Category: Guest Post

  • It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    Do you experience the following after eating?

    1. Digestive distress

    2. Reduced energy

    3. Irregularity

    Well you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S experience some kind of digestive problem.* And Enzymedica’s digestive enzymes can help!

    What are digestive enzymes?

    Enzymes are the super-efficient worker bees of your digestive system. They facilitate the chemical breakdown of foods, so that your body can send its nutrients off to cells to be converted into usable energy. Different enzymes work on different types of foods, and sometimes your body needs a little extra support making them depending on your diet.

    Take the quiz below to find out which enzyme is right for you!

    (You may need to refresh the webpage for the quiz to pop-up)

    Take the Digest 360 Quiz

    November 2022 SALE – All Enzymedica products are 25% OFF! Sale ends November 30, 2022.

    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Resources:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CkQ8BYJJ1XG/

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/enzymes-vs-probiotics

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/digest-this/what-are-digestive-enzymes-and-what-do-they-do

    https://enzymedica.com/collections/all?limit=60

  • Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    This is what we’d call a showstopper! From warm winter spices to delicate roasted pears, this is a seasonal treat that is sure to impress. While we’d never suggest you skip the pie, perhaps there is room on your holiday table for more than one dessert? 🤔

    Pear Almond Toffee Cake

    This is what we’d call a showstopper! From warm winter spices to delicate roasted pears, this is a seasonal treat that is sure to impress. While we’d never suggest you skip the pie, perhaps there is room on your holiday table for more than one dessert? 🤔
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 5
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup butter room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • 2 cups Bob's Red Mill almond flour
    • ¾ cup Bob's Red Mill unbleached white all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon Bob's Red Mill baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon Bob's Red Mill baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 medium D'Anjou pears
    • 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar
    Rum Toffee Sauce
    • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
    • ¼ cup heavy cream room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon rum
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Method
     

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper. Set aside.
    2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, about three minutes. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk dry ingredients together. Set aside.
    3. Stop the mixer and, using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer to medium low and add yogurt and vanilla extract; then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    4. Turn the mixture to low and then slowly add the dry ingredients, taking care to not overmix.
    5. Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the batter into the prepared cake pan.
    6. Clean and peel the pears. Slice the pears ¼-inch thick and arrange on top of the cake in a concentric circle, overlapping them a bit. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
    7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean and the top of the cake springs back to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove the sides of the springform pan and let cool completely.
    8. While the cake is baking, make the rum toffee sauce. Place the brown sugar and water in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, whisking until the sugar crystals dissolve. Once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, add butter and cream. Return to a boil while whisking constantly for at least four minutes.
    9. Remove from heat and stir in the rum, vanilla, and salt. Set aside to cool to room temperature. 
    10. Serve the cake while still slightly warm and drizzle the toffee sauce on it immediately before serving.
    11. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • 6 ways to take back your mornings

    6 ways to take back your mornings

    6 ways to take back your mornings

    Your new routine for better mental health

    It’s 7 am, and your eyes open to the musical chimes of your phone alarm going off.  Have you thought about how much your brain might be processing during this rushed awakening from slumber to content onslaught? And the kind of mental gymnastics your brain is already performing?

    Creating a morning routine can help you break the unhealthy cycle of distraction and distress that can assault your brain when you start your day with your smartphone. It also allows you to find purpose each morning and start your day with your best interests in mind.

    Sample morning routine

    Here are six ideas to include in your morning routine. When putting your routine together, try to aim for at least 30 minutes, including waking up, making your bed, and showering, which will likely use up about half of this time.

    While these morning chores are part of a valuable routine, the really positive brain work comes from meditation, journaling, and affirmation. Most importantly, you must work with what’s happening around you and with those you share a life with. Remember that a shorter routine is better than no routine.

    Wake up at the same time every day

    Creating a successful morning routine starts with finding a time at which you can comfortably wake up each day.

    Make your bed

    The action of checking off something on your to-do list within mere minutes of waking up will set the tone for your day. It not only looks good but also creates a sense of pride and self-confidence.

    Drink some lemon water

    Drinking water with fresh lemon juice can infuse your body with health-giving phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals, while also helping to instill the habit of drinking more water during your day.

    Write in a journal

    The idea of writing down your thoughts is much easier than you might think. Try starting with making bullet points and setting a timer for how long you’ll focus on this area. Remember, the journal is only for your eyes, so be straight to the point, don’t edit yourself, and don’t worry about being judged.

