The picture to the left is of me, the night prior to my wedding. Notice my thick hair. I can't wait to get back to that again!
Since my last post was about eating seasonal (and I'm trying, trying hard), I thought I'd give ya a summer recipe that I happen to fancy and have gotten rave reviews about!
Plus it is fool proof- you don't have to be a culinary chef to make this dish. You just need a bowl, some measuring cups, a spoon and the ability to shake! Sure, shake that booty while you make these! I promise the kids will like this too!
-Berries have high concentrations of phenolics (classified as antioxidants)
-Berries and whole berry extracts (not juiced) help with cholesterol balancing, urinary tract balancing, blood sugar balancing, microflora balancing, cell membrane balancing and yes, vision support
-Research supports the efficacy of berry consumption in treating brain and neurological disorders
-Blueberries in particular may help improve memory function in older adults when consumed daily
-Hawthorne berries support the heart
-Cranberries support the urinary tract
-Elderberries support white blood cell function
-Sea buckthorns berry supports skin, nails, and hair (I need to get me some)
-Bilberry the eyes
-Blueberry, blackberry, gogi berry, and black currants are rich in anthocyanin and proanthocyanin compounds...all helping reduce the risks associated with aging brains
But berries don't only support your brain, they are good for performance as well. According to a study conducted on the effects of ingesting blueberries before and after strenuous exercise, biomarkers of recovery and muscle strength were positive. Noting specifically, "that 36 hours after ingestion the "blueberry group" demonstrated significant increases in strength as well as decreases in muscle soreness as compared to the placebo group" (Nancy, www.developinghealthyhabits.com).
If brain health and performance effects are not enough, then here are few more reasons to persuade you to munch on berries:
-blueberries can support the health of the colon
-Billberry positively can effect visual degenerative issues but slowing and reversing
Therefore, eat your berries during season like they are going out of style! I have just the recipe for you, Berry Cobbler! Recipe adapted from the Practical Paleo Cookbook!
Very Berry Cobbler YUM!
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup almond meal/almond flour (or 1/3 cup coconut flour)
1/4 cup chopped, soaked, raw walnuts (yes organic)
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or ghee
1 teas vanilla extract
1 1/2 TBS maple syrup or honey (I haven't tried it yet but next time I am going to try to use Lucuma powder- I have no clue what season thats in)
1/2 teas cinnamon
sea salt
Preheat the oven to 300-350 degrees (heat always kills enzymes so the longer you have to bake it, the lower you can go...)
Place berries in a 9x9 or 9x11 pan (I like to double this recipe and use 9x11), coat with fresh squeezed lemon juice and toss lightly so all berries get covered.
Mix together the remainder of the ingredients (flour, walnuts, coconut oil/ghee, vanilla, sweetener, cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt) in a bowl. Sprinkle over top of berries.
Bake 35-45 minutes until berries bubble and topping is slightly browned.
Enjoy! I encourage you to take these to your next gathering as the dessert dish, instead of empty sugar laden calorie desserts! I'm sure it will be gone!