Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake – The Replacement YOU need!

This delightful Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake will give you tons of flavor with none of the guilt! Often, we steer clear of desserts to avoid gaining a few extra pounds. This dish will satisfy your sweet tooth with less of the calories from a conventional cake. It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite for the whole family.

Preparation time 20 minutes
Total time 2 hours 35 minutes
Yields 1 10-inch cake

Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake | Healthier Me TodayIngredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Plus more for the Bundt pan.
  • 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour and more for the Bundt pan.
  • 1 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ kosher salt 
  • 1 ¾ cups natural cane sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup of extra-virgin olive oil 
  • ¾ unsweetened apple sauce
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large room temperature eggs

Directions: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C
  2. Butter and flour a 12 cup Bundt pan, set aside.
  3. Get a large bowl and whisk together the wheat flour, unbleached all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl whisk to combine the 1 ½ cups sugar, apple-cider, extra-virgin olive oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs.
  5. Once fully combined add mixture to the other bowl of ingredients. Mix together until smooth.
  6. Add batter to the prepared Bandt dish.
  7. Bake in the oven and rotate for about 45 – 50 minutes. Use a tester stick in the center and if it comes out clean, take the cake out. 
  8. Place the pan on a cooling rack. Make sure to place a rimmed baking sheet below the rack. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
  9. While the cake cools down, combine the remainder ¼ sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. 
  10. Place a cake warmer onto the cooling rack. Brush melted butter over the cake and dust generously with the sugar and cinnamon mix. 
  11. Let it completely cool down and enjoy!

Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake | Healthier Me TodayNotes From Healthier Me Today

  • The Apple-Cider Doughnut Cake can be stored at room temperature for two days. Make sure to have it covered.
  • This is a great healthy alternative to the heavier grain and sugar desserts out there.
  • You can serve it with tinned peaches or other fruit and whip cream if you’d like to be a little naughty.

Your Everyday Whole-Grain Breakfast Cookies

Whole-Grain Breakfast Cookies is a great breakfast for those who usually tend to skip breakfast with a busy schedule. They will give you energy and keep you fueled throughout your morning. They’re also an easy and healthy snack, lunch component, and breakfast for children. 

Preparation time 25 minutes
Total time 1 hour 25 minutes
Yields about 28 cookies

Whole-Grain Breakfast Cookies | Healthier Me TodayIngredients:

  • 2 cups of quick oats
  • ½ buckwheat flour
  • ½ millet 
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1 cup cashew butter
  • ½ virgin coconut oil 
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar, preferably light-brown
  • 2 large room temperature eggs 
  • 1 cup of fresh raspberries 
  • Plain yogurt for serving (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C
  2. Mix together the oats, buckwheat flour, millet, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. 
  3. Like two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Heat the cashew butter in a saucepan along with the coconut oil and brown sugar on medium heat. Stir until everything is just combined.
  5. Pour cashew butter mixture into the oats mixture and combine. 
  6. Let it cool a bit and then add the two eggs.
  7. Add in the raspberries, they might break apart a bit but it’s okay.
  8. Scoop mixture and place individual mounds onto a prepared baking sheet, scoops should be around 2 tablespoons worth.
  9. Use a glass of your hands to flatten them slightly into a round cookie shape. 
  10. Bake them for 15-18 minutes until golden brown, turning the tray halfway through. Once they’re done baking, place them on a cooling rack.
  11. Serve once completely cooled and enjoy!

Whole-Grain Breakfast Cookies | Healthier Me TodayNotes From Healthier Me Today

  • Serve your Whole-Grain Breakfast Cookies yogurt and fruit alongside for a completely delicious breakfast.
  • They can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature.
  • Make sure not to overcook them as they will become hard. They should be chewy in texture. 

Catch 22 – English Muffin Pizza Snacks

Whether for breakfast or altered for a hearty lunch, this take on the well-known English muffin only aids in keeping this dish’s name a brilliant go-to snack or treat. With your choice of topping, why not try something a little different with an original classic as a base and a new age twist of cheese and other pizza staples.

Preparation time Servings
Total time 15 minutes
Servings 1

English Muffin Pizza Snacks | Healthier Me TodayIngredients:

  • 1 split English muffin
  • Softened unsalted butter
  • Marinara sauce
  • Sliced Fresh mozzarella 
  • Sea salt
  • Dried oregano 
  • Fresh basil for serving 
  • Pepperoni (optional) 

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400F°/200C°. Place the halves of the muffin facing upwards on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Smear generously with butter.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. 
  3. Evenly spread on the Marinara sauce and add the mozzarella.
  4. Bake until the cheese is just melted, roughly 6 minutes.
  5. Take out and add the seasoning, halved pepperoni, and basil and enjoy!