    Meditate

    Meditation comes in many forms, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel like a Yogi Master. To start your new meditation routine, find a quiet, comfortable area where you can sit upright. Then close your eyes, focus your attention on your breathing, and take in the quiet surrounding you. Start small and work up from there.

    Practice daily affirmations

    Here are a few suggested affirmations that might get you started.

    • I’ve been through hard things before and have survived them. I will survive.
    • I wake up every morning ready for a new day of exciting possibilities.
    • I’ll surround myself with positive people who will help bring out the best in me.
    • I’m grateful to be alive. It’s my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Try sound therapy for sleeping

    If you’re looking for a natural way to achieve relaxation and promote sleep, listen up! Sound therapy has been found to relieve stress, pain, and tension and increase spiritual well-being. It can also promote healing by sending you off to a sound snooze.

    What is sound therapy?

    “Sound therapy uses sounds, special instruments, voice and/or music, which are then played for the client in therapeutic ways to achieve certain frequencies and promote holistic well-being,” explains certified sound therapist May Globus.

    In Globus’s view, this therapy is both science and art, developed through the centuries. Sound therapists use instruments and modalities gathered from cultures including from Asia and Egypt, along with Indigenous cultures.

    Instruments used during a sound therapy session might include crystal bowls, gongs, drums, rattles, and tuning forks. Some, like Globus, also use their voice. During a sound therapy session, the client lies down with eyes closed and absorbs the sound frequencies created by the practitioner, says Globus.

    A sound way to improve sleep

    Some research shows that one particular method of sound therapy can prompt the brain to operate at a brainwave pattern that promotes relaxation, lowers anxiety, and makes it easier to fall asleep more easily and more soundly. One small study also found that sound therapy that creates this brainwave state also creates three other chemicals associated with sleep: DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin.

    Globus sees this borne out in practice. When she conducts her routine post-session check-in, most of her clients say they experienced a deep sleep.

    Getting started on sound therapy

    If you’re serious about experiencing sound therapy, Globus believes it’s best to start out by seeing a certified practitioner or by attending a group sound therapy session.

    “That way, you can feel the frequencies and vibrations in your body for an extended period of time,” says Globus. During a session, some people will feel physical sensations, some will see colors, and, for others, memories and scenes will come to mind.

    If you find this experience enjoyable, says Globus, you may want to visit a specialty store that carries sound therapy instruments, such as a sound bowl. Look for the one that resonates with you, suggests Globus. Then, you can make it part of your nightly bedtime ritual.

    Sound therapy is also easily accessible through YouTube. “Amazing practitioners from around the world upload videos of themselves playing bowls and other instruments,” says Globus.

    Supplements to help when you’re tired all the time

    Fatigue can have a wide variety of causes. It can come from conditions such as diabetes or other chronic illnesses or from lifestyle habits such as poor sleep management or stress. Consult your health care practitioner to eliminate any underlying conditions if you’re experiencing long-lasting and unexplained fatigue.

    You may find the following supplements helpful in supporting a stressed and fatigued system.

    • Melatonin
    • Magnesium
    • Valerian root
    • Lavender
    • Passionflower

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Cast-iron cooking

    Cast-iron cooking

    Cast-iron cooking

    Give it a try!

    Cast-iron pans are nonstick, easy to clean, and add healthy minerals to food. Here are a few delicious dishes to try.

    Coconut Curry Turmeric Trout

    This quick curry is great with a variety of proteins. Seasoning the fish as soon as you’ve cut the fillets ensures the salt permeates the flesh, making for a more delicious result.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 fresh trout about 12 inches long, skinned, filleted, and cut into 1 inch pieces
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
    • 1 carrot sliced
    • 1 medium onion sliced
    • 1 fennel bulb sliced, fronds reserved
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 13 ½ ounces can coconut milk

    Method
     

    1. Sprinkle trout with salt and pepper.
    2. In 12 inch cast iron skillet, heat coconut oil and sauté sliced carrots, onion, and fennel, with salt and pepper to taste, for 5 minutes. Add onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and turmeric. Once spices are fragrant, add coconut milk. Cook for 3 minutes, until sauce thickens, then add trout, gently cooking it through, about 2 minutes.
    3. Serve with rice and garnish with fennel fronds.
    4. Enjoy!

    Salmon, Polenta, and Charred Vine Tomatoes

    This twist on a classic gremolata uses fish-friendly dill and parsley and cuts through the creamy richness of the polenta.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Polenta
    • 4 cups water
    • 1 vegetable (or chicken) bouillon stock cube
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan
    • Salt and pepper
    Gremolata
    • 1 lemon zested and juiced
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and minced
    • ½ cup chopped fresh dill
    • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 10 on-the-vine cherry tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil or other high-smoke oil
    • 4 4 ounce salmon fillets with skin
    • Pinch salt to garnish

    Method
     

    1. For polenta, in medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add stock cube and butter. Whisk in cornmeal and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, covered, stirring every few minutes, depending on how hot the fire is. If polenta starts to stick or burn, reduce heat or add water. Whisk in Parmesan. Season, to taste, and set aside pot.
    2. Meanwhile, for gremolata, in medium bowl, combine lemon juice and zest with garlic, chopped dill, parsley, and pinch of salt.
    3. Over medium-high, heat 12 inch cast iron skillet. Be patient; the pan is hot enough when you place a hand above it and feel a fair bit of heat, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, still on the vine, and cook until lightly charred but not bursting. Remove tomatoes from pan.
    4. For salmon, add oil to pan. When hot, add salmon, skin side down. Cook until the line of opacity reaches halfway up the side of salmon, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. If the two lines of opacity meet, the fish will be overcooked, so remove them sooner rather than later.
    5. To serve, plate polenta and fish and top with gremolata, and place tomatoes on the vine alongside. Sprinkle with salt.
    6. Enjoy!

    Prawn Pasta

    Simple and quick, this prawn pasta combines seafood with a touch of heat. If you can’t find a fresh Fresno chili pepper, use a red jalapeño or a tiny bit of fresh cayenne pepper instead.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 7 ounces squid ink conchiglie (shell pasta)
    • Several garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 Fresno chili pepper
    • ½ cup fresh parsley
    • 2 tablespoons chili oil or regular high-heat oil
    • 1 pound sustainable shrimp in their shells, heads removed
    • Juice of ½ lemon
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper

    Method
     

    1. In large pot, boil pasta until tender. Drain and set aside.
    2. Meanwhile, chop garlic, chili pepper, and parsley.
    3. In 12 inch cast iron skillet, heat chili oil. Add shrimp and fry for 1 minute on each side. Remove to cutting board.
    4. Add pasta to skillet (don’t wipe it out first) and add garlic and chopped chili. Cook for 30 seconds, then add pasta and toss to coat. Return shrimp to skillet, stir in parsley, and squeeze lemon juice overtop. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    5. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Gluten-Free Classic Lasagna

    Gluten-Free Classic Lasagna

    Gluten-Free Classic Lasagna

    This classic lasagna is a hearty vegetarian meal for chilly days. Don’t be intimidated by the 90-minute recipe. Most of that time is hands off—the cheese is getting nice and bubbly in the oven. The hardest part is waiting for the #GlutenFree deliciousness.

    Gluten-Free Classic Lasagna

    This classic lasagna is a hearty vegetarian meal for chilly days. Don’t be intimidated by the 90-minute recipe. Most of that time is hands off—the cheese is getting nice and bubbly in the oven. The hardest part is waiting for the #GlutenFree deliciousness. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 9 ounces Jovial Gluten Free Brown Rice Lasagna
    • 2 jars Jovial Crushed Tomatoes
    • 4 tablesppons Jovial Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon dry basil
    • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
    • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
    • 2 eggs
    • 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt to taste

    Method
     

    1. In a medium bowl, mix tomatoes, oil, garlic powder, spices, and salt to taste.
    2. In another bowl, combine eggs and ricotta cheese.
    3. Cover the bottom of a 9×13” lasagna pan with 1 cup of the tomato mixture.
    4. Arrange four uncooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of the pan and spread ⅓ of ricotta mixture on top.
    5. Cover with 1 cup of the tomato mixture, ¾ cup of mozzarella, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
    6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 two times.
    7. Layer the top with remaining noodles, tomato, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
    8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 50 minutes.
    9. Uncover and pat down the noodles gently to flatten the top. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
    10. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Cheddar & Chive Smashed Potatoes

    Cheddar & Chive Smashed Potatoes

    Cheddar & Chive Smashed Potatoes

    These cheddar & chive smashed potatoes are simply elegant! Equal emphasis on the simple and the elegant. Cheddar and fresh chives combine for the perfect side dish. Plus, it’s vegan!

    Cheddar & Chive Smashed Potatoes

    These cheddar & chive smashed potatoes are simply elegant! Equal emphasis on the simple and the elegant. Cheddar and fresh chives combine for the perfect side dish. Plus, it’s vegan!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 1
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound baby potatoes
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 1 bag Daiya Cutting Board Collection Cheddar Style Shreds
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons chives chopped

    Method
     

    1. Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil; then cook, covered for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. Drain in a colander.
    2. Place in a lightly greased baking sheet, and with the back of a fork gently press until the potatoes burst. Continue until all potatoes are smashed.
    3. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle bag of Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds on potatoes until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    4. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and potatoes are golden brown.
    5. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Potato & Corn Soup

    Potato & Corn Soup

    Potato & Corn Soup

    Looking for a warm bowl of cozy? Look no further than this potato & corn soup. It’s luscious and creamy, without any cream! This savory soup is a no brainer for cold nights.

    Potato & Corn Soup

    Looking for a warm bowl of cozy? Look no further than this potato & corn soup. It’s luscious and creamy, without any cream! This savory soup is a no brainer for cold nights.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons Bragg olive oil
    • ¼ cup onion chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 3 cups vegetable broth
    • 3 red or white potatoes cubed
    • 2 cobs of corn kernels removed
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • Bragg Liquid Aminos and Bragg Nutritional Yeast to taste

    Method
     

    1. In a large pot, sauté onion until soft, about five to six minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
    2. Add the broth and potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
    3. Add the contents of the pot to a blender. Add the corn and blend until smooth. Do this in batches if necessary.
    4. Stir in salt, liquid aminos, and nutritional yeast to taste.
    5. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Homemade Squash Gnocchi

    Homemade Squash Gnocchi

    Homemade Squash Gnocchi

    Gnocchi is a great entry point for homemade pasta! This recipe for homemade squash gnocchi don’t require a pasta maker, a food processor, or any fancy unitaskers. If you’ve played with modeling clay as a child, you can make gnocchi. Rolling out the dough into long strands may give you flashbacks to your younger years. Just make sure you only add flour if the dough is sticking. Add too much and you’ll lose the light fluffy texture of truly great gnocchi. The addition of squash puree ups the seasonal wow factor and nutrition. You can use canned pumpkin, roasted butternut, or any combination of winter squash you have on hand. 

    Homemade Squash Gnocchi

    Gnocchi is a great entry point for homemade pasta! If you played with modeling clay as a child, you can make Homemade Squash Gnocchi. The addition of squash puree ups the seasonal wow factor and nutrition. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup ricotta
    • ¾ cup squash puree
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • Fresh sage leaves

    Method
     

    1. Whisk together ricotta, squash puree, egg, salt, and nutmeg.
    2. Add flour and stir until mixture forms a soft ball; rest for 10 minutes covered.
    3. Meanwhile, heat a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add sage leaves and swirl pan around to crisp sage and allowing butter to brown evenly. Turn off heat and set aside.
    4. Cut dough into six even portions and roll into a ½-inch log shape, using flour as necessary to keep from sticking. Cut logs into 1-inch pieces and set aside on a floured surface.
    5. Drop gnocchi into boiling water in batches and cook until they float, about 3 minutes. Carefully strain cooked gnocchi. 
    6. Put the brown butter and sage pan back over medium-low heat and add cooked gnocchi. Heat through and serve promptly.
    7. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Looking for a fun beverage for your next fall gathering? Infuse cider with your favorite fall baking spices and add bubbles—either sparkling juice or the adults-only prosecco. This Sparkling Spiced Cider is easy enough to pull off for unexpected guests. Don’t forget the sliced fruit for the punch bowl. It takes it to the next level! Serving this punch warm is a nod to mulled wine and the chillier temps. The addition of sparkling wine or juice keeps it festive. 

    Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Looking for a fun beverage for your next fall gathering? Infuse cider with your favorite fall baking spices and add bubbles—either sparkling juice or the adults-only prosecco. This sparkling spiced cider is easy enough to pull off for unexpected guests.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 7
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 gallon apple cider
    • 1 ½ cups pear juice
    • 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco or sparkling pear juice
    • 4 oranges sliced (divided)
    • 6 cinnamon sticks
    • 6 cloves
    • 2 star anise
    • 2 Honeycrisp apples cored and sliced
    • A few sprigs of fresh thyme

    Method
     

    1. In a 6-quart stockpot, bring apple cider, pear juice, half of the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to just under a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
    2. Remove from heat and carefully strain into a large serving vessel, top with prosecco or sparkling pear juice. Serve warm, garnish with remaining orange slices, apple slices, and fresh thyme sprigs.
    3. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA