Healthy with Jodi

Salted Sunflower Nut Butter Cups

    Salted Nutbutter Cups

    Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free

    Happily Serves 24 mini cups

    ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

    CHOCOLATE SHELL

    3 cups Lily’s chocolate chips

    1 TBSP Coconut oil

    1 tsp Vanilla

    FILLING

    3 TBSP Sunflower butter

    1 tsp  Himalayan sea salt

    1 tsp Coconut oil

    1/4 Cup Dates

    TOPPING

    Pink Himalayan salt, to taste

     

    Soak Dates 1-4 hours.  Remove seeds.

    In a double boiler, add in dark chocolate chips, coconut oil and vanilla.

    Melt over a pot of simmering (not boiling) hot water until well incorporated.

    Fill the bottom of each muffin liner with 1-2 tsp of the chocolate mixture.

    Set aside leftover chocolate to put on top of the cups.

    Set the muffin pans in the freezer.

    In a food processor add in Sunflower butter, sea salt, coconut oil and dates.

    Blend until smooth and creamy.

    Spoon 1 tsp of the sunflower butter mixture on top of each chocolate filled muffin liner.

    Then spoon out 1-2 tsp chocolate mixture to cover each cup.

    Sprinkle Himalayan salt on top.

    Place the cups in the freezer for 30 minutes or until set.  Serve frozen.

     

    Hot mess: The grossest health concerns of summer

       

      (CNN)You are not the only one who thrives in the summer and loves its warm, long days. Bacteria and other microbes that cause food poisoning, diarrhea and just general grossness also flourish, threatening to make it a season to be sick.

      “Foodborne pathogens follow an annual cycle, and we tend to see peaks of them, especially bacteria, in the summer, at picnics, potlucks and all the outdoor events,” said Melinda Wilkins, director of the online science master’s program in food safety at Michigan State University.
      Your gut is not the only part of your body at risk of assault by bacteria such as E. coli in summer months. Bugs lurk in air conditioning filters, especially when it is hot and humid, ready to cause trouble for those with breathing problems. And the skin that protects you from infections can become a portal for them after a bad, blistering sunburn.
      Of course, even if some dangers await you at the picnic, pool or beach, it is worth it to get out and enjoy yourself. You can most likely handle what comes your way.

      Don’t pee (or poop) in the pool

      The burn you feel in your eyes after a dip in the swimming pool is not because of chlorine. It is because pee, poop and sweat from fellow swimmers (and maybe you) react with chlorine and form chloramine compounds,and this combination is what really stings your peepers. Aside from the gross factor, the formation of these compounds means there is less chlorine left in the water to kill bacteria, such as E. coli. Chloramines can also irritate the airways, and when they build up in the air, such as at indoor pools, they can trigger asthma attacks.
      “We recommend that you not pee or poop in the water, and shower before you go in,” said Michele Hlavsa, chief of the Health Swimming Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2010 CDC report found that one out of 10 public pools don’t have proper chlorine levels. To make sure you’re not about to take a dip in a bacteria-laden pool, “you can use pool test strips at a pool supply or big box store” to check the chlorine level, Hlavsa said. (The CDC recommends chlorine levels in pools between 1 and 3 parts per million and pH of 7.2 to 7.8.)
      Even at the right levels, chlorine does not wipe out everything. A new CDC report found that a parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and lives up to 10 days in a chlorinated pool, was associated with 37 (54%) of the 69 outbreaks of illness at pools and water parks. “To protect yourself, it’s about not swallowing the water you swim in, and to protect others don’t swim if you have diarrhea,” Hlavsa said.

      Lurking in seawater

      A day at the beach may leave you with more memories than you imagined if you go home with vibriosis. The infection is caused by vibrio bacteria, which live in some coastal waters and flourish in the warm months between May and October, when the majority of cases occur.
      According to the CDC, there are about 80,000 cases each year, and about 100 of them are fatal.
      An estimated 52,000 of those cases result from eating contaminated food, such as raw oysters, that have been infected in the water they once lived in. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of consumption. They include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The illness lasts about three days.
      The bacteria can also cause skin rashes that lead to infection when contaminated water gets into an open wound or even a scratch.
      The best way to prevent this infection is to thoroughly cook shellfish and clean hands well after touching raw or undercooked shellfish. Cuts or scrapes should be cleaned well with soap after contact with infected water. When possible, cover the wound with a waterproof bandage before getting it wet.

