My name is Marisa Moon. I’m the recipe developer and blogger behind My Longevity Kitchen, where you can expect to find whole food recipes that minimize toxins and maximize nutrition; all served up with “Longevity Tips” along the way. Every recipe is gluten free and compliant with a variety of ancestral diets and real food lifestyles, such as Paleo, Primal, Perfect Health Diet, Weston A Price, Whole30, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan.
I like to say “Food is a magical thing…from the way it grows to the way it heals.” Food should bring us vitality, happiness, and well-being. When we understand our personal connection with food—where our food comes from, and how it makes us feel physically, and emotionally—it makes us feel truly alive, bringing out our inner humanity.
It may be difficult at first to imagine your breakfast without grains, but there are plenty of foods to replace the standard oatmeal breakfast. Winter squash is available all year round and makes for a great base in this versatile breakfast.
If you’ve been following me since January 2016, you would have heard that I created an e-cookbook for participants in the 6-week fitness and diet program called My6Method. This ebook helps My6Method (M6M for short) clients stick to the recommended food list, and get cookin’! This cookbook is exclusive to the M6M participants, but soon I’ll be replacing winter recipes with warm-weather recipes. That’s why I decided to share a recipe with you…the Butternut Squash Breakfast Bowl!
Longevity Tips…
I created this recipe to show oatmeal-lovers that there is a grain-free alternative they will love just the same! It’s important for me to point out that I believe protein is a significant part of a healthy breakfast, as well as keeping sugary carbs, grains, or flour-based foods to a minimum (the only instance I believe protein is not important at breakfast is if you practice intermittent fasting and have a breakfast full of healthy fats, like with bulletproof coffee).
That being said, I highly recommend enjoying this butternut breakfast bowl alongside some scrambled eggs & quality bacon (made from pork that is pasture-raised and antibiotic free), or try a simple grass-fed whey protein shake to get your protein in without filling up too much.
I’ll show you how to roast a whole butternut squash, saving you time and effort…have you ever tried slicing raw winter squash? Difficult. So, let’s skip that step. This whole-roasted squash technique results in an extra sweet, irresistible flavor that’s perfect with breakfast. Continue reading →
Did you know you can make anything into a frittata? ANYTHING, I tell you!
It’s so flippin’ easy to make frittata…even when you flip it out of the pan after baking it. Easy! You’ll be impressed how much flavor and familiarity comes out of this recipe. Leeks are a thing of the past for most home cooks today, but here you’ll find they really shine with yukon potatoes, eggs from pastured hens, and delicate sprigs of fresh dill. And the best part about all frittatas?!? Well…the best part comes in layers…
You can put anything in a frittata (I know, I already said that)
You can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner
It’s so delicious room temperature AND cold! This is a fact people: frittata is arguably better when it’s NOT warm. I don’t know why, I just know it’s true.
Longevity Tips
Butter, from grass-fed cows
Butter is making a comeback! People are starting to realize that fats originating in nature, with the least amount of processing, are the healthiest fats there will ever be. Butter, from grass-fed cows, is rich in important vitamins and amino acids that optimize our brain-function and can even protect us from heart disease! It’s important to understand that there is a huge difference from grass-fed butter to conventional butter because when the cows eat grass, they convert those plant nutrients into nutrients that are essential for humans!
Just look at the color difference…grass-fed butter is yellow, and conventional butter is white. The former gets its rich color from the beta-carotene (vitamin A) content, Grass-fed butter is available at almost every grocery store now, so it’s time to make the switch. Look out for brands like Kerrygold, Organic Valley (pasture-raised), Anchor, and Vital Farms. Want to learn more about the benefits of grass-fed butter? I love this article by Authority Nutrition.
Eggs, from pasture-raised hens
Have you noticed that there are new egg cartons popping up on the grocery store shelves, and they are nearly twice the price of standard eggs? If you haven’t joined the bandwagon yet, you’re probably looking at those fancy eggs like “there’s no way I’m payin’ $7 for a carton of eggs!”. An egg from a hen that lives outdoors, under the sun, and able to roam in the soil, eating grubs and bugs galore; that’s a completely different food than a conventional egg! Continue reading →
I’ve been diggin’ the sweet potato collection lately at my supermarket.
Have you branched out and tried the different color sweet potatoes? Most of them are more closely related to a yam…which is a good thing! They have lower sugar content and are less hybridized.
Hybridize: Crossbreeding; (of an animal or plant) breed with an individual of another species or variety.
Most of our favorite fruits and veggies have been hybridized to yield a sweeter, larger fruit. I like to shop for more heirloom and wild varieties because I know they pack the most nutrients, and have the least sugar.
These 3 sweet-potato-yammy-thingies are all quite different. My favorite is probably the Hannah (blonde on the far right), or Japanese (redhead in the center). Hannah is probably the least sweet of them all, and truly tastes like a cross between a yukon and a yam. The Japanese sweet potato in the center is sort of squash like, but still with a mild sweet potato sweetness.
The purple is my favorite to look at, and I know there are tons of antioxidants in there because of the color…but this one isn’t the best for roasting because it’s more dry and “thick” compared to the rest. When you roast it, it’s almost like eating a spoon full of peanut butter…it’s a mouthful and you need a glass of water! I like to roast because it’s convenient and I can save the roasted veggies for a bunch of different recipes later this week (I often use my sweet potatoes to pan fry with eggs). If you like the purple sweet potatoes, try roasting them around 350 degrees and wrapping them in foil. This will help keep the moisture in! Otherwise cooking them in a soup is a good idea.
Welp…
I’m gonna keep this post short because it’s not really a recipe. I just figured I’d give you a peek into my kitchen when I’m prepping or cooking whatever is left in the fridge!
I preheated the oven at 400 fahrenheit, and I loaded a pan up with these potatoes (and some other goodies I’ll get to in a sec). DON’T POKE HOLES IN YOUR SWEET POTATOES. Sweet potatoes won’t explode while baking, so there’s no need to poke holes. This keeps the moisture and sweetness inside to steam and caramelize.
Loading up the Pan to Roast
Hannah Potato Bursting When Finished
While you’re at it, you might as well throw some roasted garlic and jalapeño packs on that pan too. Not too long after this photo I snuck an Italian eggplant on the tray. Just poke holes in the eggplant with a fork (yes for eggplant, no for sweet potatoes), and stick it right on the pan.
Simply Salt, Wrap, Roast 45-60m
Ahhhhh, Soft & Juicy
Avocado Oil (for high heat), Salt, Dry Oregano
Roasted 1 Hour, 45m is Best
Whole Eggplant, Poke with Holes
Bake 1 hr ’til soft, Rest 10m
After cutting open the eggplant, you can scoop out most of the seeds, drizzle with olive oil and season with plenty of salt, pepper and parsley. You can eat it just like that or blend it all up if you’d like to make a dip! Add some oil and lemon and voila!
Let’s get ready to load ’em taters up!
Top to Bottom: Japanese w/ Kraut & Jalapeño; Hannah w/Roasted Garlic, Butter, Basil; Purple with Lime Mayo, Mexican Spices, Cilantro
My favorite toppings were Sauerkraut & Roasted Jalapeño! This was a slammin’ combo that I will do again and again. I used Bubbie’s Sauerkraut that is made without the classic caraway seeds; this makes for a more versatile sauerkraut that you can put on anything. I change it up and sometimes get the “Fair ‘N By” Sauerkraut by The Brinery. They both are only made with cabbage, sea salt, and time. If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m always pushing fermented foods like sauerkraut. We NEED this beneficial bacteria, AKA probiotics, in our daily diet; and variety is the way to go! Try new sauerkraut brands and flavors whenever you get the chance. I’m starting to see Farmhouse Culture Brand krauts at all the health food stores. These are sold in BAG! My favorite flavor is the horseradish & leek.
Sauerkraut FAQs
Q: Can’t I just take probiotic supplements?
A: I take these too, but the probiotics in fermented foods are better. Fermented foods are readily recognized, and utilized in our body. Probiotic supplements are relatively new, there’s not enough understanding on them yet, and they don’t necessarily reach the digestive tract where we need them to take effect. That’s why fermented foods are even better. These have been used in the human diet for most of our human existence; and they play a huge role in our digestive ability, our intestinal integrity, our brain function, and especially our immune systems. I take probiotic supplements periodically to introduce different bacteria strains which are not present in fermented foods.
Q: Where do I find sauerkraut?
A: You can find sauerkraut and fermented foods in a cooler at your grocery store, typically near the vegan meat & cheese substitutes. Only purchase the refrigerated sauerkraut (& kimchi) because then you know you’re getting food with live-active cultures (cultures are the beneficial bacteria/probiotics)
Q: What if I buy it and I hate it?
A: The best part about fermented foods is that we have an innate desire to eat these foods. So even if you don’t like it at first, just try about a tablespoon each day, and you’ll truly grow to love it! If you just hate the certain flavor you purchased (krauts come in all different flavors now!), then you can throw it into a cooked dish were it loses its probiotic benefits, but it turns into a tender, flavorful veggie which contains more readily available vitamins and minerals (compared to using the same ingredient in unfermented form). Ever have brats/sausage cooked with warm sauerkraut? Much more mild than the refrigerated kind. Don’t forget the juice…sauerkraut juice is where a lot of the benefits are at. You can drink a shot of it or add a shot to your salads to get the same probiotic benefits as eating it.
Q: How long will it last in my fridge?
A: Fermented foods have a long refrigerated life. Depending how much you open the jar, if you use clean utensils to dip in the jar, and how full the jar is, it can last around 6 months or so after opening! Every jar has an expiration date on it as well. If the sauerkraut smells bad when you open it, or has too much pressure building up inside, you can just cook with it so it doesn’t go to waste. This is typical for Koreans to do with kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), as well as Polish and German Sauerkrauts; they add it to their traditional soups and stews to kill off the sour-expired taste, and utilize the healthy vegetables.
Q: What other ways can I use my kraut?
