Healing Benefits of Herbal Teas

November 25, 2015 By Colleen 32 Comments

Healing Benefits of Herbal Teas

In addition to having the healing benefits of herbal teas, they taste good and when you are sick, the warm comfort of tea can make you feel much better. Regular drinking of herbal tea can improve your health as well. Here are a few teas and things to look for when selecting your favorite tea!

First, make sure that you select a tea that is organic or grown without pesticides. You don’t want to undo all of those health benefits by drinking warmed up toxic chemicals! Also make sure that when you are allowing your tea to steep that you cover the pot or cup so that you keep all of the natural oils in the cup and not floating out into the air. Teas that contain caffeine will produce mental alertness, but herbal teas tend to be decaffeinated. This makes them appropriate for drinking any time of day without worry that you will be up all night.

Green tea is full of antioxidants and studies have shown that those compounds help to counteract the growth of tumors. Black tea is caffeinated, but also appears to reduce the effects of smoking on the lungs as well as reducing stroke risk. White tea also has potent antioxidants and may be the most effective of all processed teas.

Here are few ingredients to look for in herbal teas and how they can help you:

Mint – Reduces congestion in someone who has a cold; reduces discomfort and bloating from gas; lessens cramping from diarrhea and stomach upset; relieves nausea.

Ginger – Anti-viral; relieves nausea; warming effect to someone who might have fever and chills; soothing effect on sore throat; reduces the effects of motion sickness.

Chamomile – Sleep inducing; soothes anxiety; reduces nausea and stomach upset; soothes a cough from an irritated throat. Some studies appear to show that chamomile can help reduce the complications caused by diabetes. Chamomile also has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.

Cinnamon – Improves circulation; reduces nausea; reduces gas and stomach discomfort; reduces symptoms of a cold and warms the body if someone is experiencing chills.

Lemongrass – Calms anxiety; said to reduce blood pressure with daily use; improves circulation and reduces fluid retention. Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties.

Clove – Fights infections and eases pain in sore throats; reduces body aches that come from illness. Clove has both antiviral and antifungal properties.

Rooibos (red) tea – This is a South African herb that most often is fermented. This tea also contains compounds that appear to make it a cancer-fighter.

As you can see, herbal teas have the ability to help you not only when you are under the weather, but all year long. You can benefit from these healthy properties with your next cup, it’s just a matter of choosing your favorite ingredients.

Hearty Vegetarian Meals, Big Bowls Online Cooking CLASS CLOSED

November 24, 2015 By Colleen 8 Comments

Martha Rose Shulman is

NO LONGER OFFERING this Class.

It is nice to have online cooking classes these days! If you are thinking of eating vegetarian or plant based, this online cooking class featuring hearty vegetarian meals in Big Bowls! Take your time and let Chef Martha Rose Schulman show you how to cook different kinds of grains and beans to make complete meals. Check out the class information.

Your class includes:

7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
Downloadable class materials, including recipes for six big bowls
Hours of up-close, detailed instruction
Answers from Martha in our virtual classroom

Your Lesson Plan is:

Lesson 1. The Iconic Big Bowl
Lesson 2. Mexican Rice Bowl With Black Beans & Greens
Lesson 3. Farro Bowl With Savory Mushroom Ragout
Lesson 4. Quinoa Bowl With Mediterranean Beets & Greens
Lesson 5. Black Rice Bowl With Mediterranean Peppers
Lesson 6. Wild Rice Bowl With Winter Vegetables
Lesson 7. Moroccan Bulgur Bowl With Vegetables

About your Chef Instructor:

Martha Rose Shulman is a renowned cookbook author and James Beard Award-winning chef. Her food combines pleasure and health, drawing largely from the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Mexico, which are inherently healthy and packed with big flavors. She shares her passion for healthy cooking in her daily “Recipes for Health” feature on nytimes.com and through the more than 25 cookbooks she has authored.

Vegan & Gluten Free Gingerbread Muffins

November 23, 2015 By Colleen 34 Comments

There are a few flavors that are always associated with Christmas – peppermint, egg nog and last but not least, gingerbread. There is no reason that you can’t enjoy gingerbread even if your diet is restricted. These gluten free Gingerbread Muffins are gluten-free, dairy free and vegan. They are delicious and perfect for Christmas morning! I’ve heard these muffins are SO good that they were gone in three days!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These muffins are safe for friends and family – even those with food allergies and sensitivities. They can be made ahead of time, but they are truly marvelous when eaten warm just out of the oven.

Vegan & Gluten Free Gingerbread Muffins

Print Recipe

2 from 1 vote

Gingerbread Muffins Gluten-Free Vegan

These Dairy, Vegan & Gluten Free Gingerbread Muffins are delicious and perfect for Christmas morning or a Christmas eve snack.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Servings: muffins

Calories: 135kcal

Author: My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life

Ingredients

1/3 cup canola oil
½ cup sugar
3 cups gluten-free flour blend of your choice
½ teaspoon xanthan gum
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

Instructions

Grease muffin tin, or line with baking cups
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well blended
Pour into muffin cups, fill each about ¾
Bake 35 – 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean

Notes

Nutritional values based on one muffin

Nutrition

$1500 Holiday Cash Giveaway

November 20, 2015 By Colleen 157 Comments

Oh my goodness! Twas’ the night before Christmas, and all through the house, visions of Holiday Cash dance in my head. No that can’t be right! Twas’ the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Well come check out my house! Snow brings those little critters indoors!

What I do know is that it is only 5 weeks until Christmas. I can’t believe how fast this year has flown by.

Let’s forget the mouse, could you use a helping elf to bring your family some cash for the holidays? I have joined with some bloggers who want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy Holidays to our readers by offering to THREE (3) readers the chance to win $500 each making a total of $1500 being given away!

Terms & Conditions for the $1500 Holiday Cash Giveaway:

This giveaway ends on 12/20/15.
It’s open worldwide, void where prohibited.
There will be three (3) winners of $500 USD which will be paid via PayPal, or gift card of winners choice.
Winners must be 21 years or older to win.
Winners must complete all entries to be entered to win.
Full Lives Reviews will choose a winner no later than 12/24/15 via random.org. The entries will be verified and the winners will be contacted via email.
The winners have 48 hours to respond and claim prize. If the winner doesn’t claim prize within 48 hours their prize will be forfeit and a new winner will be chosen.
By entering this giveaway you are abiding by all laws and regulations in your country. Have Fun and good luck!

Natural Remedies For Depression

November 18, 2015 By Colleen 40 Comments

Natural Remedies For Depression

People experience periods of sadness, feeling out of sorts, a bit blue, detached and other variations of mood at different points during their life. Depression occurs when these feelings become a persistent state of being rather than a passing mood.

Clinical depression can eventually affect a person’s physical health and ability to perform regular daily activities. A depressed person may eventually experience suicidal thoughts and exhibit self-destructive tendencies if their depression remains untreated.

Symptoms of depression below can be mild to extreme and include physical symptoms:

Sadness
Irritability and anger; angry outbursts with little provocation
Unexplained aches and pains; headaches; backaches
Low energy; small tasks sap energy
Extreme weight gain or weight loss
Disengaged from daily activities especially ones previously enjoyed
Changed sleeping patterns–from excessive sleeping to insomnia
Poor concentration and memory

Natural Remedies For Depression

Depression can occur for a variety of reasons. Some cases of depression are caused by nutritional deficiencies. Others cases of depression are the result of environmental factors, such as lack of sunlight in the case of seasonal affective depression. Other cases are genetically passed on. I use the following lamp prescribed by my psychiatrist. Actually we have 3 lamps one for 3 of our family members! SAD lamps really help and they can be covered by insurance!

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When a person visits their doctor or therapist and receives a diagnosis of depression, the medical practitioner attempts to prescribe the best remedy for their patient’s type of depression.

Remedies may be as simple as making lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments. In extreme cases of depression, prescription medications may be required to alleviate the condition.

Aside from following your doctor’s orders, it is important to be proactive in your treatment and that means using various natural remedies that can help improve your condition on a day-to-day basis.

