Sunday, April 27, 2014

Fluffy Power Waffles

I recently got my very first waffle iron (it's amazing the things I get excited over these days!), and I am obsessed with it. When baking with whole food, plant based ingredients, the end result is often more dense than it's SAD (Standard American Diet) counterpart.

That's why I am in LOVE with waffles. You don't have to be so careful to achieve a soft, fluffy waffle. My husband is big into breakfast, and as many of you know from previous blogs, he is my picky eater; not my 19 month old. So creating a breakfast that the entire family will love is often tricky. And after playing around with a few ingredients, I came up with this delicious batch of waffles that are packed with nutrition, extremely filling, delicious, and most importantly: fluffy.


These waffles are a great first food for babies and make a wonderful meal or snack for toddlers. They freeze well and can easily be reheated in the toaster (for a slight crunch) or left out over night (for a softer bite). Having these on hand will alleviate those rushed mornings when you need a quick breakfast. They're inexpensive to make, will fill you up (without feeling bloated or sick), provide lots of energy, and are extremely good for you!

If we're on the go I'll pack these for my daughter plain to keep mess free, but if we're home, I top them with a little almond butter (for extra healthy fat, protein, and nutrients). My husband prefers his slathered in syrup, while I like a little bit of fresh fruit.

Enjoy them plain (for the little ones), or topped with fresh fruit, nut butter, jam, coconut whip, or even chocolate chips (Enjoy Life is a great dairy, nut, and gluten free non-GMO brand!) You can choose to eat these however you wish!

What you need:

5 cups Water

2 cups Uncooked Oats

1/2 cup Uncooked Millet

1/4 cup Uncooked Quinoa

3/4 cup Ground Flax

*1/2 cup Raw Walnuts

*1/2 cup Raw Pecans

1 Apple

Dash of Sea Salt

1/4 Sesame Seeds (for coating Waffle Iron)

* You can use 1 cup of any nuts you like; we preferred this combo!

What you do:

1. Combine all ingredients, EXCEPT sesame seeds, in a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

2. After your waffle iron is heated, sprinkle sesame seeds on one side.

3. Pour batter onto waffle iron and sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top. Close the waffle iron and cook per manufacturer's warning. (I kept my Belgian waffle iron set on medium and cooked about 3 - 4 minutes on each side).

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with remaining batter. Makes about 10 large Belgian Waffles. (What we don't eat, I split up into quarters and freeze for my daughter for quick snacks!)

Enjoy!

Why These Ingredients?

Oats (Unprocessed) - Known to improve the immune system, control blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar. They have also been shown to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and phytoestrogen compounds (called lignans) in oats have been linked to decreased risk of hormone-related diseases such as breast cancer. Oats also provide high levels of Manganese, Fiber, Iron, Phosphorus, Biotin, Vitamin B1, and Magnesium.

Millet - A heart healthy, gluten free grain (technically a seed but referred to as grain) that is high in Fiber, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, and Copper. Millet also contains many phytonutrients, including Lignans, which are thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers, as well as heart disease. It is alkaline (cancer cells grow in an acidic environment so eating more alkaline foods is extremely beneficial to prevent, halt, and reverse cancerous growth), digests easily, and provides serotonin to help calm the brain.

Quinoa - A complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also high in Fiber, Manganese (an antioxidant that helps prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as protects red blood and other cells from injury by free radicals), Riboflavin (improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells as well as create proper energy production in cells), and Magnesium (helps to relax blood vessels, transmit nerve impulses, regulate body temperature, detoxify, provide energy, and form healthy bones and teeth, as well as reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and the severity of asthma). Quinoa also provides good sources of Iron, Vitamin B-6, Thiamin, Niacin, Potassium, Zinc, Folate, and antioxidant phytonutrients Quercetin and Kaemferol (provide anti-inflammatory and disease fighting properties).

Ground Flax - High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fiber. Also known to improve blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and protect against cancer and radiation.

Walnuts - High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese. Walnuts also provde a good source of Vitamins A, C, E, folate, and other B Vitamins.  They provide a wide variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, which research shows provide measurable anti-cancer benefits. The antioxidant properties of walnuts help lower the risk of chronic oxidative stress, and the anti-inflammatory properties help lower the risk of chronic inflammation. These two types of risk, when combined, pose the greatest threat for cancer development. (Source). Archives of Internal Medicine found walnuts to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol by  7.4 percent, reduce the ratio of LDL to HDL by 8.3 percent. (Source).

