Cookbook Review: Growing Healthy Families: Cooking with Holistic Moms

Based on the title of this book, one might assume that the recipes are geared toward families and children. Yes, this book is a great resource for moms (and dads) who want to cook delicious but healthy meals for their families. However, by perusing through this book and trying out some of the recipes, I'd highly recommend this book as a cookbook staple for anyone interested in adapting a healthier lifestyle.

The book is a collection of recipes from moms who are part of the Holistic Moms Network , a national organization for moms who prioritize healthy living to be able to connect with one another. These are the recipe categories and some sample recipes from each category.

Appetizers & Beverages
- Roasted, Red Pepper, Asparagus, and Brie Quesadilla
- Homemade Chai
- Applesauce smoothie

Soups & Salads
- Chickpea Untuna Salad
- Angel Hair Beet Salad
- Carrot Ginger Soup

Vegetables & Side Dishes
- Easy garlic asparagus "fries"
- Chana Masala
- Baked Acorn squash with apple-walnut "stuffing"

Main Dishes
- Overnight Ham & Cheese Strata
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Salmon Noodle Casserole
- Black Bean Enchiladas
- Caramelized Chicken Breast

Breads & Rolls
- Butternut Squash Pecan Muffins
- Blueberry Gingerbread
- Banana Carrot Bread
- Cheddar Corn Bread

Desserts
- Almond Thumprint Cookies
- No-bake Cookies
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Crunchy Sesme Candy

This & That
- Chicken and Brown Rice Puree Baby Food
- Play Dough
- Non-toxic Cleaners

As you can see, there is a wide-variety of recipes in this excellent 232-page resource. There are recipes for everyone: vegans, vegetarians, non-vegetarians, macrobiotics, raw food devotees, etc. For example, I am a semi-vegetarian (80 % of my diet is vegetarian; I occasionally eat meat and I rarely have dairy); while many recipes had too much dairy for my taste, I was still able to mark over 100 recipes that I wanted to try. And for those moms out there with picky eaters, there are dozens of recipes that deliciously disguise veggies.

I give this cookbook a two thumbs up! The book can be ordered here.

My Spring Cleanse of Sorts

This past weekend I lead a spring cleansing and detoxification workshop at Easton Yoga. I presented three different types of cleanses that individuals could experiment with based on their current eating style, whether or not they cleansed before, and what would be possible for them to accommodate. I wanted everyone to acknowledge that a detox of any sort will reap a plethora of benefits. Detoxing is a gift you give to yourself.

As I am one who most certainly walks my talk, I started one of my detox programs myself. Even though my lifestyle and eating habits (lots of vegetables daily, little to no weekly alcohol consumption, no coffee consumption, little meat consumption, little dairy consumption, daily consumption of whole grains) qualifies me for my most stringent cleanse (mostly raw veggies and veggie juices), I chose to implement my most lenient cleanse (raw veggies and fruits, some whole grains, and steamed veggies with a savory sauce). And I chose to make the cleanse even MORE lenient by implementing more legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. This decision was practical for me. I am an athlete, so I need these complex carbohydrates and protein to fuel my running, biking and swimming. And I feel great!

How has my diet changed these past few days? No caffeine (I am quite astounded by the fact that I actually have MORE energy than ever). I am drinking even more water than usual. No processed foods and no animal products. I confess that I am missing my morning egg wraps. And my husband melted my heart when he ate a yummy Nature's Path pop tart in front of me yesterday. However, I feel vibrant and balanced.

Perhaps the most beneficial part of my cleanse has been the complementary practices. I have been doing sun salutations every morning. I have been dry brushing my skin after every shower. I have been reflecting more on all that I am grateful for (where I live, my family, my friends, my talents, my dog).

So when will I stop my cleanse? Probably soon. When my husband is finished with his semester at school, I think a toast with a nice frothy beer is due! And I may just have some chicken fingers as well!