Looking to impress your friends and family with a healthy raw dessert? Are you vegan and want to learn more about nutritious dessert possibilities? Here is our first raw dessert ball recipe that is completely organic, raw, unprocessed and delicious! Welcome to clean eating at its best!
When it comes to dessert, it’s tough to find recipes that don’t contain a high level of refined sugars, processed ingredients, gluten and other foods detrimental to our health and well-being. However, our Just Add Good Stuff raw mango coconut dessert ball recipe is a dish that is completely vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free. This nutritious and addictive treat is great for dinner parties and also serves as a healthy snack for kids. The raw mango coconut dessert ball recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. Plus, there’s no cooking involved, so all of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other good stuff stay 100% intact! Below is the recipe and preparation details for our Mango Coconut Dessert Balls.
Here are the ingredients for the Raw Mango Coconut Dessert Ball Recipe:
1½ cup of shredded coconut (organic, dried and unsulfured)
1 cupmango (organic, dried and unsulfured… approximately 100 grams)
1/8 cupagave syrup or maple syrup (works as binding agent, can be substituted using flax/water)
2-3 tbspcoconut oil (raw and virgin)
1-2 tsplemon zest (organic)
3 tbspmango nectar (pure, organic and no added sugar)
¼ cup of shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)
Here are the preparation directions for our Gluten Free, Vegan Dessert Ball Recipe:
Step 1: Plug in your food processor Step 2: Place all ingredients (except for shredded coconut used for rolling) into food processor Step 3: Process until it becomes a sticky wet dough Step 4: Form into balls and roll in remaining shredded coconut (or lay the entire mixture into a baking pan and sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut on top) Step 5: Place into fridge for at least 2 hours (or the freezer for 30 minutes) Step 6: Enjoy and Share with friends
* Leave the mango coconut dessert balls in the fridge if not eaten straight away. You can leave the dessert balls refrigerated for at least 5 days. Or you can put them in the freezer to keep them longer. Thaw at room temperature before serving if this is the case.
About Mike’s Raw Balls
Mike’s Raw Balls TM are raw dessert balls made from real, natural, organic, non-GMO and nutritious ingredients. Just Add Good Stuff endorses Mike’s Raw Balls TM as a healthy alternative to processed snacks and desserts. Containing only natural and non-modified ingredients, many of Mike’s Raw Balls TM contain a great balance of whole foods (nuts and seeds) in combination with unsulfured and unsweetened fruits (both fresh and dried). Other additions to Mike’s Raw Balls TM include superfoods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, spirulina, chaga, goji berries, maca powder and raw cacao nibs. Mike’s Raw Balls are certified organic and GMO-free. The raw dessert balls contain no heated or pasteurized ingredients. In addition, Mike’s Raw Balls TM are completely vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy free. The snacks and desserts contain absolutely no modified corn or soy ingredients. Mike’s Raw Balls TM are all about healthy living through nutritional foods that are organic and raw.
Here’s our second infogram in our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics give you some introductory information about health benefits, recipes and interesting facts about various whole foods, vegetables and fruits. We hope you enjoy them!
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Just Add Ginger! A powerful, aromatic, gentle and flavorful herb, ginger or ginger root has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of ailments for centuries. The stunning health benefits are now being scientifically proven and they range from treating bacterial infections to digestion to cancer. Here is a Ginger Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of ginger, ginger nutrition information, ginger recipes and some interesting facts about ginger root. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic:
TOP 10 Health Benefits of Ginger as described on our Ginger Infographic:
treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
acts as a natural antibiotic to fight pathogenic bacteria
reduces pain & inflammation acting as a natural painkiller
Interesting Facts about Ginger on the Ginger Infographic
Cultivation started in South Asia & has spread to East Africa and the Caribbean. Top producers are India, China & Indonesia.
Although there are few negative side effects to consuming ginger, it can interact with some meds.
Ginger root should be stored in a COOL & DRY place
Ginger root is NOT actually a root, but a rhizome
Choose robust / firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin
Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
Plant is 30 – 60 cm tall and is extremely rare to find in the wild
One of the most important herbs in the world
Ginger is also used to treat heartworm problems in doggies!
The ginger infogram (or ginger infographic) talks about high-level information regarding the ginger root. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information about ginger and ginger root, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The ginger infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of ginger root which would affect our Top 10 ginger health benefits on the Ginger Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of ginger root in various dishes, so our ginger recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic.
