Health and Nutrition

Superfoods Smoothie “Acai berry”

BlissBalanceHealth_LogoAcai (A-sigh-ee) berry is a super food very dear to my heart. I grew up seeing Acai juice (mixed with peanuts and guarana) sold everywhere in my hometown of Fortaleza- Brazil. It was sold mostly as a super energy drink. Guarana is another treasure of Brazil, which I won’t discuss much about, that is used in many energy drinks found worldwide.

I remember getting very excited the first time that I saw Acai advertised here in the states, as a fruit that could do miracles for anyone. I won’t claim that Acai will do miracles, but I will point out some of its benefits, why is good for you, and the reason that it is now considered a superfood. It is a superfood because it is very rich in nutrients that are very beneficial to our well being. Rich in free radicals, it is a very powerful antioxidant. It  contains nutrients that are known to help with inflammation, anti cancer, and lowering of cholesterol. It is also very low in sugar content.

A few of the nutrients in Acai are:

Iron

Magnesium

Calcium

Vitamin A, K, and B complex

Anthocyanin

Healthy fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 9)

Fiber

Acai is not the only component that gave this smoothie its name. Some of the other known superfoods added to this smoothie are blueberries, raspberries, kale, chia, and nuts. I also add Aloe Vera for its cleansing properties. I suggest also adding some protein to it, especially as a post workout drink. I like adding a plant based protein powder, Vega protein powder is my favorite. The protein powder is not essential, you can leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.

I usually have this smoothie with my lunch, but sometimes I have it for breakfast as well. My husband likes to drink it as his dessert after dinner. He usually finishes his exercise routine right before dinner, so the smoothie is also helping him to replenish the nutrients lost during the workout.

Acai Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 banana

1 cup of almond milk

1 cup of Acai juice

1 handful of blueberries or mixed berries

1 cup of kale

5 almonds

2 Tbs of aloe vera juice

2 Tbs of chia seeds

Dash of cinnammon

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

Mix it all in a blender and enjoy!

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Health and Nutrition, Uncategorized

Curry! Curry! Curry!

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Curry is something that I am always craving lately! I order it every time I see it on any restaurant’s menu and I also have been experimenting with many versions at home. I have finally changed it up enough times to have created my favorite combination. I do like it with a little bit of heat, so feel free to go easier on the spices if you prefer it less spicy!

This is a vegetarian version, but if you would like, you can add tofu or chicken to yours to make it heartier. I have added chickpeas to my curry for the protein intake, so there is plenty of protein as is! I like to serve it with naan bread and brown rice, but feel free to serve it with your favorite type of rice.

With this recipe, I would like to talk about the Phytochemicals that are found in a plant based diet. Let’s take a look at some that you will find in this recipe.

Flavonoids and Sulfides – are both antioxidants, promote cardiovascular health, and are anti carcinogenic. They are found in the onions, garlic, and broccoli.

Isoflavones– block hormone stimulated cancers and lower cholesterol levels – are found in the chickpeas.

Isothiocyanates – inhibit cancer growth – are found in the broccoli.

Phthalides – lower blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and also anti cancer. You will find these guys in the carrots.

Terpenoids– antibacterial –  found in the spices.

Now you know some of the good stuff that will be going into your awesome body when you decide to make this delicious meal!

Ingredients:

1 Tbs of coconut oil (1 colher de oleo de coco)

1 onion, diced (1 cebola)

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (2 cabecas de alho)

1 Tbs of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (1 colher de gengibre)

2 Tbs of curry powder ( I love Trader Joes it is extra spicy) ( 2 colheres de caril em po)

1 tsp of turmeric (1 colher de cha de curcuma)

1 tsp coriander (1 colher de cha de coriandro)

1 tsp of paprika (1 colher de cha de pimenta)

1 cup of carrots, sliced (1 copo de cenoura)

1 zucchini, big chunks (1 abobrinha)

1 yellow squash, big chuncks (abobora amarela)

1 c o broccolli, cut into small pieces (1 copo de brocolis)

1 c of green beans (1 cope de vagens)

1 can of chickpeas (1 copo de grao de bico cozido)

1 tsp of raw sugar or brown sugar ( 1 colher de cha de acucar mascavo)

1 can of coconut milk ( 1 lata de leite de coco)

Juice of a lemon (suco de 1 limao)

1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of back pepper (sal e pimenta do reino a gosto)

Red pepper flakes (pimentinha a gosto)

Directions:

In a large wok, melt the coconut oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger. When the onion is translucent, add the spices. Add the vegetables one at the time , in order. When the vegetables are tender, add the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes and serve!

