Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Coconut Oil

One of my favorite healthiest vegan chocolate chip cookies ever with a hint of coconut flavor!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups coconut sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil

6T almond milk

1/4 cup banana (about 1/2 mashed banana)

2t vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups spelt flour

1t baking soda (aluminum free)

3/4t fine himalayan salt

3/4 cups mini chocolate chips (soy-free, dairy-free)

Directions

1. Beat the first six ingredients until well blended in a large bowl. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. 
2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

How to Naturally Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

The more nutritious your breast milk is, the fuller your baby will be. A few things to remember are: first drink plenty of water, pump every 2-3 hours, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, get proper rest & avoid stress. Even if you feel like you aren't producing enough, keep nursing. The more your baby demands, the more supply you will produce. By incorporating these foods below you will be able to increase your milk as well as provide healthy nutrition to you and your baby. 

• Kale - my absolute favorite is now considered a superfood! Contains iron & calcium.
• Spinach - contains folic acid, is rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. 
• Moringa - doubles the amount you produce and is one of the most nutritious plants in the world.
• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea - increases milk as well as strengthens the uterine & pelvic muscles.
• Fennel - I love this juiced!
• Fenugreek & Turmeric - these are both found in curry, but you can also take by themselves. Turmeric helps prevent breast inflammation.
• Red & orange veggies - beets, sweet potatoes & carrots (high beta-carotene which is also good for the eyes)
• Garlic - can be added to many foods. This increases the amount of breast milk that your baby will intake; therefore, will increase your milk. 
• Chickpeas & Lentils - a great source of fiber & protein
• Almonds & Cashews - high in protein, eat 'em raw
• Olive, Coconut & Flax Oil - contain healthy fats that play a part in cellular and neural metabolism
• Flaxseed - omega 3 fatty acids (brain development)
• Oatmeal - make sure it's the real stuff (not instant) - fiber, iron & antioxidants
• Quinoa - "a powerhouse of nutrition" complete protein & versatile

If making milk for your baby is something that you really want to do, then you will find a way to provide it. I'm a full-time working mother, student & mommy of 3 children under the age of 5. No excuses mamas! Breast milk is the best gift you can give your child. It is natures vaccination & builds up your child's immunity with precious antibodies that will last a lifetime. Breast milk is truly liquid gold!

Raw Hazelnut Cacao Milkshake

1.5 cups soaked raw hazelnuts

4.5 cups spring water

2 ripe organic bananas (optional)

2 Tablespoons raw cacao

2 Tablespoons maple syrup (grade b)

pinch of himalayan salt

pinch of cinnamon

Blend the hazelnuts with water in your blender. Strain the hazelnut milk with cheesecloth or a milk bag. Put the strained milk back into the blender, then add the remaining ingredients and blend. Add ice - Enjoy!

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad

One of my staple foods during this pregnancy has been spinach. I like it raw, cooked, juiced or in a smoothie. Spinach is a great source of folates, which help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus and it also contains omega-3 which is essential for the babies brain development. Regular consumption of spinach can help prevent osteoporosis and anemia because of the high vitamin K and iron content. Some awesome facts about about avocados is that they contain all 18 essential amino acids which form a complete protein. According to Natural News, "Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, avocado protein is readily absorbed by the body because avocados also contain fiber." As a mostly raw vegan, avocados are part of my regular diet. Avocados also contain the good fat, which reduce the level of bad cholesterol in your body.

All you need is:

2 handfuls of fresh organic spinach

1 organic avocado

4 organic strawberries

organic balsamic vinegar (optional)

Chickpea Pepper Burger & Raw Cashew Cream

Since we aren't the traditional "throw a burger on the grill" type of people, we got down in a different way for memorial day. No matter what the holiday or function is we like to make our own food, so we know what ingredients are going into it. I've tried the vegan burgers from the grocery store and restaurants but wasn't too impressed. Nothing can compare to a home cooked veggie burger! I made some delicious raw cashew cream to go as a mayo, which is very versatile and can be used as a dip or sour cream. The cashew dip is free of soy and dairy; thus, being much healthier for your body.

Ingredients for the chickpea burgers:

• One bag of dried chickpeas (follow directions on bag)
• 4 sweet mini peppers (we used 2 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow)
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 scallions (from our garden)
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 teaspoon pink salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 cup spelt flour

After cooking the chickpeas, put them in the VitaMix. Setting the blender on a low speed use the tamper to make sure that the mix does not become pasty like hummus or if you do not have a blender use a fork or your hand to mash the chickpeas. Saute the other ingredients together in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then fold into the chickpeas. Add the flour as a binding agent and form into patties. Set the oven on 400 degrees F and place the burgers on an oiled baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the burgers if you like, then bake for 25 minutes.