A: Try your sauerkraut in salads, on deviled eggs, in wraps or sandwiches, and even in your guacamole! Use the liquid in place of vinegar in your dressings. My family loves a side of sauerkraut or kimchi with our breakfast, but it’s on our plate as a side dish with almost every single meal.
Have you embraced fermented foods yet? Tell me about it below!
While thumbing around my Pinterest feed, I came across “The BEST Stir Fry Sauce” by the blogger behind Tastes Lovely. I liked the idea that this post was just for the sauce. The sauce is key. To me, stir fry is like frittata…there are hardly any rules, and ANYTHING can go in it. So why not just make a recipe for the stir fry sauce and change up the dish with different veggies and protein. Great idea Natalie!
I had a crazy week, and I knew a pre-made sauce would save my butt when dinner had to get on the table in 15 minutes (and it did)! Eric loved it and said it tastes like something from a Chinese takeout. Maybe I should have called this Chinese Takeout Stir Fry Sauce? Nahhhh. I recently had some healthy takeout food boulder and that inspired me to create this dish. Takeouts don’t have to be unhealthy and neither does home cooking! We’re trying to lose some weight so this recipe also seemed like a good idea for us.
P.S. I’m back into Pinterest and I am loving it! I had too many sites to focus on for a while there so I sort of left Pinterest behind in the dust. I realized it was time for me to get back in the pinning game once I started sharing boards with friends. It’s fun to share boards! If you haven’t started Pinterest yet, you totally should! Find me there at www.pinterest.com/LongevityKitch (ughhh pinterest why wouldn’t you let me choose a handle with more characters?) and let’s share ideas!
Longevity Tips…
I’d love to tell you about the ingredients I chose for my version of this Make-Ahead Stir Fry Sauce!
Tamari:
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Tamari. Tamari is basically soy sauce, but more legit. Modern Soy Sauce has WHEAT as the main ingredient- often preceding even Soy on the ingredient list. That’s a bunch of hooey, and we want our soy sauce made from soy and salt…NOT WHEAT. I should begin to clarify something however; I usually tell people to stay away from Soy. There’s a lot to be said on the subject, but just hear this: Soy is a profitable crop for America to grow and utilize, so they want us to believe it’s healthy and they want to put it in everything (same goes for wheat and corn). The main problem is that soy mimics estrogen in the body and really throws our hormonal system out of whack; putting us at risk for thyroid problems, cancer, infertility, and all kinds of stuff that sucks. In countries like Japan & China, they use soy as a condiment and they would never consider it their main source of protein. 50% of the soy they eat is fermented, and they have a drastically different diet than us Americans, and their diet is much richer in micronutrients. There are a few forms of fermented soy that you may be familiar with: Soy Sauce, Tempeh, & Miso, among others. I recommend including these foods in your diet on occasion and skipping all other forms of unfermented soy. If you have children, an autoimmune disease, or are trying to conceive, keep yourself and your children as far away from soy as you can. To learn more about the many dangers of unfermented soy, read this.
Coconut Aminos is a great alternative for people avoiding all types of soy. It’s like soy sauce, but sweeter. You can find coconut aminos at most health food supermarkets in the Asian section, or you can order all of the products I recommend online through Thrive Market.
The good news is, you can buy Tamari Lite at the grocery stores now! Get your hands on some Tamari Lite or Tamari Low-Sodium. The Non-GMO certification (or Organic) is great because we know the soy plant wasn’t sprayed with the same deadly chemicals they use on GMO soy. Get it? Got it? Good.
Coconut Sugar / AKA Coconut Palm Sugar
I’m totally into this stuff. I don’t use it a lot, because it’s still sugar. But it’s minimally processed (only 2 steps!), and delivers less of a spike in our blood sugar than nearly any other sugar available. It tastes like brown sugar! No, it doesn’t taste like coconut. You can find bags of this in the baking aisle or online, so go get some!
Starch helps to thicken your sauce like the gravy at a chinese restaurant! These are smart swaps for corn starch, if you ask me. Corn starch is always GMO unless you buy organic or Non-GMO verified (this is a problem because of the dangerous chemicals they spray on the GMO plants, and the toxins the GMO corn produces to keep away insects.) Corn Starch is also insanely processed, and did you know corn is not even a digestible grain? We literally can not digest it. I know it’s sad; you like corn on the cob. Who doesn’t? Anyways, I’m not here to tell you you can’t eat corn on the cob…I’m here to tell you what you should be using in place of corn starch (for the love of heart health and all things healthy: throw away your corn oil).
Potato Starch, Arrowroot, Tapioca Starch/Flour, and Cassava flour are all awesome alternatives to corn starch. These starches are perfect for thickening soups and gravies, and you can even make a batter with them and fry up some goodies (arrowroot is the most pricey, and the most particular of them all. So I only recommend arrowroot if you have other recipes to try that call for it). My family made fried Calamari and all sorts of fried fish using potato starch on Christmas Eve…it turned out great! They did this just because they love me and know I can’t have wheat flour. Happy. There are a million recipes out in the Paleo world now using these starches, so go ahead and do a search for ideas! They store well, and potato starch is inexpensive!
It’s Time to Cook…
Stir Fried Shrimp Broccoli & Peppers
Stir Fry Sauce Ready When You Are
This recipe is so eeeeasy!!
Just throw it all in the blender, and save it for a rainy (raining with responsibility) day. This could be one of those weeks when you buy the conveniently pre-cut veggies from the supermarket…like I did when I made this stir fry. $6 for a package of pre-cut asparagus? That’s not a deal at all…but on occasion it’s okay because then we still eat veggies even though I’m busy, and I don’t have to worry about the prep and mess!
What are you going to put in your stir fry? I made one with shrimp, broccoli, and bell peppers; and the winning dish was chicken thighs with asparagus & kale. Do your body a flavor and buy some organic meat, free from antibiotic & hormone use, and from a farm you can trust. Want to buy directly from a farm but don’t know how? Check out the place I get our meat from: www.sevensons.net They deliver to pickup locations all over the midwest! Wouldn’t you feel saintly if you knew the farms that raised your meat? I know I would, and I do!
Okay, what are you waiting for? Make this 5 minute sauce so it’s ready when you are! Comment below or tag me in your creations #mylongevitykitchen
Make-Ahead Stir Fry Sauce
2016-01-31 23:00:27
Serves 4
Make this 5 minute sauce so it's ready when you need dinner on the table in no time! Using whatever protein and veggies you have on hand, you can create a chinese takeout dinner with endless possibilities.
2 inch piece fresh GINGER, peeled & minced (about 1 tablespoon), See Notes
2 GARLIC Cloves, chopped (help a blender out), See Notes
1/4 Cup of BROTH (water works in a pinch)
1/4 Cup Non-GMO TAMARI Lite Soy Sauce (soy-free sub is Coconut Aminos)
1 Tablespoon COCONUT SUGAR (ommit for lower carb)
1 teaspoon APPLE CIDER VINEGAR or Rice Vinegar
1 teaspoon TOASTED SESAME OIL
1 Tablespoon POTATO STARCH, See Notes for subs
Instructions
Add Everything to your blender and blend on high.
Save in a jar in the fridge for up to a week
Ready to cook? Follow these steps
If using meat/seafood, cut your meat into bite sized pieces, and heat 3 tablespoons of high heat cooking fat like avocado oil, ghee, refined coconut oil, palm oil (or even lard/tallow/bacon fat from healthy animals).
Cook your meat/seafood until 75% done, and season with salt and pepper while it cooks.
Remove the meat and set aside.
Add your veggies to the pan along with a splash of water, and half of the stir-fry sauce. Season with salt and pepper and cover the pan.
Steam-cook your covered veggies for about 3 minutes over medium heat.
Remove the cover, stir, and add back your meat/seafood. Pour the rest of your stir fry sauce onto the meat/seafood, and stir to combine everything.
Turn the heat to high and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir occasionally and watch the sauce thicken (thank you starch).
Notes
Ground Ginger can be a good substitute. Use 1/4 teaspoon
Garlic Powder can be a good substitute. Use 1 teaspoon.
Potato Starch can be swapped for Tapioca Starch, Cassava Flour, & Arrowroot Starch in this recipe. You can ommit the starch completely and still have a delicious dish that is even lower in carbs.
Who can deny that smart phones and apps are just a part of daily life now. Whether we like it or not, smart phones are making our lives easier in many ways (I’m not even going to get into to the ways they affect us negatively), and podcasts & apps are a HUGE part of my wellness routine. There are just so many different apps out there, so it’s not suprising that I have a mix of different ones on my phone. The majority of apps on the app store are free to download, but some may have in app advertising to make some money back off the app. This is understandable and these adverts don’t normally interrupt my wellness routine, so I don’t mind them. I cover quite a few categories here from fitness to brain function. The information and guidance you seek is just a click away, and I’m so excited to show you the wellness apps I fell in love with…
Sleep is more important than most people like to admit, and this handy app will really show you the quality of your sleep. I found out about this app from Dave Asprey, the Bulletproof Exec. The things that really sold me are the fact that it wakes you during your lightest stage of sleep, and that it allows you to create a checklist of things you do that day in order to see how they affect your sleep! For instance, I check a box that says “drank coffee after 4pm” or “melatonin” and I can see after a few nights if that is negatively or positively affecting my sleep! Genius. The other great thing is that it shows you on a graph how you go through the different stages of sleep (or don’t go through; like me) throughout the night. Try the Power Nap app by them too. A 20 minute power nap is one of the only ways I have found to reset my brain when I’m confronted with decision fatigue or straight up stress.
Do you have busy thoughts while you’re trying to sleep? Do you want to “meditate” but you don’t know how or when you’ll ever do it? This free app is perfect for you. I sleep way better when I do my sleep meditation app, and I always fall asleep before I’m halfway through the playlist. My husband was teasing me about it one night, so I told him to just listen to it…before you know it he was passed out too! It works I tell ya! The teacher guides you through a sleep meditation by saying things like “Whatever was left to do today can be done tomorrow. Enjoy the comfort of your bed. Notice the feeling of the sheets on your skin.” There’s something about being aware and focusing our attention on our physical body that makes meditation so magical.
Okay this isn’t an app, but it pairs perfectly with the isleep easy app (above). I remember walking out in my living room to find my brother crashed on the air mattress wearing a sleep mask. I laughed! He said he thought it was weird at first too but now he loves it. I decided to give it a try because my husband and I both had unusual schedules. We were both hooked on the first try! Even when it’s dark I wear them. I am telling you you’ve gotta try it to believe it! And the shapely ones like this are the best- if you ask me.
I have only tried a few Yoga apps, but I am telling you this one is amazing! It’s worth wayyyy more than $4 so don’t even hesitate. There are endless combinations and flawless video demonstrations. It took me a second to get used to the teacher’s voice, but it really is soothing and crystal clear. This is perfect for anyone, beginner to novice, and sessions go from 10 minutes to 60! Did I mention you can choose a class based on your needs? Flexibility, strength, balance, combination. Nice! I should mention that it took me a long time to fit yoga into my routine because I just sucked at it. And if you suck at something, you generally don’t like it. I soon discovered that if you have zero flexibility, and suck at yoga, that just means that you NEED yoga more than anyone. Stretching and challenging different muscles is imperative for longevity.
This is hands down the best fitness app. Do you get sick of doing the same workout? Do you want to work out at home? Do you wish you had more options like 15 min or 60 min? This Nike app is free and expertly done. I absolutely love everything about it. Each workout is performed by a different Nike Trainer, and these women are fierce and beautiful! Flexible times, innovative workouts, inspiring women…I’m not quite sure there’s anything left to be desired in a fitness app!
Spotify is like the star-child of Pandora and iTunes. You can download albums or playlists for free, you can stream, you can create radio stations like pandora, and choose playlists to suit your mood! That last feature is why it’s on my Longevity list. There are playlists to help you focus, help you be productive, lift you up, put you to sleep, make you laugh, and get you moving! Did I mention it will play music according to the pace you’re working out at? Love.
I am so into Audible! If you drive or commute a lot, or find it hard to concentrate when you read, then you should definitely get an audible membership. Audible is an audiobook store by Amazon. There are thousands of books available, free trials, free previews, and even returns. You rack up credits for months that pass without downloading a new book, and you can cancel easily. The most major benefit I just found with Audible is a section they include called “The Great Courses”. The Great Courses is college-level audio courses taught on a wide-range of subjects by credited experts and professors. We are talking about subjects like “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Techniques For Retraining Your Brain”, “Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids”, and “Latin 101: Learning a Classical Language”. These courses are averaging $60 and up on The Great Courses site, but many of them are part of your $15 audible membership. Crazy Cool!
Have you heard of brain games yet? Brain games are exactly as they sound but far more advantageous than a game. We are talking about expertly designed, research-based, results-oriented games that are fun to play, and that exercise your brain. Remember: If we don’t use it, we lose it…and there could be nothing more frightful than losing our mind. Start using your free time to play a brain game instead of surfing social media or playing candy crush. Lumosity is the first of 3 brain game apps I am recommending. It is filled with more imaginative games, and perfect for first time brain gamers. Picture colorful games full of shapes and patterns, exercising your brain in unfamiliar ways. I like Lumosity best out of the 3 games when I’m tired or waiting in line somewhere. If you get bored easily then this is a good brain game app for you. This is also available on your desktop/laptop computers!
Try the free membership and see how you like it! www.lumosity.com
In case you didn’t read above, I’m repeating the same intro: Have you heard of brain games yet? Brain games are exactly as they sound but far more advantageous than a game. We are talking about expertly designed, research-based, results-oriented games that are fun to play, and that exercise your brain. Remember: If we don’t use it, we lose it…and there could be nothing more frightful than losing our mind. Start using your free time to play a brain game instead of surfing social media or playing candy crush.
Fitbrains is the second of 3 brain games I’m recommending. Fitbrains app focuses on what you’re weakest at, and recommends even more specialized apps to focus on your needs. If you’re the type of person looking for results and likes a challenge, try this app. Fitbrains is available on your desktop/laptop too!
In case you didn’t read above, I’m repeating the same intro: Have you heard of brain games yet? Brain games are exactly as they sound but far more advantageous than a game. We are talking about expertly designed, research-based, results-oriented games that are fun to play, and that exercise your brain. Remember: If we don’t use it, we lose it…and there could be nothing more frightful than losing our mind. Start using your free time to play a brain game instead of surfing social media or playing candy crush.
Elevate is the last of 3 brain games I’m recommending. This game is very different than the other two. I love it and I hate it at the same time, and I’ll tell you why. Elevate is more focused on reading, writing, and exercises that work on memory, communicating your thoughts, listening, and vocabulary. This is all very applicable in real life, and you immediately recognize your gains and weaknesses. But honestly, it takes me back to school. Some of the exercises remind me of state exams with a fun twist. I find that this game is the most important to me. I’m using it more and more each week, but if I don’t do it in the morning, I usually won’t ever get to it. So I highly suggest this to anyone looking for immediate gratification, practical skills, and a caffeine alternative (play brain games in the morning and your brain will instantly snap into reality).
This is the first installment of a 5-part series called:
My Favorite Things
Coming up next is My Favorite Apps, Kitchen Stuff, Supplements & Herbs, and of course My Favorite FOODS…all things to help you thrive, so stay tuned!
It seems like there are two groups of people: those who love to read, and those who don’t think they love to read.
My closest friends can tell you I’m pretty much always reading about 4 books at a time. I’m constantly looking through book recommendations online to find new things for me to read. If you ask me, reading something according to your mood or atmosphere makes way more sense than trying to finish one book at a time. Especially because I’m someone who emotionally invests in every book I read. This way of thinking has gotten me through a lot of books!
Well, I have a message for everyone: There are many ways to “read” these days…including audiobooks! I am still hooked on traditional books, but I think audible.com is worth every penny – especially because they just increased the value by offering “The Great Courses”. Click here if you want to know more ’bout all that.
I wish I was like Oprah and could just shower people with all the things I love. This is my way of showing you I care (smile). I’ve rounded up a list of 12 book titles, covering Nutrition, Cookbooks, Non-fiction/Self-Help. Most of these items I cannot go without, and all of them will improve your life or replace something that’s holding you back! Check it out…
Nutrition / Weight-loss / Lifestyle
Perfect Health Diet: How to Regain Health and Lose Weight By Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat
This is the most important book to me. It’s super sciencey – which would usually scare me away. It helped me make sense of all the diet advice out there. If you want to be healthy, it really comes down to minimizing toxins in your food, and maximizing the nutrients you intake. The scientists who wrote this book really know their stuff. It surprised so many people in the Paleosphere to see white rice and white potatoes being recommended in a healthy person’s diet; but after you see the science, you see why this makes sense. Anyone interested in Ancestral Health, the Paleo Diet, maximizing their nutrition, or tired of feeling like crap should DEFINITELY read this book.
This is the Perfect Health Diet Recommendations
Note: I recommend this book in the digital format for many reasons. I love a physical book in my hand just as much as anyone else, but digital readers are perfect for books with references, terms that are new to you, and content you’d like to refer back to. Imagine being able to type in a search word like “magnesium” and find every place it is mentioned in the book. Or how about highlighting a new word like “Apoptosis” so you can quickly see the definition? You can also highlight and make notes to refer back to. In this case, digital is the way to go.
Price: THIS DIGITAL BOOK is on SPECIAL for $3.00 LIMITED TIME CLICK HERE TO BUY (download the Kindle app and no need for a kindle)
The Paleo Cure: Eat Right for Your Genes, Body Type, and Personal Health Needs. Prevent and Reverse Disease, Lose Weight Effortlessly, and Look and Feel Better than Ever
Chris Kresser is the expert I am constantly quoting and referring back to when I need some straight-up facts about nutrition and wellness. He is known as “the healthy skeptic”, and he wrote this book to help people figure out their own version of paleo. We are different in many ways, so why should we have the same restrictions? Anyone confused about what’s “healthy” these days, why people are suddenly allergic to everything, and what foods you personally should avoid, should buy this book.
Note: I recommend it in the digital format for many reasons too. I love a physical book in my hand just as much as anyone else, but digital readers are perfect for books with references, terms that are new to you, and content you’d like to refer back to. Imagine being able to type in a search word like “dairy” and find every place it’s mentioned in the book. Or how about highlighting a new word like “autoimmunity” so you can quickly see the definition. You can also highlight and make notes to refer back to. For The Paleo Cure, digital is the way to go.
The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy
I was high on life for about a month after reading the Primal Blueprint. The message is so clear here, and actionable! Mark Sisson of marksdailyapple.com is the original Paleo blogger, and an inspiration to everyone in the field. This book is special because Mark takes a look at our modern lives and remind us of the simple ways we can start nurturing our inner primal being. Take a look at his 10 Primal Laws…
Primal Blueprint 10 Primal Laws
And if you’re into understanding what our body wants for fuel, then you have to check out his 8 Key Concepts here.
I love this program so much I am considering becoming a Primal Blueprint Certified Expert one day, by enrolling in his education program.
I highly recommend The Primal Blueprint as an audio version for a quick, enjoyable “read” while you’re driving.
Price: $9-$18 (click the book photo to order online)
Paleo Takeout: Restaurant Favorites Without the Junk
This cookbook is bonkers. It’s insane how many recipes are in it, and this guy Russ Crandall (AKA The Domestic Man) is one of my favorite chefs out there in the Paleosphere (maybe my absolute favorite. Okay yes, he is.). He’s an advocate of the Perfect Health Diet, my first book recommendation on this post, and has Paleo-ish recipes which include white rice!
“In Paleo Takeout, Crandall re-creates everyone’s favorite takeout meals using wholesome ingredients and some seriously inventive techniques giving you the opportunity to revisit your favorite restaurant classics, with all of the gratification and none of the regret!”
