Quinoa Stuffed Artichoke Hearts

These stuffed artichokes take a little bit of work but the end result is not only nutritionally well-balanced but a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Serve as the main entree with a fresh green salad or share one as a protein-packed side dish. Either way they make for a special addition to any celebratory dinner. 

Most of the your time will be spent removing the fuzzy center of the artichoke to make way for the quinoa stuffing. You won't need any snazzy kitchen gadgets; a melon baller or grapefruit spoon will get the job done. Once you've accomplished the choke removal, the rest comes together quickly.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 artichokes
• 1.5 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/3 cup good quality vegetable broth
• 2 tsps red wine vinegar
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
• Small handful of parsley, chopped
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:

• 2-3 TB crumbled Feta 
• 2-3 TB scallions, chopped
• Handful of spinach, chopped
• Lightly topped with parmesan cheese right before serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

For fabulous photographed and detailed instructions on preparing the artichokes for stuffing visit Chef Kelly Meyer's website Culinate.com. For presentation purposes you may wish to apply a bit of lemon juice on the cut leaves of the artichoke to prevent browning although it's not necessary. While you're working on the artichokes, cook the quinoa according to package instructions.

Place the prepared artichokes into a saucepan, fill with 1-2 inches of water. Cover and steam for 20 minutes or until tender crisp. Remove and invert the artichokes on a kitchen towel to drain.

While the artichokes are cooling, mix the vegetable broth, red wine vinegar, tomato, garlic, pine nuts, parsley, mint leaves into the quinoa while still warm. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and fill the artichokes with the quinoa mixture. Depending on the size of the artichokes you may have some leftover stuffing - that's fine, it's tasty on it's own!

Return the artichokes to the saucepan, replenish the water and steam for another 40-45 minutes. 

Serve warm or cold. Pull the outer leaves away to use as a scoop for the filling or dip in your favorite oil with cracked pepper and balsamic vinegar. As you near the center, a knife will come in handy to eat the best part of the artichoke  - the heart!  

Meet the Hoisingtons: A Couple Transformed Together!

CLIENTS: Karen & David Hoisington

KAREN

Weight 121 - 115 = 6 lb loss

Elimination of chronic headaches

Intolerances discovered:

• OATS: Impact headaches, digestion and irritability 
• NUTS: Increase headaches

DAVID 

Weight 187 to 169 = 18 lb loss

LDL Cholesterol = 40 point decrease

Intolerances discovered:

• GLUTEN: Impacts weight, digestion, inflammation
• TOMATOES: Impact weight, digestion, inflammation and energy
• CITRUS: Impacts weight, digestion, inflammation

TESTIMONIALS:

  

"My husband and I started the Love Cleanse because some friends asked us if we were up for the challenge with them.  How fun, a cleanse together, right?!  Well, actually it was exactly that! I had no idea how this process would change the way we looked at foods and how much better we would feel. 


I think we considered ourselves to be very healthy and very active, and we were. But there were always lingering issues that had no answers. For example:  I have struggled with headaches for years and looked into several treatment options.  Homeopathies, acupuncture, allergy shots etc...what I learned from my Love Cleanse was that nuts were the culprit! As a healthy individual and an athlete I consumed many nuts with no prior challenges. Never been diagnosed with a sensitivity at all. This alone changed my life!!  


There have been many, many other benefits, and as far as recommending this cleanse....I would. Especially to those that think they are doing the best they can do for themselves. You would be amazed."   - Karen

"I think the best benefit of this program for me was that it was healing. In other words, it seemed like at first I reacted to everything. But the longer I stayed at base line the more foods that slowly passed to a point where I really didn't react to anything by the end. 

The foods I still try to avoid are tomatoes, gluten, and citrus. I don't have major reactions to any of these but I stay away. I also discovered sugar is a killer for my blood work.

The Love Cleanse is one of a kind. Understanding my food sensitivities makes a huge difference in my overall health and my ability to manage it. Experiencing the detrimental effects of gluten and a few other foods in by far enough incentive to avoid them. Watching the results of my blood-work throughout the program was pretty amazing. My LDL cholesterol dropped 40 points which I can tell from anyone I have told is hard to believe but I have the paper work. A great program that everyone would benefit from. Also a great idea to do the program with your spouse. We had a great time and were able to support each other. Thanks for all your help."  - David

Hail Merry, Chimayo Chili Pecans

As this medley of - spicy with a hint of natural sweetness - passes your lips, it might conjure up a uniquely spiritual moment with a cry of “Hail Merry!”  

