Beet The Blues Burger

Beet The Blues Burger

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Looking for some mid-week inspiration for a delicious and nutritious dinner? Check out our “Beet The Blues” Burger. With a delicious mix of beets, lentils, walnuts, romaine, avocados and garlic, this vegetarian option is a great way to brighten up your day!

This burger is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which can help boost your mood and help you reduce or avoid red meat in your diet.

Beet The Blues Burger

This burger is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which can help boost your mood and help you reduce or avoid red meat in your diet.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Beets
  • 1 cup Lentils
  • 1/2 cup Parsley
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 Garlic
  • 2 Avocados
  • 1 head Romain Hearts

Notes

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Add beets over steaming basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about 20-25 mins, or until tender. Let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line a
    baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Too a food processor, add the lentils,
    walnuts, parsley, ground flax, salt, garlic
    and the cooked beets. Pulse 6 or 7 times of
    until a course crust forms. Do not over mix.
  4. Scoop out roughly 1/2 cup of the mixture
    at a time into patties about 4 to 5 inches in
    diamater. Place on the prepared baking
    sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, carefully
    flipping half way through.
Stomach Ulcer Soothing Smoothie

Stomach Ulcer Soothing Smoothie

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Check out this berry smoothie for a high antioxidant breakfast loaded with good bacteria to support healthy gut!

Foods that are rich in antioxidants and probiotics can help activate your immune system to help fight infections such as H.pylori that can cause stomach ulcers.

Antioxidants and Flavonoids

Studies have shown that the prevalence of stomach ulcers increases with age. 70% of stomach ulcers is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Most ulcers caused by H. pylori are completely treatable. But untreated stomach ulcers can lead to more serious problems, like internal bleeding and stomach cancer. 

If your stomach ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, foods that are rich in antioxidants may be beneficial. Antioxidants found in bright coloured fruits and vegetables can help activate your immune system and help combat a H. pylori infection. Read our latest article to learn more about stomach ulcers.

Flavonoids are a phytonutrient found in certain fruits such as berries which can help protect the stomach lining by defending the lining of the stomach and allowing ulcers to heal. In one laboratory study, extracts of various berries inhibited the growth of H. pylori. (4) Also probiotics found in fermented foods such as kefir can also help. Studies have shown that probiotics may be helpful in wiping out H. pylori. The best bacteria to help do this includes LactobacillusBifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces.

Try this easy and delicious berry smoothie

References

(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18343637/

Stomach Ulcer Soothing Smoothie

Checkout this berry smoothie for a high antioxidant breakfast!
Prep Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups Frozen Berries
  • 1 cup Plain Kefir
  • 1/2 Banana (medium)
  • 1 tbsp Raw Honey

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 372
Iron 2mg
Fat 3g
Vitamin D 101IU
Carbs 77g
Fiber 10g
Thiamine 0mg
Sugar 62g
Riboflavin 0.6mg
Protein 15g
Cholesterol 10mg
Vitamin B6 0.2mg
Sodium 171mg
Folate 12μg
Potassium 1121mg
Vitamin B12 1.2μg
Vitamin A 537IU
Magnesium 16mg
Vitamin C 67mg
Zinc 0mg
Calcium 443mg
Selenium 1μg

Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogourt

Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogourt

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This delicious yet simple Plain Greek Yogurt has less carbs and sugar that regular yoghurt and almost twice the protein (24 grams compared to 13 grams in regular plain yogurt) making it a much healthier option for weight management.

Greek yoghurt has less of the sugar lactose making it easier for people that are lactose intolerance to digest.

Pumpkin is super nutritious. One cup of cooked pumpkin (245 grams) contains 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 245% of RDA (recommended daily intake) for vitamin A and 19% of the RDI for vitamin C. It is also low in calories as 94% of pumpkin is make up of water.

Pumpkins contain antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. These can neutralize free radicals, stopping them from damaging your cells and can reduce your risk of cancer. (1,2) Because of it’s high Vitamin A levels it helps support healthy eyes and boost the immune system.

