiladas, but let’s face it, making enchiladas is time consuming and messy. These Low Carb Butternut Squash enchilada bake is just as yummy, easy to make and stores and freezes well. Try it! See the notes for extra info and serving ideas. Nutrition Info: Calories: 242, Protein: 14gr, Carbs: 19gr, Fat: 13gr, Fiber: 4gr, Sugar: 6gr Print Recipe Low Carb Butternut Squash Enchilada Bake A delicious, low carb enchilada that freezes well…a favorite at our Healthy Living Potluck. This would be a great dish to make ahead, freeze in individual serving sizes or take to a dinner or event. #justdontsayitshealthy Prep Time30 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes minsTotal Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanKeyword: butternut squash, healthy mexican Servings: 12 people Calories: Ingredients4 cups roasted butternut squash cubes2 Tablespoons avocado oilKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper1  large onion chopped3  cloves garlic minced1 lb.  organic grass-fed ground beef or make it vegan with 2-3 cans of black beans1/2 tsp Hungarian paprika1 tsp.  ground cumin1/2 tsp.  kroger 6-chili powder1/8-1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes1 ½ cups frozen organic corn or canned corn drained1  15.5-oz. can black beans, drained (2-3 cans if you are omitting hamburger)1  10-oz. can enchilada sauce4 slices Boar’s Head Chipotle Gouda Cheese this is 2 oz of cheese½ cup organic cheese1/2 c.  quartered cherry tomatoesAngel Hair shredded cabbageGuacamoleFreshly chopped cilantro for garnish (optional) InstructionsToss Squash cubes in 1 Tablespoon oil, spread on a baking sheet, Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes.While the squash is baking:In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil.Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes.Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.Stir in beef, add spices, break up meat to crumbly and cook until no longer pink.Stir in corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, cook until sauce is thickened (like a very thick chili).Gently Stir in Butternut Squash and simmer for 5 minutes.Grease 9×13 pan with organic butter.Place the butternut squash mixture in the 9×13 pan and pat to even out.Place the squares of Boar’s Head Chipotle Gouda on top of squash mixture.Top with grated organic cheese.Bake at 400 for 15 minutes until squash mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted.Allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving.See notes for plating and serving suggestions and Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe. NotesCilantro Lime Coleslaw 1 package Angel Hair Shredded Cabbage, 2-4 Tablespoons Cilantro, 10 cherry tomatoes, chopped or sliced in half, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 lime juiced, 1/2 Tablespoon Raw honey or 100% organic maple syrup, 1 garlic clove minced, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt. Should you use a whole squash or purchase butternut cubes frozen or fresh from the produce section of your grocery store? This is up to your cooking skills and time. You can bake a whole squash, scoop it out and use the squash rind for a bowl…this looks cool! But I have not had good results with this, the rind was too fragile to use. Also, it is much more time consuming to cook the whole squash and then do the other steps. If you choose to use frozen or already prepared butternut squash cubes, you can roast the squash and prepare the other ingredients at the same time. Best flavor is achieved by preparing a day ahead of time to allow flavors to meld, this is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze or make a day ahead for a potluck or event. Butternut squash has high nutritional value, is high in fiber, eliminating typical corn tortillas for enchiladas saves you about 10 grams of carbs. Use the filling for Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos In a tortilla of your choice (Siete brand tortillas are gluten free), layer the Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, butternut squash enchilada filling, guacamole and salsa. You could also use this as a topping for a taco salad. Possibilities are endless with this yummy veggie! Freeze portions individually then store in ziplock baggies or freezer container for 1 month. Reheat on a baking sheet, covered with foil, for 30 minutes at 450 degrees F. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 2, 2019Print Recipe Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail High in Acetic Acid, With Potent Biological Effects. …Can Kill Many Types of Harmful Bacteria. …Lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Fights Diabetes. …Helps You Lose Weight and Reduces Belly Fat. …Lowers Cholesterol and Improves Heart Health…https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar Prep Time5 minutes mins Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanKeyword: apple cider vinegar Servings: 1 Calories: Author: Celeste Davis Ingredients1 teaspoon raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar1/2 whole lemon juiced1 dropper clear sweet leaf stevia1/8 teaspoon celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan64 ounces filtered water InstructionsMix together and drink 64 ounces per day. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 14, 2019Mexican Minestrone This is truly an OMGoodness Soup!  The traditional chili type spices of a Mexico combined with the smooth yumminess of parmesan cheese rinds and the savory spices of Italy, Oregano and Rosemary, create a smooth creamy texture and flavor you’ll have to use self-control!  Bonus!  It’s meatless and basically vegetarian as the only animal product is two small parmesan rinds. Mexican Minestrone with Parmesan Rinds When a recipe wakes up every part of your tongue with flavor, you know you’ve got a good one. Mexican Minestrone has the perfect blend of salty, fatty and savory that makes your mouth say WOW! and all without MSG, flavor enhancers and preservatives. Winner! Always Celebrate a Win no matter how small! Two “Secret Weapons” combine to make this “The Bomb” of all bean soups!   Secret Weapon #1 Parmesan Rinds… Parmesan Rinds after cooking in the soup for 2 hours What are parmesan rinds? Here’s a great article from Food Hacks “Parmesan rinds are exactly what they sound like: the rind from a round of authentic Parmesan cheese. When the cheese is finished, it has a protective rind that develops all along the outside, like crust on bread.”(1) Brady Klopfer I buy a container of Parmesan rinds at Whole Foods when they are available and stick them in the freezer. The ones I used today have been frozen for about 6 months…I still have enough left for 2 more big batches of soup; I think they cost me $6 total. The dark side is the outside rind. The light side is the cheese side. Brady Klopfer in the Food Hacks article above, suggests making a Parmesan Broth for soups…I LOVE this idea!  Throw the rinds I purchased last summer into a stock pot with some onions, garlic and other desired herbs, simmer for a few hours and then freeze for future soups. YUM! The Second Secret Weapon The Second “Secret Weapon” of this Mexican Minestrone is “Tajin”, Classico Seasonings with Lime; a flavorful dehydrated lime and chilis spice I found at Aldis.  If you don’t have an Aldis you might be able to find it at Trader Joe’s.  IF you can’t find this secret weapon spice I believe you could get the same flavors with chili powder (I like the Kroger Six-Chili powder) and the juice of a real lime…probably 1-2 Tablespoons. Start with 1 Tablespoon and then add more to your taste.  The subtle lime definitely adds to the amazing flavor. Have some fun…clean out your fridge for the new year! The first of the year is a good time to look at your “Food Inventory” … this will keep your children from looking at you in horror when you are old; Mom, really?  This box of cake mix is 20 years old!  You know what I mean? Clean your fridge regularly for both physical and mental health…lol It took me about 20 minutes to go through the fridge, freezer and pantry to see what was on hand and needed to be used or tossed.  I actually made a list.  Knowing what I have on hand helps me to stay prepared and keeping my fridge clean and organized is key to cooking 95% of our meals at home, and staying healthy. Parmesan Rinds simmering in Mexican Minestrone I decided to use what I had on hand for the weekend as we are doing a 7-days of raw food except for our vegan proteins so of course beans are cooked.  Hence, this new favorite soup, Mexican Minestrone.  I did not have to purchase one thing extra to make this soup. Half a poblano pepper from another day, staples always on hand of carrots, celery, onions, garlic and beans and 2 boxes of Organic Chicken Broth and my secret weapons of Parmesan Rind and Tajin seasoning went together for a fabulous healthy delicious soup. Print Recipe Mexican Minestrone This is truly an OMGoodness Soup! The traditional chili type spices of a Mexico combined with the smooth yumminess of parmesan cheese rinds and the savory spices of Italy, Oregano and Rosemary, create a smooth creamy texture and flavor you’ll have to use self-control! Bonus! It’s meatless and basically vegetarian as the only animal product is two small parmesan rinds. Prep Time10 minutes minsCook Time2 hours hrsTotal Time14 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Servings: 6 cup and a half Calories: Ingredients3 Tablespoons Cold Pressed Grape Seed or high quality EV Olive Oil as needed to sauté veggies2 large carrots thin sliced or chopped2 stalks celery thin sliced1/2 cup poblano pepper thin sliced and seeds removed1 cup Kale thin sliced4 cloves garlic minced6 cups small white beans-navy or cannellini beans or 4-6 15 oz cans organic beans2 quarts organic chicken stock1 teaspoon sprig fresh Rosemary or ½dried2 teaspoon sprigs fresh Italian Oregano or 1dried1 teaspoon Tajn Chili Lime seasoning2-3 medium Parmesan Rinds1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper flakes to tasteCeltic Sea salt or Pink Himalayan salt to taste to taste InstructionsSoak the Beans if you used dry beans, wash them in a colander and put 6 cups of beans in a large bowl and cover with filtered water overnight. Before making the soup, rinse and drain beans.Put 1 Tablespoon oil In a large soup pot, sauté onion, carrots, peppers and celery until onions are translucent, add garlic and sauté a few minutes more (add more oil as needed to sauté).Add beans to vegetables in pot, stir.Add Tajin, cumin, red pepper flakes and stir. Add organic Chicken Broth, stir.Add Parmesan Rinds and fresh Rosemary and Oregano sprigs (the leaves will fall off when it is cooking, then remove the stems). Cover pot and cook on medium until the beans are soft, about 4 hours. I usually take a few beans out and smash them with a fork, when they smash easily they are cooked.If you are using canned beans, reduce cooking time to 2 hours.Before serving, remove herb stems and parmesan rinds. Use an immersion blender to gently blend some of the beans and veggies for a creamier soup (just a couple of spins) or serve as is without blending. Remember...all soup is better the second day! You can enjoy the leftovers or allow it to cool thoroughly and store in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for a month. NotesWe enjoy Mexican Minestrone with our crusty homemade sprouted spelt sourdough bread slathered in real organic unsalted butter or homemade corn bread muffins and coleslaw, Phil’s favorite.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 12, 2019This lightly Spicy, Caramel-y and Crunchy roasted veggie is a hit at events, with our guests and as an every day veggie at home. I can could eat the whole pan myself and you know what…that would be fine!   Using a quality oil when cooking is imperative to your good health.  But it’s confusing to know which one is a good quality, isn’t it? Check out everything you ever wanted to know about olive oil here… How to choose a quality olive oil here… Print Recipe Crunchy Spicy Curried Cauliflower This lightly Spicy, Caramel-y and Crunchy roasted veggie is a hit at events, with our guests and as an every day veggie at home. I can could eat the whole pan myself. Prep Time10 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes minsTotal Time40 minutes mins Servings: 4 people Calories: Ingredients1/4 cup good quality oil See Notes2 teaspoons yellow curry2 teaspoons raw local honey1 teaspoon lemon juice1/2 teaspoon Celtic or Himalayan pink saltDash red pepper flakes4 cups Cauliflower cut into “flowerettes”2 Tablespoons slivered almonds save for last 10 minutes InstructionsMix oil and spices together. (If you use coconut oil you will need to melt first).Toss cauliflower in spices and oil.Place cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.Remove foil, add slivered almonds and stir gently, spread cauliflower over baking sheet.Bake UNCOVERED for another 10-15 minutes until almonds are lightly toasted and cauliflower is lightly browned. NotesWhich Oil should I use? High quality extra virgin cold pressed olive oil will have health benefits and give it more of a savory flavor.  How to choose an olive oil.  Health benefits of Olive Oil.  I purchase a high polyphenol count olive oil from Herban Market in Franklin, TN.  Herban Market oils have polyphenol counts from 300+ into the 600+, they are fresh and their sources are identified.  As a comparison, the Kirkland Olive oil (you know the giant bottle you buy at the big box store)  was tested with a polyphenol count of only 40...and it was the highest of all the grocery store brands. Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil will give it a coconut-y slightly sweet flavor and also have health benefits.  How to choose Coconut Oil. Cold Pressed Grape Seed oil will not add any flavor. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 1, 2019Zesty Lime Dressing and Marinade Zesty Lime Dressing and Marinade satisfies my recent cravings for Spicy food, without burning up my mouth.  I’ve noticed since I’ve had an extreme amount of stress events the past few years I’ve been more tolerant of and craved more spicy foods … foods I would not have chosen in the past, and there is a reason for this! When you have tons of stress and your body is on alert all the time it begins to crave stimulating foods.  Typically these are caffeine, salt, fatty foods (like chips) and protein.  Interestingly enough, you may also find you suddenly have a tolerance for spicy foods, like I have, because they too are stimulants! Speaking of craving salty fatty foods, rather than reaching for a Big Mac, Shake and Fries, the beneficial fats and natural sodium from the lime will actually satisfy that craving; as long as you aren’t sitting next to someone inhaling their fast food.  :0) Limes are full of beneficial natural sodium, your body needs LOTS of real-food sodium when you are under stress. I usually have this recipe in the fridge, ready for a salad or marinade.  It’s great for taco salad…be sure and add some crunchy angel hair cabbage.  Toss your greens and veggies in the Zesty Lime Dressing & Marinade and they top with a scoop or two of refried beans, a dollop of guacamole and a spoonful of salsa…you have a nutrient dense vegan meal! You could also marinate beans, peppers, onions in this Zesty Lime Dressing & Marinade.  Store in the fridge.  When you are hungry, plop a cup of your marinated beans on a handful of greens.  Hmmm….I might have to try that! Recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman Fajita Marinade.  I’ve upgraded some of the ingredients to make them healthier and absolutely love this as a salad dressing. Print Recipe Zesty Lime Dressing/Marinade Slightly spicy salad dressing and marinade. A nice change from ranch or salsa on a taco salad. Wonderful as a marinade for grilled chicken or steak. The flavors blend well so it's not overpowered by any one flavor. One of my favs when I'm in the "South of the Border" mood! Prep Time10 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Servings: 8 salads Calories: 196kcal Ingredients1/2 cup high quality oil cold pressed olive, coconut or avocado 3 Tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids or Coconut Aminos1/3 cup lime juice3 cloves garlic1 Tablespoon cumin1 Tablespoon chili powder1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes1 teaspoon celtic sea salt or pink himalayan salt1/2 teaspoon white pepper1 Tablespoon raw honey or 100% organic maple syrup1-2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro InstructionsCombine all in a high speed blender.Store in refrigerator for up to one month. Notes Uses: Salad dressing Marinate chicken or steak for 30 minutes to over night to tenderize and add a flavor punch. NutritionSodium: 817mg | Calcium: 40mg | Vitamin C: 9.1mg | Vitamin A: 750IU | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Potassium: 130mg | Calories: 196kcal | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Fat: 19g | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Iron: 2.2mg [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 1, 2019Avocado Ranch Dressing I think you’ll love this Avocado Ranch Dressing if Ranch is your Go-To salad dressing.  Ranch dressing is definitely the most popular dressing on the Western Diet.  Some children and even adults dump Ranch Dressing on Everything!  This Avocado Ranch Dressing gives you the creamy and savory and smooth textures of a traditional ranch dressing along with the familiar savory flavors. You can also make our Real Ranch Dressing for those who can’t get past the green or a more savory version, Green Goddess Dressing. Why should I change my favorite Ranch Dressing to Avocado Ranch Dressing? Traditional Ranch is made with mayonnaise and if you purchase Ranch in a bottle or one of those little packets you may be eating lots of damaging and toxic chemicals such as MSG and many preservative.  Bottled Ranch dressing and the kind in the packets ask you to add milk or buttermilk.  Now granted, this one, unless you make it dairy free, uses organic Green yogurt, which is also a milk product.  However, using an organic yogurt adds beneficial bacteria to help support your immune system and brain function. Another good reason to make the switch… Avocados are Super Food!  From Healthline Here are some of the most abundant nutrients, in a single 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving (3): Vitamin K: 26% of the daily value (DV) Folate: 20% of the DV Vitamin C: 17% of the DV Potassium: 14% of the DV Vitamin B5: 14% of the DV Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV Vitamin E: 10% of the DV It also contains small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). Do you want to eat more avocados because of their health benefit?  Avocado Ranch Dressing might be your ticket!  The reason we choose foods are texture, flavor and how the food goes through our digestive tract and makes us feel.  Avocado will hit all those marks and more! A Few Benefits of Avocado 25% Soluble Fiber, which feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which may improve immunity to disease and virus, happier mood and better cognition. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Enzymes and phytonutrients in avocados may break up cancer cells. Beneficial fat in Avocado supports healthy brain development in children and better cognition in adults. Avocados have the one of the highest enzyme counts of all raw foods.  Enzymes are the construction crew of the food, they help your body break down the nutrients and use the nutrients effectively. Avocado and Your Weight Need to lose weight?  Add avocado, especially this Avocado Ranch Dressing to your daily diet.  The beneficial fat in Avocado supports weight loss and helps with hunger. Need to GAIN weight?  Surprise!  Eat more avocado.  Your body will recognize the good fat and hang on to it.  Add at least 1 avocado per day to your salads, smoothies, make guacamole and of course, this Avocado Ranch Dressing…you still need some good crunchy and nutrient dense salads. Where do Avocados come from? Avocados are grown on trees, and the Haas Avocados, the kind you are used to eating, are all from the original Mother Tree!  Most of the avocados consumed in the US are from California, however, many are coming in from Mexico.  A few years I read an interesting blog by a guy who had an avocado orchard.  He said an avocado can stay on the tree for 3 months, which makes them great to sell.  One of the reasons is because Avocados are one of the highest enzyme foods.  This is why they turn brown so quickly … it’s also why they are sooo good for you! Need to know how to choose a ripe avocado?  Check this out.   Print Recipe Avocado Ranch Dressing Dairy Free Enjoy your favorite salad dressing with this healthy version, Avocado Ranch Dressing. All the taste and texture of your favorite ranch dressing plus beneficial fats! Prep Time10 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Servings: 8 Calories: 71kcal Ingredients1 cup Cup Ripe Raw Avocado1 cup organic greek yogurt can use coconut or almond yogurt if you are used to it1 large clove garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder/granules1 teaspoon Celtic or Himalayan Pink Salt1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon dried parsley1 teaspoon dried thyme3 green onions remove roots, use long green stems InstructionsBlend all in a high speed blender, magic bullet or food processor until smooth.Store in the fridge for 7 days.Enjoy with your favorite salads or veggies! Notes ** Make it dairy free by using an alternative plain yogurt like almond or coconut…the flavor may change slightly. You could add a little more garlic or a few stalks of green onion to overcome the almond or coconut flavors. ** You could also replace the yogurt with 1/4 cup of a high quality olive oil and water to desired consistency. I would also include a few green onions. This is a good recipe to use more ripe avocados that you wouldn’t slice on a salad. Freeze Avocados for future use Freeze avocados when on sale by removing from skin and pit,  Quick and Easy. Put avocado in freezer container; just scoop it out of the skin and plop it in, you don't need to do anything except smash the avocado into the container. Sparingly top avocado with enough olive oil to cover the avocados (keeps them green) and freeze.   I like to pour about a Tablespoon of olive oil on top and then swirl it around so the entire surface is covered. Thaw avocados before making your dressing. Like adding Avocado to your daily food?  You'll love my Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Cherry Mousse, or Mango Avocado Salad. Avocado Ranch Dressing was first published on NutritionSodium: 250mg | Calcium: 40mg | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Vitamin A: 150IU | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 3g | Potassium: 211mg | Cholesterol: 2mg | Calories: 71kcal | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Iron: 1.6mg [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisDecember 30, 2018Raw Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing Cranberries aren’t just for Christmas anymore.  There is something about these winter fruits; cranberries and oranges that create a party on my tongue!  I LOVE Cranberry Orange muffins at Christmas but alas, they must remain treats. So I thought, how could I get this same flavor in a healthy veggie salad?  Raw Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing. I found the answer on Happy Raw Kitchen and just made a few tweaks to reduce the sugar content and add a bit more ZING!  http://thehappyrawkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/12/berry-festive-wreath-salad.html  Most Raw Cranberry dressings use a TON of sugar (2-4 grams per serving) but this one only has 1.17 grams (notice it is one-point-17 grams) per Tablespoon. Yay! How to use Raw Cranberry Orange Dressing This is incredible with a Kale salad, add some more raw cranberries, oranges, walnuts and a tablespoon or two of feta for an incredible alkaline meal.  