Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Almond Milk

     Enzymes, what are they and why do we need them?   Enzymes are protein molecules which digest our food, making food small enough to pass through the tiny pores of the intestines into the blood.  There are around 2,500 different enzymes.  Enzymes also destroy toxins, break down fats and cellulose, and metabolize starch and proteins.   Everything we do as a living creature requires enzymes.  Enzymes are the catalysts that make metabolism happen.  Without enzymes we would not exist.
     The more active our enzyme activity is the healthier we are.  If our enzyme activity is low we can experience some devastating activities.  For our bodies to operate at its peak, fight off illness and repair cells, enzymes need to be plentiful and strong.
     Dr. Nicholas Gonzales of NYC has been successful in treating cancer and other degenerative diseases using primarily megadoses of enzymes and enzyme-rich foods.  The strength of enzyme function is essential for the strength of our health and well-being.
     Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.  Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that can cause damage to cells, impairing the immune system and leading to infections and various degenerative diseases such as cancer.
     Free radicals are normally kept in check by the action of free radical scavengers that occur naturally in the body.  These scavengers neutralize the free radicals.  Certain enzymes serve this vital function.  But as we get older or we eat unhealthy foods our bodies produce less of these important enzymes.
     There are a number of phytochemicals and nutrients that act as antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and the mineral selenium.
     What is one of the best ways to fight off cancer and other degenerative diseases?  Eat plenty of foods that contain antioxidants and foods that contain enzymes that help digest the food but also allow our bodies to produce healthy enzymes in our bodies naturally.
     It is very simple to obtain antioxidants and enzymes.   You only have to eat plenty of raw nuts, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and sprouts.  But our diet in the modern world of fast food and busy, busy, busy has gotten us away from raw, fresh, natural produce.  This is a contributing factor to the increase of degenerative disease we are experiencing around the world today.
     So how easy is it to gain control of your health again?  Well, it is actually not that easy.  Why?  Because we have become accustomed to this specific way of eating and everybody around us is doing it.  But also because possibly you are fine right now.  So why change.  But then several years from now, BOOM!  How did I get diabetes?  How did I get cancer?  Why do I have bowel disorder, Crohn"s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic bronchitis, etc...
     Your doctor will never mention the words, "enzymes or antioxidants".  And if they do mention diet it will most likely be filled with animal protein, carbohydrates and cooked vegis.  But they will mention, "chemotherapy, radiation, azulfadine, coumadine, plavix, linzess, etc...
     Many of us would rather continue eating these artificial, unhealthy, heavily marketed foods because your doctor told you that all you have to do is take this blue pill every morning and you will be fine.  Have you ever read the side effects of that little blue pill?  Vomiting, head aches, dry mouth, loss of hearing, anxiety and even cancer!  But hey, my doctor gave it to me so it must be alright.  Wrong!  The system is wrong!  And you are wrong for taking that pill and not changing your diet!
    If you do want to change your diet then here is a great recipe to get you started on rebuilding your temple!  I hope you enjoy it.

Living the healthy life on Mallorca

Almond Milk
by Jeff Harter
Prep Time: 3 hours
Keywords: blender beverage vegetarian vegan sugar-free soy-free low-sodium low-carb kosher gluten-free fall


This tasty and healthy milk can be used for smoothies, cereals, pancakes and just about anywhere you would use normal milk.
Ingredients (4 cups)
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tbsp agave syrup (optional)
  • 3 cups purified water
Instructions
  • Cover almonds in purified water and let soak in a cool place for 3 hours.
  • Strain the almonds discard the water.
  • Put the almonds, vanilla, agave syrup and water in a blender.
  • Blend on high for about 3 minutes.
  • Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
  • Store in the refrigerator; lasts for 3 days.
For more great recipes visit


    
   

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Vegan Almond Strawberry Tapioca Pudding

For the past 3 months I have been cooking up a storm here in Mallorca.  This is the busiest time of year in Mallorca.  Up to 10 million people come here during the month of August alone.  So of course this is when private chefs are in high demand.  Unfortunately, it is not like this year round.  The off season allows time for other things like painting, gardening and writing in this blog.  This is my first entry in about 3 months and all I am going to do is post some pictures and talk to you about almonds.  Why almonds? Because Mallorca produces some of the best almonds in the world.  Because I am eating freshly harvested almonds while I write this and because they are so good for you.  Did you know that almonds are really seeds and related to peaches and apricots?
Why are almonds so healthy?
- Low in saturated fat
- Helps lower cholesterol 
- Contains magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid and zinc
- Contains vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Contains compounds called phytochemicals which may help fight cancer
- Contains 3 grams of fiber per ounce
- Contains 6 grams of protein per ounce

Due to the healthy fat content of almonds, it’s important to make sure that the almonds you eat have been stored properly and have not been roasted at high temperatures, otherwise the fats can oxidize and produce free radicals.

