Tag Archives: Healthy Living

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy, Low Carb & Delicious) Benefits of Houseplants in your Home, and Non Toxic Living

We are well into January, and I have to say I like the thought that the days are getting longer now! In fact, I find I have been using some of my Summer mugs, because they feel so bright and cheerful.

I am a lover of enchiladas and eating healthy. I think it is great to focus on foods that feed your body, mind and soul that are good for you and taste incredible, keeping in mind that if you have been eating a lot of processed and fast foods, taste buds need time to adjust to less salt and sugar. This is also a low carb recipe, so if you have been fighting belly fat, this is a wonderful casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Delicious)
Delicious Grain Free Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Low Carb)

Ingredients:

3 lbs. of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Two Large Bunches of Swiss Chard, stems stripped, washed and roughly chopped and dried

5 oz. of Spinach

2 1/2 Cups of Carrots (peeled, chopped and steamed. You can also use baby carrots and skip the peeling)

1 Cup of Good Salsa (I used Green Mountain Gringo. You choose the heat based on your preference)

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup of Aged Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces)

1/4 Cup of Chicken or Bone Broth

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Olive Oil (I like and use this brand)

1 Teaspoon of Salt, Divided plus some for sprinkling

1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper, Divided plus some for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay the chicken thighs onto a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 35 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, steam your carrots either on the stovetop or following the directions of your instant pot. Once the carrots are steamed, set them aside to cool slightly before pureeing. Once the carrots have cooled so they are not steaming hot, place them in a food processor along with 1/2 cup of salsa, 1 Tablespoon of garlic olive oil, 1/4 cup of broth, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Sautee the spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Chop the spinach.

Chop your chicken into small bite sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of salsa to the bowl with the chicken along with 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped, cooked spinach, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Grease a large 15 by 10 inch casserole with olive oil. Now the easy and magical assembly. I was impressed with how well Swiss chard bakes in a casserole. Layer half the chopped Swiss chard evenly in the bottom of the casserole. Add your prepared chicken filling. Top with the remaining chopped Swiss chard. Now spread your carrot mixture evenly onto the top of the Swiss chard, covering it as evenly as possible. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle on a little extra black pepper.

Bake uncovered in your 400 degree F. oven for 35 minutes until the cheese is browned and the casserole is bubbly!

Yummy!!!

Today is National Houseplant Appreciate Day! Houseplants are a wonderful way to bring nature and it’s health benefits indoors. We spend so much time indoors, me too, even thought I love to exercise outdoors, garden and be outdoors, we still as humans spend the majority of time indoors. With all the inanimate objects in our homes like furniture, electronics, etc. it can feel good and benefit us to incorporate living plants in our rooms. They create a restorative atmosphere, are always changing and growing and can decrease stress and increase happiness. There are some beautiful plants out there, and some that are low maintenance and good if you have a black thumb.

The Benefits of Houseplants

Houseplants can improve air quality in your space, increase a sense of wellbeing, and give your eyes a much needed break from screens and help you relax and improve mental fatigue. They also can be a great addition to add beauty. It is important if you have small children or pets that you do your research and choose plants that are safe for them and also it is important to know if you have allergies or asthma, choose allergen friendly plants like cactus and succulents. Overwatering can cause mold growth, so read and make sure you know the water needs of your plants. I like to choose ones that need water once a week maximum. I also like to wipe my leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.

Houseplants in your home can add serenity and beauty

I am always striving for having the cleanest non-toxic living habits as possible. I want my home to be toxin free, my lawn and my skincare. That’s why I love Beautycounter so much. They are leading us to cleaner, safer beauty for all, and it doesn’t hurt that their skincare and makeup is high performing and really works. Here’s a few facts about them. I used them for a good five years before becoming a consultant, because I loved their mission and the changes they were making with beauty laws, not to mention being in love with their skin care products. They have an in house team of scientists and toxicologists, and they test for trace contaminants throughout the manufacturing process! Did you know lipsticks commonly contain lead? Yikes! The skincare regimens are fantastic, and I am obsessed with their Vitamin C Serum!

Beautycounter Clean Fact. They have in house scientists and toxicologists and are changing beauty products for the better.
Beautycounter Clean Fact. The products are obsessively tested for trace contaminants you don’t want on your body or in your bloodstream.

Drop me a line. I love to hear from you! I hope you have a great day!

Fresh Seasonal Salad Days Are Here!

Seasonal Fresh Salad with Peas

It’s Friday and the kickoff of Memorial Day weekend, and unofficially the start of Summer! Warm weather makes me want to eat lots of fresh salads and seasonal veggies. Peas are in season and are a sweet addition to a salad

. I like to lightly steam them and then rinse them under cold water. Drain them, pat them dry, then sprinkle them on your salads along with pea shoots if you can find them or another type of sprout. The shoots are so pretty and elevate your salad to gourmet.

