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7/30/2012

Spirulina Lemonade

Spirulina Lemonade
INGREDIENTS
  • 30 oz distilled water or alkaline water or spring water
  • 1 large lemon (peel removed)
  • 1 tbsp spirulina powder
  • 2 tbsp raw organic honey (or raw blue agave)
Makes 30 ozs

Blend all the ingredients in your Vitamix.  This is a great refreshing lemonade, that is full of vitamins and minerals...and loaded with your complex b vitamins. Usually spirulina is a bit "fishy" tasting to me...but this is a great way to mix it up and not even taste its there...you see its there, but you don't taste it! What an awesome dinner I just had! I hope you enjoy this drink too. I'll be making this often.

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Some Health Benefits 
 
Spirulina: Spirulina is the common name given to a family of blue-green algae produced by a class of cyano-bacteria called “Arthospira”. It is abundant in both fresh and sea water. Spirulina benefits come mostly nowadays as a type of dietary supplement that comes from a type of microscopic alga, which is shaped like a spiral coil. Spirulina is cultivated from all around the world and is used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food available in tablet, flake and powder form. One of the most important of all spirulina benefits is that it has an unusually high amount of protein, which is an almost complete protein that contains 18 of the 22 amino acids the body needs. It is of a superior quality when compared to plant protein. It is also rich with several different types of essential fatty acid, and contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It is also a source of such minerals as potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium (selenium benefits), sodium, and zinc. The most important and popular spirulina health benefit that comes with regular supplementation is undoubtedly weight loss. Spirulina weight loss has become quite a popular diet food; it is natural, it has all the major vitamins, amino acids and nutrients required by the human body and it has a very high protein content (60-70% of its body weight is pure protein). It is also free of carbohydrates and sugar. As a result, it acts as a potent appetite suppressant reducing body weight over time. Of course, if you are using spirulina weight loss as a magic pill remedy it will not work by itself but it should help you in diminishing your hunger while eating a completely natural food. It has also been shown to help correct anemia for undernourished children, it also be effective against melanosis and keratosis caused by chronic arsenic poisoning. Spirulina is also found to protect against hay fever, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Also, another one of the spirulina benefits is that it is a rare source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which is otherwise only present in mother’s milk. This particular amino acid helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It also improves cardiovascular health in general. Spirulina is known to help contain the effects of type 2 diabetes. Regular Spirulina supplementation is known to lower blood sugar levels. It also improves the antioxidant potential in people, which decreases muscle breakdown and exhaustion after exercising and improves overall health. However despite all these benefits their are a few (mostly minor) spirulina side effects you might want to learn more about in my other post. However, the only real side effect you probably have to worry about is that spirulina also contains an amino acid called, phenylalanine, which should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder, which prevents the body from metabolizing this particular amino acid, making it to build up in the brain causing damage. And although very rare it may sometimes contain a type of toxin called microcystins, which can cause liver diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, as of yet no standard exists to regulate its safety, however as mentioned it is an extremely rare toxin, so as long as properly tested there is no need for an alarm. As you can see theirs definitely a lot of benefits linked to spirulina so it might be a supplement you want to add to your diet when looking for the best multivitamin that can compliment your eating habits!
 
LEMON: The lemon is one powerful little fruit! Aside from the fact that its a great tool for fat burning and weight loss, It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber (7.36% of RDA). Its acidic taste is due to citric acid. Citric acid is present in up to 8% of its juice. Citric acid is a natural preservative, aids digestion. Studies found that citric acid help dissolve kidney stones. Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are excellent source of ascorbic acid (provides about 88% of DRI). Ascorbic acid or vitamin-C is a powerful water soluble natural anti-oxidant. This vitamin is helpful in preventing scurvy. Besides, consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood. Lemons like oranges contain a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin and naringenin are flavonoid glycosides commonly found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in the cells in-vitro studies. They also contain small level of vitamin A, and other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and B-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. They also a good source of B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. They contain healthy amount of minerals like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure. 
 
RAW ORGANIC HONEY: While honey is sweet, the vitamins present in honey are B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. On top of all of this “raw organic” honey is an alkaline-forming food, this type of honey contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in the digestive system.  Because it contains antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, it doesn't ferment in the stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion. Raw honey is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Last but not least, it contains a mineral called selenium, which is necessary for the proper support of immune system health.  It is a vital mineral antioxidant found in the tissues of your body and assists in supporting an optimal balance of cardio-protective benefits as well. 
 
