A Delicious, Healthy Millet Falafel Recipe for Busy Moms

A Delicious, Healthy Millet Falafel Recipe for Busy Moms
As a busy mom, you want to make sure your family is eating healthy and nutritious meals. But you’re also short on time. So how can you make something delicious and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen? Our millet falafel recipe has got you covered! It’s packed with protein, easy to make, and ready in no time. Let’s dive right into the details!

What You Need
For our millet falafel recipe, here are the ingredients that you will need:
4 cups cooked millet, chickpeas*, or cannellini beans (or 2 cups millet + 2 cups chickpeas or cannellini beans)
1 cup parsley
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 cup dill
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup red onion
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste                                                                   

For the baking sheet: 1/8-1/4 c olive oil
Pita bread or lettuce leaves for serving 
Serve with cucumber, red onion, tomato, dark green leafy lettuce, Kalamata olives, bell peppers.
Hummus, Tahini Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce

*Raw and soaked overnight

How to Make It
Making millet falafel is a breeze!
First cook the millet. This can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week. I like to make the millet the day before so it is chilled, and if I am adding chickpeas, I start them soaking at the same time.
1 cup uncooked millet
3 cups water
Pour millet into boiling water and simmer for 25 minutes

Then place herbs, chunked onion, and lemon juice in a food processor.  Blend well.  Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the olive oil, into the food processor. Pulse until everything is combined but still slightly chunky. If it appears too dry, add  up to 1/4 cup of water(if needed) a little at a time until it forms a thick paste. Then scoop out tablespoonfuls of mixture and shape them into small balls or patties. Oil a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, flipping them at 15 minutes.  Serve with pita bread or lettuce leaves if desired and enjoy!

There you have it – an easy, tasty millet falafel recipe that takes only minutes to prepare. With this dish, you get all the benefits of protein from the millet plus extra flavor from added herbs and spices. Plus it’s vegan so everyone can enjoy it! For busy moms who want to provide their families with healthy meals without sacrificing time in the kitchen, this is definitely a winner. Enjoy!

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Unlocking the Power of Beans: How to Prepare Them Safely to Remove Lectins

Unlocking the Power of Beans: How to Prepare Them Safely to Remove Lectins
Beans are packed with nutrition and are a great source of fiber, protein, resistant starch, and antioxidants. However, beans also contain lectins – proteins that can be difficult for your body to digest. But don’t worry! With the right preparation techniques, you can unlock the power of beans by removing lectins and making them easier to digest. Let’s explore how this works.

What Are Lectins?
Lectins are proteins found in many foods (not just beans), including grains and legumes. They have been linked to some digestive issues, such as gas or bloating. This is why it’s important to understand how to prepare your beans properly so they are safe and easy to digest.

Soaking & Cooking Your Beans Correctly
The best way to reduce lectin content in beans is by soaking them overnight before cooking them (24 hours is even better). Soaking can reduce up to 50-90% of the lectin content. Make sure you discard the soaking water several times during the process since it may contain toxins from the bean skins and other debris that have been released during soaking. After draining your soaked beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding fresh water to boil for about 3 hours or until they become tender but not mushy. This will help ensure your beans come out perfectly cooked every time!

Other Ways To Reduce Lectin Content
In addition to soaking and cooking correctly, there are a few other ways you can reduce the lectin content in your beans:
1) Buy organic whenever possible – conventionally grown legumes tend to have higher levels of pesticides which may increase their lectin content;   
2) Avoid canned varieties since they tend to contain a lot more additives;    
3) Use pressure cookers – this method has been shown to significantly reduce lectins in food;    
4) Add spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger or garlic during cooking as these herbs may help break down some of the lectins in food;    
5) Always cook your legumes well – undercooking them may leave more active lectins in them which could be detrimental for those with sensitivities;   
6) Scoop off any foam that forms on top of cooked legumes as this could be an indication that there are still active lectins present in the food.

Eating beans can be a nutritious addition to any diet if prepared correctly. By following these simple steps on how to soak and cook your legumes properly, you can reduce their lectin content while still enjoying all the health benefits they offer! Holistic moms who want healthier options for themselves and their families should consider adding this nutrient-dense superfood into their diets today!  Try experimenting with different types of recipes featuring legumes such as soups, stews or salads - you will be glad you did!


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Silence the Racing Brain to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Silence the Racing Brain to Get a Good Night's Sleep
We've all been there. You're trying to get to sleep but your mind is running a million miles an hour. It's like your brain is running a race, and it's hard to shut it off as you are staring off into the darkness. Whether you're worrying about the day that just passed or anxiously anticipating the day ahead, it can be difficult to drift off into dreamland when your thoughts are spiraling out of control. Here are some tips on how to calm your racing brain and ensure that you get a good night's sleep.