      Beware the picnic burgers

      The thought of potato salad sweltering in the heat at the summer picnic may make the burgers on the grill sound pretty appetizing, but think again. “Actually, potato salad has kind of a bad rap, but it is not really a particularly high-risk food,” said Wilkins, of Michigan State University. “But people tend to bring frozen (burger) patties and throw them on the grill before they are fully thawed, (and) ground meat that is not thoroughly cooked is one of the riskiest items” because it can have E. coli, she said.
      Ground beef and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, ground chicken and turkey to 165 degrees. And yes, that means using a meat thermometer to test the temperature in the middle of the burger, Wilkins said.
      Of course, bacteria can still lurk in a big bowl of gooey potato or pasta salad, but not for the reasons you may think. Ingredients such as potatoes, pasta and eggs, not the mayonnaise, are prone to contamination. To play it safe, keep containers of anything you’re supposed to eat cold, such as potato salad, in big bowls or coolers full of ice, Wilkins said.

      Bacteria scream for ice cream (machines)

      An issue that can plague many an inadequately cleaned soft-serve ice cream dispenser is bacteria. “Listeria (bacteria) is a really sneaky pathogen in that it likes to live in cooler temperatures and populate machinery,” Wilkins said. Listeria infections can cause fever and muscle aches, and they are especially dangerous for pregnant women, who may miscarry as a result.
      On the bright side, the Blue Bell ice cream scare has made people more aware of listeria’s potential to lurk in frozen desserts, Wilkins said. It is a good idea to ask the person working at the yogurt shop or ice cream truck when the machines were last cleaned. “It brings the issue to the awareness of the workers and management to double check their procedures,” Wilkins said.

      Burn, baby, burn

      Sunburns may seem like a sweet souvenir from a day at the beach, but they should really be thought of as potentially harmful wounds. In the most severe cases, people can develop blisters and need to be treated like burn victims, said Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “The skin sloughs off, (and) if there’s any kind of raw wound, it can predispose you to an infection” and should be treated with a prescription antibiotic ointment, he said.
      Worse yet, even just a few serious sunburns may greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer. A 2014 study found that white women who had five or more blistering sunburns when they were teens were 68% more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

      Brush with jellyfish

      Despite that old episode of “Friends” where Joey peed on Monica’s jellyfish sting, urine is not the antidote to the venom of this goopy animal, which is common off beaches across the United States and thrives in warm water. Rinsing the wound with saltwater is one of the most recommended ways to relieve the stinging, redness and swelling that follow a brush with a jellyfish tentacle.
      A more surprising but also effective treatment is vinegar, said Rokhsar, who knows firsthand that it can make the pain go away almost instantaneously. “It happened to me. It hurts a lot, and I actually went to the lifeguard station, and they had vinegar spray,” he said.
      Also beware of the not-so-cute baby jellyfish called sea lice. Unlike the adults’ sting, theirs doesn’t hurt, so you don’t have to worry about rinsing the wound with saltwater or vinegar. Save the vinegar for rinsing your swimsuit before you wash it. Some believe the larvae can become trapped in the fabric.
      You will usually experience an itchy, red rash and small blisters within 24 hours. The rash is sometimes accompanied with fever, chills, headaches and nausea. The symptoms can last as long as two weeks and are not contagious.
      The sea lice, which are actually microscopic larvae of marine life such as jellyfish or sea anemones, are most often found in summer waters in Florida and the Caribbean.

      Grossness flourishes in air conditioning filters

      When air conditioners are working around the clock in hot summer months, dust, mold and pollution from outdoor air (in the case of central AC) or indoor air (in the case of a window unit) tend to build up on the filter of AC units. Not only does this slash the air conditioner’s efficiency, it can also carry health risks, said Abby Brokaw, director of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest Health House program.
      “People who are already having problems with breathing or lung health — so people with allergies or respiratory disease — are going to be affected” if the filter is not properly cleaned, removing dust, mold, dander and other detritus, Brokaw said.
      To keep your filter in tiptop shape, clean or replace it every three months, Brokaw advised. But take precaution when you do. Mold and bacteria love to grow on filters, especially in the summer humidity.
      “You don’t want to breathe in mold spores and bacteria. We would recommend that you wear gloves and a mask,” Brokaw said, referring to surgical masks sold in drugstores.

      Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/health/gross-summer-health/index.html

      Symbols to Look For at the Store, Market, or on Nutrition Labels

        If you have ever wondered what you are looking for when buying foods at the store, here is a comprehensive list to assist you.  Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, have food allergies, or just want to eat healthier…this list will help.

        nutrition symbols nutrition symbols

         

        Mango Energy Bites

          Mango Energy Bites
          Vegan, GF, Refined Sugar Free
          Happily serves 15

          ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

          1 1/4 Cup walnuts or cashews
          1 Cup firmly packed dried unsweetened mango
          10 soaked medjool dates, pitted
          2 TBSP hemp seeds
          1/3 Cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
          1 lime and zest
          Dash Sea salt
          Preheat oven to 350.
          Add dried mango to a mixing bowl and cover with warm water (don’t skip this step or they’ll be too tough to blend).
          Let soak for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and pliable, but not too soggy.
          Drain and lay on a towel and pat off excess moisture. Set aside.
          Add nuts to a food processor and mix into a fine meal. Set aside.
          Add dates and soaked mango to the food processor and mix until a rough paste/sticky dough forms.
          Add nut meal, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, lime zest, and sea salt. Mix until it forms a moldable dough.

           

          Jodi’s Sweet Potato Brownies

            Jodi’s Sweet Potato Brownies

            Grain Free, Paleo, GF, Dairy free
            Happily serves 12

            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

            2 medium Sweet Potatoes
            14 Medjool Dates
            1 1/2 Cups Quinoa or Almond Flour
            4 TBSP Raw CACAO Powder
            3 TBSP maple Syrup (Grade B) or Coconut netar or coconut palm syrup
            Pinch of sea salt

            Peel Sweet Potatoes. Slice/cut and steam for about 20 mins until soft.
            The smaller the pieces, the faster it will cook.

            Add Sweet Potatoes and Dates to food processor, blend until a creamy smooth texture.
            Mix all other ingredients in a bowl, then add cream mixture. Stir well.
            Place on Parchment paper lined baking dish and bake for 20-30 mins on 350 until the toothpick comes out dry.
            Allow to cool 10 mins for the brownies to gel together, very important step!!

            Tip: If you don’t use raw cacao powder, you cause conventional cocoa powder but you will need to double the quantity.

            Cauliflower Pizza Crust

              Cauliflower Crust Pizza

              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

              Crust

              • 1 small to medium sized head of cauliflower – should yield 2 to 3 cups once processed
              • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, or vegan cheese
              • ¼ cup mozzarella cheese or vegan cheese
              • 1 egg or 1 flax egg
              • ¼ teaspoon salt
              • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
              • ½ teaspoon basil or rosemary
              • ½ teaspoon oregano

              Optional Toppings:

              • 1 cup Organic marinara sauce
              • 1-2 cups vegan Organic mozzarella cheese
              1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
              2. Remove the stems from the cauliflower and cut into chunks, place the cauliflower into a food processor, pulse it until it resembles the texture of rice. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a cheese grater or chop it very finely.
              3. Place the cauliflower in a kitchen towel and squeeze all the liquid out of it. Be sure to squeeze as much liquid as possible!!! Very important!
              4. Combine the cooked cauliflower, egg or flax egg, garlic, cheese, and seasonings. Stir until a dough texture forms. Spread the cauliflower mixture out onto lightly greased parchment paper or a pizza pan in the shape of a pizza crust.
              5. Bake the crust for approximately 10-15 minutes (depending on your oven), or until the crust is golden and crispy. After the crust is golden remove it from the oven and add your toppings.
              6. Place the pizza back in the oven but this time turn on the broiler, bake for about 2-5 minutes until the cheese melts. be sure to keep an eye on it because the broiler can burn the cheese quickly.
              7. Make sure you add love!  Slice and serve smiles!