His blog is downright ridonculous for any serious home cook or global foodie. Check it out at thedomesticman.com
Every Last Crumb: Paleo Bread and Beyond
This is another Paleo cookbook that’ll straight up blow your mind. Brittany Angell recreates EVERY grain-based food you miss when you go gluten-free or paleo. She is a master at it, and I highly recommend her website brittanyangell.com. This book has everything from english muffins, to hot dog buns, to cakes, pies, and taco. This book is high quality hardcover and makes a great gift for anyone who loves to bake.
Price: $10-$16 (click book photo to purchase online)
Zenbelly Cookbook: An Epicurean’s Guide to Paleo Cuisine
I found this cookbook because everyone and their paleo Mom will tag #Zenbelly in their photos on Instagram. She has several go-to recipes that make everyday life for gluten abstainers much easier. Her plantain tortillas are one of them! This cookbook is perfect for any serious home cook looking to cut out grains and dairy and still make drool worthy meals. Here’s a great description:
“With over 100 real food recipes, The Zenbelly Cookbook covers every course and occasion; from simple weeknight meals that can be made for the family in under 30 minutes, to elegant multiple course dinners that will impress any guest. The Zenbelly Cookbook will also offer entertainment tips such as: what can be made ahead, shortcuts that don’t sacrifice quality, and menu suggestions. The goal of The Zenbelly Cookbook is to make incredible, professional quality food accessible to the home cook.” – Amazon
Price: $10-$21 (click the book photo to order online)
This Hardcover Book is Worthy Of Display
The Homegrown Paleo Cookbook: Over 100 Delicious, Gluten-Free, Farm-to-Table Recipes, and a Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Healthy Food
This book is as incredible as the husband and wife team who created it. It combines two concepts that inspire me: a seasonal paleo cookbook and a beginner homesteading guide. The photos are from their farm and home, and the photos are just gorgeous! If you picture someone hugging the gift you gave them, this would be the book…for anyone interested in homesteading or seasonal paleo meals. The meals are reasonably simple, and masterfully done, and the homesteading guide is just enough to get your hands really dirty.
Price: $10-$27 (click the book photo to purchase online)
Follow their blog at sustainabledish.com for recipes, action from the farm, and ways to increase your eco-awareness.
Non-fiction/ Self-help
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story
I adore this book! I breezed through it in a week! I probably could’ve read it in 2 days. Dan Harris, known for anchoring on ABC news, is hilarious, vulnerable, and increasingly cynical. This book is great for anyone who wants to quiet their busy mind, or has mood swings, or is interested in meditation or Buddhist beliefs. Here’s a quick synopsis:
“Harris had the ambition and drive to rise to ABC News television anchor. He’d felt the ‘journalistic heroin’ of reporting from war zones, anchored national broadcasts, and even recovered from cocaine addiction. But he also had a voice in his head, the same voice most of us wrestle with, constantly second-guessing him. If he could only quiet that voice, he’d be happier and less stressed. Harris was already covering the religion beat when he veered off on a personal journey to find answers beyond the self-help gurus. Along the way, he talked to Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, a host of Jewish Buddhists, and even the Dalai Lama before reluctantly trying meditation. Approaching it with all the skepticism of a reporter, Harris checked out the neurological research and learned that meditation was being used in the corporate and military arenas to heighten focus and clarity. After going on a meditation retreat, he ultimately found the balance he sought between ambition and inner peace. In this brave, completely engaging, and often hilarious book, Harris achieves his aim of demystifying meditation.” –Vanessa Bush
Price: $10-$15 (click the book photo to purchase online)
New Book Cover
Original Cover
Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives
There is so much to love about this book. I literally think everyone in the world should read it! Don’t you ever wonder why you can’t just stick to a new habit, or do something you really WANT to do? Whats holding us back? What are some actionable steps we can take to change that? This is a subject that’s been tackled before, but someone finally took a different angle. The author, Gretchen Rubin, is a writer who studies happiness, and she wrote this book after discovering something about habits. We are all very different people with different tendencies, so how can one habit-forming strategy work for us all? It won’t. She pinpoints all of our different tendencies and helps you learn very actionable tricks to start making habits stick. You will love it!
Try it on audio book and listen while you’re driving! And to all my podcast listeners out there, you have to check out her awesome podcast called “Happier”.
I highly recommend her website gretchenrubin.com for great advice on how to increase your happiness and productivity.
Original Version
He Wrote a Version for Teens!
Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History Of Four Meals
This is a book I will never forget. I even plan to read it again because it has so much to say. I usually wouldn’t pick up a book this long, but after all the hype about it I decided to give it a try. I fell in love with the Author, Michael Pollan, and his writing style. If you want to know more about where our food comes from, and hear a thoughtful interpretation on food philosophy, this book is for you.
“It’s a fascinating journey up and down the food chain, one that might change the way you read the label on a frozen dinner, dig into a steak or decide whether to buy organic eggs. You’ll certainly never look at a Chicken McNugget the same way again. Pollan’s narrative strategy is simple: he traces four meals back to their [origin]. He starts with a McDonald’s lunch, which he and his family gobble up in their car…Corn feeds the steer that turns into the burgers, becomes the oil that cooks the fries and the syrup that sweetens the shakes and the sodas, and makes up 13 of the 38 ingredients (yikes) in the Chicken McNuggets. Later, Pollan prepares a dinner with items from Whole Foods, investigating the flaws in the world of ‘big organic’; cooks a meal with ingredients from a small, utopian Virginia farm; and assembles a feast from things he’s foraged and hunted. -Pamela Kaufman, Executive Editor at Food & Wine magazine.”
The Feast Nearby: How I lost my job, buried a marriage, and found my way by keeping chickens, foraging, preserving, bartering, and eating locally (all on $40 a week)
I love the way this memoir includes recipes throughout the book. That made it even more special to me! I’ve recommended this book several times to mothers and home cooks who want to appreciate the homesteading life, and get inspired to be more self sufficient. Here’s a nice intro for you:
“Within a single week in 2009, food journalist Robin Mather found herself on the threshold of a divorce and laid off from her job at the Chicago Tribune. Forced into a radical life change, she returned to her native rural Michigan.
There she learned to live on a limited budget while remaining true to her culinary principles of eating well and as locally as possible. In The Feast Nearby, Mather chronicles her year-long project: preparing and consuming three home-cooked, totally seasonal, and local meals a day–all on forty dollars a week. ”
Price: $13-$20 (click the book photo to purchase online)
ThenWildlife Friendly Vegetable Gardener: How to Grow Food in Harmony with Nature
What an inventive book. This book is for gardeners, and people who’d like to know how they can co-exist with the natural wildlife surrounding us. Just by looking at the cover you will see the playful drawing style she uses to show the different creatures. This was the perfect book for me because I hate looking at real-life insects. But these cute cartoon drawings were the perfect way for me to see which insects are beneficial and which are pests. “This one-of-a-kind book shows you how to create a peaceful co-existence between your vegetable garden and the wildlife who consider it part of their habitat. By understanding and working with the surrounding environment – instead of continually fighting it – you’ll reap a larger harvest with much less stress and effort. ”
Price: $13 (Click the book photo to purchase online)
Comment below and tell me which books you’ve read!
I’d hardly call this a recipe because it is so simple! But indeed it is a recipe for greatness, and it’s time to share it with you! It tastes like a warm and creamy vanilla milkshake, for real! It’s so frothy and delicious.
I am a Bulletproof Coffee fan, for life. But I am also trying to figure out what my brain needs to function optimally and stay focused throughout the day.
After reading the famous book “Healing ADD” by Daniel Amen, I understand that coffee may not be the best choice for my morning routine. Here and there yes, but not daily. Sooooo, I had to start toying with my green tea and make it “Bulletproof” too!..
I use coconut oil for the satisfying fats and MCT’s (medium chain fats that are good for the brain and metabolism), protein powder because most distracted brains thrive on higher protein and lower carbs (this is especially important earlier in the day to boost your focus and concentration skills), and often add in Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil for added brain boosting power. This combo of healthy fats and protein provides you with a power breakfast that’ll hold you over for hours into your day! And I still get to keep my morning routine. I don’t miss the coffee one bit!
Caffeine makes you feel more focused but unfortunately it also decreases blood flow to the brain–and over time can make ADD symptoms worse. Green tea is a better choice than coffee because it contains less caffeine, and more importantly, green tea contains Theanine and EGCG which both benefit the brain in many ways. Green tea is known to have healthy bioactive compounds that can help treat various diseases. Besides improving brain function, it may also help in fat burning and preventing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, drinking green tea can reduce bad breath and help in losing weight. So, if you are concerned about your health, you might as well consider consuming green tea instead of any other beverages. Green tea flavors like cardamom or earl grey can be sourced online. They could be available from Ahmad Tea USA sellers and similar web shops.
Disclaimer: Marisa Moon of My Longevity Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to awesome products they recommend from amazon.com
Coconut Green Tea
2015-10-13 16:06:41
Serves 1
Blend together hot organic green tea with nourishing coconut oil, and vanilla protein powder for a nutritious and brain-boosting breakfast alternative.
VANILLA Grass-Fed Whey PROTEIN POWDER (see notes for brands and measurements)
A generous dash of CINNAMON
Optional
Up to 1 Tbsp MCT oil or Brain Octane Oil
Instructions
Using a blender, BLEND together the HOT GREEN TEA and the COCONUT OIL first.
Touch the mixture with your finger to test the temperature. If its too hot to touch then it needs to cool a little longer before you add the whey protein powder (to avoid damaging the nutrients).
Once it's at a temperature you can touch comfortably, add the protein powder and cinnamon. Blend again. Enjoy!
Notes
Whey Protein Powders: All protein powders have different measurements and different levels of sweetness. I use Reserveage Vanilla or Primal Fuel Whey Protein and put 2 Tablespoons in my coconut green tea recipe. Terra's Grass-Fed Vanilla Bourbon Whey is also great, but you will have to double the quantity (4 Tablespoons). Do you have another brand? If so, start with 2 Tablespoons, and taste to decide if you need more. See my full list of recommended protein powders above. Happy sipping!
