Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Simple Lunch/Dinner Idea- Quinoa, Chicken, Red Pepper

From one of our patients at MTCAM
I just made this for lunch and thought I'd share for your Candida clear patients. It's one of my faves! Quick and easy if you've already cooked the quinoa and chicken.  Amounts of each thing are as desired - depends how much you are making. This was my meal for 1.

Ingredients
Spoonful of coconut oil
Garlic powder and sea salt
Strips of chicken from pre-cooked rotisserie
Diced red pepper (about 1/4 of the pepper)
Handful of kale
Pre-cooked quinoa
1/2 avocado

Instructions
Melt coconut oil in pan. Sauté the red peppers first, then add kale until desired softness. Add pre-cooked Quinoa and chicken until warm. Season with sea salt and garlic powder as desired. Serve with cubes of avocado on top and lightly sprinkle them with sea salt. Yum!


 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Simple Tasty Cabbage Recipe!

I was sent this recipe from one of our patients.  I know veggies can be hard thing to get little ones to eat but she says her children eat this up!   The only change she makes is using coconut oil instead of butter. 

Southern Cabbage Recipe
 
Ingredients
  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 2 Tablespoons coconut oil (actual recipe calls for butter)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt (or season to taste)
  • Fresh black pepper
  • 1½- 2 cups chicken broth (can also use water but chicken broth makes it taste so delish!)
 
Instructions
  1. Cut cabbage into quarters, removing the hard stem. Slice each quarter into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. In a large pot, add coconut oil (or butter), olive oil, salt, pepper, & cabbage.
  3. Add in chicken broth and toss.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium low.
  5. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is tender. Do not overcook.
 
Enjoy!!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Spaghetti (Squash) and Meatballs!

You may have heard of spaghetti squash- which is a great alternative to noodles.  If you have never tried it or seen it you can get the squash at pretty much any grocery store (we got ours at a Super Target).  It is yellow and usually pretty easy to find in the veggie section.  There should be a sticker with instructions on how to cook it.  If not here you go... Cut in half.  Scrape all the seeds out.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. 

All that's left to do is take a fork and scrape out the inside.  You will notice it comes out in pieces like spaghetti strands.  Its actually looks pretty neat.  If it is not doing that fairly easily you may need to cook it another 5 to 10 minutes.  Once you get all the little 'spaghetti' strands out, top with some marinara and meatballs! (For kids you will want to throw a little more marinara on it, just because it doesn't taste exactly like noodles.  It may be something they have to wean into.  Another option would be to mix both noodles and the squash together when first trying it to get used to the taste.)  The beauty about spaghetti squash is there is no bloating after eating it! :)

Below are pictures of what we made.  The marinara is from Costco (no added sugar as an ingredient... yay!).  The meatballs are simply turkey burger with basic garlic and sea salt seasoning.  Garrett threw them in a baking Pyrex container and baked them while the squash was in there too.  With about 5 minutes to go we threw the marinara in a pot to warm up and that's it!  Enjoy!

After scraping it with a fork. 
 
 
 
Dinner is Served!!
 
 
Marinara from Coscto
Tomato, Onion, Olive Oil, Salt, Garlic, Basil, Spices

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

INSTEAD of the Flu Shot this is what I do!

I get a lot of questions about the flu shot this time of year- should I do it?  What are the risks?  Some people feel pressured into getting it by their medical doctor, employer,  insurance company, family member, etc.  Others are fearful of the flu or getting sick. 
 
I am not going to get into whether you should or shouldn't.  That is a sticky topic and maybe for a later day.  I will just simply tell you what I choose to do.  (If you want to read more into the flu shot read this blog post by Lindsay Bentley by clicking here.  Or the pill profit click here.  They are great posts.)
 
Here is what I personally do 
1) Skip getting the flu shot
2) Have supplements on hand in case I do get sick
3) Eat 3 TBS of coconut oil a day
4) Eat lots of fruits and veggies
 
First you need to understand that if you get sick and let your body fight it off, your immune system actually gets stronger.  That means the next time you get exposed to a bacteria or virus it will be stronger and more equipped to fight!  Secondly if you keep supplements on hand and eat good foods (plenty of fruits, veggies and protein)  you will get vitamins and minerals that are fuel for your immune system. Lastly our trusty friend coconut oil is antibacterial, viral and fungal.  It helps to kill off invaders that would get you sick and it helps to boost up your immune system!
 
The supplements I have on hand
1) Immuplex- Take 6 per day when sick (Mainly for Viruses)
2) Silver Shield- take 3 to 6 TBS when sick (Works on bacterias and viruses)
3) Elderberry Defense- Take 6 to 9 per day when sick- This also has vitamin D in it which is crucial for your immune system (Mainly Viruses)
4) Congaplex- Take 6 per day when sick (Mainly for Bacteria; Great for sinus issues)
 
OTHER:
-Herbal Throat Spray- Perfect for sore throats
-High Potency Garlic- Antibacterial, fungal- great for sinuses and congestion
-Astragalus- Antiviral, but overall immune support (GREAT if you had MONO in the past)
-Olive Leaf Extract- Antibacterial, viral and fungal- It has been working great this year
-Thymex- Overall immune support 

What I Take Daily for Prevention (I tend to switch it up a lot)
-Usually 2 to 3 Elderberry Defense, 2 to 3 Astragalus or Olive Leaf Extract
-If I feel something coming on I use my arsenal above
 
(Nature Sunshine in RED, Standard Process in BLUE- for more info click here)

If these do not help let us know and we have many other great supplements!  These are not the end all be all, but they can really help during the cold/flu season.  With good nutrition and preventative supplements (and the right ones when you do get sick) you have a great foundation.  There are so many other great immune supplements out there and this is a starting block.  If you have any questions or these don't seem to help... call us!  We can get you in the same day for a sick visit and get the exact supplement to you for what is going on. 

ALSO- This is just what I choose to do.  I never pressure any patients one way or another or make anyone feel bad for their choices.  No doctor should EVER EVER EVER do that.  Learn other options no matter what they are, educate yourself and then choose what is best for you!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

(Naked) Chicken Tenders: A Play off of Chick-Fil-A

When traveling awhile back there was no other option besides eating some sort of fast food.  After eating Panera many times on our travels we decided to stop at Chick-Fil-A.  They now have 'naked/grilled' chicken nuggets!  Its a great option for those on the road with a side of fresh fruit.  I got 8 which wasn't to terribly filling so I would recommend getting the 12 piece one.  Anyways... this is a simple play off of what we had. 

Cut your chicken breast into small pieces.  Season or marinade.  (We used garlic, sea salt, pepper and a little cayenne too).  Throw into a skillet and cook (with coconut oil of course!).  That's it. 

I know it may seem silly or to simple but it makes for easy bite size pieces just like a chicken nugget.  This is a great option for kids at home who want chicken nuggets.  Try making these instead and let them dip into their favorite sauces!  It is also great for those who travel.  When the chicken is already cut up it is much easier to eat on the road.  (And tastes good too!)

Enjoy!