Drink Ningxia Red During the Day
Ningxia Red is a delicious, nutrient-dense drink made with wolfberry puree, and other super fruits like blueberry, pomegranate and other natural ingredients. This drink packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and minerals that help nourish your body while calming your mind. Enjoy Ningxia Red in the morning or afternoon for added energy, and its benefits last as it also enhances your relaxation so you get better sleep.  I was surprised at the sleep benefits of this drink because I got it specifically for it’s energy boosting power.  But it packs a punch for both!

Diffuse Essential Oils
Essential oils are incredibly versatile tools for calming an overactive mind. Try diffusing essential oils such as Lavender, Peace & Calming or Stress Away for added relaxation benefits at bedtime. I have used each of these in turn.  If I just generally need relaxation, I use Lavender, if I’m feeling anxious about the next day, I use Peace & Calming, if I am super tense and stressed out, I use Stress Away. If diffusing isn't an option for you, apply the oil topically on the bottoms of your feet or behind your ears for similar effects.  You can also make a room spray with some witch hazel and a few drops of essential oil.  

Journal Your Thoughts
When our minds become overwhelmed with thoughts it can be helpful to write them out on paper instead of trying to keep them in our heads. When we take these swirling thoughts from our heads and put them down on paper they become tangible items that we can address one by one instead of leaving us feeling like we're spinning out of control mentally. Journaling is also therapeutic because it allows us to find creative solutions to our problems that we may not have thought of before writing them out on paper. This has been so helpful for me and I often use this for ideas that pop into my head at all hours of the night. Once it is written down, my brain can rest.

Pray
Finally, try praying before bedtime. Prayer offers comfort during difficult times and can help clear away mental clutter so that you can relax enough to drift off into dreamland peacefully. Even if prayer isn't part of your regular practice this could be a great time to start! Quieting the mind through prayer can be incredibly effective in helping reduce stress and anxiety so that you can get some much needed restful sleep each night without any racing brain chatter interruptions!     Plus, prayer helps us remember to stay thankful even in moments when our minds feel overwhelmed by worry or fear - which often leads us naturally into relaxation and peace! So give yourself permission tonight (or every night!) to take some time for yourself - and then let go and let God - knowing that He will provide what you need both today and tomorrow!

A racing brain makes it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you find yourself struggling to silence your thoughts, give one of these four methods a try. These are my tried and true solutions and they make bedtime so much better! Ningxia Red helps relax your body and mind, while diffusing essential oils like lavender creates a calming environment in your bedroom. You may also benefit from journaling your thoughts before bedtime and/or spending a few minutes in prayer. With consistency and patience, you can train your brain to quiet down so you can get the restful sleep you need.  It is a journey, and some days will be more difficult than others, but getting a good night’s rest is possible!  

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Are Air Fresheners safe?

Are Air Fresheners safe?
Think of your home as a haven, a place of refuge and respite from the hustle and bustle of the world. But, if you’re like many people, you’re using air fresheners to mask bad odors – whether they be pet odors or just general household smells. Unfortunately, air fresheners are not doing us any favors when it comes to our health. Let's take a closer look at why air fresheners can be so detrimental to our bodies.

Common Types of Air Fresheners
Candles, plug-ins, and spray air fresheners are the most common types of air fresheners used in homes. Candles are made with wax that contains toxic substances such as lead and paraffin. Plug-ins use electricity to power an aerosol canister, which releases chemicals into the air. And spray air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause endocrine damage and lung damage.

The Dangers of Air Freshener Chemicals
The chemicals released by these types of air fresheners can have serious long-term effects on our health. One type of VOCs found in some popular brands is phthalates, which has been linked to neurological damage, endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive issues, lung issues, and more. In addition, these chemicals cause air pollution, lingering in the air for hours after they’re sprayed and can build up over time leading to chronic exposure which can be even more dangerous than short-term exposure.

Alternatives to Chemical Air Fresheners
Fortunately there are some alternatives to chemical air fresheners that won't put your family's health at risk. For instance, natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax are safer options because they don't contain toxic pollutants like regular candles do, but use caution with these, some are still hiding chemicals. I prefer not to use any myself. Essential oils diffusers are the best way (in my opinion) to add pleasant aromas without releasing dangerous chemicals into the home environment. Another option is baking soda; simply sprinkle it around your home or add it directly into your vacuum cleaner bag for an extra boost against pet odors or other strong smells!

If you're looking for an easy way to make your home smell better without jeopardizing your family’s health then try one of these alternatives instead of chemical based products! From natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax to essential oil diffusers or baking soda – there are plenty of options available that will help create a healthy home environment while still providing pleasant aromas! With these simple steps you can keep your family safe while still enjoying their favorite scents in the comfort of their own home!

My blogs contain some affiliate links.  
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!  
Thank you for supporting us!


 

YL February Newsletter


My blogs contain some affiliate links.  
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!  
Thank you for supporting us!


 
 
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