Refoque todas as verduras com os temperos. Quando estiverem todas cozidas, adicione o leite de coco e o restante dos ingredientes. Deixe no fogo baixo por 5 minutos e sirva com arroz. Aproveite!

 

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 I would love to hear what you think of my recipes, feel free to email me at armenia@blissbalancehealth.com

 

 

 

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Health and Nutrition

Rainbow Quinoa Salad

Last week I posted this family favorite recipe on the website. I am now re-posting the same recipe here because I have decided to keep all my recipes on the blog. Soon I will remove it from http://www.blissbalancehealth.com. I will update the Facebook page letting everyone know when I have posted a new recipe here, or you can just follow the blog to receive updates.

This salad is a staple in our family. I make it at least once a week, sometimes as the star of the meal and sometimes as a side. It is made in Ayurveda style, keeping in mind the six tastes, so it is a really flavorful dish.

When I am creating a dish, I always like to think about what are the ingredients bringing to the table? So let’s take a look at the recipe from an Ayurveda perspective!

Quinoa -it  is the sweet and also the astringent taste. This is where you will find your carbohydrates and protein; a healing and compacting quality. This grain has been called a super-food for its protein content and it’s long history use by the Inca warriors.

Onion, garlic, peppers, cilantro, and spices– bring in the pungent taste. This is where you will find those qualities that will enhance your digestion and detoxify your system.

Zucchini, squash, spinach – this where you will find the bitter taste. The bitter tastes also has detoxifying qualities, helps with gas and bloating , and aids weight loss.

Tomato – represents the sour taste, aiding in digestion and promoting the appetite.

Salt – the salty tastes stimulates digestive juices and makes the other tastes more delicious.

In Ayurveda we want to make our meals balanced with the six tastes, but keeping in mind those tastes that are more beneficial to your mind-body type. So let’s get to the recipe!

Rainbow Quinoa Salad

Rainbow Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

1 c of quinoa

2 c of vegetable broth

1 Tbs coconut oil

1 onion diced

2 garlic heads chopped

½ of each color of bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange) diced

1 zucchini diced

1 yellow squash diced

2 c of baby spinach

1 Tb of cilantro finely chopped

1 tomato small diced

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp oregano

Red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

In a small saucepan bring the broth to a boil, add the quinoa and let it simmer in a low temperature for about 15 minutes. Melt the oil in a large pan, add the vegetables in order, one at the time, and sauté in medium heat. Add the spices and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes; add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture. Serve it hot or cold as a side salad. Enjoy!

If you would like to learn more about Ayurveda Lifestyle contact me at armenia@blissbalancehealth.com

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Health and Nutrition

Armenia’s Green Juice

BlissBalanceHealth_LogoI just love green juices! I can feel it going into my body and just taking all the toxins away with it! I especially love to drink it in the morning or after a workout. I make a special point of drinking it after a day of splurging because it helps me  to get back on track. I switch my green juices around depending on my mood or what I am trying to accomplish by drinking it.  This particular recipe is very easy, not a lot of ingredients to find, but still containing a lot of nutrients!

Let’s break them down:

Bananas and apples – your carbs, they are going to give you energy, potassium, flavonoids, vitamin C and B-6, and some good fiber.

Spinach – bitter greens have a wonderful detoxifying effect in your body, promotes regularity, and improves skin and hair health . Spinach also has a good amount of protein, is high in vitamin A and K, calcium, iron, and beta carotene.

Brazil nut – selenium…lots of it! Considered to have a big role in combating cancer, heart health and aging, selenium is a great nutrient to include in your diet. Selenium also supports iodine levels which are important for thyroid health.

Coconut water – this is Mother Nature’s sports drink! It will hydrate you, has more potassium than 4 bananas combined, and very low in calories.

Cinnamon – natural blood sugar stabilizer to balance out the sugar in the fruits.

Turmeric – antioxidant and is  a great natural anti inflammatory!

Cayenne – fights inflammation, especially combined with turmeric. It also stimulates digestion, metabolism, and boosts your immune system.

Ginger – stimulates digestion, appetite and is a great detoxifier!

Now that you know all the good stuff that is in it and why I chose this combination, I can’t wait for you to try! I would love to hear what you thought about it! So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 banana ½ green apple (maca verde)

Armenia's Green Juice

Armenia’s Green Juice

2 cups of spinach (2 copos de espinafre)

1 brazil nut (castanha do Brasil)

2 cups of coconut water ½ lemon (limao)

1 pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and turmeric  (canela, gengibre, pimento vermelha e curcuma)

Blend it all and enjoy! Bata tudo no liquidificador e aproveite!

 

Check out http://www.blissbalancehealth.com to learn more about Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga!

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