Healthy Granola Bars

"Be careful when you blindly follow the masses...sometimes the "m" is silent"

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal stated that the FDA was working on changing their criteria of what makes food allowed to be labelled "Healthy".

Currently their standards are from 1994. YES! You read that correctly...1994.

Right now Pop Tarts and Frosted Flakes can be labelled "Healthy" but almonds, avocados and salmon would not be able to be labelled "Healthy".

Seriously.

The current (severely outdated) criteria takes into consideration fat amounts and if the food is fortified with vitamins. It does not have any regulations on sugar amounts - yet we know today that sugar is the main culprit of diabetes and obesity in our society.

Food like avocados and almonds do not qualify because they have too much fat - however we know now that it isn't about the amount of fat but rather the kind of fat. Avocado and almonds have good fats - ones that keep your brain healthy and your cholesterol low. They also have a zillion other vital vitamins and nutrients that definitely are NOT in pop tarts.

This is proof that terms like "Healthy" and "Natural" on food packages are often not the truth and are often more of a marketing tool than an aid to help you make good choices.

You need to be your own decision maker on what is "Healthy". Low sugar, whole, unprocessed foods closest to their natural state are your best options. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains.

With this in mind today's recipe is for Healthy Homemade Granola Bars. They are low sugar, have no preservatives, are vegan and gluten free. They are super quick and easy to make, taste amazing and you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week and in the freezer for up to a month.

They are loaded with fibre, omegas, zinc, antioxidants and magnesium.

You can also make them nut-free by using sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.

I like to make a big batch and keep some in the freezer. They are my absolute favourite "to go" snack.

And I know they are truly "Healthy".

Enjoy.

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars

Ingredients
2 cups gluten free oats
2 cups brown rice crisps cereal
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/3 cup roasted almond butter (I like the crunchy one)
1/2 cup brown rice syrup*
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
1/2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of sea salt

Instructions
Line a 9x9 baking dish with two layers of parchment paper, large pieces so it is hanging out over the edges.

In a large bowl combine oats, brown rice crips, seeds, chocolate chips, cinnamon and sea salt.

In a small saucepan stir together the brown rice syrup, maple syrup and almond butter over medium heat until it is lightly bubbling and well combined. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes.

Pour the warm mixture over the dry mixture and stir to combine. It will get a bit tough to stir but make sure everything is well mixed together.

Pour the combined mixture into the baking dish and put hot water on your hands to press it into the dish. Be  firm and make sure that the mixture is pressed hard into the dish and into all the corners.

Put the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Remove from the freezer and use the parchment paper to take the now hardened mixture out of the pan. Cut it into bars any size you like. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and easy to take with you. Refrigerate for up to 1 week and freeze for up to 1 month.

*do not substitute the brown rice syrup as they will not turn out. You can buy it at your local health food store or at Whole Foods.

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Why You Need Plants Inside Your Home...

Eating clean, whole unprocessed food is a great way to start the detoxification process on the inside.

But toxins aren't only inside our bodies, they are also inside our homes - cleaning products, furniture, carpet, flooring, electronics, cooking - there are so many things that cause indoor air pollution.

The answer to clearing up this indoor air? Plants.

So simple and so pretty.

Aside from being practical - they are also very trendy right now.

Look for easy to maintain plants in pots that compliment your decor. They don't have to be expensive or exotic. Take note of how much light they need when deciding where to put them. I water all of mine once a week. Super easy.

I keep a lot of plants in my office space in an effort to reduce the radiation emitted by my electronics. Also, since plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen - they are good to have around to keep me alert and clear headed.

Other great spots to put house plants are in the bedroom for peaceful, clean air rest and in the kitchen to clear some of the air from cooking.

Wondering which ones to buy?

Any type of palm (big or small), succulents, ferns, spider plants and banana leaf plants are rated the best for air purification. As a side note, if you enjoy fresh flowers (and who doesn't???) tulips and gerber daisies are the best for removing toxins from the air.

So get out there and bring some gorgeous plants home - they will look great and will keep your home a healthier place to live.

7 Naturally Detoxing Foods

Detox is a hot word.

And why not? It makes us feel like we are clearing out the "bad" stuff and going to be all fresh and clean - thin and glowing - which is awesome.

Here's the great news - our amazing bodies are already designed to detox everyday - without a juice fast or smoothies for dinner. Our kidneys, our liver, our digestive system - they all play a part in healthy detoxing all the time.

Now don't get me wrong - eating bags of bbq chips and chocolate milkshakes are NOT going to help the natural detox process along - much the opposite - they create clutter that slows the process down.

Healthy, whole, unprocessed foods will help your body detox more effectively - getting rid of unwanted toxins and free radicals.

Feeling like you need a little detox? Or you simply want to eat healthier and cleaner? Here are 7 Naturally Detoxing Foods...

"Do something today that your future self will thank you for"

1. Cabbage - its cleansing properties come from a high content of sulphur containing compounds that promote the elimination of potential carcinogens in the body. These compounds are destroyed by heat so for best detoxing benefits enjoy cabbage raw. My favourite way? Detox Cabbage Pear Salad - get the recipe here.

2. Brazil Nuts - these amazing nuts are full of selenium which is key in flushing mercury from your body. Selenium also plays a role in healthy thyroid function. Snack on 2 or 3 Brazil nuts a day.

3. Avocado - full of antioxidants and fibre, avocado's work well with the digestive and cardiovascular system to detox. Try it mixed with two other detoxing powerhouse foods - cilantro and olive oil for a yummy dip or dressing.

4. Cilantro - its natural oils promote digestion therefore working with your digestive system to easily eliminate unwanted toxins. Add it to salads for a fresh twist.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - loaded with polyphenols EVOO reduces inflammation therefore allowing your body to work more effectively and efficiently. You don't need a lot - 1 or 2 Tablespoons daily does the trick.

6. Kale - is there anything this leafy green doesn't do? Rich in antioxidants (including vitamin K) kale reduces inflammation and works to detox your body on a genetic level.

7. Dandelion Tea - most of us think of the dandelion as a pest in our lawn, but turn that frown upside-down because dandelion tea has been know as "liver tonic" for hundreds of years. Dandelion tea is made up of the plants leaves and roots and works hard to detox your liver. Try a cup today - you can buy organic dandelion tea bags at your local grocery or health food store.

Detox Cabbage Pear Salad

Cabbage may not always be on the top of your list of fav foods - but it should be!

It had amazing compounds that work hard to detoxify your liver and your digestive system keeping you healthy, your skin clear and your energy levels high. 

Cabbage works best in your body when it is raw as heat can damage its detoxifying properties. 

Get more in your day by slicing it thin on your salad, making it into a slaw with grated carrots and apple cider vinegar or make this amazing Cabbage Pear Salad. 

This is a tart and sweet salad that has great crunch and is absolutely bursting with antioxidants - your body will totally thank you.

"Chew more...eat less"

Detox Cabbage and Pear Salad

Ingredients

1/2 head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced

1 Bartlett pear, cored and sliced

1/3 cup sliced red onion 

1/2 cup raw, walnuts

1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Whisk together the vinegar, evoo, maple syrup, lemon juice and mustard. 

Mix the cabbage, pear, walnuts and  red onion together in a large bowl and top with the whisked dressing - tossing to coat. Season with fresh ground sea salt and enjoy!