What makes this humble pecan so transcendent?  Is it because they’ve been soaked in order to make them highly digestible?  Is it because they're loaded with living enzymes? Or could it be that the Saint herself descended upon them to sprinkle a little magic? We’re just saying…..the name of the company is a fitting one and words defy the exquisiteness of these tasty little pecans.

$3.99 for 1.75 oz. Available at Daily Juice in Austin, Whole Foods or online at www.hailmerry.com

Banana Ice Dream

Can it really be this simple? Oh yes! Frozen bananas tossed into a blender with three other ingredients results in a light and fluffy 'ice cream' that feels satisfyingly indulgent. If that isn't enough, the protein content in the almond butter cuts the glycemic load of the bananas and lends a creamy sweetness.

This recipe makes two perfectly sized servings for you and your sweetie or one large serving, ahem, like we may or may not have eaten while whipping this up in our test kitchen. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2 TB almond butter
• 1 TB coconut milk or water
• 1/8 tspn cardamom or 1 tspn cinnamon (not both)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Either eat immediately in it's 'soft serve' state or return to the freezer for 15-30 minutes for a firmer ice cream texture. 

Topping Suggestions:

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts
• Freshly sliced bananans
• Black sesame seeds

Client Testimonial: Meet Steve!

"I have been working towards a goal of better health and weight loss for quite awhile. I had adjusted my diet (became a vegetarian), watched calories, exercised, and practiced yoga. I felt somewhat better but seemed to have hit a plateau. My weight would not seem to want to ever get below 200 lbs., I did not really think I ever would. I would eat great for awhile and then binge on chocolate and sweets. My weight would bounce from 204 to 218. 

I had seen the Love Cleanse on a news report, thought it looked interesting but did not pursue it. I came across it again on Facebook of all places. It was friended by my acupuncturist. I asked her about the cleanse and Kim. She thought it may be a good thing for me to explore. 

What a true blessing Kim is. I was impressed at my first contact with her. She has a great deal of knowledge and her enthusiasm is infectious. I decided to take the plunge knowing it would require a great deal of commitment and will power. While initially Kim’s program takes commitment, for me, it has been a life changing, life enhancing experience. I have learned a great deal. Whereas before, food controlled my life far more than I was aware, my new found knowledge about how foods effect me personally, has allowed me to change the relationship completely. 

In 8 weeks I went from 204 lbs to 177 lbs., where I am holding steady. I have tremendous energy, I have all but eliminated my allergies, my flexibility and lucidity have increased exponentially. I feel great!

Thank you Kim and the Love Cleanse Team!"

Steven Sides

Top 5 Holiday Eating Myths

1.  Eat less throughout the day so you can splurge at parties.

This top myth sets you up for a binge that even Homer Simpson would envy.  Regulating your blood sugar throughout the day by eating a snack every 1 ½ to 2 hours and eating the correct personalized ratio of carbs to proteins, will allow you to show up to holiday parties much more composed and in a position to make better choices.

2.  Most people gain between 5 – 7 pounds during the holiday season.

We have all heard this one over the years.  According to the National Institutes of Health average holiday weight gain is closer to 1 pound.  But those single pounds don't magically melt away after the New Year and instead start adding up.  So if you gain 1 pound per year during the holidays at the ripe age of 30, by the time you are 50 you will have 20 pounds of extra Holiday Cheer weighing you down.
 
3.  If you overeat at one meal today, you may as well eat whatever you want tomorrow.

“I totally blew it last night so I’m going to eat everything I want today”.  Sound familiar?  It’s never too late to start over.  Each day presents a new opportunity and the holidays are filled with opportunities.  Allow yourself to indulge, wisely, and hit the Daily Juice in Austin, TX to begin the next day with one of their serious Green Smoothies like the Kale-i-Brator!  It is perfectly portioned with protein, greens and fiber and is a great way to start afresh after a night of excess. If you live outside of Austin you can visit your favorite local juice spot or make your own Green Smoothie at home!