Now for the delicious raw cashew dip that you will absolutely love! 

• 1.5 cups of raw cashews
• 1 cup of water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
• dash of cayenne

Put all in a VitaMix, then blend. If you have leftovers, you can use as a sour cream for burritos tomorrow night.

Parsley Gets You High!

Yes, it's a Superfood!! Let's talk about this absolutely amazing herb that you can grow in your home! Go on and add this to your herb garden and get snipping.

It's usually used as a garnishment yet 9 times out of 10 it's the best thing on your plate - eat it! Parsley is rich in chlorophyl which slows bad bacteria growth assisting the body by ridding odor. Bad breath? Chew on that garnishment!

Parsley is most importantly known as a blood cleanser and is used in many detoxes and cleanses to rid the body from heavy metals and toxins. It reduces blood pressure and the chance of getting cancer. Traditional uses of Parsley include ridding the inflammation (mucus) from the kidneys such as built up sodium, cleans the bladder, good for the liver and spleen and is a diuretic. Parsley calms your central nervous system making it good for your adrenal glands.

This almighty herb is high in vitamins A, C, K, folate and minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and fats for the brain such as omega 3 and 6. The vitamin C in it helps your body absorb the iron from the herb. Through our research, we have found parsley to be one of the richest sources of Vitamin K, ranking higher than dandelion greens and kale. It works wonders on strengthening the bones in your body, thus making it even better for you than milk. Parsley even contains vitamin b12.. just another place vegans can get their cobalamin from.

Parsley is cheap even when you purchase it organic! Please eat organic and stay away from all the pesticides which contribute to cancer cell growth in your body. In animal studies, it has shown to shrink tumors -- a natural chemo effect, because it is so rich in antioxidants. The high folate in this herb is great for your heart to continue to thump to a a healthy beat.

You can juice this herb, make a tea or add to any dish. We like juicing parsley with apples and cucumber to add some sweetness. We think that flat parsley is less bitter than curly parsley. You can also use this herb topically, applying essential oil from the parsley to the scalp can help with hair growth and reduce swelling and itch from insect bites. Definitely consult with your physician before following our suggestions though because it has such a strong healing effect.. especially if you have kidney and gallbladder problems.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

CHECK OUT MORINGA!
ALL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM ZNATURALFOODS 

Moringa Oleifera 

Containing over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants, Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) is one of nature's most nutritious foods. Ideal for helping our bodies maintain optimum health and balance.

Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and are rich in vitamins D, K, A, C, B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Lysine, Riboflavin, Calcium, Thiamin, Potassium, Iron, Protein and Niacin. Ounce for ounce, Moringa contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the beta carotene of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk, three times the potassium of bananas and more fiber than oats. Moringa also contains all 8 essential amino acids and is rich in flavonoids, including Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic acid and Zeatin.

Moringa is sometimes referred to as the "Miracle Tree" because all parts of the plant are edible and healthy. It can also thrive in tough climates and poor soil. Its combination of high nutrition, sustainability and hardiness has caused it to be promoted widely in Africa to help fight hunger and malnutrition.

Our Moringa is grown organically (certification pending) without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

Suggested Use: Mix 1 teaspoon with juice, yogurt, add to your favorite smoothie, or infuse into a tea.

Botanical Name: Moringa oleifera, Moringa pterygosperma

Other Names: Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, Malunggay, Sahijan, Benzolive, Kelor, Marango, Mlonge, Mulangay, Ben oil tree, Saijhan, Clarifier tree, Shevaga, Mother's best friend, Malungay, Sajna, Kamungay, benzolive tree, nebeday, saijhan, West Indian ben, sajna, Coatli, Bridal veil

Origin: India - Organic Certification Pending

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our raw Moringa Leaf powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw Moringa Leaf powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your raw Moringa Leaf powder in a cool, dark, dry place.


CHECK OUT MORINGA!
ALL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM ZNATURALFOODS 

Why Organic Though?

So, Heather and Dustin, why do I need to buy organic food? Why can't I just buy conventional? What is the difference?

Well, first off we want to live longer, so we avoid chemical-treated foods that cause cancer and many other diseases. You may have seen some of the major studies out there showing that there is a higher vitamin & mineral content in organic food (about 25% more nutritious than conventional). More nutrition in your body means more energy, getting full faster on good food, healthier hair, skin and nails as well as a more positive outlook on life.

