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  • Mayan Lima Beans

    Mayan Lima Beans

    Mayan Lima Beans

    Lima beans are one of the most polarizing beans and more polarizing foods out there. We don’t get all the lima bean hate. Don’t turn up your nose at lima beans; they’re one of the mildest flavored beans. Sometimes called butter beans, these protein rich, creamy beans are mild and delicious. With just a bit of lime juice and toasted pumpkin seeds, lightly charred lima beans make a satisfying dish full of texture and flavor. 

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    Mayan Lima Beans

    Don’t turn up your nose at lima beans! Sometimes called butter beans, these protein rich, creamy beans are mild and delicious. With just a bit of lime juice and toasted pumpkin seeds, lightly charred lima beans make a satisfying dish. 
    Course dinner, entree, Lunch, Side Dish
    Keyword dinner, entree, gluten free, lunch, side, vegan
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • 20 ounces lima beans frozen
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
    • ¼ – ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 green onions sliced
    • ½ cup chopped parsley
    • 1 lime quartered

    Instructions

    • Toast pumpkin seeds in a 350∞F oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. 
    • Place freshly toasted seeds in a food processor and process until finely ground. 
    • Heat sesame and avocado oil in a medium sauté pan until hot, add lima beans and allow to sit and develop a sear, tossing occasionally until desired sear is achieved.
    • Add green onions, ground pumpkin seeds, and salt.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Brownie Baked Oatmeal

    Brownie Baked Oatmeal

    Brownie Baked Oatmeal

    This Brownie Baked Oatmeal is the next best thing to eating cake for breakfast. With oats, chia seeds, and peanut butter, you’ll feel satisfied through the morning. Sweet maple syrup and chocolate make this a decadent treat that may be just what you need to get out of bed when all you want to do is hit the snooze button. As the weather cools, there’s nothing like a warm meal to motivate you. One batch of this oatmeal is perfect as a weekend breakfast for the whole family, or you can reheat individual portions throughout the week for a quick meal before work or school. 

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    Brownie Baked Oatmeal

    This Brownie Baked Oatmeal is the next best thing to eating cake for breakfast. With oats, chia seeds, and peanut butter, you’ll feel satisfied through the morning. Sweet maple syrup and chocolate make this a decadent treat.
    Course Dessert
    Keyword baked oatmeal, brownie, dessert, vegan
    Servings 6

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups quick oats
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • Pinch of salt
    • 2 cups coconut milk from a carton
    • ¾ cup maple syrup
    • ½ cup peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • ⅓ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350∞ F. In a medium bowl combine oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, chia seeds, and salt. 
    • In a separate bowl whisk together coconut milk, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla.
    • Pour wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Pour mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle with chocolate chips. 
    • Bake for 35-40 minutes.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Beer Brats

    Beer Brats

    Beer Brats

    Did you know that Oktoberfest starts in September!? This year in Munich, Oktoberfest is celebrated September 17 – October 3. We’re just happy to have a reason to enjoy some delicious sausages this month. Beer brats celebrates the best of beer and sausages. No grill? You can always cook the brats in a deep pan on the stove and then crisp them up in a dry skillet. Experiment with different mustards and different beers to find the perfect combination. 

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    Beer Brats

    Did you know that Oktoberfest starts in September!? We’re just happy to have a reason to enjoy some delicious sausages this month. This beer brat recipe celebrates the best of beer and sausages.
    Course dinner, Lunch
    Keyword bratwursts, dinner, lunch
    Servings 1

    Ingredients

    • 8 uncooked bratwursts
    • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
    • 16 ounces light lager beer
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 8 hotdog buns

    Instructions

    • Preheat grill to high. 
    • In a foil pan, place brats, sliced onion, salt, pepper, and beer. Cover tightly with foil lid or aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes.
    • Transfer brats to grill to give them a good char, approximately three minutes per side.
    • Place brats back in the cooking liquid and serve. To serve, place brats in buns and top with your favorite condiments.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Red Thai Curry Noodles

    Red Thai Curry Noodles

    Red Thai Curry Noodles

    Vegan, flavorful and budget-friendly, this Thai-inspired noodle recipe is a keeper! Add raw or cooked veggies, whatever’s lingering in your fridge, to bulk it up!

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    Red Thai Curry Noodles

    Vegan, flavorful and budget-friendly, this Thai-inspired noodle recipe is a keeper! Add raw or cooked veggies, whatever’s lingering in your fridge, to bulk it up!
    Course dinner, entree, Lunch
    Keyword dinner, entree, lunch, noodles, vegan
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 2 packages Lotus Foods Organic Traditional Pad Thai Rice Noodles
    • 1 14 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
    • ¼ cup vegetable broth
    • 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
    • 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • Salt to taste
    • Peanuts chopped, to taste
    • Scallions chopped, to taste

    Instructions

    • Prepare Lotus Foods Organic Traditional Pad Thai Rice Noodles per directions on package. Drain and set aside.
    • While noodles are cooking, whisk together coconut milk, broth, peanut butter, curry paste, maple syrup, lime juice, ginger, and garlic in a medium pan.
    • Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Simmer uncovered for ~10 mins or until sauce starts to thicken. Add salt to taste.
    • Mix in noodles and warm through. 
    • Garnish with chopped peanuts and scallions. Serve immediately.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe by Cooking for Peanuts for Lotus Foods

    Photo Credit Anett Velsberg

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    It’s always a good idea to have a can of beans in the pantry. With a few fresh ingredients, canned black beans transform into a tasty fresh salsa. Perfect on its own, with some corn chips, or in your favorite taco.

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    Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa

    It’s always a good idea to have a can of beans in the pantry. With a few fresh ingredients, canned black beans transform into a tasty fresh salsa. Perfect on its own, with some corn chips, or in your favorite taco.
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Keyword appetizer, salsa, side, snack
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup organic sweet corn, fresh or frozen blanched 1 to 2 minutes
    • 15 ounces Eden Black Beans drained
    • 2 tablespoons red bell pepper diced
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ cup onion diced
    • ½ teaspoon dried cilantro or dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup green onions chopped
    • 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño or to taste

    Instructions

    • Mix all ingredients together and serve room temperature or chilled with your favorite organic corn chips.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • 10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    10 quick remedies for a sore throat

    Use your pantry staples!

    No one wants to fall prey to a sore throat! Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply go to your fridge or pantry to find relief? Well, you can! Many natural sore throat remedies are staples you probably have on hand.

    1. Saltwater gargle

    Gargling with saltwater is a tried-and-true method to relieve sore throat pain. Gargle with this mixture every three hours to achieve the best results. As an added benefit, gargling with saltwater can help flush out the virus causing your sore throat.

    2. Warm and cold fluids

    Have something to drink. Cold drinks, ice cubes, and popsicles reduce pain by lowering the temperature of the throat’s nerve endings. When you consume a warm drink, on the other hand, salivation increases. This increases lubrication and makes your throat feel better.

    3. Rest

    Your body is using its energy to fight off an infection or irritation. If you have a sore throat and want to rest, do so in an elevated position. Try propping yourself up with pillows or using a reclining chair.

    4. Honey

    Honey has been valued for centuries for its antibacterial properties. Make a soothing drink by stirring 2 Tbsp (30 mL) honey into a cup of tea or warm water. Remember, though, that honey is not to be given to infants under one year of age.

    5. Hot sauce

    Capsaicin, which is found in peppers used to make hot sauce, can help reduce pain by fighting the inflammation of a sore throat. Get sore throat relief from hot sauce by mixing a few drops of it in warm water and gargling.

    6. Lemon

    Lemon has vitamin C, which is thought to be effective in fighting infections. Lemon water can help reduce inflammation, and it can help break up the mucus that might be irritating your throat.

    7. Chicken soup

    Like a warm drink, chicken soup can break up the mucus in your throat to help ease your discomfort. It will also help to keep you hydrated. Chicken soup can be a good source of nutrients too, which is helpful when you’re not feeling well.

