Loving Green

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Chocolate Pudding - What's in a Mix?

If you're used to getting those "instant" boxed pudding mixes from the store that you only have to "add milk" to, you will love this recipe. Not only is it just as simple for you, your kids will enjoy a delicious and nutritionally sound treat without all the chemicals and artificial ingredients.

Let's take a closer look at the popular JELL-O Chocolate Pudding Ingredients (I was guilty of buying this at one time!)

SUGAR, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE (FOR THICKENING), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SALT, TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE (FOR THICKENING), MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES (PREVENT FOAMING), RED 40, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, BHA (PRESERVATIVE). *AMOUNT IN DRY MIX.

Sugar: The very first ingredient means this entire box is full of it. Given that over 90% of sugar in the United States comes from Genetically Modified Sugar Beets, you are eating a food that has been proven to increase the growth of cancer cells in animal testing.

Modified Cornstarch: Over 95% of the corn grown in the United States is genetically modified, thus, so is cornstarch, unless it says otherwise.

Natural and Artificial Flavor: MSG, as well as a lengthy list of disgusting ingredients. Castoreum is a popular ingredient that companies list as "Natural Flavoring", although it is typically found in Vanilla and Raspberry flavored processed food. To read more about Castoreum, click here.

Red 40, Yello 5, Blue 1: Banned and considered dangerous and unhealthy in countries all around the world, except the United States.

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): A chemical compound created to halt rancidity in foods. It has been linked to allergies, and is a suspected carcinogen according to the National Toxicology Program's Twelfth Annual Report on Carcinogens (2011). Read more here.

There is absolutely nothing healthy or beneficial in this box, and adding sugary milk that contains growth hormones and antibiotics, is a recipe for disaster.

After experimenting with a few different recipes, I decided to recreate my own chocolate avocado pudding that was a bit healthier.

The results?

Pure chocolate heaven. The consistency is thick and creamy, and the flavor is bursting with decadent chocolate. You do taste the peanut butter (although the chocolate is overpowering), so if you're not a fan of the flavor combo, cut the peanut butter in half or skip it altogether. I think it adds another dimension that you wouldn't want to miss, but you be the judge!

Click here for the Recipe!

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.

Pure Chocolate Pudding

I began using avocados as a thickening agent in some of my recipes because they create a great, flavorless base to easily build upon. When mixed with cacao (or cocoa), magic happens!

This is by far the best chocolate pudding recipe I've had, and it doesn't separate as some do when they sit awhile in the fridge. It's thick, creamy, and completely decadent. If you're nervous about the avocados, don't be! You can't taste them. They simply provide consistency and a flavorless base to build upon. Check out what's in the instant boxed pudding here, and compare the difference.

My daughter absolutely LOVES it, and this is a great way to boost your little ones nutrition while providing a special 'treat'.

What you need:

1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter (or other nut butter)

*1.5 cup Plant Milk (I've used cashew, oat, and rice with great results)

4 tsp Pure Vanilla

5 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder

2 Large Ripe Avocados

15 Dates (more to sweeten)

Pinch of Sea Salt

* Use can sub 1/2 cup raw cashews with 1.5 cups water - I now use this method!

What you do:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor (if using the above substitution, soak cashews in water overnight before using in food processor - not necessary in high speed blender) and blend until smooth.

2. Transfer to a bowl and serve warm or store in fridge until chilled. Makes about 6 cups.

Enjoy!

Why these Ingredients?

Avocados: Aids in regulating and stabilizing blood sugar, protects against age related eye degeneration, improves the cardiovascular system, and boosts the body's immune system. Avocados are high in Fiber, Potassium (contain 35% more than a banana), Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, and Vitamin B6, as well as healthy fats.

Dates: High levels of Soluble Fiber, Iron, and Potassium contain excellent levels of Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Magnesium. Helps formulate friendly bacteria in intestines (helps with constipation and digestive issues). Dates have also shown in research studies to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer.

Natural Peanut Butter: Provides healthy fats, and are high in Protein, Fiber, Niacin, Folate, Vitamin E, Thiamine, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, Vitamin B6, Potassium, and Riboflavin. These vitamins and minerals which helps protect the levels of Vitamins A and C in the body, maintain healthy digestion and metabolism, aid in bone and tooth health, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and immune function. They also reduce the risk of certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. To learn more about peanuts, click here.