4.  Wine is the healthiest alcoholic beverage choice.

Many of us have been told that due to the antioxidant benefits wine is the healthiest spirit. However up to 40% of our clients discover during The Love Cleanse program, that wine is creating major symptoms of inflammation.  Some of the most common ways this manifests is in disturbed sleep, cravings, allergies, headaches and weight gain.  This inflammation would over-ride any benefits gained.  If wine is non-inflammatory for you it may indeed be the best beverage of choice.  Otherwise, reach for a potato based vodka and soda spritzer.   Or choose wisely enjoying it on special occasions when you are willing to suffer the toll the next day but know how to get yourself back on track afterward.

5.  Eat a small amount of each party food.
  
Instead of grabbing everything in sight and nibbling away, consider opting for more nutrient dense offerings and avoiding your personal trigger foods.  Everyone has unique trigger foods and discovering yours can go a long way towards allowing you to make conscious choices that will keep you feeling your best while still allowing you to have fun.  We call this personalized lifestyle empowerment!

Or opt for the less processed options.  Veering away from bread and dairy is an excellent beginning.

Client Testimonial

CLIENT:  Leigh Perry Zielinski, Apple Computer

INTOLERANCES DISCOVERED:

• Citrus: Interrupted sleep
• Nightshades: Inflammation/increased weight 
• Chicken: causes fatigue
• Soy: Inflammation/Increased weight
• Gluten: Not completely intolerant but slight weight gain and digestive issues

TESTIMONIAL:

"Participating in the Love Cleanse is one of the best things I have done for myself. Prior to starting the cleanse, I was battling constant hunger, fatigue, a weight that would not budge, and frustration. I was consumed with the negative. Thinking that I could potentially have a thyroid issue, I started Internet investigating. It was during my Nancy Drew moment that I came across The Love Cleanse.

After meeting with Kim, I was inspired, motivated, and dedicated to her program. Within the first week I started to see several improvements from weight loss to increased energy. These were the results that I needed to persevere. Over a course of several weeks, I was becoming more in touch with my body and learning how the various food groups that were being tested played into my nutrition routine. The testing was exciting and revealed intolerances that I would have never recognized on my own.

In summary, through The Love Cleanse, I have:

• Found a daily diet that works for me
• Lost weight
• Increased my energy level
• Found that I do not have a thyroid issue
• Become a happier person (improved mood)

I am a big advocate of the program. Kim is absolutely wonderful to work with and the daily interaction with her kept me positive.

The time, preparation, and dedication needed for The Love Cleanse is extremely rewarding!"

Sweet Potato Chili

 

The recent brisk weather has us craving a bowl of something warm and comforting and this vegetarian chili elegantly fits the bill. The relatively short ingredient list and easy preparation is deceptive as the final product is rich, layered with smoky flavors and tastes as if it were simmered all day on the stove. Served alone or over a bowl of your favorite grains, this Sweet Potato chili is a deliciously hearty meal. 

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings. Easily doubled.

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper***
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ medium sweet potato, peeled & chopped
• 7 oz organic canned black beans, drained & rinsed
• 7 oz organic fire roasted diced tomatoes (such as Muir Glen brand)***
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper***
• ½ tsp ancho chili powder***
• ¼ tsp cumin
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion, pepper & garlic. Saute about 5 minutes.  Add beans vegetable stock, tomatoes & sweet potato. Stir in red pepper, chili powder & cumin.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer & cook uncovered about 30 minutes until potato is tender.  Remove from heat, stir in scallion & cilantro. 

If you cannot find a vegetable stock with approved ingredients, you can substitute water.

*** Omit red pepper, tomatoes, pepper flakes & chili powder if nightshades are your personal other.  You can substitute chopped zucchini for the red pepper.

From our Clients....

"The Love Cleanse has improved my quality of life.

I have tried countless other programs related to nutrition and fitness with only temporary success. This is because all of these programs addressed the symptoms of being overweight, but never the root causes.

With the Love Cleanse I found out what foods to avoid, and how those foods impact me at every level. That information now forms the basis of how I live each day.

I look better, I sleep better, my mood is better, I feel better - in short I am better - because of the Love Cleanse."

Dan Young

Vida Capital Executive and Father of 2
Read more about Dan's experience throughout the Cleanse here.

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"I actually did this cleanse in support of my fiance. He was feeling low energy and was having a hard time focusing and suspected a food allergy. I thought to myself, why not do the cleanse with him. I'm so glad that I did. As it turned out, I had more sensitivities then he did! I had just learned to live with these sensitivities (rosacea, moodiness, etc.). 

During the cleanse, my energy soared and my skin looked better then ever. I also lost 20 pounds. My mood was better then ever, except when I integrated citrus. That was a hard couple of days, due to rotten mood and anxiety. But the good new is that I learned what citrus does to me. I've eliminated it from my diet and feel better then ever. 

I honestly wish that everyone I knew would do this cleanse. It feels good to be healthy!"

 
Kelley Huston

Voiceover Talent

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"Committing to the Love Cleanse is the best gift to give yourself.  I can’t think of a viable excuse not to fully commit to the transformation it delivers.  My new ‘normal’ is ‘vibrant’, and best of all, whenever I feel a bit off, I now know exactly what to do to get back to feeling incredible."

Emily Villanueva
Vice President – Marketing, Catapult Systems
Mom of two under 5, and a distance runner (Both after the kiddos and for herself)

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"I have always suspected that my overall health could be regulated with simple choices in my diet but never quite knew how to make those choices that were right for me, specifically. The Love Cleanse renewed my hope (and proved my suspicions correct) almost instantly. 

For over ten years I have struggled with a thyroid disorder and resented taking a pill each day to reach a "normal" level of energy. During my cleanse time, I experienced the highest level of energy that I had almost forgotten existed...and all this energy was coming from my food, not coffee or a thyroid supplement!"

Devon Haire

Greenling Organics

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"I entered this program a little skeptical after trying many other types of "fad" diets. After talking with Kat and Kim, I decided to take the plunge and give it my all. I struggled the 1st week with all of the perfectly time shakes, tease, rice for breakfast, no meat, but I endeared. I was actually feeling fantastic after only the 1st three days on the program. More energy, sleeping better, and a better outlook on life. 

I could not tolerate the Dosha tea at all, so it was dumped from the program, minimal loss in my opinion. The train kept on moving. After beginning to reintegrate foods one at a time, obviously all meat groups 1st so that I could start getting back my read meat. I was surprised to find that many of the side items I enjoyed adding to my meals, eggs, onions, dairy were not doing my system any good. After keeping in touch with Kat throughout the tough times, we were able to narrow down what was working as expected and what to move past. Over the 1st two weeks I lost 15 lbs as a side effect! Everyone was asking what I was doing and then couldn't believe that I was able to follow such a program.

These days, I do my part to shop right so that I am more apt to choose the right foods in my house and continue down this path Kim and Kat have created for me. This is a lifelong change for me and I will continue to call on these girls for support as circumstances change.

Thanks Kim And Kat for starting a revolution in nutrition knowledge!"

Jimmy Studzinsk

Dental Sales Professional

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"The Love Cleanse proved to be an ongoing useful experience in my everyday eating habits. I was able to get some real insight into what was causing some of my cravings, mood swings, and down spiraling energy levels. I was also able to identify those foods which added some weight gain over the years. I'm now able to identify those foods which intensified my cravings, irritability, allergies, and what lowered my overall energy levels. 

With this new found knowledge I know which foods work best and those that work against me. And last but not least, the cleanse provided some weight loss that I've continued to keep off!"

Christi Corbitt

Pure Austin Trainer

GoPal's Power Wraps!

If your image of comfort food entails saddling up to the table with a heaping serving of Grandma’s mashers laden with potato skins - you’ll love these texture-rich healthy treats carried at The Daily Juice!
 

Gopal’s Power Wraps contain raw, organic soaked seeds and nuts, blended together with sea salt and spices to create a creamy center tightly wrapped into a chewy nori roll.  Kazaam! Easy to transport, high in digestible protein and have we mentioned, tasty? These make a perfect mid-afternoon snack. 

Stop by The Daily Juice on Barton Springs Blvd in Austin, TX to stock up ($2.85/piece) or buy them online at Go Pals Health Foods.