You could also add some of your leftover holiday turkey, or pick up a few chunks of Boar’s Head Roasted Turkey (I use Boar’s head because they don’t use MSG and it is gluten free and tastes great).  When I want to add turkey to a salad I purchase a quarter pound chunk and cut it into bite-sized pieces.  Toss it all in this amazing Raw Cranberry Orange Salad Dressing. Why use raw cranberries instead of dried? SUGAR!  Sugar is the devil!  4 Tablespoons (1/4) cup of the popular brand of dried cranberries has 29 grams that is TWENTY NINE GRAMS of sugar (over 7 teaspoons of sugar) and 33 grams of carbs.  If you are trying to keep your sugar under 40 grams and eat low carb you are already toast! Cranberry 1/4 cup Sugar Carbs Calories Raw 1.17 grams 3.25 12.75 Dried 29 grams 33 grams 130 Of course, raw cranberries are tart and take some getting used to if you were going to throw back a handful like you do the dried version…but the difference is enough to create some significant fat loss and you’ll love the sweet and sour effect with the oranges. Only Buy Organic Cranberries Cranberries are liberally doused with pesticides and herbicides so you will definitely want only organic, regardless of which type of cranberry you choose.  Check the grocers freezer or Whole Foods or another health food grocery store.  You can also get them on line from Azure Standard here: Azure Standard Organic Frozen Cranberries Dried Cranberries have reduced antioxidant qualities, however frozen and fresh are antioxidant powerhouses with over 2 dozen different identifiable antioxidants.   Cranberries and Oranges Compliment Each Other Nutritionally Cranberries are high in antioxidants – doing a great job of protecting and repairing every part of your body at the cellular level     Synergy! Cranberries create an antioxidant synergy, meaning they actually increase the overall antioxidant activity, giving other antioxidants a boost. Combining with oranges, another high antioxidant food, synergistically increase the repair/protect function of the phytonutrients in the orange. UTI? Cranberries keep bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urninary tract.  Oranges are high in vitamin C, giving your body what it needs to fight infection. Other Benefits: Cranberries and Oranges are high in fiber and help with digestion, lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL) and balance triglycerides. They also increase the beneficial Type B LDL cholesterol and decrease the Type A non -beneficial LDL cholesterol. Cranberries are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Manganese, a mineral which helps to support overall detoxification with Super Oxide Dismutase (aka SOD). Oranges are high in Vitamin C, Potassium and calcium, also helping to improve your cardiac system function, lower cholesterol and stabilize heart rhythm. Be sure and include the Orange Zest From Dr. Mercola Orange peel also contains considerable amounts ofcalcium, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, folate and other B vitamins and dietary fiber. They have an intense orange and bitter flavor, but the latter is often a clue that a food is healthy; the bitter taste is the result of the many flavonoids that orange peels contain. A good microplane will make zesting the orange quick and easy, just watch those knuckles and fingertips…they really don’t add any health benefit, he he, except when they stay on your body – not so much in your salad dressing. 🙂 What’s a Microplane? A Microplane is a VERY sharp small handheld grater for testing citrus fruits and grating hard cheeses like parmesan reggiano. This is the one I use Get one today from Amazon. (affiliate link) This looks like a cool one…save your knuckles! Get it on Amazon (affiliate link) Make a Raw Cranberry Orange Dinner Salad Use your favorite leafy greens, some other brightly colored antioxidants such as colored peppers and red onion.  Toss on some toasted walnuts, a beet if you like and some roasted butternut squash.  Toss all in this yummy dressing.  Remember to measure your dressing, 1-2 Tablespoons per large salad is all you need if you toss it well…or you can always use the “dip your fork in the dressing” method. Sprinkle with Red Pepper Flakes for a bit more zing.   About Your Olive Oil…. If you use a good high quality, high polyphenol count olive oil you will greatly increase the repair/protect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this food.  Read the full article, How To Pick Olive Oil. Although there are many grades and definitions, we would like to emphasize only a few points that we think are most relevant to you as a consumer. The most important factor is to understand how the oil was obtained from the olive. Virgin olive oil is obtained from the olive only, using solely mechanical or other physical means, in conditions, particularly thermal conditions, which do not alter the oil in any way. It is pure fruit juice, so to speak. It also meets a set of chemical standards. Refined olive oil is obtained by treating low quality or defective virgin olive oil with the use of charcoal and other chemical and physical filters. An obsolete equivalent is “pure olive oil”. Note that no solvents are used in the refining process. Though it may be confusing, you should be aware that the term olive oil, when used alone, refers to a blend of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil. Learn more about healthy olive oil. Seriously, damaged oils and fats are a huge health hazard so find a good source for a high quality olive oil and only buy small bottles at a time. If you like Cranberries, check out some other great Cranberry recipes on my site! Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Stuffing (or a pilaf) Asian Turkey Salad   Print Recipe Raw Cranberry Orange Dressing A wonderful tart-sweet dressing with the zing of orange zest to compliment your winter salad greens. This dressing not only tastes fantastic but has a ton of health benefits. Prep Time10 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Servings: 8 individual salads Calories: Ingredients1 cup fresh (or frozen) cranberries not driedZest of one orange3 Tablespoons high quality olive oil1 Tablespoon extra virgin unrefined coconut oil melted2 Tablespoons Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar Braggs2 Tablespoons 100% Organic Maple Syrup1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional1 sprig of fresh thyme optionalDash of Pink Himalayan or Celtic Sea Saltliquid Stevia add a few drops if you want it sweeter InstructionsGrate zest from one orange, set zest aside and put orange in blender.Peel 2nd orange, add to blender.Add all ingredients to blender, except olive oil and fresh thyme sprig and orange zest. Blend well, until orange is pureed.Mix melted coconut oil and olive oil together and slowly add to blended fruit mixture, 1-2 pulse on blender until well blended.Add orange zest, pulse 1-2 times.Store in glass container, add 1 sprig of fresh thyme to dressingStore in refrigerator up to 7 days. Best if served at room temperature. NotesNutrition Data Per Tablespoon: 15 cal, 1 gr fat, .01 gr sugar [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisNovember 3, 2018Raw Ginger Bread Cookies Every fall my body whispers “Gingerbread…I want gingerbread…”  This obsession is probably my great grandmother’s fault. Every year, late fall/early winter I would go to MeeMaws home to make Gingerbread men.  I can still remember the wonderful fragrance of ginger, cinnamon and molasses filling her small home and the taste of the dough…which was my favorite. These Raw Gingerbread Cookies answer my need for the flavors AND my love for gingerbread cookie dough, without tons of extra sugar and flour.  Bonus!  These Raw Gingerbread Cookies are mostly beneficial fats; almond butter and coconut oil.  The cookie’s sweetness comes from raw dates and a splash of unsulphured, blackstrap molasses. SCREEECH SOUND….what?  You may say…don’t you know Molasses is a by-product of sugar? Aren’t we supposed to avoid sugar?  Well, technically, yes.  BUT…Molassess…you can’t have gingerbread without Molasses, it just ain’t happening!  Did you know Molasses actually has health benefits?  Get this…one of the benefits of Molasses is STRESS RELIEF!  No WONDER we love it over the holiday season. This is a cheesy but slightly informative and entertaining video on blackstrap molasses.  You can purchase the Plantation brand many places, amazon, vita cost and even Walmart for under $7.00 in the US. Enjoy these cookies, they benefit your brain, your nervous system and most of all your taste buds. If you miss the aroma of baking gingerbread, you could try my 5 ingredient Chewy Flourless Ginger Bread Cookie . If you are into essential oils, why not add a gingerbread type essential oil to your diffuser, make a cup of chai tea and relax!   BTW: These are also Keto friendly!   Print Recipe Raw Gingerbread Cookies Simple to make, satisfying Gingerbread cookies you don't have to bake! These are egg free and the only "sugar" is unsulphured molasses, which has some good health benefits. Prep Time10 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Servings: 8 cookies Calories: 59kcal Ingredients1/2 cup almond butter1 Tablespoon unrefined extra virgin coconut oil2 medium Medjool Dates, remove pits or 2 Tablespoons date paste1 teaspoon Korjinte Cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon Cloves1/8 teaspoon Pink Himalayan or Celtic sea salt1 Tablespoon Unsulphured Molasses1/4 teaspoon real organic Vanilla2 Tablespoons finely shredded unsweetened coconut https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/organic-coconut-products/products/organic-shredded-coconut InstructionsMix all together. Put all ingredients in at once and mix until it comes together. The more you mix almond butter the drier it becomes. The perfect consistency is when you are able to make it into a ball. If you over mix it will become crumbly. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle (easier) or mix by hand (muscles). Use a small cookie scoop or a Tablespoon and roll into balls.Roll the entire batch into a log, cover with plastic and refrigerate until firm. Then slice log into 8 slices. You can roll the balls in unsweetened shredded Coconut or finely chopped nuts.You can push the slices into coconut or finely chopped nuts. You could also add the coconut to the cookies rather than on the outside. If you don’t like coconut eliminate it!Make up a plate of slices and balls for your next holiday event. Make sure they are well chilled or frozen (better) because as they thaw they become soft. If it's an event where they will sit out you will have better results with the balls. Be sure and mark them as containing nut butter and coconut oil for anyone who may be allergic. Notes NutritionSodium: 29mg | Calcium: 110mg | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Potassium: 76mg | Calories: 59kcal | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 0.1g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Iron: 0.5mg [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 19, 2018Gingerbread Apple Nachos You’ve been invited to a half dozen “Bring-Your-Favorite-Treat” holiday parties.  You don’t have time to look for recipes or make Aunt Susie’s famous fudge…what to do?  Forget stopping by the grocery store for a quick holiday appetizer and picking up the same thing everyone else is bringing.  This quick and easy Gingerbread Apple Nachos is not only yummy to the tastebuds but eye candy as well.  You’ll smile to yourself when your friends and family say, “did you really make that yourself?”. The Fall Spice Blend is borrowed from Tadka Pasta.  Make a double or triple batch and use the Gingerbread Apple Nachos as your “go-to” holiday recipe.  It would also be wonderful in a cup of tea or warm coconut or almond milk.  See more from Tadka Pasta (1) Gingerbread Apple Nachos are not only tasty but also brings health benefits     Apples, Almond butter, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil and Pumpkin are alkalizing.  This will help to offset the other foods you may consume at a holiday party. The apple peel contains Quercetin; a plant based anti-oxidant called a “flavonoids” Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. (2) Quercetin contributes to healing leaky gut, is cancer-protective, and anti-inflammatory.  It’s also known to benefit brain health. Surprisingly, Molasses, a derivative of the cane sugar making process is also nutrient dense. Did you know a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses has 20% of your recommended calcium intake, 22.5% of your recommended magnesium intake and almost 40% of your recommended iron intake! (3) The spices in the Fall Spice Blend are warming and anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and known to lower blood sugar. Ginger is another anti-inflammatory star.  Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects can benefit muscle and joint pain, and osteoarthritis.  Gingers powerful antioxidant and flavaol properties are also used to treat nausea, improve digestion, balance blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and significantly reduce menstrual pain. Studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. It can also improve brain function in elderly women. (4) Who knew Cloves, also anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, are known to improve liver, bone and gum health along with many other health properties. Test-tube studies show that the compounds in cloves may reduce cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. (5) Cardamom is one of my favorite new flavors, and is also one of the most expensive spices in the world.  A recent purchase at Whole Foods Market revealed bulk Cardamom pods at over $46 per pound.  Thankfully, you would rarely use a pound of cardamom pods.  Cardamom is a powerful digestive aid, helping to reduce gas and possibly reduce obesity. (6) Nutmeg brings the memory of a warm mug of Egg Nog on a cold winter night.  A little goes a long way so just use a pinch in this recipe.  Nutmeg has many anti-inflammatory benefits, and is packed with vital minerals. Other health benefits of nutmeg come from potassium (for heart rate and blood pressure control), zinc, and iron (for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes) as well as B-vitamins, vitamins A and C, folate, riboflavin, niacin, and the flavonoid antioxidants betacarotene and cryptoxanthin, which are essential for optimum health. (7) Now you can enjoy your Gingerbread Apple Nachos with the satisfaction of knowing they not only look and taste amazing but they are helping you become healthier with every bite. Learn More (1) Fall Spice Blend: https://tadkapasta.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/full-flavored-fall-spiced-peanut-butter/ (2) Flavanoids: https://www.livescience.com/52524-flavonoids.html (3) Health Benefits of Molasses: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/primalbitesblogcom-9792613/ginger-bread-almond-butter-1901420965 (4) Health Benefits of Ginger: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#section10 (5) Health Benefits of Cloves: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cloves#section3 (6) Health Benefits of Cardamom: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cardamom-benefits (7) Health Benefits of Nutmeg: https://foodfacts.mercola.com/nutmeg.html   Print Recipe Gingerbread Apple Nachos Gingerbread Apple Nachos are a simple yet delightful appetizer for your holiday events. The warming ginger and cinnamon flavors accent the apple slices and the toppings make it a delightful treat for the eyes and the tastebuds. Prep Time20 minutes minsCook Time4 minutes minsTotal Time24 minutes mins Servings: 6 people Calories: IngredientsGingerbread Apple Nachos2-3 Thin Sliced Tart Apples like Granny Smith2 Tablespoons Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips2 Tablespoons dried cranberries2 Tablespoons Candied Ginger1 Tablespoon Pumpkin SeedsGingerbread Pumpkin Almond DrizzleGingerbread Pumpkin Almond Drizzle2 Tablespoons Real Molasses or Raw Organic Honey1 Tablespoons Unrefined Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil2-3 Tablespoons Full-Fat Coconut Milk - use to thin sauce to desired consistency2 Tablespoons Organic Cooked Pumpkin Puree2 teaspoons Fall Spice Blend1/4 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt3 Tablespoons almond butterFall Spice Blend (double to have extra for holiday baking)1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground ginger1/8 teaspoon ground cloves1/8 teaspoon powdered cardamompinch freshly grated nutmeg InstructionsFall Spice BlendMake the Fall Spice Blend first by measuring and blending all the spices together, stir well. You won’t use it all, I like to make a double batch to have for another recipe.Make the Gingerbread Pumpkin Almond DrizzleIn a sauce pan combine all ingredients except the almond butter, stir until well blended.Simmer on low for 1-2 minutes, this helps the spices to be more fragrant.Stir in the almond butter until well blended.Simmer 1-2 minutes longer.Remove from heat. Stir occasionally until cooled.Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, in Freezer up to 1 month.Put together the Gingerbread Pumpkin Nachos up to 1 hour prior to serving.Cut apples in 4 pieces, remove the core and slice thin. I like to use my mandolin. Toss sliced apples in 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to prevent browning.The apples arrange easier if you fan out and place each quarter after it is cut, your "nacho-look" goes together much easier...trust me! lol! Arrange apples in a circle, overlapping from the outside to the middle, like nachos. For a small party 2 medium apples will be plenty. Use 4 medium apples for an event. Use some of your Gingerbread Pumpkin Almond Drizzle around the bottom of the bottom layer of apples to help the next layer hold a little better. Drizzle apples with Gingerbread Pumpkin Almond Drizzle. Sprinkle with toppings, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and crystalized ginger. NotesI made two batches of this for two events on the same day.  One held overnight and all day and it was great! For the smaller event I used a salad plate and 2 medium sized apples. For the larger potluck event I used a dinner sized plate and 4 medium apples. Everyone loved this Gingerbread Apple Nachos!  Try it and if you do, post #gingerbreadapplenachos #benourished4life on your post! Fall Spice Blend from Tadka Pasta https://tadkapasta.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/full-flavored-fall-spiced-peanut-butter/ [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 13, 2018Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce SEE RECIPE NOTES PRIOR TO MAKING Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce Creamy Vegan Cashew Alfredosauce is To.Die.For. Seriously folks, when my friend Nancy and I first made this Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce we just wanted to eat the whole batch of sauce right there with a spoon.  My husband Phil loves it..so if Phil loves it anyone will! Health Bonus! Interesting article on Cashews and colon cancer patients…this was the only type of cancer studied…but why not everyone else? https://meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu/news/2017-05-17/can-cashews-keep-colon-cancer-patients-alive Zoodles Alfredo   Spiralize Zucchini (you could also grate or slice if you don’t have a spiralizer) Saute zucchini, mushrooms or any other veggies you want to add. Add fresh cherry tomatoes or sun dried tomatoes. Top with fresh basil Enjoy!   This Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce is a beneficial fat, and very versatile and freezes well. You can use it as an alfredo or you can thin it out and use it for a cream-based soup such as Chicken Korma or Creamy Broccoli or Cauliflower soup. It would also make a good Mac and Cheese with gluten free pasta. It’s also the base for your beef stroganoff. This recipe could be used as the sauce for Dairy Free Beef Stroganoff Sautee Grass Fed Beef in Coconut Oil or a high quality olive oil. Add these spices to the Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce: fresh thyme pinch nutmeg grated ground paprika cayenne pepper Add the spices and Simmer sauce on low heat, add coconut milk or broth to thin.   This recipe could be used for Chicken Korma For chicken Korma, add to Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce Full Fat Coconut Milk to desired soup-like consistency. If this is a new flavor to you … the curry powder, garam masala and red chili powder will make it spicy  adjust flavors according to your level of spice. Add to your soup: 1 tsp Coriander, powder 1/2 tsp Ginger, root 1/4 tsp Black pepper 1 tsp raw local honey 1/2 tsp Cardamom, ground 1/4 tsp Cinnamon 2 tsp Yellow Curry powder 3/4 tsp Garam masala 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1/4 tsp Red chili powder (makes it spicy) 1 1/4 tsp Salt 1 tsp Turmeric ADD: Veggies such as carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower Chunks of COOKED free range organic chicken breast Use for Dairy Free Mac & Cheese Use gluten free noodles or organic noodles if you don’t need to be gluten free.   Cook Gluten Free Noodles Thin Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce with coconut milk to desired consistency. Top with gluten free bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.   How About Zucchini Avocado Eggs Benedict (one of my favs) Sauté sliced or shredded zucchini Top with mashed avocado Top with slice of fresh tomato Top with egg cooked your way – use pastured organic eggs Top with Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce   Cashew Creamy Gravy & Mashed Potatoes For gravy Eliminate Nutritional Yeast from Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce You can substitute Organic Beef Better Than Bouillon or Vegetarian Better Than Boullion Serve over organic mashed potatoes mashed with organic butter and organic whole cream for Keto. Really Yummy Curry Sauce – Do It Yourself Yumm Bowl One of my favorite bowls To Make Really Yummy Curry Sauce Use the original Cashew Curry Recipe and add: 1 1/2 teaspoons organic yellow curry sauce 1 teaspoon dry oregano or 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano 1 teaspoon dry cilantro or coriander – or 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro Build Your Really Yummy Bowl Layers (layer in this order quinoa first, then work your way down) make it look pretty! Smile at your food! 1/2 cup cooked quinoa Angel Hair shredded cabbage shredded carrots Sliced cucumbers Sliced avocado Chopped tomato or cherry tomato 1/2 cup black beans 1 Tablespoon black olives Top with 2 Tablespoons Really Yummy Curry Sauce Pico de gallo or salsa Chopped cilantro Chopped green onions The Possibilities are Limitless Substitute this Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce for any creamy cheese sauce in your recipes. Thank you Vegan 8 for this great recipe!  