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
Sure enough, whenever the leaves are thinking about falling, I’m thinking about Ciambotta—pronounced Chom-BOAT-ah. This Italian vegetable stew is a southern Italian tradition. It gives you the opportunity to celebrate the bounty of your garden (or farm stand, CSA, and local produce section), kiss the Summer goodbye, and say hello to a 50 degree day. I’m okay with that.
I love Ciambotta for so many reasons! Most importantly, I grew up eating it—anything in a red sauce, with parmigiano reggiano and crushed red pepper was my favorite. But ciambotta is awesome because it’s cheap, versatile, and reminiscent of a bowl of pasta. (I should mention it freezes fantastically too. BONUS!)
Longevity Tips…
Are you buying organic produce yet? I understand it’s tough to get used to paying more, so check out this list of vegetables that are highest in pesticides (we are talking over 50 different pesticides detected on some of these veggies; not to mention that kale and hot peppers often contain chemicals that are so dangerous they should be illegal). If you buy these organic, you’ll be cutting out a majority of the pesticides/herbicides your family is exposed to.
Watch this 2 minute video to see what chemicals are in your body before switching to organic. You’ll be shocked!
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again:
If you aren’t already buying organic tomatoes, you should start right now. Standard tomatoes are sprayed with some of the highest levels of herbicides/pesticides being used. These chemicals are “classified as ‘bad actors’ by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). A “bad actor” is a chemical that is toxic, promotes cancer in lab tests and animal studies, interferes with reproduction, or contaminates the environment.”
And skip the traditional cans because they are lined with all sorts of chemicals that tomatoes leach from (even if they are BPA free). Go for glass jars or cartons of organic tomato products…stock up when they are on sale around $3 and save big! I heart organic tomatoes.
It’s Time To Cook…
Okay so you’re ready to make your Ciambotta, and you notice the ingredients in my recipe aren’t in precise amounts. Welcome to the world of Italian cooking! And honestly people, this is my style. Recipes don’t have to be so rigid to be great!
I want you to use whatever you like, and whatever you have access to. The base of a great ciambotta is usually tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes; but there are SO MANY GREAT WAYS to make it! My family often puts green beans or peas in this stew. Don’t like eggplant? I say try it in this dish, and you might be surprised…but you can always leave it out. Even the amount of liquid is not precise. All you need to worry about is that there is just enough liquid to cover those veggies.
Let me know how this works for you! I always make it on the stove top, but I know you can do it in the slow cooker. Give it a shot, and tag me #MyLongevityKitchen on Instagram and Facebook @MyLongevityKitchen, or comment right here!
Ciambotta: Italian Vegetable Stew
2015-10-09 13:10:24
Serves 3
Pronounced Chom-BOAT-ah, this Italian vegetable stew is a southern Italian tradition. It is a celebration of the garden's bounty slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
Optional: ¼ Cup GRATED Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (More nutritious compared to “parmesan”)
Stovetop Method
Using a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery (if using), and a heavy pinch of salt. Stir and saute for 3 minutes.
Add the garlic and crushed chili pepper flakes, stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add all of your vegetables, tomatoes, and ¼ cup olive oil. Stir and add enough broth or water to just cover the vegetables.
Turn the heat to high, stir in the herbs, bay leaf, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover.
Cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring around every 15 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom.
After 1 hour, and all the veggies are super soft, you may leave off the cover to reduce the amount of liquid remaining. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until you reach the desired thickness.
Stir in the grated cheese (if using), and taste for salt. If it tastes like something is missing, add more salt.
Slow Cooker Method
Add all of the ingredients—except the grated cheese¬—to the slow cooker.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 8 hours, until the veggies are super soft.
If it’s too soupy, continue cooking uncovered on high or transfer to the stove uncovered and the liquid will evaporate as it simmers.
Stir in the grated cheese and taste for salt. Something missing? Add salt.
Serve with fresh herbs, grated cheese, and crushed pepper if desired.
Notes
Ingredients marked organic are specifically high in pesticides when grown conventionally
Variations: Add organic leafy greens, and ANY cooked meat to change it up.
This is hearty enough to serve as a main course and can be stretched by serving over rice or Non-GMO polenta
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
Isn’t it awesome when you find a tasty recipe that only requires a few ingredients?
Check your spice cabinet for ground cumin and smoked paprika…
Not in there? Go and get some!
These two spices are at the very top of my list. Cumin gives you that warm taco meat flavor, and smoked paprika gives you a smokey red pepper kick!
That’s basically all you need for this recipe. And the star ingredient?
My favorite meat: Lamb.
Besides the superior flavor, do you know what’s so great about lamb? Lamb is not as mass produced as beef, chicken, and pork, so you can be sure the lamb you are buying is almost always living a good life…which means it’s healthier for us to eat. When you see New Zealand on the lamb label, that tells you the lamb was eating grass just like nature intended. This means that the meat is higher in omega 3’s and lower in the inflammatory omega 6’s (compared to animals fed grain).
Sheep Farming in New Zealand (Wikipedia)
What do we do with this super easy, 3 ingredient spice rub????
You can use this spice rub on lamb chops, kabobs, and mix it into lamb burgers. But the easiest preparation (which I choose to make time and time again) is to get some diced, trimmed, leg of lamb, marinate for 30+ minutes in this spice rub, and give it a quick sear in a hot pan.
Longevity Tip: Choose your oil, or what I like to call “cooking fat” wisely. Oils that have lower smoke points (temperatures at which they break down) will release dangerous stressors in the body…so it’s important to choose specific cooking fats for high heat cooking! I give you many options in the recipe notes, but just grab a bottle of avocado oil if you want something pour-able and easy to use. Want to understand more about fats and their smoke points? Read this
If you want to make lamb kebabs, ask the butcher for a boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and cubed into 1.5 inch pieces. They’ll do it for you, so just ask! The trimming is important because the fat won’t have time to cook when you are using a high heat method like the grill. Coat the meat in the spice rub about 30 minutes before hitting the grill, and let it marinate at room temperature. When skewering the meat, it is best to do the meat on its own, with space between each piece of meat. I know it looks pretty mixed with vegetables (like Jamie Oliver’s version below), but make it worth your money and cook it properly. Space between the meat allows each piece to cook more evenly, and there aren’t any veggies getting in the way either. On a hot grill, you cook the meat for just a few minutes max, per side. If you have big pieces of meat, you’ll have to find a cooler spot on the grill so the spices don’t burn before it’s cooked. Pull the lamb off when it’s medium rare! It will continue to cook when it cools, and you want it to be tender.
The inspiration for my spiced lamb came from Jamie Olivers Marinated Lamb Kebabs Recipe. I made the kebabs for a party, and people were goin’ crazy for them! I mean, we went through 10 lbs of New Zealand Lamb in no time! 3 people asked me for the lamb recipe, so I knew I had to post it on my blog one day. I originally altered Jamie Oliver’s recipe by simplifying the ingredient list…using only cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. It was a huge hit, and I never turned back.
I made it the past few times with a locally sourced lamb stew/kebab meat from Seven Sons Farms. Seven Sons Farms distributes and deliveries responsibly raised meat from farms all over the midwest! Check it out if you live in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Kentucky.
Buying from a local farm can mean a little more fat trimming at home. You can see here the before and after photo of lamb I trimmed.
You want this lamb to be tender, and succulent, and worth every penny. That’s why we trim. The fatty white tissue will be too chewy in this quick-cooking method. I saved all the fat and scraps for a tomato sauce (just sear the fat, add garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and cook partially covered for an hour, stirring occasionally). These small cubes of lean meat I ended up with are perfect for a quick sear in the pan.
Are you ready to make the quick and easy version of my 3 Ingredient Spice-Crusted Lamb?
This lamb, or any meat for that matter, goes perfectly with chimichurri sauce. The vinegar and bold flavors are perfect for this spicy smoky masterpiece. I LOVE it with a cilantro based chimichurri because the cilantro is strong enough to stand up to the lamb. Try and make your own chimichurri with my recipe template here. You can make this fresh Argentinian sauce in so many different ways, and I show you how in this build-your-own Chimichurri recipe!
Tag me in your lamb photos on facebook or instagram @mylongevitykitchen #mylongevitykitchen
3 Ingredient Spice-Crusted Lamb
2015-09-29 11:57:30
Serves 2
An unexpected combination of cumin and smoked paprika makes this 3 ingredient lamb so easy and satisfying. People will be asking for your recipe! I show you how to make it quickly in a hot pan so you can have a lamb dinner on the table in 5 minutes!
1 lb leg of LAMB, 1 inch cubes trimmed of most visible fat (see notes for variations)
Instructions
Check to be sure your lamb is cut into about 1 inch pieces, and trimmed of most the white fat and tissue.
Mix all of the ingredients together EXCEPT the lamb, and make a spice paste to coat the lamb.
Add the lamb and rub the marinade all over. Let it sit, partially covered for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature, or longer in the fridge (bring back to room temp before cooking).
Heat a heavy pan over high heat, or heavy duty foil on a hot grill. Add a little avocado oil or other high heat cooking fat to the pan a minute before you are ready to drop in the lamb.
Add the marinated lamb to the hot pan letting it sear on one side for 1 minute.
Flip the lamb pieces using tongs or a spatula and leave for 1 more minute to sear another side of the meat.
Pull out a smaller piece and check for doneness. I usually transfer all of the meat to a plate after only 2 minutes of cooking! It will continue to cook as it rests.
Sprinkle with a little salt when done cooking, serve with potatoes or rice, and chimichurri sauce if desired (see previous post or links above in this article)
Notes
Lamb Cuts: You can use this spice rub on lamb chops, kebabs, and mix it into lamb burgers. See this blog post article for kebab instructions.
Cooking Fats for High Heat: Ghee, macadamia nut oil, palm oil, palm shortening, beef tallow
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
Trees help us live longer. They actualize our lives.
Articles are everywhere now citing research that actually proves trees, and plants, make us substantially healthier. More and more workplaces are integrating into them into their work spaces in an effort to improve productivity, for example the Office Plants designed and installed by phs Greenleaf are particularly popular. It is also trendy to have plenty of plants in your home, but when it comes to trees you have to venture outside into the great unknown to reap their health benefits.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that trees help people live longer, healthier, happier lives-to the tune of $6.8 billion in averted health costs annually in the U.S., according to research published this week. And we’re only beginning to understand the nature and magnitude of their tree-benevolence… New research says the closer you can live to trees, the better off you are. ”
James Hamblin, The Atlantic (2014, July 29). The Health Benefits of Trees
Eucalyptus Tree in Hawaii
Ready for a nice long hike
Hiking in Hawaii
Incredible trees in Hawaii
The HUGE Banyan Tree in Waikiki
In Japan they even do something called…
‘”Shinrin-yoku“, which can be defined as “taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing”, has been receiving increasing attention in Japan in recent years for its capacity to provide relaxation and reduce stress.’
“The results of [forest] walking experiments provided similar results…demonstrated that immune function was enhanced by forest therapy in middle-aged employees who volunteered to participate in these experiments. Natural killer cell activity, an indicator of immune function, was enhanced by 56% on the second day and returned to normal levels. A significant increase of 23% was maintained for 1 month even after returning to urban life, clearly illustrating the preventive benefits of forest therapy. ”
“Now, research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health, so make the most of your garden if you don’t already, you could even invest in some portable buildings to use as summer houses so that you’re still sheltered and warm, but taking in the beauty of the nature around you and getting that much needed fresh air. If you do opt for getting a portable building to help with your plants, Pro-Tect Plastics can provide the proper wraps for them. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that’s also free…While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. In one study, increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip lasted for more than 30 days. Japanese researchers are currently exploring whether exposure to forests can help prevent certain kinds of cancer.”
If you haven’t heard the story about how my family ended up in the Country, then it’s time I tell you…
My husband Eric and I loved the city (notice the past tense…okay, we still have a place for the city in our hearts, but it’s not the same kinda love). We loved living in all the action and right where the newest restaurants and bars were popping up on every corner. Living in a beautiful high-rise condo, on the 21st floor, we still had this feeling that something was missing. We thought maybe it was because we needed a dog. So, of course, we adopted a 10-week old puppy named Koa.
We spent much of our time training Koa to be a loving, well-behaved dog (still working on that; she’s sweet, but a little nuts). I loved taking her for 1 or 2 hour walks in Chicago, in hopes of giving her the life she deserved. I noticed quickly that there wasn’t a single place I could walk Koa on the grass. She loved the grass! But, get this: dogs aren’t allowed on the grass in the city! Honestly, there’s not much grass at all, and there aren’t many trees either.
This experience with our dog is what really planted the “country seed”. It started to hit me and Eric at the same time! Now, imagine being Eric; he grew up around lush plants and natural elements, in Hawaii, well into his 20’s. As for myself, I can think back to the times I would relieve daily stress by rollerblading in the forest preserve where I grew up.
There’s something about nature that you can’t quite explain, but we NEED it.
Seeing my dog roll around in the grass, like a pig in the mud, was a HUGE wake-up call for me.
All across the generations passed, and the millions of years we’ve existed as a species, we have lived our lives as one with nature! Amongst nature. Surrounded by nature. Guided by nature.
Most of us are so far removed from nature now that we think it’s disgusting to step foot outside without our shoes on (Hi. I’m raising my hand here too because this was me up until just about a year ago).
Welllll, fast-forward a couple of years, and we decided to make the leap. We left the city. We found an amazing home, tucked away in the woods, inside 10 acres of wild oak-wood forests; and we’re only 45 minutes from Chicago.
Life is good.
We have a new sense of purpose. A new satisfaction in life. An all-around good feeling.
It’s like we’ve been reborn…we have so much to learn, so much to be grateful for, and we’re surrounded by wonder.
This recipe will save any dish that goes wrong in your kitchen.
It’s a game changer.
I’m talkin’ about a flavor-packed meal in the blink of an eye. With this sauce you can transform just about anything. Trust me, people will be asking for seconds.
I’ve been making chimichurri for many years now. My husband fell in love with chimichurri long before he met me because he spent some time in Brazil. Together, years later, we dined at a famous Argentinian steak house in Chicago, called Tango Sur (white tablecloth, Argentinian staff, no reservations, and BYOB!). Tango Sur serves up steaks the size of the dinner plate, and along-side is a bowl of this glorious tangy garlicky sauce: Chimichurri.
Thank you Argentina, for bringing this to the American table.
Basically, Chimichurri is like a vinegary pesto, without the cheese or nuts. It is herbs, fresh and dried, with garlic, vinegar, plenty of oil, water, sometimes lime, and peppers, onions, and spices.
What do I serve it with?
Almost ANYTHING. This stuff is like money in the bank. It will last in your fridge for weeks, and kick all your dishes up about ten notches. Try it with any seafood, any meat, and as a dip or salad dressing. Saute shrimp and greens in this sauce, or just pour it over the finished product. One of my favorite things to do with chimichurri is a quick tomato salad – especially when I am serving something with chimichurri already – putting it in the salad dressing just ties the whole meal together. And it’s so fast and easy!
I made this recipe BUILD-YOUR-OWN because you can truly customize it to your liking. I love making chimichurri with Cilantro…but honestly? That’s not really chimichurri. The authentic version would not use cilantro. BUT WE LOVE IT! It’s fun to combine cilantro and parsley in different quantities. And it’s great to be able to swap out ingredients according to what you already have on hand!
The best part is there are two ways to actually make this. You can do it by hand, chopping everything real fine, just like they would in an Argentinian kitchen; or you can use a food processor like we do in the modern world because we like everything to be FAST AND EASY! Am I wrong?
Spiced Lamb with Chimichurri
Authentic Version by Hand
Authentic Version by Hand
Cilantro Base, in Food Processor
Food Processor Version
Garnished Food Processor Version
I would like to take a moment to send a shout out to the Italian man who started The Slow Movement, in 1986. From the farming of the food, to the preparation in our homes, to the time we finish eating; food should be cherished. Time should nearly stand still.
Food is a wonderful thing, especially when it’s made with your own two hands.
Go on and rock this recipe out whichever way you’d like. Don’t be afraid to try new things, ask questions, and taste as you go! And look at my notes at the bottom of the recipe for some great ideas for serving and storing this sauce!
Tag @mylongevitykitchen on Instagram or Facebook, or #mylongevitykitchen.
Build-Your-Own-Chimichurri
2015-08-28 13:17:50
Yields 1
This vinegary herb based sauce is so versatile already. But this recipe makes it more versatile than ever! Build-your-own Argentinian-style chimichurri based on what you have on hand! Chop it up the old fashioned way, or blend it in the food processor to save time. You pick the ingredients, and you pick the method!
FRESH OR DRIED OREGANO, MARJORAM, or THYME. ¼ Cup Fresh OR 1 Tbsp Dried (oregano is traditionally used)
1 tsp each SALT & PEPPER
1/3 Cup ANY Combination of WINE VINEGAR and/or Lime Juice (Red Wine Vinegar is traditionally used)
2-4 Tbsp WATER
3-4 Cups loosely packed FRESH PARSLEY OR CILANTRO or ANY COMBINATION of these herbs (Parsley is traditional, Cilantro is a flavor explosion)
¾ Cup EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Optional Additions
1 FRESH HOT PEPPER OR ½ BELL PEPPER, minced
½ SHALLOT OR ¼ ONION, minced
2 teaspoons CRUSHED RED PEPPER
1 teaspoon PAPRIKA
Directions to Make By Hand (traditional method, rustic sauce, beautiful finish)
Mince all of the garlic, fresh herbs, and any onions or peppers.
To take the edge off the garlic (and onion if using), mix all base ingredients except for the parsley/cilantro and olive oil, PLUS now you will add your “optional add-ins”. Let this mixture soak for 30 minutes room temp or longer in the fridge (overnight is fine). You may also add the herbs now, which is more traditional, but the bright green herbs will turn a dull color. To save time you can skip this step and add everything at once.
Add the herbs and 3/4 cup of olive oil.
Taste and decide if the vinegar is too strong for your taste. You can add up to 2 more tablespoons of water (when you use mostly parsley, you will want to add more water; cilantro can stand up to the vinegar much better). Taste for salt, and Enjoy!
Keep this in a jar in the fridge for weeks. See notes for more ideas.
Directions to Make in Food Processor (less chopping by hand, smoother sauce)
If using food processor, still roughly chop the garlic, onion and fresh pepper to assist in proper mixing.
To take the edge off the garlic, mix all of the base ingredients EXCEPT the fresh herbs and olive oil, PLUS the “optional add-ons”. Let this mixture rest for 30 minutes at room temp, or longer in the fridge (overnight is fine). To save time you can skip the step of resting 30 minutes.
Add the fresh herbs to the food processor and pulse just a few times.
Now add everything else to the food processor and turn it on for literally a second, just to mix. For a creamier sauce you can add everything EXCEPT the olive oil, and pour it into the machine while it is running. This will thicken the sauce a bit, and really blend it smooth.
Taste if you like the strong vinegar flavor, or add up to two tablespoons of water (using parsley calls for more water, but cilantro can stand up to the vinegar better). Taste for salt, and enjoy!
Keep this in a jar in the fridge for weeks. See notes for more ideas.
Notes
My Favorite version is mostly cilantro, some parlsey, and some fresh oregano. I mix red wine vinegar and lime juice, and blend in the food processor. The flavor is insane!
You can even freeze chimichurri in ice cube trays. Once they are frozen, transfer to a freezer bag, and then use them to add flavor to dinner whenever you want!
Try it as a Salad dressing
Boil/Steam Potatoes and toss with Chimichurri for a killer potato salad
Amazing with any type of fish or meat
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
They make statements like “the low-carb interpretation of the paleolithic menu is probably all wrong. The researchers posit that our cavemen and cavewoman ancestors loved-and needed-carbs as much as we do, even if they gathered them instead of cultivated them.”
