Meals for a Time Such as This

Hey Guys!  It has been a long time since updating this blog, yet I have been posting directly to the Facebook page- its time to give this blog life again.  Remember, this blog was started in 2017 with the intention of getting a new healthy perspective for S.trength T.o R.each O.ur N.ew G.oals.  In order to RISE, we must have a newness about our strength, one that comes from the Lord.  As His word prepares your spirit, His ways will prepare the temple fit for the Master's use.  Globally we are entering into times that have pressed each and every one of us on all sides; whether it was economical, whether it was in our family dynamics, in our health, and even in our spirit.  God wants you to be prepared and He has shared these recipes and tips with me for a time such as this. I am not a medical professional nor am I certified as a Holistic and Naturopathic specialist, but I do know Who the remedy is and I do know Who gives the insight, that which I did not have prior to listening to what God has shown me.  My diet has DRAMATICALLY CHANGED and if you read the foodie posts from a few years ago you will see that I like good food.  Well, God has shown me how to appreciate GOOD FOOD and it certainly wasn't what I was always eating.  Without making it personal, I'd like to leave you with these hints to be able to get the most out of what you have, to meal prep, make more than enough by creating different meals, and some very healthy holistic herbs that can help you.  I pray that this blesses you.  Pay close attention, this diet is for a time such as this.  We are going to tackle some gnawing health concerns and economic concerns, first with the Power of the name of Jesus Christ, and with HIS STRATEGIES to keep your family healthy. 

Herbs that will help you boost the immune system

1. I was craving garlic - eww, I know right.  Well, I do like fresh  and after cooking it with almost every meal I inquired of the Lord (don't be fooled, the jar stuff does not compare).  Garlic fights infection, viruses, boosts the immune system, is heart-healthy, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressures, helps with the aging process, athletic performance, (energy), longevity of life, prevents Alzheimer's and Dementia.  

2. Bags and bags of Kale- I go through the big bag of kale in one week (or less).  Kale does a lot.  Kale is a plant-based protein.  Kales is a reliable source of fiber.  Kale has incredible amounts of vitamins so if you aren't taking a multivitamin, eat Kale.  Kale, lowers blood pressure, its a dense food and will help you feel fuller longer when combined with the right mix (guess what I got a recipe for you below) and it lowers cholesterol.  Reducing the risk of heart disease, Kale also has a great source of Vitamin K which is potassium.  It helps with osteoporosis, reduces inflammation (those with autoimmune disease and sed rates that are high) let's tackle some of those body aches and pain with holistic measures.  

3. A fresh tomato sauce with basil- I have the utmost respect for Basil.  I love it. Basil does much, not only does it add flavor, but it helps with gut health, but it tackles water retention which could be related to many other issues (I'm not a doctor but water retention could impact the heart, the lungs and the kidneys).  Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin A, K, C and Iron.  All of you "Anemiacs" the anemia crew-  get yourself a little plant, love on it, and it will be the gift that keeps on giving.  If you haven't noticed the vitamin source in these herbs please note that they are immune boosters and will help your body ward off invaders.  Now basil oil is used for tension, mental fatigue, and even treats depression.  I say throw it in some tomato sauce, on top of the eggplant and nibble while you work.  PSA-  It helps freshen your breath, so if you don't have gum but have your plant- pluck and eat and you can help someone by not hurting them.  

4.  Break the stem and chop them up or even eat them whole. Mushrooms have been on the menu and they are good!  The Lord added mushrooms to my cravings and started to wonder why.  Well since the last posting and even before that over 3 years I haven't eaten meat.  No chicken, no pork, no beef, NO MEAT. Did you know that mushrooms are a good replacement for meat?   Mushrooms are a source of protein and fiber hence the reason why many vegetarians use them as their meat.  The protein and fibrous diet are actually quality characteristics for those who want to lose weight.  It promotes healthy diets, with a combination of soluble fibers that decrease the digestion rate of carbohydrates and this is especially good news for DIABETICS.  Those with hormonal imbalances who have elevated sugar levels can convert to a green, protein, fibrous diet can lose the weight which impacts the reproductive system. Start to see your body transform and become fertile.  It's all about how you look at it.  Fertility is cultivated by what you put in.  (The grocery store was out of dried lentils, so I had to get the canned ones, still prefer the dried but these Rienzi beans are pretty good) 

Grains and beans are essential for a time such as this...

How many of you love rice?  How many of you love eating rice? What about oatmeal? What about Quinoa?  Well, let me throw something in there that you might not have thought of as replacements or even thought of period.  

1. Barely-  While going through sitchi-a-shuns  (situations) I had limited funds and needed a good meal every now and then.  Whole Foods sell minute and a half packages of barley and lentils combo seasoned with Mediterranean Olive Oil and herbs.  It's amazing!! So amazing that I continued to eat it and let me tell you why.  Barely improves digestion, is a great source of fiber, lowers cholesterol, helps with weight loss (Woop Woop) and promotes a healthy heart.  Proven to improve digestive health which prevents gallstones, diabetes and has properties that help prevent colon cancer.  I say that's a win-win.

2. Lentils - Ok. Beans, beans they're good for the heart.. the more you eat... The more healthy you are! Gotcha!  B-vitamins, plant protein, high in fiber, growth of HEALTHY gut bacteria, and heart-healthy.  