Your Options In Natural Remedies For Depression

Increase physical activity. Exercise relieves symptoms of depression and alleviates stress, which can contribute to depression. During exercise, the body releases endorphins, which diminish the perception of pain and act as a sedative. Exercise is a natural mood elevator.
Eat well. Nutritional deficiencies can trigger depressive symptoms in some people. Patients showing depressive symptoms may undergo lab testing for nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. People deficient in one or more of the B-Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D may be especially vulnerable to depression as are people with thyroid imbalances; the thyroid releases hormones, which regulate the whole metabolism.
Ask your doctor about using herbal supplements. Supplements derived from the active components of various herbs have been used successfully to treat depression. An herb commonly recommended for the treatment of depression is St. John’s Wort. It seems to be most effective when used to treat mild to moderate cases of depression. Saffron also shows promise as a treatment for depression; however, it can cause notable side effects in high doses. Herbal supplements must be taken with care and ideally under a health care practitioner’s supervision. They can interact with other medications and may have negative side effects for some people.
Establish healthy sleep patterns. The quantity and quality of sleep a person experiences directly impacts their health and mental status. Getting enough sleep and completing a full sleep cycle (sleep without interruption) supports good physical and mental health.

More Options For Natural Remedies For Depression

Stay engaged in daily activities and set goals. Depression has physical components, but is primarily a mental illness. In order to combat mental illness, the mind needs to be engaged in ways, which offset the symptoms of depression. Sticking to a routine of daily activities and setting small goals alleviates some of the cyclical negative thinking, which often accompanies depression. It keeps people from “getting down on themselves.” In other words, maintaining routines and attaining daily goals counter the negative self-talk that can accompany depression and make it worse.
Explore various mind-body connection practices. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Biofeedback, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, and other alternative therapies offer relief from the symptoms of depression. They offer relief from fatigue, anxiety and scattered thinking.

More Options For Natural Remedies For Depression

Many people live with mild to severe depression without seeking medical assistance. People in depressive states no longer need to suffer with the illness. Fortunately, many options for the treatment of depression exist.

Depression can be managed and in some cases completely alleviated. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression lessens the condition’s overall impact on a person’s physical health and relationships.

Call the NDMDA (National Depressive Manic-Depressive Association) Depression Hotline – Support Group (800) 826-3632 for help.

20 Gluten Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes

November 17, 2015 By Colleen

Thanksgiving is almost here! Are you still wondering what you should serve as an extra or side dish to make that meal just perfect? Well if you haven’t decided, WE are here to give you a little help with these 20 Gluten Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes to choose from. And remember you can tuck one or two away for your Christmas eve, Christmas day, Hanukkah or New Years celebration!

1. Dreamy Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes from Driftwood Gardens
2. Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Stuffing from Just Us Four
3. Parmesan roasted potatoes from Slap Dash Mom
4. Gluten Free Stuffing Balls from Mummy Deals
5. Sweet Potato Casserole from My Plant-Based Family
6. Gluten Free Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes from The Centsable Shoppin’
7. Apple and Feta Quinoa Salad from Southern In Law
8. Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipe from Mom Foodie
9. Cranberry and Pistachio Rice from Not Enough Cinnamon
10. Butternut squash potato salad from Minimalist Baker
11. Green beans and potatoes from Vegan Richa
12. Crisp Kale Salad with Cider-Roasted Squash and Apple Cider Vinaigrette from Love And Olive Oil
13. Bread-free vegan stuffing from Chocolate Covered katie
14. Roasted Delicata Squash with Fresh Cranberries from The Pretty Bee
15. Vegan spinach balls from Vegan Family Recipes
16. Acorn squash with gluten free cornbread stuffing from Our Four Forks
17. Healthier sauteed apples from Texanerin Baking
18. Crockpot (one dish) double-mashed potatoes from Chelsea’s Messy Apron
19. Maple Sweet Potato Casserole from Amy’s Healthy Baking
20. Pumpkin hummus from Around My Family Table

Which Gluten Free Thanksgiving Side Dishes are you most excited about?

Love Your Vegetables Online Cooking CLASS CLOSED

November 16, 2015 By Colleen 5 Comments

Cooking Light is NO LONGER OFFERING this Class

Do you really Love your Vegetables but aren’t sure what to do with them besides make them a side dish? If so then the Love Your Vegetables Online Cooking Class by Cooking Light Executive Chef Anna Bullett is just what you need.

