GMO Awareness Month We Are Making A Difference

October is GMO Awareness Month!! 

We Are Making A Difference

Genetically Modified Organisms have been around for years.  It has only been in the last 3 years that Americans are starting to take notice and ask more about it.  In many countries GMO’s have been banned from being grown and require that all foods containing GMO ingredients be listed in the label.  Why has America not jumped on to this concept?  It all comes down to money and companies.  I think it would be very beneficial to have GMO ingredients listed on labels to consumers can make a conscience decision if they wish to purchase that product, but since major companies in the USA would loss profits, they have kept this from happening.   It relies on the individual to educate themselves and become aware what all is in their food. 

I am happy to say that over the last year the word has gotten out about GMOs and the foods that use GMO seeds.  Over the last year more companies have taken the pledge to be GMO free, part of the nonGMO project.  Thank you!  Because of the Monsanto, one of the largest GMO seed producers has seen a decrease in profits.  While there is a decrease it sickens me how much money they have made on the dangerous seed production. You can read the full article here.  This is a victory for nonGMO supporters, a small victory, but victory none the less.

The Biotech companies say that GMOs will feed the world but this has not been shown to be true.  “Experts and independent studies confirm that current GMOs are not a viable way to fee the growing population, do not increase yields, do not reduce herbicide use, and have not been proven safe”. (Institute for Responsible Technology)  I think Brazil would disagree. See a recent article 10/1/2013 about how GMO BT seeds killed off the one insect that kept these caterpillars in check that are now over produced and eating up food creating money and food loses in the billions!  Read full article here. 

You might be thinking you will just avoid soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola, cottonseed, among other produce being modified, but can you?  There are over 90 ingredients that use these GMO products and you will find it hard to not be included in your processed foods.  You can download the nonGMO Shopping Guide and see the many ingredient names along with nonGMO companies you can trust and support.  Shopping Guide Download

See Jeffrey Smith and Dr. Stephanie Seneff explaining how GMO and Roundup (Glyphosate) are hurting your health. 

"The herbicide sprayed on most of the world’s genetically engineered crops—and gets soaked into the food portion—is now linked to “autism … gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, colitis and Crohn’s disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer, cachexia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ALS, among others.”~~Institute for Reliable Technology

Move It Monday Running, 5K 10K Just Get Moving

I am training for a Half Marathon in November and getting very excited about it.  There is nothing like running in a race.  The adrenaline, excitement, feeling of accomplishment, and the pride that you started and finished are just a few reasons why I race. 

Every year I take on a bigger race.  I started with the 5K's, moved on to 10K's, and Quarter Marathons.  A great benefit of signing up for a race is the training.  To make sure you are ready, you get moving on regular weekly bases until the event.  I love running outside.  This way I can breathe in fresh air, feel the breeze on my face, and the rare animal encounters.  Last week I was jogging along when I almost stepped on a beautiful tarantula.  I was tempted to stop and take a few pictures of it, but I was on a timed schedule.  I get to see hawks, birds, bobcats, coyotes, bunnies, jackrabbits, Gila monsters, snakes, and many more wonderful signs of nature.  I take care to keep myself safe and that of the animals.  If I was running in a gym, I would miss out on these rare encounters. 

If you are looking to get started in running here are a few programs to get you started. 

Couch to 5K

Training for 5K

Training for a 10K

Starting out, I followed these same steps and was happy to say I did so with no injuries. 

 

A Few Tips for Nutrition

*Hydration is so important, especially during these summer months.  You want to make sure you are drinking enough water before, during, and following your work outs.  Inadequate water replenishment can be life threatening.  Properly scheduling of fluid replenishment maintains plasma volume so circulation and sweating can progress correctly.  If you are working out for over an hour in intense heat environment be sure to replenish sodium lost through sweat with a sports/ electrolyte drink of some variety.  Be mindful to not abuse the sports drink because we can normally get replenishment from food choices, but some endurance athletes have to have fast supplemented replenishments.  I like to add in some celery sticks for my daily snacks because of the great source of natural sodium. 

