by Lisa Beach, Ph.D.

Recently, as I've been trying to add healthy fats to my diet by eating more eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and coconut, I've discovered a wonderfully filling and satisfying breakfast! It's full of fiber, vitamins, healthy fat, and even protein!

The traditional Toad in a Hole breakfast is made with bread, but this one uses an avocado!

Source

Here's how you do it:

1. Slice the avocado lengthwise so you get a thick (3/4" - 1") slice from the middle--leave the skin on!
2. In non-stick skillet on medium-low, heat olive oil, coconut oil, or butter.
3. Cut a larger hole in the middle of each avocado slice (with a cookie cutter or knife).
4. Place avocado slice in the pan, and crack an egg into the middle.
5. Sea salt and pepper the top, and add parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Cover the pan and let it saute until the egg is "done."

You can make guacamole with your extra avocado pieces! Or, you can hard boil some eggs, and repeat the egg-avo combo for lunch or dinner in avocado-egg-salad.

What is your favorite thing to do with avocados? Eggs?

by Lisa K. Beach, Ph.D.


Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which is also found in high amounts in breast milk, butter, and beef. It has antimicrobial properties, and is also high in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs cannot be stored in the body---they must be used. So a person consuming them experiences higher energy levels, and even a metabolism boost. It has been used therapeutically (3-4tbsp a day) to address mild and borderline thyroid issues.

I also like to use measuring cups as a dish when I eat this--helps with portion control!

If you want it to be 100% smooth, then leave out the coconut spread. It will be a little thinner, a little lighter, and completely silky. The spread adds thickness and makes the texture really amazing!




These would also be great as a dessert topping or dip!

by: Lisa K. Beach, Ph.D.

At this time of year, it can be pretty easy to slip outside of our normal healthy lifestyle patterns, to splurge a little more on unhealthy foods and exercise a little less. In the spirit of keeping things positive, I always like to focus on how I can add value to my day in terms of what I eat and what I do. One way I've done this recently is by making yogurt at home. It's something I learned about recently that I previously thought would be too complicated (and possibly a little creepy!).

My conclusion? Making yogurt is not only very easy, but it's also fun and economical! I recommend consuming probiotic rich foods everyday in order to maintain a healthy digestive flora, and yogurt (with cow or goat milk) is a great way to assist with this.

Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose your milk. I chose a local favorite!


Step 2: Heat up to 1 gallon of milk to 185 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer, that's ok. Just heat the milk until it barely starts to boil). If you're using a yogurt maker, check the instructions to see how much milk you should use.



Step 3: Cool milk to 110 degrees F (or if you don’t have a thermometer, just cool it till it feels like body temperature—check by sticking your clean finger into it!).

Step 4: Add the starter. Put a cup or so of the milk you heated/cooled into another bowl, stir in (1) yogurt starter or (2) a container of good quality plain yogurt, until thoroughly mixed. (here's an example of yogurt starter you could buy, and you can often find products like this in a health food store or even a regular grocery store)

Step 5: Add the starter you made to the entire batch of milk, and stir until mixed.




Step 6: Let the Magic Happen! (you have two options for this step)
Option 1: pour into containers of a yogurt maker, set timer according to yogurt maker instructions. Note: It's completely unnecessary to buy a yogurt maker, but they are relatively inexpensive.

Option 2: Pour into glass canning jars (lids off). Heat oven to warm, and then turn it off. Put the jars in the oven, and leave uncovered overnight.

Step 7: Transfer to fridge with lids on! Let the yogurt chill for at least three hours before you consume it. There may be some yellowish gunk on top--this is whey. You can scoop this off and discard or eat it (it's safe and healthy to eat).  This yogurt will keep for about a week in the fridge.

Add what you like for flavor--my favorite things to mix in are vanilla stevia (liquid) for sweetness and some berries.


Have you ever made yogurt?! 


What would your mix-ins of choice be?

By Mary Oleksowicz, L. Ac MSTOM 

•              Musclo-skeletal pain including back aches and arthritis. Treatments for muscle disorders often  involve a “ trigger point “  release action while skeletal pain is regulated through the reduction of inflammation.
•      Emotional disorders including insomnia and anxiety. These disorders are regulated through stress-relief and endorphin release.
•             Gastro-intestinal disorders including diarrhea , constipation , “heartburn” and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) , especially if these symptoms are exacerbated by stress.
•       Low energy and/or immune system dis-harmonies such as allergies or chronic infection.
•     “Annoyances” – Chronic, seemingly un-related conditions such as ringing in the ears, night sweats, hot flashes, and eye “floaters”.
•      Menstrual disorders across the life span including cramps, clots,  irregularity, infertility and menopause–related issues.
•      For people who have been told that clinically, “There is nothing wrong with them” yet feel un-well.

I hope this article has piqued your interest in using acupuncture for your health concerns . Perhaps you will even add a session to your holiday wish list !