    8. Tea

    Many herbal teas offer anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing and healing a sore throat. There are a number that you can choose from to help reduce sore throat irritation, such as peppermint or chamomile.

    9. Humidity and steam

    Dry air can cause congestion, dry skin, a dry nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. One way to ease and help lubricate your sore throat is to have a warm shower. You can add moisture to the air in your home by using a vaporizer or humidifier.

    10. Zinc

    Studies show that zinc lozenges can help you kick a cold faster, including shortening the severity and duration of symptoms like sore throat. For best results, take zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Co-pilot vitamins

    Co-pilot vitamins

    Co-pilot vitamins

    How vitamin D and vitamin K2 work together

    Vitamin D got our attention for its promising role in immune health in 2020, but it doesn’t work alone. Learn about its lesser-known co-pilot, vitamin K2, and how these two nutrients collaborate for many aspects of health.

    Teamwork

    No nutrient works in isolation. For many aspects of well-being, notably bone and heart health, vitamin D teams up with vitamin K. Some of the same chronic illnesses that predict poor COVID prognosis also happen to be associated with reduced vitamin K status.

    Balancing act

    At the simplest level, vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, while vitamin K2 directs that calcium toward bones and away from blood vessels. This particular synergy also means K2 may play a role in safeguarding against potential ill effects of excess vitamin D-induced calcium absorption, such as by restoring flexibility to hardened arteries.

    Digging deeper, vitamin D stimulates the production of metabolic proteins that remain essentially inactive until vitamin K2 flips their switch to “on.” Vitamin D encourages the action of bone-building cells, while vitamin K2 reins in the action of bone breakdown cells, a balance central to maintaining bone density. The combination of D and K2 together appear to help make bones both stronger and more flexible.

    This may be especially important for children’s health, since growing bones need vitamin K2 to effectively incorporate calcium into healthy bone architecture.

    Homing in on immune health, both vitamin D and K2 play a role in healthy lung function, with D modulating immune response to respiratory pathogens, while K2 is believed to help protect elastic tissues that give lungs their ability to expand and contract.

    Clearing up vitamin K confusion

    Vitamin K is not a singular vitamin but is actually a small family of vitamins largely represented by the siblings K1 and K2. While it’s rare to be deficient in vitamin K1, researchers believe that inadequate levels of vitamin K2 may be common.

    Vitamin D deficiency is common too. While vitamin D is mostly derived from sun exposure, with fatty fish being one of the very few food sources, so low levels are no mystery. The reasons behind a potential low vitamin K2 status are a little more complex. Some animal-based fare, namely egg yolks and butter, contain a pinch of K2. Certain fermented foods that are underrepresented in the North American diet, such as specific cheeses, are rich in vitamin K2.

    Supporting our immune health

    Many of us are thinking about the big picture of health resilience. Exercise and nutrition are parts of the solution. Topping up with key nutrients may prove inexpensive insurance against health vulnerabilities.

    To be clear, no nutrient has been proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. Clinical trials are ongoing. In the meantime, there’s no downside to making sure we are getting adequate amounts of important nutrients. Check with your health care practitioner for personalized advice.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • 8 tricks for staying focused

    8 tricks for staying focused

    8 tricks for staying focused

    Squash that brain fog

    We’ve all had trouble focusing before. It’s natural for our minds to wander now and then, but it can be frustrating when it happens often. Take a few minutes to find out how you can stay focused and defeat that brain fog.

    1. Get more sleep

    When we don’t get enough sleep, we can’t concentrate, our thought process slows, and our memory is impaired. It’s recommended we get about seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t dedicate enough time to sleep, but it’s something we should all prioritize.

    2. Exercise

    Another step you can take to improve focus and concentration is to exercise. One study showed that participants increased the size of their hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning, after aerobic exercise.

    3. Meditate

    There are many great reasons to meditate, including improving focus and concentration. Researchers say our mind wanders about half of the time, which makes it hard to concentrate on just about anything. Meditation can help us reset and bring our attention back to the task at hand.

    4. Play cognitive training games

    A decade-long study tracked participants as they performed cognitive training exercises. Those participants who participated in cognitive interventions either maintained their level of cognitive function or experienced improvement in brain function. Examples of cognitive training activities that may train your mind to focus are completing crossword puzzles and playing video games.

    5. Spend time in nature

    When we spend time outside in nature our anxiety levels decrease, our immune systems get a boost, and our focus improves. Researchers asked study participants to spend 50 minutes walking in either an urban or natural environment. Those individuals who spent time in nature had better cognitive function than those in the urban setting.

    6. Add some caffeine to your diet

    Caffeine can block adenosine receptors, which results in the release of several neurotransmitters responsible for healthy cognitive function. One of those neurotransmitters, dopamine, helps the brain focus. In moderation, caffeine can help you focus and increase your concentration.

    7. Have breakfast every morning

    While we often associate blood sugar levels with diabetic patients, low glucose levels can affect just about anyone. Keeping blood sugar levels up is also key to optimal brain function and will help you to maintain your focus. Eating full meals and snacks can help, especially after fasting all night while you sleep.

    8. Eat a brain-boosting diet

    Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, nuts, and supplements. They play a crucial role in the body by fighting off heart disease, joint pain, and even depression, though more research is needed. Omega-3s can also help you focus. In a study performed with healthy adults, omega-3 supplements improved cognitive performance compared to the placebo group.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • 7 health benefits of echinacea

    7 health benefits of echinacea

    7 health benefits of echinacea

    There’s more to this herb than meets the eye

    Echinacea isn’t just a pretty purple flower. It has some impressive healing properties. You may already know it helps the common cold—more on that below—but there are a lot of other health benefits of echinacea.

    1. Shortens the common cold

    A lot of people turn to echinacea at the start of a cold and with good reason. Research shows that echinacea possesses chemicals that may help increase the number of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells support your body while you fight off infections. Echinacea is a great immune-boosting supplement to keep on hand when you start to feel under the weather.

    2. Reduces inflammation

    Chronic inflammation may lead to illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. In one small study, participants who were non-responsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs experienced reduced pain and anti-inflammatory results using a ginger and echinacea extract.

    3. Helps to reduce respiratory illness after travel

    When we fly, we encounter countless people and their microbes. However, echinacea may act as a defense against the germs we encounter when we travel. In one study, participants were asked to take either echinacea or placebo tablets before and during air travel. The echinacea group reported that they had lower respiratory symptoms compared to the placebo group.

    4. Boosts antioxidants

    When antioxidants are introduced to the body, they can delay or stop the damage from oxidative stress. Certain species of echinacea contain high levels of cichoric acid, which is a powerful antioxidant. By taking echinacea, the boost in free-radical fighting antioxidants may decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress.

    5. Protects against cancer

    In one study, researchers discovered the cichoric acid from Echinacea purpurea extract decreased colon cancer cell activity and eliminated some cancer cells. In another study, echinacea extract caused the death of lung cancer cells. Researchers need to conduct more research on these effects.

    6. Reduces the need for antibiotics

    Bacterial infections linked to ear infections, pneumonia, and sinus infections may require antibiotics. However, if antibiotics are used too frequently, it can lead to antimicrobial resistance and wipe out the “good” bacteria in our bodies. In a search to discover alternative treatments, scientists administered echinacea or vitamin C to a group of children. The children given echinacea were less likely to have respiratory illnesses that could develop into bacterial infections thus reducing the need for antibiotics.

    7. Relieves sore throats

    Although sore throats are often thought to be associated with strep throat, most are caused by viral infections. With a virus, you must wait for it to run its course and find symptom relief in the meantime. As a natural treatment option, echinacea has proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of sore throats.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Eat the rainbow

    Eat the rainbow

    Eat the rainbow

    Colorful recipes to support immune health

    Eating a rainbow of different fruits and vegetables each day is a simple way to make sure we get the essential nutrients our bodies need. With a handful of colorful recipes on hand, the path to a healthier you is just a forkful away.