Peas contain an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals and are heart healthy, and also are a source of antioxidants and protein. Add a soft, buttery lettuce, some healthy fats from avocado, and sliced cooked beets! Bonus! Sprinkle on a little fermented vegetables for gut health benefits. (They are full of probiotics. If you like pickles, you will like them too.) Salt, pepper and your favorite vinaigrette, and you have a gorgeous, delicious salad with lots of healthy nutrition!

I’ve signed up for a local organic farms CSA box this Summer and also have planted a small vegetable garden with peas, bok choy, swiss chard, lettuce, tomatoes and peppers. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a vegetable garden, so I am keeping it small and manageable.

What seasonal vegetable do you most look forward to in the Summer? Eating seasonal and local vegetables is a wonderful way to eat very nutrient dense food!

Boost Your Immune System Naturally With Food!

healthy food

Food is medicine, or it can be depending on what you eat.

Food can boost your immune system when you choose to eat a whole foods, healthy diet, and there are certain ones you can make sure you are incorporating into your meals daily to boost and keep your immune system strong!

I also have a few supplements I use year round that are immune boosting, however, a healthy diet is the single most important thing you can do for yourself to be your healthiest for a lifetime!

Here are some of the things you can eat every day for a strong immune system:

Citrus – choose oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes. Not only are they full of vitamin C, but also flavanoids, especially the peel. So, zest the oranges, lemons and limes and use them in cooking. Eat the whole fruit of oranges and grapefruit, and squeeze lemons and limes into your glass of water.

Don’t forget to eat berries and other fruits too in addition to citrus! There are many benefits to a variety of fruits and vegetables. Your body will get what it needs, to use when it needs it, by regularly eating healthy, whole foods.

Vegetables – Shoot for at least seven servings a day of veggies. Make sure you are eating a variety of them too, including cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage, bok choy and Brussels sprouts. They are rich in Vitamin C, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Green Tea – The polyphenols in green tea are potent antioxidants! The catechins in green tea may kill influenza viruses. Try my matcha green tea latte here every morning to start your day.

Garlic – We have known for centuries that garlic has medicinal uses. The allicin in garlic converts to sulfur containing compounds that boost our disease fighting response.

Raw Honey – Raw, unpasturized honey has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can help to boost your immune system and fight sickness. My favorite is Manuka, but any raw honey is helpful.

Probiotic Rich Foods – They keep your gut flora population healthy. Choose foods that don’t have added sugar. Plain Greek yogurt with a little honey or maple syrup stirred in by yourself. One of my favorite probiotic rich vegetables is Kimchi.

Supplements are another way you can keep your immune system strong and boost it. It is best to add these to an already healthy diet and not use them as a bandaid for poor eating.

This is what I use for myself year round:

Elderberry Syrup – It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. A teaspoon a day, and it tastes delicious. I put it in my smoothies.

Vitamin C – One of the biggest immune boosters. Vitamin C fights free radicals in the body.

A High Quality, Organic Greens Powder: I LOVE Organifii Green Juice Powder. It contains Ashwagandha wich is an adaptogenic herb that improves immunity. It also contains matcha green tea and lots of greens!

Remember, real food will give your body what it needs to keep you healthy, vibrant and living your best life!

Blessings!

Sam

 

What’s In Season for August

What's In Season in August

August is a time of year when the fresh fruits and vegetables are at their peak! This is a great time to eat your fill of all the freshness the season has to offer and enjoy all the nutrient rich benefits of a large variety of colorful, fresh food.
I have put together a list for you to pin, share and inspire you!
How would you use some of these? Share with me in the comments and share this post with friends who love good food!

Make Your Own Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups!

Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups Gluten Free Refined Sugar Free

Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups! Does that sound tempting? These fruit roll ups have concentrated blueberry and pineapple flavor with  just real, whole fruit and a little pure maple syrup! Why would you want to make your own fruit roll ups? Here’s a few reasons. Feel free to comment with more.

~ If you like to pick your own fruit flavors

~ You just want a few simple ingredients that taste great and are real.

~ They are a sweet whole fruit snack.

~ There are no added sugars, juices or oils.

~ No added color, just the real deal.

~ You are a DIY’er

~ You like to see the smile on faces when they see you made some.

~ You think, what’s the big deal?….blend it, pour it and forget it ’til they are done, and they are delicious!

~ You show your love through making special treats.

~ You are looking for healthier snack alternatives without processed sugar.

Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups

Here’s how you make them. It is simple and direct. The biggest part is cutting them into strips and rolling them up at the end.

Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups No Refined Sugar

You will need a food dehydrator for this recipe. The hands on time is fairly short. They dehydrate for 18 hours, and you need do nothing while that is happening!

DIY Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups

Cooking Time

20 Minutes to prep them, then hands off time…….Dehydrate approximately 18 hours at 135 degrees F.

Yields

25 to 30 Roll Ups

Ingredients

2 Pints of Fresh Blueberries

2 Cups of Fresh Pineapple

2 Tablespoons of Pure Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 Tablespoon of Quality Gelatin

2 Tablespoons of Hot Water

Directions

Clean the blueberries with a fresh cool water rinse and place them in a high speed blender. Chop the fresh pineapple into chunks, and add it to the blender with the blueberries. Add the maple syrup and lemon juice. Blend until pureed. Now you will add the gelatin. Heat 2 tablespoons of water in your microwave until very hot. Whisk the gelatin into the hot water until it is foamy. Pour this into the blender with the blueberry pineapple mixture, and blend until smooth and incorporated.

Set out six dehydrator trays (my dehydrator is an Excalibur) and line them with non-stick drying sheets that go with your brand of dehydrator). Pour the fruit roll up mixture evenly onto six sheets. Pick up the sheets and swirl by tipping them to spread then out into 8″ circles.

Dehydrate at 135° degrees for approximately 18 hours, or until they are no longer tacky in the center but not crispy. They should still be pliable.

Remove the fruit roll ups from the dehydrator and cool. After they are cool, using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, slice each roll up into strips. Cut parchment the same width as the fruit strips and roll them up with the parchment. Tie with a string. Place them in a sealed container and store at room temperature.

Blueberry Pineapple Fruit Roll Ups that you can make yourself with Whole Fruit, No Added Colors and No Refined Sugar

Benefits of Oranges and Get Some Egg On Your Face! Healthy Food Tips and Natural Skin Care!

orange benefits

Did you know the smell of orange can reduce stress by up to 70%? You know that smell when you first start peeling an orange and you get that burst of citrus? Oooo, that smells oh so good!!! 😃
There are many benefits to eating oranges. We all know about the Vitamin C. But, oranges are also rich in fiber (17% of your daily allowance is in one large orange), and they can also improve heart health. Studies have also shown that the flavonoids may preserve brain health. Oranges enhance immunity, digestion, and skin health! They are full of other micronutrients too, like folate, potassium, and thiamine, and it’s no secret that the antioxidants in oranges in skin care has pretty impressive results like anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, UV protection, and decreasing age spots! Ask me which Posh products have loads of orange in them! 

citrus 2
Oranges are low in calories, but you won’t get the same benefits by drinking orange juice. The fiber in the whole orange slows down absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, so make sure you go for the whole orange. 🍊

Sandy wit Orange Pillow

I’m really enjoying how this new Egg On Your Face with Korean skin care technology cleanser is making my skin look and feel!!! Awesome!!!! 👍🌺🌈
It is a very nourishing cleanser that is great for sensitive skin and formulated for all skin types.
This is a Wonderful Winter cleanser that gently washes away toxins, makeup, dirt, and excess oil while it adds Poshbiotics to your face! What is that???? 🤔 Well, Poshbiotics is a proprietary blend by Perfectly Posh of pre and probiotics, milk and eggs that soothes, smoothes, and balances pH. I’ve noticed more even skin tone and a softer smoother complexion. It comes in a nice 4 oz. tube and smells very lovely!!! It’s a top notch way to pamper your face! 🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️

egg on your face

If you are ready to reap the benefits of orange and eggs in your skin care, head on over to Perfectly Posh where I am a consultant. I appreciate your business so much, and I am here to help you find your perfect products! They are a natural based skin care company who specializes in pampering without toxic ingredients. Have a wonderful day!!!

Orange Based Posh Skin Care

Healthy Holiday Tips to Avoid Weight Gain and if you have Food Sensitivities

How to Have a Healthier Holiday with Packing on the Pounds

Most of us have to be mindful during the holidays of what we eat to avoid weight gain and also digestive upset. Ugghh, who wants that?

Above are some tips for avoiding the fallout of the holiday celebrations on your health and still enjoy the festivities. Of course if you are having dessert and are allergic or sensitive to something in the dessert, don’t eat it. That is where it is a good idea to bring your own to share.  If you are lucky enough to get a thoughtful hostess who asks about food sensitivities, that is always a bonus!

Also, you can completely change your focus! Yes, there is a lot of emphasis on food, but it really does make a difference if you set an intention. For instance, “I intend to really enjoy the time I get to spend with my friends or family talking and catching up.” Put your focus more on the activities other than food that are happening at your party or get together.

