Organic Red Beans and Brown Rice

Adding beans to the diet is a great way to reduce calories. Beans are delicious and highly nutritious and are an excellent source of protein - something each of us needs on a daily basis! A lot of people choose not to eat beans because of - to put it bluntly - the ''Gas Factor." Let me reassure you, gas happens...even if you don't eat beans! If you're brave, here's a great bean recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Organic Red Beans and Brown Rice

• 1 lb. organic red beans
  
• 3/4 lb. organic smoked turkey sausage, thinly sliced
  
• 3 organic garlic cloves, minced
  
• 3 stalks of organic celery, chopped
  
• 1 organic green bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 organic red bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 organic sweet onion, chopped
  
• tbsp. organic Creole seasoning
• hot cooked organic brown rice
• organic hot sauce (optional)
  

1. Combine first eight ingredients and 7 1/2 cups of water in a 4-quart slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on medium for 7 1/2 hours until beans are tender.

3. Serve red beans with hot cooked brown rice and, if you like, hot sauce.

Banana-Pecan Smoothie

It is interesting when I initially speak with people about getting healthy. Usually, the very first thing we discuss is their desire to completely eliminate unhealthy foods from their diet. But the thing is, in order to change the body, people must first change their mind.

It is extremely important that you have the right mindset when deciding to move towards a healthier lifestyle. You must consider what is the ultimate goal of this change?: Is it a case of wanting, perhaps, to loose a few pounds here and there? Or maybe those few pounds are the deal-breaker if you want to fit into the beautiful custom-made bridesmaid dress for your favorite cousin's wedding? Or perhaps it's a twenty-year class reunion that you absolutely must attend because you're sure your high-school sweetheart has finally completed his hair implants and dropped his prom queen wife? Whatever the reason, make sure that your decision to incorporate healthier food choices is something that you are able to commit to fully - body and mind!

In the meantime, here is a great recipe to start you on your way to healthier eating. This one is great for breakfast, as a pre- or post- workout drink, or anytime you need a quick pick-me-up.

Banana-Pecan Smoothie

· 1 1/2 cups of organic yogurt

· 2 large ripe organic bananas frozen and sliced

· 1/2 cup of ice
· 1/2 cup of organic pecans

· 1/2 cup of organic soy milk, vanilla or plain

· 1 tbsp. of organic Agave Nectar (light or dark)
· 1/2 teaspoon of organic ground cinnamon

1. Combine all of these ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Organic Chocolate Chip Cookies with nuts & berries

· ½ stick of organic sweet butter
· 1 1/2 cup(s) organic date sugar
· 1/2 cup of organic light brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon of organic molasses
· 2 teaspoons of organic vanilla extract
· 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
· 1 large organic free range egg
· 1/2 teaspoon(s) aluminum-free baking powder
· 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
· 1 1/2 cup of organic all-purpose flour
· 1 bag(s) (16-ounce) semisweet organic chocolate chips
· 1 cup of organic walnuts
· 1 cup of organic pecans
· 1 cup of organic white chocolate chips
· 2 teaspoons of organic orange extract
· 1 cup of organic dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use 2 cookie sheets and line them with parchment paper.
2. Blend the date sugar,light brown sugar and molasses. Beat the butter, sugar mixture, vanilla, orange extract, and salt together in a bowl until smooth. Beat in the egg, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Stir in the flour, add both flavors of chocolate chips along with the walnuts, pecans, and dried cranberries.
4. Drop the dough by tablespoon onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
5. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and transfer them to a rack to cool completely.Makes about 24 cookies.