Berry Brilliance


Do you want to sharpen your mental faculties and boost your brain health? Look no further than the humble berry! These little powerhouses of nutrition are not only delicious but also packed with brain-boosting benefits. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, reducing inflammation in the brain. Studies suggest that the flavonoids found in berries can enhance memory and cognitive functions. Moreover, the high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels, promoting steady energy supply to the brain. Incorporate these brainy treats into your diet by adding them to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. So, go ahead and indulge in the natural sweetness of berries while nourishing your brain for a brilliant and sharp mind!

Stuffed Date – Baklava Style

This snack or dessert is free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugars.

INGREDIENTS

  • 16 dates
  • ½ cup almonds, ground
  • ½ cup walnuts, ground
  • ¼ cup pistachios, ground
  • Zest of ½ orange
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Edible dried rose petals

METHOD

  1. Create a stuffing mixture by combining nuts, zest, & spices.
  2. Stuff dates with the mixture, and garnish with edible rose petals.
3 Ingredient Brownies

3 Ingredient Brownies

By: Danielle Fahrenkrug / serves 16

Ingredients
3 large bananas (1-1/2 cups mashed)
1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
1-1/2 cups raw almond butter crunchy, oil slightly drained
(optional) teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9-in. x 9-in. square baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or rubbing coconut oil around the sides and bottom so the brownies do not stick.
2. In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the almond butter and mix until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and optional cinnamon and blend until no visible cocoa powder is seen.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until set and slightly dark on the top. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes
The purpose of this recipe is if you are on the program and feeling like you will falter
and cave into a cookie or regular brownie, this is a great recipe to transition to keep the diet
on-track as you detox from sugar cravings.

• These brownies are not super sweet and made for those trying to really get a clean eating
diet. Optional to add drops of liquid Stevia to sweeten the recipe more.
• If the almond butter is hard, heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until it is
softened before mixing with the banana.

Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg |
Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 86mg |
Iron: 1.2mg

GF, Vegan, Paleo Fudge

GF, Vegan, Paleo Fudge

Recipe by Rebecca Pytell

Yield: 15 pieces

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup Tahini
  • ¼ cup pure Maple Syrup

 

METHOD

  1. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a greased, microwave-safe bowl, at 30 second intervals.
  2. Once melted add in the tahini and maple syrup to the melted chocolate. Mix well to combine until thick.
  3. Press the thick mixture on a parchment-lined baking dish (4×8 pan).
  4. Place parchment paper over the top of the fudge and press down to smooth.
  5. Place the covered fudge in the freezer to harden (about 1 hour) before slicing.
  6. Store in the freezer. Take the fudge out about 4-5 minutes before eating.
Cacao Mug Cake

Cacao Mug Cake

INGREDIENTS

  • ¼ cup gluten free flour of choice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 2 Tablespoons vegan dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened plain coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

METHOD

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Crack the egg into an ovenproof mug.
  3. Add liquid ingredients (honey, milk, oil, and vanilla) and beat with a fork.
  4. Then add the dry ingredients (flour, cacao powder, and salt) and stir until well-combined.
  5. Optionally add chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking.
  6. Bake for 15 (gooey) -20 (solid cakey) minutes. Test with a toothpick to ensure cooked through.
Peppermint Smoothie

Peppermint Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ frozen banana
  • 1 serving of protein powder, I use Naked Pea
  • 1 Tablespoon of psyllium husk
  • ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract
  • ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Optionals: cacao nibs (garnish), mint leaves (garnish), ice

METHOD

  1. Place all ingredients except optional garnishes (cacao nibs & mint) in a blender.
  2. Mix until smooth.
  3. Optionally top with cacao nibs or mint leaves.

 ServingSize: 1 Calories: 243 Sugar: 3g Fat: 6g Carbs: 23g Fiber: 13g Protein: 28g