Sun., Jul. 19, 2015
We now have over two decades under our belts in cultivating organic produce on our gentleman’s farm. Over the years we have observed that the most prolific crops with the highest yield are synchronized with the nutrients that our bodies require during any given season. It is an affirmation that Nature provides exactly what we need at any given time. All we have to do is tune in.
Enter PURSLANE 
This is a fine example of a leafy green vegetable that grows in abundance without very much effort or water required.
When we first began the adventures of gardening, purslane was something we innocently pulled out of the tomato garden because it was an indigenous weed and we had not yet discovered its medicinal value. The truth is purslane is a weed, and what a weed it is!!! This summer Nature has gifted us with an abundance of this phenomenal leafy green. Now, extensive studies and research confirm it’s miraculous medicinal properties.
Here are some of Purslane’s benefits:
- Contains anticancer flavonoids
- Loaded with 17 vitamins and minerals
- Rich in omega – 3 fatty acids
- Supplies antioxidants
- Lowers blood sugar, cholesterol & triglycerides
- Assists in weight loss
- Contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties
- Immune booster
We have discovered many creative culinary uses for this versatile vegetable. Enjoy it in salads, soups, stew, egg dishes, stir fry, or added to your favorite smoothie. Due to its high alkaline content, purslane is easily integrated into most recipes and enhances the natural flavor of food. This beautiful leafy green can be purchased at farmers markets and health food stores in your area.
One of our favorite recipes for Purslane is very simple and absolutely delicious. 
1.Gently wash the purslane and pick the leaves off of the stalk. (You can also chiffonade the stalk as they are equally as nutritious)
2.Add slices of any stone fruit such as apricots, peaches, plums etc.
3. Crumble feta cheese
4. Dress the salad with a simple mixture of extra virgin olive oil, lemon, honey & salt
Being conscious of the medicinal properties of food leads to better health!
Enjoy the personal journey in discovering new foods such as Purslane that supports your own specific health and wellbeing.
To your health,
Joe and Moni
P.S. Just discovered the first cucumbers of the season. We were inspired to create a cucumber/purslane cooler and couldn’t resist sharing this healthy recipe with you. 
2 cucumbers
1 bunch of purslane (2 handfuls)
4 Tbsp of greek yogurt
3 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of garlic powder
pinch of salt
1 cup of water
1 cup of ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender and adjust to suit your taste.
Enjoy this refreshing summer treat!
Wed., Mar. 25, 2015
We are always being asked how to cut the calories without giving up the foods that we enjoy most. There are many creative ways to approach this question. Over the years we have researched and experimented with alternatives and substitutions that continue to satisfy the palate while keeping the calorie count low. The following are a few tips that we would like to share with you.
To begin with, an important aspect of creative cuisine is to learn how to use oil in cooking. (or not) Since heating oil can cause an acidic condition in the digestion system, causing heartburn and discomfort, oil is utilized in a different way. Instead of sautéing in oil or butter, choose to cook with an organic low sodium broth, which moistens the food and brings out its natural flavors. At the end of the cooking process, dress the food by adding one or two tablespoons of oil to the finished product. This holds true for soups, stews and other foods normally cooked in oil. BTW – The recommended oils are organic extra virgin olive, sunflower, sesame and grape seed. These oils are the healthier alternative to butter and saturated fats; with the exception of coconut oil.
A special note about coconut oil - It is one of the most versatile oils for the entire body and considered a super food. Among many beneficial uses, coconut oil is excellent as a skin moisturizer. It is also antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial; helping to fight off viruses and bacteria. In addition, coconut oil aids in healthy hormone production and increases the metabolism to help in weight loss.
Tip # 1 - Rather than frying eggs in oil or butter, try poaching them in a skillet of boiling water. Enjoy poached eggs on a bed of beautiful fresh greens such as baby kale, mesclun or arugula tossed with lemon, oil and a little Himalayan salt. You can place it on top of an organic veggie pattie. What a way to start the day! 
Creative substitutions for caloric comfort foods or red meat
Tip # 2 - Rather than having the loaded carbs in mash potatoes, steam cauliflower until tender - puree in the food processor with a bit of the hot steamed water - add a little soft goat cheese and salt. Looks and tastes even better than mashed potatoes!
For an even heartier meal, add cabbage steaks with this dish and you’ll be in heart healthy heaven!
Tip# 3 - Top the cauliflower puree with baked cabbage steaks 1” thick brushed with a little garlic and oil. (This is not the same as frying in oil!) Fill the bottom of the baking sheet with water and cook at 350degrees for 30 minutes or until tender. You will notice it tastes similar to onion rings. Yum!
Portobello mushrooms and eggplant are a great substitute for red meat
Tip# 4 – Prepare these vegetables similar to the way you would cook meat, such as roasted, baked or grilled with sauces that enhance their meat-like quality. Organic worcestershire sauce combined with a dash of lemon and smoked sea salt can satisfy the carnivore’s palate.
For a quick “burger on the go”, many grocery stores carry organic veggie burgers. It is also fun to make your own version by hand or in the food processor. There is no limit to assembling the burger of your choice.
Tip # 5 – To create your own veggie burger play with textures such as diced walnuts, (great substitution for meat flavor) mushrooms, shredded carrots, zucchini or potatoes. Season with fresh herbs and spices and use an egg to hold it all together. Shape the burger and bake until golden brown. Be creative according to your own palate. 
Incorporating new ways of eating will not only support a healthy body, it will help to stimulate new ways of seeing yourself as your body transforms. Habitual patterns of unconscious eating usually coincide with other less desirable habits. Discovering healthier ways of eating leads to feeling and looking your very best. Stay tuned for more healthy ways of eating, and in the meantime use this blog as an inspiration to dream up your own delicious low calorie creations.
For more tips on weight loss, read 7 TIPS TO HELP YOU SLIM DOWN FOR THE SUMMER under the highlighted articles on the right side bar....
Tue., Mar. 3, 2015
It seems like this historical, record breaking winter has been going on far too long - it has! At a trying time like this, one of the best things to do is to remind yourself that the promise of Spring is on the way. Yes, this IS the promise that Nature gives us every Spring. It is a faithful reminder to keep our gaze forward and to remember that dormancy leads to growth, and the fruit of patience leads to the budding of new life.
Since this is a time to be indoors, take advantage of the opportunity to visualize new beginnings for the spring season. Be creative in planning projects that have been lying dormant in your mind. Choose specific projects that allow visual preparation and will promote a sense of playfulness, fun and excitement. Use your own biofeedback mechanism to warm yourself on a hot tropical beach. Make a list of field trips to put into action for the near future.
Utilize your time as productively as possible, so that you will be well on your way when the time comes to go outdoors and put your thoughts into action.
Our homegrown calendula used in the Vocalfit Lips
Believe it or not, Spring is right around the corner. Hang in there and do not lose hope! Spend those long idle hours preparing for a magnificent new season ahead and all of the beautiful surprises that it may bring.
Sending lots of love your way with hope for the promise of Spring....
We now have over two decades under our belts in cultivating organic produce on our gentleman’s farm. Over the years we have observed that the most prolific crops with the highest yield are synchronized with the nutrients that our bodies require during any given season. It is an affirmation that Nature provides exactly what we need at any given time. All we have to do is tune in.
