the mighty apple

                 

                        

Need a quick pick-me-up?  Looking for a fast, convenient snack on-the-go?  Reach for an apple!  Packed with powerful nutrients and healthy fiber, these savory little treats will satisfy your hunger and your sweet tooth.  As a child, my mom would always have a drawer full of apples in the refrigerator as the perfect afternoon or evening snack.  To this day, everyone in my family grabs an apple if they're looking for something to munch on between meals.  Establish a healthy home and healthy snacks from day one in your children's lives and you'll set them up for a lifetime of success in making the best choices for their nutrition. Not to mention, September is National Apple Month.  And so is October.  And November.  (In 1904, National Apple week was founded.  The event has since spread across the season of the apple harvest and runs from September through November each year.)  See, apples are so awesome that they merit receiving recognition not one, but 3 months out of the year! ;) The benefits of apples are numerous.  Here are just a few of their mighty health benefits:

Brain Boost:  Apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which has been found to protect neurons against free radical damage.  In one study, apple juice improved behavior and mood in Alzheimer's patients. 

Heart Health:  Eating an apple a day may protect against heart disease and lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. 

Lower Blood Pressure:  People who eat apples are more likely to have lower blood pressure (and trimmer waists!).  

Cancer Prevention:  Quercetin has been linked to hindering the growth of cancer; daily apple consumption helps protect against colorectal cancer.  

Breath Easier:  Moms, check this out - children of apple-eating moms were less likely to show signs of asthma at age five.  Apples are rich in fiber and flavonoids, which may reduce respiratory symptoms.  

When it comes to selecting apples, always go for organic.  Leave the pesticides of conventional produce behind, as the skin of apples contain many beneficial nutrients.  Enjoy an apple every day - they may just be one of God's perfect, portable snack foods!  

{Thanks for reading.}

happy fall!

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, 
cold and heat, summer and winter, 
day and night, shall not cease.”  
- Genesis 8:22

jeremiah ten twelve

Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta | Recipe

This dish became a fast favorite in our household.  Meat-free and dairy-free, it is delicious, healthy, and super-easy to prepare. Ok, so I realize that I may have lost a few of you at the mention that this pasta is void of both meat and dairy.  But, it is so savory and full of flavor that you won't even notice!  My husband has been an avid carnivore his entire life - and a self-proclaimed picky eater - and he loves it!   Combining several Tomato Basil Pesto recipes resulted in the creation of this one, so it is packed full of the best cancer-fighting, heart-healthy ingredients. Here's a breakdown of its many exceptional health benefits:

- Basil: promotes heart health, advances healthy skin, prevents several types of cancer, and boosts the immune system.

- Tomatoes: contain lycopene, vitamin C, folate, and potassium; can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration

- Walnuts: rich source of omega-3 fatty acids; contain a powerhouse of antioxidants, protein, fiber, magnesium, and phosphorous.

- Olive Oil: helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, decreases the risk of cancer and can help cognitive function

- Nutritional Yeast:  full of vitamins (especially B-complex), contains essential amino acids, and is an excellent source of protein.

- Pine Nuts:  high in vitamins E and K, manganese, zinc, iron, and magnesium, they provide essential nutrients to strengthen both the cardiovascular and immune systems.  

For the recipe you'll need: 

- 1 cup fresh organic basil leaves

- 7-8 sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil

- 2 cloves of organic garlic

- 1/3 cup organic walnuts

- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (Bragg's brand)

- 3-4 tbsp organic extra-virgin olive oil

- 1-2 tbsp water, as needed (or more olive oil, as needed)

- salt, to taste

- your desired amount of cooked pasta

- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 

In a food processor that is turned on, add the garlic cloves and chop finely. Now add the basil and continue to process until finely chopped. Pour in the olive oil, then add the sundried tomatoes and nutritional yeast.  Combine until smooth. With the food processor still running, pulse in the walnuts. Add more olive oil or water to maintain a smooth consistency, if needed.  Sprinkle in a dash of salt, if desired.  Once combined, pour the pesto over your desired amount of cooked pasta and mix well. Toss in the toasted pine nuts and serve.  

{Thanks for reading.}

party! | celebrating emmy

Is there anything more fun than a child's birthday party?  During the spring we celebrated our daughter's 1st, but with the super busy summer we've had it it wasn't until recently that I had a chance to catch my breath for a bit and enjoy going through some of the pictures from her party.  Birthdays are always fun occasions to celebrate, regardless of how old one is.  Each day, season, and year of our lives truly is a gift from God.  If we are here today, we have a purpose and God has a plan for us.  Don't miss His plan for you.  Every day is reason to celebrate - enjoy yours!

{Thanks for reading.}