Category: .Holistic Nutrition.

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I would like to share one of my favorite desserts. Crêpes! And, more importantly, you don’t have to be French to make your crêpes taste awesome. I always thought I can never top my husband when it comes to the crêpes-business, but I surely can with this recipe. It took me a while and some variations here and there but I got it down now. (Imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger saying this sentence!) Even my son loves them who is usually only obsessed with fries and the pickiest eater in the world. However, we are getting there slowly but surely.

Now that it is getting colder outside (I am talking -5 Celsius, 23 Fahrenheit these days in Canada) I crave comfort food. It is just weird but I love it once in a while. We just came back from Mexico and I found it so weird that no matter what country I have visited so far, they all do have some version of flat bread. Quesadillas, Tortillas, pita, Pfannkuchen and naan for example. Pfannkuchen as well as crêpes are not made with yeast but you can use them with all sort of fillings – sweet or savory, so they fit into my flat bread category for sure. There was a time when my husband made me crêpes when I came home from school late in the afternoon which I thought was so sweet and yummy on top of it! He stood in the kitchen, mixed the dough and cut all the ingredients,  usually while watching Family Guy! Classic, I think! They were just so delicious, you guys. Maybe it was because he made them and I was hungry and came home from school or all of the above.

So here is my recipe I use that is French-approved. Enjoy!

Here are four ways how to fold your crêpes.

There are just so many ways to eat crêpes. I love them with plain yoghurt and jam. Or mozzarella, chopped tomato and basil, ham and cheese, or egg, cheese and veggies. For my son I sometimes put a KinderRiegel in them and wrap the hot crêpes around it. Or of course Nutella. Crêpes are a nice dish to prepare for a party too. Chop up some ingredients and everybody can make their own crêpes variation. Then heat them up in a skillet or pan quickly.

If you did not end up using the entire dough you can freeze or refrigerate the rest. In the refrigerator the dough keeps up to a day or two so you can easily make yourself a nice breakfast the next day! I hope you enjoyed this recipe and you give it a try. Believe me, my first crêpes were either burned or too soft. It takes some practice but you will get there eventually – if you have the patience!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Hi and Happy Hump-Day!

I love pasta. Always have and always will. I even make my own! But sometimes I want to skip the carbs and also the sometimes, I have to admit,  stuffed and bloated feeling after eating pasta. This recipe I would love to share is easily done, fast and you feel light and full of energy after eating it. I made this recipe in the summer a lot! As a kid, I never really liked zucchini that much but my tastebuds changed and I actually have a zucchini dish mostly once a week. I love the high water content which makes it a great beauty food and has the antioxidants A and D which works great for healthy hair and skin. I read once that zucchini might reduce heat in the body. I never really felt it but hey – sounds good no? 🙂  The most important thing for me is an easy digestion.

The only item you really need to slice your zucchinis into pasta is a Julienne Peeler. I use this one. I particularly love it because you can slice thin noodles with it on one side and peel or make fettuccine type pasta on the other. One more good thing about this recipe is that it is so quickly done. Talking about fast-food you guys. This is actually faster done that any burger or fries!

I eat this dish sometimes raw (ha!) or I heat some coconut oil in a pan and sauté the sliced zucchinis for a minute or two over medium heat.  Then the zucchinis have a nice flavor and are not all cold. They will shrink a bit due to all the water in them but the coconut flavor is awesome! You can also store the sliced zucchinis – so buy a bunch, slice them and put them in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Sometimes I do use them in soups, mix them with other veggies in a salad etc. Just a plethora of possibilities.

Here is the recipe for you.

Very simple and delicious. You can use the avocado cream as a bread spread as well.

Enjoy!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Hello!

