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Need to know

Reduce Pain – Earthing

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Earthing bare feet grass

The further you get from nature, the less happy you are.
–  George Adams  –

Have you ever walked barefoot on the grass or on the beach for an extended period of time?

There’s been extensive research that has shown that connecting to the earth has many benefits such as: 

  • Pain relief
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Normalized muscle tension
  • Faster recovery from muscular strain
  • Increased levels of energy during the day
  • Reduced free radicals in the body
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Balanced cortisol levels, especially at night
  • Improved cardiovascular function
  • Improved sleep
  • Stress reduction


Research shows the more time spent regularly grounding, the higher the likelihood of relief from symptoms. Some people feel more benefits than others. Why not try it and see? 

If you do not have the opportunity to go outside, see what you can do to modify your indoor environment. These grounding products can make life more comfortable and can be used while sleeping, relaxing, or working:

 

Eat Your Greens

I have helped many people to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on my Amazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, donate here. 

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Barbecue, Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker, Uncategorized

Cosmic Carrot Dogs

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carrot dog

You won’t miss hot dogs at the next Barbecue. You can even bring these in a container to throw on your friends grill!

Thanks to our Green Star members Beverly & John for this awesome, “Tastes like a hot dog!” recipe as demonstrated here on BeGreenWithAmy YouTube.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted vegetable broth (store-bought, or homemade vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup tamari soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup liquid aminos
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/8 cup date paste
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder 
  • 8 medium carrot (peeled, skinny ends trimmed, carrots cut the length of the buns)
  • 8 hot dog buns (whole wheat)
  • mustard
  • ketchup
  • onions
  • relish

Toss carrots in sauce then transfer all to the Instant Pot. For smaller carrots, turn the Instant Pot on manual for 4 minutes, then quick release. For larger/thicker carrots, cook on manual for 6 minutes and then quick release.

You can sear them on a grill pan or grill (optional).

Beverly likes to save her left over marinade in the refrigerator.

Check out Beverly’s Pinterest board for lots of plant-based recipes.

If you would like help to learn ways to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on my Amazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, donate here. 

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

 

 

casserole, comfort food, potato

Scalloped Potato Duo

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Scalloped Potato Duo

Familiar, comfort foods can taste sooo good and be prepared without sugar, oil or salt.

Thanks to our Green Star member JoAnn who shared this recipe and delicious dish at one of our pot luck dinners.

Ingredients

 

  • Potato Base:

 

    • 1 14.5 oz cannellini beans or other white beans , drained (save aquafaba) and rinsed
    • 3/4 cup sliced white portion of green onions, chopped shallots or onion
    • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (without Folic Acid)
    • 1 tbsp unsalted dijon mustard or mustard of choice (not yellow)
    • 1 tsp generous Salt Substitute
    • 1 tbsp dried rosemary or 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1/3 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
    • 2 clove garlic
    • 1/2 cup cashews (soaked if not using high powered blender)
    • 3 cups plain low-fat non-dairy milk (more if needed)
    • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 tbsp tahini
    • freshly ground black pepper to taste optional
    • 2- 2 1/2 lbs yukon or red potatoes thinly sliced, peeling optional (see note)
    • 2- 2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled (see note)
    • 1 large sweet onion, quartered and sliced thin
    • 1 sweet pepper chopped

 

  • Topping:

 

  • 1/2 cup good quality almond meal
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for topping
  • 1 tbsp Mixed Italian herbs
  • few pinches salt substitute for almond meal topping