 3. Black Beans-  Besides an amazing rice combination- you can make some congri yummm! Black beans have another purpose other than Congri and Morro.  Black beans are amazing source of protein and fiber- They can be consumed just in regular form, can be used in black bean soup, smashed and made into black bean patties and they can be even made over some barely instead of rice.  The little black beans promote healthy bones helping to fight against osteoporosis, health weight (weight loss), heart-healthy and wards off heart disease, lowers blood pressures, helps manage diabetes and promotes digestive health.  

Essential fruits for this time

1. Oranges - vitamin C

2. Lemons- helps detox the body

It's in the wrong section but its a gem-- Ginger / Lemon / Honey / Cinnamon Tea (you can add basil to it too, I never tried it like that so don't blame me if it's gross.  The recipe is on the last blog post)

You'll be glad that I'm cheap... 

So you see the shopping list of items and your thinking how can these healthy items be cost-effective.. Well, they are because I am cheap and I have learned to buy foods that can make much than shop for one meal.   I'll put some pictures up so you can see. 

Here is the fun part. Let's get in the kitchen

 

Homemade Tomato Sauce- You don't know what they put in the jar, so just put your ingredients into the pot and cook on a low heat until cooked down. Stir frequently.  I used Compari Tomatoes with Angel Sweet tomatoes.  Many people cut the tomato sauce with sugar (blek- I don't like that).  These tomatoes are buttery and sweet so when they are cooked down they are not bitter.  First heat the pan with olive oil, throw in fresh garlic cloves above 3 or so depending on how much you like, You can cut the cloves in halves or you through it in whole.  I suggest cutting them into 2 or three-parts.  Let the oil cook the garlic (do not let it get burnt, the whole thing will taste burnt).  I can't remember how many come in the cocktail tomato pack maybe 6 or so.  Cut them in halves and toss them in, and I don't measure so throw in about 1/3 of the package of angel tomatoes, maybe two or three hand fulls.  Add some diced onion if you want and don't forget the basil.  A pinch of salt, some pepper, oregano (I need to get fresh oregano) and cook.   Now you're done.  

 Chapati, Roti, Tortillas, wherever you are from-- its edible!  This is so simple and so Biblical it will make you feel like you're in one of the scenes of the Bible.  Take whole wheat flour into the bowl- start with about 1 cup (I don't measure but can tell you the consistency) add olive oil and a small amount of water.  You can use your hands or a fork, and keep mixing the three together until it gets clumpy.  You might need to balance it out by slowly adding a bit of flour, or a tad more water, play with it while mixing until you get a firm consistency.  (Kind of like playdoh).   Take it in your hands and kneed it and roll it.  Take a small piece off and flatten it between your hands, press it on a hard surface in a circular pattern the best you can, and press until it is thin.  You can get it slightly thicker than a tortilla.  You'll see what I mean in the next recipe.  Heat a pan with a little bit of olive oil in cook about a minute or two on both sides-- remove and place in a storage bag or saran wrap to keep from getting hard.  

 Black bean burgers- 1 can of black beans drained, and press them until it has a consistency of mashed potatoes. Add onions, peppers, garlic, and seasoning to your liking.  Add 1 egg and half cup of bread crumbs and mix together.  I added an authentic red salsa  (leftovers are always good to use) and don't get disgusted but added some ketchup to the mixture and it made sweet and spicy (not too spicy, just enough of a kick to give it flavor).  Heat the oven to 375 and lightly spray or grease a baking sheet (LIGHTLY) make patties and cook for 10 minutes each side- totaling 20 minutes.  Now you have your homemade bread (I toasted them because I prepared the food last night) and a cost-effective black bean burger. Slice some tomato, I had bagged salad so that worked, added some secret sauce ( a little mayo and ketchup mix) and I ate it.. Look and see..

It was good... and cost-effective!

Always make sure you are making an investment into your body.  Your health is important. Allow God to change your habits, by changing your diet, and give you a holistic approach to health and wellness.  Food is medicine, and based on what our bodies are going through will determine what "food" you need to take.  In this season- I urge you to stay hydrated, and consume tons of vitamin C foods and be SPIRITUALLY CONSCIOUS AS WELL.  You cannot just feed your body and not your soul!

Lentils, Barley, and Roasted Kale with Roasted Garlic

See that big bag of kale above- take a few handfuls in an oven-safe dish and through it in, slice up garlic, through some in on the top and bottom.  I add salt and I know that's not good for everyone so please be mindful of who you are cooking for (salt your own). Add a touch of olive oil.  Throw it in the oven on 350 and cook until crisp on the top, remove from the oven.  Now barley quadruples in size. Tell me about it.  1 cup of barley for 3 cups of water.  I add a little olive to the water you don't have to.  Boil until the water is cooked out- about 30 minutes.  Then place your lid or cover and simmer until the barley is fluffed on the top another 15 to 20 minutes.  You can choose to add sauteed mushrooms to this dish and it is amazing.  I loved it so much this is what I ate for dinner (a few nights) and ate the rest for breakfast with a cooked egg.   So Good.   

You might think that I use a lot of olive oil, but olive oil has its benefits.  These benefits include antioxidants, fights Alzheimer's, fights heart disease, promotes the usage of good fats, not associated with obesity, and prevents strokes.   

I hope that this has encouraged you during this time that you can stay healthy while on a budget.  This is a diet for a time such as this.  You can incorporate omelets and oatmeal for breakfast. You should get into making yourselves a holistic tea to boost the immune response and drink that twice a day.  Food is your friend and can be used in your healing process if you just heed to what the Lord shows you to do.   I pray that all of you are well and will check in next month with you guys!