Raw Vegan Southwest Zucchini Lasagna

23 Comments September 29, 2014 DrD4Health

Cumin, cumin, cumin…

There are some things I miss about Texas, such as, friendly drivers, everbody loving the same team, all of my childhood friends and the taste of Cumin! My momma was always adding Cumin to everything! I just love the smell and taste of it!
Tex-Mex food is just different than Southern Californian Cuisine. Oh don’t get me wrong- I do love the flavors out here… but nothing says home like Southern-Tex-Mex food with Cumin!

Why Cumin? It appears Cumin has been used by thousands of years by the Egyptians, Indians and the Native Americans…

Cumin seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant and anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

The active ingredients in Cumin are known to improve gut motility and be a digestive aide by augmenting gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions.

A study on rats by researchers at Mysore University, published in the “Indian Journal of Medical Research” in 2004, found cumin useful for both dyspepsia and diarrhea which are prevalent in Celiacs. Cumin appears to stimulate the liver to secrete more bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats and the absorption of nutrients, leading to healthier digestion. In the study, cumin increased bile secretion in the rats by 71 percent.

Cumin Essential Oil is also of great benefit! Cumin oil is a bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, detoxifier, emenagogue, stimulant, nervine, and tonic substance.

This Golden Spice is an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Zinc is a co-factor in enzymes regulating growth, development and sperm generation.

Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps maintain our heart rate and blood pressure. Our body uses Manganese as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Cumin spice also contains great amounts of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and other vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A and C. There is so much goodness in Cumin, it’s easy to see why it’s been used by various cultures around the world! Oh, how I love learning the healing properties of food!

I want to take this opportunity to remind you that it is very important to know our B-Vitamin Status! Are you experiencing any pain, inflammation, auto-immune issues? Being aware of our homocysteine levels and genetic polymorphisms is very helpful in maintaining long-term health and well being. In the meantime, Cumin is a great way of helping you get some vital nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants!

I’m not sure how my mom always made Cumin work into her recipes, but she did! Here is my attempt at channeling her Cumin that always left us Cummin back for more! Mmmm… this lasagna is Yummy Yummy Baby!

Savory Southwest Lasagna Ingredients

3 Zucchinis
Zesty Cumin Marinara (See below)
Cashew Cheese (see below)
1 Tomato, sliced
1/3 Cup of Red Onion, sliced
1/3 cup Black Olives, sliced & pitted
1/3 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
Fresh Oregano
Cumin

Instructions for Lasagna

To make Zucchini Strips, use a Mandoline slicer or a large ceramic peeler for long thin slices.
In a 9 X 13 baking dish, create layers with Zucchini ribbons on the bottom (as if pasta layers).
Next, gently slather the Cashew Cheese on Zucchini, then spread 1/2 the diced tomatoes, 1/2 sliced Red Onions.
Next pour & spread 1/2 the Marinara, then sprinkle 1/2 the black olives over Marinara, then Oregano leaves.
Create your second layer by repeating the exact same steps.

Zesty Cumin Marinara

3 Medium Tomatoes (about 3 cups chopped)
1 1/2 Cloves Garlic
3/4 Cup Fresh Basil leaves
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Juice Lemon (fresh)
1/2 Juice Lime (fresh)
2 teaspoons Pitted Medjool Dates
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Rosemary
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
5 Tablespoons Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1/8 teaspoon of Cumin

Instructions for Zesty Cumin Marinara

Put all of the ingredients inside a food processor, EXCEPT the sun-dried tomatoes. Once the mixture is smooth, slowly add the sun-dried tomatoes until you see that it is thickened and not too runny.

Ingredients for Cashew Cheese

3 Cups of Soaked Cashew Nuts
Juice of 1 Lime
Juice of 1 Lemon
3 Cloves of Garlic
3/4 Cup of Basil leaves
1 teaspoon of Sea Salt
1 Cup of Spring Water

Instructions for Garlic Cashew Cheese:

Place all ingredients in the Food Processor, but slowly add in the water until you see that it is a smooth and creamy texture.
This cheese can be used for so many different things, including wraps and vegetable dip to name a few.

First Layer

Second Layer

I’m looking forward to hearing about your South-Western Italian Night!

Stay Blessed! Dr. Dee

Vegan Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea and Jelly

3 Comments September 26, 2014 DrD4Health

Lemon-Ginger Tea

Mmmm… there are few things that are as soothing as some healing tea.