English Muffin Pizza Snacks | Healthier Me TodayNotes From Healthier Me Today 

  • You can substitute the mozzarella for whatever cheese you have at home to create a delicious English muffin. 
  • An English muffin is a great snack or lunch idea for children – it’s also the perfect snack to pack in for school.
  • You can add avocado or baby spinach for a healthier option.
  • You can use Rao’s or Ragù for the Marinara sauce.

A Healthy Alternative to an Unhealthy Delight – Brussel Sprout Tacos

Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos are perfect if you are looking for a delicious vitamin and mineral enriched substitute for taco meat – look no further! Brussel sprouts are a great filling and addition to your taco night. To make them even tastier try pairing with avocado. 

Not to mention these tacos are completely vegetarian, which can work great for larger get-togethers. 

Preparation time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Tacos

Ingredients:

  • ½ red onion sliced to your liking. Thinly sliced does work best and it is recommended. 
  • ½ of a freshly squeezed lime. Safe the other half and cut into wedges for serving.
  • Freshly ground pepper and kosher salt to taste.
  • 8 tortillas (corn tortillas work best), preferably 6 inches in size.
  • 1 large avocado 
  • Oven-roasted Brussel sprouts. Try coating them in Chipotle honey glaze before cooking. This will add depth to the flavor.
  • ¼ cup of unsalted roasted peanuts. First, find out if any of your guests are allergic beforehand. 
  • ½ Fresh cut parsley
  • ¼ Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lemon and garlic mayonnaise 

Directions:

  1. Wash, cut, and coat the Brussel sprouts. Roast in the oven until slightly golden.
  2. Slice the onion and add to a small bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over and set it aside to marinate.
  3. Toast the tortillas until slightly charred. You can achieve this by using a gas flame.
  4. Stack all the tortillas once charred onto a plate. Cover either with a clean kitchen cloth or food net.
  5. Slice the avocado into strips. Add salt and pepper. Set aside for now.
  6. Spread the garlic and lemon mayonnaise onto the tortillas.
  7. Place about two tablespoons of Brussel sprouts inside.
  8. Top with avocado, onions, peanuts, and herbs.
  9. Accompany the tacos with options of sour cream and chili sauce.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes From Healthier Me Today

  • Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos is a great way to get more vegetables into your children’s diet. Who can resist a delicious taco!
  • This is a great healthier version of often calorie-filled comfort food.
  • You can substitute the chipotle honey glaze with normal honey and a few splashes of soya sauce.
  • Tortillas can burn very quickly, so make sure you keep your eye on them. 
  • For extra crunch and sweetness, you can top with some corn.

Want To Create the Perfect at Home Tacos?

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Alkaline and Acidic: The Differences

The human body is sensitive, and any changes can throw off the pH balance in your body. Everybody’s alkaline and acid balance is different, but should generally be balanced. Without a healthy balance, your body can be too acidic or too alkaline, causing health problems that develop both quickly and over time.

What is Alkaline in Our Bodies?

Before diving into how to balance the pH in our bodies to live a long and healthy life, it is important to define what alkaline is. Alkaline is a ph level of above 7. When looking at a scale of ph levels, it is pretty straightforward. Acidic bodies have a ph level below 7. A normal ph level for a human body that is balanced and healthy is between 6.5 and 7.5. As the number rises or dips below these numbers, it can get dangerous.

Technically, our bodies are slightly alkaline as opposed to acidic. To raise the acidity so your body is not too alkaline, it is important to eat foods that lower acidity. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, like potassium, sodium, iron, and calcium. There are alkaline benefits as well, but we can only achieve them with the right ph level. Some foods that we can consume to lower increase acidity and balance alkaline bodies are:

  • Spinach
  • Seaweed
  • Lentils
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Avocado
  • Kiwis
  • Peaches

What Alkaline Body Benefits Are There?

When our bodies are alkaline, that means we are eating and drinking the right foods. For example, the foods listed above to lower acidity and increase alkaline levels are nutritious and high in vitamins and minerals. These minerals strengthen our systems and bring lasting benefits! Some alkaline body benefits you should strive for are:

  • An Increase in Energy
  • Slower Aging Process on Your Skin
  • Decreased Risk of Cancer
  • Less stress
  • Increase in Immunity Strength and Response

What Is Acidity in Our Bodies?

alkaline and acidic - salad - healthier me todayOur bodies should naturally be slightly alkaline, as opposed to acidic. Acidity in our bodies, as tested by ph levels, can lead to problems! Acidity is the pH level of anything under the number 7, which is neutral. Acidity in our bodies depletes the minerals and vitamins we need to grow and develop. When our bodies are more acidic, they will begin taking vitamins and minerals from organs and other systems to naturally balance out their ph levels. This means we are missing important nutrients and vitamins.