I agree with most of the points they are making, and so will most Paleo dieters. If you google “Paleo Diet” you’ll see long lists of foods you CAN’T eat, and all these strict guidelines. You’ll also see plates full of t-bones and bacon. Then, when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the most notable leaders in this ancestral health movement (such as Chris Kresser, Mark Sisson, and Robb Wolf) will say there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to the Paleo diet, and white potatoes, for instance, are more than okay for anyone with healthy blood sugar regulation. Most Paleo advocates focus on eating as many vegetables as we can; veggies first, meat second. Oh, and note to all: veggies are carbs.
I follow the Perfect Health Diet which is a variation of the Paleo Diet, also based on history and science. This diet focuses on maximizing nutrients and minimizing toxins; preventing disease. Most of our ancestors thrived on a paleolithic diet which included tubers and white rice. Our ancestors have a massive part to play in how our lives have been, however, over time food has changed and the way of living has dramatically provided a different world to what it used to be, in fact, we can only go so far back in our family histories with the surname meaning and origin of us individually, as there have been an unchecked amount of changes. We do know though that the way they ate did help them greatly, and we should be implementing that in this day and age.
So, I am not “low-carb”, and I think many Paleo dieters are the same way. Depending what your goals are – weight loss, fighting disease, healing from autoimmunity, or overall good health – you will not eat the same Paleo diet as another. In fact, one’s version of the Paleo diet may change several times in their own life, in order to suit their current needs (like when I HAVE switched to low carb, for a brief period, to stimulate weight loss). And others have done the same. I heard from one friend that they decided to add some more weed into their diet. She tells me she found more information by deciding to read more at West Coast Cannabis’s website. Apparently, this further stimulated weight loss. But I am more focused on just the Paleo diet. I’m well aware that many people change their diets or their exercise regimes to help ensure that they focus on any weight loss they are looking to achieve. This can be harder for some people than it is for others, and that is just how things are. Once you’ve managed to achieve your weight loss goals, then you should start to feel an overwhelming feeling of relief, until you may realize that you’ve been left with excess skin and fat. This is the last thing that you should have to worry about as there are many things that you can do to help get the figure that you are looking for. Some people might decide to try something similar to this tummy tuck in Newport Beach, CA to see if this is the best option for them to help them feel confident again. This is just one of the many side effects that the Paleo diet and other diets can bring to a person. But they definitely help people to receive their desired effects.
The Media should look through a wider lense, and they will see there is so much more to Paleo than at first glance. The diet they are referring to is NOT the Paleo Diet that most of us believe in, and practice. Besides, Paleo is much more than a diet.
The biggest mistake people make with kale salad is when they don’t massage or marinate the kale! Don’t make this mistake. No one actually enjoys chewing on this fibrous raw veggie without a little help.
Looking for a way to get fermented foods into your diet??? This is a great way to do it. Mixing it into a salad is a sure-fire sneak-attack that will have you singing “Sauerkraut” in no time. Try it!
And onto the delicious, easy, make-ahead, keep-em beggin’ marinated kale salad recipe!
Asian Marinated Kale & Kraut Salad
2015-06-10 23:06:10
Serves 2
This makes a great make-ahead lunch or side dish! Give raw kale the love it deserves and massage and marinate it before you're ready to chow down. The combination of sesame oil, tangy sauerkraut, hard boiled egg, and sesame seeds works perfectly here.
2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (you can experiment with white wine vinegar or lime)
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
2 teaspoons Oil of your choice (I used homemade chili olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil are also good choices)
1 Tablespoon Coconut Sugar (Coconut Aminos would be great here too)
½ Tablespoon Water
½ teaspoon each of fine sea salt and black pepper
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional; and chinese mustard, or wasabi are great subs)
Salad
1 Head Curly Kale, stemmed and ripped into 2-3 inch pieces (these vary in size, so start with less and add more once you see how much marinade is left)
2-4 Tbsp Sauerkraut or Tsukemono (Tsukemono is the same as traditional sauerkraut but without the caraway. Your ingredients should say cabbage and sea salt only; feel free to experiment with other flavors)
2 Hard Boiled Eggs, sliced or diced
*Sesame Seeds, or Furikake, or Seaweed Gomasio (see notes for more info)
Instructions
Mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl big enough for the kale
Add the kale and toss to combine
Now, take your hands and get in there, squeezing the kale to break down the fibrous texture and work in the dressing
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave at room temp for 2-3 hours, or refrigerate overnight. This salad gets better with time...even days!
When you are ready to eat the salad, mix in 1-2 Tablespoons of Sauerkraut per serving.
Then add the egg. Go ahead and mix it in for a wonderfully messy combination of textures (I kept it pretty for the photos)
Drizzle your salad with a little extra olive oil or chili oil, and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, or Furikake, or Seaweed Gomasio. Crushed Chili Flakes will be great too!
Notes
*Search Furikake or Seaweed Gomasio on Amazon.com, and buy one if you haven’t tried it! It’s awesome with eggs, rice, soup, and anything Japanese or Korean. The healthier versions are only a few ingredients: Nori flakes, Sesame Seeds, and Sea Salt.
This serves 2 people for lunch, but will serve many more as a side dish.
Tag me in your photos on IG @mylongevitykitchen and #mylongevitykitchen
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By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
If you don’t have canned fish in your pantry then I might assume
one of two things…
Either you don’t know anything tasty to make with them, or you think canned fish is gross. This recipe can change your mind in both of those scenarios, so let’s…
BUILD YOUR OWN TUNA SALAD!
Most people think of tuna salad like potato salad and cole slaw…it’s always creamy. That is not true! Many ethnicities use these foods to make bright and refreshing salads just like the tuna salad I am introducing here. I decided to make this recipe “build-your-own” because there are so many different ways you can go! It’s such an awesome recipe to make when you are out of ingredients, and even out of time! I bring this over to friend’s houses for a quick party appetizer, and people always love it. Grab whatever you’ve got, and use my recipe template to build your own delicious salad. ………………………………….
We should really take a minute and talk about how many different canned tunas there are.
Too many! Well most of them are pretty crappy. They are overcooked, packaged with extra liquid, and even artificial flavors. Some tuna fish are much larger than other tuna and will have a higher mercury content. For many of these reasons above, I have switched over to Wild Planet Tuna. It’s cooked once, packed in it’s own juices (no water or oil), and they fish for smaller fish! Their white anchovies and sardines are the best I have ever had too. My pantry is always stocked with those.
BUT WAIT …
There’s a brand new tuna in town! And it sounds like it is far superior than anything available to consumers before. It is by a brand called SAFE CATCH. 100% of the Safe Catch tuna is tested for mercury levels (with their finest tuna being 10 times less mercury than the FDA limit). The fish is packed raw, and they have tested 70 cooking methods to find the perfect result for the final product. WOW! Safe Catch found me on Instagram and is sending me some free sample. I am pumped! I will probably order right now anyways…sales just started online. So go ahead and get the safest tuna around! It’s between $3.50 and $4.50 a can.
I think it’s time to build your own tuna salad!
Try this salad recipe with crab, and any other canned/cooked fish you like! Let me know how it goes! Tag me on IG @mylongevitykitchen #mylongevitykitchen
Build-Your-Own Tuna Salad
2015-04-13 16:31:24
Yields 2
Using bright herbs, briney goodies, and crunchy veggies, we are really setting a higher standard for canned tuna salads here. This easy tuna salad template will have you rockin' out a refreshing tuna salad with whatever you have in your fridge and pantry! Perfect for lunch or appetizers. See recipe notes for tons of ideas!
5 oz Tuna preferably packed in its own juices, or drained
1.5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1/4 Cup Sliced Scallions/Green Onions (or 1 Tbsp minced red onion or shallots)
Sea Salt & Black Pepper
Customizable Ingredients
CHOOSE YOUR ACID. 1-2 Tablespoons of acid like Lemon, Red Wine Vinegar, White Wine Vinegar, White Balsamic, Distilled Vinegar, Sherry Vinegar (almost any acid will work for this!)
CHOOSE YOUR PICKLED BRINY GOODIES. 1-2 Tbsp Capers, or chop any of the following and use up to a 1/4 cup: Olives, Pickles, Pickled Peppers, Caper Berries.
CHOOSE YOUR SAUERKRAUT. 1-2 Tbsp of your favorite Kraut! I suggest any basic Cabbage, Raddish, or Beet Sauerkraut; Not Kimchi
CHOOSE YOUR FRESH VEGGIES. 1/2 Cup Fresh Crunchy Veggies, diced small or sliced thinly. Try Celery, Raddish, Fennel, Carrot, Jalapeno, Cabbage, etc…, in any combination)
CHOOSE YOUR HERBS. 1 Tbsp minced Fresh Herbs (parlsey, cilantro, oregano, basil) + 1/8 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano are best)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, mix together the Olive Oil, Garlic, Onions, and 1 Tbsp of your chosen acid, with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Now, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Taste for extra acid, if you prefer.
Eat right away, or refrigerate and enjoy in the next 3 days.
See Notes for many different serving ideas.
Notes
Serves 2 for lunch, 6 for an appetizer.
Serving ideas
Put a heaping scoop on top of mixed greens, and you instantly have an entrée salad.
Wrap it in romaine lettuce leaves and eat it like a taco.
This tuna salad is fantastic alongside a scoop of cottage cheese or an avocado.
Serve small scoops inside raddichio or "cabbage bowls" with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Serve like a dip. Add a tablespoon more of oil, and a dash of acid (or a spoonful of mayo) to help thin out the salad, and serve it in a bowl surrounded by sticks of celery, endive spears, or anything you'd like to dip! Keep a small spoon or fork in the salad to make it easier on your guests. (I often make this to bring to parties at the last minute, when I need to throw something together)
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
A good bowl of chili is like a warm hug in front of the fireplace…and a GREAT bowl of chili is homemade and packed with veggies!!!
Chili can be so flexible. So forgiving. It can be fast or slow, meaty or vegan. It can be thick or stewy, spicy or mild. It can be a one pot meal, a crock pot meal, and it freezes perfectly for your convenience. I just HAD to make this recipe “Build-Your-Own”.
This is not a precise recipe that you have to adhere to. You don’t have to run out and shop for the ingredients. You can make the chili spice blend from scratch, or you can cheat and skip a few steps (see recipes at the bottom). You can choose your favorite veggies and meat, or just use whatever you’ve already got! I love it on a bed of spaghetti squash…
I have made this chili several times this winter, and it’s perfect every time.
Longevity Tips…
What kind of meat will you use? Chili enthusiasts will argue which cuts of meat are appropriate for chili.
I say anything goes!
This is a great opportunity for you to cook with grass-fed beef or bison if you don’t already. The grass-fed ground beef can be found for as low as $3/lb, and the bison may be expensive, but in this veggified chili dish you will be stretching that $8/lb ground bison into 4-6 meals! Bison is more wild, and has even more longevity benefits than grass-fed beef. You may also use grass-fed beef stew meat diced small, chuck roast/pot roast diced small in 1/2 inch pieces. You can change it up entirely and go with some organic ground turkey or chicken…although I always suggest ruminant meats (grass grazing mammals: cows, lambs, bison, and goats) over poultry because they are more nutritious.
Now…WHY NO BEANS?? You might be thinking beans will add bulk for less buck; but that’s not the way I look at beans or legumes.
I look at beans or legumes as a specialty item you should be cooking with only if you take the time to prepare them the old-fashioned way.
You’ve probably seen few recipes that instruct you to soak the beans overnight. Soaking beans and legumes overnight (grains too), is the proper way to treat these foods in order to ensure proper digestion and mineral absorption. Not until the last 30-50 years have we been in such a hurry to skip this crucial step required to cook nutritious legumes. When you use beans in the can, you can be sure they were not soaked or cooked properly. They can cause digestive distress and block the absorption of all those beneficial minerals they are known to contain. So, only use those canned beans when you are in a bind! And take the time to learn more about cooking your beans. Soaking overnight sounds hard, but it’s hands free and only takes a little planning! Read more about the big legume debate here, from my favorite myth busting expert Chris Kresser
Bushels of organically grown tomatoes from my friends at Smits Farms in IL/IN
Lastly, lets take a minute to recognize the star of this dish. The cooked tomatoes.
Tomatoes, like other fruit, multiply in nutrients when you cook them. And the longer you cook them, the more nutrtients they will provide you! “Just 30 minutes of cooking can more than double their lycopene content,” and lycopene is the cancer-fighting, skin-enhancing compound that makes tomatoes red! Start cooking with organic tomato paste for the big win. This concentrated form of tomatoes has up to 10 times the lycopene of raw tomatoes!
Time out.
If you aren’t already buying organic tomatoes, you should start right now. Standard tomatoes are sprayed with some of the highest levels of herbicides/pesticides being used. These chemicals are “classified as ‘bad actors’ by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). A “bad actor” is a chemical that is toxic, promotes cancer in lab tests and animal studies, interferes with reproduction, or contaminates the environment.”
And skip the traditional cans because they are lined with all sorts of chemicals that tomatoes leach from (even if they are BPA free). Go for glass jars or cartons of organic tomato products.
“But Marisa! They’re wayyyy too expensive!”
Everything healthy is expensive if you buy it at regular price. I stock up on organic tomato products when they are on sale. You can often get glass jars around $3 a piece or less! Keep your eyes peeled and start stocking up (hello Costco). It is worth it people. Why use a cancer-fighting food if you are going to burden your body with loads of chemicals at the same time? I heart organic tomatoes.
It’s Time To Cook…
This is the type of dish you make on a Sunday when you might be interrupted a million times while cooking, you are feeling kinda lazy, and you want to make a dish worthy of family praise. Although very simple, this is the type of dish you have to prep the ingredients first!You cannot chop-as-you-go! This might sound a little troublesome, but it’s actually to your advantage in many ways. You can chop all the veggies up to a day in advance. Consider making a triple batch of chili seasoning in the recipe below, and use it later to give anything a spicy, smokey, warming flavor.
Veggie Prep: Onion Carrot Celery Turnip
Veggie Prep: Bell Pepper, Jalapeno, Kale
The Time I Added Dried Chiles
The Yummy Spices All Mixed In
Because this recipe is so chillaxed, you will need to get your salt and pepper arsenal ready and spice this chili with some intention! We will likely use different broths, different meats, or different tomatoes, different veggies; our salt is probably different types or grain sizes, and we may even be using different spices! For that reason, I cannot tell you how much salt you need; I can only guide you.
OH! ANDBUY YOURSELF A SALT CROCK ALREADY!
Stop using the salt shaker from the table, and get real chef! You need to be picking up the salt with three fingers, and sprinkling it over your food like they do on TV. That’s how you get your food to taste good! Buy a salt crock, buy a bag of fine sea salt, and start practicing your salt showers today! P.S. It is almost impossible to get too much sodium in your diet when the food is homemade and you use sea salt.
Now that you are armed and ready to make a pot of longevity chili, you better get goin! Tag me in your delicious photos, and tell me how it goes! @mylongevitykitchen #mylongevitykitchen
Build-Your-Own No-Bean Chili
2015-03-10 17:04:45
Serves 4
You'll find it hard to believe that 8 cups of veggies are jam packed into this no-bean chili. With the combination of grass-fed meats, slow cooked tomatoes, all those veggies, and homemade spice blends, you can really deliver the nutrition in this old-time family favorite. AND with this flexible recipe, you can customize it to your liking! Try it with different veggies, different meats, the slow-cooker method, and build-your-own spice blend. I've laid it all out for you in this DIY chili template.
1 tsp TURMERIC (optional, brightens the red color in chili)
½ tsp GROUND MUSTARD(optional)
½ tsp CHIPOTLE Powder, or any Hot Chile Powder like cayenne (optional for spicy food lovers; Chipotle adds smoky flavor)
Cheater Chili Powder (if you reallllly don't want to make the above recipe)
4 Tbsp CHILI Powder
½ Tbsp GARLIC Powder
½ Tbsp ONION Powder
1 tsp CUMIN
Veggie Prep
4 Cups HARD VEGGIES, diced (any combination of Onions, Celery, Carrots, Turnip, Rutabaga, Squash; I suggest 1 cup of onions, 1 cup of carrots, and any combo for the last 2 cups)
3 Cups of LEAFY GREENS (any combo of any combination of kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collards, or spinach)
4 Cloves GARLIC, peeled and chopped at least 10 minutes before cooking (activates anti-cancer properties)
COOKING FAT, for High Heat (e.g. palm oil, ghee, avocado oil, organic lard, palm shortening, bacon fat)
1 lb Grass-fed/Organic MEAT (e.g. grass-fed ground beef, grass-fed stew meat diced 1/2 inch small, organic/pastured ground turkey or chicken, and my favorite is ground grass-fed bison)
1 batch of Longevity Chili SEASONING (approximately ½ Cup or as measured above)
40 oz Organic canned/jar TOMATOES (approximately 4-5 cups; you may used diced, peeled, crushed, or I prefer whole peeled tomatoes smashed)
1.5 Cups Bone BROTH or Stock (beef or chicken)
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare your chili seasoning blend, and prep all of your vegetables.
If cooking with the old-fashioned stove-top method, continue to step 4.
If using the crockpot/slow-cooker, throw all of the ingredients in and set timer for Low (8 hrs) or High, (5 hrs) depending on your schedule. Use the browning method if your cooker has one, and brown the meat first for more flavor. If you like a thicker chili, transfer to the stove top for 10 minutes at a light simmer, uncovered and most of the liquid will reduce. See notes for toppings!
Heat a stock pot with 2 Tbsp of cooking fat.
When it's hot, add your meat, and season with salt and pepper. You should hear the meat sizzle.
When the meat is browned on all sides, remove it with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
Now add 2 more Tbsp of COOKING FAT, turn the heat to high, and throw in your 4 cups of the HARD VEGGIES (onions, carrots, etc...)
SEASON with salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
ADD GARLIC and LEAFY GREENS. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add your MEAT and your longevity CHILI SEASONING, and stir. Can you smell the lovely spices?
When the spice mixture aroma fills the air, about 1 or 2 minutes, you will add the TOMATOES and the bone BROTH/stock.
Stir and bring everything to a simmer. Stir again and REDUCE HEAT to low, COVER PARTIALLY and set a timer for 30 minutes (partially covering it allows liquid to evaporate, and your chili to thicken).
ADD your diced PEPPERS and 1 TBSP SALT, partially cover, and set timer for 15 more minutes.
Uncover and STIR. If your chili is soupy, simmer for 10 more minutes uncovered. Taste for salt, and serve. See notes below for yummy toppings!
Notes
Suggested Chili Toppings include scallions, fresh jalapenos, cilantro, pickled peppers, organic sour cream or yogurt, diced avocado, and guacamole.
Stretch this dinner by serving over spaghetti squash or rice that is seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper.
This recipe is freezer friendly.
Tag me in your photos! @mylongevitykitchen #mylongevitykitchen
By Marisa Moon
My Longevity Kitchen https://mylongevitykitchen.com/
You deserve to have a guide by your side as you navigate the steps it takes to become a healthier you.
Together we’ll find the ideal combination of challenges, accountability, and structure that you need to make it work and reach your goals.
Learn more about my coaching style—I’m relatable and realistic, and I combine health coaching with life coaching—and book your free consultation here at marisamoon.com
Introducing InstaRecipes by My Longevity Kitchen: I call these InstaRecipes because the complete recipe is posted onto my instagram feed, and more importantly, they are short and to the point! You can count on InstaRecipe posts to be a brief description moving right into the recipe. I know you are in a hurry! So let's get to it!
These 3 sweet-potato-yammy-thingies are all quite different. My favorite is probably the Hannah (blonde on the far right), or Japanese (redhead in the center). Hannah is probably the least sweet of them all, and truly tastes like a cross between a yukon and a yam. The Japanese sweet potato in the center is sort of squash like, but still with a mild sweet potato sweetness. 
