Healthy Poolside Snacks

I have to admit, I love snacks after a good swim. Something about swimming, whether I am swimming laps or floating around, makes me really hungry. So every day when I come in from swimming I feel like I need a snack.

Here are some healthy ideas for pool/beachside snacking that are not high in fat or calories and are easy to pack in a cooler or beach bag.

~ Fruit

~ Carrot and celery sticks

~ Yogurt

~ Crackers and cheese

~ Applesauce

~ Natural potato chips (in small servings)

~ Sliced apples with peanut butter 

~ Natural sunflower seeds

Happy swimming!

  

Fun in the Sun

Sunshine is such a blessing! It reminds us of the warmth and light that Jesus Christ provides for His children.

But we must remember to protect our skin while we are enjoying the sun -- whether it be by the pool, on the beach, or in the garden. Below I have listed several sunscreens that are safe for even the most sensitive skin to use, and are also free of dyes and chemicals.

Alba Botanica Sunscreen

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun

Kiss My Face Sunscreen

Be sure to look at this website: Environmental Working Group. They have listed every single sunscreen under the sun (please excuse the pun) and rated it according to how safe it is for your skin.

Have fun in the sun this weekend!

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Try this smoothie for a dessert-like breakfast!

~ 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries

~ 1 cup almond or rice milk

~ 1 scoop protein powder of choice, optional

~ 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

~ 3-4 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave

~ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. 

Waffles, Anyone?

Today is Friday, which means that tomorrow is Saturday! Is anyone else excited about the weekend? What a better way to start out your weekend than a quiet time with Jesus and a big, healthy breakfast of waffles (homemade to be exact)!

Gluten/Dairy-Free Waffles

~ 1 cup corn flour

~ 1 cup gluten-free oat flour

~ 1/2 cup sweet rice flour (or other)

~ 2 teaspoons baking powder

~ 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

~ 2 cups almond or rice milk

~ 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

~ 3 Tablespoons ground flax meal

~ 3 Tablespoons oil 

~ 1-2 Tablespoons honey or agave

~ 1 teaspoon vanilla

~ 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl.

2. Whisk together wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients. 

3. Lightly mix together until combined. Do not over-mix!

4. Cook waffles on a hot oiled waffle iron.

5. Top waffles with maple syrup, fruit, or peanut butter. The ideas are endless!

Note: To keep waffles warm until ready to eat, place in a single layer on a cookie sheet in a 200 degree oven.

Green Smoothie Recipes

Green smoothies make a wonderful breakfast, dessert, or an after-workout snack. They are high in vitamins and minerals and are a great way to get your salad in a smoothie! The taste of spinach is undetectable, so why not add it to your smoothie? Here are the links to several recipes to try. Happy drinking!

1. http://www.oatmealinmybowl.com/the-kitchen/30-delicious-green-smoothie-recipes/

2. http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/ggs/

3. http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2013/01/my-favorite-green-smoothie.html

The Best Blueberry Smoothie

During the spring and summer, my mom and I love making this blueberry smoothie. It is cold and delicious, and very healthy to boot! 

Blueberry-Almond Smoothie

~ 1 cup raw almonds

~ 1 1/2 or 2 cups purified water

~ 2 Tablespoons tahini

~ 2 frozen bananas

~ 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

~ 2 or 3 Tablespoons maple syrup

Blend all ingredients until creamy.

Money-Saving Tips for Healthy Shopping

Eating healthy can be expensive, can't it? But how can we eat in a way that glorifies God and be good stewards of our money at the same time? This is a rather difficult question to answer, but God has shown me some wonderful tips through my experience of healthy eating that I will attempt to share with you below.*

~ Create a menu for the week and make your grocery list based off your menu. This helps you buy only what you need and keeps you from over-spending.

~ When an item you use regularly is on sale, stock up. For example, when my local health food store puts almond milk on sale, I always buy several to tide me over until the next sale.

~ Buy the least expensive brand of the products you normally buy. For example, I try to buy most of my organic canned goods, rice, oils, milk, and other things in the store brand (e.g., Whole Foods or Publix) instead of name brand.

~ Buy nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains in the bulk section of your local health food market and store in your freezer or in air-tight containers. Buying these types of foods in bulk is usually much less expensive than buying in individual packages.

~ If you are on a very tight budget, focus on buying the "dirty dozen" produce organically and the rest non-organically. Click here to find out what the "dirty dozen" are.

~ Buy toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, frozen fruit, etc., in bulk. My family has a membership at Costco where we save hundreds of dollars buying these products in large quantities. Costco also has a wide variety of organic products to choose from.

