Caramel "Apples"

I know some people think I am crazy that I'm not a fan of fruit, BUT fruit sugar is a fructose which is metabolized differently in the body.

Why FRUCTOSE is so harmful:

1. Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver; glucose on the other hand can be metabolized by every cell in the body. Fructose raises triglycerides (blood fats) like no other food. Fructose bypasses the enzyme phosphofructokinase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme for glucose metabolism. Fructose is shunted past the sugar-regulating pathways and into the fat-formation pathway. The liver converts this fructose to fat, which, unfortunately, remains in the liver = FATTY LIVER DISEASE. Consuming fructose is essentially consuming fat! This is why I see so many children with fatty liver disease...they aren't drinking alcohol, they are drinking sodas, juices and consuming too much fructose!

2. Fructose reduces the sensitivity of insulin receptors, which causes type II diabetes. Insulin receptors are the way glucose enters a cell to be metabolized. Our cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and as a result, the body needs to make more insulin to handle the same amount of glucose. We also start to produce insulin as a defense mechanism even if we don't eat and sugar or starch. YIKES! This is why we should allow our children to eat so much sugar and starch either...even though they are thin and active, you are setting them up for an adulthood where they can't enjoy a dessert without reaping the adverse effects. I grew up on Fruity Pebbles and skim milk for breakfast, Cocoa Pebbles for dinner, which is why I am so sensitive to glucose.

3. Fructose is high in uric acid, which increases blood pressure and causes gout.

4. Fructose increases lactic acid in the blood. High levels cause metabolic acidosis especially for those with conditions such as diabetes.

5. Fructose accelerates oxidative damage and increases aging. Fructose changes the collagen of our skin making it prone to wrinkles.

6. High consumption of fructose leads to mineral losses: iron, calcium magnesium and zinc, which can lead to low bone density (osteoporosis). It also interferes with copper metabolism. This causes collagen and elastin being unable to form, which are connective tissue that hold the body together. A deficiency in copper can also lead to infertility, bone loss, anemia, defects of the arteries, infertility, high cholesterol levels, heart attacks and inability to control blood sugar.

7. Fructose has no effect on our hunger hormone ghrelin and interferes with brain’s communication with leptin, which is the hormone that tells us to stop eating and you CAN become leptin resistant! (please read the chapter on HORMONES in Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism for charts on FOODS to Eat and FOODS to NOT EAT to balance your hormones properly.)

Is an apple the downfall of American's weight issue, no, BUT if you are already insulin sensitive a jicama would be a healthier alternative that has a texture just like an apple.

1 large jicama, cut into 1 inch squares
Caramel Layer:
6 tbsp butter
1 cup Just Like Sugar OR xylitol
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
TOPPINGS:
Crushed nuts OR my "Healthified" Granola

First off make the caramel sauce.

Using Just Like Sugar: Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready to go - the cream and the butter next to the pan, ready to put in. Work fast or the sweetener will burn. Heat butter on high heat in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart (2 L) or 3-quart (3 L) saucepan. As soon as it comes to a boil, watch for specks of brown (this is brown butter....so good on veggies!). Immediately add the Just Like Sugar® and the cream to the pan. Whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. Let cool in the pan for a couple minutes, and then pour into a glass mason jar and let sit to cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Using Xylitol: Again have everything ready. Wear oven mitts; the caramelized sugar will be much hotter than boiling water. In a heavy-bottomed 2-quart (2 L) or 3-quart (3 L) saucepan, heat sweetener on moderately high heat. As it begins to melt, stir vigorously with a whisk or wooden spoon. As soon as it comes to a boil, stop stirring. You can swirl the pan a bit if you want, from this point on. As soon as all of the xylitol crystals have melted (the liquid should be dark amber in color), immediately add the butter to the pan. Whisk until the butter has melted. Once the butter has melted, take the pan off the heat. Count to three, then slowly add the cream to the pan and continue to whisk to incorporate. Note that when you add the butter and the cream, the mixture will foam up considerably. Whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. Let cool in the pan for a couple minutes, then pour into a glass mason jar and let sit to cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Dip the jicama squares into the caramel. Roll in nuts (I used my granola recipe). Set on parchment paper. Enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per 2 TBS)
Traditional Caramel Sauce = 130 calories, 24 carbs, 0 g fiber
“Healthified” Just Like Sugar = 51 calories, 12 carbs, 12 g fiber, (0 effective)
“Healthified” Xylitol Caramel = 60 calories, 1 carb, 0 fiber (1 effective)

1 cup apple = 65 calories, 18 carbs, 3g fiber
1 cup jicama = 45 calories, 11 carbs, 6.5g fiber

Chocolate Raspberry French Macaroons

MACAROONS:
2 cups blanched almonds
1/2 cup Swerve (or erythritol and 1 tsp stevia glycerite)
3 large egg whites
3/4 tsp Celtic sea salt
3 TBS Swerve (or Erythritol)
GANACHE:
3 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup vanilla almond milk (or heavy cream)
Swerve or stevia glycerite (to taste)
1 TBS coconut oil or butter, softened
1/16 tsp raspberry extract

Place 1/2 cup Swerve or erythritol in a coffee grinder/food processor and blend until a fine powder.

Macaroons: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Pulse almonds with 1/2 cup Swerve in a food processor until very finely ground, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl (or use blanched almond flour).

In another bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add Swerve and salt, a little at a time, beating, then increase speed to high and continue to beat until whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks. Stir almond mixture into meringue with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. (Meringue will deflate.) Spoon batter into bag, pressing out excess air, and snip off 1 corner of plastic bag to create a 1/4-inch opening. Twist bag firmly just above batter, then pipe peaked mounds of batter (the size of a chocolate kiss) onto lined sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Let cookies stand, uncovered, at room temperature until tops are no longer sticky and a light crust forms, 20 to 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake cookies for 20-30 minutes or until crisp and edges are just slightly darker. Cool completely on sheets on racks, about 30 minutes.

GANACHE: Melt chocolate with cream in a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water or in top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. (Bowl should not touch water.) Remove bowl from heat, then add coconut oil or butter and raspberry extract, stirring until butter is melted. Let stand at room temperature until cooled completely and slightly thickened.

Carefully peel cookies from parchment (they will be fragile). Sandwich a thin layer of ganache (about 1/2 teaspoon) between flat sides of cookies. Makes 24 sandwich cookies.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Macaroons = 105 calories, 6.5g fat, 2.6g protein, 12 carbs, 1.6g fiber
"Healthified" Macaroons = 71 calories, 6.4g fat, 2.6g protein, 2.8 carbs, 1.6g fiber

Calzones and LEPTIN

Did you ever wonder why it is easier to gain weight as compared to keeping it off? The key to this is in the fat cells where a powerful hormone is produced called leptin. Leptin signals the brain to regulate the metabolism in order to store or to burn fat.