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider. ‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.
This is the first of our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics (or infograms) will provide you with interesting facts and figures about various vegetables, fruits, whole foods and general health. From weird and wacky facts to nutritional information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more healthy and happy lifestyle. We hope you enjoy them!
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Just Add Blueberries! Blueberries are one of the best superfoods in the world! Blueberries are high in nutrition, vitamins and trace minerals. All of these aid in our cognitive, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. Here is a Blueberry Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of blueberries, blueberry nutrition information, blueberry recipes and some interesting facts about blueberries. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic:
TOP 10 Health Benefits of Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic:
extremely high in anti-oxidants
restores & protects brain cells for cognitive function
slows the aging process to keep us healthy & young
32% of recommended vitamin c in a single serving
effective anti-depressant to stabilize mood swings
ideal dietary supplement to prevent heart disease
no known side effects and very few allergies
high in fiber which improves digestion
fights free radicals against cancer, alzheimers & infection
keeps us fresh, active, fit & sharp
Blueberry Nutrition Facts on the Blueberry Infographic
Serving Size = 1 cup
Calories = 83
Calories from Fat = 4
Total Fat = 0.48 g
Cholesterol = 0 mg
Sodium = 1 mg
Potassium = 112 mg
Total Carbohydrate = 21.01 g
Dietary Fiber = 3.5 g
Sugars = 14.44 g
Protein = 1.07 g
Vitamin A = 2% RDI
Vitamin C = 24% RDI
Calcium = 1% RDI
Iron = 2% RDI
Healthy Blueberry Recipes on the Blueberry Infographic
Things You May Not Know About Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic
USDA study ranked wild blueberries as the #1 anti-oxidant fruit
WILD blueberries contain 48% more anti-oxidants than cultivated blueberries
You can buy ORGANIC & WILD blueberries at your local grocers
WILD & ORGANIC blueberries also come frozen
> 95% of store bought blueberry MUFFINS contain no blueberries
Use FROZEN wild blueberies in place of ice cubes
Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue
Blueberries were once called star berries
State of Maine is the blueberry production capital of North America
This blueberry infographic (we also call it a blueberry infograph) talks about general blueberry facts and information. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The blueberry infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of blueberries which would affect our Top 10 blueberry health benefits on the Blueberry Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of blueberries in various dishes, so our blueberry recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic.
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider. ‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.
You’ve probably heard the name before. Your friends may have mentioned Rip Esselystyn in passing or you may have watched Forks Over Knives, an eye opening food documentary about health, diet and nutrition.
Rip was born in Upstate New York and attended the University of Texas at Austin on a swimming scholarship between 1982 and 1986. During that time, Rip Esselstyn was an All American swimmer, winning numerous swimming awards during this collegiate years and becoming a household name on the swimming circuit. After University, Rip Esselstyn became a successful triathlete, competing against the world’s best for over 10 years. In late 1990’s Rip retired from being a pro-triathlete and became a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician. Soon after getting his certifications, Rip Esselstyn started working at the Austin Fire Department’s Engine 2.
The Rip Esselstyn Whole Foods Plant Based Diet
As with most people in North America, Rip Esselstyn grew up eating a standard ‘Western-style diet’ which consisted mainly of animal protein, some vegetables and fruit, lots of carbohydrates and starch and of course, fast food and soda drinks. What’s interesting is that during Rip Esselstyn’s triathlete competition years, he switched over to a whole foods plant based diet. He was inspired by some of his dad’s teachings in this subject area and decided to go into an entirely whole foods plant based diet as of 1987, years before he retired from competing in professional triathletes.
Rip Esselstyn’s whole foods plant based diet book The Engine 2 Dietalso made it onto the highly acclaimed Forks Over Knives documentary. Forks Over Knives is one of Just Add Good Stuff’s most favorite food documentaries and is a must-see! The Engine 2 Diet on Forks Over Knives solidified Rip Esselstyn place as one of the leading role models for a whole foods plant based diet and lifestyle. What Forks Over Knives and The Engine 2 Diet combination did for many people is that someone such as Rip Esselstyn, can live an extremely healthy and fit lifestyle while incorporating many ‘scary’ diet and nutrition related changes to their lives. In many ways, Rip Esselstyn’s appearance on Forks Over Knives showed that it can be done with commitment, awareness and self-education. The movie was quickly followed by Forks Over Knives Presents The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue with Rip Esselstyn.
