Vegan African stew

It's freezing here in Austin. It's about 31 degrees and freezing rain. I was really craving something warm and satisfying. This stew hit the spot and was very flavorful. High in antioxidants,  vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, folate, protein. It's gluten, grain, meat and dairy free.  It's also low is sodium and fat as well as being an alkalizing meal. Eating alkalized foods is important because having an overall acidic ph makes you susceptible to diseases, infections etc. most cancers thrive in an overly acidic environment.  

Ingredients [I used all organic]

-2 cans crushed tomatoes [salt free is possible]

-1 can chickpeas

-1 white onion, diced

-2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed 

-2 cups of water 

-1 sweet potato, cubed

-1 eggplant, cubed 

-2 cups baby spinach

- handful of raw peanuts or cashews

-1 tsp coriander

-1 tsp ginger

-1 tsp cumin

- olive oil 

-salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat up some olive oil and then add onion and brown for about 4-5 minutes. Then add garlic to onion and brown for 1 more minute. Stir in coriander, ginger and cumin. Then stir in crushed tomatoes and chickpeas until combined. Add water, eggplant, sweet potato and peanuts. Bring to a simmer then let reduce over low heat until consistency is stew like. Once satisfied, stir in baby spinach and enjoy! Serves about 8. 

Day 21- organic food

Years ago, I was one of those unfortunate people who ate fast food for virtually every meal. I knew nothing of nutrition and didn't care. I eventually met people who had better eating habits and started researching how to eat better. Amazingly, eating well can heal practically every ailment known to man. Unfortunately, especially in America, we have the idea convenience is better than nutrition. Processed foods, fast foods, GMOs are all deeply embedded in our culture and we have accepted these things without questioning it for years. I was heavily influenced by evil campaigns strategies that certain things were 'healthy' just because a commercial or package said so. How naive of me. It's a shame that our society takes such  advantage of impressionable minds to trick us into thinking these big companies actually have anything beneficial to offer aside from making their own pockets and us fatter. 

I decided the organic path several years ago and although I'm not perfect, I am learning more everyday. I've learned that if you eat too much sugar, dairy, simple carbs, not only can make you overweight but can also cause a myriad of health issues. I also usually follow a gluten free, high protein diet as well. So many people still have no idea what these things are. Portion size and macronutrients are also impairitive as well. 

I also am firmly against big pharm conpanies as most modern medicine seems to cause more issues than solutions. I use natural herbs, teas and essential oils to heal most issues I have. I can honestly say I've never felt better in my life. My only wish is that I was informed about all this earlier in my life but better late never! It's never too late to start a healthy lifestyle. Never. 

Sugar and gluten free Pumpkin Loaf!

I don't know about y'all but I LOVE pumpkin anything. Now that it's October, I've been incorporating lots of pumpkin flavored goodness into my diet. This is my second time making this yummy pumpkin loaf in a week! It's delicious, moist and won't kill your diet if you're watching your weight etc [its only about 100 calories per slice, this makes 8 servings]. I'm sure you could make this with regular sugar and milk if you wanna make it a bit more rich, I may make a version like that for my boyfriend! Enjoy!

RECIPE

Sugar & Gluten-free Pumpkin Loaf

Preheat over to 375 degrees. 

Spray 9 x 5 loaf pan with coconut oil spray.

DRY ingredients:

1/2 cup gluten free oat flour

2 tbsp organic coconut sugar

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp stevia 

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

WET ingredients

1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin [NOTE: do not confuse this with canned pumpkin 'pie'- it's loaded with sugar]

2 eggs

1/4 cup pitted dates chopped

2 tbsp vanilla almond milk 

1 tbsp melted coconut oil 

1 tbsp organic maple syrup

1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract 

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Smash the dates with a fork. Then mix those with all remaining wet ingredients in separate bowl. Then slowly add wet mixture to dry mixture and combine well. Pour mixture into baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until brown.