Salad with Thai Peanut Dressing

Nappa cabbage, chopped

red cabbage, chopped

broccoli, chopped

sugar snap peas

red peppers, chopped

carrots, chopped

celery, chopped

raw red peanuts

Chinese noodles (omit for gluten free)

Serve with Thai Peanut Dressing

"The Feel Good Cookbook - Whole Foods and Allergy Free Recipes" by Jonell West Francis

"The Feel Good Cookbook is a "How To" handbook with recipes for real people who seek a nutritional approach to fatigue, headaches, gut trouble or general autoimmune disease (ie. ADHD, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, IBS, MS and schleroderma) or who want to cut out refined sugar, dairy or wheat from their diet. It details one woman's journey back to health for over a two year period from fibromyalgia, a disease estimated to affect as many as 1 in 3 women between age 25 and 50 in the U.S. In addition to outlining a recipe for recovery from gut linked disease, it includes hundreds of kid-tested sugar-free, dairy-free recipes from appetizers and main dishes to kid's snacks and party food that are fresh, quick, affordable and most importantly, delicious. There is a strong connection between food and feeling good, between diet and disease. Whether you want to eat more whole foods, build your immunity, or heal a specific health problem this book is for you! Read on and be amazed at how directly the foods we eat can affect the way we feel in energy level, in mental clarity and mood, even in the degree of pain, inflammation and stress our bodies experience. Ten years ago, when I learned of the link between food and feeling good, I began looking for ways to feed my family healthier fuel free of refined sugars, refined flours, and allergenic dairy products. Also, wheat and gluten sensitivity for some of my family members invited me to explore the strange new world of gluten free dining. Discovering the goodness of whole foods, (including wheat) has rendered some wonderful new meals that my family actually prefers to the canned soup casseroles of the past. From our kitchen to yours, here are our family's favorite recipes...and here's to Feeling Good!"


This was an excellent book to read...and yes there is A LOT of information in this book besides just the recipes.  Jonell takes us on her journey of health as she discovers what she can do to heal her body from "leaky gut syndrome" and Candida. She shares what worked for her and many of the recipes she now uses in her family that use many whole foods! It is an excellent resource, especially for those with gluten sensitivities. I was lucky enough to also go to one of her seminars and she truly lives what she preaches, and feels much more health and wellness in her life!

"The Green Smoothies Diet: The Natural Program for Extraordinary Health" by Robyn Openshaw

From back cover..."Looking for a quick, flavorful and nutritious way to stay youthful and healthy? The Green Smoothies Diet provides the perfect solution! Green Smoothies are the best way to power up your body and supercharge your health in just minutes a day. Packing a tasty, nutrient-filled punch in every sip, these ultra healthy smoothies pair leafy green vegetables with delicious, antioxidant-rich fruits. Discover how green smoothies help you:
Lose Weight
Detoxify the body
Increase energy
Fight heart disease
Prevent diabetes and certain cancers
Boost the immune system
Make skin and hair beautiful"

I simply LOVED this book and have decided it is one of my top recommended books for health! Robyn is simply amazing and so inspiring as she shares her passion of healthy food and her own powerful story and struggles with being healthy. She has done tremendous research on the subject of health and shares this wealth of knowledge with us in a concise easy read. This book is an invaluable tool to regaining your health and maintaining it for life! Robyn shares so many wonderful ideas that can help us all! Start your journey to health TODAY!!

Cantaloupe Slush

My children LOVE cantaloupe so when I read about a "cantaloupe slush" in Dr. Fuhrman's book Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right, I knew we had to make it!! It definitely did not dissappoint! It is our new go-to drink when we have people over.

Cantaloupe Slush
1 cantaloupe, peeled and cut into chunks

6-8 dates

2 cups ice

Mix all ingredients in a Vitamix, using stir stick to blend very well. You want the consistency to be frothy, smooth and whipped well for the best taste! Serve immediately.

Artichoke Balsamic Dressing

1 c artichoke hearts

1/4 c balsamic vinegar

1/2-3/4 c water

2 garlic cloves

1 t Italian seasoning

salt and pepper

Mix everything in Vitamix. Serve warm or chilled. 

Tomato Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

3/4 c EVOO

1/4 c balsamic vinegar

1 t Italian seasoning

2 garlic cloves

1/2 t onion powder

2 Roma tomatoes

1/3 c fresh basil

1/4 c water

salt & pepper
Mix all ingredients in Vitamix. Serve warm or chilled.

Thai Peanut Salad Dressing (Mild)

2 T Natural Peanut Butter

1 T Braggs Liquid Aminos

1/3 c EVOO

1/3 c rice vinegar

2 T honey

1 garlic clove

pinch red pepper flakes

Mix everything in Vitamix. Serve warm or chilled.