Pecans - High in Fiber, Protein, and Essential Fatty Acids (helps to decrease total as well as LDL cholesterol). Pecans also provide an excellent source of Vitamin E (helps maintain integrity of cells and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen-free radicals), B Complex (Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Vit B-6, and Folates which work for the enzyme metabolism inside the body), Manganese, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium. 

Apple - Excellent source of Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins (Riboflavin, Thiamin, and Vitamin B-6), Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphorus. Apples are also packed with Fiber (helps prevent the development of many diseases and prevent the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood from rising), and phytonutrients (helps protect the body from the detrimental effects of free radicals). Apples are good for neurological health, because they contain an antioxidant called "quercetin" which reduces cellular death caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons, according to research conducted by G. Bureau and M. Martinoli at the University of Quebec.

Sesame Seeds - These prevent the batter from sticking to the waffle iron (in place of oil) and are loaded with Protein, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Zinc (promotes bone health and prevents osteoporosis later in life). They also increase levels of Vitamin E, which helps play a role in fighting disease, and have even been found to inhibit the spread of many cancers. More benefits of these amazing seeds can be found here.

Nutrition Info per Waffle:
Calories: 254
Fat: 13.7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 6 mg
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 6.8 g
Sugars: 2.8 g
Protein: 7 g

Looking for other first meals for your baby or tot?  

Try these power packed "all in one" meals that were, and are, a hit in our home!

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Life: Learning the Lessons the Hard Way...

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. My husband, Jamie, came home after a two month field exercise with the Marine Corps, and a week of him being back I injured myself pretty badly (broken arm, sprained back, and bruised ribs). Needless to say, taking care of an active toddler while managing the house, bills, meals, dog, and everything else that pops up, has been all consuming and more than enough to handle.

I've always believed everything happens for a reason, although I don't always know at the time what that reason is...

The nature of my husband's work constantly has him away for periods of time, and very often I feel like a single parent. When Jamie isn't deployed, or away training, he's home late and gone early, so he misses much, if not all, of our day to day life and the decisions that accompany them.

Even as a free spirit, I have found myself forced to be in control. To make all the decisions by myself. To take care of everything by myself. And I have a difficult time giving up that control to let others help or do things for me; I am capable to do for myself.

Hurting myself to the extent that I did, turned my world upside down. No longer was I in control. No longer could I do everything I wanted to do. I was physically incapable to do for myself.

I couldn't take care of Nya. I couldn't even hold her. It was one of the worst feelings. After three hours of trying to convince myself and Jamie that the injuries were nothing, I finally gave in and accepted the reality that something was actually wrong.

We had to drop Nya off at a friend's in order to head to the emergency room. I wasn't prepared. It was Nya's nap time. I'm the only one that's ever put her down for a nap. She's not used to sleeping in her pack n play and we've never left her somewhere before. I didn't know how long we'd be. I didn't have an adequate dinner prepared for her. The list of fears went on and on.

I was controlled by the what ifs and all I could think about was how am I going to take care of my daughter? Even at the ER, I kept trying to convince myself that nothing was actually wrong and I was just a little banged up: The injuries are all in your head, it's nothing!

The next day we had to see a specialist, therefor requiring us to find another sitter to watch Nya. Again, I was forced to leave her right before nap time with a "stranger". And again, the panic began to sweep in. Is Nya going to be ok? Will this sitter be able to put Nya down for her nap without tears? What news am I going to get today? These thoughts consumed me.

Yet the majority of this panic and worry was for nothing. Nya was completely fine. She was happy and content without me. She went down for her naps both days without a problem. She adapted and adjusted... much better than I did.

The break in my arm wasn't that bad. I sought alternative treatments to help myself heal (look for that blog soon!) and by the third day was feeling tremendously better and even able to hold Nya for brief periods.

I realized, although unable to fully accept, that this is my lesson: to let go and let others do. Trust that I have given Nya the strength she needs to handle and adapt to new situations. Encourage Jamie to have a more active role in taking care of Nya and other responsibilities. Allow friends to help when they ask. And ask for help when I need it.

Knowing your lessons, and learning from them are two very different things. I have repeated the same lessons over and over. Until you awaken to your instincts and life's gentle nudges, tragedy occurs to force you into a different course of action.