Steps

  1. To make the potato base: In a blender, first combine the beans, onions, nutritional yeast, mustard, table tasty, rosemary, nutmeg, garlic, cashews, milk, lemon juice, tahini, and pepper, if using. Puree until very smooth and silky, add more milk if needed. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a tray lined with parchment paper on a lower rack to catch any possible drippings. Line with parchment paper or silicone baking mat a 9″ x 13″ (or comparable size) casserole dish. Add a thin layer of the bean mixture to the dish and tilt back and forth so it covers the base. Then, place a layer of white potatoes (about 1/2 the total amount), 1/2 of onions and 1/2 of sweet peppers followed by a layer of about 1/3 of the sauce mixture. The layers do not need to be completely even or measured out; it just helps to layer the potatoes with the sauce a few times to get the sauce between some of the potatoes. Repeat process, next with a layer of all the sweet potatoes, the rest of the onions and sweet peppers then finishing with the remaining white potatoes covered with the remaining sauce.
  1. To make the topping: Combine the almond meal, nutritional yeast, and salt in a small bowl (see note for other ideas). Sprinkle over top of the potato and sauce mixture, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 50–60 minutes (or longer, if potato slices are thicker), until potatoes are so throughout when pierced with a knife. Remove foil and let bake another for 5–6 minutes or until lightly browned (you can also set the oven to broil for just a minute just to get that golden color on top). Remove from heat and let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Potatoes Note: 
  • I use about half-and-half white and sweet potatoes, but you can vary up the proportions to your own tastes. 
  • For a ‘saucier’ casserole, use the lesser amount of potatoes (3 1/2lbs). 
  • To make au gratin: layer with vegan shredded cheese 
  • Toppings Note: Almond meal is a very tasty, and gluten-free substitution. 
  • Feel free to add a tbsp of nutritional yeast to topping 

I have helped many people to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on my Amazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, donate here. 

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Chocolate, Desserts

Chocolate Candy – Wow!

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Chocolate Candy

If you miss chocolate candy, look no further. Be careful, it is soooo good, you might eat them all! Check out the recipe on BeGreenWithAmyYouTube!

Ingredients:

1 16oz Jar Unsalted Peanut Butter
1 13oz Date Paste
1 Cups ground almonds
1 Cup Oat Flour                                                                                                                                  1/4 cup ground hemp seeds                                                                                                                6 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder                                                                                                            1 1/2 Cups Water

Instructions:

In high speed blender 

Cocoa
Water
Date Paste

Mix in
Peanut Butter (discard oil)

Mix in
Oats
Nuts

Should be thick dough consistency

Spoon into silicone ice cube trays

Freeze for 6 hours or overnight (or until firm).

Pop out frozen and and store in a sealed container in freezer until ready to serve.

Want someone to help you with this lifestyle? Contact Amy.

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Please follow and share so that I know you would like to see more recipes and hacks.

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Need to know

Fell off the wagon? Binge Eating? Cravings?

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Giving up your goal because of one setback...

In 2012, when I began my healthy eating commitment, I had cravings and difficult battles with temptation.

It gets better! Eventually these foods look too salty, sweet, greasy to your highly developed, healthy eating pallet.

Meanwhile, what to do?

Purge your kitchen. “If it is in your house, it is in your mouth.“

When you go shopping,  exercising willpower muscles can be draining.

I use Walmart grocery curbside pickup and/or home delivery. It is a great time saver too. Save $10 on your first Walmart Grocery ! There are other grocery stores or services which may offer curbside or home delivery.

If you have a family member who is not on board, ask them to at least keep the tempting items in another room (if possible).

Take the moment of temptation as an opportunity to:

  • Floss your teeth
  • Brush your teeth (food doesn’t always taste as good after you brush your teeth).
  • Take a walk (this helps you to remove yourself from the situation)
  • If you can’t take a walk, do other exercise.
  • Trim/file your fingernails and toe nails.
  • Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.
  • Take a nap / go to bed early (we all need to get rest).
  • Drink a glass of water as sometimes thirst is disguised as hunger.

I learned that I do better by having non-starchy vegetables for my first meal. If I eat oatmeal or fruit, I crave sweets for the rest of the day.

My later meals always include: a sweet potato and beans which help with satiety. Greens, especially leafy ones, help to control cravings.

Be sure you are getting enough calories. When I began, I felt hungry often. I added large, baked sweet potatoes to each meal and my cravings for calorie dense foods like meat went away.