~ Above all, never buy what you do not need. I have learned the hard way over time that money slips so easily through my fingertips when I buy unneeded products that look so good, or I think I "need" them. Ask yourself these questions before buying a product. "How much will I use this item?" "Is this worth the money I would spend on it?" "Is this item truly a need?" "Would God want me to spend the money on this item?" These questions, if taken seriously, will stop reckless spending in its tracks.

Above all, our goal is to glorify God with our money. "So whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3:17)

  *As a wonderful resource for helping you spend your money wisely, I would recommend Dave Ramsey's envelope system wallet. This wallet helps you keep track of every penny you spend.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Smoothie

Everyday Hair Styles, Part Three

Here are some wonderful go-to styles that we can use for around the house, work, school, or church. These tutorials make a basic French braid and high bun seem fun and easy. As you fix your hair for the day, remember that you are always an ambassador for Christ!

Classic French Braid

Ballerina Bun

Silk and Purple does not claim the rights to these videos. All rights belong to The Beauty Department.

"We are tempted to look at our joys, pleasures, passions, or our dreams with too much self-satisfaction. Then through God's gracious love He withdraws them, leading us to distinguish between them and Himself."

L.B. Cowman   

Getting Started with Pilates

Here are some wonderful tutorials for all you need to know about doing Pilates. Pilates is a system of exercise similar to yoga that is designed to build physical strength, increase flexibility, and improve posture. Pilates is a very feminine way to get a workout, and you will feel refreshed after doing them!

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0AAF4BCCF2837E78

"All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us." 

F.B. Meyer

The Beauty of Exercise

What thoughts does the word exercise bring to mind? Maybe sweat and pain or drudgery and hard work. But that is not what exercise has to mean for you! When we look at exercise from the right perspective, it brings a whole new light to this important part of life. Let us take a few moments to see what exercise can mean when we view it in the right way.

Exercise is:

~A self-discipline

~A stress reliever

~A way to help us sleep better

~A time to meditate on God's Word

~A time for prayer

~A way to help our bodies and minds function more fully

There are many wonderful forms of exercise that do not require a membership at your local gym. Here are just a few suggestions.

~Walking/jogging in the neighborhood or public gardens

~Hiking at the local state park

~Biking around the neighborhood

~Yoga (non-spiritual) in your bedroom or living room

~Playing any sport for fun or competition

As I mentioned earlier, exercise is a self-discipline, and it may take you a while to form the habit of exercising 5 days a week. But once you get started, you will never regret it. Use your exercise as a way to glorify God and enjoy Him more fully! 

Fighting Off the Sniffles

With so many people sniffling, coughing, and blowing their noses, we must prepare our bodies to fight off colds. There are many natural foods and supplements that can help us do this. I have listed a few below to help you know where to start.

~Oranges 

Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, and one orange provides almost 100% of the daily Vitamin C value that most people need.

~Lemons

Lemons are also high in Vitamin C, and the fresh-squeezed juice is wonderful mixed with honey as a natural cough syrup.

~Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, zinc, and Vitamins C and A.

~Bell Peppers

Ripe bell peppers are wonderful sources of Vitamin C and carotenoids, both of which help fight off colds.

~Green Vegetables (Spinach, Kale, Collards, etc.)

Green vegetables are high in multiple vitamins and minerals which help build up the immune system. In order to receive the most benefit from these, they should be eaten raw.

~Zinc 

Zinc is one of the main nutrients needed when you have a cold or another illness because your body uses it up very quickly in the process of making immune cells to fight the intruding germs.

~Garlic

Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, and it helps build up our immune system. Garlic can be taken in a supplement form if you don't prefer to eat it. 

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"Faith rests on the pure Word of God alone. And when we take Him at His Word, our hearts are at peace."

George Mueller

  

My Gluten-Free Journey, Part 1

As many of you know, I have been officially gluten-free for about a year now. I began to realize that some of the problems I had been dealing with for years were connected to my intake of wheat/gluten. Things such as bloating, stomach aches, tiredness, and persistent acne were only a few of my symptoms. As I began to research more into healthy alternatives, I was struck with how many people cannot tolerate gluten or wheat. I began to research symptoms of gluten intolerance, and was shocked to find that all of my "problems" were included on the list! Several of the books that I read recommended that I go on a wheat/gluten "cleanse" for one month to see if my symptoms cleared up. It was very hard for me at first, as many of my favorite foods were in the form of either bread or dessert. But after about two weeks, my symptoms disappeared! When I tried to eat wheat after the cleanse, I dealt with the same symptoms, except they were more severe. From then on, I knew without a doubt that I was gluten-intolerant.

This was very difficult for me to deal with because I could not find products to replace my breads, pastas, and desserts that were healthy and delicious. I look back and wish that I had known somebody who was gluten-intolerant so that they could recommend good products for me. I believe that this is a great need for people who are gradually extracting gluten from their diet, or for those who must remove gluten cold turkey.

Because of this knowledge, for three weeks I will be recommending products and resources for those of you who are gluten-intolerant or think that you might be. I desire for you to learn from my mistakes and discover that gluten-free eating can be delicious and satisfying! This week, I will focus on breads and crackers.

Breads

Ezekiel bread* is one of my favorites, although I try not to eat it very often. It is very hearty and satisfying, and is taken from the recipe for bread that God gave Ezekiel in Ezekiel 4:9. You can find this bread in many varieties in the freezer section at your local grocery.

*If you are very sensitive to wheat/gluten, please check with your doctor before eating Ezekiel bread.

These brown rice tortillas are a wonderful addition to the gluten-free diet! They taste delicious toasted with olive oil and herbs for pita chips, or served as a flour tortilla substitute for tacos and quesadillas, and they can also be used for delicious roll-up sandwiches. Find these tortillas in the freezer section at your local health food store or large grocery store.

Crackers

I am addicted to these crackers! Both brands are crunchy and delicious, and come in several different varieties. They are wonderful dipped in hummus, or topped with cheese and tomato.

These rice cakes are one of my favorite snacks. I enjoy them with organic peanut butter, chia and flax seeds, and a light drizzle of honey for a satisfying snack.  

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If any of you have any questions or just want some encouragement, please email me at misselyse@silkandpurple31.com.

For God's glory,

Elyse

Make Your Own Facial Products!

Here are some wonderful recipes for making your own facial products. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or at the local health food store. You can buy your essential oils here.

The facial products available on most shelves at Walmart contain harmful ingredients, dyes, and fillers. And yet many of the natural facial products are quite expensive, and our pocketbook says, "Ouch!" So here are a few recipes to get you started on the road to making your own products at home. Have fun with it, and don't forget to treat your mom with some of the finished product!

Herbal Facial Wash

- 1 16 oz. bottle unscented liquid castile soap

- 5 drops each of the following essential oils: tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, and lavender

- 1 teaspoon hazelnut or jojoba oil

1. Add essential oils and jojoba or hazelnut oil to the bottle of liquid castile soap. Shake vigorously.

2. Store in the same bottle, or container of your choice. 

Refreshing Lemon Astringent*

- 1/2 cup witch hazel

- juice of 1/2 a lemon, strained

1. Combine ingredients in the container of your choice and shake well to blend.

2. Use within 2 weeks.

*Do not use this astringent if your skin is dry and/or sensitive.

Parsley and Peppermint Astringent*

- 2 cups filtered water

- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped parsley 

- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped peppermint leaves

- 5 drops peppermint essential oil, optional

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and remove from heat.

2. Add herbs, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.

3. Add essential oil, if using, and place in the container of your choice. Shake well.

4. Store in the fridge and use within 1 week.
*This astringent is wonderful for oily or acne-prone skin.

Brewer's Yeast and Oatmeal Scrub*

- 1/4 cup Brewer's yeast

- 1/4 cup finely ground oatmeal 

- purified water

1. In a small bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Store in the container of your choice.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon of the dry ingredients and enough water to form a spreadable paste. Allow mixture to thicken 1 minute before applying to face.
*Do not use this scrub if your skin is extremely dry or irritated.  

Make the Switch

My family has been eating a gluten-free, organic (or at the very least 100% natural) diet, with a hearty helping of daily raw fresh veggies, for over four years. And we try to use only honey, agave, and raw sweeteners. We made the switch -- feeling good never tasted so good! Some days we do better than others, but we've experienced many lumps and bumps along the way. It's not easy to change your family dinner menu when cooking for a hungry papa who has been used to "regular" food for years.

We call my daddy Potato Man because he is more fond of meat and potatoes than a green kale salad. :) He prefers simple flavors and country cooking, so Mom and I had a mission -- how could we turn those tasty comfort meals into healthy dinners? Here are three of my family's (and probably yours) staple dinners, but I'll share some simple ways we make them healthy. These products might be a little more costly, but we've found our food budget has really not been affected because of less junk-food purchases.

Spaghetti

This is one of our go-to meals, but when we went gluten-free, the normal pasta had to go. Replacing the taste was hard, but when we found these pastas, we fell in love!

Find Quinoa Pasta here!