85% of people who lost weight, end up regaining weight because the “metabolic thermostat” of the body, leptin, is reset upward automatically. When people lose weight, leptin production decreases, which causes people to regain the lost weight. This protein hormone is derived from fat cells so when you lose fat, leptin levels drop. When you gain fat, leptin levels rise. Once leptin is secreted by your fat cells, it travels to the hypothalamus; which controls eating behavior. Once it's there, leptin activates anorectic nerve cells, which decreases your appetite. At the same time, leptin stops cells from stimulating your appetite. To put it simply, when leptin levels drop, you get hungry. When they go up, you feel full. Leptin communicates directly to your brain, telling the brain how much fat is in storage. It controls appetite, energy, and metabolic rate. Leptin problems are the primary reason for food cravings, overeating, slow metabolism, food obsession, and heart disease. (above chart from Here)

You’d think that having extra fat stores create more leptin, but that is where an interesting mystery comes into play. 98% of those who are significantly overweight are leptin-resistant. Most defects in leptin signaling may lead to obesity, overeating and less energy expenditure. Leptin-resistance is similar to insulin-resistance in that it occurs after being overexposed to high levels of the hormone. At this point, the body no longer responds to the hormone. Much like high blood sugar levels result in surges in insulin, sugar metabolized in fat cells causes the fat to release surges in leptin. Over time, leptin-resistance may develop.

The best way to reduce your chances of diabetes is to avoid surges in leptin; which is the leading cause of leptin-resistance. Eating the typical American diet, full of refined sugars and other processed foods, is a guaranteed way to cause undesired surges. Focusing your diet on simple, unprocessed real foods is the best way to prevent leptin-resistance.

To read more on specific foods that turn Leptin on/off, go to page 157 in SECRETS TO A HEALTHY METABOLISM. There are charts on which foods to consume and food to steer clear of.

One food to help with leptin is protein. Protein improves leptin sensitivity, which lowers calorie intake by helping you feel full faster. Increasing your protein to at least 30 grams for breakfast and at least another 60 throughout the day. Choose quality proteins like salmon, grass fed meat, free-range eggs, and a quality whey protein.

"HEALTHIFIED" CALZONES
1 1/2 cup eggplant/zucchini/cauliflower, shredded
1 egg
1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan or mozzarella (not that junk in a can!)
1/2 cup No sugar marinara (Mario Batali brand)
Favorite Toppings (Bolinski's chicken sausage cut into slices, olives, mushrooms)
1/2 cup freshly shredded cheese (GOAT cheese anyone!?)

If using eggplant: Peel the outside off and cut up eggplant into long lasagna noodle-shaped strips. Place on a sprayed cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt and bake for 15 minutes (to get some moisture out).

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a food processor, blend eggplant/zucchini/cauliflower, egg and cheese. Grease a cookie sheet and a large circle, making sure to press dough out evenly (don't forget to grease the cookie sheet!). Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are brown. Flip the crust. Turn oven temperature to 375 degrees. On one half of the circle, top with toppings, careful to stay at least an inch from the edges. Around the edge of the crust, sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella cheese.

Fold crust over and press edges together firmly with your fingers by pressing down to the pan (the cheese will melt and hold crust together). Bake for another 20 minutes, or until top is sufficiently golden-brown. Serve with no sugar marinara for dipping. Makes 2 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Calzone = 770 calories, 28g fat, 39g protein, 87 carbs, 3g fiber (85 effective)
"Healthified" Eggplant Calzone = 369 calories, 26g fat, 29.7g protein, 11 carbs, 4.1g fiber (6.9 effective)

"Healthified" Zucchini Calzone = 394 calories, 26 g fat, 30g protein, 10.4 carbs, 2.9g fiber (7.1 effective)

"Healthified" Cauliflower Calzone = 400 calories, 26g fat, 30g protein, 11.5 carbs, 3.9g fiber (7.6 effective)

Cookie Dough Dip with Jicama Chips: PICKY EATERS

Do you have a picky eater in your home that only likes bland foods like butter noodles? They are most likely low in healthy gut bacteria. You have trillions of bacteria in your digestive tract. They are a major part of your immune system. A healthy lower intestine should have about 85% of “good bacteria” to prevent the colonization of disease causing organisms like salmonella or E. coli.

When I ask someone if they take probiotics, I almost always get the response, “I eat yogurt.” Yogurt only contains acidophilus, but that is only one of hundreds of friendly bacteria we need. Our bodies should have somewhere between 400 and 500 types of bacteria. And the type of yogurt is usually Yoplait Low Fat which has more sugar than a Kit Kat bar... that kind is not going to help here:)

Probiotics stop the growth of harmful bacteria which cause digestive problems (are you going #2??? You should every day!); they also improve digestion and absorption of vitamins; and enhance the immune system.

The first 2 years of life are crucial for our long-term immune responses. Bacterial colonization patterns set up in the first years and continue to grow throughout our lifetime. The medications and foods that we give our kids totally affect this delicate balance.

Probiotic supplementation promotes health in infants. They prevent eczema, diarrhea, diaper rash, and cradle-cap. They also decrease anemia and asthma. Probiotics lower the chances of food allergies and eliminate thrush. Click HERE to see the supplements for babies and children.
In older children, probiotics have been found to reduce the severity and frequency of respiratory infections and prevent irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation. Kids with allergies, ADHD, Autism (entire Autism spectrum), Celiac Disease, Constipation, Diarrhea, Diabetes, Halitosis (bad breath), Eczema, Leaky Gut Syndrome can all benefit from healthy doses of probiotics. Acne would also be an indication of low good bacteria. Having a bought of diarrhea, taking an antibiotic, eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber as well as stress can all deplete a healthy intestinal flora. If a child has been on an antibiotic, it is extremely important to replenish the beneficial bacteria lost by taking a quality probiotics supplement.

When shopping for probiotics look for lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Lactobacilli is found in the small intestine and bifidobacteria is found in the colon. Fermented foods contain healthful bacteria: Kombucha Tea, sour cream, buttermilk, sauerkraut, pickles, and many PLAIN yogurts (not yoplait:). But generally pasteurization has eliminated the flora found in modern food. As a result, companies are fortifying foods with probiotics in an effort to re-introduce this bacteria. To read more on probiotics and serotonin connection check out my book: Secrets to Controlling Your Weight Cravings and Mood.

The chicory root in JUST LIKE SUGAR is pre-biotic that helps store probiotics. To read more click HERE.

Recipes and fun facts like this can be found in THE ART OF EATING HEALTHY!

COOKIE DOUGH DIP
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
1/3 cup Just Like Brown Sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened (or coconut cream if dairy allergy)
1/2 cup Just Like Sugar (or erythritol)
1 tsp stevia glycerite
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ChocoPerfection Bars, chopped

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add Just Like Brown Sugar and sweeteners until sweeteners dissolve and the mixture bubbles just a little. Using a hand mixer on low speed, add in vanilla and cream cheese. Mix until combined. Once the mixture is totally cool (you don't want the chocolate to melt), stir in the chuncks of ChocoPerfection. Serve with Jicama Chips.

Jicama Chips: Peel the jicama. Slice into 1/8 inch slices, then quarter the jicama into chip shapes. Enjoy! Makes 12 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Using regular sugar = 281 calories, 22 carbs, 0.7 g fiber, 3.1g protein, 20g fat
Using "healthified" sugar = 159 calories, 5 carbs, 4.5 g fiber, 3.1g protein, 20g fat

This recipe was adapted from: How Sweet It Is blog.

Gingerbread Mini Donuts and Brown Butter Sauce

The main reason that I give free information out is because it is more important for me to help people get well. I recieved this comment a few weeks ago and it makes all the time and money making recipes and writing blog posts worth while:

"I'm still waiting on your cookbook, have the other two, love them. Have to tell you. I had a mortons neuroma removed on July 1 and have the complication of complex pain syndrom and have tons of nerve pain. Dr. had me take two different type of antidepressants that are suppose to help with nerve pain, well I hate how I felt on them, after reading some of your book, I started taking 1000mg of magnesium, 750 of GABA and one of the 5-HTP and I have been competely pain-free with this little pain cocktail. Thank you so much, even told one of the foot doctors I work with and told him what im doing and he is going to start having his patients take that for their nerve pain...first time since July 1 I have been out of pain, thank you sooo much!" Connie.
For tons of great information on these supplements and much more click HERE for my newly revised book!

GINGERBREAD DONUTS:
1/2 cup Just Like Brown Sugar
3/4 cup coconut oil or butter
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup blanched almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, stir the butter and Just Like Brown Sugar together. Stir in the almond milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Sift in the almond, coconut flour and baking soda. Mix into the butter mixture until well combined. Taste the dough and add more Just Like Sugar if desired.

Grease a mini donut pan (click HERE to find mini donut pan) with coconut oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve with Brown Butter Sauce.

BROWN BUTTER SAUCE:
1 cup butter
1 cup Just Like Sugar or Just Like Brown Sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 TBS vanilla extract

To make the sauce, heat the butter in a heavy saucepan over high heat until the butter sizzles and turns brown (not black:). Slowly sift in the Just Like Sugar. Stir well. Add in the almond milk and vanilla. Serve warm with the donuts. Makes 16 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Mini Donuts = 369 calories, 27 carbs, 0 fiber
"Healthified" Mini Donuts = 275 calories, 6.4 carbs, 4.4 g fiber (2 effective carbs)

Click HERE to find the cute containers I store the Brown Butter Sauce in.

Maximize Your Metabolism is UPDATED

I first want to say that most authors don't mind leaving un-updated information and books out there for purchase. BUT as for me, after doing lots of research of the new and exciting science of nutrition, I couldn't sleep at night knowing that people were reading information that I put out there that wasn’t up to my current standards. If you have my last revision, it is still good, but I often wondered why a small amount of my clients and readers didn't have the results I was looking for, so I decided to sit down and update Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism so everyone can succeed. Some new information includes:

ALL NEW Pantry List: What is in MY pantry!
New Information on Oils
New Tidbits added in the chapter on Exercise
ALL NEW information on Alternative Sweeteners

• What to use and why
• What NOT to use and why

ALL NEW information on Alternative Flours

• How to convert Almond Flour and Coconut Flour

NEW CHAPTER: Extra Tips

• Burning Brown Fat
• Intermittent Fasting
• Protein Days

Other new tibits:

• Chapter “Milk Does it ‘Do A Body Good’”
• Nutrient Timing
• How to get fiber without grains

New foods in the charts to balance you hormones

Check HERE to find it at: www.amazon.com

Thank you for all of your support and interest!

Peach Avocado Salsa Scoops

Glad to be back to blogging with one of my favorite snacks . I got a box of these ravishing giant peaches last week. Juicy, sweet and loaded with antioxidants and vitamins ,these make a perfect snack. I saved last two to make this sweet and spicy salsa. The recipe here is almost same as the Peach Mango Salsa ranchera,except here I used Avocados. And since avocado need no cooking,I mix it in when all the cooking is done and salsa is cooled. Another combination I recommend trying this salsa is Mangoes(when in season),make a lovely pair with peaches.
You could serve these with any kind of tortilla chips ,these scoops make the salsa that much more tempting. If looking for baked variety of tortilla scoops,i personally like the Tostitos brand ,low in fat with same great crunch.


Recipe: Peach Avocado Salsa scoops
Ingredients
3 ripe peaches,thoroughly rinsed,pitted and diced
3 plum red ripe tomatoes,cored and halved
1/2 cup shallots ,finely chopped or minced
1 clove garlic,finely chopped
1 tablespoons. lemon juice
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 jalapeno peppers or Serrano peppers ,seeded and halved(Use 2 for medium heat)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Ripe Avocado,peeled,pitted and chopped(mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice to keep the color)
Method
Lay the tomatoes and peppers on a baking sheet,cut side down.Set in the preheated oven at 35F oven and let bake for 15-10 minutes until slightly charred at the top.Transfer in a blender and puree.

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet,add the garlic and shallots,saute for a minute.Add the cumin,peaches and cilantro,cover and cook another 3-4 minutes just until peaches are little soft but not mushy.Stir in blended tomato and pepper mixture,let warm up.Stir in the vinegar,lemon juice,season with salt and pepper.When cooled,mix in the diced avocado. Serve in scoops with sprinkle chopped green chillies(totally optional,skip if you like salsa medium hot). The Salsa can be in sterilized jar for a week or two.

Beefy Tacos

Do you still have pre-packaged Taco Seasoning in your pantry? If you do, check this out! Ingredients: Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color (sulfites).

There are a few issues with using prepackaged spice mixes. First off, caramel coloring is a food dye that is in the process of being banned by the FDA due the links to cancer. Another issue is the maltodexterin...the danger is that maltodextrin is very high on the glycemic index: 105. This is 5 points higher than glucose which is 100. And, it is almost double that of table sugar which is around 59. AND ingredients are listed in the order of prevalence...they don't even list a spice until the 4th ingredient! I'll stick to making a triple batch of my own mix and keeping it in my pantry!

2 TBS chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
3 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp Celtic sea salt
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

In a bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container. Makes 20 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Store Bought Taco Seasoning = 20 calories, 4 carbs, 0 fiber
"Healthified" Taco Seasoning = 5 calories, 0.9 carbs, 0.4g fiber

Toss this detrimental "gluten-free" family staple out of your pantry!

Ortega White Corn Taco Shells Ingredients: White Corn, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Water, White Corn Flour, Salt, Hydrated Lime, Citric Acid

Try this tasty crispy shell idea instead! This was inspired after watching Top Chef! I LOVE that show!

Jicama is very low calorie and low carbohydrate root vegetable. It contains only 35 calories per 100 g. It is also very high in quality phyto-nutrition profile comprises of dietary fiber, and anti-oxidant. It is one of the best sources for dietary fiber and excellent source of oligofructose inulin, a soluble dietary fiber. The root pulp is 13% of fiber. Inulin is a zero calorie, sweet inert carbohydrate and does not metabolize in the human body, which make the root an ideal sweet snack for diabetics and dieters.

6 Thin slices of jicama
2 cups organic leaf lettuce
6 oz grass fed ground beef
1 Lime, cut into wedges
Salsa
Sour Cream

Slice jicama into very thin slices, using an electric slicer (click HERE to find) or mandolin slicer (click HERE to find).

Cook the beef in the spice mix from above.

Fold the jicama slices into taco shells; fill with lettuce, meat, sour cream and salsa. Squirt the lime juice into each jicama shell and enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per 2 taco shells)
Traditional Taco Shell = 130 calories, 19 carbs, 0 fiber
Jicama Taco Shell = 12 calories, 1.5 carb, 1 g fiber

Chewy Granola Bars

Quaker Chewy Granola bars are a common staple in many families. There are some scary ingredients in those little plastic packages. One of which is BHT. BHT is produced by an alkylation reaction of p-cresol with isobutylene and is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, and embalming fluid. As a food additive BHT has been banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden, England and Australia and the Center for Science in the Public Interest recommends it be avoided whenever possible.

They also contain the caramel coloring, banned in other countries due to the detrimental side effects. AND a whole lot of ingredients that just mean sugar!

Ingredients in Quaker Granola Bar = Granola , Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Sugar, Rice Flour, Whole Grain Rolled Wheat, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oils, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oils, TBHQ, Citric Acid, Sunflower Oil with Natural Tocopherol, Whole Wheat Flour, Molasses, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color, Barley Malt, Salt , Nonfat Dry Milk , Corn Syrup, Crisp Rice, Rice, Sugar, Salt, Barley Malt, Semisweet Chocolate Chunks, Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanillinan Artificial Flavor, Sugar, Corn Syrup Solids, Glycerin, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Sorbitol, Fructose, Calcium Carbonate , Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Molasses, Water, BHT, Citric Acid

This recipe is also filled with protein rather than empty carbs which helps you children focus as well as enhance their moods by stabilizing their blood sugar and building proper brain neurotransmitters.



"HEALTHIFIED" CHEWY GRANOLA BARS:
1 cup natural peanut butter or almond
1/2 cup erythritol (or JUST LIKE SUGAR)
1/2 tsp stevia glycerite
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup NATURE'S HOLLOW xylitol honey
1 cup almond meal/flour
1 cup hazelnut meal (or other nut)
2 cups whey crisps or crushed macadamia nuts
1 tsp Celtic sea salt
OPTIONAL: 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a food processor (click HERE to find the one I like on sale!), place all the ingredients and blend until a thick paste (I leave a few pieces of whey crisps whole for a crispy texture). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper), then spread the mixture into the pan and press down to form a dense sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside. Makes 12 LARGE bars.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Granola Bar = 256 calories, 44 carbs, 2.6g fiber
"Healthified" Granola Bar = 238 calories, 7.5 carbs, 2.9 g fiber (5.4 effective carbs)

XYLITOL= Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during normal metabolism. Manufacturers make it from plants such as birch and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation. Some people prefer the taste of xylitol.
CALORIES = 2.4 calories/gram; 1 tsp has 9.6 calories and 1 tsp of sugar has 15 calories (40% fewer calories and 75% less sugar than table sugar)
SWEETNESS = Same as table sugar. Use cup for cup.
BENEFITS =
1. Reduces Cavities: It does not break down like sugar and keeps a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, which protects the teeth from tooth decay. Acid-producing bacteria falls as much as 90%. After eating xylitol, the bacteria do not stick well on the surface of the teeth which decrease plaque buildup.
2. Reduces Ear Infections: It has be used as medicine in stopping bacterial growth to help prevent ear infections in young children. It also clears out excess earwax and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the pharyngotympanic tubes.
3. Helps with Asthma: Since asthma is linked to chronic post-nasal drip, xylitol can also help by breaking the cycle of bronchial inflammation.
4. Help clear up Candida (yeast overgrowth).
5. Increases White Blood Cells: Increasing immune health and protects us from chronic disease and bacterial infections.
6. Protects newborns from streptococcus if the nursing mother consumes this. It is proven to help decrease this oral bacteria by 80%.
7. Decrease Allergies and Sinus Infections: They now have a nasal spray made of xylitol because it decreases the harmful bacteria that gather in the cells of our nose.
8. Reduces Ovarian Cysts, PCOS and Breast Cancer: Consuming sugar creates high insulin levels which increase the production of estrogens, leading to an estrogen-dominant condition, and also interfere with healthy ovarian function. Insulin resistance is a major cause of a growing hormonal problem called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Signs that the body is being exposed to higher levels of the male hormones include acne, loss of head hair, and an increase in body hair. Lowering insulin levels is crucial for not only treating PCOS but also resolving most other hormonal imbalances, including those leading to breast cancer.

Peppermint Patties

The first 3 ingredients in a York Peppermint Patty is sugar, corn syrup and sugar again! Try this instead...

6 TBS coconut oil
1/3 cup coconut milk (full fat)
1.5 tsp mint extract, divided
1/3 cup Just Like Sugar (or erythritol)
1/2 tsp stevia glycerite
1 TBS coconut flour
2 (2 ounce) ChocoPerfection Bars, chopped
2 TBS vanilla almond milk
1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

Line small muffin pan with pieces of muffin liners. In a medium bowl, mix together the coconut oil, 1/3 cup coconut milk, sweetener coconut flour, 1 tsp mint and salt. Add mix until you make a paste.

Place the mixture into the prepared muffin pan. Place in freezer until frozen. Melt chocolate, 2 TBS almond milk, and 1/2 tsp mint and stir until smooth. Dip cooled/frozen coconut mixtures into chocolate, return to wax paper, and place in freezer to set. Enjoy! NOTE: They melt fast so I recommend keeping them in the freezer. Makes 12 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Peppermint Patty = 165 calories, 3g fat, 0g protein, 33 carbs, 0.9g fiber
"Healthified" Peppermint Patty = 99 calories, 9g fat, 0.3g protein, 3 carbs, 2.4g fiber

Payday Candy Bar

Why should we not eat these tasty little bites? Here is why...

Ingredients = Peanuts, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (contains Soybean and Cottonseed Oils)Nonfat Milk, Salt, Mono- and Diglycerides, Egg Whites, TBHQ (a Preservative)Soy Protein, and Citric Acid

TBHQ comes from petroleum (think "lighter fluid"). It is applied either to the carton of fast food items or sprayed directly onto them, as well as in various other prepackaged food items. TBHQ is banned in other countries.