Also, remember to take healthy food with you when you leave your home, always! Baked sweet potatoes are delicious warm or cold. Other portable food are apples and bananas. When we are hungry and/or tired, we make the worst decisions. The destination is worth the journey!

Read more about this in my blog Making Deals With Cheat Meals.

I have helped many people recover from going off the wagon. If you would like help to prevent yourself from going off the wagon and learn other ways to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my blogs below on beating The Cravings Beasty.

Conquer Cravings:  Sweets

Conquer Cravings: Coffee

Conquer Cravings: Ice Cream

Conquer Cravings: Salty Things

Conquer Cravings: Cheese

Conquer Cravings: Chocolate

Conquer Cravings: Baked Goods

It is not your fault that you are craving highly palatable foods.

Your taste buds have been hijacked by the food industry.

What strategies do / did you use to resist temptation?

I have helped many people recover from going off the wagon. If you would like help to prevent yourself from going off the wagon and learn other ways to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on my Amazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, donate here. 

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

 

Barbecue, Barbecue Sides

Rick’s Creamy, Dreamy Potato Salad

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Potato Salad

No need to miss out on a creamy potato salad. This delicious recipe will delight your tastebuds and you’ll never miss the sugar, oil or salt!

Ingredients:

Avocado or…
1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashews & 1/2 cup water or…
1/4 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup raw hemp seeds & 1/2 cup water
4 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Dry Dill or 3 Tbs Fresh
2 Pitted dates
1 Tablespoon Salt Substitute
1 (Juice of) Lemon
3 Tablespoon no or low salt, spicy brown mustard
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

2 1/2 pounds of potatoes red or Yukon Gold – unpeeled, cooked cut into bite size pieces
1/2 Red Onion Chopped
4 Stalks Celery Chopped
1 Bag Frozen Peas (Thawed)

Combine in High Speed blender, Rick uses a NutriBullet for dressings:

Avocado (or substitute)
Balsamic Vinegar
Cumin
Dill
Dates
Salt Substitute
Lemon Juice
Mustard
Cayenne Pepper

In large mixing bowl, combine:
potatoes
Onion
Celery
Peas

Add contents of NutriBullet, fold into mixture.

I have helped many people to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Watch Rick make this on BeGreenWithAmyYouTube!

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

More great recipes to take to a BBQ.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on my Amazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, donate here. 

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Barbecue, Barbecue Sides

What to make for a Barbecue?

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BBQ Sauce PNG

So many familiar barbecue themed dishes can be delicious without added sugar, oil or salt.

EASY VEGAN COLESLAW DRESSING

coleslaw.jpg

6 Ingredient Pulled Jackfruit and Cabbage

BBQ Jack Fruit

BBQ Sauce

Our very talented cook and Green Star member JoAnne, brought these delicious dishes to our Barbecue themed Meetup Pot Luck.

You can also bring this potato salad to a Barbecue!

Potato Salad

Hot dogs made from carrots? Check out this video on how to make carrot dogs you can grill!

carrot dog

I have helped many people to navigate this lifestyle, please contact me for a coaching session. I have learned many strategies, tips and hacks while coaching people since 2012. I would love to help you be successful as well.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

If you would like to help support my blog, consider shopping on myAmazon Store for Whole Food, Plant Based kitchen gadgets, books, food, home delivered food and more!

If you would like to donate to help me with the costs of maintaining this website, recipe development, social media publicity and more, please donate here. 

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Barbecue, Dressings and Sauces

SOS Free Barbecue Sauce

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BBQ Sauce PNG

SOS free barbecue sauce

1 16 oz can no salt tomatoes (fire roasted if you can find), drained
2 garlic cloves or 2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup dried dates, soaked
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar / apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp salt substitute
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp liquid smoke (I used applewood)
1 tsp mustard powder or ¼ cup mustard
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
¼ tsp cinnamon or allspice

Blend the tomatoes, garlic, dates, vinegar and salt substitute to a puree.  Place in a non-stick pan and add the tomato puree, liquid smoke, mustard, paprika, onion powder and cinnamon.  Heat until it bubbles then remove from the heat. Can be used as a dip or a marinade.

Our very talented cook and Green Star member JoAnne, brought these delicious dishes to our Barbecue themed Meetup Pot Luck. Check out JoAnne’s other BBQ themed recipes.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Barbecue, Barbecue Sides

6 Ingredient Pulled Jackfruit and Cabbage

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BBQ Jack Fruit

6 Ingredient Pulled Jackfruit and Cabbage

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

A healthy and incredibly tasty whole food, plant based alternative to pulled pork or chicken. Quick and easy to make. Even carnivores love it!

Ingredients

  • 3 20oz cans jackfruit in brine or water (not in syrup!)
  • ½ head of green cabbage, shredded
  • ½ head of red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup BBQ seasoning (or 1 tsp each of chili powder, paprika (smoked or sweet), cumin, liquid smoke, tasty table, pepper)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Cut the jackfruit into smaller pieces by cutting it from core to the edge for the most pulled texture.
  2. In a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat add the cabbage, onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions and cabbage are tender and beginning to brown, about 5-10 minutes. Add in the chopped jackfruit and vegetable broth. Cover and continue to cook another 10 to 15 minutes, until the jackfruit is soft enough that it can be mashed. Mash the jackfruit/cabbage mixture with potato masher, until it breaks apart and looks pulled or shredded.
  3. To finish the jackfruit mix in ½ cup of BBQ sauce and the BBQ seasoning. Continue cooking on stovetop on medium low for 20-35 minutes stirring every so often allowing the bottom to blacken but not burn. Remove from the burner and pour over 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Place back on the burner for about 10 minutes, until it looks delicious and golden and even a few strands get a bit burnt. Remove from the burner and if desired stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce to make it even saucier.

Our very talented cook and Green Star member JoAnne, brought these delicious dishes to our Barbecue themed Meetup Pot Luck.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell

Barbecue Sides, Dressings

EASY VEGAN COLESLAW DRESSING

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coleslaw

EASY VEGAN COLESLAW DRESSING

  • 1 cup raw cashews* (soaked in very hot water 1 hour, or in cool water 6 hours or overnight) or sunflower seeds or both
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp date syrup (plus more to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard (or yellow mustard, Dijon, or mustard of choice)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or kombucha vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp chopped yellow or red onion
  • 1 tsp celery seeds
  • ½ tsp table tasty
  • ½ cup kefir (optional)
  • black pepper to taste

SLAW

  • 1 cup shredded onion
  • 4 cups shredded red or green cabbage

Instructions

  1. Soak cashews. Then drain thoroughly and add to a high-speed blender along with water, date syrup, mustard, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, onion, celery salt (or seeds) and kefir.
  2. Blend on high until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed. If too thick, add more water to thin. If too thin, you can compensate by adding more (raw) cashews (they don’t need to be soaked). 
  3. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste, more celery salt or seeds for more pronounced celery flavor, onion for bite, maple syrup for sweetness, mustard for tanginess, or vinegar for acidity.
  4. Add onion and cabbage to a mixing bowl and top with dressing. Toss to combine. Enjoy immediately or store covered in the refrigerator to chill – about 4 hours. 
  5. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days. Not freezer friendly. Perfect for pairing with things like Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Vegan Baked BBQ Beans, and Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich

Our very talented cook and Green Star member JoAnne, brought these delicious dishes to our Barbecue themed Meetup Pot Luck. Check out JoAnne’s other BBQ themed recipes.

Please subscribe so I know you would like me to share more helpful hints.

Check out my BeGreenWithAmy YouTube Channel for lots of whole food, plant based hacks, recipes and more.

Be Strong, Be Well and Be Green!

Amy holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell