Healthy Living

These are delicious and deceptively easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

2 large ripe pears
1/2 cup apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup non-dairy frozen whipped topping

Directions

Peel pears, then slice in half and remove cores. Place in a saucepan. Mix apple juice concentrate, water, cinnamon, and cloves, then pour over pears. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook about 15 minutes.

Remove pears and place into individual serving dishes. Continue to simmer juice until decreased by half, about 5 minutes. Pour over pears. To serve, top with 2 tablespoons non-dairy frozen whipped topping.

Per serving (1/4 recipe): 144 calories; 2.2 g fat; 1.5 g saturated fat; 4% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 0.8 g protein; 32.7 g carbohydrates; 24.6 g sugar; 3.7 g fiber; 12 mg sodium; 24 mg calcium; 0.6 mg iron; 5 mg vitamin C; 56 mcg beta-carotene; 0.6 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Food for Life by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Mix #1

14 cups quick oats

Mix #2

1 16oz can pumpkin

1 can coconut milk

1 cup maple syrup

1 cup brown sugar

Mix #3

1 cup fine chopped walnuts

2 cups craisins

2 cups coconut chips

General Granola Recipe Guidelines

The basic process is to take a combination of dry products, mix #1,  and mix them with a wet combination, mix #2.  Then we need to spread thin the combined ingredients on sheet pans and place in a 250 degree oven for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring about every 15 minutes until golden brown.   Then place in a bowl and mix with the #3 mix ingredients.    And that easy, you have granola.

A recipe twist from Angela & Brad Kartes in Juneau, Alaska.

These muffin-like bites use only pureed banana as a sweetener, have no added oil, and use whole-grain oats and oat flour. Added plus: they can be prepped in just minutes!

Ingredients

Makes 8 to 10 servings

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8-1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup pureed overripe banana (roughly 2 large bananas, see note)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons grain-sweetened vegan chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, oat flour, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined. Add the pureed banana and vanilla (and chocolate chips or raisins, if using) to the dry mixture, and stir until combined. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place mounds of the batter (about 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons) on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, until golden and set to the touch. Remove and let cool on pan for just a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Note: Use an immersion blender and a deep cup to puree your bananas (this is easiest, but a blender or small food processor also works). It produces a very liquefied mixture, not like what you can get through mashing.

Per serving (1 muffin): 114 calories, 2 g fat, 0.3 g saturated fat, 12% calories from fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 4 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 136 mg sodium, 49 mg calcium, 1 mg iron, 2 mg vitamin C, 8 mcg beta-carotene, 0.1 mg vitamin E

This sweet and creamy soup has just a hint of spiciness. It can also be made with pureed winter squash, yams, or sweet potatoes in place of the pumpkin.

Ingredients

Makes eight 1-cup servings

1 tablespoon water
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
2 tablespoons maple syrup or other sweetener
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups fortified soy- or rice milk

Directions

Warm water in a large pot. Add onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.

Add mustard seeds, turmeric, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and salt and cook 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Whisk in water or broth, pumpkin, syrup or other sweetener, and lemon juice. Simmer 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in nondairy milk. Transfer about 3 cups to a blender and puree until very smooth. Repeat with remaining soup. Be sure to start on low speed and hold lid on tightly. Return to the pot and heat without boiling, until steamy.

Per serving (1 cup): 73 calories; 1 g fat; 0.2 g saturated fat; 15% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 3 g protein; 14 g carbohydrates; 7 g sugar; 3 g fiber; 263 mg sodium; 103 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 4 mg vitamin C; 3691 mcg beta-carotene; 1 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life for Children by Amy Lanou, Ph.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

This dessert contains no added sugar or sweetener and makes a delicious, healthful dessert for kids and adults alike. Take advantage of this season’s summer fruit to make this recipe. You can also use it for topping waffles and pancakes.

Ingredients

Makes 4 1/2-cup servings

2 cups sliced fresh peaches (peeled, if desired)
2 cups hulled fresh strawberries
1/2 cup white grape juice concentrate or apple juice concentrate

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until fruit just becomes soft. Serve warm or cold.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 121 calories; 0.5 g fat; 0.1 g saturated fat; 4% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.5 g protein; 29.6 g carbohydrates; 26.3 g sugar; 2.8 g fiber; 3 mg sodium; 21 mg calcium; 0.6 mg iron; 77.9 mg vitamin C; 149 mcg beta-carotene; 0.8 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Foods That Fight Pain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

This chili can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Serve with brown rice or a green salad to create a meal that features three of the four foods from the Power Plate.

Ingredients

Makes 6-8 servings

2 cups dry black beans
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions

Wash beans and place in a large pan or bowl with 4 to 6 cups water. Soak overnight. Pour off soaking water and place in a pot with 6 cups fresh water. Add cilantro, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook until beans are tender, about 2 hours.

In a small, dry skillet, toast cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne until fragrant. Be careful not to inhale the fumes; cayenne can be very irritating.

In a large skillet, braise onion in 1/2 cup water for 2 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne and cook until onion is soft. Add to cooked beans, along with tomatoes. Simmer 30 minutes or longer if time allows. Add salt to taste.

Serve in individual bowls topped with green onions.

Slow cooker instructions: Place washed, soaked beans in slow cooker with 6 cups boiling water, cilantro (if using), cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cover and cook on high until beans are completely tender, about 3 hours. Add tomato and salt to cooked beans and cook 1 hour more or longer.

Per serving (1/6 recipe): 237 calories; 1.4 g fat; 0.3 g saturated fat; 5.4% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 14.9 g protein; 43.6 g carbohydrates; 6.6 g sugar; 14.9 g fiber; 206 mg sodium; 73 mg calcium; 4.6 mg iron; 25.1 mg vitamin C; 359 mcg beta-carotene; 0.4 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Food for Life by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Tender slices of eggplant take the place of pasta in this lasagna making it quite high in fiber. This recipe includes many flavorful and healthful herbs and spices, including oregano—a powerful source of antioxidants. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Serve with polenta or sourdough bread and a green salad.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

1 large eggplant
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups sliced mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, or 4 pounds fresh spinach, chopped
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 cups water
1 25-ounce jar commercial marinara
Spray of vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cut eggplant into 1/4-inch slices (there should be about 12 slices). Arrange in a single layer on a lightly vegetable oil sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn and cook on the other side for 15 minutes. Eggplant should be tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 350 F.

Spread half the marinara in a large casserole dish and top with half the eggplant slices.

Heat 1/2 cup water in a large nonstick skillet. Add onion and cook over high heat, stirring often until all the liquid has evaporated. Add 1/4 cup water and stir to loosen any stuck bits of onion, then continue cooking and stirring until all the liquid evaporates again. Repeat this process twice more. Reduce heat to medium and add spinach, basil, oregano, garlic powder, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until spinach is hot, and then stir in flour. Cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Spread half the spinach evenly over the eggplant slices.

Heat remaining 1/4 cup water and soy sauce, if using, in a large nonstick skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring often, until mushrooms are browned. Spread in casserole dish over spinach.

Top mushrooms with remaining eggplant slices, remaining spinach, and remaining marinara.

Bake at 350 F for about 40 minutes until heated through.

Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, leftover Eggplant Lasagna will keep for up to 3 days.

Per serving (1/8 recipe): 107 calories; 1 g fat; 0.2 g saturated fat; 8% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 5.4 g protein; 23.6 g carbohydrates; 8.5 g sugar; 6.8 g fiber; 715 mg sodium; 110 mg calcium; 3.1 mg iron; 11.8 mg vitamin C; 3645 mcg beta-carotene; 4.2 mg vitamin E

Recipe from The Survivor’s Handbook: Eating Right for Cancer Survival by Neal D. Barnard, M.D. and Jennifer Reilly, R.D.

For delicious taste, lots of soluble fiber, and a wonderfully low glycemic index, try rolled barley (also called barley flakes) for your breakfast porridge. It takes a bit longer to cook than oatmeal unless you soak it the night before. Serve with your favorite nondairy milk.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

1/3 cup rolled barley (barley flakes)
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon wheat bran
1/2 medium apple with peel, cored and chopped, or other chopped fruit
1 1/2 teaspoons ground flaxseeds

Directions

The night before: Combine barley, salt, and water in a microwavable bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight. (Use a 1-quart or larger bowl—barley can really boil up!)

In the morning: Add bran and apple or other fruit to soaked barley. Cover the bowl with a microwavable plate and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Finish cooking on medium power for 4 minutes. Stir in flaxseeds.

To cook on the stovetop: Bring soaked barley, bran, and apple or other fruit to a boil in a small nonstick saucepan over high heat, stirring. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should have the consistency of cooked oatmeal. If it’s too watery, continue cooking over low heat to desired consistency. Stir in flaxseeds.

Per serving (1recipe): 174 calories; 2.1 g fat; 0.3 g saturated fat; 11% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 4.5 g protein; 37.5 g carbohydrates; 9.1 g fiber; 303 mg sodium; 29 mg calcium; 1.5 mg iron; 3.2 mg vitamin C: 23 mcg beta-carotene; 0.2 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal D. Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan

To freeze canned peaches, simply drain off all the liquid and lay slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the freezer. Once peaches are frozen, they can be transferred to an airtight container.

Ingredients

Makes 2 1-cup servings

2 cups frozen canned peach slices
1 – 2 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate or white grape juice concentrate
1/2 cup vanilla rice milk

Directions

In a blender combine all ingredients. Blend on high speed until thick and smooth. You will need to stop the blender occasionally and use a spoon or rubber spatula to move the unblended fruit to the center. Serve immediately.

Per serving (1/2 recipe): 216 calories; 0.8 g fat; 0.1 g saturated fat; 3.5% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.4 g protein; 53.8 g carbohydrates; 41.8 g sugar; 4.9 g fiber; 37 mg sodium; 83 mg calcium; 0.7 mg iron; 6.7 mg vitamin C; 886 mcg beta-carotene; 2.1 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Foods That Fight Pain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

This colorful, tasty salad is filled
with a variety of textures and flavors. Enjoy it as an appetizer at a
party or pack up the ingredients for a picnic and make the salad right
before serving.

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

4 cups baked blue corn chips (other colored corn chips can be substituted)
1 small head red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
16 ounces cooked black beans, rinsed
1 cup salsa
3 roasted red peppers, sliced into strips about 2″ long by 1/2″ thick
1 Roma tomato, diced

Directions

Place the corn chips on the plates first, followed by the lettuce,
then the beans, then the tomatoes, then the salsa, and top it off with
the sliced roasted red peppers.

Per serving (1/2 recipe): 239 calories; 2 g total fat; 9% calories from fat; 10 g protein; 39 g carbohydrate; 16 g sugar; 15 g fiber

Recipe from 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart by Neal Barnard, M.D.; Recipe by Jason Wyrick of Vegan Culinary Experience

Large meaty portobello mushrooms make a delicious meal when they’re simmered in a spicy sauce and served with polenta, brown rice, pasta, or French bread.

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

2 large portobello mushrooms
1/2 cup vegetable juice
1/4 cup apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Clean mushrooms and remove stems. Cut into 1/2-inch strips.

Combine vegetable juice, apple juice concentrate, red peppers, soy sauce, vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a blender. Process until smooth, then transfer mixture to a nonstick skillet and heat until bubbly.

Add mushroom strips, turning to coat evenly with sauce. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Per serving (1/2 recipe): 132 calories; 1.2 g fat; 0.2 g saturated fat; 8.4% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 4.7 g protein; 28.9 g carbohydrates; 19.9 g sugar; 3.9 g fiber; 589 mg sodium; 31 mg calcium; 1.8 mg iron; 97.9 mg vitamin C; 1906 mcg beta-carotene; 1.6 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Ingredients:

1 – 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed

1 – 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed

1 – 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 – 10 oz. package frozen corn kernels

1 red onion, chopped

1 cup Italian dressing

Directions:  Mix all ingredients together and allow to rest in the refrigerator and mix again before serving.

Easy Italian Dressings

Dry Ingredients

2 Tbsp sea salt

2 Tbsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 Tbsp garlic salt

1 Tbsp onion powder

1 Tbsp natural sugar

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp red pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp celery salt

Wet Ingredients

1/4 cup lemon juice

2/3 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp water

2 Tbsp of the dry Italian mixture.

Directions:  Mix the dry ingredients and use only 2 tablespoons for the Italian mixture in the wet ingredients.  This dry mixture also does well with veganaise and cream cheese for vegan dips.  You can also add a bit of soymilk for a great creamy italian dressing.

Recipe by Chef Mark Anthony

Try this cold, thick smoothie with whole-grain cereal or muffins for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. Buy frozen strawberries or freeze fresh ones. To freeze bananas, peel and break into pieces, pack loosely in an airtight container, and freeze.

Ingredients

Makes 2 1-cup servings

1 cup frozen strawberries
1 medium frozen banana, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 – 1 cup vanilla almond milk

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth. You will have to stop the blender occasionally and move the unblended fruit to the center with a spatula to get your smoothie smooth.

Per serving (1 cup): 121 calories; 0.8 g fat; 0.1 g saturated fat; 6% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.2 g protein; 29.8 g carbohydrates; 15.4 g sugar; 3.9 g fiber; 24 mg sodium; 96 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 51 mg vitamin C; 46 mcg beta-carotene; 0.8 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Foods That Fight Pain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Makes three 1-cup servings

3 cups seedless watermelon cubes
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, rinsed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint, or 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl and toss to mix. If possible, chill before serving.

Per serving (1/6 recipe): 62 calories; 0.3 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 4% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.2 g protein; 14.9 g carbohydrates; 11.7 g sugar; 1.2 g fiber; 82 mg sodium; 23 mg calcium; 0.9 mg iron; 13.7 mg vitamin C; 542 mcg beta-carotene; 0.3 mg vitamin E

Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.; recipe by Jean Marc Fulsack

Ingredients

3 ears fresh corn on the cob; remove from cob with a pairing knife, or one package Trader Joe’s frozen corn ( thaw until firm but not stiff ) drained
1/2 package Trader Joe’s frozen edamame ( soy beans ) without pods
6 small red potatoes, cooked partially and cut into bite-size quarters
1 pint fresh grape, pear or small sized cherry tomatoes
2 leeks sliced very thin and separated in rings
2 small pieces of candied ginger, cut julienne

Note: Dress just before serving using 2-3 Tablespoons of Balsamic dressing recipe below

Directions
1. Put ingredients in salad bowl and dress to taste with a balsamic vinaigrette.
2. For the dressing, use 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar in a shaker jar to combine until emulsified.
3. Toss in with 3 sprigs fresh tarragon and 6 fresh basil leaves, cut julienne.
4. Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

Note: If using candied ginger, add just a pinch of Stevia and mix dressing.

Recipe by Suz Montgomery and was published in Ventura County Star 2012.