What about the higher prices, well organic food costs on average about 15% - 20% more than conventional which is a heck of a savings considering health care bills that will hit you in years to come after consuming pesticides IN your food. It's not just on the outside. The skin of the fruit, veggies and grains absorb whatever is being sprayed on them, just like your body. Would you spray raid on your garden or better yet your skin? Also, I'm sure you have heard of the horrific GMO seeds. Most organic food is not GMO, good to know right?! Long-term studies of GMO foods have not been evaluated, since GMO's were commercially introduced in 1994. Our generation is being screwed by eating this crap! Support small farms that care about your health and I'm talking about the ones that take pride in growing organic food from heirloom seeds. If we don't get back to organic farming, in the future we will have to pay a heavy price. Conventional farming is dropping a lot of chemicals into the earth, which is killing the soil because it is robbing the earth of its natural minerals.

Below are some links to check out that will help you grasp a better understanding of why you should eat organic non-gmo food.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/organlink.cfm
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-to-eat-organic-foods-on-a-budget
http://www.naturalnews.com/036957_organic_food_farming_benefits.html

5 Reasons to Eat a Plant-Based Diet

Being a vegan makes you more conscious of what you are putting in your mouth and using on your body's largest organ - your skin! So here are a few brief reasons on why you should choose a healthier lifestyle.

• You can treat/reverse many diseases just by eating an alkaline diet. 

• Eating a plant-based diet slows down the aging process and can even rejuvenate your appearance. Putting harmful chemicals on your skin which is found in MOST if not ALL make-up products on the market raises your risk of getting many different types of cancers. Is the make-up really worth it?

• Nutrient packed fruits and vegetables increase your energy levels. Forget the coffee and energy drinks which burn out your adrenal glands thus making you even more tired! Make a GREEN SMOOTHIE and see how much better you feel!!!

• Boosts your sex drive.. Everybody loves more orgasms, right?! I just had to throw that one out there. There are a plethora of fruits, vegetables, herbs and seeds that can boost your libido. Watermelon, mango, figs, avocados, maca root are just a handful of many! 

• Eating a diet high in raw organic food is the fastest healthiest way to lose weight. Heather lost over 35lbs and Dustin lost over 60lbs in less than two months. During this time we didn't even work out, we just filled up on what earth naturally provides us. (Remember the key to fitness though is 80% diet 20% exercise.)

Care to comment or add more interesting information? Please do!

We aren't professionals, this is simply how we choose to live based on our own personal research and discussions with professional herbalists and nutritionists, but please don't listen to us consult your personal physician before trying anything at home.

Sample Grocery List

Friends and family often ask us what we buy at the grocery store. We tag along with them to the store or fill them in on the staple foods that we usually get. I created a sample list of things we usually shop for to make things more convenient for you. If you have anything to add or share, please leave us a comment. I'm sure I left something off somewhere! SN: we eat primarily a whole food diet and do not eat soy or meat products. Occasionally, we do have our vegan "junk food" such as organic rice and tortilla chips. Hope this helps! <3

Quinoa

Amaranth

Lentils

Chickpeas

Raw Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)

Dried Fruit (mangos, dates, figs)

Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, dandelion, watercress, romaine)

Vegetables (broccoli, green beans, peas)

Fruits (avocados, mangos, bananas, apples, cucumbers, lemons, limes, melons, tomatoes, berries)

Sweeteners (raw agave nectar or maple syrup grade b)

Super foods (hemp seed, flax seed, cacao)

Olive oil (or hemp)

Sundried tomatoes

Roasted red peppers

Almond Butter

Tahini

Almond milk

Tea (chai, raspberry leaf, dandelion,)

Seaweed

Sprouts

Portobellos

Spelt flour

Garlic

Onion

Parsley

Cilantro

Basil

Himalayan Salt

Cayenne

Extras (vegan chocolate chips, coconut milk ice cream, kombucha, raw bars)

Special Pregnancy Update: 19 Weeks Pregnant

19 weeks 2 days pregnant. Grow baby Grow! On Valentines Day we will find out if we will be going with pink or blue bedding. Munchkin is the most active baby I've carried and I believe it's because of my plant-based diet. When I'm hungry the baby punches my stomach, when I have to pee the baby kicks my bladder and when I'm trying to fall asleep the little stubborn one decides to get in a rock hard position stretching across my belly and kicks me in the back making it super uncomfortable to get situated. A pillow between the legs is my bedtime cure. At least I'm not being woke in the middle of the night... yet! The baby (head to rump) is now the length from my fingertips to my wrist. Munchkin was staying still long enough for me to measure. My belly changes all different sizes throughout the day.. I blame that on bloating, which I've always had an issue with except for when I was all raw. Early in the morning I have a little bump (little smaller than what you see on the left) then by the evening (when this picture was taken) my belly looks very poked out! I'm using lots of extra virgin olive oil all over my body paying special attention to the stretch mark prone areas right after my showers. EVOO has helped me out tremendously. Yes, I still have stretch marks, but they are hardly noticeable now due to the food I eat combined with keeping my skin moisturized with one of the best natural products available. 

Pregnancy cravings this week: Hot chili peppers & chocolate almond milk.

Exercise routine this week: M, T, Th, F treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed of 3.9 and stretching.

No bueno: foot cramping OUCH!! dizziness & ligament stretching in the lower abdomen.

Other baby news: Munchkin is working on its five senses and is roughly the size of a mango (6 inches and about 8.5 ounces).

Banana Chunky Nut Bread

What You Need!

2 cups spelt flour or regular

1 1/4 cups coconut sugar or brown sugar

3/4 t baking soda

3/4 t fine himalayan salt or sea salt

1 t ground cinnamon

1/2 cup vanilla almond milk or alternate

1 t organic apple cider vinegar

2 cups mashed bananas

1/4 cup sunflower oil or vegetable

2 T agave or maple syrup

1 1/4 t vanilla extract

1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup cashews (optional)

Work Your Magic!
FIRST, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set aside a 9x5 lightly oiled loaf pan.
NEXT, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
THEN, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar and leave alone for 2 minute.
ADD, the mashed banana, oil, agave and vanilla and whisk until combined.
ADD, the flour mix to the wet mix and combine.
FOLD, the chopped cashews and chocolate chips into the batter.
THEN, pour the mix into the loaf pan.
BAKE, for an hour, then turn down heat to 325 degrees F and bake for another 15 minutes.
SUGGESTED: let cool at room temperature before serving.

Moringa

This is such an amazing tree and I believe everyone should know about it! Moringa oleifera, also known as the "Tree of Life," "Drumstick Tree," "Miracle Tree," "Never Die Tree," "Gift from God Tree," "Mother's Best Friend," "Tree of Paradise," is the ultimate superfood because of the high nutritional value. This tree is drought resistant and can grow in nearly any soil but cannot tolerate cold environments. Particularly in Africa, Asia and India, this plant is used in many recipes as well as for medicinal purposes to heal people of malnutrition, various diseases and maladies. Dehydrated leaves from the tree are ground into powder then can be capsuled, added to smoothies, or to your meals.  

Moringa leaves contain over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants and are rich in vitamins A, C, B6, K, Manganese, Magnesium, Riboflavin, Calcium, Thiamin, Potassium, Iron, Protein and Niacin. 

Ounce for ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of Moringa contains:
     7x the Vitamin C found in oranges
     4x the Vitamin A in carrots
     3x the iron of spinach
     4x as much calcium as milk
     3x the potassium of bananas. 


Moringa also contains all 8 essential amino acids and is rich in flavonoids, including Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic acid and Zeatin.

For pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, 6 tablespoons of Moringa can be consumed on a daily basis. It is highly recommended by many herbalists and has proven to increase breast milk (I can attest this). For a child between the ages of 1 and 3, the recommended amount is 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. 

*An interesting fact* - The crushed seeds from the Moringa tree can be used to purify water overnight.      

Banana Split Ice Cream

I LOVE BANANA SPLITS!!!

3 frozen bananas

2 Tablespoons of raw coconut butter

Blend together and top with fruit!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Eating vegan doesn't mean giving up all those tasty desserts we love, especially chocolate chip cookies. This recipe is simple and you can easily substitute the ingredients to your liking. Enjoy!

1 1/4 cups coconut sugar

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons vanilla almond milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup flax seed mix (1T ground flax + 3 T water)

2 1/2 cups spelt flour

1 t baking soda

3/4 t salt

chocolate chips (soy-free, dairy-free)

Set oven to bake 375F. Put the flax seed mix together (according to measurements above) and set in fridge for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, measure out 1/4 cup from the flax mix. Blend the first 5 ingredients together. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, then gradually mix in the wet ingredients. Stir in as many chocolate chips as you like :)

Set covered bowl of cookie dough mix into the fridge for about 20 minutes. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.