Some of the ingredients have been changed and Adapted, however this recipe is originally from http://thevegan8.com/2013/12/28/vegan-garlic-alfredo-sauce Print Recipe Creamy Dairy Free Cashew Alfredo Sauce SEE NOTES PRIOR TO MAKING. This sauce is a beneficial fat, and very versatile and freezes well. You can use it as an alfredo or you can thin it out and use it for a cream-based soup such as Chicken Korma or Creamy Broccoli or Cauliflower soup. It would also make a good Mac and Cheese with gluten free pasta. It’s also the base for your beef stroganoff.http://thevegan8.com/2013/12/28/vegan-garlic-alfredo-sauce Some of the ingredients have been changed and Adapted, however this recipe is from Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time10 minutes minsTotal Time12 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 people Calories: Ingredients1 medium organic sweet yellow onion chopped1-2 cups water filtered3 teaspoons Organic Chicken Better Than Bouillon1/2 teaspoon fine pink Himalayan salt1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes4 extra large garlic cloves minced1/2 cup unsalted raw cashews Soak in water overnight1-2 tablespoons real lemon juice1/4 cup Sari nutritional yeast or more to taste InstructionsSoak the cashews in water overnight. This is extremely important to a creamy sauce., Drain the cashews before blending.Cook the onion and 1 cup of broth over medium heat for about 8 minutes until onion is very tender (cover pan and watch so the broth doesn’t boil away before the onion is cooked. You want to be able to mash it with a fork.) Add the garlic cloves, continue cooking until all the garlic is mashable. Add broth as needed, so it doesn’t burn but the broth should be cooked out…no more liquid, just a “mashable” cooked onion and garlic.Put onion & garlic in high speed blender or magic bullet.Add ½ cup broth and cashews, lemon juice and nutritional yeast.Blend on high until very creamy.Add more broth to desired consistency and salt and red pepper or white pepper to taste. If you are making a soup thin with more broth or coconut oil to soup consistency.Sauce will thicken in fridge or freezer. .Thin to desired consistency with broth or coconut milk. Thicker for an Alfredo sauce, Beef Stroganoff sauce or Mac & Cheese sauce. Thinner for soup. NotesExcellent diary free cheese sauce substitute. Only buy Sari brand nutritional yeast. It is a natural product and full of nutrients; which is why it is more expensive. Order from Amazon for best price. https://amzn.to/2CHBIXA Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken base does not have MSG and is Gluten Free Does Organic Better Than Bouillon have MSG? https://www.foodrenegade.com/decoding-labels-better-than-bouillon/ “Better Than Bouillon concentrated bases are made from meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables. This gives them a richer, more robust flavor than ordinary bouillons. No added MSG, low or no fat, lower sodium: Better Than Bouillon bases have 1/3 less salt than ordinary bouillons.” Notes from original recipe creator: It is not recommended to sub or eliminate any of these ingredients, as I cannot vouch for the results if any are changed. The lemon juice is crucial, as it eliminates any cashew flavor. Also, if you don't have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, it is crucial to pre-soak the cashews so they soften and the sauce ends up smooth and creamy, and not gritty. Drain them and rinse after soaking. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 7, 2018Print Recipe Vegan Nut Basil Pesto 2 cups fresh basil or a combination of basil and baby spinach ½ cup raw almonds, walnuts or cashews ½ cup good quality olive oil 2-4 cloves of garlic 1 squeeze lemon juice 1-2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time5 minutes minsTotal Time20 minutes mins Servings: 4 People Calories: Ingredients2 cups fresh basil or a combination of basil and baby spinach1/2 cup raw almonds walnuts or cashews1/2 cup good quality olive oil start with less2-4 cloves garlic1 teaspoon lemon juice or to taste1-2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast InstructionsSoak nuts in purified water overnight. Drain water.Use an s-blade in a food processor to create the pesto in this orderGarlicNutsBasil/spinachAdd olive oil, lemon juice and nutritional yeast and blend well. NotesZucchini noodles tossed in Vegan Pesto with Cherry Tomatoes and Sundried Tomatoes Use 1 zucchini per person. Basil Pesto recipe will cover 4 medium zucchinis. Serve with a tossed salad with an Italian vinaigrette and roasted veggies or green beans. Spiralize Zucchini, use serve raw or sauté in 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Toss noodles in Pesto and Cherry tomatoes and sundried tomatoes. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJune 10, 2018Refreshing Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free   Refreshing Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free is a good choice for a side salad with 2 handfuls of leafy greens. Tabooli, a mid-eastern salad, was one of the first “new” foods I tried in my first detox.  The doctor I worked for, Craig Roles, DC at Green Valley Chiropractic, and his wife Suzy, took great delight in introducing me and other staff members to new foods.  He ordered an authentic Greek meal from the deli across the street and I was hooked! How about this for a cooling summer meal? Quinoa makes it gluten free! I discovered during that detox that my body does not tolerate wheat, so I created this recipe with Quinoa, which is equally delish! Refreshing Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free is not only a refreshing salad with lots of textures and flavors, it has some interesting nutritional value.   Quiona is actually a seed and is moderately aklaine.  Quinoa is an excellent protein and fiber as well. Parsley, the star of Tabooli, is a Super Food! It supports digestion, detoxes heavy metals.  Parsley is known to be effective against skin cancer and breast cancer due to the high content of an antioxidant flavanoid, myricetin. (1)/(2) What is an antioxidant anyway?   Antioxidants are cells produced by your body and found in food and plants that protect the cells and reverse cell damage by settling free radicals and oxidation.  Free radicals are cells that are out of balance, I recently heard our AIM microbiologist, Phillip Jerman, call free radicals “angry cells”. Free radical cells, aka “oxidation” are out of balance because they have lost neurons that keep them balanced.  Free radicals tend to bounce around and damage other cells.  Antioxidants are super hero cells containing an unlimited amount of neurons.  They are happy to give the free radicals a neuron to settle them down and help them to function normally.  Antioxidants typically have an unlimited amount of neurons to share. I’m sure you’ve read about antioxidant drinks, formulas, vitamins, etc.  However, the best source of antioxidants are whole foods.  You can tell an antioxidant food by its color. An antioxidant will be brightly colored with the color going completely through the food.  For instance, tomatoes are red all the way through, they are an antioxidant, as are berries, citrus, greens and broccoli.  Radishes, zucchinni and apples are an example of nutritious foods that are not high in antioxidants; the color is on the outside but not the inside. The parsley and lemon juice and basil and mint and tomatoes in Refreshing Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free are all antioxidant foods, making this a great choice for overall health and to protect your skin in the summer sun. Get your antioxidants the easy way The AIM Garden Trio are three juice powders that are high in antioxidants and enzymes, made up of the juice of young Barley grass, carrot juice and beet juice.  The Garden Trio provides the nutrients of 5 pounds of vegetable juice, replete with enzymes and antioxidants to alkalize, nourish and protect your body.  The best part about the Garden Trio is how easy it is to make.  Just add the juice powders to a shaker cup with water, drink and rinse out your cup…takes about 30 seconds to get an entire day of vegetable nutrition.  The AIM Garden Trio is part of our daily nutrition. Chef’s Tip To serve Refreshing Quiona Tabooli Gluten Free in a bowl, line the boal with lettuce leaves, add the Tabooli and garnish with pitted olives and a sprig of parsley. For a unique appetizer, fill romaine hearts with Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free, garnish with chopped greek olives and some crunchy quinoa.     “Greek Tapas”  For a refreshing appetizer on a hot day fill small plates with with hummus, pita and cucumber chips and Quinoa Tabooli.  If you want to be completely gluten free sub the pita chips for colorful mini peppers. This recipe was first published in our book Wonderfully Well, How We Lost 132 Pounds and Helped Our Bodies Heal, available on amazon.com.     Sources (1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014640/ (2) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284490.php   SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe Quinoa Tabooli Gluten Free A flavorful gluten free version of traditional Tabooli you will love. Cancer protective, high in antioxidants, refreshing and flavorful. Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time15 minutes minsTotal Time30 minutes mins Servings: 4 people Calories: IngredientsSalad2 cups organic quinoa cooked (cook a big batch and freeze in one cup increments1 sprig fresh basil fresh, chopped1 bunch fresh parsley chopped3 green onions chopped1 medium organic cucumber chopped2-3 Tablespoons mint leaves chopped1/2 cup pitted greek olives pitted and chopped4 leaves Romaine lettuce washedDressing1 clove garlic minced1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice1/4 cup olive oil high qualityCeltic sea salt or Himalayan Pink salt to tasteGround White Pepper to taste InstructionsCover quinoa with water and set aside for 30 minutes, rinse well and cook Quinoa according to package directions Using a food processor with the S Blade, Chop parsley and basil, and mint, add garlic and pulse to a fine chop. Add cucumber, and green onion, pulse until cucumber and green onions are chopped. Add Greek Olives, chop slightly.Pour chopped ingredients into a large bowl. Add sliced cherry tomatoes. Add cooked quinioa. Add lemon juice and olive oil. NotesBe sure to only pulse the food processor a few times when adding each food.  You want to chop it not pulverize or liquify it. No Food Processor?  No Worries!  These ingredients can also be chopped with a knife and cutting board. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisApril 21, 2018Alkaline Mango Avocado Salad Eating Alkaline sounds hard but this Alkaline Mango Avocado Salad makes it easy!  This salad is a perfect example.  No cooking, very little cutting, you can make the dressing in this recipe or you can use your favorite organic purchased dressing. Look at the yummy and also healthy and alkalizing ingredients in this salad…don’t be afraid to add other favorites if you like! Leafy Greens Avocado Mango Red Onion Tomatoes Cucumbers Quinoa Why this Mango Avocado Salad is good for you Leafy Greens The base of the salad is leafy greens, try to have 2-4 handfuls for one person.  You can use baby spinach, romaine, leafy greens – you know – spring mix, mixed baby greens with kale, swiss chard, raddico, etc … please don’t use iceberg lettuce, no nutrition there. In addition to being high in fiber (you should have 30-45 grams per day), Kale is rated #1000 on the nutrient density scale (highest possible)  Learn more about Kale here:   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38 Do your leafy greens get slimy before you use them?  Ours last up to 2 weeks!  Watch our Salad Bar Box video to learn how we store them.  You can get that by filling in the pop up box when you are on our website! Avocado Avocado is another must-have food!  It can be an acquired taste, Phil and I once hated avocado…but that was when we were eating junk food.  You can get used to the taste and texture of avocados in yummy treats like our Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Cherry Mousse recipe. Avocado is one of the highest enzyme counts of all foods, so you really should not cook them; asparagus is another high enzyme food. Why not cook avocados? Enzymes are the construction crew of the food.  They take apart the nutrients and put them to work in the body.  Which is why I frrrreeeek out when I see recipes to cook avocado.  It’s murder! You are killing the most beneficial part of the food.  According to Dr. Johanna Budwig, creator of the Budwig diet – a cancer therapy – enzymes in avocados actually break up cancer cells!  Read more about the Budwig Diet here. Mango Mangos are not only yummy but also very alkalizing…so this salad is SUPER ALKALINE!  Which is helpful to keep your skin clear, cholesterol down, bones strong, etc.  Phil, my husband surprised me by saying “I love mangos” when we saw them on sale for 59 cents each … at Aldi’s!  We bought 6 and thus, this salad.  I also love to add mango to smoothies, pico de gallo, and of course just munch on one for a snack.  Learn more about the health benefits of mangos. The other ingredients are also healthy … but let’s just get this made!  It will take you about 15 minutes to create this salad for 4 people!  Get out your ingredients and your mandoline, knife and cutting board….and get cutting! Oh and the dressing…A-Mazing…it was inspired by Pioneer Woman’s Fajita Marinade. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/beef-fajitas/   SaveSave Print Recipe Alkaline Mango Avocado Salad A beautiful and tasty salad full of benefical fats that will make your tastebuds say Thanks! Prep Time15 minutes minsTotal Time15 minutes mins Servings: 4 people Calories: IngredientsSouthwest Lime Dressing1/2 cup top quality extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil3 Tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids or Coconut Aminos (soy free)3 cloves garlic to taste1 Tablespoon ground cumin1 Tablespoon organic chili powder to taste1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or taste, could use white pepper1 teaspoon celtic sea or pink salt1 Tablespoon raw local honey (for less sugar use half honey and add liquid stevia to tasteSalad2 whole avocados sliced2 whole mangos sliced1 whole red onion sliced 2 handfuls leafy greens per person1/2 bunch cilantro chopped into salad2 cans organic black beans drained1 cup cooked Quinoa divided InstructionsToss greens in a small amount of salad dressing until lightly coveredTop greens by layering 1/4 cup quinoa, 1/2 cup black beans, sliced red onion, top with sliced mango and sliced avocadoGarnish with cilantro and a drizzle of dressing NotesYou can make this less spicey by putting less chili powder and replacing the red pepper flakes with ground white pepper. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 27, 2018Cucumber Sprout Bites I love cucumbers and I love sprouts and I LOVE this combination.  It takes less than 3 minutes to create and clean up…then sit and enjoy these crunchy yummy Cucumber Sprout Bites, vegan goodness! Going Gluten Free often means doing without crunchy snacks, especially if rice crackers don’t float your boat.  With Cucumber Sprout Bites you get crunchy with enzymes and protein. And the sprouts… Sprouts are an incredible powerhouse of nutrition!  The Cucumber Sprout Bites have approximately 2 Tablespoons of Sprouts, you’ll notice these are Clover and Radish.  The entire nutrition the plant will ever hold is found in the sprouts.  So when you consider those 2 Tablespoons as full clover and radish plants, you get ALOT of nutrition in a few bites. I love hummus, this one was a spicy jalapeno cilantro hummus; my fav.  If you don’t like hummus you could do a guacamole instead…or sometimes I make homeade Kefir Cheese and the herbed version would be good.  How about a nut cheese?  The possibilities are limitless! These 4 Cucumber Sprout bites provide 82 calories 6 grams carbohydrate 2 grams of vegan protein 5 grams beneficial fat 2 grams fiber 2 grams sugar (all from food-not added) Compare to 5 Ritz Crackers and 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese 265 calories 12 grams carbohydrate 5 grams of animal protein 23 grams non-beneficial fat 0 grams fiber 3 grams sugar (all from food-not added) WOW!  I was shocked too…so the obvious choice if you are on a fat removal program…Cucumber Sprout Bites. Enjoy! Print Recipe Cucumber Sprout Bites This 3 minute snack is crunchy, flavorful and packed with nutrition. Make a mini-plate for yourself or serve as appetizers at an event or potluck. Prep Time3 minutes minsTotal Time3 minutes mins Servings: 1 person Calories: Ingredients1/3 cup Fresh cucumbers sliced2 Tablespoons organic hummus2 Tablespoons Sprouts2 cherry tomatoes cut in half InstructionsSlice cucumbers in equal sizes. Divide 2 Tablespoons of your favorite hummus between the cucumber slices Divide 2 Tablespoons of your favorite sprouts between the cucumber/hummus rounds. You can grow your own sprouts...it's simple! Or you can purchase them at your local health food grocery store. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 23, 2018German Chocolate Brain Bombs These healthy sweet treats truly are “The Bomb” for flavor, texture, a feeling of satisfaction AND they are good for you!  Really good for you. This recipe is an adaptation of a protein bar recipe from one of my students, Bonnie Troxel.  Bonnie made these for her monthly Living Well party here in Franklin, TN.  The ladies in her group LOVED them and for many, they became an everyday treat.  Some of the ladies made them for a weekend getaway and accidentally dropped them in the driveway…so they lovingly call them “Driveway Balls”.  Lol… I made a few changes to the original recipe to up the nutrient content and reduce the sugar content and these German Chocolate Brain Bombs have been popular for several years, even among non-healthy eaters. Why are German Chocolate Brain Bombs Good for You? Raw Chocolate Raw (Chocolate) Cacao has tons of health benefits.  I remember the first time I tasted raw cacao, or raw choclate.  Tim and Tiffany were students of mine and Tim found the raw chocoate on the web and brought me some to try.  Back in those days (2006) it was $32.00 US per pound!  Twice what you can buy it for today. Nutrition of 28 pounds of Leafy Greens WHAT???? That’s right Princess Leia…28 pounds of Leafy Greens along with 3 more types of Cocoa. I’m telling you these German Chocolate Brain Bombs are a nutritional powerhouse!  One (2 cookie) serving provides you with approximately one pound of leafy green nutrition. Order Cocoa LeafGreens Here: https://tinyurl.com/brainbombs  84 cents for 1 delicious serving that contains the vegetable nutrition of 5 pounds of healing leafy greens, 5 cups of cancer protecting broccoli sprouts and 3 types of the best antioxidant God made, cocoa, including raw cacao. “The benefits of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health are well established and for the general population a daily intake of 200 mg of cocoa flavanols is starting to emerge as a potential target within the context of a balanced diet,” says Dr. Alonso-Alonso. Non-GMO Alkalizing Pea Protein Powder ProPeas protein powder provides 24 grams of protein in this recipe; the equivalent of an entire chicken breast.  This alkalizing, non-GMO protein powder is also hypo-allergenic, nut free, soy free and gluten free.  ALL AIM products are tested to be sure they are pesticide and herbicide free, and clean of 300 pathogens. Proteins in our diet affect brain performance because they provide the amino acids (simply put, protein is made of amino acids) that make up our neurotransmitters. Think of neurotransmitters as biochemical messengers whose job it is to carry signals from one brain cell to another. Almond Butter in German Chocolate Brain Bombs ProvideBeneficial Fats and Nutrients. Almonds provide many health benefits, and when it comes to your brain, Almonds are the most concentrated food source of Vitamine E – a vital nutrient for improved memory In one study, participants who received vitamin E improved statistically and clinically in some memory and verbal measures, while participants who received a placebo did not. 1/4 cup of almonds or hazelnuts packs in nearly 50% of the RDA for vitamin E. Raw Local Honey “As females age, they become vulnerable to the decline of estrogen  in their body, which has an adverse cognitive impact on verbal learning and memory. In 2011, a 16-week experiment conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia found that post-menopausal women who received honey showed improvements in their concentration and immediate memory power.” Coconut Oil “Coconut Oil MCTs can help with memory loss and memory disorders. When given to adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), they experienced significant improvement in memory recall within 90 minutes of taking their first dose. (41) Depression Coconut oil can be as effective for depression as prescription antidepressant medications, without the side effects. Researchers attribute this success to coconut oil’s unique combination of medium-chain fatty acids and antioxidants. (42) Cognitive Declinein Dogs(really!) A fairamount of research has been done on MCT oil and cognitive decline in dogs. (43, 44, 45) You can now buy dog food with MCTs to keep those doggie brains sharp. Anxiety and ADHD It’s not hard to find a plethora of anecdotal evidence that coconut oil helps conditions such as ADHD and anxiety. But I haven’t found actual research studies to back this up. What is known for sure is that the alternative — seed-based vegetable oils — are bad for your brain and mental well-being.” https://bebrainfit.com/coconut-oil-benefits-brain/ Chia Seeds “Antioxidants have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and attack bad cholesterol, both of which may improve memory. It seems there is enough information to back up the claim that chia seeds do in fact help your memory, or at least prevent disease.” Flax Seeds “The Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) in flax seed is the source of Omega 3 fatty acids. A key one is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). This fatty acid is crucial to brain function and often deficient in modern people. DHA is important for brain development in children, for calming in the face of stress, for mental acuity and memory. Having enough of it makes one calmer, smarter and may prevent the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.” Oats “When it comes to brain food, oatmeal is at the top of the list of foods recommended by top health and fitness experts. It provides the glucose you need to fuel your body, but it spreads it out over a longer-period, as opposed to the short-term roller-coaster effects of other sugary foods.” Resources Pea Protein: https://memory.foundation/2012/02/14/why-your-brain-needs-protein/ Honey: (Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, Vol. 18, 2011) http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-boosts-brain-function.html Chia Seeds: https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/brain-health/chia-seeds.html Oats: http://brainathlete.com/oatmeal-good- brain/ SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe German Chocolate Brain Bombs Prep Time15 minutes minsTotal Time15 minutes mins Servings: 36 cookies Calories: IngredientsDry Ingredients1 cup toasted coconut unsweetened1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Oats1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill ground organic golden flax seed2 Tablespoons AIM Cocoa LeafGreens2 Tablespoons Nativas Raw Cacao or cocoa powder1 Tablespoons Chia Seeds2 scoops ProPeas vegan protein powder3 Tablespoons Raw Cacao Nibs2 Tablespoons chopped Pecans save for toppingWet Ingredients1/2 cup almond butter can sub sunflower butter for nut free1/4 cup melted Coconut Oil extra virgin unrefined1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract1/4 cup raw local honey InstructionsNote: I use my Ninja Food Processor to mix this. It can also be done in a stand mixer with the paddle or by hand.Toast 2/3 cup Coconut in skillet (see how to toast coconut below).Put the remaining coconut in a small bowl or plate for topping, add the 2 Tablespoons chopped Pecans.Add Wet ingredients to coconut and stir well. (nut butter, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, blend well.Stir in dry ingredients, blend well. (Save pecans for topping).Make into balls. I use a small cookie scoop and cut the ball in half so two balls from each cookie scoop. NotesIf you prefer flat cookies, just scoop your dough in a cookie scoop and flatten into a circle. Freeze or store in refrigerator for one month. How to Toast Coconut in a Skillet Burns easily...no multi-tasking here! Preheat a medium sized skillet for 30 seconds. Add coconut and stir while over medium heat for 1-3 minutes until coconut started to brown. Remove from heat. Continue to stir in the pan until lightly browned. How to Toast Coconut in Oven Preheat oven to 350 degrees Using a cookie sheet with sides, spread coconut in a thin layer. It is important for the cookie sheet to have sides to avoid spilling it everywhere. Bake coconut for 1 minute, stir or shake the pan. Put in another minute Watch the coconut carefully...I leave the oven door open. It toasts quickly as it is high in beneficial fats. NOTE: It is OK to toast more than you need and keep in freezer. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 12, 2018Alkaline 3 Minute Salad When you begin to change to a healthier diet you often get SICK OF SALAD…right?  Lol.  I understand.  BEFORE we become aware of the importance of real food, we think of a salad as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, oh yeah and smother that with ranch dressing.  As my husband Phil used to say… I’ll have lots of blue cheese please; like my lettuce is coming up for air for the last time. Eat Veggies, lots of them! When you think of eating more veggies and especially more RAW veggies you balk…I can’t do salads all the time.  Take heart, there IS a solution…explore other raw veggie options. This trick is awesome because you can pick up already prepared veggies from the produce aisle, buy an organic bottled dressing and mix together, a simple, tasty different type of salad…trust me you’ll love it. I call it the 3 minute salad because that’s how long it takes to cut open the bag of veggies, open a bottle of organic salad dressing and mix them together.  If you purchase veggies that are “hard” as opposed to “soft” the veggies will soften up and have the texture of cooked veggies in a few hours, after you allow them to marinate in the dressing. So here are some tips… It’s always better to buy organic veggies…HOWEVER…if you can only buy non-organic, do it!  IF you have cancer definitely go for organic as much as possible, preferably totally organic.  But, again, a bag of non-organic veggies beats a fast food meal anytime.   This is a bag of non-organic veggies (the organic ones were gone because we have a threat of snow here in the south so the entire store was a shambles of empty shelves).  This bag of veggies cost $2.99. THROW AWAY THE SAUCE IN THE BAG…. YES I AM YELLING… THROW AWAY THE SAUCE…IT’S JUST A BUNCH OF TOXIC CHEMICALS. DID YOU THROW AWAY THE SAUCE? ….Open the bag and throw away the sauce.  Whew…thank you. Put the veggies in a large bowl you can cover with a lid or some kind of wrap. Now for the hard part…the dressing!   I used an organic Asian dressing I had at home.  You can find them at any grocery store.  Often I make my own dressing because dressings, even organic ones, tend to have a lot of soy products in them. I like Panera’s food so I decided to try their bottled dressing.  It does have soy in it and I’m sure it is genetically modified soy…so I probably won’t buy it again. Choosing a healthy bottled salad dressing – Read the ingredients   You can see this dressing has soybean oil and dried cane syrup and some herbs.  Rosemary extract is an anti-microbial natural preservative some food manufacturers use in place of toxic chemical preservatives like EDTA and MSG.  So over all it’s a better choice.  The dressing does containe Cane Sugar, however, it is a small amount with less than 1 tsp per 2 Tablespoons.  Food Babe has a good article on chemical preservatives. Drizzle – Not Dump! You really don’t need very much dressing.  Drizzle it over the top of the veggies and toss well.  Drizzle enough so that all veggies are covered. When you are ready to serve the salad toss again and serve over leafy greens.  Shredded angel hair cabbage, which you can also purchase prepared, is a good option too. If you want an asian flavor add some toasted sesame seeds and a mandarin orange (cutie or halo) or two.  You can also add 2-3 oz of pasture raised chicken or turkey.  Top with the Thai Golden Dragon Sauce and add some chopped cilantro and toasted pumpkin seeds. The Thai Golden Dragon Sauce is what makes the salad so don’t leave it out…it’s quick and easy to make; add it to your shopping list. THIS ALKALINE 3 MINUTE SALAD IS THE BOMB! You will love it.  If you are vegan or vegetarian skip the chicken and add your favorite white bean or chick pea OR a handful of cashews is also yummy. Prefer Italian over Asian? For an Italian Alkaline 3 Minute Salad, use an organic Balsamic vinaigrette, add perperoncini, artichoke hearts and your favorite olive.  Use fresh Italian parsley instead of cilantro.  Drop the Avocado and use some organic raw feta.  Add organic cherry tomatoes when serving and serve over crisp Romaine lettuce. I’d love to hear your version….     SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe 3-Minute Salad Bagged veggies and an organic salad dressing, throw in some nuts, seeds, and avocado and mandarin oranges and you'll think you died and went to Panera. Prep Time3 minutes minsTotal Time3 minutes mins Servings: 2 people Calories: Ingredients1 bag stir fry veggies organic is best1 avocado sliced or chopped2 mandarin oranges separated into slices1 red onion thinly sliced optional2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds2 Tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds1/4 cup cashews optionalDressing1 bottle Asian Dressing organic is best1 recipe Thai Golden Dragon Sauce This is a peanut-type sauce made from almond butter1-2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped InstructionsPour veggies in a large bowl Toss with salad dressing Cover to marinateTo serveToss veggies again to cover with dressing Serve over leafy greens Top with avocado slices, orange slices, seseame seeds, pumpkin seeds and Golden Dragon Sauce. Add slices of organic chicken or turkey If Vegan add cashews or your favorite bean. Garnish with Chopped Cilantro.Recipe for Thai Golden Dragon Sauce Ingredients: Raw Almond Butter Pineapple VeriTeriyaki Sauce Braggs Amino Acids or Coconut Aminos Sriracha Sauce [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJanuary 10, 2018My Go-To Kitchen Tools If you were hiring me to personally mentor you, one-on-one, in healthy eating, the first place we would start is making sure you have the right equipment to do the job; My Go-To Kitchen Tools. You see, when you start creating your own food, and especially if you are eating Alkaline, which means lots of veggies and fruits, you must invest in some good kitchen tools.  Otherwise you will burn out; like building a house with a kids hammer would be impossible, trying to create healthy meals without the right tools is…discouraging at best. I’ve been creating healthy, alkaline meals since 2005 and these are my go-to kitchen tools.  I use them at least weekly and some of them daily. Add a One Tool at a Time You don’t have to purchase my go-to kitchen tools all at once, I’ve given you the “immediate must haves” and the “nice to have” as well.  “Must haves” will make or break your ability to do this long term.  “Nice to have” makes the job even easier. My Go-To Kitchen Tools I don’t like to have a bunch of “machines” taking up space in my kitchen.  Below are links to my main kitchen tools. Must Have – Xyliss Salad Spinner:  You cannot be without this one. I’ve had 2 salad spinners in the past 20 years and both were Xyliss.  Why?  I’ve used other brands at my student’s homes and friends homes and they just are weak and ineffective compared to the Xyliss. Nice to Have – Ninja Kitchen:  When the Ninja first came out I was not impressed.  However, Ninja products have definitely become worthy competitors of more expensive VitaMix and Blend Tech.  What I love is that you have one base with all the tools you’ll ever need.  I use the food processor and the smoothie cup the most with this tool.  It’s definitely the most expensive but so worth it to have one power base with lots of different options.  You can also get a Ninja Kitchen with a spiralizer. Must Have – Veggetti Spiralizer:  “As seen on TV”, lol… this is so simple, easy to store and I often grab it to do my zucchini or cucumbers.  Bonus- it’s only about $10 bucks! Honestly, it’s really not strong enough for harder veggies like carrots.  I love it. Must Have – Mandolin I use pretty much every day.  Grab a carrot, onion, cucumber, pepper, a few quick slides over the mandolin and your salad is ready. Must Have – 2 Sharp Knives: If you are going to eat alkaline you need 2 knives; a big one to cut up cabbage, carrots, etc. and a smaller one for tomatoes and chopping, etc.  You can spend ALOT of $$ on good knives.  If you do, be sure to learn how to sharpen them; because knives have to be sharpened. Must Have – Magic Bullet is the least expensive high speed blender.  If you are going to make smoothies, salad dressings, etc and don’t want the expense of the Ninja Kitchen invest in a Magic Bullet.  Mine lasted for 7 years and I used it daily. Nice to Have – Cut Resistant Gloves will make a difference long-term.  The more you use sharp knives the more you are likely to cut yourself.  These gloves are very protective.   Xyliss Salad Spinner Ninja Kitchen System with spiralizer, food processor, high speed blender and smoothie cup (like a magic bullet) Vegetti Spiralizer Gourmia Stainless Steel Mandolin.  The only mandoline I’ve ever used is just like this one.  They don’t make my brand any longer.  What I love about it..  This has a built in adjustable blade so you don’t have some big box of blades sitting around.  Reviews also say it is very sharp; which is good, however, watch your fingers! Magic Bullet Cut Resistant Gloves Affliliate Disclosure: I am an amazon affiliate, if you decide to purchase one of these products through Amazon, I would love for you to purchase by clicking on the picture and going through my link.  I only recommend products I use; every little bit helps to keep this blog going. SaveSave Print Recipe My Go-To Kitchen Tools Servings: 0 Calories: [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisDecember 30, 2017Flourless Gingerbread Cookies I was walking through our Franklin, Tennessee Sprouts just before Christmas…picking up a few staples for our Christmas celebration.  I stopped by the check out stand to ask where the coconut oil was … I couldn’t find it!  A lady in line called me over, as if she had an important secret to share. “Go up by the produce section to the holiday baking section and get some of this almond butter…it’s amazing and it’s on sale for only 99 cents.”  I thanked her and walked up to find this great deal.  There were several jars of this “Gingerbread” almond butter.  I love gingerbread but I wasn’t too sure about gingerbread flavored almond butter.  I checked the sugar content..10 grams for 2 Tablespoons.  Not too bad. I picked up 2 jars for 99 cents each…a real steal for almond butter.     I love to make flourless almond butter cookies when we need a quick sweet treat…so I decided to try it with the gingerbread almond butter. Score!  These are amazing…they have a real gingerbread bite with no flour of any kind! I did add about a 1/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal just for fun but you don’t really need it. Gingerbread cookies of any kind have a special place in my heart.  My great grandma “MeMaw” and I made gingerbread men for several years when I was a child.  The smell of baking gingerbread brings back warm and loving memories.     These flourless gingerbread almond butter cookies are chewy, they have that nice mouth feel when you bite into them and very satifsying..you don’t have to eat a bunch of them.  The good-fat-almond-butter helps you not to crave the whole pan.   This recipe makes about 10 good sized cookies.  I use a small cookie scoop. They should appear too soft when you remove them from the oven.  Let them sit on the pan for a few minutes after you take them out for the bottom to finish cooking. This recipe made 10 cookies…but I did eat some of the dough…lol. I love cookie dough, don’t you? Special Ingredients… These cookies are made with a little Molasses…one of my favorite syrups.  Is Molasses good for you?  Check it out. AND coconut sugar – resulting in the nice chewy texture. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe Chewy Flourless Gingerbread Cookies Soft, Chewy, flourless gingerbread cookies. The perfect blend of sweet, savory and warm comfort with healthy ingredients. Prep Time5 minutes minsCook Time10 minutes minsTotal Time17 minutes mins Servings: 10 cookies Calories: Ingredients1 large egg (preferably organic and pasture raised)1/4 cup coconut sugar1 Tablespoon blackstrap molasses1 teaspoon baking soda1 cup Gingerbread Almond Butter (12 oz jar) InstructionsPut all ingredients in a stand mixer or your food processor, blend well. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Move to cooling rack. Dough can be frozen for 1 month and bake a few at a time. NotesCan't Find Gingerbread Almond Butter? Sub the Gingerbread almond butter for the following: 1 cup (12 oz jar) almond butter 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/16 (half of an 1/8th) teaspoon ground cloves 1/16 (1/2 of an 1/8th) teaspoon ground nutmeg **Taste the dough...if it is not sweet enough add 2 Tablespoons raw local honey or 100% real maple syrup and a few drops of stevia. Salt also brings out sweet flavor so you might want to add 1/2 teaspoon celtic or himalyan salt. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisDecember 18, 20172017 3 gifts Gift #1 Peace 2017 was a year of change and loss for Phil and I.  HUGE change and “perceived loss”…definitely the loss of peace for a few months.  In fact… I felt abandoned by God in some ways…where was He?  Why is he allowing this trial?  Why is this so hard?  And then… We allowed key people to speak into our lives and remind us that God is never surprised and while we make our plans, the Bible tells us “God directs our steps”. I had to surrender some things to God.  Things I clung to – as my right – since I was 12 years old!  Good Grief!  I’m 60…that is 48 years of holding on to silly childish thinking.  Do you find yourself holding on to anything? The most amazing thing happened when I finally said: “God, I give up my right in this area and I trust you.”  It was a literal hands-in-the-air, white-flag surrender… I suddenly had peace, and that kind of peace can’t be taken away.  The Bible calls it “Peace that passes understanding.” Download these scriptures on Peace With unrest in every country on the planet, unusual weather patterns, threats of earthquakes, wars, global warming and the economy.  Everyone is looking for peace.  The Bible tells us that even creation longs for God to step in and bring complete and total peace to this world. Why am I sharing this at Christmas?  Everyone is aware of the “religious” background for Christmas, right?  Whether you believe in God or follow Jesus Christ, Christmas has historically been a focus of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Well get this… Jesus is the Prince of Peace… Yes!  He has authority over the weather, over the animals, over people, over illness, even over death!  And when Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby, the angels told his parents to call him Immanuel.  Do you know what that means? God With Us. Remember Madonna’s song, “What if God was one of us”?  It’s not what if – God REALLY IS one of us..son of God and son of Man.  It’s mind-blowingly-hard to comprehend.  But it’s true. So our first gift to you is the Peace that Passes ALL Understanding…from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.   I have no idea who does nor does not believe in Jesus or even celebrates Christmas…but my gift is this…if you long for peace and can’t seem to find it, let’s talk!  I’m more than happy to listen, pray and share with you. Read More on the Peace of Jesus Christ.     [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisDecember 3, 2017Sushi Salad GF, DF, NSO, HF, HP, BF Your invited to a dinner or have company coming and your pressed for time…what to do?  You could stop by the deli or get a take out pizza, but this salad will be the hit of the party.  It’s healthy, beautiful, fresh, crunchy and savory all in one bite. I originally took a very large beautiful bowl of Sushi Salad to a ladies night out…it was the first dish to disappear, and I didn’t get any!  What was left? A counter of foods I don’t eat.  So I advise portion some out for yourself before putting it out. Healthy Fast Food for that special event…here’s the plan…. Grab a beautiful serving bowl and a set of tongs before you leave home.  Stop by the grocery and pick up the already prepared ingredients.  If you have time, make the salad dressing at home. If not, your grocery store will likely have an organic orange ginger vinaigrette Annie’s Organics has a great sesame ginger vinaigrette. Annies Naturals Organic Sesame Ginger Dressing If you purchase a dressing you can add some orange juice for an extra kick of flavor.  Make your own Orange Ginger Vinaigrette.       Sushi Salad is beautiful in a large bowl on the dinner table or individually plated.Talk about easy!  Take a picture of this recipe so you’ll have it on your phone when you are at the store. Sushi Salad and other proven recipes can be found in our recipe and healthy living primer, Wonderfully Well. Sushi Salad Quick Shopping List A box or bag of organic greens, a nice firm but ripe avocado, precooked wild caught salmon or smoked salmon from the Pacific Northwest (not farmed), an organic cucumber and some sliced or chopped red onion and your dressing.  You can find ALL these in the produce and deli sections at your at most local grocery chains…well except possibly Pigglywiggly, lol.   Add some crunch with a batch of Crunchy Quinoa to drizzle on top or even just a package of roasted pepitas. Add a Sushi Flavor, pick up some Nori chips or wraps, break them up and toss with the salad.  Anni Chunn has a tasty rice cracker Nori Chip.     Note: Some products listed in this post are affiliate links.  If you purchase through the link I will receive a very small commission. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe Sushi Salad This recipe is for 4 adults. Adjust ingredients for how many you will feed. Servings: 0 Calories: Ingredients1 ripe but not mushy avocado halved & sliced thin1 Cucumber sliced thin use your vegetable peeler to slice and curl1 1⁄2 Red Onion sliced thin12 oz Grilled or smoked salmon can be hot or cold1 recipe Orange Ginger Vinaigrette dressing1 box organic baby spinach or spring mix InstructionsReserve a few slices of cucumber, avocado and onion for garnish on the top. Toss greens and remaining veggies in 1/4 cup Orange Ginger Vinaigrette dressing and top with salmon and avocado. To make it beautiful, toss greens just before serving and arrange cucumber, onion, avocado and salmon on top. Make it better...top with Crunchy Quinoa. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisNovember 30, 20176 Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Risk of Parkinson’s Disease God provided me an amazing opportunity to have over 20 minutes of undivided attention with a Christian neurologist whose career focus is researching Parkinson’s Disease. Learn More at Digging Deeper Into Parkinson’s Disease What are the risks associated with developing Parkinson’s Disease? There are several reasons why this was such a great opportunity, however, the biggest reason is my personal family history of Parkinson’s – which ultimately took my grandmother’s life and her mind;  years before her death. Getting Older Now that I am 60…6-0…Six-TEE, I’m starting to be more aware of the aging process and looking at how my parents and grandparents age. The Mayo Clinic lists AGE as the number one risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.  Only 4% of all diagnoses are under the age of 50. Heredity While this is a risk factor, much research in the field of epi-gentics shows that you can reduce hereditary risk factors in any disease with diet and lifestyle improvements. Depression Extensive studies of thousands of participants at a Swedish university revealed those suffering from depression were 50% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.  I have to admit, the past two years I have not been as resolute in my wellness plans.  Grief, family loss and personal stress have filled my mind, putting a barrier between what I know I should do and ultimately doing it.  I know my grandmother experienced two traumatic events in the few years preceding her symptoms and she battled depression because of these two events.  See the article “Digging Deeper Into Parkinson’s Disease” for more info on this. Sex Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Exposure to Toxins This led me to research if there has been an increase in Parkinson’s Disease in the past 50 years.   A Mayo Clinic study: “Incidence rates of parkinsonism increased in men from 38.9 per 100,000 person-years between 1976 and 1985 to 55.9 between 1996 and 2005. Rates of PD increased in men from 18.2 between 1976 and 1985 to 30.4 between 1996 and 2005 and the increase was greater for men over 70 or older. No similar overall trends were seen for women, according to the results.”  Read More The study went on to discuss environmental and food toxicity as a possible link.  The Mayo Clinic lists Exposure to Toxins as the fourth contributor to the onset of Parkinson’s Disease.  Read Article What to do with all this information? I’ve been praying for several weeks about getting myself back on track, asking God to jump start me.  I truly believe this chance conversation with an extremely well-educated man was God’s way of jump starting me back to living WELL all the time. My conversation with this gentleman and his current findings and beliefs about Parkinson’s Disease led me to seek out answers to my questions on how to reduce risk of Parkinson’s Disease…questions we didn’t have time to address. The main gist of his research is this; there is a huge gut-brain connection in Parkinson’s Disease.  Current research is trying to determine if constipation is a predetermining factor leading up to Parkinson’s Disease and nutrient absorption plays into overall brain function. Six Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Your Risk of Parkinsons’ Disease My conversation with this neurologist/researcher and my own background in what reverses other chronic diseases led me to these 6 steps.  I’m not saying they will heal or reverse or prevent Parkinson’s Disease.  I AM saying these 6 steps may give me and anyone with genetic predisposal a fighting chance at avoiding the development of Parkinson’s Disease and will definitely improve the quality of life for those currently struggling with Parkinson’s Disease. My personal theory about reversing any chronic health condition is Stress Resolution. The Stress Triangle shows the 3 forms of stress we encounter, emotional and spiritual, physical and nutritional stress.       Nutrition is the Foundation You notice the foundation of this Stress Triangle is nutrition.  As a Christian, and I think many of you will agree, I once believed the foundation for a healthy life was addressing spiritual and emotional stress.  However, since I became Wonderfully Well back in 2005, I’ve experienced and watched a huge transformation take place in my students when they address Nutritional Stress. Look around you.  How many good and godly men and women do you know who are falling apart physically?  They are connected to God in prayer and the Word, they are involved in a church fellowship, possibly they have gone and been anointed and prayed for to receive healing…but they are still sick.  And they don’t nourish their bodies. Start with resolving Nutritional Stress It makes sense.  Think about it; your body is the vehicle for everything you do.  If you sing, you need your body.  If you write, you need your body.  If you walk, run, jump – you need your body.  What is it that fuels your body?  Food.  Good, God-Made Food. So, if you resolve nutritional stress caused by eating processed foods, sugar and foods that offend your body, you’ve also impacted your mind and emotions and physical stresses such as low energy, weakness, and pain. I like to think of it like this…if you hit your thumb with a hammer, hard, you can cause some major damage.  