August 20, 2010

Chlorophyll Rich Northwest Fertility Salad

By Kathryn

The first time Tiffany made me this chlorophyll rich salad I was blown away. The rich colors of the green kale and the red beets filled me up just by looking at them, all the while deeply cleansing the liver and helping me to resolve any symptoms of PMS. I proceeded to make and eat this blood nourishing, easy to digest salad every day for a month playing with a variety of pumpkin seeds for the zinc and omega fertility benefits as well as delicious almonds. I would recommend you try both and please share any variations you find.

The food processor helps to predigest the raw vegetables and since we prefer to eat cooked or room temperature foods when eating for fertility, this salad makes the cut. You can really make salad spleen friendly if you take your time and chew it well (our teacher often recommends 30 chews per bite!). It’s also nice to include some raw foods during the summer months when weather is a lot warmer. Tif and I show you how to make this recipe on our Cooking for Fertility DVD along with 12 other fertility enhancing recipes.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yields: 2-4 servings

This salad just looks like the northwest! It has beautiful greens, orange and reds with the browned nuts. You’ll experience an explosion of flavor in your mouth! All of these ingredients are filled with vitality, and that is what you’ll feel as you eat it!

2 cups, packed Kale and chard, washed and de-stemmed

1 cup grated raw carrot or beet (washed well, with skin on) 1/2 cup of each is nice

1 washed apple grated with skin on (about 1 cup)

2-3 tablespoons unrefined olive or sesame oil

1-2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (I like lime)

2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Pinch of sea salt to taste

If you have a food processor, pulse kale and chard until well chopped, but not mush: if not, use knife to chop fine. Place in medium/large mixing bowl. Use food processor (to grate) or a hand grater for carrots and/or beets. Add to greens. Next grate apple with skin and add to the mixture. Be sure to put in any juice from the apple

Add oil, citrus juice, apple cider vinegar and mix. Toast pumpkin seeds on skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and browning. Pour into salad, toss and serve. Apple slices make a nice garnish. This salad will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Posted in Blood stasis, Cysts, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Heart Blood Deficiency, Kidney Essence, Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, PCOS, PMS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Salad, Sperm Health, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments
July 12, 2010

Gluten Free Lasagna

By Kathryn

Sometimes the idea of going gluten free makes people feel like they are going to have to “give up” some of their favorite dishes. Lasagna has always been a favorite of mine and even though this recipe is not dairy free, I like to have it enjoy it every once and awhile.   I firmly believe it is most important not to overly restrict with food, and more important to focus on healthful alternatives that you  will like just as much.  Of course, if you are sensitive to dairy or cutting it out for a short period of time to find out if you are sensitive, this isn’t the best recipe for you. If your acupuncturist has shared the diagnosis of dampness with you or you have cysts or weight to lose it may be best to avoid dairy for the time being. But keep it on file and when I learn to make an equally great lasagna using dairy alternatives, I will be sure to share.

I love this lasagna because it is easy to make and even better the next day as the flavor sets in. The original recipes came from my dear friend Julie and her mother Christine. The very first time I tasted this lasagna was at Julie’s 16th birthday party, many years ago.  Enter the gluten intolerance and therefore italian food deficiency for some years until I discovered the joy of brown rice and quinoa pastas.  I can say with confidence that the gluten free version is just as delicious!  I like to use gluten free brown rice lasagna noodles in this recipe.  Important Note: To maintain a good relationship with gluten free pastas, it is important not to overcook them because they can get soggy– think al dente.

Ingredients:

1 package brown rice lasagna noodles

Filling

1 large container organic cottage cheese
2 small containers organic ricotta cheese
125 grams organic parmesan cheese
2 organic eggs
8 ounces of organic spinach, steamed

Sauce

1 bottle (700 ml) organic pasta sauce
14 ounces organic stewed tomatoes
Italian seasoning to taste

Topping

4 cups organic mozarella cheese
125 grams organic parmesan cheese

Boil brown rice noodles as directed on package. At the same time, steam the spinach and warm the tomato sauces, adding desired spices. In a 9 x 13 glass pan spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Follow by two layers of noodles, filling and sauce. For the final layer add remaining tomato sauce with mozarella cheese and parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45- 1 hour. If top begins to brown too much before center is hot, cover.

Posted in Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, Main Course, Premature Ovarian Failure | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments
July 7, 2010

Garden Fresh Spring (well… now “summer”) Rolls

By Tiffany

I LOVE making fresh spring rolls! They are so delicious and refreshing, and although they take a little bit in terms of learning the technique.. they are super easy once you get all that down! I mean you can have dinner ready in 10 minutes. The freshness, and green of the veggies helps support liver function which in turn keeps cycles moving smoothly. It is also a good idea to eat more fresh foods and less at one time during these warmer months.

Enjoy.. and let me know what you think!