Rip’s latest book was released in mid May 2013 and is called Rip Esselystyn My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet. Not only does it contain a lot of new material, but My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn but it also has 140 new Engine 2 Diet recipes that are healthy, easy to follow and quick to prepare (as usual). Great tips and recommendations are also made throughout the book and you can easily purchase it on Amazon (hard copy or Kindle) as of mid May. In essence, My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn is a follow up to his The Engine 2 Diet book. The first book was mainly recipe based, while Rip’s second book, My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet is more about education and dispelling many myths surrounding health and nutrition. Rip argues that many of today’s worst diseases are diet related and therefore, can easily be reversed with the implementation of a plant strong diet, as explained in My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn. Here is the background information about My Beef with Meat on Amazon:
For the millions who are following a plant-based diet, as well as those meat-eaters who are considering it, MY BEEF WITH MEAT is the definitive guide to convincing all that it’s truly the best way to eat! New York Times Bestelling author of The Engine 2 Diet and nutrition lecturer Rip Esselstyn, is back and ready to arm readers with the knowledge they need to win any argument with those who doubt the health benefits of a plant-based diet–and convince curious carnivores to change their diets once and for all. Rip Esselstyn reveals information on the foods that most people believe are healthy, yet that scientific research shows are not. Some foods, in fact, he deems so destructive they deserve a warning label. Want to prevent heart attacks, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s? Then learn the facts and gain the knowledge to convince those skeptics that they are misinformed about plant-base diets, for instance:
You don’t need meat and dairy to have strong bones or get enough protein
You get enough calcium and iron in plants
The myth of the Mediterranean diet
There is a serious problem with the Paleo diet
If you eat plants, you lose weight and feel great
My Beef with Meat by Rip Esselstyn proves the Engine 2 way of eating can optimize health and ultimately save lives and includes more than 145 delicious recipes to help readers reach that goal.
Here are some of his other teachings:
Eating a plant-strong diet is the best way to fight the dangerous fires raging inside us—fires that create all the chronic Western ailments including heart attack, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
The fat and cholesterol in animal products clogs up arteries and can cause impotence, which research shows may be an early sign of heart disease. But men, you can treat this without Viagra. Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
Some people ask: is Rip Esselstyn gay? Because Rip is so secretive with his personal life, many people have asked that question at least once: Rip Esselstyn gay? Most indications is that Rip Esselstyn is NOT gay. However, many journalists looking for the latest scoop on Rip Esselstyn’s sexuality have always brought this topic up to garner more followers (which to us is disgusting). For gay men, Rip Esselstyn gay would be unreal. To them, a gay Rip Esselstyn will break down all barriers in terms of sexuality and masculinity. So when you ask is Rip Esselstyn gay, who really cares? He is a role model for EVERYONE … a handsome firefighter dedicated to bringing awareness to health, diet, nutrition and fitness. He is also a dedicated spokesperson for clean eating whole foods plant based diets. Yes he’s handsome, well spoken and a great role model … and because of his secretive personal life, this doesn’t mean that Rip Esselstyn is gay at all. What is means is that there are certainly lots of people who want a gay Rip Esselstyn … and it’s certainly just their dream.
The only nutrient that plant-based foods lack is vitamin B12. But you can get a daily supply by downing a glass of fortified soy milk or a bowl of fortified cereal.
Some trendy diets claim that all carbohydrates are bad guys, yet of the three macro-nutrients that provide calories in our diet (carbs, protein, and fat), carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source. They’re responsible for managing your heart rate, digestion, breathing, exercising, walking, and thinking.
Quinoa-this and quinoa-that … all we hear about today is people cooking, eating, baking and preparing quinoa. I must admit that I was one of those skeptics. I didn’t know what quinoa was or how it tasted or even why there was so much fuss about it. Never grew up eating it and I can’t imagine that my parents would know what it is to this day. But there it is … quinoa is prevalent in grocery stores, restaurants and your friends’ place.
Before we get to the recipe for Quinoa Coconut Vegetable main dish, we wanted to talk about quinoa itself, because it is fascinating.
