Cauliflower pizza crust

Ingredients:

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Chop the cauliflower florets into chunks and steam them in a steamer or on the stove until slightly soft. Do not fully cook or it will become mushy. I started with a very large head of cauliflower; it was so big it wouldn’t all fit into my steamer, so I used as much of it as I could. Because the steamer was so full, it took about 15 minutes for the cauliflower to get soft enough. I waited just until it had lost the opaque white coloring.

Transfer cauliflower to a food processor and pulse until it looks like rice or couscous. Do not overprocess. My large head of cauli yielded about 6 cups of the cauliflower “rice.”

Yep, that’s cauliflower

Mix the cauliflower rice with the mozzarella, oregano, garlic, and salt. Mix until everything is well blended, then add the eggs and continue mixing. Spray a cookie sheet with the olive oil spray and transfer the cauli mixture to the cookie sheet.  Spread the mixture evenly to cover the sheet. I used a 12×15 baking stone; my 6 cups of cauli mixture filled up the stone nicely. Optional: brush olive oil on the top to help with browning.  Cook at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Crust before baking

While crust is baking, precook your toppings. (The actual pizza is under the broiler for just 5 minutes.) I used onion, mushroom, and green pepper, and sauteed them on the stove with some olive oil and garlic. When crust is browned, remove and turn oven to broil.

Add sauce, toppings, and cheese and return pizza to oven. (I also added a layer of fresh spinach.)

Broil for 3-4 minutes, just until cheese is melted.

The verdict

Delicious, just as a pizza should be. You would never guess the crust was made of cauliflower. (My husband did, but only because I told him it was completely grain-free, and he is used to me doing weird things with food.) The crust is soft, so it’s not the kind of pizza you can pick up and eat with your hands — it’s definitely a fork meal. Between the two of us, we devoured almost the entire thing. I had one piece leftover for lunch the next day. The leftovers resembled more of a veggie hash than pizza, but they still tasted fabulous. This one is definitely going into regular rotation. Easy, clean, guilt-free pizza … what’s  not to love??

Go natural

Start cleaning your home with all-natural ingredients to begin your green lifestyle. Before cleaning products were available at retail stores for cleaning glass, people used lemon juice or vinegar for cleaning. Not only do these natural products get surfaces squeaky clean, they do not impact the environment like the harsh additives found in man-made products. Additional go-to products include baking soda and white vinegar, both of which can be used for everything from scrubbing tub grout to cleaning metal.

Energy answers

A simple way to cut back the cost of electric and gas energy is change your laundry methods. To conserve water, regulate how often you wash clothes. Wait until there is enough clothing to run a full load instead of tossing one pair of jeans or two towels into the washer. Save additional energy costs by cutting down on dryer time. Allow items to dry on hangers or a clothesline. You’ll even lengthen the life of your clothing and prevent shrinking.

Ironing uses energy, both yours and electric. For casual or everyday household items, use a wrinkle releaser to smooth out wrinkles instead of ironing them. The product is readily available at grocery stores and drugstores; cost is minimal; and the convenience and energy savings are significant.

Waste no water

Have a low-flow toilet installed to conserve water without losing efficiency. Incorporate a timer for showers or switch to a low-flow showerhead. No matter how good it feels to take a long, hot shower, each minute the water is running costs money and wastes water.

The heat is on

Two of the biggest energy consumers in the home are heaters and air conditioners. Whether you are using a central system or stand-alone unit, running the heat or air at full power, 24 hours a day is costly. To avoid high energy bills, close vents to any rooms not in use. Adjust the temperature, so the system switches on only periodically when you are not at home. There is no reason to have a cool or warm house if no one is there to enjoy it. Regulating your home’s temperature will also prevent heating and cooling systems from being overtaxed and requiring repairs or replacement. Take advantage of low-cost cooling aids, like blinds or curtains, to block wind and cold during the winter.

Using a few simple procedures can save you significant dollars throughout the year on utility bills. Living green is not just in vogue — it’s a money saver.

Guest blogger Holly is a soccer enthusiast, travel addict, avid baker and concert goer. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands she trusts.

I’ve been mindful of the need to cut back on gluten for several years. I sometimes talk a good gluten-free game, but I’ve never fully committed to going completely gluten-free — I have too much of a weakness for doughnuts and pizza. I admire those who are fully committed to a gluten-free diet — especially if they aren’t actually celiac. It’s hard. I definitely try to limit the amount of gluten in my diet, but it takes a big commitment, a lot of planning, and a whole lot of willpower. But even if you don’t have a severe allergy to or intolerance for gluten, there is significant evidence to suggest that going gluten-free can have numerous health benefits.

Dr. Mark Hyman, a leader in the field of functional medicine and author of The Blood Sugar Solution, notes that gluten, along with dairy, is one of the leading causes of internal inflammation, and that internal inflammation is the root of all imbalances that cause chronic disease. There’s enough in Dr. Hyman’s new book to make me think it’s time for me to go fully gluten-free. Some of the problems associated with gluten that he mentions — like canker sores and postnasal drip — I can definitely relate to.

He also notes on his website that an article in the New England Journal of Medicine links gluten to 55 common diseases and health conditions, including osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and migraines.

What is gluten anyway?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley, rye, spelt, and kamut. Because so many staples of the modern diet — breads, crackers, cookies, cakes, pasta, baked goods, breakfast cereals, hamburger buns, dinner rolls, even beer — are made with wheat, gluten is clearly pervasive in the standard American diet. Many foods also contain hidden sources of gluten, including condiments and salad dressing.

How to test for a gluten allergy

Blood tests can identify a gluten allergy, but may not pick up on more subtle gluten sensitivities. The best way to test your reaction to gluten is to go on an elimination diet. This requires removing all sources of gluten from your diet for several weeks to see if any health issues resolve. After being gluten-free for several weeks, you can start to slowly reintroduce gluten to your diet and see if your symptoms reappear.

Are gluten-free foods healthier?

Because gluten is such a hot topic in the health industry, many people believe that gluten-free versions of their favorite foods are a healthier option. But it’s important to remember that gluten-free junk foods are still junk foods. Cookies, cakes, pies, and other baked goods are still processed foods full of sugar, whether they contain gluten or not. It’s important to limit your intake of processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re much better off eating a small piece of dark chocolate or some fruit than any type of baked goods — gluten-free or otherwise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mix up your workouts

First and foremost, examine your workouts. Are you doing the same exercises all the time and getting bored? Switch things up. You always want to vary your workouts, both to benefit the different muscle groups in your body, but also to give yourself a break between intense workouts. Ellipticals and exercise bikes offer a lower-impact workout that you can combine with cardio sessions and weight training. Your body is wise and will learn your routine, eventually making it less effective. Keep things fresh and interesting when you hit the gym and retain your inspiration to achieve a healthier body. In addition to spinning on the elliptical, make sure you’re spending time stretching, whether you do yoga, Pilates, or your own set of stretches sometime during the day.

Drink more water

Though it seems simple, this step can make a difference in the way you feel and the way your workout goes. Being dehydrated, even just a little, can make you tired, and when you’re tired, it’s more difficult to get yourself to the gym. A good daily guideline is eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid, meaning you should be drinking water while also supplementing with other beverages. Just be careful about loading up on soda, which can fill you with empty calories and sugar, and dehydrate you because of its caffeine content. If you’re not a fan of water, try cutting up your favorite fruit, such as slices of strawberries or oranges, and letting it sit in your glass. You’ll get a refreshing taste without adding the calories and chemicals that can otherwise be present in flavored water.

Make food substitutions

A change in your diet can lead you to getting a healthier body, but be wise about how you make changes and how quickly. Opt for leaner and healthier choices when it comes to meals, such as eating more vegetarian fare, a vegan meal once a week, or simply cutting down on how often you eat red meat. You can add a variety of spices to foods that make excellent substitutes for less-healthy additives like salt. Cooking with tofu will give you the protein your body needs and can be used in a variety of meals, from breakfast smoothies to dessert.

These steps won’t turn you into a powerlifting bodybuilder overnight, but will point you in the right direction to achieve your goals. Always remember that change takes time. It’s tempting to jump on the scale after a workout and see how much weight you’ve lost but be realistic about how quickly your body is changing. If you’re not very active or embarking on a new fitness regimen, give yourself time to adjust. Your healthier body will emerge before you know it.

Holly is a physical therapy major at UFL (Go Gators!), soccer enthusiast, travel addict, vegan, and music lover. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands she uses.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Have a Namaste.

The whole idea of detoxing is shrouded in mystery and confusion. Search online, and you’ll find as many arguments against detoxing as for it. Some medical professionals maintain that the idea of detox is unnecessary; that our bodies are well equipped to process and eliminate the toxins that we encounter in our daily lives. But a growing number of holistic and integrative healthcare professionals know that in our increasingly toxic world, our bodies’ natural defenses are often inadequate. Though some of the detox diets and programs that are advertised do exploit peoples’ desires to improve their health, detox plans that are executed safely can be extremely beneficial.

Why detox?

We are exposed to more damaging toxins than ever — they’re in our foods, in the very air we breathe, and even our homes. The Gerson Therapy lists 49 different everyday factors that contribute to chronic disease, including preservatives and other additives in our foods; environmental pollution; prescription drug residue in our water systems, and chemicals found in common household items, cleaning products, and even our personal care products. Though the FDA and other agencies may tell us that these chemicals and additives are safe, the truth is, it’s impossible to know for sure, because nothing exists in a vacuum. Meaning, small doses of a chemical may not seem to cause harm in a short-term laboratory test, but continued exposure to the substance, combined with exposure to other toxins over time, can lead to unforeseen and often severe health consequences.

My favorite analogy for toxic overload comes from Dr. Alejandro Junger’s book Clean. He explains how our natural defense system encapsulates or buffers toxins from our foods and other sources, with the intent of removing them from the body later. However, the body’s detoxification process doesn’t begin until the digestive process is complete. Most of us eat too much, eat too often, and consume foods that are difficult to digest, leaving the body constantly in defense mode, never able to move into detox mode. It’s as if all the garbage handlers in the city are busy bagging up trash, he says, and no one is left to actually carry it to the dump.

Engaging in a periodic detox focus gives our digestive systems a chance to rest and actually “take out the trash” so that we can find relief from some of our nagging health problems and reset our systems … so that our natural detoxification processes can function the way they should.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll shed some light on the often confusion subject of detoxification, explain how to detox safely, and reveal what a detox diet is and what it isn’t. If you have any questions about detoxification, leave them in the comments or contact me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

1. Blender. A blender is absolutely essential for making smoothies — a great way to start your day off with plant compounds and to get more greens into your diet. Blenders start around $20 for a basic model, but if you plan on using yours a lot, you may want to get one with a little more power. For serious performance that can liquefy anything, Vitamix machines are considered the gold gold standard and run upwards of $300.

2. Stick (immersion) blender. My stick blender is my favorite kitchen gadget. It’s great for making pureed vegetable soups right in the pot — no need to transfer to a regular blender and make a mess in the process.  I also use mine to make my chocolate avocado mousse.  Immersion blenders run around $20 – $40.

3. Food processor. These also run the gamut from $20 on up, depending on what kind of features and power you want. I have a basic two-speed model that I use for hummus and almond butter. My husband also grinds up nuts for his various cookie concoctions and homemade oatmeal blend. If you plan on doing some serious food processing, you can get food processors with numerous settings and multiple blade attachments.

4. Vegetable steamer. Steaming is one of the best ways to prepare vegetables to prevent the loss of nutrients. Best of all, it makes it super easy to add a veggie to your meal – just throw some veggies in the top strainer, put a small amount of water in the basin, plug it in, and let it go for 5 to 10 minutes. Just be sure not to let your veggies get too mushy. My new obsession is steamed sweet potatoes.

5. Juicer. Our juicer is my favorite gift that we got for our wedding. If you’ve never had fresh homemade apple-carrot juice, you’re missing out. Homemade juice tastes amazing and it’s free of all the nasty preservatives and added sugar found in store-bought juice. Basic home juicers start around 50 bucks. If you’re on a special diet like the Gerson diet to help treat an advanced illness, it’s recommended you use a two-step juicer with a separate grinder and press to maximize nutrient extraction. Click here to learn more about Gerson-approved juicers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It seems like consumers are being squeezed on every side these days. People are desperately seeking jobs and, when they find them, are often paid much less than they would have been before the recent recession. Add to that the fact that, between rising fuel prices and attempts by companies to stay in business, goods and services seem to cost more every day and you start noticing how small the balance in your bank account starts looking.

Fortunately, there is a great way to start saving money on everyday purchases: coupons. Some people seem to take it to extremes, either limiting all of their purchases to things they have coupons for or using every coupon they find, regardless of their needs. You can find a happy medium, though, and keep it simple to boot. Planning and organization, in addition to knowing where to look for coupons, are important skills to develop for couponing. Master those and you’ll soon enjoy less hassle and a fuller bank account.

Coupons
The most important part of couponing is finding the coupons. I know of people who only use the coupons in the sheets you pick up at the supermarket, but there are dozens more options that are just as easily accessible. I probably receive 3-4 coupon books in my mail every month that are full of brand and store coupons for a dizzying array of products, from hair coloring to fresh fruit and beyond.

If you receive a daily or weekly newspaper, you probably end up glossing over dozens of coupons that could be saving you money. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek out online coupon sites. You can often find extra special deals through coupons offered online. Nearly every business, including restaurants, dry cleaners and grocery stores, offer online coupons.

Planning
Make sure you’re not cutting out coupons just because something looks like it may be a good deal. Only seriously consider coupons on items that you would normally buy. Don’t be afraid to branch out, though. If you normally use one brand of paper towel but see a coupon for a competing brand that is a better deal than you normally get, go for it! Further, consider planning your meals in advance to eliminate emergency trips to the store. This will give you time to hunt for bargains and coupons, saving you more money.