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted, it will calm you…

William Gladstone

The sun is always shining here in California, but somehow I can feel the cold is coming… Autumn is here and winter is around the corner!

It must be the holiday flavors that make this soothing tea feel like winter in the summer heat! The cinnamon and cloves have a wintery way of inviting snuggles and sweet kisses…

My husband sips it as he does his reading, I sip as I snuggle up next to him, dreaming of my new blog… our toddler is coloring and enjoying tea from his sippy cup, the aroma even has our dogs feeling warm & cozy. The entire family is snuggling, relaxing and being creative… life is sweet 🙂

This Tea and Nectar jelly are a perfect Wintertime Remedy… even in this super heat!

Simmering Tea

Why these ingredients?

Lemons are detoxifying, alkalizing, full of Vitamin C- what a perfect ingredient! Lemon’s go one step further by fighting infection and cleansing your Liver and Bowels. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of warm water in the morning is a great Detoxifier.

Ginger is used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas. Ginger is also used for pain relief, arthritis, sore muscles, menstrual pain, respiratory infections & cough.

Cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. They’re packed with antioxidants and are good sources of minerals, omega-3s, fiber and vitamins.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. Like Lemon & Ginger, it is known for its healing properties for cold/flu. It helps fight fungal and bacterial infection and is also known to help fight diabetes, alzheimers, MS and can lower cholesterol.

Coconut Nectar has Coconut sugar, not table sugar. Table sugar has zero nutritional value, whereas Coconut Nectar is from the sap of the Coconut blossom and has several nutrients. Most notable are B vitamins, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium, along with a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar. *this ingredient is optional and not necessary.

All together, these ingredients create a Yummy Yummy Healing Tea Remedy for you and little ones!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea:
2-3 Lemons (small/medium)
1-2 Ginger Nuggets (approx 4 inches long)
1/2 Tablespoon of Cloves
3 Cinnamon Sticks
Coconut Nectar (to taste)

Instructions for Tea:

-First thoroughly wash your Lemons & Ginger.
-Thinly slice both lemons and place in pot.
-Thinly slice your Ginger about 1/8 inch, place in pot.
-Next add the Cloves to the Pot.
-Add 3 Sticks of Cinnamon
-Add 8 cups of Spring or Alkaline Water to your pot.
-Simmer on low/medium heat for 30 mins.
-If you see a nice yellow tint, your Yummy Tea is ready!
-Use a ladle and pour some into your cup.
-Add about 1 tsp of Coconut Nectar to your cup, get comfy & cozy… enjoy!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly

Coconut Nectar Bottle

Nectar Jelly Ingredients & Instructions:

-Use ingredients above, excluding Cinnamon & Cloves.
-1-2 cups of Coconut Nectar (12-16oz).
-Thinly slice the Lemon/Ginger the same way as above.
-Using a Mason Jar, layer your ingredients (12-16oz).
-Pour Nectar on bottom, then Lemon, then Ginger.
-Repeat each step until the Jar is full, Nectar is on top.
-Close lid, store in your refrigerator for min. 36hrs.
-Anytime you need Yummy Healing Nectar, spoon some into a cup.
-Pour hot water over it, let it steep then enjoy!
-You are going to love this Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly… It’s so Yummy Yummy Baby!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Remedy

Stay healthy this Winter, Dr. Dee 🙂

** I also use it for sore throats & cough, swallowing 1 spoonful.

*LEGAL DISCLAIMER

*Ginger is very safe, and we use it for cough/flu, but if you are taking blood thinners, please consult your doctor before taking Ginger or any of these ingredients on a regular basis. We only drink 1-2 cups a day (1 for kids). Drink water with every cup! As always, use precautions and test for allergies.

*This is a remedy my family uses, this does not serve as medical advice, please consult your doctor for any medical concerns.

Coconut Milk Vegan Baby Formula…

27 Comments September 17, 2014 DrD4Health

I love Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Coconut Meat, Coconut Oil, Coconut Candy, Coconut Cookies, Coconut Cake, Coconut everything! I am definitely cuckoo for Coconuts!

As a child, my mother would repeatedly tell me how great Coconut is for my stomach and my skin. I always heeded her advice about the topical uses, especially for wrinkles and stretch mark prevention, but I never really ate Coconut for medicinal reasons unless she gave it to me. Coming from a Native American mom who would use food, plants and herbs as healing remedies, I came to learn that many of the remedies are now backed by Science.

Upon the birth of my second son, I mysteriously developed a severe stomach bacteria. I was advised to temporarily stop breast feeding if I didn’t want to pass the bacteria back and forth. What was I going to do? I didn’t have a plan B for Breast Milk.

I vigorously started studying every formula out in the market. I couldn’t believe what I found… I consistently found toxic ingredients that are known carcinogens in the majority of the world except the U.S. The majority of countries have banned the use of these ingredients, but we are giving it to our newborns and babies in our hospitals and homes?!?

I felt as if I was in the twilight zone! This isn’t happening… this isn’t happening! After studying further, I learned that there are many alternative home made milks that we can make for our babies who have allergies, bacterial infections, intolerances and sensitivities. Coconut Milk and Hemp Milk are similar to Mother’s Milk, they take some work to make, it requires adding various ingredients, but it is Healthy, Healing, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free and Low on the allergy index.

Please understand that I am not saying that Coconut Milk or other milk alternatives replace a Mother’s milk, I am saying you can create a safe alternative if Mother’s Milk is not a viable choice. Most of all, I am saying that Mother’s milk is a life force that can not be replicated by cows, goats or factories. Breast Milk is the sweetest milk I have ever tasted, yes… I tasted it, 🙂 and it is so understandable why babies prefer it, thrive the best on it and receive so many healing properties.

Coconut milk has been found to treat and relieve sore throats and even stomach ulcers, and like Breast Milk, it is very calming to the body and digestive system. The nutrients in Coconut also aid the body in over all immune system health. It’s B vitamins also aid in many immune and nervous system functions.

Unlike other unhealthy fats, the unique properties of Coconut also contain a large amount of MCTs and Lauric Acid, which is the primary fatty acid found in Mother’s Milk. Lauric acid is what makes breast milk so digestible and is believed to protect the body from infection and boost the immune system.

The great thing is that Coconut Milk is great for all of us, regardless of our age!

Home-made Coconut Milk is also a safe alternative for Diabetics who are concerned with the properties in Dairy Milk. Coconut Milk has a Low Glycemic Index and High Dietary Fiber. The human body cannot digest the dietary fiber in coconut, therefore it has no hazardous effects on Blood Sugar. Best of all, Coconut Milk is lower in sugar than Dairy Milk.

It turned out my baby did get the stomach bacteria and became very very ill and lost a severe amount of weight in less than a week. It was a very rough and scary time for us. After endless hours and days of research and consulting with various Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Doctors, we implemented the undeniable research on Coconut Milk, Oil and meat and it worked… It truly worked!

Our baby started to gain healthy weight, improve the quality of his poop and best of all… he began to thrive and heal! I was able to continue breast feeding and we couldn’t be happier! This was done in conjunction with other nutritional support, like probiotics and digestive enzymes, but that is another blog. 🙂

Here is a Yummy Yummy Baby recipe for Vegan Coconut Milk Baby Formula:

3 Cups of home-made Coconut Milk (Its easy after you do it once)
1 Tbsp Unsweetened, Rice protein or Pea protein (we prefer Rice protein)
1 1/2 Tbsp of Grade B Maple Syrup
1 tsp Calcium Lactate Powder
2 tsp of Infant Probiotic powder (we use Klaire Infant Probiotics)
2 tsp Vegan Omega 3 DHA
2 tsp of Extra Virgin, Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
4 Cups of very good quality water

*Optional 1/4 Ripe banana

Combine all of the ingredients in a Large Cup Nutribullet and blend (you may have to split it in two depending on the size of your Nutribullet, Vitamix, Ninja, etc… Refrigerate immediately and use within 48 hours.
The formula will separate from the oils, so please shake before pouring into a bottle or cup and gently warm for baby.

***We later discovered a formula we felt was not perfect, but pretty wonderful. It is a great supplement once your baby is a Toddler. The Name is Toddler Supreme by Peaceful Planet.

***Important Legal Disclaimer: This recipe is intended to be a supplement for a nursing or formula-fed child’s diet. It is not intended to be a complete replacement, and should only be used when the Mother’s Milk is not available, Allergies to Store Formulas, Sensitivities/Intolerances to other formulas or because you don’t want to give your baby the carcinogens in some formulas…

Again, this blog does not replace the advice of your healthcare practitioner, this is me sharing what worked for my family.

* Next up… How to make Coconut Milk! Mmm! Yummy Yummy Baby!

Dr. Dee

Resources:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Raw Vegan Coconut Ceviche

8 Comments September 15, 2014 DrD4Health

Raw and Naked… Coconut is an Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic… truly one of nature’s super-food miracles!

There are at least 17,000 studies describing the medicinal and nutritional effects of Coconut and Coconut oil on health. Over and over again various physicians, researchers, biologist, nutritionist and even pharmaceutical companies have all come to the same conclusion… Coconut is no foe, it can help so many aspects of our health!

Why and how can Coconut have so many medicinal properties? The short answer is that every part of the Coconut has it’s own unique healing gifts. Today, I will be focused on how Coconut Oil was found to be composed predominantly of a Healthy family of fats called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and Keytones.

It is amazing that although Coconut Oil has a long history of nutritional and medicinal uses for thousands of years, Western Medicine continues to use pharmaceutical drugs and over the counter drugs that do not have the same proven medicinal results. Over the last 80 years, there are Zero documented injuries from using Coconut Oil, however, the estimated deaths/injuries as a result of pharmaceuticals is astronomical.

Source: http://commonground.ca/2012/01/prescription-drug-deaths/

Coconut Oil can specifically help address various health issues such as:

Diabetes
Alzheimer’s Disease
Stomach Bacteria
Candida Overgrowth
Fibromyalgia
Poor Thyroid
Lupus
Cystic Fibrosis
Malabsorption
Failure to Thrive
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is it about Coconut Oil that gives it such healing properties? Upon consumption of MCTs, the MCTs digest very rapidly and begin breaking down immediately. As a result of MCTs already being completely separated into individual fatty acids, they do not need pancreatic digestive enzymes or bile for digestion, thus relieving stress on the digestive system.

Due to Coconut Oils/MCTs already being in the form of fatty acids when they enter the small intestine, they are immediately absorbed and sent directly to the liver. This allows our liver to automatically metabolize the MCTs into energy. Some of the MCTs are used up for energy, the remaining MCTs are used by the brain and other bodily tissue. Researchers have discovered that MCTs have the ability to heal various disease-causing bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.

MCTs can be used topically and internally as antimicrobial agents to prevent and ward off infectious diseases. Many common disease-causing microbes as well as potentially deadly ones like HIV and drug-resistant bacteria are very vulnerable to MCTs. In addition, Coconut Oil can help address all of the diseases I listed above.

If you are interested in supporting documentation and more specifics, check out these books: “Virgin Coconut Oil, Nature’s Miracle Medicine”, “The Coconut Oil Miracle”, “Coconut Cures” or “Stop Alzheimers Now”. You can also check out the website http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org.

Are you living on inhalers, antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants, sleeping pills, allergy meds and more? There is hope for you! Examine every aspect of your life. Read every single label of every single food, every single product, every single material in your house. What are you eating, breathing and wearing that can harm you? In the mean time, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Coconut Meat and Coconut Milk are bringing relief to people around the world.

There are thousands of people who report that Coconut has changed their lives for the better. So many pharmaceutical medications may show promising results in laboratory settings, yet in real life, these meds can prove dangerous and do more harm than good. Coconut oil has proven it’s nutritional & healing properties in real life!

Here is a great Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Deelicious recipe that contains Coconut Meat & Coconut Oil… It’s so YummyYummyBaby!

Coconut Ceviche Ingredients:

As seen above:

2-4 Young Coconuts (cut to your preference)
1/4 Teaspoon of Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Unrefined Coconut Oil
2 Lemons (Juiced)
2 Limes (Juiced)
2 Large Avocados (Cubed)
1 Garlic Clove (Minced)
1/2 Cup of Cilantro Leaves (Chopped or cut)
1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt (or more to your taste)
1-2 Large Tomatoes (Diced)
1 Red Onion (Diced)
1/2 Large Cucumber (Diced)
1/4 Teaspoon of Pepper

Instructions:

First cut open the Coconut, drink the awesome Coconut water, then scoop out the meat with a spoon.

Second, cut the coconut meat to your liking, then in a Large Bowl Mix in all of the Cucumber, 1/2 the onions, One tomato, 1/2 the Cilantro and All of the Juice from the Lemons and Limes and the Oil. Next, Cover and set in your fridge to Marinade for 1-2 hours.

