Brown Rice Noodles with Vegetables and Beef

I try to limit my beef intake, however it is one of my family's favorite source of protein, this dish pleased everyone hence it's on the blog :)

You can totally omit the beef and just keep it vegetarian if you like.

As for the pasta I like choosing brown rice or quinoa/rice pasta for the kids. Once you taste it don't be surprised if you never go back to the "normal" pasta!

Ingredients
1TBSP coconut oil
Onions
Beef strips 
Bell peppers
Snow peas
Zucchini
Broccoli
Ginger paste
Garlic paste
Vegetable stock cube (organic and yeast free, you can find this at Alfair)
Seasonings (meat or steak seasonings, pepper & salt)

Method
Saute the onions in the heated Coconut oil
Add a little bit of ginger and garlic
Add the vegetable stock cube
Add the beef strips
Cook for a few minutes, add the seasonings.
I had to add a little bit of water to cook the beef strips.
After the beef is almost fully cooked add the vegetables.
Finally, Add the brown rice noodles (cook as per box directions)

This dish would be excellent with Tamari which is a healthy substitute for soya sauce, unfortunately I couldn't find it here in Muscat, if anyone does please let me know :)

 

Hot Chocolate

I have always been a hot chocolate fan. I finally managed to make it guilt free, nutritious and oh sooo good! :D

Did you know that during menstruation many ladies crave chocolate because their bodies are actually in need of it? Chocolate is useful to rebuilding the lining of the uterus and also helps with balancing the hormones during menstruation. Of course not any chocolate! It has to be over 75% organic dark chocolate. Raw cacao has so many benefits that it is crucial to be added in your diet. Read more about raw cacao's benefits in my glossary section.

An interesting fact about cacao is that if it is mixed with any sort of dairy it inhibits the absorption of antioxidants. For my hot chocolate i like to use coconut milk and for my smoothies i choose any type of nut milk :)

Here is the recipe for my favorite drink :D

Recipe
1 cup of coconut milk (rude health brand - found this at al meera, they also have many different types of delicious nut milks as well)
1 tsp of Maca powder
2 tsp of Cacao powder
A pinch of cinnamon
A drop of vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of organic maple syrup (optional)

Blend everything in the blender.
Warm it in the saucepan.
Enjoy!

Cacao

Did you know that cacao contains much more antioxidants than processed dark chocolate, blue berries, acai, gogi berries and bananas?!

Not only does cacao improve our mood because of a molecule that it contains called anandamide, but it also contains PEA which triggers the release of endorphins (the happy feeling).  It also balances hormonal mood swings. The antioxidants that are found in raw cacao reduce the risk of strokes and helps improve blood circulation. It also contains an antioxidant that is found in green tea and red wine which protects our cells from premature oxidation or destruction which helps us look and feel younger for longer. 

Cacao also has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium found in natural foods which is really fantastic!! It also contains sulfur which is great for liver and pancreases function and also for shiny hair and strong nails. Cacao also reduces insulin resistance and sensitivity in people with impaired glucose tolerance and smokers.

Cacao’s benefits are endless, it aids in better digestion because of its fiber content, and it also contains healthy fats that create chemical reactions for growth, immune function and metabolic function. If you research the amount of studies and findings of how amazing raw cacao is for the body you will definitely start to incorporate it in your diet.

I prefer to choose CACAO instead of COCOA as cocoa undergoes a high temperature of heat during processing.  It is actually raw cacao but heated at high temperatures which changes its molecular structure and therefore reduces the enzyme content which lowers the overall nutritional value. They both have excellent benefits but I would recommend cacao because it retains its antioxidants.

I use cacao for so many things! My favorite is the hot chocolate (check out my breakfasts/snacks). I also use it to make shakes, overnight oats and delicious healthy deserts :D

String Beans & Mushrooms

One of my son's favorite vegetables are mushrooms so I like to incorporate it in our meals. Mushrooms are great for boosting the immune system, they have a powerful antioxidant that helps in lowering body inflammations. They also help in alkalizing the body which improves the immune system. They also aid in weight loss due to their low carbohydrate and calorie contents. Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin B, trace minerals, fiber, protein and vitamin D.

For this side dish I added mushrooms to the string beans and it was a really terrific combination :D

Ingredients
Beans
Mushrooms
A handful of cashews

Dressing
1TBSP of olive oil
1tsp of balsamic vinegar
crushed chili flakes (or salt and pepper)

Method
Place the Beans and Mushrooms on a baking tray. Drizzle the dressing on top and sprinkle the cashews all over. 
Bake at 200c for 25 minutes.
Devour!