Tag Archives: honey

Smoothie Shopping List

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I realized today when I was shopping at Trader Joe’s that I have a mental smoothie shopping list that I use.  I keep foods from this list in my kitchen so that my family can have a variety of smoothie options available to them.  So I’ve decided to put MY list down on “paper” and share it with you!  With smoothies, I encourage you to be creative!   Some are better than others, but soon you will find combinations you LOVE!  This happens to be my list, so feel free to add other foods to your list.


FRUITS 
bananas
apples
oranges
strawberries
rasberries
blueberries
blackberries
pineapple
mango
papaya
kiwi
dates
*If possible, choose ORGANIC and SEASONAL fruit.  If not, consider frozen fruit.  Also remember that fruit has a lot of sugar, so go easy and leave room for your green friends I list next!
 
GREENS
kale
spinach
parsley
cucumber
 
PROTEIN SOURCE
high quality time-release chocolate protein powder 
organic greek plain yogurt
almond butter
oatmeal
 
LIQUID
water
almond milk (we don’t have much dairy around here)
orange juice
coconut milk/water
and yes, coffee and herbal tea
 
EXTRA GOODIES
coconut oil – click HERE to check out the best coconut oil!  If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you!
honey
bee pollen
flax seeds
hemp seeds
spirulina
mint leaves
cinnamon
ginger
agave nectar
stevia
 



WHY I’M A FAN OF SMOOTHIES:

  1. Blending food takes care of the first step in digestion: chewing!  Food breaks down faster in the stomach.  It’s like a mini-vacation for your digestive system 🙂
  2. Smoothies offer a chance to “eat” food you usually wouldn’t eat.  For instance, I dislike Kale… a lot!  I’ve tried it different ways, it’s just gross to me.  One day I got brave and put a small amount in a smoothie.  Surprisingly I didn’t hate it!  In fact, I kinda liked it.  Slowly I began adding more and more kale.  Now I’m to the point where I crave it.  Yes, I’ve gone there!
  3. Smoothies offer a chance to sneak food to your kids body that they would NEVER imagine eating!  THIS REALLY WORKS!  At first my kids had no idea what they were “eating”, but by this point, they know I put all sorts of stuff in.  Both of my kids like their smoothie different ways, and I adjust them according to their preference.
  4. They are easy.
  5. They are fast.
  6. They are yum.
These are some of my favorite smoothies:
 
 BERRY GOOD SMOOTHIE
 
 
Please share the foods you add to your smoothies!

DIY – REFRESH YOUR SKIN

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I found this article 
written by Express contributor Megan Zatko
and think I might try some of these ideas out.
 
AVOCADO FOOT SCRUB
… Why It Works:  A ground avocado pit is abrasive enough to break down calluses, while the fruit’s rich flesh contains essential oils that nourish the skin.
… You’ve Been Warned:  This recipe takes time to prepare, but the results are worth it.
…What You’ll Need:
  • 2 avocados (one for pit, and one ripe one for fruit)
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp sea salt

…What to Do:  Dry out an avocado pit for a few days, then break it into several pieces with a hammer or cooking mallet.  In a spice mill, coffee grinder or food processor, grind down the pit to make a gritty meal.

Scoop out second avocado and place skin aside.  Mash the avocado fruit with the cornmeal, 1/4 cup of ground avocado pit and sea salt.
Gently message the mixture into your feet in a circular motion, starting with the toes and working up to the ankles.  Rinse with warm water.
Finally, take the inside of the avocado skin and rub the heel and any other callused areas.  Your skin will look green at first (don’t worry, it won’t stain).  Keep messaging for five to 10 minutes or until it no longer feels abrasive.   Do not rinse off until your next shower.
LEMON HONEY MASK
… Why It Works:  Lemon’s citric acid closes pores and keeps skin’s PH levels in check, while honey’s enzymes and nutrients add an antibacterial factor to zap zits and moisturize.
…You’ve Been Warned:  There’s a serious sticky factor, so make sure your hair is tightly pulled back.
…What You’ll Need:
  • 1 tbsp organic honey
  • 1 fresh lemon

…What to Do:  Squeeze the juice from the lemon and remove any seeds.  Mix in honey and apply to damp face.  Message into skin for several minutes, then rinse with warm water.

QUICK FIXES:
  • De-Puff Eyes:  Put two thick raw potato slices over eyes for 10 minutes.  The potato’s potassium and vitamin c should zap under-eye circles.
  • Smooth Dry Hands:  Mix 1/4 tsp of olive oil and 1/4 tsp of sugar and massage into the back of hands.  The oil will soften skin, while the sugar will slough off dead, scaly cells.
  • Body Scrub:  Mix equal parts honey and brown sugar.  Brown sugar is gentler than granulated sugar.
If you try any of these ideas, PLEASE let me know what you think!
Share your DIY beauty tips with me.

Super Healthy Tropical Smoothie

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IT’S GONNA BE GOOD! 

 If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you!

Treasures in My Kitchen

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When I’m in my kitchen preparing food for me and my family, I always think of how I can make our food more nutritious.  By adding simple ingredients, I can give nutritional gifts that will make our bodies strong and healthy.  Some of the time I have to sneak these natural jewels into our food, but most of the time they are well received and make our menu delicious.  So here are a few examples of the treasures I use everyday….

 

GARLIC

 

Yes, we should add garlic to our meals because it makes food SO yummy, and Rachel Ray tells us to, but also because it is a blessed herb.  Here are some of the benefits:
 
    •  a powerful antibiotic – the active component is a chemical called allicin that helps the body inhibit the growth and reproduction of germs


  •   promotes a healthy heart and blood circulation!  (warning:  can thin blood- similar to aspirin)

 


  •   helps promote a healthy immune system- it strengthens the body’s defenses

 


  •  Studies are now showing that garlic can reduce cholesterol

 


  •   has germanium (an anti-cancer agent)- more of this than any other herb

 


  •  can strengthen your body’s defenses with allergies

 


  •  helps regulate blood sugar levels

 


  •  it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients

 

 

Helpful Facts:  
Garlic & Onions are toxic to cats and dogs
Drink lemon juice/eat lemon to stop bad garlic breath. 🙂

                                                                                                                             

 
 
CINNAMON
    • regulates blood sugar


  • reduces LDL cholesterol levels- may help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

 


  • reduces pain like arthritis

 


  • may reduce the proliferation of cancer cells (according to research at the University of Texas- published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer)

 


  • a natural food preservative

 


  • contains small amounts of fiber, calcium, iron and manganese

 


  • proven effective for menstrual pain and infertility (contains a natural chemical-cinnamaldehyde) = increases the hormone progesterone & decreases testosterone production in  women… helps balance hormones

 


  • holds promise for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis – according to research at the Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and The University of Texas.  Their research shows that cinnamon reduces chronic inflammation linked with these neurological disorders.

 

 

SO ADD CINNAMON WHENEVER YOU CAN!

 

 

 

HONEY
    • can build up immune system


  •  has antioxidant & anti-bacterial properties

 


  • helps improve digestive system

 


  • has carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties… helps fight against cancer!

 


  • has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that inhibits the growth of certain bacteria

 


  • helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection

 


  • has an anti-inflammatory agent- can reduce swelling & pain, and even scarring

 


  • helps treat sore throats- not only soothes the throat, but can also kill certain bacteria that cause the infection

 

 

Honey is also a great pre-workout snack!  
It’s a great source of carbohydrates that provides strength and energy in a workout.  The glucose in the honey is quickly absorbed and gives an immediate energy boost while the fructose is absorbed at a slower rate providing sustained energy.  Honey is know to instantly boost performance and endurance for athletes.

 

So, enjoy a spoon full of honey before your workout, or if you are feeling tired and need a boost of energy.

 

 
 
FLAX SEEDS

 

Flax seeds are a SUPER FOOD because of these 3 nutrients they contain:

 

    1. Omega-3 essential fatty acid– our body needs these “good” fats.  They are great for heart health and weight loss.


  • Lignans-have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities.  These seeds contain 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

 


  • Fiber– contain both soluble and insoluble type

 

 

So here are some of the wonderful treasures found in Flax Seeds:
    • At least 2 of the components seem  to protect against cancer- specifically breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer .  They can block enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and interfere with the growth and spread of tumor cells.  There are also antioxidant properties.


  • Flax Seeds help the cardiovascular system with it’s anti-inflammatory properties and can normalize the heartbeat.

 


  • New studies suggest significant blood pressure-lowering effects

 


  • Can prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in arteries

 


  • May help lower cholesterol levels

 


  • May reduce inflammation from certain illnesses (like asthma and parkinson’s disease)

 


  • Can help prevent heart attack and strokes

 


  • May help reduce hot flashes Ladies!

 

 

PREGNANT WOMEN  AND BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE SUPPLEMENTING THEIR DIETS WITH GROUND FLAXSEEDS.

 

 

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I feel tempted to be discouraged all the time with the new findings on what might causes cancer.   Let’s be encouraged, however, that God has given us MANY treasures in the earth that can fight against all the dangers!  There are MANY MANY more treasures in our kitchen and I will continue talking about them.  For now, however, I need to go make my kids a peanut butter and HONEY sandwich, with a little CINNAMON and FLAX SEED sprinkled inside!