Snuggle up by the fireplace or Christmas tree and enjoy this delicious hot chocolate! Also pictured are amazingly easy and yummy breakfast cookies.

Dairy Free, Sugar Free Healthy Hot Chocolate

1 C. coconut milk (canned is best)
1 1/2 C. unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
10 – 12 drops of flavored stevia 
1 tsp. Pure maple syrup (+/- to taste, optional)
1/8 tsp of sea salt

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Whether you’re newly health-conscious or you’ve been watching your weight for decades, we all know there’s nothing quite like the holidays to derail our best efforts! 

If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, you know how the holidays can also be frustrating! Here’s a few tips to keep in mind for your next holiday food gathering!

Holiday Food Planning Tips

1. Bring a dish to share. Most gatherings are potluck so offer to bring a dish to share that will be safe for you to eat. Pick a dish that you enjoy so you are not so tempted to dig into unhealthy dishes. Also, avoid hanging around the buffet tables. Take your plate and sit as far away from the food as you possibly can.
   
2. Eat almonds before you go. Don’t show up hungry. Have something to eat before you arrive at the party so that you’re not so hungry when you get there.
   
   Have you heard of the “Almond Trick”? If you have a little of the right kinds of fat before you eat, you can “trick” your hormonal system by sending the signal to your brain that you’re full. Because of almond’s fat content, consuming it may make you feel full longer and avoid temptations. In addition to the usable fats almonds contain, they’re full of fiber which also helps you stay full longer and helps you from overeating.
   
3. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps manage your appetite and also helps balance high sodium party snacks. Hydration is also very important for digestion.
   
4. Have holiday digestive support handy. Take a digestive enzyme to assist in the break down of the proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the meal. And of course, a good probiotic will help promote good digestive health.
   
5. Defend those Holiday Cravings. Cravings are often the reason we fail during the holidays. Even with our best intentions, we cannot overcome the urge to feed the sugar craving. Make sure you are taking your Craving Defender to stop the crazy cravings!
   
6. Enjoy Ginger, Peppermint and Chamomile Tea. These soothing teas will help any uncomfortable stomachs post party foods. If you have any alcoholic drinks, sip on a liver supportive tea such as dandelion root tea and lemon water is also helpful.

From all of us at Little Choices Everyday we wish you abundant health and happiness this holiday season! 

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These tasty berries are more than a holiday must-have. They are a superfood that should be consumed all year long!! 

Thought that the only function that cranberries have is to prevent UTI? Cranberries give more benefits than you think! 

Cranberries are full with vitamins including C and E and gives rich anti-oxidant properties.

These amazing berries also cleanses accumulated wastes from the lymphatic system, and helps to clean up cellulite. As it cleans toxins out of the liver, it flushes out the stored fat cells. BAM!

Yes! May reasons to consume cranberries:

* Reduces inflammation
* Detoxes the liver
* Helps reduce body mass index  
* Eliminates water retention
* Flushes stored fat cells
* Reduces cellulite
* Boosts immunity
* Improves digestion
* Supports collagen production 
* Slows down cancer progression
* Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
* Good fiber intake

The best way to consume cranberries daily is make a big pitcher of cranberry water. Make sure you consumer juice without added sugars. Here are our recommended brands. RJ Knudsen and Lakewood.

Cranberry Water

• 56 oz. filtered water
• 8 oz. cranberry juice (unsweetened)
• 3/4 c. fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 c. fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Mix, chill, and drink throughout the day.

Gluten-free & Dairy-free Blueberry Cranberry Muffins

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup cranberries

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and oil. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently fold the berries into the batter. 

Spoon the batter into the muffin tins until each is 3/4 full.

Bake at 350 for20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and you can insert a toothpick into the center and have it come out clean.

Cranberry Almond Breakfast Quinoa 

Perfect for cool mornings of Fall and Winter!

1  cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup fresh ricotta (optional)

In a small saucepan, cover the quinoa with the water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender; about 15 minutes. Lightly fluff the quinoa with a fork and cover it again.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the almonds and cook over moderate heat, stirring a few times, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest and cinnamon and stir well until heated through.

Add the quinoa to the skillet and stir gently to incorporate the almonds and cranberries. Top each portion of quinoa with a tablespoon of ricotta and serve.