    Halibut Poached in Tomato Red Pepper Sauce

    Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that also happens to provide foods such as tomatoes and red peppers with their characteristic red color.
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    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 large red peppers
    • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
    • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
    • 1 small yellow onion chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar optional
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ½ cup water or red wine
    • 4-5 ounces skinless halibut fillets
    • Fresh dill or parsley leaves for garnish

    Method
     

    1. Preheat broiler and set oven rack about 6 in from top of oven.
    2. On baking tray, place red peppers and broil, turning occasionally, until blackened and blistered on all sides, about 5 to 8 minutes total. Remove from oven and set aside until cool enough to handle. Peel off skin, slice pepper open, remove seeds and roughly chop. Place in small bowl and set aside. Peppers may be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in airtight container.
    3. In large skillet or large saucepan, heat oil and fennel seeds together over medium heat. Once fennel seeds are fragrant, about 1 minute, add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add canned tomatoes along with their juices, tomato paste, salt, oregano, coconut sugar (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, allowing tomatoes to soften and break down a bit, about 5 minutes. Stir in water and reserved chopped red peppers. While stirring, let mixture come to a simmer. At this point, you can adjust the consistency of your sauce. If you like your sauce to have some texture and be a bit chunky, leave as is. Alternatively, puree sauce in blender for a smooth consistency and return back to skillet, bringing to a simmer over medium heat.
    4. Place halibut fillets in sauce, cover skillet with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook fish until it is opaque and beginning to flake easily, about 12 to 15 minutes. Check often to make sure sauce is not reducing too much. If it does, simply add a bit more water.
    5. To serve, divide tomato red pepper sauce and fish among shallow bowls. Garnish with chopped dill or parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

    Herb and Greens Frittata

    Green foods have been shown to contain high amounts of antioxidants and nutrients that promote good cardiovascular health and can inhibit certain carcinogens.
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    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil divided
    • 1 leek finely chopped and well rinsed
    • 8 green onions trimmed, white and light green parts finely chopped
    • 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems finely chopped
    • 1 cup dill fronds and tender stalks finely chopped
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems finely chopped
    • 4 cups packed mixed greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, etc.) finely chopped
    • 5 large eggs
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds

    Method
     

    1. Preheat broiler and set oven rack about 6 in from top of oven.
    2. In 8 in cast iron skillet or oven-safe frying pan, warm 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add leek and green onions and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add parsley, dill, cilantro, and mixed greens, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Tip herb mixture into fine-mesh colander placed in kitchen sink and let any leached moisture drain away. With spoon, press mixture down to ensure herb mixture is not too wet. Set aside. Wipe out skillet and set aside.
    3. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, turmeric, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in drained herb mixture and pumpkin seeds.
    4. Place skillet back over medium heat and warm remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Pour in egg mixture, cover with lid, and cook until sides of frittata start to pull away from skillet and have begun to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove lid and transfer to oven under the broiler until egg is set, about 2 to 3 minutes. While warm, carefully unmould onto serving platter. Cut into wedges and serve.
    5. Enjoy!

    Purple Cabbage and Apple Soup

    Blue and purple fruits and vegetables (like those in this vibrant soup) contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that promote health and proper brain function.
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    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion diced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • ½ large head purple cabbage, about 25 oz finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
    • 1 medium yellow potato peeled and diced
    • 2 apples cored and diced
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 4 cups no-salt-added vegetable stock
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 6 tablespoon sour cream for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In large saucepan, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in cabbage, potato, apples, vinegar, vegetable stock, and salt. Bring mixture to a simmer, lower heat to medium-low, cover, and let slowly simmer until cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes.
    2. Working in batches, if necessary, in blender, puree soup until very smooth. Return back to saucepan and warm over medium heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired.
    3. To serve, divide soup among 4 serving bowls. Swirl 1 Tbsp sour cream into each bowl of soup and top with a sprinkle of shredded raw cabbage. Enjoy while warm.

    Recipes Provided by Alive Magazine