Cranberry-Pistachio Power Greens to the Rescue!

How wonderful would it be to have a heaping green plate if goodness for dinner tonight? Like most people, I wasn't always a big fan of broccoli and Brussel sprouts... but as years passed, I grew fond of these cruciferous greens, and now adore them! I promise, you only need 5 ingredients to make this 15-minute vegan alkaline-forming dish that even the kids will enjoy! My cranberry pistachio power greens will fill you up, and warm your heart! All you need is Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cranberries, pistachios, and some cold-pressed coconut oil. 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup raw pistachios

1/4 cup dried organic cranberries

1 cup organic broccoli florets

1 cup organic shaved Brussel sprouts

Sautée the Brussel sprouts in coconut oil on medium heat, turning with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. I always start with the vegetables that are the most tough, and take longer to caramelize. Add the cranberries and pistachios. The last step is to add the broccoli, because broccoli is tender, and tends to overcook quickly (do this when you see the cranberries get soft)! I don't like brown, soggy broccoli, so I literally just toss it in for a couple of minutes, and turn off the burner. That's it! Your dinner is served - healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I just added a garnish of micro greens, and voila!

Dasha's 15-Minute Sweet Vegan Quinoa Salad

I LOVE QUINOA

Now that we got that straight, here are some reasons why I love it, and why you will, too! 

• Quinoa is high in protein - 16%-20% high quality vegan protein.
• It's Alkaline-forming, which means quinoa doesn't support the spread of candida, yeast, and cancer in the body.
• Low glycemic index means that the amount of carbs supplied by quinoa are burned slowly and equally to avoid spikes and fat storage in the body.
• Low calories! A cup of cooked quinoa has only about 220 kcal. (yay!)
• Gluten-free for those with celiac. 

Quinoa was considered sacred by the Incas- they called it the “mother seed.” 

This is why I love magical, delicious, light and healthy quinoa! Oh... and did I mention that this dish only took me 15 minutes? Looks like you have no excuses now - give this recipe a try, and you will be delighted!

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa (I used organic white quinoa, but you may also use the red variety)

1 large organic carrot

1/2 medium sweet organic onion

1 cup organic mushrooms (about 10 small)

1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup organic unsulfured turkish apricots

1/4 cup organic raisins

cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

I like to be efficient and productive in everything I do, including business, and cooking, so 15 minutes to make a dish sounds just about right!

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, and put in a pot with 2.5 cups water and a pinch of salt. Quinoa is a bit different from rice, and it needs more water to plump up, but still remain flaky, not clumpy and lumpy. 

At the same time that the water with quinoa is taking to boil, heat up a skillet on low heat, and put in the coconut oil, with onions. Sweat the onions a bit, and then add the carrots and mushrooms. Once that mix has become caramelized, add the raisins and apricots. Keep mixing with a wooden spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Once the water with quinoa boils, take off the burner and cover with a lid for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes have passed, you will see that the water has evaporated, and now you are left with just the ready boiled grain! Transfer to a bowl, mix in the rest of the ingredients from the skillet, and let cool. The finishing touch is the fresh cilantro - add it when the salad has cooled down, to keep it nice and fresh!

Sweet, isn't it? Absolutely delicious, healthy, and quick! Enjoy!

10 Facts About Acne

1. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States - it affects nearly 50 million Americans. 
2. Some of the most common causes of acne are: genetics, stress, hormones, medication, oil-based cosmetics, environmental pollution, acidity and candida, intestinal infection, and allergies. 
3. 85% of all Americans have had acne at one point in their lives.
4. The most common age group that is affected by acne is 15-25 year-olds.
5. Active teenagers who play sports are likely to get blemishes from not washing their face after exercising, and from wearing the same helmet/baseball cap daily.
6. Acne treatment products containing Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid are not recommended for use during the daytime, and should only be applied before bed, as to avoid skin hyperpigmentation.
7. At-home extractions are highly discouraged, because they produce permanent scarring. Acne scars are commonly categorized in three groups: Atrophic: shallow for the most part; Boxcar-shaped: scars are those which tend to be larger; Ice pick-shaped: scars are those which are both deep and narrow in appearance.
8. Every study conducted on the psychological impact of acne has shown that it causes a statistically significant increase in anxiety, depression and related mental health problems.
9. Acne may be caused by a deficiency in Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin A, Selenium, Vitamin E, and Omega 3.
10. Acne thrives on sugar and yeast, so the best way to keep those blemishes at bay is by avoiding sweets, dairy and bread.

Transform your appearance with this revolutionary new Eye Serum for dark circles and puffiness

Finally, a one-step serum that focuses on the problems of under-eye puffiness, dark circles, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and poor skin circulation! A reduction of dark circles by 35% after 8 weeks,  a reduction of eye puffiness of 31% in 8 weeks, and improvement of skin texture of 42% in 8 weeks! Simply the best product for dark circles on the market!  SAIAN® Clinical Strength Eye Serum contains REGU®-AGE PF, as well as the highest quality Hyaluronic Acid available on the market today! REGU®-AGE PF is a unique, high-performing, paraben-free complex of specially purified natural rice and soy peptides which work daily to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance!

SAIAN® Clinical Strength Eye Serum contains REGU®-AGE PF, as well as the highest quality Hyaluronic Acid available on the market today! REGU®-AGE PF is a unique, high-performing, paraben-free complex of specially purified natural rice and soy peptides which work daily to reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, giving you a refreshed, youthful appearance!

Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS to us! Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine - SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care was just nominated for BEST skincare products of the year! 3 of our professional items made the nomination - THREE! Can you imagine that? Quite amazing, and a tremendous honor for our brand. Please help us by voting here: http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards You have 3 products to choose from - Sunscreen Spray, Makeup Remover, and Neck Creme!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart! - Dasha Saian

My Trip to a Tijuana Orphanage and Info How You Can Help

Dear friends, I would like to share my experience visiting an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, in hopes that it will inspire you to participate, donate, and show your love. I had the privilege of getting introduced to the Corazon de Vida Foundation by my friend, Veronica, who has been on many trips with them in the past, and came along with me and my friend Dana on our first visit! A bit of background - Corazon de Vida helps bridge the gap between orphaned children in Tijuana, Mexico and loving people who come to volunteer, sponsor children, and provide generous donations that make meals, clothing, and education available for these amazing kids. There are few things that can compare to the warmth, sincerity, and beauty of a child's smile, and when I saw these children's smiles, I could hardly believe how happy they were in that moment, surrounded by the rubble of Tijuana's houses. You will see the beautiful photos of the time we had bonding with the kids, but I'd like to start off by showing a couple of photos of Tijuana's landscape, and telling you about my journey.

I woke up at 4am, got dressed, packed my supplies into the trunk of my car, and drove to the arranged location to board a charter bus to Mexico at 5:30am. The bus makes 3 stops before the Mexican border - Los Angeles 5:30am, Irvine 6:15am, and San Diego 8:15am. My friend Gayane and her  sweet children made a shopping trip to help us with supplies that were much-needed at the Casa Hogar Sion orphanage. Some of the things we bought were shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, toilet paper and toothbrushes. Dana brought giant tubs of detergent, and what looked to be a life-time supply of toilet paper. Once we arrived at the border, we cleared the bus, it got x-rayed, and so did our posessions. We went through customs, and were in Tijuana by 10am. Corazon de Vida sponsors and visits 11 orphanages, but this day, we were at the Casa Hogar Sion - the largest, housing 90-100 children. There is a girl's and a boy's house, each has 2 floors with bunk beds. The children don't have personal possessions - there is one great big closet in each house - they wear whatever is clean and fits them. The dorm rooms may be poorly decorated and tight, but they are clean and bright, and so are the little inhabitants who dwell at Casa Sion.

I am a fluent Spanish-speaker, so communicating with the kids in their language was easy for me, but I can tell you without a doubt - there is no language barrier when it comes to love and care. The children are sweet, shy, and talented. Another volunteer brought a conga and you should have heard the great beats all of the kiddos were producing on that drum! Simply tremendous! The beauty in this photo is Rebecca -she's 9 years old and has 10 siblings, all of whom live at the orphanage... This was very hard for me to take in, and was very painful to hear. Some kids here are orphans, with deceased parents, some are left by parents who can't support them financially. Rebecca really touched my heart. She was playing board games with us, and got a fancy pink manicure and glittery makeup that day. I love her smile, I just adore it, she reminded me of myself at that age! There were little babies at the orphanage, barely 3 months old - Veronica held little Luis, who could barely hold his tiny head up, he was so small... It made me sad, but also made me grateful to know that there are good people out there who will adopt him. Hopefully... I met some young ladies who were academic stars! One just got accepted to Dental school, and the other to Veterinary school!  I respect their dedication and hard work on the way to triumph over poverty.

Dana and I didn't waste any time, and jumped in the kitchen at 11am, where we peeled and cut up fruit for a giant fruit salad until 1pm, and then served a mountain of hot rice, broccoli, and chicken to 150 people at lunch. It was a great experience, because we were able to physically help out where we were needed! 

We played, we made food, we ate, we talked, we drew and colored, we bonded, and at 2pm, we boarded the bus back to Los Angeles. It was hard saying goodbye, but I have already signed up for my next trip back to Casa Hogar Sion on December 6th - it's a Holiday trip, and you can sign up using this link

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bus-2-december-6-2014-cdv-holiday-bus-to-the-casa-hogar-sion-orphanage-tickets-13102643359?aff=efbnen. 

Please donate to the cause using this link! I am hoping to raise at least $500 for the kids by Christmas! I am sure that we can raise that amount and much more if we all pitch in a little (or a lot)! The organizer of the trip, George, pointed out how ripped and destroyed the sofas in the boy's dorm were, and said they desperately needed some leather sofas. I couldn't resist but to offer a pair of mine from the office. They were enjoyed here by clients and staff, but now its time to do some good in Mexico :) I am glad to keep the giving spirit, and I know you will fall in love with these kids, as well. I hope to see you all on my next trip, and remember - open your heart - let love out, let love in :)

 CLICK HERE TO HELP ME RAISE FUNDS FOR THE KIDS
 https://www.crowdrise.com/DashasCasaSionFundraiser/fundraiser/dashasaian

Manifesting Positivity Blog is Now Live on Blogspot!

I'm so excited to announce that my Manifesting Positivity Inspirational Blog is now on Blogspot! Daily inspiration from the Facebook Group http://manifestingpositivity.blogspot.com/ can now be seen here http://manifestingpositivity.blogspot.com/

Thank you again for encouraging me to write daily! I am happy to know that you enjoy my posts and find my sincere advice useful!

Collagen Infusion Training Tutorial Excerpt

Post by SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care.

My Favorite Green Juice Recipe

I am a true believer in our food being our medicine - there is nothing healthier than fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to bring our body to it's best, most healthy state! This amazing juice rapidly delivers nutrients to the blood stream, invigorating your cells, and increasing your circulation! You will absolutely LOVE it! I use basic ingredients, with an addition of dandelion greens and ginger to spice it up, and get your body vibrating with positive aura! Make this juice if you struggle with acne, and want to clear up your complexion - it is all-alkaline, and will suppress inflammation that causes candida and yeast. If you don't use dandelion greens and dandelion root tea, I highly recommend them! This is nature's amazing liver and kidney cleanser, that has been know to alleviate even cirrhosis and hepatitis c. Here's a powerful green juice combination that will start your morning right:

4 pieces of organic celery
1 organic cucumber
1 cup organic spinach
1/2 organic Granny Smith apple
1/4 inch of organic ginger
1/2 bunch of dandelion greens
1/4 bunch of Cilantro

Protecting Yourself from Sneaky Trans Fats

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually. Believe it or not, every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. This is an alarming statistic, which should be reason enough to encourage more people to eat better, and exercise.

I'm sure you know by now that I don't consume any processed foods, crackers, cereals, canned goods, chips, cookies, or fast food, but I absolutely know how to read a food label! In fact, learning how to read labels was on my nutritional examination, which I passed with flying colors, and I will teach you, as well. 

Trans fat is a specific type of fat that is formed when hydrogen is added to liquid oils to turn them into solid fats. The FDA has released a statement that partially hydrogenated oils are not "generally recognized as safe" for consumption. I am sure you are all aware of the FDA's ban on trans fats, as of November 2013, but did you know companies have found a loophole? Look at this label below, and tell me what you see? 0g Trans Fat, correct? Nope, look again. 

What you may not know, is that the FDA allows companies to list Trans Fat content as 0g if it's under 0.5g, but that's not taking the serving size into consideration. The serving size is 4 cookies, but what if you eat 8 or 12? Look carefully - these cookies can't possibly have 0g of trans fat, because there are hydrogenated vegetable oils listed in the ingredients! Check out this study conducted in 2012, and you will be shocked how many foods have Trans Fats, and the manufacturers don't list them on the package! http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/14_0161.htm   I was appalled, and enraged! 

I realize that it is each and every person's responsibility to become educated on all subjects, to protect the health of him/herself, and teach his/her family, because the government will not do it for us, and the food manufacturers won't either. This is why I am advising you to read the ingredients on the packaged food labels, so there is absolutely no confusion regarding Trans Fats. If you see the hydrogenated oils, the product has Trans Fats, even if the label says 0g. Please take care of your health, and help others do the same! 

Dasha's Natural Oncology Protocols for a Healthy, Long Life

Helping people has become a big theme in my life, and I do it with love, and sincerity. This is a hard blog entry to write, but I trust that you will respect my vulnerability, and trust my advice. I want to help you all with your health and quality of life, but if you are currently under the supervision of an oncologist, I don't want you to do anything without consulting your doctor first.

 

A year and a half ago, my mother (best friend, soulmate, business partner, inspiration, motivation, and the most important person in my life) had a seizure, and was rushed to the emergency room. Unconscious, completely unaware of what was going on inside her head... little did she, or any of us know, that she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor the size of an orange, and given 5 weeks to live. 

This was a year and a half ago. 

My mother is alive and well today, and cancer-free!

I give credit to her strong will and exceptional motivation, and the amazing Dr. Badie at City of Hope, who agreed to operate on her, and removed the tumor. The video below about him will give you an idea about this man. He is an angel, and truly the strongest in his field. I am grateful every day for the spontaneous spark of idea in my head that pushed me to seek a second opinion, and move my mother to THIS hospital for treatment. It will be hard getting an appointment with him, but keep trying, don't give up! It took me almost 2 days of repetitive calling to get an OK to bring her over.

After her surgery, mom endured 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo, and the same day she started this treatment, I put her on a special natural alternative cancer treatment plan. I am not a doctor, but I have studied nutrition, and did very much research after our diagnosis. Although there are many alternative oncology protocols that all work well (Cellect, Amygdalin B17, Gerson system juicing, mistletoe and hydrogen peroxide injections, etc), I have put together a plan which works best for my mom, without causing her discomfort, or interruption of regular medical treatment. I have mom on the Budwig Diet since May 1st.

This method is known to do wonders for people with cancer, even those who have days to live. Here is the recipe:

6 tablespoons of Organic Low fat cottage cheese

3 Tablespoons of Barlean's Fresh Flax Seed oil (unflavored without lignants)

blended together on low with a hand mixer until smooth like whip cream.

Add to that 2 tablespoons of FRESHLY ground flax seeds (you have to do it right away with a coffee mill, not pre-ground) eat this 2x day - morning and evening.

Here is the video how to do it. I also add 1 table spoon of turmeric to it, since turmeric is known to fight brain tumors.

I strongly believe in the power of mushrooms, such as reishi, shitake, maitake, and cordyceps. These supplements from Aloha Medicinals pack a powerful punch against inflammation, and increase immunity. Mom takes 6 in the morning, and 6 in the evening. The product is called Immune-assist Critical Care Formula 500mg of mushrooms. Believe it or not, we had an outbreak of shingles on her face recently, and her immunity was suppressed (+the dreadful chemo that was lowering it). It took us 3 weeks to raise her platelets from 90 to 165!

Nutrition is very important, and as a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, I believe that our bodies will heal ourselves when fed nourishing and balanced meals. I don't believe in processed foods, and I eat a simple diet of fruits and vegetables. To get the most into your system, get a juicer or a vitamix. Mom juices about 3lbs of veggies a day. I'd like you to get the book "The Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates. It will teach you how to alkalize your body, and reduce candida and inflammation that causes acne, poor digestion, weight gain, and allergies. She is an inspiration of mine, and an amazing person I adore and look up to! You can purchase this book by clicking on the Body Ecology link below.

As far as supplements, you need 5000IU of Vitamin D3 daily, and 1000mg of Vitamin C as well as 1000mg Calcium with 500mg Magnesium daily! Mom also takes a teaspoon of Organic Bee Pollen, daily, drinks roasted dandelion root tea to help her kidneys and liver function properly, drinks alkaline water from our machine, takes enzymes, and 500mg of bee propolis.

I truly believe that this approach is helping her thrive to this day. She has stood up from the wheelchair (she was wheelchair bound for 4 months), now walks all by herself (even takes the stairs), writes using her weak hand, and does many of the tasks she was able to do in the past!

P.S.Most importantly, I have saved the best formula for last!

Hope + Love = Miracles

Sending my love, and best wishes. Never give up!

The Correct Way to Apply Moisturizers

Is the overwhelming amount of moisturizers on the market causing you confusion? When to apply a creme? What about a serum? When to apply ampoules? What about a collagen spray? Do you really need all that "stuff"? 

Before making any recommendations, I like to conduct a client consultation, to analyze my client's skin. For anyone with dry, and very dry skin, I always recommend to start with a moisturizing milky cleanser twice a day. This way you know that all steps in your daily routine are designed to hydrate.

When it comes to moisturizing the skin, a serum always comes first! Remember, a serum has a watery, oil-free formula, that is easily absorbable by the skin. This type  of product is ideal for application around the delicate skin if the eyes, and the nasolabial folds. Most serums tend to be ionizable, and can be penetrated with a galvanic machine. This is a great way to get the best results from the active ingredients in the product! You don't need any big professional equipment - there are a number of hand-held units available on the market, that work as well as the large machine, and sometimes even better! Here is a link to a previous blog entry about the hand-held machines.

After applying a serum, it's best to apply a creme. The reason for this, is that a creme creates a barrier that helps keep the serum from evaporating. Since serums don't have oil, they penetrate quickly, but don't feel like they are moisturizing enough. Most of the time, serums leave a tight feeling on the skin. After application of creme, the skin will feel softer, more shiny and moisturized.

Ampoules and extremely liquid serums are best used under masks, especially collagen masks. Never wash the face after removing that product - remember, you are penetrating nourishing ingredients, so everything will stay on the skin after application.

Vegan Fall Power Salad Recipe

My beautiful friends Julia Price and Danika Brysha are doing some amazing things, and today, I am EXTREMELY excited and honored to be featured on buyconscious.com with my Vegan Fall Power Salad Recipe. I'm no chef, like my girl Danika, but I do what I can to help you keep a clear complexion, lean body, and a healthy glow at any age! http://buyconscious.com/fallpowersalad/

Simple Advice That Will Help You Re-Charge Your Body and Mind!

Want to boost your metabolism, oxygenate your body, aid your digestion, and re-energize? My simplest advice to you is:

1. Drink more water! We often can't think logically, get fatigued, dehydrated, and lazy just because we are lacking water in our system. A lot of times we end up over-eating, because we can't tell when we are genuinely hungry for a snack - often just water would be sufficient. (and no, coffee, juice, and soda don't count)

2. Become more aware of your breathing. Are you taking in enough oxygen? Can you feel your ribcage expanding when you take a breath? Take time and sit upright. Really pay attention to your breath, and breathe until you feel your fingertips and toes tingling with energy!

Selecting The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type

When it comes to skincare, selecting the right products can get very confusing, especially for the casual consumer. Choosing among a plethora of different types of cremes, serums, masks, scrubs and cleansers is easier once you get a consultation with your esthetician, but meanwhile, I trust that this simple blog entry FAQ will be helpful!

What’s the best product to use? A gel? A foam? A cream? Mousse? Milks? Washes?

There are many types of cleansers available on the market, and there is no one perfect product for all. Typically, older clients prefer milky cleansers, because they don’t strip the skin of natural oils, and moisturize as they clean. Younger clients may prefer a foamy cleanser, which makes the face feel “squeaky clean” and tight.

Should clients with different skin types use different formulas?

Different cleansers are made with ingredients added specifically to treat certain skin types. For example, aloe and chamomile are added to soothe sensitive skin, salicylic and AHA to treat oily, and acne-prone skin. A knowledgeable esthetician will gladly suggest the best cleanser for her client!

What are the signs that clients haven’t been cleansing properly at home?

Blackheads, whiteheads, and milia are tell-tale signs that the client hasn’t been cleansing properly at home. It is very important to always remove make-up before bed, and skipping this easy step can cause clogged pores, wrinkles, and blemishes.

Should clients ever do their own “deep cleanses”?

At-home experiments often lead to burned faces, scarring, and redness. It is best to leave the deep-cleanses to the professionals!

20-Minute Activities that Will Nourish Your Body and Soul

As a business woman, writer, and an EXTREMELY simple person, I have developed (purely by accident) some easy-as-pie strategies for showing yourself love and support! These 20-minute activities will give your body, mind and heart, the emotional boost to release tension, think more clearly, make rational decisions, and balance your life. Here is a short list of activities that will be beneficial to you. Whenever you have trouble throughout your day, do one of these, or a few!

1. Read a book. A good book!
2. Stretch your body. Don't neglect your neck. Massage your tense shoulders.
3. Write, be creative, start a blog, a book, and commit to it!
4. Draw something! Anything! Use your imagination!
5. Take a walk outside.
6. Learn a phrase in a foreign language you can use daily. Next time learn a new one! Keep going!
7. Dance it OUT! Put on some music and jump!
8. Prepare a beautiful and healthy meal. Focus on the small details, plate it like you're on Iron Chef, and it's judgement time!
9. Clean the closet and let go of the things that no longer serve you, and would be more useful to someone else. Donate directly to those in need, or take to the midnight mission. Remember, good will sells the donated clothes, and ships them to Africa for resale. You want your things in the hands of the ones who need them, free.
10. Ask who needs your help. Helping others is our birthright and responsibility.

Benefits of Maca Everyone Can Enjoy

I love superfoods, and feel like it's my obligation to share all my healthy discoveries with you! You already know that I am obsessed with chia, flax, reishi, shitake, maitake, cordyceps, red raspberry leaves, bee pollen, propolis, ginger, coconut, quinoa, sea buckthorn, berries, seaweed, aprocote kernels, goji, and dandelion, but have you heard of maca? Sadly, maca powder is not widely available, so unless you are into independent research, you probably will not come across it in your local supermarket. 

Maca (Lepidium meyenil) looks like a radish, and is grown at high elevations in the Andes region of central Peru. It has been used for centuries by indigenous Peruvians as a food source, as well as for increasing stamina and energy. More recent scientific studies have demonstrated that Maca supports hormonal balance and both male and female reproductive health, and can help pre-menopausal women (it reduces hot flashes, depression and sleep interruptions). Peruvian maca can treat infertility, increase energy, alleviate acne (amazing, right?) and boost libido!

I recommend 500mg - 1000mg daily. You can take this in powder form, or in capsules - both are quickly absorbed in the body for best health benefits! Stay healthy, and have a beautiful weekend!

Post by Dasha Saian.

Post by SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care.

Alkaline Vegan Quinoa Recipe for Clearing your Complexion, and Boosting your Energy!

Meet my favorite summer creation - Dasha's Vegan Power Salad! Those of you who have taken an acne workshop with me know how much I stress the importance of alkalizing the body! It is a proven way to get rid of candida, and starving the yeast that can create a toxic environment in the gut, acidic bodily fluids, and acne-prone skin. The reason I call this a power salad, is because quinoa is so rich in protein, and so are black beans! Quinoa is a power-grain, because it is alkalizing, and easy to digest - it's a beautiful alternative to rice and porridge that is easy on the stomach, but has the ability to fill you up!

Today's recipe is a cold salad of organic boiled quinoa, with black beans, organic tomatoes, organic cucumbers and organic orange bell peppers. Tomatoes, beans, and orange bell peppers are not alkalizing, but cucumbers and quinoa are. If you are on a strict alkaline diet, substitute these ingredients with red bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, scallions, broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, or haricot vert. I always try to change up the ingredients in my favorite salads, so if you're not on the strict candida plan, feel free to add avocado, boiled beets, pine nuts, raisins, fresh corn, garlic (yes!), ginger, or whatever else floats your boat! 

While the quinoa is cooling, I marinade my black beans in lemon juice and Barlean's flax seed oil, then I combine all ingredients an a big bowl, and add chopped cilantro, basil, and a pinch of salt! Quinoa is super easy to prepare! 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, turn off the heat, and cover the pot for 15 minutes. Once 15 minutes have elapsed, take it out of the pot and cool in a separate bowl, or eat it hot - just like rice! Enjoy!

Ingredients (I use only organic ingredients):
1 cup quinoa (dry)
1 cup boiled black beans
1 large tomato
1 cucumber
1 orange bell-pepper
5-7 leaves of basil
1/4 bunch of parsley
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbs flax seed oil