The last couple of days have been rainy and cold around here so I am craving warm hearty food. I am in love with soups, especially when they are homemade, healthy and filling. I could eat a different type of food every day. I would like to share this awesome Potato/Leek soup I have made the other day. Even my son had some! A little update on his eating habits: He is doing better. This book actually helped me a lot. He eats a slice of bread with my mom’s homemade jam. She sent it a couple of weeks ago and my son loves it! Danke Mama! He loves a bit of grated cheese with it. For lunch he had plain pasta and for dinner, bread and cheese. We are getting there, slowly. So here is the recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

I received some requests to share the Blueberry/Banana muffin recipe that I made for my son’s 2 birthday. I was never into baking things too much. Simply because if I bake a cake, my husband eats one slice, my son barely eats one and I eat the rest. 🙂 No…. well not exactly like that but you get the point. I like to eat one slice of cake and not have this thing sit on my counter and stare at me every time I enter the kitchen. “Eat me… Eat me…. I know you want me!” Ahem…. So baking is usually not on my agenda. But I bought this small muffin tray for six big muffins a long time ago and thought it would be nice to use it once in a while. Plus, six muffins are okay for the waistline. Or four, if my husband and son eat one each. I always loved spelt and so does my son aka the picky eater. These muffins are tasty, hearty and wholesome! My son and I spend almost every afternoon at the beach; unless it is raining cats and dogs. So we love to take muffins with us as an afternoon treat.

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Hello!

Have you heard of Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea)? I have done some research on what I can use to thicken sauces without necessarily using flour all the time. Whenever I eat flour (especially in bread) I feel so bloated and I am hungry after a short while again. So I try to replace flour wherever I can. You can use it instead of cornstarch (which is just way to processed) too. It can also be used for jellies, puddings etc. The suggested use for Arrowroot is for cosmetics and food and it comes in the form of a white powder. You can see the original root depicted above. Why the name Arrowroot? I had to look this up myself. It is called Arrowroot because it was once used to treat those people who were injured from poisoned arrows.

Besides cooking, Arrowroot can be used for body powders, as deodorant, dry shampoos and many more cosmetic products that you can make yourself. I will share two products that I make and use here.

To start: What kind of deodorant do you use? I hope you heard of the dangerous ingredients that are in most common deodorants that you can purchase in any drugstore. To name a few: Parabens, Aluminum compounds (which should  make you sweat less or not at all. However, you are supposed to sweat and Aluminum can promote the growth of breast cancer cells!),  Silica, Talc, Triclosan, Propylene Glycol, Steareth-n, Fragrances that cause allergies, skin irritations etc. Look at the “inactive” ingredients for “Solid Secret Deodorant”. Most of these ingredients you cannot even pronounce.

I will most likely write an article just on these harmful deodorants and ingredients alone because I have done so much research and there is a lot to share if you are interested.  Here is a great link for you to watch. It is in German only and I have not found too much information about how bad most of the deodorants are here in the U.S. If you have any questions, also regarding this video, let me know!

So of course, I don’t use any of those deodorants. I also stay away from so-called ‘organic’ ones because there is still so much garbage in them.  I make my own. Here is my recipe:

You will need 3 ingredients and nothing else:

1/4 cup Coconut Oil

1/4 cup Baking Soda (I use Arms& Hammer)

1/4 cup Arrowroot powder

Mix it all together and put into little glass container. Done! To mix it up easier, melt the coconut oil.

Now simply apply a small amount under your armpits. Wait a bit and then put your clothing on.

The second beauty product I would like to share is “Dry Shampoo”. I have tried so many and they are all loaded with chemicals and made my head itch like crazy. Have you heard of the company LUSH? They actually make a dry shampoo that is pretty decent and that I would recommend as well. The link is here. This one does not work too well with dark hair; however, for blond hair it is perfect! I prefer making my own dry shampoo. Dry shampoos are great if you want don’t want to wash your hair that often. I wash my hair once a week and it is healthier than ever. When my hair starts getting a little oily by day 4-5, I apply some of my dry shampoo and it helps absorb the oil and the hair looks great again. The most important thing is that you don’t want to strip your hair of its natural oils. I will let you know right away that it is not an easy transition if you have used regular shampoos ore conditioners for a long time. I recommend that you switch to organic shampoos before you start dry shampoos.

My hair is dark and very long by now (not washing your hair that often lets it grow faster, too!) So I was in search for the perfect homemade dry shampoo for dark hair for the longest time. I also don’t like beauty products with too much smell. I like neutral smells the most! I love that I can have whatever scent I want – simply by adding essential oils. No chemicals, my friends!

Here are the ingredients you will need:

2 Tbsp raw cacao powder

2 Tbsp baking soda

2 Tbsp Arrowroot powder

Optional: 5 drops of essential oil, I love Lavender or anything citrus

For light hair: Same ingredients minus Cacao powder! Add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix together. Now add the essential oils. I would wait a bit and let it all sit for 2o minutes if you add essential oil.  Now fill your dry shampoo into a clean glass container. To apply, take a fluffy make-up brush and tap down your main part-line and then take your fingers and massage the powder into your hair roots. Go on to different hair sections wherever you hair is greasy. If you are new to dry shampoo, add small parts of the powder to your hair to experiment a bit. 🙂 Once you are done, take a comb and brush your hair out evenly to remove excess powder. Done! Late for work and no time to wash your hair? Keep a little container of dry shampoo at hand! Your dry shampoo will keep for months if you keep it in a sealed glass container.

Thank you for reading my blog. 

How many times have you heard the questions: “Have you got your flu shots yet?” You see the signs to get a flu shot in front of every pharmacy or drug store. I have never gotten a flu shot and; knock on wood, have been pretty healthy throughout the year. For two days now I have written articles on natural beauty, homeopathic medicine and want to round it up by adding tips on how you can naturally fight flu and cold symptoms. My son is still coughing so  I recently had a scratchy throat, stuffy nose and just felt tired – well more tired than usual while running after my son all day long. Flu season really starts with the “ber-months” – so in September. 🙂

The leaves start changing and falling and you need a sweater instead of this t-shirt you have worn. Don’t head to the pharmacy right away to buy all type of medications. Why don’t you try natural remedies for a change? Plus, if you do get the flu, it really doesn’t matter what you take. My mom always says that “a cold takes two weeks to get rid of with medication and 14 days without”. This is sort of true.

This is how I fight the cold and flu season:

1. Linseed Oil. This oil is liquid gold. I eat one tablespoon of this oil a day and there are so many benefits. I have written an article about Linseed Oil. Check it out here.
2. Ginger. When my throat starts scratching, I slice up small pieces of fresh ginger and eat it raw. It is very spicy and probably makes your eyes water but it does the job of killing the bacteria in your throat. In my recent Smoothie recipe I shared

   

   “The Health Benefits of Ginger:

   Ginger is very nutritious because it is high in vitamin B6 and magnesium (both are great to reduce stress). Ginger is also very high on potassium (good for the heart) and the mineral copper. Ginger is good for digestion. If you have an upset stomach, Yogi ginger tea always worked for me. I used to drink a cup here and there when I felt a little nauseous when I was pregnant. The last benefit I want to add is that ginger is anti-inflammatory and great for pain. I have read once that ginger also might reduce arthritis pain. Who would have thought no?”

3. Lemon. I usually start my mornings with a glass of lemon water. I simply squeeze an entire lemon in a glass of water and drink it before I eat or drink anything else. It hydrates your body really well and lemon is very high in vitamins to help boost your immune system. Give it a try.
4. Lavender oil. I am reading on Aromatherapy these days to get some knowledge on what essential oils work best in different situations. I know that Lavender essential oil is antiseptic besides smelling awesome. I love drinking a cup of Lavender tea. It calms me down after a stressful day. Also you can add some drops of the oil in a warm bath. It helps sooth muscle pain.
5. Peppermint. If you have an upset stomach or sore throat, drink a cup of Peppermint tea.
6. Tea Tree oil. You can add a couple of drops in an inhaler, in your tea or bath. Tea Tree Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and can help you with and cold or flu symptoms. Itchy scratchy throat? I take a couple drops of tea tree oil on my tongue and leave it there.
7. SunBreeze Essential Oil by Sunrider. This oil is very helpful and I have felt almost instantly better after taking it. Bad breath/sore throat/itchy throat? Take one drop on your tongue and leave it there. If you have a stuffy nose, put one drop on your finger and rub underneath you nose for easy breathing. When my son was sick, I put a 2-3 drops on his sleeping bag for easy breathing throughout the night. It gave him and I an uninterrupted sleep.

Is there anything else you can do? Yep, read on!

