Healing Rice

I love rice! Plain and simple I think it's a great staple to have in the cupboard. Cheap, easy and quick to cook, nearly everyone likes it and it's a good clean complex carbohydrate to have in your active lifestyle.

But it can get boring and bland if you eat a lot of it. So I try and make it more interesting and fun using the below recipe. In typical Lifestylejeanie style I never measure anything and just make it up as I go along but I'll give you the approximate ingredients here. Feel free to add in any other veggies, spices, or oils you typically use. But the recipe here has been created to include as many healing foods as possible.

We all tend to get run down from time to time and so this is a particularly good staple to make weekly and keep in the fridge to add (hot or cold - just reheat thoroughly) to any meal. All the ingredients are packed full of healing properties particularly the turmeric, ginger, garlic and coconut oil. I've described these in more details below.

It's also great on the go. I typically travel with this as it's perfect at room temperature and stays fresh for well over 12 hours when you're on the move. It is also filling and tasty. What's not to like!

Ingredients:
Portion size of Rice of your choice. I find Basmati and Wild rice are best.
Large handful of organic Spinach
Chopped organic Peppers
Chopped organic Onions
2 cloves (or more!) or diced organic Garlic
1 inch of peeled and diced organic Ginger
1 inch of Turmeric (powdered or fresh)
1 teaspoon of Paprika
3 heaped spoons of organic Coconut Oil
Cracked Himalayan pink salt to taste
Cracked black Pepper to taste

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cooking time:
10-15 minutes

Method:
Cook the rice as per instructions on your packet.
While it is cooking prep all the veg and spices.
Drain the water once it is cooked and leave in the pan on a low heat.
Add in the Coconut Oil and stir to melt it, coating the rice thoroughly.
In a separate pan with a dash of oil cook the onions, garlic, ginger and turmeric. 
Add in the chopped vegetables and spices and mix thoroughly.
Add the rice to the veggies and mix well.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Dietary Information:

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Wheat Free

Sugar Free

Full of healthy vegetables

Garlic is antibacterial and antiviral so excellent for fighting colds and flu.

Ginger is good for digestion issues, nausea, natural anti-inflammatory and boosts the immune system. 

Paprika is high in Vitamin A, E and Iron. It also has anti ageing properties, prevents hair loss and promotes sound sleep.

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory with amazing healing and cancer fighting benefits.

Coconut oil is a healthy fat that doesn't degenerate at high temperatures, heals the lining of the stomach and overall boosts your immunity.

Himalayan Pink Salt has over 84 vitamins and minerals and is low in sodium. Read more about the benefits of it here in this article I wrote. 

Serving Suggestions:
This really is so versatile. It is a lovely side with any main dish, meat, fish, omelette etc.
I recently brought a big bowl of it to a BBQ as a healthy side.
It's colourful and appealing in a cold buffet.
I make a big batch and store it in the fridge to have at a moments notice.
You can also add some protein in to make it a complete meal. Some chopped left over meat an/or some eggs to make it egg friend rice. It is really tasty. Or even nicer some fresh organic prawns! Yum

Storage Instructions:
I keep this in a covered bowl or container for up to a week in the fridge. It also travels well for up to 24 hours.  When reheating ensure it is thoroughly cooked through.

So there you have it guys, cheap, healthy, suits most diets and boosts your overall health. And to boot it tastes delicious!

Paleo Spicy Beef Fajitas

I try and stick to a general Paleo template when eating. Supplementing with Oats and White Rice when needing an extra boost. But, like most people, you can't force those you live with to do the same. I'm constantly trying to come up with ways to feed myself and my husband and keep us both happy! 

Fajita night is a great way to accomplish this. Check out my recipe here for Paleo Guacamole and Salsa. Freshly made Salsa and Guacamole only takes a few minutes, uses most of the same ingredients and is worth the extra effort. It really adds taste and freshness to the dish. Not to mention they are both packed with healthy ingredients.

To make the Fajitas I mix some lean, beef mince (or can substituted with chicken breast chunks) in the following spice mix:

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Once the meat is thoroughly cooked in a pan I add some sliced peppers, onion or any other vegetable of choice. Serve in a warm bowl with the following sides:

Paleo sides:

 - Paleo Guacamole and Salsa

 - Lettuce Cups/Wraps

 - Sliced Lettuce

Non-Paleo Side

 - Flour Tortilla Wraps

 - Sour Cream

 - Grated Cheese

 - Fried spiced Rice
 - Refried beans

This way you can all enjoy the same dinner with you selecting which sides suit your current goals and lifestyle at this time. Everyone wins!

Lunch Time!: I typically make extra of everything and ensure I have enough for a tasty Fajita salad in work the next day. Just add some shredded lettuce to a jar, top with beef mix, cheese, salsa, guacamole and you've a quick and easy meal for the next day! Delish!

Any questions, just ask and I'd love to see some of your photos of recipes you've tried.

A Drop in the Ocean

It's Kinsale Arts week and I decided to check out one of their installations by the water called 'The Sweat Oratory'. It's the most beautiful temporary Sauna, heated with hot stones and steamed with water.  

I went for a dip in the ocean, sauna, dip in the ocean, sauna, repeat. What a way to boost your metabolism and detox! It was so relaxing to sit in the heat listening to the waves lapping outside. Sheer Bliss! 

You can find more details here and it's open until Sunday. It was such a beautiful evening and I enjoyed watching the sun set as I dried off.

The water in Ireland is warmer than you think this time of year, especially after the wonderful Indian Summer we have had. Top Tip: just jump in, head and all, get the whole body wet and you'll soon start to warm up. Don't mind your wet suits!

 I'm a big fan of swimming in the sea and I am so fortunate I've never lived more than 30 minutes from the ocean. It's one or Ireland's greatest resources and in most locations the water is pollution free and fresh as can be. The salt and sea weed is amazing for your skin (people pay top dollar for these treatments in spas!) and it just makes you feel so good. It makes you feel alive!

 In fact I love the ocean so much myself and my husband decided to go for a swim with all our friends on the morning of our wedding. We got married in Dingle on 29th of December, just after one of the worst storms the town had in a century. Now that was refreshing! 

When I came home from the Sauna last night I cooked some fresh salmon (I always leave the skin on, it's where all the goodness is, sear it in some Grassfed Butter like Kerrygold full fat and it tastes delicious). Season with some freshly ground black pepper. I had this with white rice cooked with organic courgette and spring onions. Tasty! 

I cooked enough for two so I have a quick and easy lunch today. It's all about the preparation!