Things are going to happen. Plans will change. This is life. The question is, will you awaken and adapt to your challenges before they become major lessons, or will you learn the hard way?

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Sending Hugs to Those You Love

I discovered this idea for sending long distance hugs from a Valentine's Day craft featured by The Party Event, and thought it was brilliant. Because of our military lifestyle that shuffles us from one state to the next, we are always missing "home" and the family and friends we have to leave behind. So this craft is perfect to let those we love know we are thinking about them while sending hugs their way.

This is a quick, fun, and easy craft to do with children of any age, and can be customized by your child. Add this attached note along with your hug, or create a note of your own.


Nya and I have sent a few hugs, and we've done them differently each time. I love the personal touch of coloring the hands as opposed to solid color card stock, but both work equally well. I let Nya color all over a piece of card stock before tracing and cutting her hands over the coloring (this was by far easier than letting her color the hand after they had been cut). This works great for your littlest tots that are just learning how to color, and is fun to see the transformation of their hugs over the years. It also makes the craft last much longer because your little one can be coloring while you are cutting and assembling (unless they're old enough to do it themselves!)

These make sentimental birthday gifts for grandparents, father's or mother's day, and are especially great to send to parents serving overseas.

Whatever you do, make it your own... Be creative and have fun with this. There is no right or wrong way to send a hug to someone you miss and love!

What you need:

Card Stock (any color -white works best for coloring)

Scissors

Hole Punch (or use scissors if you don't have one)

Twine or Ribbon

Crayons, colored pencils, paint, stamps, glitter, stickers, etc. (for decorating the hands)

What you do:

1. If you have extremely little ones, it's easiest to let them color on a piece of card stock before you cut their hands out.

2. Trace their hands (if you have a little one that won't sit still, just trace one hand and copy it!) on the card stock.

3. Cut out the hands and allow older kids to decorate if they wish to.


4.  Measure the arm span of your child and cut the twine or ribbon in the same lengths.

5. Make a small hole punch in each hand, and thread the twine or ribbon through, tying at each end.


6. You can print out the following note or write one of your own.

7. Send your hug in the mail!



To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

No Guilt Chocolate Doughnuts

I have never been a fan of doughnuts, but my husband LOVES them. Since Jamie's been back home, I'm trying to come up with new breakfast ideas that both he and Nya can enjoy together.

On my list to tackle? Doughnuts. I had been hearing amazing things about this doughnut recipe from Happy Herbivore, so I thought I would give it a try, with modifications to fit our health needs. The original recipe contains maple syrup and sugar, which I avoid in baking for my 18 month old. With over 95% of the United States sugar beet crops genetically modified, why get her started on and addicted to something that's not good for her? 

Jamie, on the other hand, is addicted to his sugar. And after eating anything but whole, healthy, foods for the past two months, I knew he would be a little more difficult to persuade.

Avoiding doughnuts and having never made my own, I was unsure where to begin. I didn't take any pictures of the process because I honestly didn't think they would come out that great on the first go around. But surprisingly, Jamie and my daughter LOVED them. (Nya eats everything I make, but Jamie is much more challenging!).  Nya gobbled up three for her snack, and according to Jamie, they had the "exact texture of a doughnut", with a "slight date aftertaste". I can't really compare, but trust his doughnut expertise. Let me know what you think!


What you need:

1 cup + 1 Tbsp Non Dairy Milk (I used cashew)

1 tsp Lemon Juice

2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

* 3/4 cup Medjool Dates, pitted (softened or soaked in water first)

2 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1/3 cup Raw Cacao Powder

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1 Flax Egg (3 Tbsp Warm Water mixed with 1 Tbsp Ground Flax)

* Can sub 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup 

What you do:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, cacao, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

2. Blend milk, lemon juice, dates, and vanilla in a high speed blender or food processor until smooth. Pour into dry ingredients and use a spatula to combine (the mixture will be very thick and seem a bit dry).

3. Add the flax egg and continue to fold the batter until incorporated.

4. Spoon into silicon doughnut pan (Made 24 mini doughnuts). The batter will be extremely thick.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.

6. Serve warm, store in freezer, or if using icing....

Icing (Optional - I skipped the icing for Nya, but dunked Jamie's in it!)

*3/4 cup Medjool Dates, softened and pitted

1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup (Can Omit)

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Non Dairy Milk (I used cashew)

2 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder (For Chocolate Icing)

* Can sub 1/2 cup powdered sugar - just be ready for a sugar crash!

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor until smooth. Submerge cooled doughnuts in the icing and serve.

Enjoy!
Nutrition Info per Doughnut:
Calories: 77.8
Fat: 1.4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 47.5 mg
Carbohydrates: 15.3 g
Fiber: 2.6 g
Sugar: 5.6 g
Protein: 1.7 g

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Life Is Messy - Painting with your little one!

I struggled about writing this post because it's not exactly a "green" craft, but this is our life; we're not perfect. While we always strive for the most natural products, it doesn't always work out that way. So, we make the best choices for our family of what is acceptable and what isn't.

This project was one of those decisions...

Front and Back of Painting

I have always been into art, and have been painting and drawing my entire life. It's therapeutic for me. Because of this, I have a ton of acrylic paints (water based paints that can either resemble oil or watercolor - they dry very quickly and become water resistant, and they're very easy to clean with soap and water). I also had a few blank canvases lying around just waiting to be painted.

About a month ago, when the weather was horrible and we were stuck inside just about every day, I decided to experiment with Nya in hopes of creating a great abstract piece of art. We only worked with one color for a short period each day. The entire project took about 3 weeks, and I couldn't be more thrilled with it. Nya and I both had a blast, and it is a memorable experience that we will be able to share, look at each day, and pass on throughout generations. This is also a great sensory craft for toddlers!

This really was Nya's creation. I chose the colors and placed them where I wanted her to paint (and how much!), but I have to give her most of the credit!

The pictures show the process of layering the colors from start to finish. (In order to avoid a big brown piece of art, you need to take your time in layering your colors and allowing them to fully dry before moving on.) Below them, you'll find information on acrylic paint and how to create your own abstract piece of art with your little ones.

Blank Canvas Ready to Paint!

Day 1 of Painting
Day 2 of Painting (we added white to the original blue to create a lighter color)
Day 3 of Painting 
Day 5 of Painting

Day 8 of Painting 
Day 10: Finished and Displayed!

What you need:

  • Acrylic Paint (You can find these at any craft store). I like acrylic paints because they are water based so you can easily manipulate them, they dry extremely fast, and wipe right off the skin. Many brands are non toxic. Here is one.
  • Canvas (You can find at any craft store). Choose whichever size you prefer, and if you're new to this, I would get the cheapest ones you can find. The only big difference in price is the "thickness" of the canvas. Here's what to look for.
  • Other materials you wish (paintbrushes, sponges, leaves, clippings from magazines or newsprint, etc - anything goes!)


What you do:

  • Painting on the floor was much easier for us, so I laid out a large drop cloth first and made sure to have a paper towel handy (it does get a bit messy!).
  • Squeeze out a bit of paint in the area on the canvas you want your little one working in (I did a few quarter sized dots).
  • Let your little one have at it! We used hands, feet, paint brushes, plastic utensils, and sponges. Get creative and use other materials if you wish (I've used newspaper clippings in the past as they stick well to the paint and create a great effect). If you are creating an art piece for a new baby, use newspaper clippings from the day they were born to make it even more memorable. Or head outdoors and collect leaves and flowers to use texture in your painting. Anything goes!
  • Let it dry overnight or whenever you feel like working on it again (We didn't paint every day). Then start over with a new color, and keep going until you feel it's "finished."
  • Make sure to date and sign it either on the front or back.

Helpful Tips:

  • Only work with one color at a time. This will save you from creating a big brown mess. Or, use two primary colors to create a third color.
  • Allow your child to work in small increments, if you want the painting to have any texture or depth, and allow overlays of color. By limiting time, you achieve some amazing texture over colors, and really get an abstract piece. If I let Nya keep going, she would have painted over each color, and the end result would have been one dimensional. We spent anywhere from 5- 30 minutes each session. 
  • Keep it simple. You don't need to go buy a ton of paint. Pick 3 primary colors that you can manipulate into more colors when mixed. Or stick to one color and get black and white to achieve different shades.
  • If painting with little ones, always keep an eye on them. I felt comfortable the paint wouldn't end up in Nya's mouth. If she were younger and still in that stage, I would skip this and wait a bit later.

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.