Quick Facts about Quinoa
Firstly, quinoa is gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian and paleo sensitive. That’s a mouthful! In other words, there isn’t a better superfood than quinoa when it comes to specialized diets.
Secondly, 1 single serving of quinoa (usually 1/4 cup of quinoa before cooked) will give you almost 50% of your daily magnesium requirements for your body!
Thirdly, as most people are sensitive to the breakdown of the nutrition, quinoa nutritional value is amazing. Approximately 70% of quinoa nutrition through its calorie ratio is carbs, only 14% fat (good fat, that is) and about 16 per cent is pure protein (much more than rice). Yum.
Fourthly, quinoa is native to South America and there are many varieties.
Lastly, most quinoa recipes are quick and dirty. These fast quinoa recipes make your life that much easier … especially in today’s fast pace world. If you are a single mom or a professional couple … or a growing family or retiree, cooking quinoa literally takes 15 minutes or less. So yes, most quinoa recipes are quick and will take you less time than waiting in line at a drive-through burger joint.
Quinoa Coconut Vegetable Recipe
If you are looking for a quick quinoa recipe to follow easily, here is our new Quinoa Coconut Vegetable recipe that won’t disappoint!
Servings: 1 as a main dish (or 2 if served as an appetizer or side)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Here are the ingredients for the Quinoa Coconut Vegetable dish:
1/2 cupQuinoa (preferably organic)
1 cupCoconut Water (with pulp)
1/4 cupCoconut Meat (use fresh, young coconut – optional)
1Carrot (organic, medium sized)
2 bunches of Kale (organic leafy or dinosaur Kale)
1 handful of Spinach (organic)
10Beans (combination of organic yellow and green beans)
1Lime (organic)
1 tspCumin Seeds
1 tspChilli Flakes
Here are the cooking directions for the Quinoa Coconut Vegetable recipe:
Step 1: Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve until the water runs clear, drain and transfer to a medium pot.
Step 2: Add the coconut water into the pot and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Cover, reduce heat to medium or medium low and simmer until most of the water is absorbed. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the carrot, kale, spinach, beans and young coconut meat (optional). Cover and keep heat on medium or medium low for another 3 – 5 minutes.
Step 5: Set aside off the heat for 3 minutes; uncover and fluff with a fork.
Step 6: Transfer to a serving bowl. Add cumin and chilli flakes.
Step 7: Squeeze at least 1/2 lime into the dish.
Step 8: Garnish with a slice of lime and ENJOY!
Nutritional Information for the Quinoa Coconut Vegetable dish:
Per Serving: 90 calories (10 from fat), 1.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 140 g carbohydrate (1.5 g dietary fiber, 0 g sugar), 5 g protein
Quinoa Nutrition Facts
NUTRITION INFORMATION Amounts per 1 cup (185g) Calorie Information Amounts Per Selected Serving Calories = 222 From Carbohydrate = 157 From Fat = 32.0 From Protein = 32.6 Carbohydrates Amounts Per Selected Serving Total Carbohydrate = 39.4 g Dietary Fiber = 5.2 g Starch = 32.6 g Sugar = 0 Fats & Fatty Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving Total Fat = 3.6 g Protein & Amino Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving Protein = 8.1 g Vitamins Amounts Per Selected Serving Vitamin A = 9.3 IU Vitamin C = 0.0 mg Vitamin D = 0.0 mg Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) = 1.2 mg Vitamin K = 0.0 mg Thiamin = 0.2 mg Riboflavin = 0.2 mg Niacin = 0.8 mg Vitamin B6 = 0.2 mg Folate = 77.7 mcg Vitamin B12 = 0.0 mcg Minerals Amounts Per Selected Serving Calcium = 31.5 mg Iron = 2.8 mg Magnesium = 118 mg Phosphorus = 281 mg Potassium = 318 mg Sodium = 13.0 mg Zinc = 2.0 mg Copper = 0.4 mg Manganese = 1.2 mg Selenium = 5.2 mcg Quinoa nutrition facts provided by http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2
Are you looking for that perfect snack that will fill you up, help you sleep and nourish your body at the same time? Look no further than kale chips!
First of all, here’s some background information about kale. Kale is a green or purple vegetable that is similar to cabbage and spring/collard greens. There are many types of kale that are classified into different kale families depending on their leaf type.
