Did you know that cranberries are good not only for Thanksgiving Dinner but also for Cold and Flu Season.

** Cranberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C as well as numerous  phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Studies show that cranberries can help boost your immunity and deal with urinary infection, colds, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.

** Orange zest is rich in Vitamin C, pectin – natural fiber, and flavonoid called hesperidin, which can lower cholesterol, high blood pressure, and help control blood sugar. Natural pectin can also help get rid of constipation and suppress your appetit.

Is it time to make this simple cranberry sauce recipe?

Tasty Cranberry Relish Recipe with Orange Zest

• 2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest

Stir the cranberries and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often for about 12 minutes, or until the cranberries release their juices, become soft and have mostly fallen apart. Stir in the maple syrup and zest. Transfer to a bowl, cool and then cover and refrigerate until cold. The relish will keep for 5 days, covered and refrigerated.

Bon Appetit!

Breathe, smile and be happy,

© Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor and Coach

NaturalCounselorBlog

I don’t eat meat, only fish, but unlike my family, I have to compromise to keep everybody happy, including myself.

I hope this alternative to the traditional stuffing recipe will make you also feel happy during your family Thanksgiving Dinner.

Do You know why? 

Because it will help you lose weight naturally and stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Healthy Apple and Mushroom Stuffing Recipe

• 1 1/2 cup cooked wild rice
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium onions
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 2 big organic apples peeled and diced
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup dill or cilantro
• 2 cups  vegetable soup stock
• 1 tsp minced lemon peel
• Seaweed Gomasio (sesame seeds, seaweed and sea salt) and black pepper to taste

Sautee onions and mushrooms in olive oil for about 8-10 minutes. Add apples and cook another 4-5 minutes. Mix all ingredients in a bowl; taste it and make it extra moist. Bake in an oiled, covered casserole at 350 degrees for 20 – 30 minutes.

Bon Appetit

Let me know if you and your family like this recipe.

Click to listen to Wendy Battles, The Clean Eating Coach on Healthy Meal Planning

Click to listen to Robyn Webb, award winning nutritionist and cookbook author on How to Make Healthy and Delicious Holiday Meals

Breathe, smile and be happy.

©Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health Counselor and Coach

Are you ready for Cold and Flu Season? 

Are your ready to prevent holiday weight gain?

I would like to share with you this Butternut Acorn Soup Recipe for weight loss, detox, and as a natural immunity booster.

There are at least eight reasons you should make our cold and weight fighting soup recipe right now!

8 reasons to make Butternut Acorn Soup

• Parsley is rich in vitamin C (several times  the vitamin C of citrus), vitamin A (one of the highest sources), and chlorophyll which help to fight cancer, boost metabolism and immune system). Parsley is helpful for all kidney and urinary difficulties, strengthens the adrenal glands and teeth, helpful for ear infections
• Squash is rich in vitamin A (an important antioxidant which can boost your immune system and fight inflammation)
• Cilantro acts as a herbal cleanse detox – it helps in the chelation of heavy metals such as mercury and lead
• Dill, also acts as a detox cleansing herb and helps remove stagnation, and protects against free radicals and carcinogens; it is also rich in Calcium and Magnesium which help reduce stress, bone loss (especially after menopause) and promote sleep
• Turmeric (because of curcumin) is rich in antioxidants which fight/prevent cancer, boost immune system, reduce inflammation (helps with menstrual problems, toothache, bruises, rheumatoid arthritis); it is also helps with detox cleansing of the liver
• Onion is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, chromium and vitamin B6. It reduces inflammation,prevents cancer,  lowers blood pressure and cholesterol which helps reduce risk of heart  attack and stroke; it also lower blood sugar and insulin levels which is beneficial for diabetics. And, of course, it fights common cold
• Carrot is rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene/vitamin A, which protects against cancer; it also treats ear infections, night blindness, earaches; it benefits our skin, helps reduce inflammation, helpful for digestive problems (indigestion, heartburn, excess stomach acid) and urinary infections. Carrots, rich in fiber, help with constipation.  Carrots can be also used as an easy detox vegetable to improve liver functions. Did you know that carrots heal burns and stop bleeding if you cut yourself in the kitchen?
• Olive oil is one of the best vegetable oil. Did you know that it has been consumed for more than thousands years? Try always to buy, cold pressed extra virgin.It also makes a wonderful facial by itself or an addition to any home-made mask.

Homemade Butternut Acorn Soup Recipe

• 2 – 3 pounds butternut or acorn squash
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 carrots
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• salt and pepper to taste
• sour cream to taste
• turmeric
• 2 tbs fresh cilantro / parsley / dill or all above

Mash roasted butter or acorn squash. Saute onions and carrots in olive oil for 10 minutes. Mix squash with sautéd vegetables, add vegetable stock, salt and  pepper to taste, and a dash of turmeric. Process all ingredients in a food processor. Sprinkle every serving with cilantro / parsley/ dill and add a tsp. sour cream.  You can serve this healthy Thanksgiving vegetable soup recipe for your family with Thanksgiving Dinner.

Bon Appetit!

Breathe, smile and be happy.

©Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Counselor and Coach