Taking or preparing a dish or two of your own, or a healthier treat, will also keep you on track and keep you from feeling deprived or left out.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated. This is important in colder months. It keeps your mucus membranes hydrated, your skin, organs, and sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. Not drinking enough water can also contribute to constipation.

Going for a brisk walk with your pet, friend or family member helps digestion, is energizing, burns calories, is great for circulation and your metabolism, and you benefit from fresh air!

If you have food sensitivities, you will be very happy that you resisted and came prepared, because the next day, you will feel good. When the holidays are over and you still have energy, can fit into your clothes, and don’t have to try to lose the holiday gain, you will be very thankful.

Sandra

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can’t control everything, but remember your monthly self exam, don’t put off your mammograms, stay active, eat a healthy diet and pay attention to the ingredients you put on your skin.

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As a Perfectly Posh Consultant, I can guide you to the best products for your skin, body and pampering! If you would like me to send you a free sample, just comment below. They ship withing the United States. All the Winter products have just been released, and there are exciting ideas for holiday gift giving as well as for yourself! See the holiday release below. There is also a natural line that uses only essential oils and is very effective for your facial care routine. Anti-aging, brightening, dark spots, fine lines, plumping, serums and more.

I have tried dozens of beauty lines for years looking for performance, safety, and great ingredients before deciding to become a Posh Consultant! I choose to use Perfectly Posh for my family’s and my own skin care because they have naturally based beauty products that don’t have ingredients like parabens, petroleum, sulfates, paraffin, and sls. They DO have fantastic ingredients (like sustainably sourced Shea Butter, High Quality Essential Oils, Apricot Oil, Avocado, Honey, Lavender, Vitamin C, Carrot Seed Oil, and so much more! Way too many to list here.) that work to pamper and make you look and feel beautiful! A Big Plus for me is they are fun and affordable!

Winter_Launch_18-FB_IC_Logo

To browse all the products, just go here and choose me as your consultant.

How Do I Increase My Enthusiasm and Creativity?

Enthusiasm and Creativity

If your creativity is at an all time low and you find all you are doing is going from one task, chore, item on your to do list to another……you know, going through the motions, because your day is all mapped out for you? Or, if you spend every spare moment of your day scrolling through social media, maybe you need a little boredom in your life!

The happiest times in people’s lives are when they have plans, dreams and are inspired! You don’t have time to think about these things when your day is jam packed and you fill every spare moment you have by grabbing your phone. I’m talking about when you are waiting in line, waiting to be called for an appointment, eating, walking, you know any spare moment? It isn’t refreshing, and it can be exhausting and draining to fill your brain with what other people are posting. That’s because our minds need time to do nothing! This actually frees up space to plan, dream and create. You should have at least one dream right now or goal you want to achieve. At all times, you should have one dream for your future.

creativity and inspiration

If you want to increase your creativity, you need head space for that. I know when I land on a new creative idea it gives me a huge surge of enthusiasm, energy and joy, and I can’t wait to get started! My most creative times are when I have had some free time, without an agenda, to get rid of mental clutter. Be deliberate about having time inside your own head.

When you are so busy all day every day, and you don’t have time to sit with your thoughts, your mind is like a fragmented computer. Distractions are the antithesis of creativity. If you can think back to a time when you were on fire with ideas, plans and enthusiasm, you can be sure you had time to just be. Working out, walking, or going for a jog without distractions is also a good way to boost creativity according to a recent study in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

If you take the time to surround yourself with a little quiet time, whether you are moving your body or sitting still, you will increase your enthusiasm and creativity, and this will increase your level of happiness. We were meant to create.

How do you increase your enthusiasm and creativity?

Embracing and Feeling Good In Your Body

Package You Come In

The number one most important thing about your body is how you feel in your body! Having energy, feeling alive and excited when you wake up, being healthy, and being able to do what you would like, because you feel good inside and out. Take care of your package so it can take care of you. Your body loves you and wants you to feel good, so treat it well!

Some things I’ve learned about my body is:

1 – The perfect body is all in they eye of the beholder

2 – You can be skinny and unhealthy and also the opposite.

3 – Feeling good inside your body has a lot to do with what you eat as well as your mindset.

4. How your clothes fit does matter and affect how you feel about your body.

5. What you eat you crave. Processed junk food or healthy whole food. Your palate will change for the worse or the better.

6. Whole, real food gives you energy and supports a healthy body.

7. We are all unique individuals, and all healthy foods may not be right for you, so you need to listen to your body and eat the ones that agree with you. This doesn’t include junk food however.

Enjoy your day!

Sandra Shields, Health Coach

 

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