Learn more about types of kale
There are 5 main types of kale, all of which have great nutritional value. Here are the kale types: 1. Curly Leaved kale (also called Scots Kale) 2. Plain Leaved kale 3. Rape Kale 4. Leaf and Spear Kale (this is actually a naturally crossed curly leaved and plain leaved kale) 5. Cavolo Nero (also called Dinosaur Kale, Black Cabbage, Tuscan Kale or Tuscan Cabbate) The Curly Leaved and Dinosaur Kale types are most often found in grocery stores.
Kale is packed full of nutrition and is often called a ‘superfood‘.
Learn more about kale as a 'superfood'
All types of kale are calcium rich and very high in beta carotene, vitamin K and vitamin C, making them one of the world’s best superfoods. Kale is a source of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition kale contains sulforaphane, a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties. Kale is also a source of indole-3-carbinol, a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells. Kale has been found to contain a group of resins known as bile acid sequestrants, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and decrease absorption of dietary fat. The USDA full report on kale’s nutritional value is located here: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2969?qlookup=11234&format=Full&max=25&man=&lfacet=&new=1
All forms of kale can be easily prepared, whether eaten raw (within a salad) or juiced or boiled or cooked.
One of our favourite ways to prepare curly-leaf or dinosaur kale is by making them into kale chips. It’s fun, easy, quick and tastes really great! Kale chips are also an ideal snack for the entire family. Below is our kale chips recipe that will take you less than 20 minutes!
Kale Chips Recipe > An easy kale chips recipe for you to follow…
Recipe makes 1 serving (great for up to 2 people) and will take roughly 20 to 25 minutes to prepare. Here are the ingredients for the kale chips recipe:
5 large leaves of Curly Leaved or Dinosaur Kale (about 1 bunch)
1 tsp coconut oil
sea salt
The kale chips recipe method is:
Wash and tear the kale into chip sized pieces
Drain water off the kale pieces
Melt the coconut oil
Toss the kale in the coconut oil
Put the kale onto a baking sheet
Sprinkle sea salt onto kale
Roast at 350F for about 15 minutes
Keys to the kale chip recipe:
The kale will shrink, so make sure your pieces are not too small
Don’t drench the kale in the coconut oil … just toss it
Sea salt is not necessary, but gives the chips a great flavour
Roasting time depends on your oven so take the kale chips out when crispy
Once crispy, take the kale chips out and put onto paper towel to soak up excess oil
For those who have troubles falling asleep, kale chips are the perfect bedtime snack as they help kick-start the production of your sleep hormones!
Ok, we’ve all seen the commercials for the NutriBullet, a new and improved MagicBullet, that apparently allows you to juice and blend just about everything. I must admit… I’ve had my doubts about this machine since the get go, so I decided to purchase one in November 2012 to try it.
The NutriBullethas literally changed my life. It is an amazing and affordable appliance that allows anyone to EXTRACT the best of every food out there, without any waste. The catch phrase for the NutriBullet is “Don’t Juice It. Don’t Blend It. Extract It!”
Unlike a juicer, The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor actually blends and extracts EVERYTHING. There is no separation of the liquid from the solids (pulp) and therefore, you can drink the best of both worlds. You don’t waste anything and you retain all the nutrients of the food.
So how does the NutriBullet work?
The NutriBullet motor is very powerful. The 600 watt motor rivals the best blenders and is significantly more powerful than the original MagicBullet (built for different purposes of course!). Add to it the all-new NutriBullet Extractor Blade, and anyone can juice, blend and extract all types of vegetables, fruit, solid foods, nuts and liquids. The NutriBullet also has a exclusive cyclonic action that is efficient and fast, allowing you to prepare a drink in less than 5 minutes! The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor busts open seeds, cracks through stems and even sheds tough skin, so preparing your ingredients is quick and easy.
Transform ordinary food into superfood and add years to your life!
And did you know?
The NutriBullet is very affordable and clocks in at less than $120 USD! In addition, you can get shipping for FREE! There is also a 30 day risk free money back guarantee. This is an amazing offer for a life changing machine!
, an eye opening food documentary about health, diet and nutrition.
, which was also featured on 
. Here’s more about this amazing role model…
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, a new and improved MagicBullet, that apparently allows you to juice and blend just about everything. I must admit… I’ve had my doubts about this machine since the get go, so I decided to purchase one in November 2012 to try it.