So you could go to the doctor and even be prayed for to receive healing.  Cool.  However, if you hit that same thumb with a hammer over and over again neither God nor the doctor can help your thumb heal.  You are continually damaging it.  This is what we do with processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol and caffeine.  We are damaging our body on a daily basis.  No doctor or prayer will heal something that you control with your fork and spoon. Resolve Nutritional Stress The findings this doctor/researcher shared with me screamed “resolve nutritional stress“and then work towards resolving remaining emotional and spiritual stress.  I asked him about things like probiotics, the microbiome, bowel flora, neurotransmitters and nutritional therapy. He agreed these were all part of the picture but argued that results from these remedies were also highly variable among individuals and so could not pose a “cure”. My question…are results of these lifestyle and diet based remedies variable due to individual lifestyle and dietary habits or just are they plain variable – in spite of a beneficial diet and lifestyle? Here are the 6 Lifestyle Choices I really appreciated this gentleman’s kindness to dialogue with me and his answers spurred me to personal investigation. The following 6 lifestyle choices are based on my limited personal investigation into Parkinson’s Disease research and what I already know about living Wonderfully Well.  The amazing thing is…these are basically the same 6 steps for reversing or reducing your risk of all disease. People who want to reduce their risk of Parkinson’s or those with Parkinson’s who want to see improvement should focus on these 6 things: Stress Resolution – get to the root of negative stress and resolve it, rather than trying to manage it.  Dictionary definition of Resolve: 1) settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter) 2)decide firmly on a course of action 3) firm determination to do something. Release Anxiety – tied to the next step, resolving constipation. Anxiety is binding to the body, soul and spirit and is usually related to a form of fear.  Each blood type requires a certain type of stress relief that involves either movement, creativity, biblical meditation or a combination of these.  The key word here is Release.  Even getting a regular massage can help you release anxiety.  You may also find certain foods, especially sugar, gluten caffeine and alcohol increase anxiety.  Release those from your diet and see what happens. Resolve Constipation – eating more plant based foods, adding kefir or kombucha to your diet and making sure you get enough fiber and water will go a long way here.  Our Be Nourished 4 Life program has a tutorial on how to make Kefir and Kefir cheese at home.  It’s simple and delicious. Reduce Inflammation – sugar is the devil of inflammation.  Just replacing refined sugar with natural sugars such as raw honey or stevia go a long way in reducing inflammation.  Combine this with an anti-inflammatory diet and inflammation will be a thing of the past and reduce risk of parkinsons disease. Supplement Bowel Flora – dietary fiber and fermented foods are the doctor, good bowel function is absolutely necessary to reduce risk of parkinsons disease. Improve Nutrient Absorption – juicing is the best way to improve nutrient absorption.  Our Be Nourished 4 Life program makes juicing easy. ***If you want to dig deeper, go to Digging Deeper Into Parkinson’s Disease The Plan is already in place… The amazing thing is this, Be Nourished 4 Life, a program God downloaded to me, provides all 6 steps to reduce risk of parkinsons disease.  A significant boost to that program is our Intermittent Fast Boost which has powerful effects on the brain and anti-aging.  You can find more information about the Be Nourished 4 Life Intermittent Fast Boost here. The Be Nourished 4 Life program teaches you how to create a sustainable healthy lifestyle using the Alkaline Plate and a quick and easy method of juicing. The Intermittent Fast Boost teaches you how to sky-rocket weight loss and cellular repair with a nutrient-dense intermittent fast, 5-6 days per month. Do you see any of these 6 steps you could incorporate into your life? SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisNovember 29, 2017Orange Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing This Orange Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing is the signature dressing for my Sushi Salad and Asian Turkey Salad, however it can be used for stir‐fry, marinated veggie salads or pasta salads as well. Serve it with your 2 handfuls of greens, shredded Jicama, Clementine’s and almonds. The salad dressing can be the make-or-break of a salad both with flavor and nutrition.  When you eat out the dressing may be the most dangerous food on your plate…due to the damaged, genetically modified oils, chemical preservatives and hidden sugars, not to mention hidden gluten. This Orange Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free and contains Beneficial Fats. Let’s look at the health benefits! Ginger Do you crave Asian style foods?  It may be the ginger you are after.  According to the GREAT website, Worlds Healthiest Foods, Ginger has an amazing array of health benefits.  I highly suggest their article on Ginger. Benefits of Ginger Gastrointestinal relief…Ginger helps with morning sickness!  Wish I’d known that 40 years ago. Anti-inflammatory…want less joint and knee pain?  Add ginger to your diet. Cancer protection…especially colorectal and ovarian cancer. Boost your Immune System…a great food to add to your winter meals.     Benefits of Oranges Vitamin C of course!  However, when you consume an orange rather than just a vitamin C supplement or a vitamin C fortified juice, the health benefits are optimized. “Said lead researcher, Serena Guarnieri, “It appears that vitamin C is not the only chemical responsible for antioxidant protection.” In oranges, vitamin C is part of a matrix involving many beneficial phytochemicals (for example, cyanidin-3-glucoside, flavanones and carotenoids).” (1) Keep your salad healthy Salad dressings at a restaurant or from a bottle pose some significant health risks due to damaged fats, GMO ingredients and added sugar.  This dressing will keep your healthy salad – healthy! (1) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37 SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe Orange Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing This is the signature dressing for my Sushi Salad; however it can be used for stir‐fry, marinated veggie salads or pasta salads as well. Serve it with your 2 handfuls of greens, shredded Jicama, Clementine’s and almonds. It's also recommended for Asian Turkey Salad Prep Time5 minutes minsTotal Time5 minutes mins Servings: 4 servings Calories: Ingredients1/4 cup orange juice fresh squeezed1/4 cup Grape Avocado seed oil or unrefined coconut oil1 teaspoon Tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1⁄4ground ginger preferred1 ‐teaspoon fresh grated garlic1 ‐teaspoon brown mustard1 teaspoon Braggs Amino Acids1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white or red pepper InstructionsMix Ingredients in magic bullet or use a whisk or immersion blender NotesIf you use coconut oil it will solidify if your other Ingredients are cold. Set coconut oil jar warm water for a few minutes to liquefy oil. For best results all ingredients should be room temperature. Refrigerate and use within 3 days. Excellent! [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisNovember 24, 2017Asian Turkey Salad from Celeste Davis on Vimeo. Asian Turkey Salad is one of my favorite salads!  It’s crunchy, sweet and savory all in one bite.  AND it’s not filled with a bunch of non-beneficial-fat mayo.  Asian Turkey Salad is a great way to use your leftover holiday turkey, however, you can always purchase a thick slice of nitrite-free organic turkey from your local deli and cut it into chunks. My friend Nancy shared this Asian Turkey Salad recipe with me back when I was writing my first book, Wonderfully Well.  Wonderfully Well is an international favorite and I still receive comments from readers around the world about their favorite recipe.  Wonderfully Well is 150 pages of our story and the cleanse that started us on our health journey in 2005. Wonderfully Well proven recipes The book also contains 150 pages of healthy, “normal” recipes everyone can enjoy…even your non-healthy eater! Each recipe is marked for it’s unique nutritional traits such as GF for Gluten Free, DF for Dairy Free, NOS for Natural Sweeteners Only, HF for High Fiber and HP for High Protein and, last but not least, BF for the all important Beneficial Fats! You can pick up your copy from Amazon.  After you’ve read it and used it I’d love for you to leave a review! The perfect holiday leftover dish Anyway, back to the Asian Turkey Salad.  Do you love crunchy?  You’ll love this!  It’s perfect for winter and that “day after the holiday meal” healthy choice.  I have to admit I used to love a good left over turkey sandwich smothered in mayo and mustard, topped with a sugary cranberry sauce, all in between two pieces of bread…or a left over dinner roll…HOWEVER, I know how that makes me feel so I’ve avoided that choice for many years. But this salad is THE BOMB and the reason it’s great for that after the holiday leftover meal?  Celery and green onions…bet you have a few of those left!  How about that dish of mandarin oranges on the counter?  You’ll need at least one.  And I’m sure you have some pineapple in the house, just a 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple will do (just save some now).  Do you have some toasted almonds left over from your green been casserole or some cashews left from the “snack dish” on the counter? The dressing has amazing health benefits Asian Turkey Salad gets even better with Orange Ginger Vinaigrette dressing. Dressings are the sneaky chemical soup trap – full of harmful fats and preservatives.  This dressing uses fresh orange juice and ginger for a great anti-inflammatory effect.  We all need to get rid of inflammation after a big holiday meal full of sugar, meat, dressing and alcohol, right?  Orange Ginger Vinaigrette dressing Your family and guests will thank you and rave about this Asian Turkey Salad as your next “post holiday” left over meal.  I’d love to hear how you like it! SaveSave Print Recipe Asian Turkey Salad But this salad is THE BOMB and the reason it's great for that after the holiday leftover meal?  Celery and green onions...bet you have a few of those left!  How about that dish of mandarin oranges on the counter?  You'll need at least one.  And I'm sure you have some pineapple in the house, just a 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple will do (just save some now).  Do you have some toasted almonds left over from your green been casserole or some cashews left from the "snack dish" on the counter? Prep Time20 minutes minsTotal Time20 minutes mins Servings: 4 Main dish Calories: Ingredients2 cups cooked turkey or chicken skin removed, cut into bite‐sized pieces4 cups cabbage or bok choy shredded1 cup mushrooms sliced1 cup carrots grated2 tablespoons cilantro chopped1 cucumber thinly sliced2 celery stalks thinly sliced3 green onions thinly sliced1 mandarin orange or tangerine divided into sections (can use canned)1 cup ⁄2fresh pineapple chopped1 cup ⁄2sliced toasted almonds or cashews InstructionsIn Your Food Processor 
Slice cabbage, mushrooms, green onion, carrots, cucumber and celery with slicing blade. (It’s going to all go together so just push it all through if the food processor bowl will hold it all. If not, empty food processor and continue until all is sliced). Put into a large bowl.Switch food processor to S blade, no reason to clean out your food processor yet: Add cilantro and chicken or turkey and pulse to coarse chop.Add nuts, cilantro and chicken or turkey to your bowl of previously chopped veggies.Add dressing, and toss well.Top with green onions and oranges and pineapple.Celtic Sea Salt and pepper to taste, serve over greens. NotesThis will last 3 days if you store turkey and dressing separately from veggies.  Add just prior to serving. Avocado would be great in this salad. Cilantro is a digestive aid; helpful after all the holiday food. [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 29, 2017Vegetarian Bean Burgers IFB Approved for Feasting Days (contains oats) Gluten Free, Dairy Free, High Fiber, High Protein, Beneficial Fats These bean burgers are a Wonderfully Well Favorite.  The texture and flavor are amazing.  Serve with a nice fresh salad and sweet potato fries for a satisfying IFB approved “Feasting Day”.  Wrap in a crisp fresh lettuce leaf, top with all your favorite burger toppings (please use organic ketchup).  My favorite topping is our savory Green Goddess Dressing. I like to make a batch, put on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and put in freezer.  They will be indivually frozen.  Then store in a BPA-free ziploc baggie and use as needed.  Thaw slightly, dip in ground oats and pan fry for a crispy outer crust. Be sure and follow the directions.  If you throw it all in a food processor and blend you will end up with hummus! Find more great recipes like this in our book Wonderfully Well.   Print Recipe Vegetarian Bean Burgers Prep Time15 minutes minsCook Time15 minutes minsTotal Time30 minutes mins Servings: 4 patties Calories: Ingredients1 onion diced1 clove garlic minced3 green onions dicedteaspoon ½ground cumin1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 Tablespoon freshcup ¾diced mushrooms your choice1-15 oz. can organic pinto beans drained and rinsed2 cups organic rolled oats grind to a fine texture in food processorCeltic or Himalyan Pink salt and red pepper flakes to tasteGrapeseed oil for pan frying InstructionsConsistency & Texture Is King!Save ¼ cup ground oatmeal for dredging burgers before pan frying, season with salt, garlic and onion powder.Make PattiesBe sure to just lightly mash or chop the veggies-if you use a food processor use the S-blade and pulse to a coarse consistency. Otherwise you will have hummus. Mash the beans with a fork or pulse in food processor. Add the mushroom/onion mixture to the beans. Add parsley and salt & red pepper flakes.Cook PattiesHeat approximately 2 Tablespoons of a beneficial oil in a skillet. Dip each pattie in the reserved, seasoned oat flour and brown one side, gently flip to the other side until heated through. Remember, the patties are already cooked. Serve with a big fresh crunchy salad and roasted sweet potato veggie fries. Keep in fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for 1 month. Reheat frozen patties in your convection oven or pan fry.Serve as a lettuce wrap with all your favorite toppings. My favorite topping is our savory  Green Goddess Dressing. Notes    [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisOctober 28, 2017Why You Crave Potato Chips and What to do about it Why Do You Crave Potato Chips and after a Stressful Day? What potato chip makers aren’t telling us….Chewing on Crunchy Foods Reduce Your Stress… Scientists have found that chewing on crunchy foods inhibits the body’s ability to release the stress hormone, Cortisol! Who Knew? Apparently the food manufacturing industry! (4)   David, from the Phsychology of Eating blog says… “So important is the level of crunch that many years ago, potato-chip manufacturers developed a sophisticated apparatus to measure the perceived level of crunch that consumers hear in their heads. The most pleasurable decibel levels were deciphered, and potato chips were subsequently manufactured to these standard orgasmic crunch levels.” (1)   Better Crunchy-Chewy Choices Crunchy-Fatty-Salty You can get stress relief from better foods than potato chips! Turns out ANY crunchy food will abate that flood of cortisol. In fact, crunchy foods help you think better, respond better and improve your brain stem activity!   Nuts are the best! Nuts are a great choice for Crunching Away Your Stress! They provide the chewing factor to restrict cortisol, they provide beneficial fats to soothe your nervous system and if you eat nuts with sea salt the salt is also soothing to your nervous system. Just make sure your crunchy nuts are not deep fried but roasted and doused with beneficial salt such as himalyan pink or celtic sea salt.   BONUS! Nuts help reduce belly fat… while potato chips pack it on.   We choose almonds because they are alkalizing. Cashews are great stress busters! According to Dr. Andrew Saul, www.doctoryourself.com ” just one big handful of cashews provides one to two thousand milligrams of tryptophan, which will work as well as prescription antidepressants… “(2) Chewing improves brain function and gives babies stronger brains Chewing has been shown to improve mental endurance in children and cognitive ability and happiness in the elderly. And get this… Chewing helps babies to develop bigger and stronger brains and actually effects the size and ability of your brain as an adult! This must be why God made babies want to chew when they are teething. Rather than give them medicine to stop the pain…give them something to chew on! (3) Chewing also releases nitric oxide in the blood which carries oxygen throughout the body, relaxes blood vessels lowering blood pressure and gives you energy and better brain function. (3) THE LESSON HERE…crunch away your stress with healthier choices and your belly fat will begin to disappear.   Other Nourishing Crunchy Stress Busters: Apple or Celery with Almond Butter Raw Sweet Potato (yes…its yummy) What if you have a nut allergy? Go for crunchy veggies dipped in guacamole, avocado is a beneficial fat!   Do you have any suggestions for nourishing crunchy stress busters?   These articles are worth your time… (1) http://psychologyofeating.com/psychobiology-chewing/ (2) http://www.doctoryourself.com/prozac.html (3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158435 (4) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1532-849X.2007.00178.x/full SaveSave [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisSeptember 24, 2017Coconut Wrap Sandwiches I’ve been “mostly” Gluten Free by necessity – gluten causes multiple mood, skin and digestive issues for me – and the one thing I miss is a good sandwich!  These Coconut Wrap Sandwiches really satisfy my cravings! Last Tuesday my friend Jane and I were at Herban Market in Franklin, TN.  It’s a great place with high quality olive oil that bubbles with antioxidant and polyphenol goodness in your throat.  They also have vats of yummy infused Balsalmic vinegars, some grocery items and a juice bar and deli/cafe.   Since it was Tuesday, a “feasting day” on our Be Nourished 4 Life Intermittent Fast, we did the famous Herban Market “olive oil & vinegar” tasting and Jane chose a yummy lemon infused olive oil paired with a fabulous pomegranate infused white balsalmic vinegar.  Then we were hungry and decided to try the Coconut Wrap Sandwiches.   We ordered a chicken salad “Sunfood” coconut wrap and it was divine!  Fresh tasting salad with herbs, alfalfa sprouts and cucumber.  I found my new sandwich love; and you know what we didn’t even notice a coconut flavor.  Amazing!  You can make them at home! I purchased a package of “Sunfood” plain coconut wraps to try my hand at home.  You can use any healthy filling you like; I moistened my finger and rubbed a little water on the ends so they would hold together.  I found that the textured side of the wrap did not stick as well as the smooth side.  Next time I’ll place the smooth side on the outside and the textured side on the filling side.     Coconut Wrap Sandwiches and a salad… My new favorite quick and simple alkaline meal!   The wraps I used are made by Sunfood.  Sprouts Market does not seem to carry any type of coconut wrap, however, you can buy them on line. Need filling ideas?  Try these  healthy wrap fillings on Pinterest. Do you have a favorite Coconut Wrap Sandwich filling? #Be Nourished 4 Life…this is a great “feasting day” treat! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Print Recipe Coconut Wrap Sandwiches Fresh, light and not starchy! Love these Coconut Wrap Sandwiches! Prep Time10 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Servings: 7 per package Calories: Ingredients1 wrap Coconut Wrap1/2 cup leafy greens and veggies1 Tablespoon favorite organic dressing4 slices Your choice of thinly sliced raw veggies such as cucumbers2 slices perfectly ripe avocados (soft to touch like a ripe peach InstructionsLay the coconut wrap on a flat surface Top with your favorite toppings. Can be vegan or about 2 oz of high quality animal protein. I used wild caught Tuna.Add thinly sliced or shredded veggies and 1 Tablespon of your favorite organic salad dressing.Roll and Enjoy! NotesYou can see how pliable they are.  The come layered in parchment-like paper.  They don't have to be refrigerated and will last up to a year on the shelf!  Just make sure to seal the package after it's opened. Only 70 calories per wrap and not a bunch of gluten free starch "flours".  Just coconut!  If you buy a different brand be sure to read the ingredients.  Not all Coconut Wraps are just pure coconut. Try our Real Ranch Dressing or Green Goddess Dressing recipe for a yummy vegetarian sandwich! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisJune 13, 2017The Wellness Partnership – Partnering with God’s Design How much ministry or good things do you do without your physical body?  None!  Your body is required for you to think, move, act, care, love.  Your body is the VEHICLE by which you express God’s greatness to the world. Let’s think about a vehicle for a moment.  Some people buy a car and they just use it until it falls apart.  They don’t change the oil or rotate the tires.  Some people don’t even clean the trash out of their car or wash the windows.  When we see a car in disrepair on the road we want to steer clear of them to avoid a potential accident if it were to break down. We wonder why the individual would not take care of their vehicle, after all…they must need it to get to work, carry groceries, possibly carry their family or get them to the hospital in an emergency.  People who let their car fall into disrepair are often full of anxiety when they drive it.  Worried it could break down at any moment and put them at risk or cause them to be late.  Wouldn’t it be easier and less stressful if they took the time and allocated the money to do regular maintenance and cleaning?  Why don’t they? Possibly they weren’t taught how to take care of a car. Maybe they think they don’t have enough money to care for their car. They may feel they are too busy to take the time. Or an addiction may take their time and interest to the point that they don’t take care of their car, themselves or those who love them. Now let’s get back to your body.  As I stated earlier, your body is the VEHICLE by which you live life.  Is your body like that broken down car, visibly showing signs of disrepair? Do you continually worry your body will one day just give out on you and you will be stuck in bed having to depend on others to take care of you? Do you take care of everyone but yourself? Are you too busy to take care of your body? Do you have an addiction to busy-ness or self-pity or laziness or procrastination to the point you don’t take care of your body? What Does a Broken Down Body Look Like? High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Type 2 Diabetes Joint Pain Back Pain Overweight Brain Fog Low Energy   Dr. David Jeremiah, in his series on Lonliness points to the lives of Moses, Joshua and Caleb; men in the Bible who lived long and strong in their 80s and Moses to 120.  The Bible says his eyes were not dim and he had the strength of his youth.  God made your body to repair and rebuild.  He put cycles within the systems of your body to keep you young and strong.  But you have to partner with His design.  You must do your part, give your body what it needs to do it’s job.(1) There are really no excuses for this.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 breaks it down quite simply. “19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  If you don’t take care of your physical body you are not taking care of the temple of God.  You and I partnering with God’s design is what I refer to as “The Wellness Partnership”. What is the Wellness Partnership? We have been brainwashed into believing a lie that the human body is flawed and must have drugs and medical interventions to work correctly.  The truth is our bodies are amazing creations, designed to heal and repair. When we partner with God’s design in 4 ways, Faith, Faithfulness, Forgiveness and Time, we experience true health and vitality. Faith. Believe that God created your body to heal and that you can impact your health by partnering with God’s design. Faithful. You must be faithful to your healthy lifestyle practices 80% of the time…100% if you have life threatening disease. Meriam Webster Dictionary defines faithful as “unswerving adherence” to something you value. Faithfulness rewires your brain. Forgive. The Bible connects the health of your body to the health of your soul – your mind, will and emotions.  The connection of Body, Soul and Spirit has been the subject of many science and university studies. Time. Removing the hindrances of stress and negative thinking combined with the right nutrition may result in less pain and increased energy. However, TIME is a key factor in recovering good health. Your body will heal the most important things first…these may be things you don’t “feel or see”.  As your body repairs you will begin to feel more energy and less pain. One of the most difficult and yet crucial parts of The Wellness Partnership is giving and receiving forgiveness.  My program, Dancing Through Life walks people through partnering with God in nourishing their bodies and experiencing freedom from emotional and spiritual pain. This attachment, “Dancing Through Life, Be Free” is from that program. It includes my story of offering forgiveness for the wounds of my past plus an exercise you can do for yourself. Please open it, read it and let me know your thoughts.  You can email your thoughts to “celeste@thewellnessworkshop.org”. Download: Dancing Through Life, Be Free! (1) Dr. David Jeremiah, “The Lonely Senior part 1”, from Joshua 14 http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio_archives.aspx?   SaveSave SaveSave [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisApril 13, 2017The Night Jesus Chose You Maundy Thursday.  The day before the crucifixion.  The day before Passover.  Is the night Jesus Chose You…and me. This is the day Jesus shared communion with his disciples and washed their feet.  It was the day he took them to the Garden of Gesthemane to watch and pray.  It was the day he was most man…and most God…of any day in his life thus far.  It was the day He Chose You and He Chose Me. This picture portrays the moment Jesus decided to go to the cross.  Many times we think He decided to go to the cross when he was standing before Pilot, accused by the Jewish leaders of treason against Rome.  Others may think it was when He carried the cross on His back or when, on the cross,  He cried out, “Father forgive them, they know not what the do”. These were all points where he renewed His commitment to carry out His Father’s will, but the time portrayed by THIS picture is when He made the decision.  I will suffer and die so that all of mankind may live. What really happened at this time? Jesus bore his soul to his disciples, “my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”  Can you imagine JESUS saying that? Matthew 26:36-46 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” And Then He Chose You and I 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” What did Jesus mean, “if it is possible, take this cup from me”? In the ancient Jewish betrothal ceremony the Friend of the Groom would read the marriage promises or Ketubah contract to the Bride’s family and the Bride.  These were the things the groom would promise to provide and do for the bride. After reading Groom’s promises, the father of the groom would give the groom a cup of wine and ask, “are you willing to fulfill these promises and keep this covenant?”  The groom would stop and consider this. Could he really fulfil these promises? He would look at the bride, was SHE really worth this sacrifice? After careful consideration, if the groom agreed to keep these promises, he would take the cup from his father and drink the Cup of Acceptance.  Now there was no turning back. Jesus is Our Groom Jesus is the bridegroom for all who believe and follow Him.  He also had a contract, promises to fulfill to His bride. Isaiah 53 prophesied His coming to earth hundreds of years prior to Jesus birth. Isaiah 53 also lines out the “Ketubah”, the covenant promises Jesus must fulfil for his bride. Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. So as Jesus kneeled there in the Garden, I can imagine the Holy Spirit, who is the friend of the Groom,  reviewing the promises Jesus must keep for His bride, Jesus feeling the impact of each word in his physical body. wounded bruised punishment stripes (beatings) All this pain for humans who had done nothing but reject him.   Jesus looked over to see his disciples, to whom he had just poured out his heart…”I am sorrowful to the point of death” and there they were, sleeping... Matthew 26:40-41 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus must have asked himself, “Do I really want to keep this painful Ketubah for these people?”  This is when He made the choice, the Cup of Acceptance was in front of Him. … 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. (My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.) At that moment, on His knees in the Garden,  Jesus drank the Cup of Acceptance saying, “yes, I will keep the contract.” and He chose You and He chose me. Because Jesus chose you and I we have the ability to be in Covenant with Him.  To have a new identity, to have the authority of the King of the Universe, the Creator, at our disposal. We have a covenant parther to meet all our needs, to guard our back when we are in trouble and to give us everything we need for life and godliness. And Jesus did it for you.  He Chose You. The Bride must also drink the Cup of Acceptance.  Have you said Yes to Jesus?  Have you drank the Cup of Acceptance? You can learn more about your part in 30 Days of Honor, Becoming the Bride of Christ.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 22, 2017Walking Through Tragedy with Honor This is a difficult day and your prayers are coveted for my brother, his wife, for MacKenzie’s mother, for MacKenzie’s 3 brothers and two sisters and for Baylees mother and family. Your prayers are coveted for the assailant and his family. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law came over to pray with me this morning.  Praying with someone out-loud is the best thing a person can do for someone else.  Just hearing someone connect with God on your behalf is amazing.  If you ever wonder if you should do it…the answer is always yes!  Even if it is a simple, “Lord help my friend”.  Do it.   Today I will experience something I never could have imagined. Incredulous is the word that best expresses my thoughts and feelings over the past year and today even more. Today the man who murdered my niece, MacKenzie, a year ago will be sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole. Today I will sit in a courtroom with my brother who has suffered irreparable loss and grief. Grief I cannot fix. Today, in the courtroom with our family, will be the family of the assailant, who is barely 20. This family is also suffering irreparable loss and they are our friends.  We were young marrieds together.  Some of my siblings raised their children in the same church, shopped at the same stores, had their hair done at the same shops.  We were connected to this family whose son has brought irreparable loss to them and to us. Crazy thoughts I could write a letter to read to the court, to let the assailant and the world know how this tragedy has affected myself and my family.  I can be quite good at speaking the truth – but in this case I’m not sure it would be done in love, or that I could even get through it for that matter.  As the letter formulated in my mind I knew it was not meant to be said….or thought.  My brother will have the words to express the great loss. What do you wear to a sentencing…I mean really…is there a standard? How should I react when I see people from “the other family”.  What is the right form of expression in this situation?  How do I walk this out in honor. But God…. This morning, in the midst of these crazy thoughts our Heavenly Father reminded me that He, more than anyone, understands.  He watched His own son be tortured and murdered by His own people, the people He was in covenant with.  He watched the sin of those people – who he had relationship with – sin so vile and so dark, piled upon his own son to the point The Father had to look away.  It’s a wonder He didn’t just blow up all of the earth and humanity at that moment…but He knew redemption was right behind this tragedy.   We have seen glimpses of redemption as two of our young family members have gone through much needed rehab programs.  We have seen a new life born to fill the void MacKenzie left.  We have drawn closer to our Lord and closer to each other.   The Challenge for us is Honor And we have been challenged.  If the assailant had been a stranger we could have been vicious and hurtful with our words.  We could have “talked trash” about this young man and his family.  We could have hated from the depths of our soul.  But we can’t.  We know these people.  We know their faces, what they sound like when they sing.  We remember how much they wanted this child and how they prayed for him.  Some of us watched him grow up. We love them and we feel for their loss.   At the memorial service a year ago my brother stood and encouraged those in attendance not to hate.  He reminded us that there were three children lost that day, not two.  When MacKenzie and her boyfriend Baylee lost their lives, the assailant lost his future and his family lost the hope of a bright future for their son. I admire my brother and all the parents of these children, for the effort they have made to not become bitter and let anger overtake their lives.  They grieve, they experience all the emotions accompanying that grief and they have reached out for help in dealing with it, help from others and help from God.   This is a challenge to walk in honor.  My mind knows it is right, and yet there is that voice of the flesh and the needling of the enemy of our soul that cries “unfair!”  We should be able to scream and shout of the injustice, to be angry and bitter and carry a torch for our lost loved ones.  But the Holy Spirit reminds us, “vengeance is mine says The Lord, I will repay.”   God Loves the Assailant We are also reminded that this young man is part of his parent’s covenant relationship with Christ and there is redemption and forgiveness for him as well.  We are reminded that to hate is the same as to murder.  We are reminded, if we cannot forgive then we will not be forgiven.  This is most difficult.   Our primary task now that MacKenzie and Baylee are safe in the arms of God, is to first to walk in honor and in love.   Second, to pray this young man into God’s kingdom.  To go to the throne of grace, not so he doesn’t have to pay for his crime but so his heart and mind can be redeemed and his destiny – God’s plan for him fulfilled.   Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.   This verse reminds us that this young man has a book, just like we do, written by God before he was even in the womb.  God will redeem but we must love and pray.   Walking Out Honor A year ago, on February 27, 2016, when my brother called to tell me the news, I immediately heard the Holy Spirit say… “do not react in the flesh through this time, respond in the Holy Spirit.”  That voice is still clear today in this and many difficult moments and the 30 Days of Honor reminds me that I must walk daily in honor, in every situation.  For I am the Bride of Christ.  My groom understands every circumstance, emotion and trouble I face.   Walking out honor feels somewhat strange, like an out of body experience.  I watch myself walk through this time.  I check my thoughts.  I readjust.  Sometimes I go sideways…but not for as long as I used to.  Mostly I rely on God and His wisdom and Strength.   MacKenzie, are you in that great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on to honor, telling us it’s much better where you are…we are trying our best to get through this crazy life.  You are missed and deeply loved.   Are there times you find yourself doing things differently in difficult situations because you are the Bride of Christ?  Because you walk in Honor?  I’d love to hear your story.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 10, 2017 Day 30 – The Life of Honor Today in my women’s Bible study we did an exercise to help us better understand the Life of Honor in Covenant.  The exercise was extremely powerful and appropriate for our last day of 30 Days of  Honor. I hope you remember that Covenant relationships always involve exchange.  When we come into covenant with Christ we exchange our “filthy rags” for his “robe of righteousness”.  This is an amazing exchange and we see the immediate benefit to US.  Jesus took on our “filthy rags”; what did that look like for Him? John 1:14 “So the Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” What does it mean in the nitty gritty of life that Jesus became human?  He experienced the same trouble and pain in life as we do. Hebrews 4:14-16 14Therefore, since we have such a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.… Jesus came from heaven where there is no pain, no worry, no fear, no fighting, no sexual immorality, no battling with selfishness or lust or pride.  When Jesus became a man, he also became vulnerable to the personal battles of mankind. Let’s put that in our chart; this is what Jesus Exchanged with us when He became a man, look at how his His identity was altered. White Box – Jesus as a human Blue Circle – Jesus as God When we experience any of these “fleshly” feelings we want to find immediate relief; in moments of temptation the Life of Honor can quickly fade.   These are the “lusts of the flesh” that continually get us into trouble, aren’t they?  They are also places where satan tries to draw us out of our covenant relationship with Christ and back into covenant with ourselves. So how did Jesus do it? How did Jesus live on this earth and experience these very strong pulls of the flesh, and yet do it without sin?  The answer comes in the authority box of chart 1…Jesus Prayed in the mountains at the sea shore in the wilderness in the garden in the woods in a crowd of angry people Jesus prayed when he was alone, with others, tired, fed up, disappointed, fearful, unwilling.  Jesus prayed. I can hear him after the feeding of the five thousand.  Loving the people, exhausted from teaching and at the same time knowing exactly what everyone was thinking and planning.  I can hear his “human” thoughts when it was time for everyone to go home. “I’ve got to get out of here.  I’ve used up all my words.  I’m so tired I’d just like to slap the next person who comes up to me for some need.  Can’t these people bring their own lunch?” What? You may say – no way; He was God…but He was also human Jesus had to have those kinds of thoughts.  But He didn’t stop there; Jesus self-corrected.”I’ve got to get with my father and talk all this out.” Jesus went away, alone and prayed and “talked it out with His father.” We see a perfect example of Jesus humanity in the Garden of Gesthemane.  He went there with the disciples after what we now call “the last supper”.  It was late night/early morning.  Read it and connect with Jesus in his humanity… it’s heartbreaking. The picture in my living room.  It’s almost 100 years old!  My grandfather chose it for his own when he was just 8 years old.  This picture is HUGE – 3 feet by 4 feet.  When I stop and really look at it I am reminded of the scene this picture depicts; Jesus in his ultimate moment of being human. This was the moment when His heavenly Father gave Him the “cup of acceptance” and asked, “are you willing to pay the price of the bride?  Jesus answer, “If it is possible take this cup from me, but not my will but yours.”  Jesus looked at “the bride” – which by the way was you and I and all of humanity and questioned for a brief moment…were we worth all the pain and suffering He would have to experience?     Matthew 26:36-39 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”   I would say Jesus was feeling pretty human at this point.  Psalms 103:14 tells us 14For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Psalm 103 reveals how much God loves you…check it out! Matthew 26:40-42 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Jesus really needed the support of His friends now but they went to sleep!  That had to upset him in his human flesh, right?  So much so that He went back and talked to His Father. Matthew 26:43-44 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Jesus wasn’t this incredibly good looking Jewish man wandering around Israel casting good will on every one without any personal struggle. He became HUMAN and He SUFFERED the same temptations we do but without breaking covenant with His father…without sin. How did Jesus do manage to live as a sinless human?  Daily communicating with God. Think about this in your own life.  You get frustrated, angry, lonely.  You have pain, fear, anger or worry.  You feel abandoned, abused, rejected or betrayed.  You burn with lust or jealousy.  You are human and Jesus understands because HE was human.  And he left us an example as a human – when you are feeling human you need to go to your heavenly Father and pray – talk it out with God. Satan wants you to break covenant with God and look to yourself or someone else to have these needs met.  He wants to draw you away from the ONE thing that can help you to live in victory…He wants to keep you from prayer…from communicating with your Father in heaven. How does satan keep you from prayer? I’ve said this myself…I’m just too busy, too distracted, too overwhelmed.  You just don’t have time.  Satan rubs his hands together in glee.  You not praying makes his job really easy.  As long as you are not communicating with your Father in heaven you will likely cave in to the flesh – your human desires and attitdes,  and that just starts, as they say in the south, “a hot mess”. If you want to live a life of honor, as the beautiful Bride of Christ, you must create and guard a regular prayer time with God to talk about your life and struggles AND you must go to him when you experience these “fleshly” emotions and temptations. There’s another way satan tries to get us to break covenant I was trapped in this for over 30 years of my marriage – he lures us into covenant with someone else. My Broken Covenant Partnership My husband Phil and I started dating when I was 15 and he was 17.  We broke up off and on over the next few years and became engaged on Memorial Day 1975.  I loved Phil and all his ways.  I was so excited to be his wife and see where life took us.  And I was dearly loved by him.   In the early fall of 1975 I had an eye doctor’s appointment.  I was in the waiting room and who should walk in but my future father-in-law!  I’ve always been one for a good chat so we started talking with each other. My future-father-in-law, Phil’s dad, was a well-known pastor in town.  He was not too excited to see his second son marry a girl so young and not from his church.  He was always kind and grandfatherly towards me and I respected him greatly. Phil’s dad spent our “little chat time” that day telling me how to live in covenant with HIM.  He wanted me to be sure to know that the “family identity and his authority” were supreme. This wasn’t done in a hurtful way but rather, he showed me how Phil and I would be blessed coming under his authority and under the church’s authority.  I believed him and from that moment until 10 years ago, in 2007, I was “in covenant” with my father-in-law.  Always wanting to be sure everything we did pleased him. This was so unfair to Phil!  He was fully “living in covenant partnership” with me and I kept bringing his dad into our decisions and our life.  I have repented of that to him now. The second way I “broke covenant” with my husband had to do with music. One of the things that drew Phil and I to each other was our mutual love for music.  It had always been his dream for us to sing and minister together and one day bring our children into that dream.   Our first month of marriage Phil brought me to his “trio” practice at church.  I was so excited to sing with them!  I have an ear for harmony and couldn’t wait to use it with my husband, who I adored. The trio, now a “quartet” started practicing and then one of the members stopped us.  This individual looked at Phil and said, as if I wasn’t there, “she’s not good enough to sing with us.”  Phil argued that I was certainly good enough, but in that moment, I believed the other person and made an agreement with their opinion. I didn’t sing willingly with Phil again for 38 years.  38 YEARS! After I “broke covenant” with Phil’s dad I could break that agreement as well…the agreement that I wasn’t good enough to sing.   For years, I was frustrated with Phil because he didn’t have vision.  The truth is, he held onto that vision.  Phil must really love me to allow me to stop his vision for 38 years.  This affected not only me but our family and I believe it was a side-road of the enemy that led us down some difficult paths. How I wish I had known then what I know now.  The wonderful truth is, God restores…even the years we lost in wrong relationships and wrong beliefs. One year ago, this month I brokenly repented to God for this agreement and asked my husband to forgive me. God is restoring that vision once again. Are You Living in Covenant Partnership? What about you, “Dearly Loved”?  Covenant is an Exchange.  We exchange our old covenant with self; giving that “old self” to our Covenant Partner Jesus Christ.  In the exchange, we receive a New Covenant with His Identity, His Authority, His Protection and His Provision and Possessions. The chart below shows just a few of the things Jesus offers in this exchange with us.     We give Jesus our earthly “nothingness” and receive all He has from His Father – God in heaven. Jesus lived in a human body – so that He might be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.  So that He might be a high priest who understands our weakness.  So, he could be tempted in every way we are; and yet without sin.   Here is an example of my old Covenant with Self – while I had identity, authority, protection, provision and possessions, the central theme running through my life, from childhood has been “Not Enough”… not enough time, money, resources, help skill…you name it! I exchanged “Not Enough” with my Covenant partner for HIS Identity, Authority, Protection, Provision and Possessions in the Chart 2 above.   What I have to exchange with Jesus – Chart 3 Your Turn! You will find great freedom in writing down your own Covenant with Self and then exchanging it.  Then you will experience a Life of Honor in covenant partnership with Jesus Christ. What you have to exchange with Jesus, Chart 4 Living the Life of Honor This next exercise is incredibly powerful because it puts action to all of these “ideas”.  When you put them into action you begin to be more aware of how your covenant partner is acting on your behalf.  Please set aside an hour or so in a quiet spot to go through this freeing exercise. Print out the graphic above (Chart 4)  and write down what you have to exchange, use mine for an example. Yours will be different, be honest.  