Life at its Best

• Avoid storing apples with other fruits/vegetables. The gases naturally released by other fruits/vegetables can make apples soften.  

• Placing apples in the refrigerator is great for short-term storage. But the refrigerator lacks humidity and can dry apples out. Place them in a perforated plastic bag (often what they are sold in). This will help trap some of the humidity.You can even add a damp paper towel over the bag for extra humidity.  

• For longer term storage, you can put them in a cardboard box and keep them in a cool, dark place (like a basement or pantry). Its nice to close the box so it limits the airflow, but it doesn't need to be airtight.   

• Avoid freezing the apples. Ideal storage is between 33-38 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity ranging between 80% and 90%. 

• Try not to store apples with any bruises or soft spots, this will shorten storage life and cause more fruit decay in the whole group. To help prevent bruises, handle apples carefully and wrap them individually in newspaper before putting them in a box for storage.   

BREAKFAST

• 1 sprouted whole grain tortilla
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural almond or peanut butter
• 1 banana, diced

1. Spread almond butter on tortilla.
2. Top with bananas and roll.

• 1 cup quinoa, soaked and cooked
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite dried unsweetened fruit (cranberries, raisins, blueberries, etc.)
• Dash sea salt
• Cinnamon or grated nutmeg to taste
• Stevia to taste
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat until liquid is absorbed.

QUICK HEALTHY LUNCHES

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin seed
• Dash sea salt
• Your favorite vegetables.

• 1 cup quinoa rotini pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
• ½ sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 green onion, chopped
• ½ tomato, seeded and chopped
• ½ zucchini, chopped
• ½ cucumber chopped
• 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon organic lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Dash sea salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

1. Mix pasta, pepper, onion, tomato, zucchini, cucumber and parsley.
2. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour over salad. Toss to mix.

• 1 sprouted grain, gluten-free tortilla
• ½ avocado
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Dash sea salt
• ¼ cup baby spinach
• ½ cup carrots, peeled and shredded
• ½ tomato, chopped
• ¼ cup spicy sprouts
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced

1. Combine avocado, lemon juice and sea salt in a small bowl. Lightly mash with a fork.
2. Spread mashed avocado on tortilla.
3. Top with spinach, carrots, tomato, sprouts, and pepper.
4. Roll and cut in half.

• 1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped organic onions
• 1 teaspoon minced organic garlic
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
• 2 cups water or 2 cups broth
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Other Goodies They Will Love:

• Ants on a log (celery sticks with almond or peanut butter and raisins)
• Coconut, almond, or Greek yogurt
• Seasonal fruit kabobs
• Organic string cheese
• Leftovers
• Veggie soups in a thermos
• Kale chips
• Veggies and salsa, guacamole, or pesto
• Fruit
• Raw cheesecake pudding
• Black bean brownies
• Raw nuts or seeds
• Homemade trail mix
• Organic hard boiled eggs
• Homemade granola bars
• Larabars
• Raw homemade applesauce
• Raw brownie bites-these are addicting!
• Zucchini chips
• Baked plantain chips- Be sure to use SEA SALT instead of regular salt!! Less sugar than bananas! Great salty snack!

WHAT TO AVOID:

Want more ideas or need help with meal planning or grocery shopping? Please contact me with questions.  I also offer phone or skype sessions if you do not live in the Twin Cities!