http://happymoneysaver.com/homemade-kids-toothpaste-taste-texture-approved/

Kids toothpaste

4 T Coconut Oil (where to buy it))
2 T Redmond Clay (where to buy it))
2 tsp Xylitol (where to buy it)
Pinch or 2 of Redmond Real Salt (where to buy it)
2 tsp Organic Lemon Extract (where to buy it)
20-30 drops Liquid Stevia to taste, vanilla (where to buy it)

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together coconut oil, clay, salt, and xylitol. When smooth, add in lemon extract and liquid stevia to taste. I seriously just stick my finger in the bowl and taste it. Or have your kids try it. That’s even better, since it’s for them! Mix well and put in container of choice. Makes enough to fill one 4 oz container. That’s it!  Feel free to experiment with the flavoring. Peppermint, coconut, orange…any flavor of extract would do

http://www.healthcentral.com 
Chronic Pain, Depression, Multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, RA, weight loss. 

Is it weight gain or inflammation?

Cocoa

Cocoa contains anti-inflammatory compounds called flavanols, substances that reduce both blood clotting and inflammation in the body. Enjoying a cup or two of hot cocoa per week can help reduce inflammation, particularly if it’s made with skim or low-fat milk to keep down the drink’s content of saturated fats. Keep in mind, however, that trying to get your cocoa in the form of candy will load you up on saturated fats.

HW: Cows milk can cause inflammation too- we use coconut milk. Almond milk might be worth a try but it doesn't work for me. 

HW: I have an occasional cup of coffee but really prefer cocoa- I mix it up just like you would instant

 coffee. 1tsp dark 100% cocoa powder, 1 tsp of stevia powder or one packet or a few drops of liquid and a touch of milk.  

Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil – an unrefined type of olive oil – contains a substance called oleocanthol that interferes with two enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved with inflammation in the body. In fact, a 2005 study in the journal Nature found that oleocanthol inhibits inflammation in a way that’s identical to the painkiller ibuprofen.

Cranberries

Cranberries are a powerhouse food, with studies linking the red berry to such benefits as inhibiting cancerous tumors and lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol. Scientists say the fact that the berries are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants contribute to their healthful effects. As a bonus, cranberries also contain tannins, substances that can act as a natural antibacterial agent to fight urinary tract and E. coli infections.

HW: We use a small amount of Knudsens 100% carnberry juice-in a glass of water. This is only brnad we ahve found that is not watered down so it last a really long time. We sweeten with 100% pure stevia. Some stevia contains corn (dextrin) which is a no no that will cause weight issues and blood sugar issues).

Grapes

A 2004 study found that people with stable coronary disease lowered the amount of inflammatory markers in their blood by drinking Concord grape juice. This finding was likely due to the presence of resveratrol in the grapes’ skins, which inhibits inflammation and may even help to fight cancer. Eating grapes – and not drinking them – also adds fiber to the grapes’ benefits and eliminates any added sugar.

HW: we take a good resveratrol supplement daily made from grapes. We purchase grapes 

only grown in the US (really like California) so they are not available year round. 

Tea

Generally, any beverage that is high in water content will have anti-inflammatory qualities, and tea is a great choice. Teas such as white tea, oolong, and green tea are full of catechins, antioxidant compounds that reduce artery plaque and inflammation. Tea also has been linked to reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

HW: Make sure your teas are organic! If your drinking them for health :) 

Walnuts

Walnuts contain the “plant version” of omega-3 fatty acids, a substance known as ALA, which reduces inflammation in the body. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, scientists found that people who ate at least 2.3 ounces of walnuts and flaxseed (which also contains ALA) daily had reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), a major indicator of a person’s risk for heart disease.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a virtual disease fighter, rich in such healthy compounds as beta-carotene, vitamin B folate, vitamin C, and the inflammation-fighting flavanoid kaempferol. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, which experts say helps the body cleanse itself of cancer-causing compounds.

Broccoli contains glucosinolates which may interfere with iodine absorption and be linked to certain types of thyroid dysfunction. It needs to be cooked thoroughly and not eaten raw if you suspect a thyroid issue or sluggish thyroid. 

Grass-fed beef

If you’re eating beef that’s not specifically sold as “grass-fed,” it means the cows were fed a high-calorie diet of corn and grain in an effort to fatten them quickly. Corn and grain are full of omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to inflammation. Grass-fed cows are leaner, and their meat is rich in healthy compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

HW: Need a good source for grass fed....found one Kionia Farms outside of Americus Ga- Beef plus eggs! I can't believe what a difference in taste between grass fed and grain fed...wow and hardly any fat The egg yolks are bright orange not pale yellow-which is a good sign of healthy happy chickens :) 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

CARAMEL FILLING  

Its corn free!  

from glutenfreeonashoestring.com

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 tablespoons (1 ounce, weighted) water

3 tablespoons (1 1/2 fluid ounces) heavy whipping cream, at room temperature

2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• Make the caramel filling. In a small, heavy-bottom saucepan, place the granulated sugar, cream of tartar and water, and mix to combine well. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, and cook until the mixture is beginning to turn amber in color (to ensure that you do not burn the sugar, clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and remove it from the heat when the sugar mixture reaches 300°F). Remove the pan from the heat and, whisking constantly, slowly add the cream. The mixture will bubble fiercely. Keep stirring until the mixture stops bubbling and is smooth. Add the butter and salt, and whisk to combine well. Pour the caramel into a separate heat-safe bowl or jar, and allow to cool while you make the cookies. It will thicken as it cools.
• The pic is chocolate cookies - bake press down while warm in middle fill with caramel, drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with nuts - Turtle cookies. 

Ingredients

• 8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of nut butter (creamy)
• 2 tbs sugar
• 1/2 cup of Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of Ghirardelli dark candy making & dipping wafers (melted)

heartweed: without ordering online I do not have a local resource for Ghiradelli candy making wafer so I am going to use just melted ghiradelli chocolate 60% chips in my mini crockpot. It seems to work very well for melting and not burning the chips. 

Instructions

1. In a bowl on an electric mixer (you can use a hand-held mixer as well), combine the cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar. Mix on medium to medium-high for about 2 minutes, until the consistently is lighter in color and lighter in texture.
2. Chop and fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for about an hour or two.
4. Cover a large cutting board with a sheet of parchment paper. Scoop the cheesecake dough with a standard cookie scoop onto the parchment paper (make sure to leave some space in between).
5. Pop them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to harden.
6. Melt the chocolate melts according to the package instructions.
7. Using a toothpick (or a fork) dip the cheesecake bites into chocolate, covering them completely (you can smooth over the cheesecake bites with your hands before dipping). Lay them back on the parchment paper. Give the chocolate a few minutes to harden.
8. Store in the refrigerator!

http://www.sunbutter.com/

My new favorite nut butter- Allergen free peanut butter!
It taste so good better than peanut butter and I found it at Publix in the peanut butter section. 
I would feel a little disloyal to all the peanut farmers ,my Papa was a peanut farmer when he lived, but you can grow sunflowers in South and they are so pretty to look at :) 
The website is filled with all kinds of good info for parents with peanut allergies. 

And its Paleo! 

Here on this blog: Read article on Antitoxins in peanut butter. under "did ya know" 

Healthier Redo of Taco Pie 
1 package Taco Bell seasoning mix make it yourself for a chemical free no msg version: the recipe at bottom of page from budget101.com 

2 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 pound ground beef or Turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese omit or cut back on to make even healthier
Sour cream, optional

Preheat oven 350F.

Mix potatoes with  2 Tbs taco seasoning, mixing well.
Press mixture into the bottom of a regular pie plate, then Bake the "crust" for 7-10 minutes until it just BARELY turns golden brown. In the meantime, cook beef & onions in a skillet until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain. Add Salsa & remaining taco seasoning. Cook until bubbly.
Pour into crust. Bake for 15 minutes
Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, black olives, jalapeno slices, etc


Taco Seasoning at home: 
6 Tsp. Chili Powder
5 Tsp. Paprika
4 1/2 Tsp. Cumin
3 Tsp. Onion Powder
2 1/2 Ts Garlic Powder
1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper 


Measure all ingredients into a ziploc bag, seal and shake well Store in cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Seven teaspoons of mix equal a 1.25 oz. pkg. of purchased taco seasoning mix. If ! I did my math right it makes about 3  packets of store bought. 

Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries

A simple amish recipe for chocolate covered cherries. Just 4 ingredients!

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar (hw--- use a corn free gluten free version)
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 (10 ounce) jar of maraschino cherries with stems, with the juice reserved
• 1 16 ounce package chocolate Candiquik (HW--Giradelli cark chocalte melted ) 

Instructions

In a medium size bowl, mix 3 cups powdered sugar, butter and 1/4 cup cherry juice together. Add in the last cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 of a cup at a time, until the mixture forms a soft dough. Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes.

Roll the dough into 1 inch balls. Make small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten the dough balls between the palms of your hands, dusting your hands with powdered sugar if necessary. Fold the dough over the cherry to completely cover it, then roll it into smooth ball again.

Refrigerate the covered cherries for 20 minutes. Melt the Candiquik chocolate according to the directions on the back of the package. Holding the cherry by the stem, dip it in the melted chocolate and allow the excess to drip off. Place the chocolate covered cherry on a baking pan that has been covered with wax paper. Repeat with the remaining cherries.

Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing the cherries in an airtight container.

Notes

You can use maraschino cherries without stems if you'd like. Use a fork to dip them in the chocolate, tapping off the excess chocolate.

Taco Seasoning Mix at Home 
from budget101.com


6 Tsp. Chili Powder
5 Tsp. Paprika
4 1/2 Tsp. Cumin
3 Tsp. Onion Powder
2 1/2 Ts Garlic Powder
1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper 


Measure all ingredients into a ziploc bag, seal and shake well Store in cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Seven teaspoons of mix equal a 1.25 oz. pkg. of purchased taco seasoning mix.

Dairy Free Vegan "Cheese" Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight and drained)
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• salt to taste

Instructions

• Soak the cashews in water overnight.
• The next day, drain and rinse them.
• Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Should keep for a few weeks.

Note:use a little turmeric to give it a cheesy color

from paleoplan.com 

I like this image! So True... we gotta change the way we eat and behave :) 

Disclaimer I am A Christian and DO NOT BELIEVE WE EVOLVED FROM APES 

I am not all about Paleo either, it is just one of the things I incorporate into my LIFE. 

Doug Kaufman from Know the Cause has been shouting NO AFLATOXINS for years -we love Doug! 

NOT PALEO &WHY - www.paleoplan.com

Legumes /peanuts are are not nuts they are legumes 

Legumes
While legumes, or beans (lentils, black beans, soy, peanuts, etc.), aren’t as bad as grains, which contain gluten and other harmful substances, they should be avoided. They absolutely must be cooked for long periods of time, sprouted, and preferably fermented to remove, at best, most of the harmful lectins and phytic acid contained in them.

Legumes are a mediocre source of protein, a huge source of unnecessary carbohydrates, and therefore produce a big glycemic response. Moreover, legumes give most people gas. I think they’re sort of a waste of calories.

Aflatoxin
In my opinion, peanuts are one of the more alarming legumes. With the number of peanut allergies doubling over the last decade, there’s clearly something going on here. There are hypotheses, but no concrete reason for the increase in allergic response to peanuts. One theory has to do with the aflatoxin present in most of the peanuts (and wheat, rice and other major crops) in the U.S.

Aflatoxin is a toxin that is created by mold that forms when crops like peanuts are stored in large masses. It’s one of the most carcinogenic substances known. Besides the fact that it could cause cancer if enough of it is ingested, there’s also growing suspicion that aflatoxin could be causing an immune system reaction – an allergy.

There’s really not enough evidence to prove this yet, but the fact that there’s a poisonous substance permeating your peanuts should give you pause.

Roasted Peanuts Are Worse
Although the roasting process will rid the peanut of some of its phytic acid, it actually changes the structure of the proteins so as to make them more allergenic. By the way, when you hear the word allergy, you might be thinking to yourself, “Well I don’t have anaphylactic shock when I eat peanuts, so I’m fine.” But allergies can be way less severe than your throat closing up. It could be as subtle as a skin rash or just feeling mentally out of it. Or maybe it makes your digestion wonky.

Anyway, we roast our peanuts in the U.S. while in China, they boil or fry them. According to this study, China wins because the allergenic potential of the boiled and fried peanuts was less than the allergenic potential of the roasted peanuts. That may be one of the reasons so many more people in the U.S., and not China, are allergic to peanuts.

There are about 9-12 peanuts in a tablespoon of peanut butter, so if you’re eating a few tablespoons of the stuff a day, that’s kind of a lot of peanuts…

Overall, I think almond butter is a better choice if you’re going to insist on having a brown spread on your toast – wait… banana? I just don’t think peanuts are worth it, but as always, it’s your choice.

Protein in Nut butters

2 tbsp.	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Peanut Butter (no salt)	190	16	2	0	7	3	8
Peanut Butter (salted)	190	16	2	80	7	3	8
Almond Butter (no salt)	190	16	1.5	0	6	4	7
Cashew Butter (no salt)	190	15	3	0	10	2	5
Macadamia Nut Butter (no salt)	230	24	4	0	4	3	2

I try not to use peanut butter but....only natural and organic.

 Sunbutter a nut butter made from sunflower was not included by this source so...

Sunbutter 

calories 200 total fat 15g sat fat 2g sodium 120 carbs 7 fiber 4 protein 7 

Sunbutter compares favorably with the above an is a good alternative to peanut butter which can be highly allergen. 

Why are sweet potatoes Paleo YES 
and regular potatoes are a NO. 

from www.paleoplan.com 
Potatoes contain anti-nutrients like saponins that can be harmful, while sweet potatoes don’t contain those substances. 

PB & J Paleo Style

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
4 T almond butter

Mix together divide among 2 bowls.

ANTS on A LOG

Celery Stalks
Nut butter like Almond, Sunbutter or Cashew butter
Raisins or Craisins

Spread nut butter in the groove of celery and sprinkle with the raisins.

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Boiled Eggs
A Good Guacamole -Publix has one that is 90% avocado. Just make sure it is all natural.

Cut Eggs in half scoop out the yolks.
Mix the Yolks with the Guacamole and spoon back into the egg halves.

Simple!

Looking for protein alternatives and quick snacks found this one

Pumpkin Chocolate Protein Bars

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Ingredients

1. Wet
2. 4 eggs
3. 1 cup pumpkin purée
4. ¼ cup maple syrup
5. 2 tablespoons nondairy milk
6. 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
7. Dry
8. ½ cup coconut flour
9. 5 tablespoons protein powder
10. 3 tablespoons Unflavored Natural Calm
11. ¼ cup ground or milled flaxseed
12. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13. ¼ teaspoon baking soda
14. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
15. ¼ teaspoon sea salt
16. ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
17. Drizzle
18. 2 oz dark chocolate, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer.
3. Whisk dry ingredients in a small bowl. Once incorporated, add to the wet mix and mix until smooth. Allow to sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken up.
4. Scoop approximately ⅓ cup at a time into your hand. Shape into a bar and place on prepared baking sheet. You can also shape the bars on the baking sheet; I found that was easiest.
5. Bake bars for 22–25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean, the bottoms of the bars are golden, and the tops are cracking slightly.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
7. Once cooled completely, then drizzle with melted chocolate.

Notes

1. Serves 9
2. Author says you can omit the natural calm and replace it with equal amounts of protein powder. For the protein powder she suggest whey, pea or brown rice but not egg as it cooks funny. 

By Leanne Vogel

Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie

www.healthfulpursuit.com  Author: Leanne Vogel

Allergens: Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined sugar-free, Yeast-free, Corn-free, Grain-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Prep time:  5 mins

Total time:  5 mins

Serves: 1

Everything you love about pumpkin spice latte, minus the dairy, artificial colors, flavors and refined sugars.

Ingredients

• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• ¾ cup brewed coffee, chilled
• ½ cup pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling
• ½ frozen banana
• 2-4 ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1½ teaspoon Unflavored Natural Calm
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• pinch ground nutmeg
• pinch ground all spice
• pinch ground cloves

Topping

• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your high-powdered blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Pour into a glass and top with coconut cream, a dash of ground cinnamon and serve!

Notes

Maple Syrup – feel free to replace with whatever sugar you have on hand. Alternatively, 2 medjool dates could be used.

Coconut Cream - is full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight with the thick “cream” removed from the can.

Natural Calm - if you don’t have it on hand, feel free to use 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder or omit completely.