It is also important to note, however, that our body parts have different ph levels. While urine samples should not be under a ph level of 7, our stomachs do have high acidity. The acid in our stomach that helps us digest food and move bowels healthily is approximately at 3.5 or lower. While this is the case, the main bulk of our diet should not come from acidic foods as the alkaline body benefits would decrease.

What Foods Increase Acidity in Our Bodies?

Just like some foods increase the alkaline ph levels in our bodies, there are also acidic foods that you should lower in consumption. The amount of alkaline in our diet should be between 60-80%. Any lower, and there is a risk for developing problems instead of alkaline body benefits. Foods that should be controlled and limited for acidity are:

  • Eggs
  • Cow Meat
  • Pig Meat
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Oil
  • Butter

What Dangers Rise from an Increase in Acidity in Our Bodies?

Some dangers arise when we consume too many acidic foods and not enough foods that increase our alkaline levels. When our bodies are too acidic, for example, we lack vitamins and minerals that strengthen our systems. People are more likely to develop cavities and weak and brittle teeth because of the lack of calcium and magnesium levels.

Although cavities are uncomfortable, they are the least of your worries. Another danger that arises from an increase in acidity in our bodies is an increased risk of Osteoporosis, which is the weakening and breaking of bones. This is especially dangerous for vulnerable age groups like the elderly, who may take medications that deplete vitamins like calcium.

Our immune system is also weaker when our bodies are more acidic than alkaline. When this occurs, it can become dangerous. A common cold can place someone in the hospital if they do not have enough nutrients in their system to fight off the illness or virus. Watch out for these symptoms to let you know if your body is more acidic than alkaline:

  • Frequent Headaches
  • Uncomfortable Diarrhea
  • Constant Indigestion
  • Dehydration
  • Abnormal Acne
  • Weight Gain

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Sesame Ginger Shrimp

Ingredients

6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp; mix well. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.

Coat a nonstick medium saute pan with cooking spray; heat to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and saute for about 1 minute. Add half of the marinade mixture to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds. Discard any leftover marinade.

 

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

What are the health benefits of watermelon? Let’s dive in and discover the three main areas where a watermelon bite a day, can keep the doctor away!

Heart – An amino acid known as citrulline present in the white rind of the fruit helps to normalize blood pressure. It relaxes our arteries, so it maintains a good blood flow while improving cardiovascular functions.  Vitamin C and beta-carotene help to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart. Watermelons also contain phytochemicals such as lycopene, which is known to be a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cardiovascular ailments.

Blood Pressure – The amino acids potassium and magnesium in watermelon combine to help keep blood vessels healthy and maintain smooth blood flow. They also help maintain proper electrolyte and acid balance, resulting in stable blood pressure levels. Potassium works as a diuretic and helps removal of toxins and excess salts.

Kidneys – Watermelon juice helps to flush out ammonia and uric acid from your body, as well as cleanse the kidneys. Studies have shown it to be helpful for kidney stones as well. Watermelon seeds are particularly helpful in cleansing the kidneys. So make sure you buy a watermelon with seeds if this you want to use it for this purpose.

So enjoy a treat this summer, knowing you’re doing something good for yourself at the same time!

 

 

You Made it to 40! – What Now?

Eating HealthyForty is an interesting time of life. You’re not “old” but you really can’t get away with playing video games all day and call that a mature hobby. Time to grow up!

Truthfully, 40 is a time to make some serious decisions about how you want the rest of your life to go. Do you want to live to 90? Do you want to feel strong and healthy for those next 50 years? If so, there are some things you need to do, and there may be some things you need to stop doing. And you have to commit, this is time to be serious.

 

STOP:

  • If you smoke, you need to stop. Period. Not cut down, you need to stop. Smoking after 40 erodes the linings of your lungs even faster that it has before, so this is turning point. Just don’t do it.
  • If you drink more than one or two drinks per day, you need to moderate. Hopefully you have had blood tests that include checking your liver, and even if your liver is fine, excessive drinking is not good over 40 for many reasons. Two per day or less.

START:

  • Increase your intake of antioxidant foods and anti-inflammatory foods. Your joints will ache less if you do this.
  • Boost your intake of fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables are especially important after 40.
  • Eating garlic aids in reducing your chances of being prone to cancer, heart ailments, blood pressure and numerous other diseases and boosts immunity.
  • Including onions in your diet would provide you with phytonutrients and keep Parkinson’s disease and cardiovascular ailments away. They are rich sources of sulphuric compounds too.
  • Exercise – Just do it.

Of course, have a physical exam regularly and run any diet or exercise plans by your doctor.