• Make sure you get some rest! Take it easy when you feel a flu or cold is around the corner. Rest on the couch with some lemon water or hot ginger tea! Give your body the chance to heal. Read a book! 😉
• You should avoid milk. What does dairy usually do when you drink it? The production of mucous is stimulated. I had this mucous feeling every time I drank a latte – so I try to stay away from it. Mucous supports bacteria and viruses to grow. I drink almond milk instead with my coffee or cereal/chia pudding. 
• You should drink a lot of fluids. I drink approximately one gallon of water a day – more in the summertime. When my son is sick, all he wanted was drink apple juice and water. Your body tells you what you need to do. All you have to do is listen!

How do you stay healthy during the flu and cold season? Do you have any tips? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Happy Monday and Good Morning!

I haven’t done an update on the beauty products I use simply because I love to stick to the same ones I know work for me and are natural. Here in the States I love one store in particular. Whole Foods! I don’t go there too often because it is so expensive but what they offer is close to what I get in a natural health store in Germany so I am like a kid in a candy store. Besides all the organic food they offer, the beauty aisles are just great. They even have homeopathic medicine. I could wander these aisles for hours! Can I go to a store like this with my son? It is challenging – but I love challenges! The store has these little shopping carts for kids so he is fine. But he is reaching for whatever is in his hight and he can grab with his tiny hands; of course it is usually pretty expensive lotions, perfumes and creams which keeps my visits to the store pretty brief.

When it comes to natural beauty, what do you really need? Not much I have to say. The products I am introducing here do the job for me and I don’t really use anything else.

1. Khadi Products: I love Khadi Products. They have a great assortment of products but I have to say that I only tried their hair care so far. They have cremes and lotions, bath gels, massage/essential oils and soaps. Check out my hair routine here. 
2. To take a shower I use this bar of soap. It is by the Company Sunrider and it is just awesome! It last a long time  too. (And yes, I do take a shower every day! haha)
3. Coconut Oil: I have been using Nutive Coconut Oil for my hair when the end are dry. Or for my hands and even face once in a while. I use it to cook too.
4. Thayers Lemon Witch Hazel: My skin is really awesome and glowing since I use this product. I use it in the morning and at night. Just apply an amount on a cotton pad and wipe over your face. It cleanses and soothes the skin.
5. Heritage Rosewater: This rosewater is amazing. It works as skin lotion or perfume. You simply spritz some Rosewater on your face and it feels like you used a cream. It keeps you face hydrated, smooth and soft. You can literally use it as a lotion. If you have acne, use it before you apply makeup and refresh your hair or face anytime.
6. Arnica Gel: This stuff is great, especially if you have a child. It works really well on bruises and is a fast pain relief. I am taking arnica homeopathic tablets for sore muscles after a workout, pain relief and if I feel I get a cold.
7. My homemade cream: I stick to this cream because I know what is in it because I put it in. 🙂 I use this cream for face, body and as well for my son. My cream is great for diaper rashes too.
8. As far as makeup, I don’t really use any. I like my face the way it is! But, occasionally I do use Dr. Hauschka Mascara or Concealer. Dr. Hauschka products are okay once in a while. Their rosewater, rose oil or anything Lavender I love. Check out the website here.
9. 
10. I love Weleda Products. My son and I use their toothpaste for quite some time now and I haven’t had problems with my teeth ever since. If I run out of my homemade cream I would buy their body lotions. Good stuff!

I would love to hear from you. Are you into natural beauty products and what are you using?

Thank you for reading my blog.

Hey there. It is time to share a great recipe again for this week. These days I am all about salads and healthy eating because my husband lost so much weight and I don’t want to be out of shape next to him ha! Also because I am getting a bit sick so I try to add more vitamins to my diet. So here I want to share an easy recipe that keeps your stomach full for a couple of hours, is a healthy alternative and changes the menu up. You can vary the recipe by adding other ingredients to make it a nice meal. I have a variation of this salad at least twice a week. It also makes a great side dish or quick lunch. When it is getting colder outside a need to eat something warm and a cold salad just keeps me searching for food all day long. (My translation option does not work yet unfortunately but I am trying to fix it- desperately! For my german readers: Farro is Dinkel!) 😉 

Here you have a simple filling salad recipe. I hope you try it and be all creative with it. 

Footnote: You can substitute quinoa for ferro which is really great too. 

Thank you for reading my blog.