Raw Cacao - High in Antioxidants (promotes general health and may lower risk of several diseases). The Linus Pauling Institute indicates that flavonoid antioxidants such as those found in cacao might interfere with the development of cancer. In a review of evidence from human subjects, published in 2009 in "Nutrition and Cancer," researchers concluded that compounds in cacao might prevent cancer or improve the outcome when the disease is already present. (Source)

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Baked 'Parm' Zucchini Nuggets

I have been in a food funk the past two weeks. I'm bored with everything I see, and forcing myself to use up the food I have in the house first is not always fun. It's kind of like looking in your closet, completely full of clothes, and finding absolutely nothing to wear!

I had some zucchini that I needed to use up, and wasn't in the mood for zucchini noodles, cooked in pasta, roasted or steamed. I needed something different.

Why not bake them?

I remember loving fried mozzarella sticks when I was little, and I wanted to recreate something similar, but using the zucchini, and adding more nutrition.

What transpired was absolutely delicious and better yet, it was completely healthy! The zucchini was moist and tender, while the outer layer was crunchy and crispy. This makes a great snack, appetizer, or side dish, and pairs perfectly with marinara dipping sauce. (My 18 month old has become fascinated with dipping her food - I try to give her those options often! - it's great practice for those fine motor skills!)

What you need:

*2 Medium Zucchini, washed and sliced (Keep in mind that over 25,000 acres of summer squash is grown from genetically modified seeds in the United States, and many pesticides and chemicals are used to combat pests, so this may be one veggie you want to find local and organic!)

1/2 cup Warm Water mixed with 2.5 Tbsp Ground Flax

1 cup Uncooked Chickpeas, Ground to Flour (Or buy Chickpea/Garbonzo/Besan/Gram Flour)

**1/2 cup Raw Almonds + 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast, Blended to Gritty Flour

*You can slice the zucchini however you prefer - Create sticks or rounds. And choose your desired thickness, just make sure they're even - the thicker will need more baking time!

**If you are used to eating salt, add a pinch of sea salt to the almonds and nutritional yeast when blending, otherwise, these will be very bland!

What you do:

1. After making flax "eggs" and grinding your other mixtures, arrange your working station.

2. Dip all sides of the zucchini in flax egg, then chickpea flour, then the almond grit. Sit on silicon baking mat.

3. Continue until all of your zucchini has passed through the assembly line.

4. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, flipping half way.

5. Bake at 400 for 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

If you have extra, or want to make extra to use at a later time, these store well in the freezer. Make sure to completely bake and cook first before storing. When ready to eat, take out of freezer and bake at 400 for about 10 minutes, or until crispy.

Why These Ingredients?

Almonds and Nutritional Yeast: Blended together, this provides the 'Parmesan' flavor in a healthy kind of way! Almonds are high in Biotin, Vitamin E, Manganese, Copper, B2, Potassium (promotes a healthy and responsive nervous system), Magnesium, and healthy fats. Almonds are known to lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and improve the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. Nutritional Yeast provides a lot of Protein, Fiber, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc, and it is extremely high in the B Vitamins, especially B12 (which tends to lack in a plant based diet).

Chickpea Flour: Adding this first before the 'Parm' Mixture provides the crispy texture. Chickpeas are high in Fiber (Prevents digestive disorders and alleviates constipation), Iron, Manganese (Energy production and antioxidant defenses), and Protein. Chickpeas are known to stabilize blood sugar levels, as well as lower bad and total cholesterol.

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

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Discovering Joy in ALL Situations.

One week ago I had to put Nya in her very first time out. Ever since then, she has been back to her happy and cooperative self (although she still tests my limits!).

Nya is a crazy little girl, that you wouldn't suspect by first looking at her. She definitely knows how to put on that polite, respectful demeanor, and she is naturally very observant. But confined to the walls of her home, she turns into the silliest, wildest child you could imagine. Her crazy ways are the highlight of my day, and I love seeing her personality develop.

These moments make getting through rough days so much easier. They remind me what's important, to not stress over the little things, and to find joy in every situation.

Tonight was no different.

At the end of dinner, Nya managed to spill the remainder of her dark red smoothie all over herself, her clothes, her cloth high chair she's been forced to eat from (I took her other one apart to clean and have no idea how to put it back together!), the cabinets, the bar stools, the floor, the walls, and Lexi.

After stripping her down and cleaning her up the best I could, I set to work on cleaning everything else. My dog isn't one to beg or eat food from the floor (strange, I know), but she is finally beginning to learn that Nya has the good stuff...and she just may like it.

As I called Lexi over to lick up the smoothie from the floor, Nya began growling at her while pushing her out of the way to lick it up herself. She was so ferocious and intimidating (or Lexi is just a big softie when it comes to Nya) that Lexi, my big German Shepherd, immediately retreated. Just wonderful.

When I finally got that mess cleaned up, I noticed Nya had helped herself into the hidden bin in the pantry that holds Lexi's "special treats". As I heard her excitedly shouting, "More!", I looked over to see her feeding treats to Lexi; one by one. When I realized just how many Lexi must have eaten, I told Nya, "That's all," to which she responded by dumping the ENTIRE bag onto the floor. Proud of herself, and oblivious to me, Nya clapped her hands while saying, "Yay!"

After I got that mess situated, Nya helped me pick up her toys and play kitchen, where I happened to find many of my pots and pans, utensils, and food from the fridge stockpiled in her kitchen cupboards. When did this happen?

After explaining to Nya that these items need to stay in the "big kitchen" we picked everything up and headed upstairs to get ready for bed. Finally.

As we were winding down from the bath, Nya took the opportunity to spin around...

and around...

and around in circles until she was falling over and bumping into walls.

She was giggling and squealing all the while as she toppled over like a drunk person, only to get back up and spin again.

While sometimes challenging, and definitely more time consuming, these are the moments I live for. No matter how bad a day I may be having, or what might be going on in life, I cannot help but smile and laugh alongside this beautiful, happy little girl as she discovers joy in the simplest of things.

She teaches me more about the importance of life more than I could ever imagine teaching her. And for that gift, I will always be forever grateful.

Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly. ~ Unknown

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Does having children change friendships...?

Becoming a mother and going through one of the most difficult emotional transformations has made me much more aware of the people in my life.

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, becoming a parent changes you. When you become responsible for a new, innocent life, every decision you make carries more weight. The negativity and closed mindedness from others that you once brushed aside, become glaringly obvious when you have a child.

Inevitably, friendships do change. You gravitate towards those that embody the qualities you wish to teach your children. You seek out those that understand, because they've been there too. You want to be with those that lift you up and accept you, despite your differences.

You realize who is there to support you through your new adventures, as well as your struggles.

You also realize... who is not.

With all of the unknowns, uncertainties, and many questions that are brought forward in this new journey, I couldn't be more thankful for those friends that are there, supporting me every step of the way. Even if we live far apart, don't talk as often as we'd like, or only touch in for the really important stuff, these are the women I will forever cherish.

They make deployments go by quicker.

They make starting a new business less scary.

They make motherhood feel less lonely.

And they make life a whole lot easier.

When you are lucky enough to find these women, hang on to them. Appreciate your similarities and learn from your differences. Always accept each other fully, and be each other's number one fan.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

When there's no place left to go but Time Out.

I had to put Nya in time out tonight. Her very first time out. When did this happen?

My sweet, innocent, helpful, and obliging little girl seemed to turn into a deranged monster overnight.

Last night, out of nowhere, Nya went into a full on fit after dinner. After an already challenging few weeks, and very little sleep, I felt like I was about to lose my mind.

When I sensed a fit beginning in the past, I would calmly tell her, "It's ok to be angry", and walk away, completely ignoring her. That has always stopped the fit, usually before it even happens.

But not last night.

And not tonight either.

Last night, I felt at a complete loss as I watched my sweet little girl hurl herself to the floor, wailing at the top of her lungs. She was MAD.

I tried ignoring her.

I tried consoling her.

I tried reasoning with her.

I tried distracting her (which helped temporarily), but nothing fully pulled her out of this rage.

I knew I needed to get moving...fast. I had to get her upstairs, bathed, and into bed as quickly as possible. For both of our sanities.

Nya finally calmed down when she climbed into the bathtub, and my happy little girl appeared to be back.

Momentarily.

After handing me one of her wash cloths, voluntarily, Nya immediately went into hysterics about it. She began flailing herself in the tub; screaming tears as though I had just committed the worst act of motherhood.

I felt completely helpless, concerned, and dumbfounded as I watched my little girl unravel before my eyes. I was not prepared for this, and could only draw on the little patience I had left to make it through the evening.

I had moments of sadness to see Nya so unhappy. Moments of confusion as I couldn't justify the cause. And moments of sheer exasperation as I prayed for it to stop.

Luckily, we breezed through the bath and I got her into bed happily and without protest. Thank GOD.

So ok, maybe Nya was just really, really tired, I thought to myself.

But unfortunately, that independent mind of hers is beginning to exercise its freedom, test the boundaries, and explore my limitations. Great.

Tonight, I was prepared.