*Energy intake.  When you are working out you need to make sure you are taking in enough calories to perform the work ahead.  If you reduce your calories then you will not be able to perform in your workout.  You will be tired, sluggish, and it can affect your concentration.  After a workout you want to have a replenish snack/meal within the first 15-20 minutes, this will start preparing for the next day’s work out.  If your run is two miles you will be burning around 200 some Kcals.  You want to average you calorie intake to balance and not exceed your daily amounts, or it is stored as fat and can be counterproductive.  Be sure to eat enough quality calories, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.  Daily balance goal should be 55% Carbohydrates, 30% Fats (good fats), and 15% Protein.  A great app to help you track this is MyFitnessPal  It is free for iPhone and iPads.  You can also scan in items to have the most accurate counting. 

Are You Brushing and Flossing Enough? Wellness Wednesday

Are you Brushing and flossing enough?

Brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent certain health problems.  We have all been there, we are just too busy, too tired, or plan just don’t care about flossing and getting in that nighttime brushing.  Sometimes we just forget how important these little steps can be in our health. 

We use our teeth to chew and breakdown food for proper digestion.  When teeth and gums are neglected you can get cavities, inflamed and bleeding gums, and other more serious issue that result in gum disease.  While there are dental procedures to help correct gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss, preventive care is cheaper and takes up less of your time. 

Why floss?  Because flossing helps to remove bacteria from the guns in the places your brush bristles cannot always reach.  If bacteria are left between the teeth and gums in time it begins to cause inflammation and gum disease.  Not to mention that bacteria cause’s bad breath, but flossing will help to reduce that as well.  About 90% of bad breath comes from bacteria in the mouth.  If you have not started take the time today to get in the habit of brushing and flossing every night.  We all are tired and ready for bed, but the whole process takes about 5 minutes and you can be saving your teeth and saving money on unwanted Dentist bills. 

Affecting Your Health?

When gum disease sets in it not only affects your teeth and gums, but other areas as well.  One study noted that individuals with periodontitis (advanced gum disease) are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease.  How?  The bacteria travel into the blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in the vessels where it causes inflammation, clots, and possible heart attaches.  Others health issues have been related to gum disease from breathing, complicate diabetes, and affect fertility.   Any time harmful bacteria have a chance to grow stronger it can affect your health.  Keep your smile bright and clean and stay healthful with a little proactive flossing and brushing.   

Ways to reduce Bacteria.

• Brushing and flossing after each meal (no exceptions about Breakfast and Dinner). 
• Try not to eat sugar or sugary foods between meals. 
• If you enjoy sweets try enjoying them in a liquid form rather than solid. 
• Avoid sticky or the sweets that dissolve slowly. 
• If you are unable to brush after a meal or snack, try rinsing with warm water vigorously. 
• Make sure you get in your dental checkups!  

Looking to increase Calcium for strong teeth bones? 

Here are some foods that will give you a daily healthful boost and taste great! 

Dinosaur Chicken Bites Wellshire Goodness

In our house we rarely eat processed foods because of the preservatives, packing process, and striping of nutrients that you find in so many commercial foods.  This sometimes can be a downer for the kids because they love the fun shapes, especially when it’s chicken nuggets.  I was happy to surprise them this summer with a new chicken nugget that was in the shape of a dinosaur.  Most of the time I would just pass these by in the store because they would be chuck full of preservatives, dyes, and additives, but no Wellshire! 

Wellshire All Natural Meats makes better meats with no junk!  Their meats come from no stress farms where they are feed a vegetarian diet.  This is something I really care about.  I think that animals should be cared for and live a natural carefree life eating foods they would enjoy on their own. Wellshire does not add in Nitrates, Nitrites, dyes, or preservatives to their meats.  This is a huge bonus for me and my children.  Many additives that you find in deli meats can cause a lot of allergies and sensitivities.  One of Wellshires mottos is that "less is more".  I totally agree that less is more and food should be enjoyed naturally.  With fewer additives you have a more tasteful healthful food.   

While visiting the website I noticed I could shop by gluten free and Feingold Stages.  Feingold is a Doctor that really breaks it down pm why we should be omitting additives and preservatives that are harmful to kids causing mental and physical illnesses.    Once you visit the website you can easily shops according to your family’s needs.  Whether it’s a strict gluten free diet, no lactose, no nuts, no pepper, you can find products easily.   

I have recently tried the Chicken Bites, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Slices, and Black Forest Ham Slices.  The kids really loved the taste and shapes of the Dino Chicken Bites, while I loved it was a healthier nugget.  With the deli meats we have made fast wraps on the go, added the ham to mini quiches, and rolled up deli slices.  They taste great and I love that it has no harmful toxins and chemicals you find in most commercials meats at the grocery.  Be sure to check out the links above to see the ingredients and nutrition label for more information. 

Visit Wellshire Website

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

 

Move It Monday: This Weeks Workout and Refueling

I am so happy to be back into the full swing of my workouts.  Since I have to increase my running miles back slowly, I am focusing on toning and strengthening my whole body.  Now that I can put more weight back on my foot I am working on my balance and all those tiny muscles that tend to get over looked like glutes, back, quads, biceps, and shines.  While I am still working on my core, I am working in these muscles to get some of my balance back and strength.  These are great for anyone looking for a toning week. 

This week I am not doing circuit, but small increases to each exercise.  Each day I increase the amount by 2 or 5 reps.   Thursday is a rest day, which I will do a yoga session and nothing else. 

Do at least 30 min to an hour of Cardio first!  Then I move right into exercises below.  It looks like a lot, but goes by pretty fast.  If the amounts below are too intense then start with 10 and increase from there.  You want to at least feel a burn or why do them!

Monday: Core Synergistic
Tuesday: Run 3 miles
Wednesday: Run 3 miles
Thursday: Yoga Only
Friday: Run 3 miles
Saturday: Yoga P90X

Pushups: 25
Dips: 25
Bicep curls: 30
punches: 50 fast
Squats: 100
sit-ups: 30
crunches: 50
leg lifts: 30
plank: 30 seconds
Heel Taps: 10 reps X2
Single-leg deadlifts:  15 reps X2
On Leg Bridge: hold each leg and pelvis position for 30 seconds on each side.  Times 2.

Sport Nutrition

After your workout you want to replenish with carbohydrates, not the grain and bread variety, but a shake, smoothie, protein bar, anything that is not too heavy for the stomach.  The first 30 minutes after a workout are crucial for replenishing!  This is what will prepare you for the next workout later that day or tomorrows.  If you wait past that time the muscle glycogen synthesis is deceased, even up to 66%.  What this means is that if you wait too long on carbohydrate intake then you will reduce muscle glycogen storage and increase risk of injury.  Working out is a balance of effort and fuel.  If you are not refueling your body you will not be able to work out later, and you want the energy to burn the body fat.  Muscles burn body fat and you need complex carbohydrates to work the muscles for future workouts.  Complex carbohydrates are found in grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and milk.  My ideal recovery snack or refuel is a veggie juice or shake, something in a liquid form.  Find out what is easiest on your stomach and get it in within 30 minutes of your finished workout, at least 2 grams of carbohydrates. 

This is my workout, but the most important thing to get moving.  Whether that is a hike, cycling, walking, swimming, just move.  Kids and adults both need about 1 hour of physical exercise everyday.

Easy Light Summer Salads (only 5 ingredients)

I think it's important to keep things light and easy in the summer.  Our family is always on the go with activities and sports, so we have to get healthy fast complex carbs and nutrients to keep energized. 

Sometimes might confuse fast with processed items or drive through options.  Healthy can still be fast, tasty, and filling.

Feta Pasta Salad
1/2 Package of Organic Whole Wheat Penne Noodles
10 organic cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 organic crumbled sliced and quartered. 
1 tbsp. crumbed feta cheese. 
Newman's Own Italian Organic Dressing, to drizzle.
(If you have some sliced black olives it goes great with this dish)

Once Pasta is cooked and rinsed just add in all the ingredients.  I lightly drizzle the dressing over the pasta until I get the amount desired.  Then refrigerate until ready to eat.  Before serving remember to give it a toss to mix it all back up again.  Enjoy!

Looking for more fast salads?
Chilean Salad Recipe
Six Layer Fruit Salad Recipe

Granite Mountain Prescott AZ Before the Fire June 8, 2013

 

This post comes today with joy and sadness.  Just last week we went to Granite Mountain, Prescott National Forest, AZ for a camping and hiking trip with some friends.  We had a wonderful weekend enjoying all the beauty of AZ desert life and now, it’s all gone.

 

The 4 mile hike up to the summit of Granite Mountain was full of beauty, life, and adventure.  The cactus was blooming, the birds singing, the lizards scurrying, and we were good and tired by the end.  At times the hike up was intense and hot, but you could take a break in the shade for a few minutes until you were ready to start again. 

 

A couple of my favorite shots where of the Mazanita's, it’s a beauty shrub you find in the pines of AZ that has an amazing red bark.  Second where some of the unique junipers that where older than I could imagine, trees that where gnarled and twisted with a unique beauty of their own.  

Ever since my first visit to AZ I have loved the sight of Granite Mountain.  Depending on what time of day and season you look upon her, you will see something different, from the rocks that sparkle like gems as the sun hits it, to the sky a flame with red's and gold's, to the blanket of snow, she changes daily.  I have a deep respect for Nature and keeping things as Natural as possible.  One of the big rules in AZ is whatever you bring in you take it back out; even the trees that fall are left where they lay to keep the forest natural.  On the hike you could see some of the trees had fallen over the path, and they were just cut to clear the path and left where they lay. 

Monsoons are coming soon, with the rains we have a cleansing of some of the damage done and new life can start again.  I hope to take another trip up soon, but afraid of what I will see.  I think I prefer to remember Granite Mountain as I saw it before the fire instead of the scared blacked earth I am sure it is now.

As we were hiking we came across a little Nature teepee someone had made out of sticks and rocks.  This was probably built by another hiker along enjoying the views as well, but left it for us to enjoy.  One of the favorite photos is of this slide of the mountain.  The picture does not do it justice and must be scene with your own eyes, absolutely breathtaking.

As I watched some of the videos today, it brought tears to my eyes knowing most of this will no longer be there.  The fire is zero percent contained and over 7,000 acres have been destroyed.  I know this is part of life, things die and new life starts again.  It just amazes me that we were just there and how much can change so fast.  I find myself truly blessed to have been there and experienced it the way we did before the fire. Thank you God for the beauty you create.  I pray for the residents that are still facing this fire, the Fire Fighters, and the healing to come.
 

 

This Weeks Tucson Sprouts Advertisment 6/18

This weeks Weekly Circular is out.  Just a reminder, at Sprouts when you shop on Wednesdays you get last weeks deals along with this week's!  Here is this week's Savings.

You can view the rest of Ad here. 

 

 

I love their Organic and Non GMO selections. 

 

Move It Monday Back to Running!

 

I am finally running again, but I have to remember to take it slow.  I broke my toe back in April, but the real set back was that I broke it a second time.  So it has been almost 2 months since my last run.  This was a time frame an experienced runner and friend gave me, along with start back slow and listen to your body. Saturday was the first day back and I started with just a simple one mile run.  While I was really happy to find that my toe was not sore or hurting, I realized this is going to be a long road back to my old pace and miles.

It’s important to take things slow because my body is still healing.  I really do not want to risk re-injuring my foot, which would make it even longer before my next race.  I did make a great decision in staying active with my core workouts, during the healing time.  These where exercises with low impact to my toes, except the plank and squats that I worked into the last 2 weeks.  This will be a huge help to get me back to my old pace.