Organization
If you’re a regular coupon collector like me you’ve probably ended up with a disorganized mass of coupons at one time or another. This makes it more difficult to use your coupons effectively, leading to stress and less of a desire to continue using coupons. Try out different methods of organizing your coupons so you don’t have to worry about misplacing any during your trip to the store. For groceries, I plan out my trip to the store, then organize my coupons based on the route I will take so I can further separate the coupons I end up using from the ones I had intended to use but didn’t for one reason or another.

Couponing is a rewarding, money-saving practice that can seem daunting at first glance. If you approach it in a structured, logical manner, though, you can turn it into a simple, efficient task that will have you planning out your trips to the store and considering your purchases more, leading to even further savings.

A note from Karen:

What I like here is the message that couponing can be a simple practice that not only helps save money but eliminate stress. “Extreme couponing” — obsessing over finding the best deal, going out of your way to only buy items for which you have coupons, or stocking up on discounted items — ultimately doesn’t work to your advantage. For one thing, your time may be better spent engaging in activities that enrich your mind, body, and spirit rather than saving you a few pennies. For another, stocking up on items simply because they’re discounted sends the wrong message to the universe. Stockpiling indicates a fear of lack — and when you send feelings of lack into the universe, that’s what you’ll get in return. Instead of worrying that you don’t have enough of something or buying something just because it’s on sale, try to simplify your routine and see what you can do without. You may be surprised.

Planning your meals in advance is another great tip that can not only save you money, but help you make healthier choices and avoid the interior grocery store aisles that are packed with chemical-laden processed foods. Also aim to take advantage of lower prices on seasonal produce and experiment with some different foods, like winter squashes.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Have a Namaste.

Although the information here provides a thorough overview of the farming and processing practices behind various food labels (and sometimes the environmental repercussions), it is less concerned with the health implications of these practices. You’ll need to look elsewhere if you are interested in the health benefits of grass-fed beef or raw milk, as issues such as these are beyond the scope of this already information-packed book. My only real criticism is that Stewart peppers the narrative with anecdotes of her own relationship with food and experiences as a farmer’s daughter – presumably in an attempt to make the predominantly scientific information more palatable to the average reader – but these accounts seem unnecessary and often fall flat of the humorous tone she seems to be striving for.

Read more book reviews

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I chose “The Western Diet and Diseases of Civilization” for my subject, as I am fascinated by research that shows an increase in major chronic diseases after traditional cultures adopt a more westernized diet. The cited studies are worth reading if you have the time (the report by Loren Cordain is the longest but also the most informative), as is Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food, which is mentioned several times in my report.

Enjoy, and feel free to provide any feedback!

The Western Diet and Diseases of Civilization (pdf)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Health risks of sugar

So what’s the big deal? Aside from a little tooth decay, is all that sugar really going to hurt us? Actually, yes. While some effects of too much sugar are obvious – obesity and diabetes, for starters – others are far more insidious. For instance, cancer: overconsumption of sugar has been linked to several forms of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, kidney, and pancreas.

Sugar reduces the ability of white blood cells to fight bacteria, making us more susceptible to illness. High sugar intake is also linked to heart disease, premature aging, menstrual irregularities, PMS, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Children and sugar

Infants and children are particularly susceptible to the effects of sugar. Sugar consumption in children has been linked to learning problems, hyperactivity, moodiness, and inappropriate behavior. Even a single intake of sugar can trigger a decrease in academic performance and an increase in behavior problems. And a lifelong pattern of eating sweets can lead to a lifetime of battling digestive problems, fatigue, overweight, and more serious health problems.

Reducing sugar intake

To decrease the amount of sugar in your diet, eat foods that are lower on the glycemic index. The sugars in low GI foods are absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly, providing a prolonged source of energy without crashes or mood swings. A glycemic index of 55 or below is considered low. Choose foods like leafy greens, whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and nut butters. A diet of primarily whole foods will also help you avoid the hunger cravings that come with a diet high in sugar. Foods that are white – white bread, pasta, potatoes – tend to have a higher GI.

Learn more about the glycemic index on the World’s Healthiest Foods.

How to reduce sugar in your diet:

• Read labels. Avoid foods with ingredients such as sucrose, dextrose, barley malt, caramel, carob syrup, dextran, fructose, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, maltodextrin, or corn syrup.
• Drink plenty of water and herbal tea every day. Eliminate sodas, fruity drinks, and sports drinks.
• If you have kids, pack their lunches. School lunches often contain high GI foods such as French fries or French toast sticks.
• Disassociate sweets from the idea of treats and rewards. Instead of rewarding good grades with a trip to the ice cream shop, allow your children to plan a fun family activity or have a friend spend the night.
• Learn to respond to stress and other emotions in ways that don’t involve food. Exercise, take a bath, write in a journal, or talk to a friend instead of reaching for the cake.
• Develop birthday and holiday rituals that don’t revolve around cake and ice cream.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”