Garden Fresh Spring Rolls

Dry weight: 3 to 4 ounce thin, rice noodles, cook as directed (I like Eden brand)

1 tablespoon wheat-free tamari

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

½ to ¾ cup of 3 to 4 different veggies sliced julienne style – I like bell pepper,

carrots, diakon radish, mung bean sprouts, and avocado

1 small bunch of fresh basil and or 1 small bunch of cilantro

Thin slices cooked shrimp (optional)

Rice “paper” wrappers (usually made with tapioca)

Mix cooked rice or mung bean noodles with tamari and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Set up an area with a clean surface and place sliced veggies and noodles nearby. Place room temperature water in a large plate or pie dish. Slide rice wrapper into water (make sure it is completely covered) and let sit about 1 minute, or until soft and slightly sticky.  Remove rice wrapper and place onto clean surface.

Add the veggies and noodles in the lower third of the wrapper (the part closest to you). I like to start with laying down a few sprigs of cilantro or fresh basil leaves, then layer the rest on top. Leave about 1 inch open space on either side. Roll away from yourself, tucking in at the top and on the sides as you go – just like rolling a burrito! The rice wrapper should stick together just fine.

Now they are ready to eat. Choose your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! Visit

http://community.eatingforevolution.com/ for other gluten-free dipping sauce ideas.

Posted in Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Liver Qi Stagnation, Main Course, PMS, Snack, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , | 1 Comment
May 13, 2010

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

By Kathryn

chocolate-moussemain

Sometimes when you are craving something sweet, chocolate is the only thing that will do the trick. Since it’s my sister-in-laws birthday and the weather is getting warmer, I wanted to make something that would be light, refreshing and delicious for dessert. So I pulled out this recipe that Tif and I created for the cooking DVD and am not going to tell anyone it’s made with tofu and avocado! Yes, you heard me correctly, what makes this chocolate mousse most unique is its use of tofu and avocado instead of whip cream and eggs. Experimenting with different ingredients is fun and sometimes surprisingly delicious. You’ll probably have to try this one to believe it!

Healthwise, we used a low glycemic sweetener to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is important for women in general, but even more so during conception and pregnancy. Dark chocolate has numerous health benefits including it’s arginine content which encourages blood flow to the uterus and ovaries for fertility. Tofu is a healthful alternative to whip cream and eggs and it preserves the creamy texture of this delicious mousse (along with the avocado).

Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Serves 4 to 6

10 ounces dark chocolate, melted
1 package silken tofu (optional: 1/2 an avocado)
2 to 4 tablespoons agave syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a blender or food processor, puree tofu and optional avocado, with agave, vanilla and cinnamon until perfectly smooth. Add melted chocolate and mix until fully combined.

Pour mixture in a bowl, and let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Source: Cooking for Fertility DVD

Posted in Dessert, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Liver Qi Stagnation, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments
May 4, 2010

Dairy Alternative: Nut Milk Recipe

By Kathryn

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If you are considering eliminating dairy from your diet, it’s important to find some great milk alternatives for your favorite dishes. Nut milks are delicious, easy to make at home and packed with protein and vitamins. All you need is a few basic ingredients and a blender. Enjoy almond or hemp milk frothed in tea, poured over oatmeal or blended into the fertility berry smoothie. You can also experiment with other nuts using similar proportions.

Almond or Hemp milk

1 cup almonds or chia seeds, pre-soaked overnight
3 cups purified water
1 tablespoon of agave (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Blend pre-soaked almonds or chia seeds with water. Strain to remove pulp and put back into the blender. Add sweeteners if desired. Yields 2½ to 3 cups.

Source: Cooking for Fertility: Foods to Nourish Your Fertile Soul

Posted in Beverage, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yang, Kidney Yin, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments
April 21, 2010

Fertility Friendly Fast Food Alternatives

By Kathryn

yam_fries_002

Fast food is a habit and while I’m all about meals to go, there are certainly some choices that are better than others. If you’re craving a quick fix on the road, consider some healthier choices like Panera Bread (great soup and salad), Real Food Daily (for my vegetarian friends in LA), Fresh Direct (a favorite for my NY clients who tell me “recipe” is a bad word) or the Whole Foods hot food bar (my personal favorite). The rest of you might like to try some of these delicious recipes and recreate your burger combo at home.

Instead of french fries, try yam fries

Yams are a lower glycemic variety of potato, that not only tastes delicious, but may be the secret ingredient for pre-conception twin creation. The Harvard Medical School Nurses Study noted that that the trans fats found in a small serving of commercial French fries are enough to adversly affect fertility.

2 medium yams, cut into 1/8 -inch strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon parsley
¼ teaspoon sage
¼ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon rosemary
Sea salt or dulse flakes to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice sweet potato into circles or thin strips. Baste with olive oil, and add spices. Place a single layer on baking sheet, and cook for 45 minutes or until tender inside and crisp outside.

Black bean burgers

Black beans are considered a reproductive tonic in Chinese Medicine and are loaded with protein, fiber, folate, iron and antioxidants all essential vitamins and minerals for your fertility. The Harvard Medical School Nurses study found iron rich foods like lentils to support ovulation and fertility in women.