The best way to ensure that your almonds are fresh is to buy raw, fresh almonds and store them in the refrigerator.  For long-term storage keep them in the freezer.
If you prefer the taste of roasted almonds, plan to roast them at home to ensure that the healthy fat contained in the almond is not damaged, as is often the case with commercial roasting.
Roasting at 160°F for 15 to 20 minutes should be about right.  Just make sure to avoid temperatures above 170°F as this has been shown to damage the somewhat delicate fat contained in the almond.
 Although almonds are a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic acid ( a.k.a. Omega 9 fatty acid), it seems that there is more to the health benefits of almonds than just this healthy fat.  Researchers believe that it’s the combination of healthy fat and antioxidants that is responsible for the numerous health benefits that almonds display.
Consuming 10 raw almonds first thing in the morning on an empty stomach helps to maintain a proper PH level in your body.  
But remember not to eat to many or your consuming to much fat, so about an ounce a day which is about 23 almonds.
So come on people, whachya waiting for?  Dive into them there almonds and enjoy.

Cooking on top of Mallorca



Chilled vegan almond strawberry tapioca pudding
by Jeff Harter
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 mins
Keywords: blender dessert low-carb low-sodium soy-free sugar-free vegan vegetarian


Healthy, fun and delicious.
Ingredients (serves 4)
Almond Strawberry Tapioca
  • 2 cups almond milk, split
  • 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup
  • some ice cubes
  • 2 cups frozen strawberries or fresh strawberries
  • 2 tablespoon almond butter
  • Almonds or strawberries for garnish
Instructions
  • Combine 1 cup almond milk and tapioca in a small saucepan.
  • Let soak 5 minutes, then turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until tapioca is translucent.
  • Take off heat and pour into a glass or metal bowl and let cool slightly about 5 minutes, stirring once every minute then stir in vanilla and agave syrup.
  • Cover with plastic wrap on surface then place in fridge and let cool completely.
  • Combine remaining 1 cup of almond milk and remaining ingredients in a blender, blending until smooth.
  • Add cooled tapioca mixture and gently stir together with wooden spoon or spatula until well incorporated. Pour into 4 glasses/bowls and garnish with chopped almonds or strawberries.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Beetroot Explosion Smoothie

Life is full surprises and challenges isn't it?  And I guess it's how you deal with these things as to how well you do in life.  For example,  our new (6 months old) mac book pro's hard drive crashed and we hadn't backed up for about 2 months.  Then our Canon G11 camera's lens won't open anymore.  Then my KTM motorcycle won't start.  My dad who I have not seen in 4 years was going to visit and now he can't.  My son won't return my calls.  Fosty a dog who we foster cared for and placed with our friends died last week and we loved him very much.  My brother got thrown in jail.  We have to move from a home we love.  A cancer fundraiser I was working on has fallen apart. Blah, Blah, Blah....  Don't we all at one point in our lives have these trials and tribulations?  And probably more than just one point in our lives.  Like when I was ten years old and came home from school one day and mom had our suitcases packed and said "We are leaving".  And I said, "But can't we say goodbye to our friends"?  No came the reply.  Or my first job after college, that I had been working at for a little over a year, and very happy, had been sold and I lost my job.  Or training for the San Diego Marathon and I got pneumonia and was in the hospital for a week.  Or what about the time I found my girlfriend having sex with a friend of mine in the bathroom.
These shitty things happen and are going to happen so you better be ready for them.  What I think is one of the biggest challenges in life is to keep getting knocked down but get back up with a big smile on your face and keep moving forward.  Don't let these things get you down, ever!  Stay positive, be happy and make those around you happy and you will be happy too! 
Exercise, yoga, meditate, give to the community, eat right, do what you must do to stay happy and positive because when it's all over it's going to be over quick and we all say, where has the time gone.  I graduated from high school in 1981 that is 31 years ago and really, I can't believe it.  But if I die manana I know I have lived a great life.  Perfect, hell no.  Could I of done some things different, hell yeah.  But all in all I feel very fortunate for the life I have lived.  Are you living that life?  If not, make those changes so you can keep that smile on your face and when you are lying on your death bed and you can say to yourself that it was fun while it lasted.  Not, I wish I did things differently.
And one of the best ways to start off your day with a boost of happiness is with my Beetroot Explosion Smoothie.  Just looking at this smoothie will put a smile on your face.


Vitamin explosion


Color so pretty it makes you want to paint with it



Beetroot Explosion Smoothie
by Jeff Harter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Keywords: blender breakfast dessert snack low-carb low-sodium soy-free sugar-free vegan vegetarian beet and carrot Beetroot


WOW! That's it. This is so tasty and so good for you that all I can say is WOW!
Ingredients (serves 2)
Smoothie
  • 2 tbsp flax seeds
  • 1 large beetroot peeled chopped
  • 1 large carrot peeled chopped
  • 2 pears chopped
  • 2 kiwis peeled chopped
  • 1/8 pineapple chopped
  • 4 oranges juiced
Instructions
Blender
  • First add flax seeds to the blender and blend for 1 minute.
  • Next, add the rest of the ingredients and blend for 1-2 minutes.
  • Next, enjoy and have a nice day.