Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque and Pumpkin Ice Cream!

Here are two great fall recipes I've thrown together in the last couple weeks. The first one is a soup recipe that I adapted from a recipe I found in Eating Well magazine. The author was cookbook author Nancy Baggett.

The second recipe is one I came up with, spinning off my summer post on vegan ice cream. Please let me know if you try either of these. I am so happy fall is here! There are so many delicous recipes you can make with seasonal vegetables!

Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque

2 large Sweet Potatoes
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion
1 large Yellow Onion
3 Cups Tomato Juice (I used juice from a juicer, canned is an option as well)
1 chopped Red Pepper or chile pepper depending on how spicy you want it
2 tablespoons minced Ginger
1 teaspoon Allspice
15-20 ounces of vegetable broth
2/3 cup natural Peanut Butter
Optional 1/2 cup tomato pulp from juicer

1. Bake or steam sweet potatoes until soft and peelings fall of naturally.
2. Heat olive oil in large sauce pan and add onion. Cook until onion browns and then add garlic and ginger. Stir in juice, peppers and allspice. When mixture boils back off to a simmer.
3. Remove peelings from sweet potato. Take one potato and blend it in a blender with vegetable broth and peanut butter. Take the other potato, chop it up and add it to soup pot.
4. Combine puree and soup mixture. If you ar using the pulp from the juicer stir it in at this time as well. This is definitely a hearty soup and you are sure to enjoy it.

Coconut Pumpkin Ice Cream!

2 cans of Coconut Milk
2/3 a can of Pumpkin Puree
3/4 cup Maple Syrup
Spices: Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon and Nutmeg or Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Blend coconut milk, pumpkin puree and spices
2. Place in ice cream maker and add maple syrup to taste
3. Let this spin in ice cream maker for twenty five minutes or more.
4. Add to re-used and washed ice cream pint containers.

This ice cream goes great with warm ginger bread!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Restaurant Review: Grezzo - Raw Food in Newburyport!

Hello Positive Eaters,

The circulating buzz around a raw food restaurant in Newburyport was just too much to take. On just their third day of operation, I found myself sitting at the "bar" at their State Street location in the charming port city that acts as a second home to me.

Many people do not know what to expect when entering a raw food restaurant. I fortunately have visited several of these establishments over the the past couple years and I took immediate notice of the distinct aroma. These type of restaurants seem to manufacture their own atmosphere. More than just a distinct scent, a feeling of freshness and life just kind of hangs in the air. The walls of Grezzo are adorned with beautiful murals of painted vegetables and this merges with a distinct, sophisticated ambiance. Do not expect birkenstocks, dreadlocks and Ani Difranco blaring through the sound system, these people are here to serve you fantastic food and an amazing dining experience.

The place was empty when I walked in and I noticed many people wanted to come in and "just look at the menu." The idea of raw food is very new to New England and Grezzo does a great job of taking off the counterculture edge that can accompany the words "vegan" and "raw." The staff wear typical waitstaff attire and are extremely friendly. Within fifteen minutes the place started to fill up and a waitress named Molly was carefully explaining the wide array of local organic produce they use in their food as well as introducing them to the uniques superfoods they would experience in their different lunch choices.

I started off with a Raspberry Kombucha Spritzer. This is made like a mixed drink, except kombucha (a fermented tea product) is used rather than alcohol. Grezzo featured many organic wines and alcohol choices. Being a temperant man, I did not try any of these options. My Baby Arugula Salad was everything you would expect from a raw food place, teeming with life and amazing ingredients. A citrus based dressing drizzled locally grown Arugula and the salad featured, pickled asparagus, grapefruit, whole almonds, goji and incan berries as well as a nut based cheese. This salad could serve as an entire meal for some people.

My main entree was the Seaweed and Wild Mushroom Bistro Burger. This looked nothing like a burger but featured such incredible flavor and texture, I did not notice. This was served with dehydrated sweet potato chips. I definitely still steer towards baked chips with olive oil and sea salt...but they added an autumn color to the plate.

The woman behind the bar, Brenda, suggested a fantastic smoothie called a Goji Julius which was served thick and was almost like an entire dessert itself. The waitress Molly refused to let me leave without trying one of their chocolate cookies. This "dessert" featured raw cacao, blue green algae and peppermint oil. A must try for all those who visit Grezzo.

Before leaving, I met the owner Alissa Cohen. Alissa is an established restaurant operator and "living foods" expert. I gave her my best wishes on her new venture. I will definitely return to Grezzo and spread the word about its incredible offerings. The North Shore may finally possess its go to spot for fantastic healthy dining.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

visit their website:

http://grezzorestaurant.com/newburyport/

Prana - The one nutrient behind everything

If you have ever been to a yoga class or seen some earthy crunchy types walking around you've may encountered this word, Prana, before. This is not some mystical cult or voodoo magic that is practiced by a secret society. It simply means energy. Energy is the one thing that exists and has always existed, as far as we can tell. There is no explanation for it, energy is just there and always will be! I like the word Prana, because it sounds cool and I got admit I own a couple of those shirts with the cool logo I posted above.

The Kripalu Psychologist Stephen Cope describes Prana like this:

Prana is life force - the stuff of those million, zillion stars circling and exploding. Human beings receive it directly into the body through the air. We take it in other ways as well - through live foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, through fresh water, through living, breathing, trees and vegetation, and, if we are open to it through the love of other people and creatures. We probably take it in more mysterious ways, too, I think - through music, the sound of inspiring words, and perhaps through beautiful sights

Prana - is the first and most essential nutrient. In many ways Prana is what this blog is all about. As Mr. Cope said we can get prana from eating fresh and living foods but also through a myriad of other ways. Make sure you are getting your daily reccomended dose of Prana each and every day. Consider the amount of energy that is pulsing through your food when you are packing or picking out a lunch. Ask yourself if you are actually breathing in enough air each and every day. And for Prana's sake laugh and give someone a hug...even if it is just your dog....or a tree...just do it! Okay, maybe I've been wearing these Prana shirt's a little too much but I guarantee it will make you feel better.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Wherever you are is a great place to start!

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am so glad you decided to read my blog today. Discovering the depth of what is possible is the most fascinating subject to me. We often look to athletes and geniuses to witness amazing feats of both body and mind. Usain Bolt, the great sprinter, just ran 100 meters in 9.69 seconds! We see the leaps being made in technology on a daily basis and marvel at what human minds are able to think up.

What we often forget is that these possibilities are within ourselves as well. Within each person's DNA lies vast human potential. We all experience momentary flashes of genius and find ourselves capable of amazing feats in our lifetime. These are not just chance encounters with adrenaline, luck or divine intervention. This is our inner self reminding us we are fully capable of anything we can possibly dream up.

Human beings are equipped with phenemonal intellect and imaginative capabilities. We were also blessed with a body that could perform an inexhaustible amount of functions. The tools are there to build your dreams, all we need to do is hammer a way a little bit each day. A vision becomes realized when it is held in the mind and transferred through our neurons to every cell in our body. We can literally feel our fingers and toes curl with inspiration.

Here are some of the visions that pass through my mind that I intend to bring into reality. What are some of yours?

1. Run a Half Marathon (Philadelphia 2009!)
2. Run a Marathon (Boston 2012!)
3. Own a beautiful home (In the Merrimack Valley!)
4. Earn a Master's Degree (Counseling or Education!)
5. Earn plenty of money doing something I love
6. Speak and Write professionally
7. Have a beautiful, healthy and happy family that is well taken care of
8. Eat the best and highest quality food for my body
9. Serve others in the most honorable way I possibly can
10. Make a lasting impression on every person I meet

What ten things do you want to accomplish? Can you name five? What is one thing you really want to accomplish? I look forward to supporting you.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Suprise - Apricot Muffins!

Hello Positive Eaters,

Today I decided to suprise some of the people at my Mom's work with Apricot Muffins. I was hankering for some muffins and wanted to do something different. I had some Polaner Apricot Fruit Spread and it hit me! Apricot muffins! Now I must admit this is not an original idea...I got the picture above from another person's blog who posted on Apricot Muffins (visit their blog here). There are a couple ways to make these muffins. One way is to chop up dried apricots and soak under warm water for 10-15 minutes...the other way is to just add apricot fruit spread to the batter. I used the fruit spread and kind of wished I'd used the dried apricots after. I guess next time. Here is the recipe!

Apricot Muffins

- 1 Cup chopped dried apricots or 4-6 Tablespoons Apricot Fruit Spread
- 2 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour (pastry flour or regular flour)
- 3/4 Cup Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- 2 Tbs Orange Zest
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (I think they are the same thing too)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Large Organic Eggs
- 3/4 Cup Yogurt if you want a heavier muffin

1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Pour hot water over dried apricots and let sit for five minutes (if using this ingredient)
2. Coat 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray (I reccomend rubbing coconut oil inside).
3. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
4. Combine liquid ingredients in another bowl.
5. Combine dry and liquid ingredients and fold in apricot (spread or dried fruit)
6. Fill muffin tins to top with batter. Bake these twenty minutes and allow to cool ten minutes in the pan.

Enjoy!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Nomadic Eating

Hello Positive Eaters,

The past couple weeks were absolutely crazy! I am just getting around to blogging now. During this time I moved apartments and my meals have resembled a nomadic moveable feast. I was like a viking minus the goofy hat.

We all go through times where we seem to be eating in a different location every time we sit down to feast. Taking the time pack food can be time consuming and we often just don't know what to pack. We also seem to forget eating is essential part of daily functioning. We seem assume it is just going to happen magically on its own. If you were a viking you would simply go into a town and demand quarter for you and your viking band. This convenience is no longer available to us.

Remember to schedule your meals as you plan out your day. This is an important time for you to take care of yourself. If you are unable to pack your meals as you travel amongst the landscape pick a healthy place to pick up both your lunch and your dinner. This will save you time in the long run and assure you get two healthy meals. Avoid golden arches, cute little red heads with pig tails and dogs that give you advice on what you should eat! Pull into a grocery store instead grab yourself some bread and whatever you can put in between two slices that will satisfy your hunger. This way you will have plenty of food and you did a little grocery shopping too!

Alright...the real reason I am posting on Nomadic Eating was to show you these awesome videos below. My good friend Jeff showed me this and I almost fell out of my chair laughing. Have a look see and let me know what you think!

Stay Positive,
Matthew

The Mad Cowboy

Dear Positive Eaters,

I want to introduce you to a man affectionately known as "The Mad Cowboy." His name is Howard Lyman and he was a fourth generation cattle farmer in Montana. He grew up on a small family farm and turned it into a full fledged "agribusiness" in the 1950's. In 1979 after almost thirty years working and running a factory farm he developed a tumor on his spine. This near death experience inspired him to begin practicing sustainable organic farming practices. Soon after this, he became a vegetarian and eventually a full fledged vegan.

He became an outspoken advocate for government regulation of factory farming. Howard earned his initial notoriety when he began to expose the connection between factory farming practices and their contribution the spread of Mad Cow Disease. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996 and after giving Oprah a run down on some of the egregious practices carried out in factory farms across the United States, Oprah exclaimed that she was never eating a hamburger again. Well, lo and behold it is actually a federal offense to speak out against the meat or dairy industry. Howard and Oprah ended up in court battle that lasted six years. They were both cleared of any criminal offenses.

He truly is one of the most incredible personalities I've ever come across. His passion and humor is touching and positive. He speaks with tremendous credence and compassion. Please take a moment to watch a couple of the videos I've embedded below and get to know Howard!





His book is Mad Cowboy and his website is www.madcowboy.com

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Eating in the Atmosphere

Hello Positive Eaters,

Today I went out to lunch with a good friend of mine, Jennah Dieter* in Newburyport Massachusetts. Newburyport is one of my favorite places on Earth. It is a seaside town in the North Shore of Massachusetts with rich history and tons of positive places to eat and shop. I was actually born in this wonderful little city 27 years ago.

We went to Andaman Thai and got some fresh rolls and two refreshingly delicous salads. We sat up on the upper deck outside in the fresh air. From our perch we could see the Merrimack river pouring out into the Atlantic ocean. This made the meal even more enjoyable. When you enjoy your location and the company your with it actually improves the quality of your meals. When you were a kid you didn't want to go to McDonald's because the Happy Meals were so delicous, you were hoping your parents took you to the Mickey D's with the playground and were reaching for the toy before the burger and fries.

A relaxed and stress free atmosphere has been shown to improve digestion, which can lead to more effective absorption of nutrients. We may not all be able to eat our meals in such a scenic and lovely location as Newburyport, but we can work to make the place we enjoy our mid day meal more relaxing and enjoyable.

• Try moving outside and eating in the fresh air. Bring a blanket and make a picnic for yourself
• Make sure you keep company with co workers you enjoy being around
• Avoid talking about work complaints and issues that raise your blood pressure
• Pick a quiet room away from distractions
• Switch off the computer and television and invite friends and/or serenity to your meal
  
• Make an attempt to really taste your food by chewing and slowing down
• Avoid "power lunches" , "lunch meetings" , or "working through lunch" (tip below)

Try a few of these techniques to bring enjoyment to your lunches and use this as an opportunity to destress and have fun. You just might be rewarded with better health and happiness.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Tip: When at a meeting that is in sincere jeopardy of creeping into lunchtime and potentially obliterating it altogether. Raise your hand to pose a question, put on a serious face so you appea to be bringing up something important and ask this question "Will be convening after lunch?" Trust me it works everytime.

*Visit my friend Jennah's Website! She runs in awesome Wellness Center in Newburyport

http://www.healthcarecomplete.com/

Extreme Hydration!!!!!

Hello Everyone!

Yesterday I ran a ten mile road race! For those of you who know me and follow this blog, you know running is my favorite activity ever! The mercury was peaking at about 90 degrees so I needed to take some extreme measures.

I start everyday with a mug of warm water and lemon. This helps your body flush out all of the cleaning your digestive system did over night. It is like a daily detox and it is practically free! This of course was a great start but I knew it was going to take a lot more than just 12 ounces of water.

I headed over to the grocery store to pick up some bottled water. This was extremely confusing. Some water was from a spring, some was from an artesian well and one brand even was formed from man made clouds. The more I read the labels the more confused I got. I decided to go with the cloud water. I liked the shape of the bottle.

In all actuality, we should make an attempt to drink somewhere between 32 and 64 ounces a day. The amount people need is somewhat varied based on your sweat rate. Also the more caffeine you consume will require you to up your water intake. Caffeine stimulates your adrenal glands which stimulates the bladder and you end up making more trips to the loo than normal. Although I love reader participation, please don't tell me your sweat rate or let me know how many Red Bulls you drink a day. Both facts have the ability to deeply disturb me. Just try and hit 64 and you should be good. Since we can only process 8 ounces a water an hour go easy now :).

Since, I was going to be sweating like a politician in a sauna, taking a lie detector test, with his wife and constituents watching, I decided to go for 72 ounces. I took it easy and sipped from my cloud water all afternoon and prepared to hit the streets at 6:30pm. I want to thank all of the awesome road race spectators and volunteers who gave me water along the way. You guys rock! I had no issues with hydration and felt strong despite the ten miles and the heat. Below is a picture of me out on the course courtesy of the man, myth and legend Tom Derderian.


Stay Positive,

Matthew

Health Care Reform

Hello Positive Eaters,

Tonight I tuned into President Barack Obama's address regarding health care resolution 626. This issue is as hotly debated and politically charged as they come. What is important are these facts:

• 42 million Americans do not have health insurance
• 96 million Americans are inadequately insured
• The average American family spends $1500 a month on health insurance
• The United States spends more money on health care than any other nation
• The leading health problems in this country are obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes*
  

While people in Washington rush around and try to make or break political careers by posturing on this extremely important issue, Positive Eating wants to offer its own brand of health care reform. I call it the Positive Eating Health Care Resolution. Americans are terrified by health care because they are reminded every day that it is in crisis. This makes people want to get as far away from health care as possible. No one wants to be part of a crisis. Imagine I walk up to you and say "hey, want some health care" you would be like "no way...haven't you heard it is in a crisis."

To me health care sounds pretty awesome. I am down for caring about my health. We can all start caring about our health today. Why wait for people in Washington to figure out how to care for your health. I am going to eat a ton of fruit and veggies, some whole grains, healthy protein and my vegan ice cream and just to go the extra mile I just might floss and brush my teeth as well. Let's commit to our own brand of health care every day. If you need a good place to start I encourage you to enact the Postive Eating Health Care Resolution immediately.

Positive Eating Health Care Resolution

1. Drink a glass of water every morning
2. Brush and floss your teeth
3. Dance around your living room for 15 minutes
4. Eat some fruit
   
5. Eat some vegetables
   
6. Smile and use the name of one person you don't know
   
7. Try a whole grain (rice, quinoa, cereals, whole grain bread)
8. Breath for one minute (seriously try it, this is free and way underrated)
9. Experiment with some different proteins (beans, lean meat, nuts and seeds, etc.)
10. Try healthy recipes that seem fun (come back here for suggestions if you like)

I am empowering you to put this resolution into action right now. I am not the "sovereign of health", I am just an eloquent cheerleader with and internet connection so it's in your hand folks. If you want to see what the actual president has to say check the video below.



Stay Positive,

Matthew

*all which are to some degree preventable by adopting a positive health lifestyle :)