What does a vegan serve for Thanksgiving?

Salad, of course!

In reality when we have Thanksgiving at my house we serve more than salad but in my quest to get my loved ones to eat more vegetables I always need to include a salad option complete with seasonal toppings such as pomegranate seeds, cranberries and Creamy Cranberry Dressing.

Because our guest list includes a vegan, a dairy free individual and a gluten free individual among omnivores, I usually serve meals with the option to add dairy or gluten such as vegetable burritos that people can add their own toppings to (guacamole, salsa, cheese). And if guests want to exercise their rights as a carnivore I tell them to BYOM (bring your own meat) but most often, guests are satisfied with the veggie options (it is a holiday after all so we'll be ending the meal with a selection of dairy free, gluten free, vegan desserts too)!

This soup would be great as a starter or main dish, topped with pumpkin seeds served with cornbread or fancy dinner rolls.

Spiced Pumpkin Bisque

One 30oz canned pumpkin (or 3 ½ cups pumpkin puree)

Two 11oz packages frozen squash (or 3 cups winter squash puree)

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ginger

2 tsp cardamom

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1 can coconut milk

Combine pumpkin, squash and broth in a large pot, heat over medium heat until frozen squash has melted. If using homemade pumpkin and squash purees, heat with vegetable broth until a homogeneous mixture is made. Add spices, salt and pepper and cook for 30 minutes over low to medium heat. The add coconut milk, heating another 5 minutes before serving.

Is it Per-Menopause, Menopause or something else?

Did you know peri-menopause can begin as early as age 35? While menopause is a normal and healthy transition women experience, early peri-menopause symptoms may not be a normal or healthy and can be a sign of imbalances within the body. High levels of inflammation, a low fiber or low protein diet, a high sugar or high cholesterol diet, toxins from your external environment, hormones from the food you eat or hormone-like substances from your skincare, make-up or cleaning products can all contribute to hormone imbalances that cause symptoms mimicking peri-menopause and menopause. Is this happening to you? Are you a woman in your 30s or 40s with any of the following symptoms: Even though you used to have regular cycles, you are now having cycles that can start anywhere between 21 and 40 days apart You are starting to have PMS symptoms a week or two before your period starts You often feel bloated and gassy no matter what you eat You are more irritable or ...

Fixing your Hormone Problems with Fiber

Most of us think of dietary fiber as a way to maintain regular bowel movements and may have heard about fiber’s possible role in preventing colon cancer but did you know you can balance your hormones using fiber? Fiber helps to regulate levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in multiple ways involving your digestive tract, liver, ovaries and blood circulation. Multiple symptoms and medical conditions are the result of hormone imbalances: PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches and bloating are worse if you don’t have enough progesterone to offset estrogen. Acne and unwanted facial hair can be caused by too much testosterone in your system. Peri-menopause symptoms like heavier menstrual bleeding, shorter menstrual cycles and spotting between periods can be the result of an imbalance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis can be made worse by too much estrogen. Your risk of breast, thyroid a...

Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars

Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars are packed with protein, healthy fats and minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc. They are just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth and are the perfect afternoon "pick me up" with a cup of tea. They are also a good option for when you arrive home famished after a long day and you still need to cook dinner. Snacking on one of these will help tide you over so you can prepare a healthy meal. All the ingredients in Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars are also Whole Health DETOX approved. Because these bars are packed with nutrient dense seeds and nut butters, it is best to limit yourself to one bar a day if you are watching your weight. Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars 2 cups sesame seeds ½ cup ground milk thistle seeds or flax seeds 1 ¾ cups shredded coconut (unsweetened) ½ cup agave nectar ¼ cup almond butter or sunflower seed butter ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup raw cocoa powder 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon ...

Dr. Tracy's Blog

Search This Blog