After we played in her new kitchen, I asked Nya to help me pick up the pasta (she has her own bin of uncooked pasta she plays with) that she had spilled everywhere. She flat out ignored me. It was as though I was not even speaking. I asked her 3 times to pick up the pasta.

Nya finally began to pick up the pasta...one by one. She would pick up a piece, exaggeratedly lift her arm up over her head, slowly bring her hand down toward the bin of pasta, turn her hand over and open each finger one at a time, before dropping the single piece in. Everything was in slow motion. ONE. BY. ONE. Then she simply stopped and went back to doing what she wanted to be doing... Which did not involve picking up.

I asked Nya to help me pick up the pasta. I told her to pick up the pasta. I gave Nya her last warning and counted to 3.

This is really going to happen.

Without another word, I picked Nya up and placed her on a spot against the wall for her very first time out.

Immediately, the wails began. I proceeded to pick up the rest of her toys, while trying to ignore the high pitched screams and intense stare I felt at my back. Twice she got up. Each time, I simply picked her up and put her right back without saying a word. Finally, she calmed down and sat there quietly. Time out lasted two minutes, but it felt like forever.

I went back over to her, explained why she was sitting there, and told her I still loved her. She gave me a big hug and kiss, and I asked if she wanted to help me finish picking up the pasta. She did, and we quickly, and happily, cleaned up the rest of the mess together.

Thankfully, the remainder of the night managed to go fairly smoothly, but I can only imagine what tomorrow will hold...

Friday, March 14, 2014

Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins

Before having my daughter, I rarely, if ever, made muffins. I just wasn't that into them. I preferred salty to sweet, and if I were to bake something, it needed to be a cookie....with chocolate chips smothering it.

But since becoming a mom to a hungry little toddler, I've realized I need to pack a lot (vitamins, minerals, calories, healthy fats, protein, substantial carbs, fiber, etc.) into a little. Especially when Nya's having a picky eating day; I know one muffin will provide her enough nutritional variety. They provide the perfect "complete" meal. And the possibilities for creating different muffins featuring different foods are endless.

This is why muffins have become my go to food for Nya. I make sure to always have them on hand in the freezer for a quick snack or mini meal. They're great for on the go, packed with nutrition, super easy to make, and nearly mess free.

These banana muffins will rival any banana muffin you've tried. They're moist, fluffy, and full of banana. You can easily adapt this recipe, as with any, to suit your family's preference. Add some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or turn it into banana bread if you wish.

Another special treat? Pulse dates and almonds in food processor or high speed blender until just incorporated (should be chunky). Sprinkle this mixture on top before baking for a delicious crumble!

What you need:

10 Medjool Dates, softened and pitted (about 1 cup)

4 Small Bananas, ripened

*3/4 c Raw Almonds

1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla

3 Tbsp Water mixed with 1 Tbsp Ground Flax

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Baking Powder

Dash of Sea Salt

** 1.5 c Oat Flour (Grind your own - about 1 3/4 cups whole oats)

* You can use any nuts you wish, or substitute 1/2 c nut butter - I've done this and it's just as delish! If subbing nut butter, do not add it until step 2.

** You can sub any flour you wish. Brown rice, Quinoa, Spelt, and whole wheat all work well!

What you do:

1. In a high speed blender or food processor, blend dates, bananas and almonds until smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Dates, Bananas, Almonds

2. Add the water/flax and vanilla, and stir well. (If using nut butter, add it here).

3. Add remaining ingredients (Cinnamon, Baking Powder, Salt, and Oat Flour) and stir until incorporated.

All ingredients combined

4. Spoon into silicon or slightly oiled muffin pans, and bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes 44 mini muffins.

Ready for oven!

Enjoy!

Why These Ingredients:

Almonds - High in Biotin, Vitamin E, Manganese, Copper, B2, Potassium (promotes a healthy and responsive nervous system), Magnesium, and healthy fats. Almonds are known to lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and improve the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body

Bananas - Provide a variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Folate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin A, and Iron. Studies have shown that bananas aid in lowering blood pressure, reduce the risk of asthma, improve blood sugar, and support heart health.

Dates - High levels of Soluble Fiber, Iron, and Potassium contain excellent levels of Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Magnesium. Helps formulate friendly bacteria in intestines (helps with constipation and digestive issues). Dates have also shown in research studies to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer.

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

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.

Nutrition Info per Muffin:

Calories: 43.5

Fat: 1.4 g

Saturated Fat: 0.1 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 11.4 mg

Carbohydrates: 7.1 g

Fiber: 1.2 g

Sugars: 3.2 g

Protein: 1.2 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!