Creamy Guacamole

Besides being delicious, avocados are very high in potassium, Vitamin A and fiber. One avocado contains 1230 IU of Vitamin A and 1204 mg of potassium, as well as 4 grams of protein and 10 grams of dietary fiber. They are packed full of other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, B1, B2, Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, B6, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium and Iron.

I find this guacamole the perfect way to incorporate hempseed (or flaxseed) oil into my diet. Both types of oil contain high amounts of the essential Omega-3 oils, and since it’s important that you don’t heat the oils, this recipe is perfect. I noticed a marked improvement in my skin and hair health when I started taking hempseed oil. In addition to skin conditions, omega-3 helps with heart disease, depression and fatigue. Flaxseed or hempseed oil is highly recommended for women 35 and older because they are very rich in phytoestrogens.

Ingredients:
1-2 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced (to taste)
1 T flaxseed oil (can substitute hempseed oil or cold-pressed, virgin olive oil)
1 clove garlic, very finely chopped or crushed
1/4 cup kefir or natural acidophilus yogurt (optional, leave out for raw food & vegan versions)
1/2 teas ground cumin
dash of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to taste

Instructions:
Cut avocados in half and scoop the fruit out into a bowl. Remove any bits that are brown or black. Using a fork mash the avocado against the sides of the bowl to break up any big pieces.

Add the lime juice, lemon juice, oil, salt and cumin. Mash with a fork some more until the avocado is creamy.

Add yogurt and garlic and mix in thoroughly.

Serve with wheat-free corn chips or carrot and celery sticks if you’re on a low-carb or raw food diet.

Cooks Tip:
You can store the leftovers in the fridge overnight, the lemon/lime juice ensure that the guacamole will keep it’s color, and the garlic will keep it from going off. The flavor is even better the next day.

About Flaxseed Oil:
Flaxseed oil is one of the superfoods that I consider essential in a healthy diet. But it’s important that you use really high quality flaxseed oil, even though it may cost a bit more than the low quality products, this is one case where buying cheaper is definitely false economy. So when you are shopping for flaxseed oil, sometimes just called flax oil, look for brands that are organic, cold-pressed and stored in the refrigerator rather than on a shop shelf. You should always keep your flax oil in the fridge as well.

If you can’t find high-quality flaxseed oil locally, or you prefer to shop online (saves your fuel and time) here is my recommendation for a good-quality flaxseed oil: Nature’s Bounty Organic Flax Seed Oil, Cold Pressed , 8-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)

Banana Berry Smoothie

This great tasting smoothie is packed full of nutrition. It’s especially high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. The kefir or yogurt contributes acidophilus, to keep your intestinal flora healthy. Using kombucha, instead of dairy makes this a dairy-free, vegan drink.

Note: kefir is much more nutritious and beneficial than yogurt, and making kefir is really easy. Unlike yogurt it can actually colonize the friendly bacteria in your gut. While yogurt contains one or two strains of beneficial bacteria, kefir typically contains many more strains of both beneficial bacteria and yeast, all of which contribute different health benefits.

Ingredients:
1 banana, chopped
1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored, diced
1 kiwifruit
1-2 handfuls frozen strawberries
3/4 cup apple or pineapple juice
1/2 cup organic yogurt, kefir, or kombucha (for a vegan smoothie)

Instructions:
Cut the kiwifruit in half, and using a spoon scoop out the flesh.

Add all ingredients to a blender or smoothie maker. Blend well.

Notes:
Use kombucha for vegan or raw versions of this smoothie.

Serves 2

Peach & Strawberry Smoothie

The delicate hint of rose complements the taste of the strawberries perfectly and really brings out the fruity flavors of this drink. I can’t eat much first thing in the morning, so I’ll often have a smoothie to last me until I can eat a bit more. Tinned peaches and frozen strawberries make this a quick, nutritious drink you can whip up anytime of the year.

Note: kefir is much more nutritious and beneficial than yogurt. Unlike yogurt it can actually colonize the friendly bacteria in your gut. While yogurt contains one or two strains of beneficial bacteria, kefir typically contains many more strains of both beneficial bacteria and yeast, all of which contribute different health benefits. It’s really easy to make kefir.

Ingredients:
1 can peaches, in juice
1 handful strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 to 1-1/2 cup kefir or organic acidophilus yogurt
1 teas bee pollen
1 teas Eau de roses (extract of roses)

Important ingredient notes:
Make sure the peaches are in juice, not syrup, even light syrup – it’s full of sugar and definitely not healthy. Even light syrup really overdoes the sugar and takes away from the flavor of the peaches.

Look for Eau de roses in shops that specialize in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean foods. This is the flavoring that’s commonly used in Turkish delight. If you can’t find any, try substituting natural vanilla essence instead.

Instructions:
Pour the peaches, including their juice and yogurt into a blender. Add bee pollen and rose water. Blend well.

Frozen strawberries will make this a bit thicker and colder than fresh strawberries. You can also add some ice if you want a really cold drink, but not too much or it will mask some of the subtle flavors of this smoothie.

Makes 2 tall smoothies