I encourage you to take some time, identify where you have been in covenant with yourself, and then literally write it out and hand it up to Jesus and then destroy it.  Break this self-covenant life and enjoy your covenant partnership with Jesus Christ.   Print out the graphic with Jesus name above it (Chart 2). Speak out loud and take HIS covenant Identity, Authority, Protection, Provision and Possessions and every day lay your hands on that picture and receive what He has so freely offered you.  When you have a need go back to that covenant picture, again, lay your hands on it and tell your Covenant partner your need and receive from Him. The promise of Our Covenant Partner and our Seventh-Day Honeymoon, Hebrews 4:9-16 God has given us rest 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us be diligent 11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Jesus sympathizes with our weakness 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. We can boldly ask our Covenant partner in our time of need 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Print out your new Covenant identity and authority.  Print several!  Put them in your Bible, on your refrigerator, in your bathroom, in your car. When you have a need or you are struggling with your human emotions and reactions, lay your hand on that covenant promise and ask your covenant partner for help. This is the Life of Honor. The post Day 30 – The Life of Honor –  appeared on 30 Days of Honor, from The Wellness Workshop About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 7, 2017 Day 29 –  Living in Covenant Partnership “Living in Covenant Partnership, it is impossible for me.” Sarah thought as she stared bleakly at the beautiful olive tree outside her window.   “Sarah”, Jacob called as he entered their ‘honeymoon apartment’.  “Where are you?  I haven’t seen you out this morning, are you alright?”  Jacob was stunned to see his beautiful bride sitting by the window, not even dressed for the day.  She had been crying. Jealousy and Self-Pity Will Try to Ruin a Covenant Partnership “My beloved!”  Jacob cried, his heart wrenched at the sight.  “What is wrong? What has happened?”  He reached lovingly for his wife who buried her head in her robe and pulled away from his reach.  Jacob pleaded with his wife to share her burden with him and finally, giving up, went on a search for Hannah. Sarah looked out the window in guilt and shame, overcome with self-pity.  How could she pull away from this man who poured out so much love on her?  “But look”, she reasoned, “he didn’t even want to stay and listen to me…he just turned and left.  It’s true.  I’m nothing but a burden to Jacob and his family.  Ariel didn’t mean what he said calling me a “Woman of Valor” and why should he?  Look at me!  I’m nothing but a crippled, worthless woman.  I’m not fit to be part of this family, they surely know that now.  Soon I’ll be sent away,” and she burst into tears again.   Hannah dropped her tasks and went to Sarah as soon as Jacob found her.  She too was shocked at the wearied woman huddled by the window.  She had seen Sarah give in to depression before, but never like this.  “Sarah my friend”, what is wrong?  Why do you look so sad and lost?”  Sarah turned to her friend and confidant and burst into tears.   Self-Pity Creates Hopelessness “I don’t belong here Hannah.  I know it now.  The past 7 years have been a waste of my time and yours, and certainly Jacob’s hard work.  I’m just a worthless cripple in this wonderful family and now they know, they have discovered my unworthiness.”  Hannah pulled away from Sarah,“What?  What are you saying?  What has happened that makes you feel this way Sarah?  I have heard nothing but words of love and admiration for you in this family.”   Jealousy Creates Fear “They must be pretending around you because they know you love me.” Sarah replied.  “I was in the village looking at some yarns for bedding in our new home and I overheard some young women talking about me.  They said Ariel’s family had finally discovered how worthless I am and were sorry they allowed Jacob to choose me.”  The young woman burst into tears once more.   Hannah handed Sarah a cloth to wipe her tears and lifted her chin.  “Look at me” Sarah obeyed.  “Jealous talk, that’s all it is and you must stop listening.  I experienced the same thing when I came to work for Ariel years ago.  People in the village are jealous of Ariel’s success and attack anything that helps to build it.  What these people don’t realize is that without Ariel there would be no village.  God gave Ariel and his family as a gift to each one of these, these wags so they could live and prosper.  When we are cursed, we must bless.  That is God’s way.”  Sarah stopped crying and looked at Hannah with hope.  Hannah continued sternly. The Covenant Name “Sarah, Living a Covenant Life wasn’t just for the betrothal time.  You are breaking covenant with Jacob by not loving yourself.  Where is the rock Jacob gave to you at the wedding supper?”  Sarah pointed to her dowry chest.  “The name that was written on the rock – don’t tell me what it is – but does it express love for you?”  Sarah nodded.  “Then believe it.  It’s true and to doubt it would be breaking covenant with the one who loves you and gave it to you.    Accepting the Covenant Life “Is there more than the jealous gossip in town?” the wise counselor asked.  Sarah began to cry again.  “My foot…” Sarah pulled her robe back to expose her withered foot.  It was covered with sores.  Hannah gasped.  “What has happened?  How long has it been this way?”   “I ran out of the Esther oils two weeks ago.  I didn’t notice that it affected my foot until a few days ago and now…”  Sarah’s voice trailed to a faint whisper, “now it appears to be worse than ever.”   “Ran out?”  Hannah exclaimed, “why didn’t you buy more? You can have as much of those oils as you need.  You are Jacob’s wife!”   “I thought those were just for my bridal preparation.  They are expensive and it seems selfish to continue to spend that kind of money on myself.”  Sarah sighed.   Hannah stood up.  “Sarah, stop this self-pity now.  Your marriage contract gave you access to everything Jacob has as well as everything his father has.  You will NEVER run out of money and you must never again short your own self-care. Self-Rejection Breaks Covenant This family needs your kindness, your joy, your skills and your industrious nature to continue the mission God has given them.  When you don’t take care of your physical body you break covenant with your husband.  No one is responsible for your body but you.”   Hannah helped Sarah to her feet, “Now then, let’s see what you need and go get it.  I will help you today but from now on you must be responsible for yourself.  You are a woman, not a 13-year-old girl.  Jacob needs his wife strong and confident and you must continue the oils and the foods that made you strong.  Your body belongs to your groom, remember, you were bought with a price. Now you are living in covenant partnership.”   Who Determines Your Worth? Worthless, unworthy and without resources or hope.  Have you felt that way?  Sarah did not realize exactly what she had in covenant with Jacob.  Sarah listened to the voice of strangers, left her covenant contract and went back to being in covenant with herself. In her seemingly humble way – not taking care of herself – Sarah broke covenant with Jacob. Look at the graphic below.  In the outside boxes, you see what it looks like for Sarah to be in covenant with herself.  Sarah’s depression and despair grew as she stopped thinking in terms of her new Covenant with Jacob and went back to covenant with herself. Hannah reminded Sarah of her Covenant with Jacob.  The bottom line – Sarah has everything she needs living in Covenant partnership with Jacob, because she is “Dearly Loved”.   Covenant with Self Covenant with Jacob Worthless Cripple Loved by Jacob Self-Control, poor at best Loved by Jacob Crippled Foot Dearly Loved by Jacob and His Family Bridal Dowry, her only worldly possession Loved by Jacob Hannah is a “type” of the Holy Spirit to us Hannah reminded Sarah of the secret name her husband gave her, written on the white stone. This was her new Covenant Identity. Hannah reminded her that she has Covenant Authority: Sarah is now the dearly loved wife of the richest man in town. Hannah reminded her of her covenant protection: Dearly loved by Jacob and his family, they would give their lives for Sarah. Hannah reminded her of her Covenant Provision and Possessions: Sarah is loved by Jacob, her Ketubah-contract gave her full access to everything Jacob or his father owned. Sarah realized her error and repented   Its One Day at a Time Living as a Covenant partner requires a decision to walk in these elements of covenant on a daily basis.  Exchanging our old ways for what our Covenant partner has offered us. Idolatry is choosing to exchange with a person or philosophy other than our covenant partner. Picture in your mind the first story of Jacob and Sarah meeting and signing the marriage covenant, the Ketubah.  Remember drinking the “Cup of Acceptance”.  Each looking at the covenant promises and requirments and seriously deciding if they can fulfill or accept those promises before drinking that Cup of Acceptance.  What if the bride listened to the grooms promises and the price he would pay and she agreed to these covenant terms by drinking the cup.  However, out of the corner of her eye, she was creating a “back-up plan” with someone else…just in case something wouldn’t work out.  That would be deceptive and a breaking covenant. And yet we do this don’t we?  We take on the identity and authority of Christ as long as it fits our “goals and plans”.  We look to Him for our provision as long as it is comfortable.  We say He is our healer and go to the doctor.  No condmenation here from me…I’ve done this.  When I turn my head towards another covenant partner,  it is not because Christ is not trustworthy; it is because I am not spending time with Him and knowing His great love for me.   The Apostle Paul spoke of breaking covenant to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Reading this passage through the understanding of communion as a type of the marriage covenant helps us understand why eating or drinking unworthily would be severely judged and punished; being unfaithful to our covenant partner. Living in Covenant Partnership is being fully devoted to our groom, the Lord Jesus Christ.  In communion we must examine our hearts and be sure they are not divided towards other gods or idols in our lives.  That we are not an unfaithful bride.  We examine our lives and repent of iniquity, trespasses, sins and transgressions; we renounce idolatry and looking outside of our covenant with Him for protection, provision and possessions.  We are careful not to look outside our covenant for identity and authority. Ultimately we see how much we are loved by our Covenant partner, our bridegroom, The Lord Jesus and we are grateful. Keeping covenant is not hard when you realize ONE thing … You are Dearly Loved If we are to live in honor we will let go of other covenant relationships that draw us away from Living in Covenant Partnership and live as “dearly loved”. The post Day 29 – Living in Covenant Partnership –  appeared on 30 Days of Honor, from The Wellness Workshop About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 3, 2017 Day 28 – Our Marriage Supper Our Marriage Supper, Preparing for the Marriage The ancient Jewish concept of preparing for Marriage, rather than putting all your energy in a wedding makes so much sense.  If only we did that today!  We would have beautiful pure and grateful brides rather than “Bridezilla and her Mummy”.  The marriage supper would be one of gratitude and honor rather than self-centered competition.   Think of it!  Sarah was trained to be a Woman of Valor Hannah, Jacob’s family maid, had been with Sarah for 7 years.  Jacob’s father Ariel chose Hannah at a very young age, to be trained in all aspects of his family and business so that Hannah could teach the future wife of their yet unborn eldest son, how to be a “Proverbs 31 Woman” – in the Hebrew, “eshet chayil” – A woman of Valor; strength, efficiency, and wealth.   How different our families would be and even our own marriages if we had given time and effort to prepare for our married life.  To learn the skills needed to run a household and support our husband in his business efforts.  To be a shrewd business woman ourselves and with our husband’s resources bring profit to our homes.  And more importantly to understand we are accountable for our actions and live our lives as the Bride of Christ.   One principle Ariel wanted to become part of his family DNA is the mindset of wealth rather than poverty.  Ariel knew his family was called by God to be a source of provision for their village.  His eldest son and daughter-in-law would carry that vision on.   A Wealthy mindset has a goal of giving. A Poverty mindset is one of survival, holding on to all one has.   One hot mama! Ancient Jewish custom also prepared the bride for a sexual relationship as well.  I don’t know about you but my sexual training was limited to a brief conversation with my parents – which I was horrified to have, and a film strip at school on a woman’s monthly cycle.   Today sexual training comes through television and movies and video games and peers.  It is so sad that one of the gifts God has given us to enjoy in marriage is not given it’s proper place in training.  There must be a better way!     What if we taught biblical sexuality, purity and passion? What if we were set free to love our husbands with our bodies and feel good about it? What if we were taught sex was a spiritual experience, not something lewd and dirty? What if we were taught to please each other freely? Everyone should have a godly “Kallah” Hannah was Sarah’s “Kallah”; responsible to teach Jacob’s future wife how to be a woman of Passion; to freely give and receive the love of lovers in the Song of Songs. Ariel and his wife wanted their future son to enjoy a marriage of honor, industry, joy and passion.  It was a big job for Hannah and she was well compensated for her work.   Ancient Jewish marriage customs were a business agreement sealed with sexual fulfillment and freedom.  The Old Testament laid out requirements for purity, the woman’s monthly cycle, birth control, reproduction and sexual enjoyment.   The Kallah (marriage counselor) was a vital part of the marriage betrothal, teaching the Kallot (future bride) how to give and receive the “love of lovers” in the song of Solomon.  The Kallah taught how to find a proper balance between deep friendship and passionate love-making; at the same time making sure the bride fulfilled the many requirements of Jewish law. (2)   The Kallot (bride to be) and the Kallah (teacher) met together for education in all matters of sexual intimacy.  Instruction included sexual freedom in marriage, planning pregnancies and planning the honeymoon around her menstrual cycle.   Jacob, like all Jewish men, had memorized the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) by the time he was 12 and the rest of the Old Testament by the time he was 15, including Proverbs 31, 10-31.  The head of the household sang Proverbs 31:10-31 to his wife and daughters, sisters, mothers and friends at every Sabbath dinner.   These ancient customs are interesting and seem so right, don’t they? But wait..there is more significance in Sarah and Jacob’s wedding feast. Remember when Sarah was betrothed to Jacob.  She wore a veil to signify to the public that she was betrothed, “bought with a price.”  Only her husband could remove her veil in public.  Jacob not only removed her veil, he placed a crown on her head, showing that she was the queen of his heart.   The Bible tells us that we have a veil over our hearts that only our groom, Jesus, can remove.  When we go to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb there will be great rejoicing as the bride of Christ is revealed.   Revelation 4:9-11 shows the 24 elders who sit around the throne of God cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus.   9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”   There will also be a time of judgement. Just as Ariel read of all Sarah’s accomplishments and skills, from the book of the Bride, God’s books will be opened.  First God will check to see if our name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life.   This book is only for those who have come into covenant with Jesus Christ and received his sacrifice on the cross as payment for their sin.  Other “christian” words for this are “saved, born again, give your life to Christ”.  Let me ask you a very simple question…”Is your name written in that book?”  It can be!  Jesus, your groom has paid the price.  Just speak simply to God and receive his covenant. You can pray this prayer or any prayer from your heart to God, letting Him know you want to belong to Him. Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sin.  I receive his sacrifice and accept your covenant offer.  I give you authority my life.  I accept a new identity as “bought with a price”, the precious blood of Jesus.  I am not my own, I belong to you.  I give you all of myself and receive all that you have for me.  In Jesus Name.  Amen. If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please let me know!  Also, go back to the beginning of the 30 Days of Honor.  It will all have new meaning for you. Every person whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will stand before God and judged by our works. Those works that were worthless will be burned by fire and blown away.  Those that remain will be our reward.  Revelations says that the 24 elders threw their crowns in gratitude at the feet of Jesus Christ.  Like Sarah, when we arrive to that great feast we will know without a doubt that if it weren’t for Jesus we would not be there.   The Bible also tells us that our groom will give us a white stone with a secret name written on it.  Revelation 2:17 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”   What does this “new name” mean?  The website “Got Questions” gave this answer.   The best theory regarding the meaning of the white stone probably has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. According to this view, Jesus promises the overcomers entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. The “new name” most likely refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10). (3)   God’s Special Name gives you His Value I think of the significance of a secret name between lovers.  The enemy of your soul tries to give you names of “unworthy”, “rejected”, “abandoned”, “abused”.  But your groom, the lover of your soul has a name for you that reveals you as a “Woman of Valor”, dearly loved.   Our Marriage Supper After our 7-Year honeymoon with our groom, Jesus Christ, in His father’s house, we will sit at his table for the Marriage Supper of The Lamb.  There we will rejoice with all the saints of the ages.  What an amazing time that will be.   Who would you like to sit next to?  You could sit next to Noah and ask him how he was able to feed all those animals on the ark? Maybe you would like to sit by David and find out how it felt to stand before Goliath. Wouldn’t it be incredible to hear Moses first-hand account of the parting of the red sea? Would you prefer a conversation with Mary to learn what it was like to be told you were expecting the Savior of the universe?   The Bible tells us that during our 7-Year honeymoon we will be feasting with our groom, getting to know our heavenly father and the rest of the “Bride of Christ”.  The Holy Spirit will be there.  It will be a joyous celebration. But not so on the earth.  With the Holy Spirit removed there will be no more drawing to God, no more conviction of sin.  The Bible says “the man of lawlessness” will be unrestrained and evil will prevail.  Also during that time God will release judgement on the earth, giving mankind one more chance to respond to God through judgement rather than the grace and love we now enjoy. It will be a terrible and tragic time on earth while the Bride rejoices in heaven.  Even more tragic is that every living person throughout eternity is wanted by God.  He desires for all to come to Christ, none to perish.   John 3:16-17   16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.   The Future of The Bride of Christ At the end of the 7-Year honeymoon we will join Christ as he rides to completely and finally defeat the works of satan and put a stop to evil. He will then set up his reign on earth for 1,000 years of peace and perfect government; because Jesus will be the ruler; the government will be upon His shoulders.   I do not have the education or the affinity to write about the future of the Bride.  I appreciate the writings of Dr. Renald Showers (4) and give you this link for further study on the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. http://www.ifca.org/home/140001498/140001500/VOICE97-JanFeb.pdf Dr. Showers presently is on the staff of the Church Ministries Division of the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc, and teaches in the Institute of Biblical Studies of that ministry.   Are you ready to walk fully in your calling as the Bride of Christ?  Dancing Through Life Resources (1) https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/3-things-you-might-not-know-about-proverbs-31 (2) http://courses.yoatzot.org/kallahcompanion/samplelesson.php (3) https://www.gotquestions.org/white-stone-new-name.html (4) http://www.ifca.org/home/140001498/140001500/VOICE97-JanFeb.pdf The post Day 28 – Our Marriage Supper appeared on 30 Days of Honor, from The Wellness Workshop About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 3, 2017 Day 27 – “eshet chayil” Woman of Valor  The 7-Day Honeymoon had ended and it was time to join the families and friends for the final marriage feast.  Sarah sat by the window looking out at the beautiful olive tree.  “I don’t want this week to stop”, the young wife thought wistfully.  She turned to look at Jacob as he finished preparing himself for the event.  “My husband, my covenant partner, what did I ever do to deserve such love and devotion.  How can I possibly repay his love?”   A knock on the door and Hiram’s voice interrupted Sarah’s thoughts.  “Come on you two, your week is over!  It’s time to come back to the real world.”  With one last passionate kiss and lingering hug, Jacob helped Sarah put her betrothal veil over her face and the couple were led to the Marriage Supper by a joyful Hiram, the best friend of the groom.   Quite a crowd had gathered for this celebration.  Friends and family from out of town stayed all week for this joyous occasion, anxious to see who Jacob’s bride was.  Jacob drew his wife close, not wanting to lose the memory of her fragrance during the celebration.  He had waited so long for these moments, he must relish each one.   The family and friends cheered as the bride and groom entered the room.  This was a special couple indeed.  Jacob was whisked away to the front of the room by his father Ariel, an empty wine glass shoved in his hand.  Sarah stood back with the 10 virgins who came with her to the wedding, blushing at their teasing looks.  Sarah laughed with the crowd as Jacob put the glass on the floor and smashed it with his foot, signifying his days of independence were over; now he was in covenant with Sarah, his wife.   The crowd cheered and then quieted with respect as Jacob took Sarah’s hand.  The Rabbi stepped forward to read the Seven Blessings. The Sheva Brachot Blessed are you, God, who brings forth fruit from the vine. Blessed are you, God who shapes the universe. All things created speak of your glory. Blessed are you, Holy One, who fashions each person. We bless you, God, for forming each person in your image. You have planted within us a vision of you and given us the means that we may flourish through time. Blessed are you, Creator of humanity. May Israel, once bereft of her children, now delight as they gather together in joy. Blessed are you, God, who lets Zion rejoice with her children. Let these loving friends taste of the bliss you gave to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden in the days of old. Blessed are you, the Presence who dwells with bride and groom in delight. Blessed are You, who lights the world with happiness and contentment, love and companionship, peace and friendship, bridegroom and bride. Let the mountains of Israel dance! Let the gates of Jerusalem ring with the sounds of joy, song, merriment, and delight — the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the happy shouts of their friends and companions. We bless you, God, who brings bride and groom together to rejoice in each other. (3)   The Book of the Bride is Opened Ariel once again called for the attention of his guests.  “My daughter”, he said as he reached out to Sarah, “come and join me.”  Sarah caught her breath. This was the moment she feared most.  When the book would be opened and she would be “judged” by her father-in-law and the guests, and more-so by her husband Jacob.  The Book of the Bride would be opened and Sarah’s work over the past 7 years would be judged.  This moment would set her place in both family and community for her life.  If she was judged a woman of valor she would be looked up on with respect.  If she was judged foolish she would bring disrespect on herself, her father’s house and worse, on her husband Jacob.   Ariel opened the book, looked at Sarah, and read Proverbs 31:10-31 “eshet chayil” – Woman of Valor   “A woman of valor, who can find?” Ariel looked at his son with great pride, “This woman, Jacob is a woman of strength, efficiency, wealth and passion. You, my son have chosen well.”  Ariel proceeded to read from the Book of the Bride the tasks and the character qualities He and his wife had written for their future daughter-in-law before either Sarah or Jacob were conceived.   The stories of character Ariel read were written by Hannah, the one who had trained her.  As Ariel read each one, the crowd shouted with joy, “Give her the reward she has earned.”  Jacob looked lovingly at his blushing wife.   Ariel continued to read the skills Sarah had become proficient at, skills that spoke of her industrious heart and her ability to manage Jacobs affairs.  The crowd shouted again, “Let her works praise her at the city gate.”  Sarah was overwhelmed with humility and gratitude.  “How could I, this crippled girl with a withered foot, be worthy of this honor?”   Ariel told the crowd and his son of the times Sarah had opened her arms to the poor and extended her hands to the needy.  The crowd shouted, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”   Ariel walked over to Gabriel, Sarah’s father, hugging him tight and thanked him for giving their family such a treasure.   The crowd shouted, “A wife of Valor, who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies!”  At this Jacob removed the veil from Sarah’s face, the one she had worn since her betrothal.  Now Sarah was revealed to the world as the Wife of Jacob.  Jacob placed a crown on her head.  Again, cheers and music filled the room.  And then a hush fell over the crowd; as they witnessed something they had never seen.   Grateful for all her groom had done for her, Sarah knelt down, removed the crown from her head and laid it at Jacob’s feet.  Sarah looked up at her husband with sincere heart, “All this is possible because of the way you provided for me.  I thank God for my husband, my covenant partner.  I will bring you good and not harm all the days of our lives.”   Jacob, moved to tears himself, helped Sarah to her feet.  Jacob took a white stone from his pocket and put it in his wife’s hand.  “On this stone is the name I give you, a name between you and I alone.” Sarah held her breath and looked at the stone, still feeling undeserving of the blessing of her husband and his family. Written on the stone: יְדִדוּת    Are you ready to walk fully in your calling as the Bride of Christ?  Dancing Through Life The post Day 27 – “eshet chayil” Woman of Valor appeared on 30 Days of Honor, from The Wellness Workshop About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisMarch 1, 2017 Day 26 – Honeymoon Joy Honeymoon Joy Sarah stretched and then relaxed, sinking deeper into the wonderful bed her husband had provided.  She looked at Jacob sleeping soundly next to her; “how can I be so blessed to have the love of such a wonderful man?”  She snuggled next to him feeling the warmth of his body.  “How can I ever repay the kindness he has shown to me?”  Sarah’s mind wandered through the days of their honeymoon; relaxing together in the private hot springs.  Sitting at the beautiful and rare wooden table enjoying Jacob’s mother’s tasty bread and cheese.  Lounging in this comfy bed, “popping pomegranate seeds” and dreaming of the family they would soon begin. “I don’t want this to end!” Sarah looked painfully at Jacobs work-worn hands as he shared his labor of the past 7 years; daily longing for his bride.  Jacob lovingly rubbed the fragrant oils of Esther on her feet each night, kissing and caressing her withered foot.  At first Sarah wanted to draw her foot away and hide it in shame; but her loving groom gently held on. “This is one of the things that makes you most beautiful.”  More loved than she ever dreamed she could be, Sarah thanked God for his blessings and drifted off to sleep a little longer to enjoy the beauty and rest of her 7-Day Honeymoon. The Blessings of the Seventh-Day Honeymoon I know, it’s hard to make the connection between the lover of our souls and human love.  I’ve felt that too. However, I’ve also experienced amazing joy at discoveries in His word, the Bible.  I’ve experienced His peace that passes all understanding in times of great trouble and I’ve experienced His delight in me as I’ve opened myself up to His love.  In my first Seventh-Day Honeymoon I was deeply blessed by His goodness and truly loved by Him. I marveled at the intricacies of His plan. But let’s be honest My first Seventh-Day Honeymoon was in the 1990s; from this writing it was almost 20 years ago and sadly, it was my first and last “Seventh-Day Honeymoon”.  You see, when I left that wonderful experience I walked back into the stresses and cares of life.  The Sabbath – “honeymoon” planning I did for weeks prior was replaced by busyness and the cares of life.   The planning stopped, but the hunger continued.  I bought books on Sabbath, how do you do it?  I prayed over it, “put it in my husband’s heart.”  I forgot about it in seasons of stress and busyness but my groom kept calling me back … “Come away my beloved”.  I heard his voice and turned to my stress and fears rather than His love.  Sound familiar? Isaiah 58:13-14 “Keep the Sabbath day holy. (Holy means set-apart to God) Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 14 Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Isaiah 58 gives us some amazing benefits of keeping Sabbath Delight Honor Satisfaction Inheritance These benefits of keeping the Sabbath are the very things we humans give our lives pursuing and rarely achieve. You and I can experience these promises by planning our weekly honeymoon and setting that time aside for our Lord; guarding our Seventh-Day Honeymoon as we would a marriage honeymoon. How does that work?  What does it look like in my real life…does church count?  How do you make it happen? “In modern America, we take the five-day work-week so much for granted that we forget what a radical concept a day of rest was in ancient times.  The weekly day of rest has no parallel in any other ancient civilization.  In ancient times, leisure was for the wealthy and the ruling classes only, never for the serving or laboring classes.  In addition, the very idea of rest each week was unimaginable.  The Greeks thought the Jews were lazy because we insisted on having a “holiday” ever seventh day.” (1)   It all begins with a desire Desire gives birth to action.  So if desire is all you have right now…take it to your groom and let him know “I desire a Sabbath, a Seventh-Day Honeymoon with you every week.  I just don’t know how to put it into action.  Please show me.   The action is simply planning and prioritizing, right?  Time.  It’s all about Time.  You may feel you are powerless over your time but in reality YOU choose how to spend your time every minute of every day.  You may have many voices calling for your time.  You may feel enslaved by debt, by obligations, by your job, your family and friends…your church activiites…but ultimately You Choose. It will take some prayerful thought for us to look at our time and decide how God wants us to spend it.   Here’s an amazing truth – God is not bound by time He is not bound by anything and He has promised to provide everything we need for life and godliness, according to HIS riches and not our resources.  So God can increase your time.  He can hold off distractions, interruptions, things breaking, family crisis.  He can do anything!  If He is calling you to “come away my beloved” He will help you find the way to reorganize your time. I believe it’s like tithing.  It does not make sense to give God 10% right off the top of your earnings, but when you do He protects the 90% and increases it!  Our time is no different.  We give our time to God and He gives it back in simple ways. Let’s get practical I’m going to run through my thought processes with you … think about doing this myself.  Sabbath always runs from sunset to sunset; this is because when God created the earth he said darkness and light are one day.  He started the day – at night.  I know, it’s backwards to us. Genesis 1:3-5 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families,he leads out the prisoners with singing;     but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.  The Valapriso Project explains it this way: Let Sabbath time shape the way you begin and end each day. In the Bible (Genesis 1), each new day begins at sundown. The first part of each day begins in restful darkness, preparing for the gift of light and activity. As Eugene Peterson notes, “I go to sleep to get out of the way for awhile.” God and nature go on without us, and we join the work in the morning. The Jewish Shabbat observance, which begins on Friday evening, honors this biblical view of time. How might “beginning” the day in the Genesis way change your attitude as you start and end your day?  (2) Working it out in my head… So if I started my Seventh-Day Honeymoon on Saturday night at sundown, that would be OK…I’m not crazy busy on Saturday. I could have a beautiful meal ready for my family complete with candles and a table cloth.  We could remember the ways God has blessed us together.  I could put my hand on each one’s head and bless them.  My husband could pray a blessing over each of us.  We could rejoice with each other and enjoy each other’s company…without the TV, tablet or phone. That would take some practice; but it’s do-able.  And of course, the meal would be fully prepared before sundown, possibly during the week, and I would want to use (biodegradable) paper plates and throw away everything I could to not leave a big mess to clean up. That all sounds good but I don’t have a family, I’m alone If you are thinking…but I don’t have a family…your first step is to ask God to give you one.  It’s one of His promises.  He will bring you “people” to be your family. Psalm 68:4-6 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing;but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. If you feel like you are living in a “sun-scorched land” lost and alone do some checking in your heart…are you rebellious?  Repent of your rebellion and open yourself up to the family He brings your way.  You may need to forgive your own biological family, you may need help with that.  If you do…check out Dancing Through Life.  Here’s God’s promise to you: What about church? Well, if I spend the evening on Saturday Remembering and Rejoicing, possibly Sunday church would call me to Repent and Renew?  If I went there with that in mind it might change my entire church experience. Hopefully all the Remembering and Rejoicing from the night before would give me a better outlook for the day. I wouldn’t be so worried about what I wear because my mind and heart are about repentance. The traffic wouldn’t bother me because I’ve so ordered my day that I won’t be late or rushed. The music or sermon won’t get me upset…becauseI am there to repent of ways I have broken covenant in the prior week. I have a quiet place to renew my covenant commitment to Christ during the prayer times or at the altar after church; especially if there is a communion time. I’m much more likely to be used and led by the Holy Spirit in my church family because my heart is open before the Lord instead of worrying about what to do next. Sounds like an amazing church day. After church, it’s time to receive God’s covenant promises of provision, protection and possessions and then rest.  This doesn’t mean I must do it alone.  I could have my Sunday Sabbath meal prepared and invite others over for a time of refreshing. We could leave off the TV and share the goodness of God, enjoy each other’s company and pray for one another.  Obviously not everyone would be up for this but God will show me who to invite. We could pray and receive the covenant promises we need.  Provision, Protection, Possessions. I could give my guests a time frame, so they don’t stay all day and all night, allowing me time for rest on Sunday afternoon. I could stay away from the TV, tablet and phone. I could rest until Sundown. At the end of my Sabbath I’ll be rejuvenated to prepare for my week so I am ready for my next “Sabbath Seventh-Day Honeymoon”. Sounds like a wonderful plan!  Why is it so hard to practice? We have lost the natural boundaries of time and resources due to computers and credit.  We can do our banking at 2 am and our shopping at midnight.  We can go on vacation even if we are broke and buy anything we want or need with the plastic magic card.  God created boundaries for our good.  He told the ocean to come up on the sand and no further.  He set boundaries for darkness and light.  The seasons are boundaries of weather patterns.  We see the benefits of all these boundaries, now let us, myself as well, receive the boundary of Sabbath, the Seventh-Day Honeymoon, as a benefit as well. My Next Journey…The Seventh-Day Honeymoon When God called me to write down this 30 Days of Honor journey I had No Idea where that would lead.  Tonight, as I began to write I realized, it is leading me back to that beautiful, covenant practice of Sabbath. To the revelation He gave me 20 years ago, to the longing in my heart to stop living as others do and  “come away”. He’s calling me to create a plan for my weekly Sabbath honeymoon, to order my schedule and my tasks for the week so that I have those 24 hours with my groom. He’s calling me to Remember, Rejoice, Repent, Renew and Receive His love and care…and Rest. If Saturday or Sunday doesn’t work for you – it really doesn’t matter.  What matters is the day and planning for it and practicing it. Colossians 2:16-18 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” It’s not about legalism, or keeping rules, it’s about “coming away” out of this world, to connect with our Groom, our Savior, our King. I don’t know about you, but I need it now, more than ever. What are your thoughts about the Seventh-Day Honeymoon?  Is it appealing?  Does it scare you?  Seem impossible and impracticle?  I’d love to hear! Resources (1) http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm (2) http://www.practicingourfaith.org/keeping-sabbath-ways-practice-ideas   Are you ready to walk fully in your calling as the Bride of Christ?  Dancing Through Life The post Day 26 – Honeymoon Joy first appeared on 30 Days of Honor, from The Wellness Workshop About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...
Celeste DavisFebruary 28, 2017 Day 25 – The Seventh-Day Honeymoon Jacob and Sarah enjoyed a 7-day honeymoon in their own private suite while friends and family celebrated their union.  I can’t even imagine that today; who could take off 7 days for every family wedding?  There are like 50+ people in my immediate family!  No one would ever work.  Not to mention feeding all those folks for 7 days…It would be nice though, to give such a position of honor to a relationship.  God invites us to a Seventh-Day Honeymoon each week.   God Gave Us a Seventh-Day Honeymoon As the Bride of Christ we too will have a honeymoon with our groom, for 7 years after he comes for us.  However, you may not realize that our heavenly Father God, set up a plan for us to have a “honeymoon” with our groom every Seventh-day.  He started the tradition at creation and called it the Sabbath; I call it the Seventh-Day Honeymoon.  Not to be confused with the 7th day Adventist denomination.   My First Sabbath Experience My personal concept of a honeymoon with Jesus began in the late 1990s with a group of college age women I led in a weekly Bible study.  We spent months studying the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Bible and ended our study with a Sabbath retreat a Seventh-Day Honeymoon. It was quite a deal for a bunch of college age girls.  No cell phones or computers, no boyfriends, they had to take off work and stay the entire time; yep, you weren’t allowed to leave.  I believe we had about 20 girls at that retreat.  It was amazing.  Each person did some homework and contributed to the Sabbath meal and the activities of our Sabbath.  We had a beautifully set table complete with a menorah and a special Jewish prayer cloth.  We gathered around a wonderful Sabbath meal enjoying the Sabbath blessings of a “spiritual mother and father”.   So Many Honeymoon-Like Similarities This was my first “official” time to fully keep the Sabbath.  Raised in a bible-believing, church going home, I had rarely missed a Sunday church service and even a Sunday evening service in my entire life.  I always knew it was something I needed to do and definitely enjoy, but it never really “feels” like Sabbath to me. There were so many elements of this Sabbath celebration that reminded me of a honeymoon.  I began to see the Sabbath, not as a dreaded ritual that couldn’t possibly be kept in our modern times,  but as a wonderful time of contentment, resting and relating with my savior, my groom. ♥♥♥ Preparation. A honeymoon takes lots of preparation and planning, and there is great anticipation and excitement involved. You don’t want to mess up your honeymoon plans, after all it’s right after the wedding…you want it to be perfect! We experienced this in preparing for our Sabbath, Seventh-Day Honeymoon.  We were not allowed to do any work at this Sabbath retreat.  That meant everything had to be done ahead of time.  This required we think about our Sabbath all week long, making sure we had everything we need and the people who depended on us were cared for in our absence. ♥♥♥ Anticipation. We spend more time dreaming about the wonderful honeymoon than we do experiencing it. In the same way, we were excited to see what this Sabbath retreat would reveal about our savior, our groom and how it would change our lives.  I don’t know about the others but I thought of this event daily. ♥♥♥ ♥ Intimacy. The honeymoon is a time set aside for physical and emotional and hopefully spiritual intimacy.  Someone transliterated intimacy to “In-to-me-see”. A time for the bride and groom to fully experience each other in every way.  To reveal the true person and receive love. ♥♥♥ These 6 Activities provided great intimacy with Our Lord and each other: ♥ Remembering – Sharing what God did for us during the week and what God provided for us through Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross. ♥ Rejoicing – We rejoiced together as each one shared the goodness of God letting go of sadness and mourning for a 24 hour period each week. Sadness and mourning. “The Sabbath does not ‘do away’ with sadness and sorrow,” writes Pinchas H. Peli in The Jewish Sabbath, “it merely requires that all sadness be ‘tabled’ for one day so that we may not forget that there is also joy and happiness in the world and acquire a more balanced and hopeful picture of life.” Even mourning is suspended in order to rejoin the community for Sabbath. “The Sabbath, by its very being, comforts and heals.”(2) ♥ Repenting – Some of the “remembering” brought up past or even recent failures. Things we needed to repent of.  We had some quiet time alone with our Lord to listen to His voice, repent of the 4 ways we break covenant in our flesh.  These are the four forms of sin spoken of in the Bible.  Two are against God and two are against people.  Some of us also repented of generational sins we felt were holding us back in our covenant relationship. The Bible mentions Iniquity, Trespasses, Transgression and Sin. We break our covenant of being identified with Christ when we sin against others. Iniquities – ways we were unjust or unfair to others, maybe in our judgements or in our actual relationships. Trespasses – ways we crossed the line in our relationships and hurt other people. We break our covenant of exchanging authority – the right to be our own boss – by taking matters into our own hands in willful sin against His authority in our lives. Transgressions – out and out sinful rebellious choices. Sin – missing the mark God has set for us, this might be as simple as not allowing Love to be our primary motive or as complex as not witnessing to someone when the opportunity arises. There are many ways we can miss God’s best for us. ♥ Renewing – This was done both privately in our time of repentance and some shared publicly in the group. Renewing our covenant for the week to come. Exchanging our individual identity with our covenant partner, the Bride of Christ, to reflect our identity as the beloved of God to those around us. Exchanging our authority to be the director of our own lives – giving God that authority and taking on the authority we have been given in Christ over personal sin and the sin we encounter. ♥ Receiving – We received the blessings of our covenant partner. We could freely open ourselves up to His grace and mercy because of the process of the weekend. As we renewed the covenant for the week we received His protection, His provision and His possessions.  We had confidence that our Covenanat partner would meet all our needs according to HIS riches and not our resources. ♥♥♥ ♥ Resting – This is probably the most difficult for all of us.  To stop and rest.  It is possible because God asked us to do it.  The religious Jews of today say this about Sabbath. Shabbat is primarily a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. The word “Shabbat” comes from the root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest. (1) How could I not rest in my body and my spirit after this time of rejuvenation with my groom? Remembering and rejoicing at his goodness throughout my week.  Repenting of ways that I broke covenant with Him, Renewing my Covenant vows and Receiving His provision, protection and possessions.  My soul is quieted and I can rest. ♥♥♥ What a blessed time it was and as I recall these events I am summoned by my groom to join Him for a Seventh-Day Honeymoon every week.  How about you?   Learn to live as the Bride of Christ.   Dancing Through Life. Resources (1) http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm (20 http://www.practicingourfaith.org/keeping-sabbath-ways-practice-ideas About the Author: Celeste Davis, is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a heart to walk fully in Covenant with Him. As Founder of The Wellness Workshop, Celeste’s passion is to teach women and impact their families to “Be Nourished” as opposed to dieting or trying different life strategies. We nourish our bodies with God-Made Food, our Souls with God-Made Relationships and our Spirits with the Word of God and Prayer. More Info about Celeste.   [...] Read on...