1 cup black beans
1 small carrot, chopped or grated
1/3 cup onion
¾ to 1 cup crushed gluten free crackers
2 to 3 cloves chopped garlic
1 tablespoon herb de Provence
Sea salt to taste
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
2 to 3 tablespoons unrefined olive oil
Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined. Form mixture into patties or smaller “cakes.” If they are not holding together because they are too “wet,” add more crackers. Place in an oiled skillet and cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until browned. Serve with Ezekial sprouted grain buns.

Opt for natural sodas

Instead of drinking soda, substitute the following combination of juice and sparkling water to offer a fizzy satisfaction. By doing so you will avoid harmful chemicals that disrupt the proper release and regulation of hormones and benefit from the natural nourishment of fruits and water.

½ cup limeade, lemonade or any unsweetened juice
½ cup sparkling water

Combine ingredients in a tall glass and enjoy!

Store bought varieties to try: Reeds Gingerale (made with real ginger), Izze sparkling juice (delicious flavors),Closest to cola: Zevia

Posted in Beverage, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Yang, Main Course, Sides, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment
April 9, 2010

Sauerkraut for Intestinal Health

By Kathryn

sauerkraut-260

Last year I found out I had a vitamin B deficiency and Tiffany, the co-creator of the Cooking for Fertility DVD, came over and taught me how to make two fermented foods: sauerkraut (check out the how to make sauerkraut video we filmed together) and coconut water. Instantly my cheeks became more rosy and I felt vitalized. Since then fermented foods have become my go-to staple whenever I need an energy boost.

Sauerkraut and other fermented foods have incredible health benefits, from helping to build B12 and strengthening digestion. Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods believes “saltless sauerkraut is an excellent food for regenerating the intestines. It harmonizes the digestion by balancing the secretions of the stomach, helps in the formation of enzymes and vitamins, strengthens the function of the pancreas, and improves the digestion of fats. Raw, saltless sauerkraut also helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance of the body, strengthens the nerves and the immune system, and stimulates blood formation”.

2 heads purple cabbage
1 tablespoon wakame
½ tablespoon cumin

Remove two leaves from the cabbage and thinly shop the rest. Mix cabbage with dulse and cumin in a large bowl and transfer to a glass container. Fill the container half full with water and use a wooden mallet to compact leaves. Continue to the top, covering with the entire leaf, and place in a cool, dark area for at least seven days.

Posted in Cysts, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, Recurrent Miscarriage, Salad, Sides, Sperm Health, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
March 30, 2010

Fertility Berry Smoothie

By Kathryn

4 Berry Smoothy

Berry smoothies are delicious and healthy snacks, packed with blood-nourishing antioxidants from dark berries and balanced protein. The combination of protein and carbohydrates is essential for stabilizing blood sugar, which is particularly important in conditions of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), weight loss, and for managing stress levels. When making a smoothie, thaw frozen fruit or combine with warm milk to balance temperature and ease digestion.

1 cup blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or combination
1 banana
2 cups almond, hemp or goat milk
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1-2 tablespoons whey, rice or egg protein powder

In a blender, combine all ingredients and mix at low speed. Pour into glasses and serve. Makes 2 generous servings.

Source: Cooking for Fertility: Foods to Nourish Your Fertile Soul

Posted in Beverage, Breakfast, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, Liver Blood Deficiency, PCOS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Sperm Health, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment
March 21, 2010

A Simple Spring Salad for Fertility

By Kathryn

cabbage-400

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your relationship with fresh organic vegetables. In Chinese Medicine the spring is the time of the liver, which is also the organ that processes our hormones. You may notice people around you feeling more exuberant with the blossoming of spring and at the same time a little edgy. Increased symptoms of PMS may call for a gentle spring detox.

Choose dark leafy greens, like kale, that have a high chlorophyll content and are replenishing to your entire system. Cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, help to metabolize excess estradiol and help the liver to process hormones more effectively, ideally helping to relieve PMS. Deb Kern introduced me to this amazing salad dressing, simple and packed with healthful anti-inflammatory apple cider vinegar and the omega 3 benefits of flaxseed oil. It is so easy to make and truly delicious on top of any salad.

Note: Although we favor cooked foods, as we enter the spring and summer season it makes sense to include some raw foods, which are cooler in nature. When eating salads, be sure to chew very well or use your food processor to help pre-digest raw foods. If you are into juicing make sure to add ginger to maximize the warming properties, making the beverage much easier to digest.

2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

1 cup kale, thinly sliced

2 radishes, grated

2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

½ cup slivered almonds

Deb’s Simple Cider Vinaigrette

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup flaxseed oil (try Usana’s optomega oil)

¼ cup Braggs amino acids

Combine chopped cabbage, radish, almonds and sesame seeds in a bowl. In a separate jar mix together apple cider vinegar, flaxseed oil and Braggs amino acid. Pour over salad, and combine. Enjoy!

Source: recipe adapted from Cooking for Fertility: Foods to Nourish Your Fertile Soul

Posted in Cysts, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Liver Qi Stagnation, PCOS, Salad, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment