By Anna Hazard
Introduction
With the upcoming Valentine's Day celebrations focusing on metaphorical hearts, here are an assortment of simple-to-make beverage recipes that will benefit the drinker's physical body & heart. Finished drinks will be Valentine's themed using associated shapes, tastes, and natural colors such as pinks, purples, and reds.
Most drinks will be suitable for children through seniors as well as for people who may have trouble chewing or swallowing. A further focus will be on fresh seasonal produce and other all natural ingredients (with no added salt or refined sugars) that should be easy to obtain locally even during the winter months.
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By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of spring-themed recipes suitable for various Mother's Day meals from morning to evening with a focus on those that include no refined sugars, are low sodium, and include healthy & in-season produce and other ingredients (particularly those that have anti-inflammatory or stress relieving properties or are known for extended heart & brain health benefits suitable for more senior mothers).
Most recipes are vegan and dairy-free with a selection of gluten-free offerings as well. Meals & drinks are blended or otherwise on the softer side for easier chewing and swallowing. Recipes
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of non-alcoholic beverages that are suitable for St. Patricks Day due to their being "green" (in both coloring and in the use of their fresh ingredients). The recipes span a wide range of styles from thick smoothies to sweet shakes, light bodied juices, and various forms of mocktails and other virgin drinks that can be found as both savory or as desserts.
The focus is on drinks with all natural and healthy ingredients that are in-season or easily available from local grocery stores. Beverages have also been chosen for their smooth textures suitable for those with swallowing or chewing difficulties. All recipes also eschew refined sugars (some using natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead) with most of them being dairy-free as well. Most will require the use of a blender in order to achieve the proper consistency for their ingredients. Other helpful kitchen tools also include juicers, muddlers, and various forms of strainers. Recipes
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of non-alcoholic drinks suitable for New Years celebrations. The focus is on healthy ingredients using in-season produce (such as cranberries, apples, and citrus) that avoid the use of refined sugars with limited dairy or eggs. Many drinks use winter holiday inspired flavors such as gingerbread, peppermint, or eggnog with the beverages either being meant to be served hot or include spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric known for their warming properties.
These drinks are smooth bodied and thus should be suitable for those with chewing or swallowing difficulties, but recipes can be further blended or strained with thickeners applied for those with more severe dysphagia.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are a selection of healthy & nutritious recipes that are festively themed for the upcoming winter holidays. They are generally meant to be served heated, use fresh in-season ingredients, and have softer components that make them easier to eat for those who may have more trouble chewing or swallowing
Recipes
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
This third part of the series focuses on the best cooking oils, beverages, and dessert ingredients for helping to promote memory retention, general brain health, and stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Parkinson's with brief explanations regarding the food components and their chemical properties that are the cause of these health benefits.
Boosting effects can include increasing the presence of helpful neural transmitters, blocking inhibitory transmitters, protecting neurons from the oxidative damage of free radicals, as well as helping to prevent or break-down the build-up of plaque within the brain. Brain Boosting Foods
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Here are a sampling of some of the best natural foods for helping to improve memory & learning ability, stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and otherwise maintain overall good brain health.
This second part of the series focuses on standalone plant products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that were not covered in the overall food groups mentioned in Part 1. Beneficial plant nutrients such as caretenoids & anthrocyanins as well as other anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds & vitamins can be found within each recommended food along with a brief description of how each element contributes to the overall health of the brain. Boosting effects can include increasing the presence of neural transmitters, protecting neurons from the damage of free radicals, or increasing the efficiency of oxygen being carried to the brain. Brain Boosting Foods
Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Here are a sampling of some of the best foods known for their ability to help improve memory & learning ability, stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and otherwise maintain overall good brain health.
This first part of the series focuses on overall general food groups that possess the proper vitamins, nutrients, and various other natural compounds that scientific studies have indicated are helpful in preventing the build-up of amyloid plaque within the brain, help in the efficiency of neural signaling, or otherwise contribute to maintaining normal brain function. A quick overview of each chemical compound found within the diet and how it's contributions help improve health are included with each recommendation. Best Brain Boosting Foods
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
Here are an assortment of recipes for a entire meal based on fresh in-season summer produce, meats, and sea foods that are suitable for those who have trouble either chewing or swallowing normal whole foods.
The degree of blending or pureeing needed will vary depending upon the swallowing ability of the eater. In addition additional thickeners may need to be added to drinks and thinner sauces for those who have more severe problems with swallowing. In such cases produce that leaves behind tiny seeds (such as strawberries, raspberries, or even the addition of chia seeds) should be avoided entirely or strained before serving.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
The 4th of July is a grand occasion for friends & family to gather and often bask in the sun & warm temperatures before the full heat of summer hits. Chilled drinks & foods (especially desserts) are a must when it comes to keeping cool during this summer time celebration.
Here are a selection of various recipes for 4th of July inspired beverages and desserts that are healthy and take full advantage of the plentiful & fresh summer time produce. These drinks & foods are soft bodied and particularly beneficial to those who may have trouble chewing or swallowing harder foods. Despite its holiday popularity, leave out the booze in recipes meant for seniors who may have potential medication conflicts with alcohol. Healthy Drink Recipes
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