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Looking for a way to get in more vegetables? Need a healthy dish for your holiday meal? Here is a super simple recipe that can be adjusted based on your vegetable choices.

Simply cut your veggies of choice into bite sized pieces, season and roast. YUM!

Super Simple Roasted Veggies

Cut veggies of choice into bite sized pieces: Peppers, onion, zuchinni, asparagus, eggplant, etc. Place in a bowl and coat with 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil (or EVOO, Avocado Oil).

Add in LCM Signature Spice Blend and Ground garlic,  Himalayan Pink Salt  and Pepper, to taste.

Spread in 9 x 13 pan or baking tray. Cook at 450º for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil and parsley, if desired.

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and let’s face it… it’s time for all things pumpkin! This recipe is so easy and a must-have for the fall and winter baking!

Pumpkin spice has amazing benefits for improved health. Here are just a few benefits to each of the ingredients.

Ceylon Cinnamon contains 41 different antioxidants which are highly effective at fighting inflammation throughout the body. Cinnamon helps you lose weight by helping increase your metabolism i.e. helping increase how you burn calories, and by extension fat.  It can also lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Here’s our favorite brand.

Ginger work wonders for your digestive tract as well ad you circulatory system. It is a well-known anti-inflammatory and stimulant, which is great for blood flow helping to keep your mind alert. As an added bonus it treats upset stomachs, diarrhea, and nausea as well as help prevent infections.

Nutmeg is a great for detoxing the kidneys and liver. Nutmeg also promotes healthy digestion and is often used as a pain reliever. Nutmeg is also used to ease digestive tract upsets, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The magnesium in nutmeg encourages sleep and relaxation.

Allspice lowers inflammation and reduces pain. Allspice boosts the immune system and improves circulation by offering the copper and iron that red blood cells need. The antimicrobial and circulatory stimulating properties of allspice support the body during colds and flus making it a great fall spice to consume.

Cloves are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C, cloves protect the body from free radicals. Cloves are also stimulating to the mind encouraging mental clarity. Cloves have also been shown to support good blood sugar levels as well as bone and liver health.

Homemade pumpkin pie spice not only saves money, but it’s more tasty than the store bought version. This recipe is a well balanced mix of warm spices that will add flavor to anything you desire. Use in muffins, smoothies, granola, oats, dips, potatoes and many other baking recipes. You can even add a pinch to your favorite coffee or teas!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

3 tablespoons ground Ceylon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 ½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Place all ingredients in a small mason jar. Put the lid on and shake to mix.

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It’s obvious some of our holiday ‘traditional’ foods may need a little adjusting. This year, when you are making your stuffing/dressing consider using sprouted grain bread in place of the traditional white bread or stuffing mix you find in the holiday aisle at the local market.

Stuffing/Dressing with Sprouted Grain Bread

5 C. cubed Sprouted Grain bread
1 C. chopped onion
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
3/4 C. chopped celery
2 1/2 tsp. dried sage
1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary (optional)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. Signature Blend Spice
1/3 C. minced fresh parsley
3/4 C. turkey stock
4 Tbsp. butter or ghee, melted

In a large skillet, cook the onions in coconut oil over medium heat, stirring until lightly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Next, spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet and sprinkle with Signature Blend. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350, or until lightly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour onion/celery/herb mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped parsley. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill, or cook “outside the bird” in a casserole dish.

We hope you enjoy making healthier choices with your traditional fare, and that you savor your time with family and friends this holiday season!

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner! All things yummy but eeeeek most of the traditional foods are not on protocol or an unhealthy choice. Although potatoes are not necessarily unhealthy, the protocol notes to stay away from most of the major carbs. Substituting cauliflower in this mash will contain less saturated fat and fewer carbohydrates.

This creamy cauliflower mash is also a great way to incorporate cruciferous vegetables into your diet in a way that is both easy-to-digest and delicious!

P3 Creamy Cauliflower Mash

• 1 head of cauliflower — cut into florets
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, ghee or butter
• 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp chives, chopped (green onion and parsley also works well)

Steam cauliflower pieces and garlic over boiling water (15 to 20 minutes), or until the cauliflower is tender. Drain the cauliflower and transfer the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or blender.

Add the olive oil/ghee/butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh chives before serving.

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It’s that time of year where pumpkins patches are producing an abundant amount of delicious and healthy produce!

