BOOSTING YOUR MOOD WITH FOOD During times of increased stress, our bodies use higher levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is the “reward seeking” hormone related to addiction and when depleted, can cause cravings for high fat or high sugar food. The combination of sugar and fat causes a temporary spike in…
BRAISED CABBAGE FOOD-AS-MEDICINE The anti-inflammatory effects of cabbage come from it being rich in Vitamin C and also containing polyphenols. These compounds help by deactivating oxidized molecules in the body, which are known to cause damage and inflammation to cells. The fiber in cabbage helps sequester excess cholesterol in the bowel and lower LDL levels.…
CABBAGE ROLLS WITH GRASS-FED BISON FOOD-AS-MEDICINE: When choosing a ripe cabbage, select a head that is both firm and feels dense. A fresh cabbage will have bright colored, crisp outer leaves and still have its stem in tact. Cabbage should be stored in the crisper of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about…
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE: ORGANIC GARDENING FOR THE BODY With a growing emphasis of food as medicine and nutrition-related disease, there should be a sense of urgency to protect the quality of our food as well as accessibility to Houston’s growers, local producers, and real traditional unadulterated foods. When examining farming methods, sustainable farming can be thought of as working…
SPAGHETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE FOOD-AS-MEDICINE: Volumetrics is the focus on eating foods that are high in nutrients and volume but low in calories. These foods yield satisfaction while promoting weight loss. Cup for cup, swapping out pasta for spaghetti squash saves over 180 calories and provides less than 1/3 of the carbohydrates. Using non-starchy vegetables such as spaghetti squash…
HERB ROASTED AND SPICED SQUASH CUBES INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds winter squash 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter or coconut oil EITHER 4 Tbsp chopped herbs (choose 1-2 from: Basil, Tarragon, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram) OR 1 Tbsp (Choose 1: chili powder, cumin, turmeric, ginger, etc.) Coarse sea salt, to taste DIRECTIONS: Follow Simple Roasted Squash Halves…
SIMPLE ROASTED SQUASH HALVES INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds Acorn, Butternut, or heirloom variety 3 Tbsp grass-fed butter 3 Tbsp Sucanat/rapadura or date sugar 1 Tbsp Organic grade B Maple Syrup generous pinch of sea salt 1/2 cup Pecans, roasted and chopped DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400°F. If squash are large, cut off neck or elongated section…
MINI PUMPKIN PIES WITH HAZELNUT CRUST FOOD-AS-MEDICINE Pumpkin can be used as a treatment for heart health, inflammation, cancer and eye health. The seeds contain a compound called phytosterols, which have been shown to help lower the bad cholesterol levels in your blood. The flesh is high in vitamin A, which is known to promote…
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE FOOD-AS-MEDICINE: Sweet potatoes are an under appreciated treatment for inflammation and cancer. Being rich in beta-carotene, a compound that is converted to Vitamin A within the body, this vegetable can help decrease your risk for cancer. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, iron, manganese and…