TBHQ keeps fats from going rancid, so you see it in a lot of foods that they want to have a long shelf life. It is concidered an "anti-oxidant" BUT it can itself be oxidized into harmful molecules, like tert-butylquinone...causing a TIRED TOXIC LIVER (see chapter on the liver in Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism).

But it also promotes production of quinone reductase, which is linked to cancer. TBHQ can cause a full range of reactions from asthma to anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, depression, tiredness, learning difficulties and children's behavior problems. This chemical is also found to effect estrogen levels...are you trying to get pregnant? or dealing with menopausal symptoms? I would avoid this like the plague.

In pre-packaged foods, if you see the words "no trans-fats," look for TBHQ in the ingredient lists. Some manufacturer's, such as Kellogg's, are using this "trickery," and are using TBHQ instead of trans-fats. Is it better than trans-fat? No. BUT what is even more scary... if you don't see it, that does not mean it is not there. Manufacturers are not required to list "secondary" ingredients. If you don't believe me, call the company and ask if their oil now contains TBHQ. Thank you FDA!

"HEALTHIFIED" PAYDAY:
Caramel Layer:
6 tbsp butter
1 cup Just Like Sugar OR xylitol
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Just Like Sugar: Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready to go - the cream and the butter next to the pan, ready to put in. Work fast or the sweetener will burn. Heat butter on high heat in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart (2 L) or 3-quart (3 L) saucepan. As soon as it comes to a boil, watch for specks of brown (this is brown butter....so good on veggies!). Immediately add the Just Like Sugar® and the cream to the pan. Whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. Let cool in the pan for a couple minutes, and then pour into a glass mason jar and let sit to cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Drizzle all over the cheesecake just before serving. You can also top with pecan pieces.

Xylitol: Again have everything ready. Wear oven mitts; the caramelized sugar will be much hotter than boiling water. In a heavy-bottomed 2-quart (2 L) or 3-quart (3 L) saucepan, heat sweetener on moderately high heat. As it begins to melt, stir vigorously with a whisk or wooden spoon. As soon as it comes to a boil, stop stirring. You can swirl the pan a bit if you want, from this point on. As soon as all of the xylitol crystals have melted (the liquid should be dark amber in color), immediately add the butter to the pan. Whisk until the butter has melted.

Once the butter has melted, take the pan off the heat. Count to three, then slowly add the cream to the pan and continue to whisk to incorporate. Note that when you add the butter and the cream, the mixture will foam up considerably. Whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. Let cool in the pan for a couple minutes, then pour into a glass mason jar and let sit to cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Place 2 TBS of cooled caramel in each slot of an ice cube tray lined with foil or plastic wrap (so you can remove it easily) and freeze.

Nugget Layer:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup erythritol (or Just Like Brown Sugar)
1 tsp stevia glycerite
1/4 cup vanilla egg white or whey protein
1 cup cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Peanuts


NUGGET LAYER: In a saucepan boil 1/4 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of Truvia, and 1/4 cup whey protein together for about 5 minutes. Take off stove and add 1 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter, and 1 tsp vanilla. Cool slightly.

Remove the caramels from the ice cube trays. Using your hands, form a layer of nugget around the caramel. Then roll the candy bar in salted peanuts. Place in the fridge to 'set' for at least 30 minutes (overnight would be best, but you might have too many dreams about these tasty little delights!) Makes 16 candy bars.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per bar)
Hershey's Payday = 240 calories, 27 carbs, 2 g fiber, 7 g protein
"Healthified" Payday = 240 calories, 3.5 carbs, 1.2 g fiber, 7 g protein (MORE IMPORTANTLY...NO TRANS-FATS!)

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per 2 TBS)
Traditional Caramel Sauce = 130 calories, 24 carbs, 0 g fiber
"Healthified" Just Like Sugar = 51 calories, 12 carbs, 12 g fiber, (0 effective)

Fudge Cookies and PREBIOTICS

If you read labels you might see ingredients like oligofructose and inulin starting to show up on food packages. These 2 words are called 'prebiotics' in the nutrition world. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that make their way through our digestive system and help good bacteria grow and flourish. Prebiotics keep beneficial bacteria healthy. They are found in small amounts in many plants. Plants with large amounts of oligosaccharides include chicory root. About 90% makes it past digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon where it performs a different function: that of a prebiotic.

Just Like Sugar contains 96 grams of inulin fiber per cup! The ingredients of Just Like Sugar = Chicory Root, Calcium and Vitamin C.

Prebiotics help increase probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. The majority of my clients have malfunctioning digestive systems for a variety of reasons. Our typical 'Western' eating habits and stress can all negatively impact the ‘good bacteria’ in our gut. Probiotics are helpful micro-organisms that live in our intestinal tract. In a healthy body, good bacteria make up most of the intestines’ micro-flora and protect digestive health. If you have primarily good bacteria, your immune system will function optimally and it will help you extract essential nutrients in the foods you eat. In order to feed our cells, we need to absorb the nutrients from our food, otherwise our brain will keep telling us to eat until the cells are fed.

Here are the most common warning signs of a bacterial imbalance, if you suffer one or more of these problems it is quite likely that eating prebiotics and taking a probiotic supplement could help you get your ‘system’ back on the right track:
1. Allergies and food sensitivities
2. Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
3. Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
4. Frequent constipation or diarrhea
5. Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
6. Sleeping poorly, night sweats
7. Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
8. Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
9. Frequent colds, flu or infections
10. Chronic yeast problems
11. Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
12. Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

There are many stresses and factors that can kill your 'friendly bacteria' every day. Here is a summary of some of the commonest good-bacteria-KILLERS:
1. Antibiotics
2. Birth control pills
3. Steroidal & hormonal drugs
4. Fluoride (added to toothpaste and sometimes to drinking water!)
5. Chlorine (added to water to kill bacteria...it kills friendly-bacteria too!)
6. Coffee/Tea
7. Carbonated drinks
8. Stress
9. Preservatives
10. Additives (colorings, flavorings and chemicals in processed foods)
11. Pesticides (choose ORGANIC fruit and veggies to avoid this!)
12. Fertilizers (choose ORGANIC fruit and veggies to avoid this!)

Our moods are directly correlated to the intestinal flora of our gut...the nervous system actually come from the gut to the brain; in the past scientists thought the nervous system ran the other way. This is why what we put in our stomach is so essential to our mental health. Having healthy intestinal flora; which you can achieve with probiotics and fermented foods, increase our moods and decrease our cravings. To read more on Probiotics and Cravings, check out my book Secrets to Controlling Your Weight Cravings and Mood.

So BRING on the JUST LIKE SUGAR! Click HERE to find.



"Healthified" Fudge Cookies
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
1 cup Just Like Sugar
3/4 cup erythritol (or Truvia)
2 tsp stevia glycerite (omit if using Truvia)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 tsp Celtic sea salt
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, cream the butter, erythritol, stevia and the Just Like Sugar together. Add in the eggs, stir until well combined. Finally mix in the cocoa powder, salt and vanilla. Form 2 inch balls. Place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet before removing. Makes 12 cookies.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per cookie)
Traditional Cookie = 151 calories, 9g fat, 1g protein, 21 carbs, 2g fiber
“Healthified” Cookie = 92 calories, 9g fat, 2g protein, 6.5 carbs, 4.6g fiber (1.9 effective carbs)


VARIATION: Smoosh in-between my "healthified" ice cream recipe!

Granola and OATMEAL = CAVITIES!!!

Did you know that you can reverse tooth decay and cavities? And re-grow bones? Many ground breaking studies and research has proven this. In one particular study published in the British Medical Journal and the British Dental journal, divided 62 children with cavities into 3 diet groups for 6 months.

Group A ate their normal diet plus oatmeal (rich in phytic acid).
Group B ate their normal diet plus vitamin D.
Group C ate a grain-free diet and took vitamin D.

In group A, oatmeal prevented healing and encouraged new cavities, the phytic acid prevented mineral absorption. In group B, simply adding vitamin D to the diet healed many of the cavities and decrease the ability of more to form. The most shocking effect was group C; a grain-free diet plus vitamin D basically healed all the cavities and inhibited new cavities to form.

Although group C contained no bread or other cereals, it included a moderate amount of sugar, for plenty of jam, potatoes and vegetables were eaten.

Dr. Weston A Price also had success curing tooth decay using a similar diet. He fed underprivileged children one very nutritious meal a day and monitored their dental health. He also used high-vitamin pastured butter in conjunction with cod liver oil. We now know that the vitamin K2 in pastured butter is important for bone and tooth development and maintenance.

WHAT TO EAT:
1. No unfermented grains (cereal/oatmeal/crackers/breads). Only true sourdough with NO lactic acid if you must, but best = NO GRAINS.
2. QUALITY animal protein, eggs, grass-fed meat, organ meat, fish, bone broth, full-fat pastured dairy products (if tolerated).
3. Nuts; only if soaked overnight in warm water (to eliminate phytic acid).
4. LOTS of Vegetables!
5. Sunlight, cod liver oil and vitamin D3 supplements.
6. A good amount of pastured butter. Click HERE to find the one I use.
7. No food that comes from a box/plastic bag.
8. A limited quantity of low-sugar fruit (1/day or less).
9. No refined sweets.

Eating this way maximizes mineral absorption while also providing abundant fat-soluble vitamins essential for bones and teeth. Say good bye to cavities and hello to healthy bones! *Reminder: soak your nuts first.



Phytate Free Granola:
2 cups psyllium husks
2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
3/4 cup Jay Robb vanilla whey or egg white protein
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup coconut oil or pasture fed butter
1/3 cup Nature's Hollow Xylitol Honey (OPTIONAL: I made it without it and it tastes great! BUT add 1/3 cup more butter/coconut oil)
1/2 cup Just Like Sugar, OR Truvia (or erythritol )
1 tsp stevia glycerite
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the psyllium husks, nuts, seeds, vanilla whey protein powder, sweetener, stevia, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

Melt the coconut oil, and stir it together with the syrup or honey. Pour over the dry mixture.

Spray a big roasting pan with coconut oil spray, and turn the granola into it. Place in the oven, and let it bake for 40-50 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool, and store in an air tight container. Serve with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Makes 48 servings (1/4 cup serving).

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (1/4 cup serving)
BareNaked Granola = 130 calories, 22 carbs, 2g fiber, 4g protein
"Healthified" Granola = 110 calories, 9.7 carbs, 7.6g fiber, 5g protein

FYI: The honey bear is the only animal found in nature with a problem with tooth-decay (honey decays teeth faster than table sugar). Honey = highest calorie content of all sugars with 65 calories/TBS, compared to the 48 calories/TBS found in table sugar.


XYLITOL= Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during normal metabolism. Manufacturers make it from plants such as birch and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation. Some people prefer the taste of xylitol.
CALORIES = 2.4 calories/gram; 1 tsp has 9.6 calories and 1 tsp of sugar has 15 calories (40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbs than table sugar)
SWEETNESS = Same as table sugar. Use cup for cup.
BENEFITS =
1. Reduces Cavities: It does not break down like sugar and keeps a neutral pH level in the mouth. Sugar produces an acidic environment in the mouth, which increases bacteria and weakens the enamel protecting the teeth. Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, which protects the teeth from tooth decay. After eating xylitol, acid-producing bacteria falls as much as 90%, therefore the bacteria can't stick to the surface of the teeth which decrease plaque buildup.
2. Reduces Ear Infections: It has be used as medicine for ear infections because it clears out excess earwax and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the pharyngotympanic tubes.
3. Helps with Asthma: Since asthma is linked to chronic post-nasal drip, xylitol helps by breaking the cycle of bronchial inflammation.
4. Clears up Candida: Candida is an opportunistic fungus which feeds on sugars and other yeast-containing foods (foods that are aged, pickled, dried, fermented or cured).
5. Boosts Immune System: Xylitol increases our White Blood Cells, therefore boosting our immune health and protects us from chronic disease and bacterial infections.
6. Protects newborns from streptococcus if the nursing mother consumes this. It is proven to help decrease this oral bacteria by 80%.
7. Decrease Allergies and Sinus Infections: They now have a nasal spray made of xylitol because it decreases the harmful bacteria that gather in the cells of our nose.
8. Reduces Ovarian Cysts, PCOS and Breast Cancer: Consuming sugar creates high insulin levels which increase the production of estrogens, leading to an estrogen-dominant condition, and also interfere with healthy ovarian function. Insulin resistance is a major cause of a growing hormonal problem called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Signs that the body is being exposed to higher levels of the male hormones include acne, loss of head hair, and an increase in body hair. Lowering insulin levels is crucial for not only treating PCOS but also resolving most other hormonal imbalances, including those leading to breast cancer. Xylitol is a natural insulin stabilizer. There are no sharp rises and falls in insulin levels such as occur with sugar.

Protein Waffles and FACTS on EGGO Waffles

Eggo Waffles seem like a harmless breakfast to serve to your children right? NOPE! Throw them out of your freezer!

Ingredients: Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate [Vitamin B1]Riboflavin [Vitamin B2]Folic Acid)Water, Vegetable Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid for Freshness (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, and/or Palm Kernel Oil)Eggs, Buttermilk, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate)Sugar, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Soy Lecithin, Niacinamide, Reduced Iron, Vitamin A Palmitate, Thiamin Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)Vitamin B12.

So what is TBHQ and why is it so bad? TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant that is used to extend the shelf life of oily and fatty foods. In processed foods, it's sprayed on the food or on its packaging to prevent discoloration and changes to flavor and odor. Others products, such as cosmetics, perfumes, varnishes and lacquers, contain TBHQ to maintain stability.The FDA has imposed a limit of up to 0.02 percent of the total oils in food to be TBHQ. Consuming 1 g of TBHQ could cause you to experience symptoms ranging from headaches, nausea, and joint pain.

Lab experiments performed on animals showed that DNA damage in animals or development of cancerous precursors in the stomach of the animals were due to long term exposure to high doses of TBHQ.

TBHQ can cause anxiety, restlessness, and aggravate ADHD symptoms.

My suggestion is to make a triple batch of these and keep in your freezer for an easy breakfast. Just pop one in the toaster like you would the chemical-filled Eggo Waffle.


HEALTHIFIED WAFFLE
1 cup almond flour
1 cup vanilla egg white or whey protein (Jay Robb)
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt
1 TBS aluminum free baking powder
1 cup vanilla almond milk
2 eggs
4 TBS butter or coconut oil, melted

Preheat waffle iorn to high. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry. Let sit for 5 minutes. Bake according to your waffle iron directions (I spray my waffle iron with THIS Coconut oil spray). Enjoy! Makes 5 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Waffle = 247 calories, 27 carbs, 0.7g fiber
"Healthified" Waffle = 182 calories calories, 3.5 carbs, 1.5g fiber

Click HERE to find an affordable waffle maker that I love!

Click HERE to find the Xylitol syrup I use!

XYLITOL occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during normal metabolism. Manufacturers make it from plants such as birch and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation. Some people prefer the taste of xylitol.
CALORIES = 2.4 calories/gram; 1 tsp has 9.6 calories and 1 tsp of sugar has 15 calories (40% fewer calories and 75% less sugar than table sugar)
SWEETNESS = Same as table sugar. Use cup for cup.
BENEFITS:
1. Reduces Cavities: It does not break down like sugar and keeps a neutral pH level in the mouth. Sugar produces an acidic environment in the mouth, which increases bacteria and weakens the enamel protecting the teeth. Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, which protects the teeth from tooth decay. After eating xylitol, acid-producing bacteria falls as much as 90%, therefore the bacteria can't stick to the surface of the teeth which decrease plaque buildup.
2. Reduces Ear Infections: It has be used as medicine for ear infections because it clears out excess earwax and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the pharyngotympanic tubes.
3. Helps with Asthma: Since asthma is linked to chronic post-nasal drip, xylitol helps by breaking the cycle of bronchial inflammation.
4. Clears up Candida: Candida is an opportunistic fungus which feeds on sugars and other yeast-containing foods (foods that are aged, pickled, dried, fermented or cured).
5. Boosts Immune System: Xylitol increases our White Blood Cells, therefore boosting our immune health and protects us from chronic disease and bacterial infections.
6. Protects newborns from streptococcus if the nursing mother consumes this. It is proven to help decrease this oral bacteria by 80%.
7. Decrease Allergies and Sinus Infections: They now have a nasal spray made of xylitol because it decreases the harmful bacteria that gather in the cells of our nose.
8. Reduces Ovarian Cysts, PCOS and Breast Cancer: Consuming sugar creates high insulin levels which increase the production of estrogens, leading to an estrogen-dominant condition, and also interfere with healthy ovarian function. Insulin resistance is a major cause of a growing hormonal problem called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Signs that the body is being exposed to higher levels of the male hormones include acne, loss of head hair, and an increase in body hair. Lowering insulin levels is crucial for not only treating PCOS but also resolving most other hormonal imbalances, including those leading to breast cancer. Xylitol is a natural insulin stabilizer. There are no sharp rises and falls in insulin levels such as occur with sugar.

Amazon.com Shopping

I have created an AMAZON.COM store where you can find all the healthy ingredients that are difficult to find in the grocery store (and if you do find them, they are often very expensive). I have done some detective work and found the lowest prices on www.amazon.com for all of the products I use and love. Everything from food, pantry items, kitchen tools, supplements and skin products are in the aStore. I rarely waste time in the grocery store because I find everything online for a way better price!

All you have to do is click on the words in my recipes and it will take you right to the correct item. If you add them to your cart I get a tiny commission which helps me afford to keep practicing recipes (Recipe experimenting can costing me a fortune!...but I love helping!).

By purchasing products through my Amazon store, you help keep this blog going. You can also continue shopping for other products on Amazon after you are finished with "healthified" shopping. Just click the "Proceed to Checkout". It then asks you if you want to add these to your Amazon cart (at the main Amazon site). Just click "Continue" and now you can add whatever else you want from Amazon all in the same cart! I always choose at least one thing from my Amazon Store before moving onto other items I need for the family, those items will also help pay for the blog without any extra cost; I just get a small commission for bringing your business to Amazon.com.

You can click on the below image to go to my store or on the right you will see a "Maria's Amazon Store" widget. Happy Shopping and THANK YOU for all your support!!!

Simple "PASTA" and EASE ANXIETY

GABA is the primary neurotransmitter in the temporal lobe, the area of the brain that governs perception, attention, speech and motions. Low levels of this chemical have been linked to psychological symptoms such as insecurity, excessive worrying, fear of new experiences, poor concentration and lack of impulse control. But as GABA shortfalls are corrected, we can regain calmness, dependability and objectivity. GABA deficiency displays as anxiousness, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, allergies, blurred vision, clammy hands, butterflies in the stomach, dizziness, IBS, constipation, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, headache, insomnia, trembling or shaking, tinnitus, manic depression, and mood disorders. You don’t need all of these issues to be deficient in GABA. To read more on how to increase GABA through foods and supplements, check out my book: Secrets to Controlling Your Weight Cravings and Mood.

Eating foods high in fiber increases glutamic acid/glutamate which forms glutamine, an amino involved in the production of GABA. Cooking destroys amino acids so eat as many raw foods as possible, such as the zucchini in this recipe.

4 TBS macadamia nut oil, divided
5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto or ham
8 large eggs
1 large zucchini, into "noodles"
1 lb asparagus, cleaned and trimmed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Peel and cut zucchini into noodles using THIS tool: Joyce Chen Spiral Slicer. Set aside. Heat 2 TBS oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Add prosciutto strips; cook until slightly crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat 1 tsp oil in each of 2 skillets over medium heat. Crack 4 eggs into each skillet. Cook on 1 side until eggs begin to set, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover; set aside.

Add sliced asparagus to a pot of boiling water; cook until noodles are cooked through and asparagus is just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain asparagus, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.

Add zucchini noodles and asparagus to prosciutto mixture in skillet. Cook over medium heat until heated through, tossing and adding reserved cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls to moisten.

Remove skillet from heat. Add grated Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 TBS plus 1 tsp macadamia nut oil and toss to coat. Divide among 8 plates. Top each serving with 1 egg and cheese shavings. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Noodle Dish = 261 calories, 12.3 carbs, 1.6 g fiber, 16.2 g protein
"Healthified" Noodle Dish = 215 calories, 3.9 carbs, 1.2 g fiber, 15 g protein

Chili Cheese Fries: Low Carb = HIGH ENERGY!

I get a lot of questions on how much fat is in my recipes. Why don't I label it? Well, because fat is my source of energy. I even run marathons with this diet and I never 'hit the wall.'

People often complain of low energy when they first start a low carb diet because they are "sugar-burners." This is not only inefficient, but very detrimental to our health. For one reason, cancer LOVES sugar! This is why cancer patients drink a huge glass of glucose to see where the caner is in their body. Cancer feeds on sugar, if you eat more sugar, the more the cancer grows.

Energy actually comes from a chemical we produce in our body called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We can produce energy 2 ways: anaerobic and aerobic.
1. Anaerobic ('without oxygen') bacteria break down glucose to produce energy. Our cells can use this method.
2. Aerobic ('with oxygen'). All human and animal life requires oxygen to function.

As we breathe in oxygen, we carry it through the hemoglobin to the mitochondria (the powerhouse of our cells) where we burn fat and produce energy. The more mitochondria the more energy and fat burning going on. AND the more healthy fats = more mitochondria. You can also increase the amount of mitochondria with certain supplements which I discuss in my book Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism. One supplement I take everyday for this is CoQ10 (click HERE to find).

*Please note that if you have a food allergy, you can't absorb iron properly which will inhibit you from carrying oxygen to the mitochondria. This will cause exhaustion due to low ATP production along with other problems.

Energy Can Come From:
1. Glucose: created with carbohydrates and protein
2. Fats, both from the diet and from stored body fats
3. Ketones which are derived from the metabolism of fats

GLUCOSE and ENERGY = EAT PROTEIN
Some cells, such as the kidneys have very little mitochondria so they don't use fat for energy, so this is why eating protein for glucose is important. If we go too long without eating, we maintain glucose levels by breaking down glycogen in muscle proteins with a process called gluconeogenesis. BUT this is not healthy. There is a detrimental phenomena called SARCOPENIA where we lose 1% of our muscle every year starting at age 25, which is terrible because 1 pound of muscle burns 50 calories and 1 pound of fat burns only 2...even when we sleep!

So we don't want to be cannibals to our muscles. Eating adequate amounts of protein will produce glucose (healthy carbs such as non-starchy veggies and almond/coconut flour will too). Our cells need a steady supply of protein to sustain a healthy structure. Any protein over and above 1 to 1.5 grams/kilogram of lean body weight/day can be used as a source of glucose. Anything less will cause you to start eating healthy muscle tissue. When you eat protein, you convert about 58% to glucose. So 100g of protein will produce 58 grams of glucose.

KETONES and ENERGY = EAT HEALTHY FATS
So if you want to stop being a "sugar burner" you must derive energy from another source. Enter fat. When we start eating a healthy low carb diet, our bodies slowly switch from burning sugar to burning fat. This is where eating becomes an "art." Energy must be derived from healthy fatty acids and ketones produced from foods such as coconut oil. At first the body will feel lethargic due to the mechanisms switching over; burning sugar is easy, burning fat takes a few days to adapt.

The brain prefers to use ketones instead of glucose for energy (in Alzheimer's the brain can no longer convert glucose for energy, coconut oil is VERY healthy for these patients!).

Eating a very low carbohydrate diet stimulates the production of ketones from body fat; which is why people lose so much weight on this diet. Cutting out carbs and reducing protein also leads to a lower insulin level in the blood. A normal blood sugar is 1 TEASPOON of sugar in you blood. Many Americans consume over 63 teaspoons a day! If you can conquer a normal blood sugar, it reduces the problems associated with high insulin levels; insulin resistance, leptin resistance, high blood pressure, Metabolic Syndrome, weight gain, sleep issues...

To produce ketones, focus on carbs being only 10% of your total intake. For diabetics, the level may need to be lower to counteract insulin resistance. Typical levels of carb intake for a type-2 diabetic are around 50 grams per day; the level should be lower still at about 30 grams a day for a type-1 diabetic. Here is a good ratio to follow for calories/macro-nutrient consumption:

10-15% carbs
20-39% protein
60-70% fat

So, please listen: don't eat just lean proteins! It is not tolerated well in our body. It leads to nausea in as little as three days. A high healthy fat diet, however, is the traditional diet to sustain for a lifetime. Eating only lean protein causes excess intake of nitrogen, which leads to hyperammonaemia, which is a build up of ammonia in the bloodstream and is toxic to the brain. Many traditional societies survived on a purely animal product diet, which was naturally high in fat...they didn't have George Foreman Grills.

Our paleo ancestors actually consumed more fat than protein; with a ratio of about 80% calories from fat and 20% from protein. During prolonged periods of starvation or something such as marathon running, fatty acids are converted into ketones, the preferred energy source for highly active tissues like those found in the heart and muscles. Ketones provide a long lasting energy to all cells with mitochondria. Ketones are used to generate ATP. If you use glucose for energy, it needs the intervention of bacteria, ketones can be used directly.

*Note: Using a quality REAL salt is also essential for electrolyte balance. We start skipping the salt and we get low energy. I'm not talking about pre-packaged and fast food junk salt. A Celtic Sea Salt filled with minerals will help with energy.

My favorite electrolyte product for athletes is ENDUROLYTES FIZZ. Click HERE to find.

The healthiest more energizing fats come from animal sources. Quality animal sources like free-range egg yolks and grass fed beef!

"Healthifed" Chili Cheese Fries
CHILI:
2 pounds grass fed ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
2 (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with juice
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
2 green chilies chopped
4 pieces bacon (fried, drained and chopped)
1 cup beef broth
¼ cup chili powder
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp Celtic salt and pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp stevia glycerite
FRIES:
2 heads of cauliflower stems
1 tsp Celtic sea salt
1 tsp chili powder
OPTIONAL: Top with "Healthified" CHEESE SAUCE OR 1 (8 oz.) block Cheddar cheese, shredded

CHILI: Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, chili peppers, bacon, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and stevia. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. Makes 12 servings.

FRIES: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Cut the stem out of the cauliflower (you can also use the whole cauliflower if you want, but it won't look like "french fries"). Cut the stem into french fry shapes. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Spray the 'fries' with coconut oil spray and sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Spoon chili over fries and top with cheese.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Chili Fries = 409 calories, 28 carbs, 6 g fiber (22 effective carbs)
"Healthified" Chili Fries = 396 calories, 12 carbs, 4 g fiber (8 effective carbs)

VARIATION: You can also use my other "French Fry" ideas, such as Eggplant Fries found in my cookbook: Nutritious and Delicious

To read more check out: Fat is the most valuable food known to Man
PROFESSOR JOHN YUDKIN