Maple Syrup contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Studies indicate that maple syrup contains 24 different antioxidants (3). The darker syrups are made from sap extracted later in the harvest season and they are higher in the antioxidants. When buying maple syrup, make sure to read food labels carefully. This way, you’ll get real maple syrup — not just maple-flavored syrup, which can be loaded with refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

For another great recipe containing maple syrup, check out our turmeric latte recipe.

With this yoghurt recipe you can make a batch of this and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814697001969

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12134711/

3. https://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=28297

Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogourt

Love pumpkin pie but don't love all the calories that come with it? This pumpkin pie yogourt is what you're looking for!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogourt
  • 1/3 cup Pureed Pumpkin
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 253 
Iron 2mg
Fat 4g
Vitamin D 75IU
Carbs 37g
Vitamin E 1mg
Fiber 3g
Sugar 26g
Riboflavin 0.4mg
Protein 18g
Cholesterol 25mg
Vitamin B6 0.1mg
Sodium 704mg
Folate 10μg
Potassium 246mg
Vitamin A 13652IU
Magnesium 28mg
Vitamin C 15mg
Zinc 1mg
Calcium 438mg
Selenium 1μg

Acai Bowl

Acai Bowl

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

Acai berries have recently become a popular superfood.

While this berry is small, it is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and many health benefits. This recipe capitalizes on acai’s bold flavour to create a bowl perfect for breakfast or lunch!

Acai berries are high in antioxidants which help prevent the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are made by the body through natural molecular processes and introduced into the body through environmental toxins. If free radicals are not neutralized in the body by antioxidants, they can cause damage and ultimately lead to disease. By neutralizing free radicals due to the high antioxidant content, acai berries help to protect the body against diseases such as cancer and diabetes (1). To learn more about the many benefits of acai berries, check out our acai berry article.

In addition to utilizing acai berry powder, this recipe contains many other healthy fruits. This is helpful as a diet rich in a wide-range of fruits provides a variety of fibres that help diversify the gut microbiome (2).

Kiwi is a particularly important food to highlight when discussing digestive health. Kiwi has been shown to have a positive impact on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and constipation. This ability is attributed to its high-water content and rich fibre content (3). Kiwi also benefits the gut microbiome. It contains the proteolytic enzyme, actinidin, which assists with the digestion of protein (3). 

The fruits in this recipe aren’t the only elements assisting with digestion. The flax seeds and chia seeds are also high in fibre content. The fibre in these seeds simultaneously feed the good bacteria in your gut and add bulk to your stool, helping you easily pass waste (4). 

When a bowl is this colourful, this nutritious, and this easy… it is too good not to try!

 

References:

  1. Florence, T. (1995). The role of free radicals in disease. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology. 23(1), 3-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1995.tb01638.x
  2. Holscher, H. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes. 8(2), 172-184. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756
  3. Richardson, D., Ansell, J., & Drummond, L. (2018). The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review. European Journal of Nutrition. 57(8), 2659-2676. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1627-z
  4. Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebioitics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 5(4), 1417-1435. doi: 10.3390/nu5041417

 

Acai Bowl

Acai berries have recently become a popular superfood. While this berry is small, it is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and many health benefits.
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup Oats
  • ¼ cup Almonds crushed
  • tsps Coconut Oil
  • tsps Raw Honey
  • 2 Bananas
  • 2 cups Frozen Berries
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup Almond Milk unsweetened
  • 2 tbsp Hemp Seeds
  • 1 tbsps Ground Flax Seed
  • 2 tbsps Chia Seeds
  • 2 tbsps Acai Powder
  • 2 tsps Cinnamon
  • ¼ cup Strawberries sliced
  • ¼ cup Blueberries
  • ¼ cup Raspberries
  • 1 Kiwi sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a dry pan toast, over medium-low heat toast the oats and crushed almonds for approximately 5 minutes. Toss frequently to avoid burning.
  • Add coconut oil and honey. Stir regularly for another 2-3 minutes ensuring ingredients are coated evenly. Remove granola mixture from heat and set aside to cool.
  • In a blender combine banana, frozen berries, spinach, almond milk, hemp seeds, ground flax seed, chia seeds, acai powder and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
  • Divide smoothie mixture evenly into bowls. Top with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and granola. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 562
Carbs: 78g
Fibre: 18g
Sugar: 38g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 25g

Quinoa and Kale Fritters

Quinoa and Kale Fritters

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

These Quinoa and Kale Fritters are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are delicious served hot off the skillet or frozen and reheated later in the week.

Plus, these fritters have the perfect brain-boosting ingredients, including kale, eggs, and quinoa to keep your thinking skills sharp!

Kale is a part of the cruciferous vegetable family which includes broccoli, spinach, and brussels sprouts. These vegetables are known as a strong support for your liver in the detoxification process, but they also contain nutrients that are important for your brain. Vitamin K is one such nutrient, which plays a role in building important fat cells in the brain. These fat cells allow your neurons to communicate with each other more effectively. (1) When our neurons can communicate effectively, we notice the difference in thinking skills such as memory, and attention!

Eggs are another brain-boosting superfood. Egg yolks are filled with choline, which is used to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is known to be important during thinking tasks such as utilizing memory and attention. When choline levels are high, our brain uses it to make acetylcholine which enhances our thinking skills. (2) Studies of individual’s performance on memory tests and choline levels demonstrated that higher choline levels correlated with better cognitive performance. (3)

While quinoa isn’t the first ingredient that comes to mind as a brain-boosting superfood, it definitely has properties to help support brain health. Quinoa has high levels of amino acids, including tryptophan, which are used to build the neurotransmitters our brain uses to communicate. (4) Quinoa is also high in iron. Iron supports the oxygen-carrying molecules in our blood, helping oxygen reach all of the cells in our body, including brain cells, for top performance. (4)

 

These fritters are very versatile and can be served as a side dish with a dip of your choice. They are also a nice meatless choice to replace a burger. However you choose to serve them, we hope you enjoy!

 

  1.  Ferland, G. (2012). Vitamin K and the Nervous System: An Overview of its Actions. Advances in Nutrition, 3(2), 204-212. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001784
  2. Haddelmo, M. (2006). The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory. Current Opinon in Neurobiology, 16(6), 710-715. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2006.09.002
  3. Nurk, E., Refsum, H., Bjelland, I., Drevon, C., Tell, G., Ueland, P., … & Vollset, S. (2013). Plasma free choline, betaine and cognitive performance: the Hordaland Health Study. The British Journal of Nutrition, 109(3), 511-519. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001249.
  4. Filho, A., Pirozi, M., Borges, J., Sant’Ana, H., Chaves, J., & Coimbra, J. (2017). Quinoa: Nutritional, functional, and antinutritional aspects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 57(8), 1618-1630. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2014.1001811

Quinoa and Kale Fritters

These Quinoa and Kale Fritters are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are delicious served hot off skillet or frozen and reheated later in the week.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Quinoa
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil divided
  • 2 Eggs whisked
  • ½ Sweet Onion diced
  • 3 Garlic cloved, minced
  • Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Kale Leaves
  • cup Flaked Quinoa can substitute rolled oats
  • cup Almond Flour

Instructions
 

  • Cook quinoa according to box directions.
  • While the quinoa is simmering, heat half the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until it begins to caramelize and brown slightly.
  • Add kale to pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Immediately remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir quinoa, kale/onion mixture, garlic, salt and pepper into the egg mixture, and combine.
  • Add the flaked quinoa and almond meal to the egg mixture. Stir well to combining.
  • With clean hands, divide the mixture into four even portions. Shape each portion into a patty and place on a piece of parchment paper or silicone mat.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining coconut oil. Using a spatula carefully transfer the fritters from the parchment paper to the skillet. Fry the fritters for approximately 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 195
Carbs: 16g
Fibre: 3g
Sugar: 2.8g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g