As part of the eight lesson class Chef Anna will show you how to transform nutritious vegetables into crave-worthy meals your family will love with essential techniques for cooking seasonal vegetables year-round. Anna Bullett will share her expert tips for cutting and roasting winter squash with ease, incorporating hearty greens such as kale into mouthwatering pastas and even caramelizing Brussels sprouts and pairing them with crispy pancetta for a dish that will please your pickiest eater. Enjoy more than 20 recipes included with this class, from a tomato ricotta tart to grilled eggplant sandwiches with creamy aioli. Plus, get a bonus lesson on refrigerator pickling and preserve your favorite vegetables at the peak of their season.

Vegetables are no longer just a side, now they can be the main course. Check out all of the online class information.

Love Your Vegetables Online Cooking Class includes:

8 HD video lessons that you can watch anytime, anywhere.
Downloadable class materials, including 24 pages of recipes.
Hours of detailed instruction.
Answers from Anna in our virtual classroom.

Lessons Include :

Lesson 1. Getting Started With Winter Squash
Lesson 2. Root Vegetables
Lesson 3. Hearty Greens
Lesson 4. Cabbage & Friends
Lesson 5. Peppers & Eggplant
Lesson 6. Tomatoes
Lesson 7. Beans
Lesson 8. Quick Pickling

About your Chef Instructor:

Anna Bullett is a registered dietitian with years of experience writing healthy recipes for restaurants and high-end cafeterias in New York City, Los Angeles and beyond. She currently serves as executive chef of Cooking Light, a role that allows her to connect with people who are passionate about cooking for a balanced lifestyle. Anna is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University’s culinary arts and culinary nutrition programs, and she earned a Master of Science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Maine.

What are you waiting for? Start putting fresh, delicious vegetables at the center of your plate as you create crowd-pleasing dishes that are anything but garden-variety! Click below to save your spot in the class!

Gluten-Free Italian Classics Online Cooking Class

November 16, 2015 By Colleen 1 Comment

I always thought gluten-free Italian dishes would be off of my meal plan when I had to begin eating gluten-free. I was so wrong and am happy to share this amazing Gluten-Free Italian Classics Online Cooking Class I found. What a treat to have Italian food back in my diet. I can have spaghetti made from scratch one night and a delicious flatbread for lunch the next, all because of this awesome class. Check out the class info below then Sign Up Here! These classes make great gifts!

Your Class includes:

7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
Class materials, including exclusive recipes
Hours of close-up instruction
Answers from Kristine in our virtual classroom

Your Lessons Include:

Lesson 1. Cooking Purchased Gluten-Free Pasta
Lesson 2. Gluten-Free Pasta From Scratch
Lesson 3. Gluten-Free Ravioli from Scratch
Lesson 4. Gluten-Free Spinach Pasta
Lesson 5. Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan
Lesson 6. Gluten-Free Flatbreads
Lesson 7. Gluten-Free Pizza

About Your Chef:

Kristine Kidd is a cookbook author, culinary instructor and gluten-free expert. She served as Bon Appétit magazine’s food editor for 20 years, filling its pages with delicious recipes, the most popular of which were republished in several Bon Appétit cookbooks. When Kristine developed celiac disease, she began experimenting in her kitchen; that experimentation led to her latest cookbooks, Weeknight Gluten Free and Gluten-Free Baking. She also enjoys inspiring people to cook fresh, gluten-free foods through her blog, KristineKidd.com.

Let me know if you sign up for the Gluten-Free Italian Classics Online Cooking Class!

25 Gift Ideas for Cooking Enthusiasts

November 16, 2015 By Colleen 10 Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small fee to keep this blog running.

25 Gift Ideas for Cooking Enthusiasts

Did you wait until the last minute to get that special person in your life a gift for Christmas, their Birthday or just because? Well as a self proclaimed Cooking Enthusiast I put this list together as a gift guide for those who need ideas to get a cooking enthusiast! These are gifts for anyone who loves to be in the kitchen and cook. Any of these cooking gadgets will make their heart skip a beat and you may notice they start breathing a bit fast when they receive one of these for a gift!

They will all make a great gift but I must say that KitchenAid stand mixer will put any cooking enthusiast over the top with delight. They may just start dancing or crying!

So if you are in need of ideas for gift giving to a Cooking Enthusiast, check out our list below because we couldn’t get a photo with all 25 gifts above, enjoy!