Pumpkins produce a great seed which make a healthy plant-based fall snack packed with nutrients like magnesium and zinc, plus they are a good source of healthy fat that is good for heart health.

Grab a pumpkin to carve or cook and roast the seeds!

Super Simple Homemade Roasted Pumpkin (and other Squash) Seeds

Place your seeds in a single layer on a cookie sheet and spray with avocado oil until lightly coated. (you could also place in a bowl, add oil and coat seeds.)

Sprinkle your seeds with seasonings of choice. Here are just a few ideas:

Seasoning Ideas

• Sea Salt
• Ground pepper
• Pumpkin Spice
• Cinnamon
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper for an added kick
• Taco Seasoning

Lightly roast them at 160-170°F in the oven for 15-20 minutes. By roasting them for a relatively short time at a lower temperature you can help minimize damage to their healthy oils and prevent them from becoming rancid.

Store seeds for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or 1 month in the refrigerator.

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A perfect blend of sweet and salty. This glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

I used an uncured ham from the Simple Truth brand (Kroger). Many health food stores (such as Whole Foods) sell uncured hams.

Healthy Ham Glaze

• 1/4 cup Stevia
• 3 tablespoons spicy mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or ground cloves (or both!)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp of water
• 1/4 cup gold rum (such as Bacardi Gold®) P4 only

Directions

Combine Stevia, cinnamon, rum, mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring constantly, until stevia has melted and the glaze has thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

The post P3 Healthy Ham Glaze for Your Holiday Meal appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

I have also mixed it in with yogurt, tossed in some raisins and sprinkled with oats and milled flaxseeds. Loaded with protein, fiber, Omega 3’s and so much more! A very healthy, delicious and filling snack!

Apple Nut Crunch
1 medium apple
10 – 12 whole, raw almonds
10 – 12 raw walnut pieces
Ceylon Cinnamon and/or Apple Pie Spice
1 Tbsps. Raw honey

Other mixings (optional)
Greek or Organic Yogurt
Ground flax seeds
Oats
Raisins

Core, and peel apple if desired. Slice/chop apple into small bite-size pieces. I love my apple slicer!

Place apples in a small bowl. Slightly chop nuts with a nut chopper.

Blend nuts and apple pieces together and then mix in honey. stir well to coat all pieces. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or apple pie spice. Add any other ingredients you like and enjoy!

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Apple Cider Vinegar improves digestion and adds soluble fiber, which assists in the reduction of excess weight. It can also help eat up the starches when you eat grains and helps block the absorption of calories.

There are a number of flavored variations on the market but make sure you check the ingredient list and use organic. Drink 1 ounce 20 minutes before each meal.

Regular Apple Cider Vinegar all by itself may be less than desirable but now you can drink it on a regular basis in this yummy recipe.

Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink

• 8-10 oz. water
• 2 tsp. Raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1-2 tsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. ground Ceylon cinnamon
• 8-10 drops of liquid stevia, to taste

Serve hot or cold.

Variations: Ceylon cinnamon is one of the best spices for balancing blood sugar and is highly recommended but you can also use cloves, nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin pie or apple pie seasonings.

Cayenne pepper has been shown to drop blood pressure and increase metabolism but be careful not to do too much, especially if you have gastrointestinal issues.

Flavored Stevias make this beverage extra yummy. Try Lemonade or Pumpkin Spice.

The post Apple Cider Detox Drink for Detoxing and Weight Loss! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Stuffing/Dressing with Gluten/Wheat Free Bread (Phase 3-4)

Many American’s are going wheat and gluten free.  The most readily available brand is Food for Life. One of my favorites is the Paleo Bread from Julian Bakery. Some Whole Food stores carry Julian Bakery breads in their freezer section.

5 cups cubed Gluten/Wheat Free bread
1 c. chopped onion
2 Tbsp. Coconut oil
3/4 c. chopped celery
2 1/2 tsp. dried sage
1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary (optional)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. Signature Blend Spice
1 c dried cranberries (optional)
1/3 c. minced fresh parsley
finely chopped turkey giblets
3/4 c. turkey stock
4 Tbsp. butter, melted

In a large skillet, cook the onions in oil over medium heat, stirring until lightly browned. Add the giblets, celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350, or until lightly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour giblet mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, parsley, and liver. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Spoon into turkey to loosely fill.

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