Circuit Workout Routine Abs and extra
50 crunches, 15 leg lifts, 30 seconds plank, 15 pushups, 60 squats.
Then do circuit 3 more times.
Making a total of 200 crunches, 60 leg lifts, 120 second in plank, 60 pushups, and 240 squats.  This is too much for someone just starting this.  If you would like to work up to this you can just do one circuit 3 times a week and add a circuit each week.  By the end of the month this feels totally awesome and you abs will love you for it.

Monday: 2 miles and P90X Cardio
Tuesday: Circuit Workout (4 rounds)
Wednesday: 2.5 miles and Yoga 20 minutes
Thursday: Circuit Workout (4 rounds)
Friday: 3 miles and P90X Power Yoga.  "Family Yoga Friday"
Sat: Circuit Workout (4rounds)
Sunday: REST

I was an active teen.
As a teen, I was always out biking, hiking, swimming, and doing cheerleading and softball throughout high school.  My body feels best when I am active and I start to gain weight when I am not.  Does that mean I have to do these intense workouts all the time? NO.  Staying active is the important thing, but I am doing these workouts to help me train for a ½ marathon this year.  I have only completed a 1/4 marathon and now I have my eye on the half marathon.  The great benefit of training for these events is that your body is stronger and leaner, fighting off illnesses, balancing emotions, and especially heart disease which tend to be very high in woman.  The ultimate benefit is being able to say "I did this!"  So I was really bummed that I broke my toe because it set me behind in the schedule I gave myself, but this is life, things come up and we have to reorganize and keep going.

TMC Get Moving Tucson Event: A-Mountain Half-Marathon, Tucson Lifestyle 5k & Cox Charities 1-Mile

What are you exercising for?

Brew at the Zoo Tucson Events, Saturday June 15th

Tucson Events!

Join us, Saturday June 15, for a great event with a GREAT cause.  Reid Park Zoo and Craft Tucson is hosting "Brew at the Zoo" to help build funds for a new Brown Beer habitat.  I am so excited!  This will be an awesome addition to the Reid Park Zoo, which is one of our favorite places to visit with the many exhibits and animals that bring us a little closer to the animals. 

Jun 15, 2013 6-9 p.m.

While you are there you can walk around in the cooler AZ temperatures, see the animals, and sample some great Brewing Company's with Craft Beers.

 What does your admission cover?

Sample a wide variety of craft brews (see below)

Keep a commemorative recycled beer bottle sampling glass – limited quantity available

Enjoy games, animal encounters and presentations

Listen to live music by HEARTBEAT – playing your favorite rock oldies from the 50s to the 80s

Purchase pub-style food in our Event Gardens and Zoofari Market

Presale:  No Tickets will be emailed/mailed. Check-in list at night of event.

ORDER HERE
 $40 / person
$30 / member
$20 / designated driver

Day of the event: (if not sold out)
$50 / person
$40 / member
$30 / designated driver

Tickets are limited, reserve yours today!

While your there be sure to stop by the Prescott Brewing Company and Sentinel Peak Brewing Company!

These are two of my personal favorites! 

Tell them Hi for me!

Sentinel Peak Brewing Company will be featuring Haboob IPA, Heat Wave Hefeweizen, Salida Del Sol Mexican Vienna, and Monsoon Dunkel

There will be pub style foods at the event, but remember to eat and drinking responsibly. 

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead Movie and Giveaway

(Sponsored Post- I received a free product for an honest Announcement, but was already a huge fan and supporter.)

I have been a huge fan of the Movie "Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead" with Joe Cross.  It is an inspiring movie about a Aussie named Joe Cross who decided he was sick of being sick.  In this movie he shows how he went for a "walk about" in the US juicing and talking to people along the way. He talked to people about what they ate and did not eat.  He visits with his doctor and checks in on his improvements and by the end of the movie he is Thinner, Healthier, and very much Alive. 

"Audience nears six million people worldwide as Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead celebrates second anniversary of its release. To date, Documentary’s audience has lost more than 6 million pounds and consumed more than 93 million glasses of fresh juice."

While on Joe's Walk about he meets a young man with the same problems as Joe.  The movie changes pace a little to follows a couple people and their Juicing Journey, focusing on people who have trashed their bodies by pharmaceutical meds, food choices, and lifestyle.  The juicing journey last for 2 months of only fruits and vegetables.  This is a detox of the average American Diet and Lifestyle.  I have personally done 30 days of Juicing and loved the experience.  When watching you see how they done feel so well the initial first couple of days, but they start to transform right after.  Understand, this is not about losing weight.  While that is a wonderful perk to getting healthy, the goal is to get of meds, feel better, and improve the quality of life. 

I have had friends and readers say "I could never live by juice alone", and similar comments.  While I agree it is hard to imagine, it is a wonderful experience that after the first few days you crave the juices you make.  While juicing I found I craved the burst of energy, clear consciousness, and happier emotions.

In the book "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead: How fruits and Vegetables Changed My Life", Joe explains in more detail about the benefits discussed with him, with his doctor, and his experience.  In the 177 page guide and recipe book, he opens with how he was very active throughout school, thin and fit, and it was in the corporate world he started to gain weight.  Everything creeps up fast, and he developed many illnesses along with his weight.  Then in chapter 3 he explains more of the benefits of Juicing like improved hair, increased energy, increased joint flexibility, improved vision, feeling calmer, and many more.  These are all things we wish to have and spend a lot of money to obtain artificially.  What I love most is that you are allowing the body to heal and super saturating with micronutrients many people deprive themselves of.  Some people think to fast or juice is to starve yourself, but really more people are starving eating the nonfoods, junk, restaurants, and processed foods so easy consumed.  That is a true tragedy, to think you are eating foods when really dirt might have more nutrients than a lot of foods found on shelves today.  In chapter six he talks about his great American Road Trip with his struggles and accomplishments.  Chapter seven he is in Winslow, AZ day 50 and dropped an amazing 70 lbs., greatly reduced his prednisone intake.  At the end of the book he gives steps on preparing for a reboot, talks about organic produce, his recommended juices throughout the day, and a couple of his favorite recipes for after a reboot.  If you have a chance to purchase and read this book, I find it a great asset to the movie. 

Juicing is so much easy than you think, and I personally think every person needs to watch this DVD.  I think it will, and has, changed lives across the world.  I encourage you to watch this video.  I was posting when the movie was offered for free, if you missed it, you can purchase a DVD in link below.  I also included a link to watch on Netflix if you happen to have an account.  That was how I came across the movie last year!  Also, I am having a giveaway of the DVD!!  I am excited that Joe gave me a DVD to give out to one of my readers and think that they will forever be changed after watching it. 

Looking for new Juice Recipes be sure to follow Joe's Pinterest Boards with awesome recipes for Juices, salads, and more.  Eating healthy happens everyday, are you? 

You can Buy the Movie, Guide Book, and Starter Guide in one bundle for 29.95
Movie Price $14.99 (Av Value $19.99)
Book Price $19.99
Watch on Netflix Here

Follow Reboot with Joe Website

Follow Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Follow great recipes on Pinterest

Subscribe on YouTube

Now for the giveaway.  Just enter the simple rafflecopter form below.  Winner will be contacted by email to respond to prize with 24 hours, with address no P.O. Boxes, or a new winner will be chosen.  US ONLY.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wellness Wednesday Green Delight Summer Juice #5

 

Parsley in Juicing?

 

Why add parsley to your juice?  Parsley contains Vitamins A,B1, B2, B3, and C, Foliate Acid, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Copper, Silicon, Sulfur, Calcium, and Cobalt.  Because parsley increases bladder release it can be use to aid bladder infections and function.  While detoxing naturally this summer you can aid your release of toxins through the bladder.  The addition of some great fruits and veggies can help cancel out the stronger parsley flavor. 