              Jodi’s Fudgy Brownies

                Jodi’s Fudgy brownies

                Grain free, Refined sugar free, Dairy free, Gluten Free,

                Happily Serves 12

                ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS 

                1 Egg

                2 Cups Black beans rinsed, drained & cooked

                One avocado

                1 TBSP vanilla extract

                1/2 Cup Coconut Brown sugar

                2/3 Cup Carob

                1-2 tsp Coconut oil

                1/4 tsp baking soda

                1/4 tsp baking powder

                1/2 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

                1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips

                Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8 x 8″ baking stone.

                Mix egg, black beans, avocado, vanilla and sugar in the food processor until smooth.

                Add the Carob,  coconut oil, baking soda, baking powder and mix again until smooth.

                Batter needs to be sticky to be fudgy.

                If you want it thinner add a tablespoon or so of coconut milk.

                Fold in the chocolate chips spread in the pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

                Tips:  The food processor is best.  It  blends and hides the consistency of the beans.

                10 Reasons to Eat Clean

                  eat clean

                  1. You’ll become more mindful.
                  Which one takes longer and really makes you slow down? Eating clean also means eating with purpose and savoring food. That means a better relationship with everything from radishes and radicchio to red velvet cupcakes (which you’ll no longer crave).

                  2. You’ll save money.
                  Kiss sick days and medical bills goodbye when you get nutrients from eating clean, real food. Plus, shopping locally and in season makes sense– and cents. Planning clean meals for the week is cost-effective if you make a list and stick to it, as there’s no chance of overspending at the store.

                  3. You’ll live longer.
                  Study after study has shown that consuming these foods can lengthen your life-span. And in a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, European researchers have found that increasing your produce intake to more than 569 grams per day reduces your risk of mortality by 10 %.

                  4. You’ll have better relationships.
                  Preparing clean meals takes time, just the kind of time that allows for easy, relaxed conversations with your kids, spouse and other family members and friends. If they’re too busy with screen time to share stove-top time, point them to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2014 study, published in Public Health Nutrition, showing good health comes from home cooking.

                  5. You’ll be smarter.
                  Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts keep our minds sharper and our memories stronger by a whopping 24 %, proved a study published in spring 2015 in Neurology. Our brains also function better with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, as shown in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, while they slow and sputter down when we fill them with sugar (including alcohol), fast food and the wrong kinds of fats. If that’s all too much too think about, remember one point from the Nature Reviews Neuroscience report: A balanced diet means better brain health.

                  See also 9 Amazing Brain Boosters to Add to Your Diet.

                  6. You’ll have more energy.
                  Adam and Eve were onto something when they bit into that apple: Fruit is just one of many clean foods that provide an instant dose of energy. High-fiber fruits like apples take longer to digest and can instantly stave off that afternoon slump while providing critical vitamins for the evening ahead. Other pick-me-ups include quinoa, almonds, eggs, kale, citrus fruit and a good-old-fashioned glass of water.

                  7. You’ll be better in bed.
                  Mamma mia! Women with metabolic function in Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean enjoy a healthier sex life than those in the US, thanks to the components of their diet– yep, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. That’s what researchers found in a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

                  8. You’ll help the planet survive.
                  There’s an oft-quoted statistic that food travels approximately 1,500 miles from farmer to consumer in the United States. By eating seasonal and local foods, as recommended by Clean Eating, you can help reduce your carbon footprint. As the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in 2003, “The major threat to future survival and to US natural resources is rapid population growth”and “the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is more sustainable than the average American meat-based diet.

                  9. You’ll be stronger.
                  The lean protein that comprises part of the clean-eating philosophy builds lean muscle mass and boosts metabolism, found a study presented at The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in 2014. Some mighty choices for your muscles (in addition to animal-based products like chicken, fish and lean beef) include quinoa, chickpeas, nuts, spinach and seeds.

                  10. You’ll be happier.
                  Food and mood go hand in hand. And the better the food, the better your mood. If you need to brighten your day, go for berries, bananas, coffee, lean proteins, chocolate, omega-3 and turmeric fatty acids, all proven to boost your mental state.

                  Healthy with Jodi