Find Tinkyada rice pasta here!

Pizza

Pizza is my favorite comfort food, but who wants to be sick after eating what the pizza delivery guy brings?

Make your homemade pizzas with ease, using a gluten-free crust that is so yummy! Add basil, your favorite veggies, or pesto for an easy gourmet dinner.

Find out more about Against the Grain Gourmet here!

Cheeseburgers and Fries

The ultimate American food staple. So how do you make this good for you?

For fries, slice potatoes and toss with sea salt, pepper, and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). Place in your oven (350 degrees) and let cook till golden. For an even healthier choice, prepare sweet potatoes the same way, omitting the pepper.

For your burger, replace your white hamburger bun with an Ezekiel sprouted grain bun.

Find out more about Food for Life Ezekiel products here.

Healthy as Naughty

I have a sweet tooth...

...well, maybe I have a whole mouth of sweet teeth.

It's super hard to curb those cravings for a warm chocolate chip cookie with a tall glass of milk! Or a run to Starbucks for a grande Chi Tea Latte.

So I have found the best-kept-naughty-sweet-tooth-girl secret!

(What a mouth full!)

Chocolate Covered Katie

This blog if FILLED with recipes, making healthy desserts a reality!! Stop on by and curb those cravings and have fun creating new sweet treats for your family.

Here is a feast for the eyes!

Back to School Health

Fall is in the air, and school is starting back! Whether you are in public or private school, homeschooled, or in college, everyone needs some healthy eating tips to make their brain function at its best! 

Health Tips for Homeschoolers 

• Eat a healthy breakfast (a smoothie, oatmeal and fruit, or yogurt, fruit and granola).
• Eat a healthy lunch (hummus dip and vegetables, a big salad with grilled chicken and fruit, or a healthy sandwich).
• If you get hungry in between mealtimes, eat a healthy snack (raw fruits and vegetables, dried unsweetened fruit, nuts and/or seeds, yogurt, or a smoothie).
• Avoid anything made with white sugar or white flour.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Health Tips for School and College Students

• Eat a healthy breakfast (a smoothie; oatmeal and fruit; or yogurt, fruit and granola).
• If possible, pack your own lunch. A healthy lunch might consist of a salad with grilled chicken and fruit, a healthy sandwich and fruit, or hummus dip and vegetables.
• If eating in a cafeteria, try to eat salads and lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid breads and sweets.
• Bring plenty of snacks (raw fruits and vegetables, dried unsweetened fruit, nuts and/or seeds, or yogurt) to avoid buying a junky snack from the snack machine.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

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Always remember that eating healthy at home or away is easy and simple if you plan accordingly. Have fun going back to school!

How to Make Laundry Detergent

 Commercial laundry detergent is expensive and full of chemicals and dyes. Making your own laundry detergent is inexpensive and all-natural!

You will need:

~1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda* (not soap)

~1 cup borax*

~1 cup baking soda 

~1 1/2 bars all natural soap, grated

Mix all ingredients together and store in a container with a medium-sized scoop.

Use 1/2 of a scoop for a small load of laundry, or 1 scoop for a large load of laundry.

*Washing soda and borax can both be found on the laundry detergent/cleaning aisle in your local grocery store.

Kale Chip Heaven

Kale Chips.

 I can't get enough of them! Crunchy, salty, tangy, and did I mention good for you? These are so good you'll never think they are healthy; I crave them all the time!!!

Note: You can use your oven or dehydrator. Also, I like to add a little lemon juice to my chips.

Juicing for Life

Juicing is a wonderful way to get the most nutrients out of your fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are much easier to digest than whole fruits and vegetables are. They are also the best way to get nutrients from the vegetables you prefer not to eat raw (like broccoli or beets). 

If you do not have a juicer, consider making the investment to purchase one. Some juicers, like the Cuisinart Juice Extractor, are very reasonable. You can look at different brands and prices here.
Cool, fresh juice gives me a boost of energy and vitamins to make it through a hot summer day! Here are two of my favorite juice creations:

  
Super Green Juice


-1 large cucumber
-3 leaves of kale
-1 handful of spinach
-1 cup mint leaves
-1 inch of ginger, peeled
-1 lemon, peeled and seeded
-2 green apples, sliced
-1 slice of celery


Wash all fruits and vegetables. Juice lemon first, then juice greens, then the apple and ginger. Serve immediately.
Makes one serving.

Carrot Zinger

-5 carrots

-1 apple

-1 inch of ginger, peeled

Wash all fruits and vegetables. Juice apple first, then carrots and ginger. Serve immediately. 

Makes one serving.

Happy juicing!