RAW BLUE AGAVE: According to Dr Ray Sahelian, bestselling author of, Mind Boosters and The Stevia Cookbook, there are several hundred species of the agave plant. Agave has been cultivated for centuries, first by the Native American population and then in Europe, when agave plants were brought back by the Spaniards and Portugese in the 17th century. Agave contains saponins and fructans. According to Dr. Sahelian, saponins, which are found on quinoa and many plant roots, including ginseng, have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability. In fact, the Aztecs used agave syrup to treat wounds because of its antibacterial properties. Inulin is a type of fructan or fiber that has many health benefits. Studies suggest that inulin can be effective in weight loss because of its low impact on blood sugar (that's right! this is a great sugar substitute for those with diabetes) and its ability to increase satiety and decrease appetite. Inulin is also associated with lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and increasing the absorption of nutrients, such as isoflavones, calcium and magnesium. In addition, Dr Sahelian says fructans are not destroyed in the stomach and may be a delivery system for drugs to treat colon diseases such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.  
 
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7/21/2012

Guacamole

Guacamole
INGREDIENTS
  • 4 avocado's
  • 2-3 tomatoes (to your liking)
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp dried onion flakes
  • 1/2 tsp celtic sea salt

Making the Guacamole

  1. Cut your avocado's in half and remove the pits.
  2. Scoop out the avocado meat and put them into your Vitamix blender. Put one of the half cut avocado's to the side. Do NOT put that half in the blender.  
  3. With the exception of the tomatoes, put in all of the remaining ingredients into the blender. 
  4. Blend until creamy. Do not over blend...You are not making a smoothie! *smile* 
  5. Put into your serving bowl. 
  6. Chop your tomatoes into desired sizes.
  7. Fold the tomatoes into your guacamole. 
  8. Chop that half avocado that you put to the side into small chunks. This will help even out the smoothness and texture of the Guacamole...
  9. Be sure to carefully fold all of the ingredients in. 
  10. Try not to eat it all in one sitting! This is so good!

TIP:
If you like spice, try a dash of cayenne pepper in your guacamole!

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7/20/2012

Hummus Avocado Stuffers

Hummus Avocado Stuffers

Want to try something new? Try using an avocado as a bowl. You'll have a two in one dish! In the picture above I cut an avocado in half then filled the hole where the seed was with Garlic and Herbed Hummus. Stick a Sunflower Seed Cracker on the side to garnish along with a side of carrots and you have one beautiful and easy semi-raw vegan appetizer dish. 

I actually had this for dinner. It was delish and surprisingly filling! I got my protein, omega 3, amino acids, b-caratene, complex b vitamins along with other vitamins and minerals. Try this, you won't be disappointed. The best thing about this dish, is it was fun to make and eat! ha ha ha...

Enjoy!


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7/18/2012

Trail Mix Salad

Trail Mix Salad
INGREDIENTS
  • Spring Salad Mix (romaine, arugala, spinach, boston lettuce)
  • Trail Mix (unsalted and preferably raw)
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries 
 
You can make as much of this salad or as lesss of it as you want, that's why I didn't bother to measure. I literally took handfuls of how much of each ingredient I wanted...but here's what I did...
I took a bunch of the Spring Salad Mix and put it at the bottom of my bowl. Then I sprinkled it with some raw trail mix, I made, then I loaded it with fresh blueberries and strawberries...and voila! 
 
I love this salad...its fun, its fresh and surprising filling...try it...
 
Oh and if you're wondering why there is no salad dressing recipe, its cause I had it without salad dressing...try that too...but just for those of you who absolutely must have salad dressing, try squeezing half an orange on top...if you want to stick to the berries...try blending a few berries and drizzling that on top...but don't drown the salad...it's really RAWsomely delicious without any dressing! Enjoy! 

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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used: 
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7/17/2012

Snack Attack: Chia Seeded Watermelon

Chia Seeded Watermelon
INGREDIENTS

Cut your watermelon into desired slices. Then dip into your hemp seeds...and it's that simple. A Raw Vegan, vivaciously healthy meal or snack that took less than a minute to make! Enjoy!

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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used: 
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7/16/2012

Snack Attack: Hemp Crusted Watermelon

Hemp Crusted Watermelon
INGREDIENTS

Cut your watermelon into desired slices. Then dip into your hemp seeds...and it's that simple. A Raw Vegan, vivaciously healthy meal or snack that took less than a minute to make! Enjoy!

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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used: 
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7/15/2012

Aloe/Avocado Deep Conditioning Treatment

Aloe/Avocado Deep Conditioning Treatment

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 tbsp coconut manna
  • 1 cup aloe vera gel
  • 3 tbsp honey
 
Throw everything in your Vitamix and blend! Yep it's that simple...now you have an awesome hair conditioner. I was tempted to put a lil more honey in this and eat it as pudding...lol ha ha ha

This is a hot oil moisturizing and conditioning treatment all in one! And a special bonus to my natural curly girls...it helps to relax that curl a tad bit.
 
Happy Hair Conditioning!

TIPS:
(1) To make your own aloe vera gel, simply take a stalk from the aloe vera plant. Filet it, removing the clear, gooey meat and blend it...voila! You've just made aloe vera gel!
(2) Put a plastic cap on after putting the deep conditioner on your hair. It helps to lock in moisture.
(3) Leave the conditioner on for no less than 20 mins. 



PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:  
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7/14/2012

Lavender/Vanilla Whipped Shea Butter

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup raw shea butter
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp almond oil
  • 10 drops of each essential oil of your choice (in this batch I used lavender and I didn't have vanilla essential oil, so I used 1 tsp vanilla bean paste and it worked just as great!)
 
Making the Whipped Shea Butter
  1. Put all of the above ingredients in your blender, and mix well. It's just that simple. 
  2. Put it in a storage container of your choice. 
  3. You can either refrigerate it to set. Or simply leave it out at room temperature to set. Either way you have a new body butter product that is loaded with Vitamin E and minerals that are good for your skin.
 
This whipped shea butter is excellent for both the skin and the hair! That's right! You have a 2-in-1 item here. I use this particular mixture mostly for my hair though, it's such a light yet nicely scented. If you love the smell of lavender, you'll love this. The vanilla doesn't over power the lavender, but it adds a hint of subtle sweet to the lavender scent. 
 
Listed below are the benefits of the combination of oils...

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is excellent for both your hair and scalp. Not only does it relieve that dry itchy scalp, but it also rejuvenates the hair shaft and help to repair dry, damaged and brittle hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin, which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. More on coconut oil here. 

Almond Oil: Almond oil has been used since the beginning of time. Even in the bible we see several ways almond oil was used (i.e., skin, hair, healing, cooking, etc.). Almond oil benefits the outside of the body as well as the inside. It is often used as an additive in cosmetic products such as shampoos and moisturizers and for good reason. The February 2010 issue of "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" published a report on the benefits of almond oil, which include its ability to soften and regenerate the skin and reduce scarring that can occur after surgery. Almond oil can also protect the skin from damage, especially from the sun. Researchers from Hamdard University in New Delhi, India, found that when skin is pretreated with almond oil before being exposed to the sun's UV rays, not only does the almond oil protect the skin from further damage, but it helps repair the damage that has already been done from previous exposure. The mouse study, published in the March 2007 "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology," took place over the course of 12 weeks and the results show that there were obvious visible changes to the skin. Almond oil is one of the best "carriers" for scented oils and parfumes. Always remember that when making your own. 

Raw Shea Butter: Shea butter is great for locking in moisture. Its a misconception that it provides moisture-when it doesn't. What it actually does is lock the moisture in. By using it raw, you get the full nutrients of vitamins A and E, which are both components to hair growth. It helps to prevent breakage, repairs and mends split ends, while absorbing quickly and not leaving you with a sticky residue. Added benefits of Shea butter is that it helps heal a variety of scalp problems, including dry scalp, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis and protects hair from weather damage caused by wind, humidity, and extreme dryness, and repairs such damage. Aside from the obvious greatness of raw shea butter known mostly for its nourishing abilities of Vitamins A, E and F to help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy. These vitamins are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin and help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. Proving to provide clearer, brighter skin; less wrinkles; and even less sun damage. Lastly, but certainly not least, shea butter has great abilities in maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness (this hides all of the unwanted cellulite). 




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