Healthy vegetarian Rueben, tomato/goat cheese salad, and juices galore...

Hey babes!!

Miss you guys!  I've been so bleh the past few days.  Allergies are the worst; I don't know about you, but they really drain me.  Stay tuned for allergy blogs as I am going to soon embark on a journey to relieve allergy symptoms holistically.

Since I got my juicer last week, I've been a human juicing machine.  3 people asked me if I was pregnant on Sunday!!!  (it's the glow from the juices!)  I just told Natalie - I've never bought so many veggies and fruits as I have in the last few weeks, mostly in the past week.  It's incredible.  And I can see my skin clearing rapidly.  And my eyes are getting whiter.  Though allergies will prevent them from being Kardashian-white.  *rolls eyes*

On to the food!!

Tomato/Goat cheese salad:
Anyway, Little Miss Hailey: for you - chop a bunch of tomatoes (Roma or cherry), add cubed goat cheese (we have a good local brand here in Vermont), do a swirling round of balsamic vinegar, and a few short drips of EVOO.  Add a little sea salt and pepper and even some diced fresh organic basil.

The benefits of tomatoes are high: they are anti-inflammatory, they are high in potassium (keeps your electrolytes balanced and promotes good circulation), they have lycopene (great against UV damage), and they contain Vitamin E which helps maintain healthy, moisturized skin and scalp.  Goat cheese, compared to something like Cheddar, has less calories and half the sodium.

Vegetarian Rueben's with an added kick:
Okay, this is my new fave meal.  I don't always have much of an appetite for solid food and this is one that I can almost always eat.  What you'll need:

-Veggie burgers (my fave is Morningstar Garden Veggie)
-Mayo, ketchup, relish, tumeric, and pepper (for the 1,000 island dressing)
-rye bread or gluten free bread (Vermont Bread Company or Udi's)
-swiss cheese
-kimchi (we have a good local brand here in VT)

First, pre-bake your patties, but not all the way.  Usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Second, make your 1,000 Island dressing.  In a small mason jar (or whatever) mix up your desired amounts of mayo and ketchup (2/3 mayo, 1/3 ketchup maybe).  Then add a tablespoon or more of relish, a few rounds of pepper, and a 1/2 teaspoon of tumeric.  Shake it like a money maker.  (Try to get ketchup that is free of high fructose corn syrup.)

Third, mayo one side of each slice of bread, then put the mayo side down on a cutting board or plate.  Put the veggie patty on one side, then add two thin layers of 1,000 Island in between your swiss cheese and a healthy dose of kimchi.  Load on your second slice, mayo side out, and cook it as you would a grilled cheese.  THIS IS AMAZING.  I also like to dip into extra 1,000 Island.

This sandwich is a great balance of good grains, protein, and fat (from the dressing).  The added benefit of Kimchi is remarkable (vs. sauerkraut).  Kimchi is loaded with Vitamins A and C.  It also, is an excellent source of probiotics which help support healthy gut flora (boosts immunity and helps assimilate nutrients that nourish skin, hair, and nails).  Kimchi aids in digestive function, which relieves gas and bloating (phew!).  And it encourages better elimination, taking a significant burden off of your skin.  Tumeric adds pretty color is is anti-inflammatory.

Okay, that's all the time I have now.  Stay tuned for the juice recipes and their benefits... you'll love them!!  I love you guys!  And let me leave you with a little bit of advice.

Before you worry too much about Secondary Foods (foods that you eat), take a look at your Primary Foods (relationships, career, love, spirituality, exercise, etc.).  You can be the healthiest eater in the world, but if your Primary Food count is in disarray or is being neglected, well no amount of vitamins will be able to feed your soul the way human connection, spirituality, and exercise can.  

Wellness, my loves, is not about just food.  It's about feeding ALL OF YOU.  Feed your soul.  Then nourish your body.  You'll be amazed at the results.  

XOXOXO
Laurie