Green Delight Summer Juice #5                 
Parsley handfu
1 handful spinach
1 lemon, peeled
handful carrots
1 pink grapefruit, peeled
half cucumber with peel
1/2 red delicious apple
Easy to make, just juice everything into the glass and enjoy!  In this juice the apple and grapefruit off set the taste of parsley wonderfully! 

Three Bean Tomato Soup Recipe

Three Bean Tomato Soup   
(South African Chili)

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
Drizzle of Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
10 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cooked garbanzo beans
1 cup cooked red kidney beans
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup corn, GMO FREE
A bunch of spinach, chopped finely
fresh chopped basil
Greek Plain Yogurt
Chopped Green onion
Sea Salt

 Drizzle oil pan adding onions and garlic stirring until translucent.  Add in spices of cayenne and paprika and mix everything together well.  Then add in chopped tomatoes.  Cook this on low until the tomatoes are cooked down and disintegrated.  Now add in beans and corn heating until everything is of the desired temperatures.

To Serve
In a bowl add a small handful, think layer, on bottom of bowl.  Add in soup and then top it off with a spoonful of yogurt and/or cheese.  To garnish add a pinch of bail, or green onions, salt, and pepper to taste.

You can easy add in your favorite meat to this dish but I prefer it vegetarian, the assortment of beans pack in enough protein in the dish.

Six Layer Fruit Salad Recipe

I love easy to throw together salads that are refreshing, healthy, and tasty.  We made this for a family and friends brunch and I loved how pretty it was.  I used my Pampered Chef punch bowl, which really showed off the colors of the antioxidant rich fruits. 

 

Six Layer Fruit Salad

Cherry's
Watermelon Balls
Pineapple
Red Grapes
Strawberries
Blueberry's

Arrange in the order you like, mind is in order from bottom to top.  Once we arrived at the brunch I then mixed the fruit up for a blended scoopful. 

The great thing about summer is enjoying some delicious cooling tasty salads.  We prefer to not mix anything in the fruit, but you could have a side of topping to add over your fruit salad.  I sometimes will mix yogurt with some orange juice to make a citrus addition. 

Looking for a few more Brunch ideas?

See Chilean Salad Recipe and Delicious Easy Quiches , making the perfect Family Brunch. 

What are some favorite fruit topping recipes?

Chilean Summer Salad Recipe

 

 Chilean Summer Salad
2 Avocadoes, cubed
1/2 bunch of cilantro
2 tomatoes, diced
I Lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, mix everything together, but not so much that you mush the avocado.  I like to have some nice chunks in my Chilean Salad.  Enjoy!

This is a fast and filling salad.  I love to have this any day of the week, but especially at Bunches and BBQ.  It taste amazing over a nice veggie or hamburger too. 






Looking for some Brunch ideas?
See Delicious Easy Quiches and 6 layer Fruit salad, making the perfect Family Brunch. 

What are some of your Favorite Summer Salads?

Delicious Easy Quiches

 

Delicious Easy Quiche
2 unbaked pie crust
8 eggs
1 cup cheese
2 whole small zucchini, shredded
1 handful of baby spinach
2 green onions
1 plum tomato, sliced
6 slices cooked turkey bacon, crumbles
heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

This makes 2- 9 inch Quiches

Easy Kids Quiche

Place pie crust in two 9 inch baking pie plates.  In a mixing bowl beat in 2ggs, cheese, zucchini, salt, pepper, bacon, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.  Mix everything together and poor half the mixture into the first pie. 

Then add in the rest of the ingredients above for the Vegetable packed Quiche, reserving a couple sliced tomatoes for the top, pour into second pie and if there is some Quiche mixture left over make little muffin size ones, without pie crust. 

We made these for a family brunch, this way you have two similar quiches that will be loved by anyone. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. 

See Chilean Salad Recipe and 6 layer Fruit salad, making the perfect Family Brunch.