Third, when you are ready to serve it, mix in the Sea Salt, Pepper, Cilantro, the remaining Onion, the remaining Tomato, and the Avocado.

Lastly, taste it and see if you need more Lime/Lemon Juice… You are gonna need a lot of self control to not eat it all! 😉

If going to a party, I use the shelled coconuts as my serving dishes… I didn’t take a picture but it is a fabulous display piece and catches everyone’s eye 🙂

I serve it with my favorite gluten free chips and watch all the people devour it! 🙂 You will get all sorts of questions like what kind of fish is this… it’s Deelicious… and also, how do you cut open a Coconut?!?

There are many ways to do it, but I use the bottom edge of a Meat Cleaver while striking the coconut in a circular pattern. I am a small framed woman, if I can do it… you can do it! It’s really easy once you get the hang of it! 🙂

Looking forward to hearing how much you enjoyed this Coconut Ceviche Appetizer…

Coconut Is Definitely Your Friend… best of all… it’s Yummy Yummy Baby!

Stay tuned for my next post on Coconut Milk and Coconut Water 😉

Pregnancy & PMS Relief! Lavender Loves the Ladies!

1 Comment September 12, 2014 DrD4Health

Hey there amigos, welcome back to Yummy Yummy Baby! Today I want to focus on the most beautiful women in the world, Mommies to Be!

Although pregnancy can be an exciting and beautiful time, it can also be a time of anxiety, confusion and insomnia. So many women ask me about how they can cope with PMS and Pregnancy in a natural way.

Many women have tried traditional medicine, drugs and therapy to help cope with their horrible PMS and Pregnancy Blues. The truth is that there are so many reasons for these challenges, but in short, it is a result of hormones, genetics, toxins and bad food.

By using food as your medicine, you can help minimize or totally eliminate the drastic impact of PMS and post pregnancy blues. Healthy Food, Herbs and Plants can heal your hormones, they can battle your genetic predispositions and they can eliminate your toxins.

If you truly are ready to take a leap forward in minimizing Pregnancy Blues & PMS, then eliminate every pesticide, GMO food and minimize sugary foods from your life. Read every single label of the food you put in your mouth and the ingredients you put on your skin and hair. Read the chemicals you use on your floor, furniture, dishes, baby toys, etc.

Go natural, go organic, go Lavender! Consider visiting a Functional Medicine Doctor to analyze your DNA (MTHFR), your Hormones, B-Vitamin levels (Homocysteine) & Blood.

I know it takes a while to make the transition to a totally natural and organic life… but YOU & YOUR BABY ARE WORTH IT!

In the mean time, Lavender can help soothe the debilitating effects of Pregnancy Blues & PMS. By adding Lavender to your bath water or mixing it with coconut oil then massaging it into your skin, Lavender can also really minimize PMS and menstrual cramps.

Lavender is also effective in aiding the treatment of Chlamydia, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Thrush, vaginal infections, inflamed vaginal tissue, vaginitis, Cystitis, Raynaud’s Disease, breast abscesses, and Cervical Cancer. If being treated with radiation for any form of cervical or uterine cancer, Lavender oil can prevent and diminish irradiation burns.

Lavender’s Love and Healing properties are Endless. Lavender is a must-have for all homes because of its calming, antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

By mixing Lavender with water and Tea Tree Oil, it is a Pregnancy safe, non-toxic remedy that can be sprayed on your home surfaces and used as a household disinfectant. Infusing Lavender is also a great insect repellent.

Again, pregnancy can be such a beautiful time of life, it can also be the most humbling time, especially when you are delivering your baby in a room full of people.

During pregnancy, Lavender can help sooth and relieve flatulence and indigestion. It can diminish the look of stretch marks and scars. It can relieve cramps, edema, exhaustion, infection, breast abscesses, and post-natal depression.

There are many studies that have revealed that using Lavender oil during pregnancy and childbirth can help ease delivery pain and promote a speedy recovery.

Most traditional hospitals are open to you using Lavender Aromatherapy in the delivery room. It will help relax mom, dad and the hospital staff! Everyone will be feeling the calming effects of Lovely Lavender!

I used Lavender on my hospital pillow, on my baby’s hospital clothes and on our baby’s car seat, nursery furniture, pillows and blanket… My baby came home to a nice calming environment! 💖

You and your lil one are gonna feel so relaxed and smell like the sweetest Yummy Yummy Baby! 👶

~Dr. Dee