Health & Nutrition

Artichokes 1 May 2015

Le Voov Artichokes!

Did I mention I love artichokes?

When most people see an artichoke for the first time, they are reminded of the giant man-eating plant ‘Audrey’ from Little Shop of Horrors. Artichokes have thorns that look like dangerous claws on the end of each fibrous leaf. Encountering them for the first time may be a little intimidating, bringing about a cautious apprehension present when attempting to break up a cat fight while naked. It is neither obvious nor intuitive how to approach eating an artichoke for the first-timer. However, if you are fortunate enough to live in an area where artichokes grow, and you are in-the-know on just how to prepare and eat them, they are truly a glorious delight.

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86 Mayo

86 The Mayo! Healthy Alternative Sandwich Spreads

Over the last few years, the classic deli sandwich has been through a major overhaul as we strive to create nutritious yet satisfying ways to reinvent this American staple. At the store, as I read the labels on many of these common household condiments, meats and breads, I quickly discovered a plethora of hidden sugars, salt, nitrates, antibiotics and even growth hormones. Bad, bad, 1000 times BAD!

My journey began with the basics, finding reliable sources for high quality bread, cheese and meat. Once I found a healthy source for these, I decided to explore my choices for delicious condiments and greens to create a sandwich that was truly Voovacious!

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March 2015 Meyer Lemons

Le Voov! Fruit: Meyer Lemons ? ? ?

We are blessed to have not one, but two Meyer lemon trees in our yard. As the days grow shorter in late autumn, the yellow orbs begin to deepen in color and look like bright seasonal ornaments stealthfully hiding among the deep green foliage. With the passing of each winter day, the lemons grow sweeter, and knowing this makes me feel warm right down to my toes.

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Nut Butter Smoothie

Nut-Butter Berry Banana Smoothie ?

One of my very favorite morning meals is the Nut-Butter Berry Banana Smoothie. (Oh behave yourselves naughty monkeys…!) I refer to this smoothie as ‘B3Z’ (pronounced bee-3-zeeeeh!) since this name includes the word ‘Bee’, and I just love, love, love bees!!! So, I prefer to call it B3Z!

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Detox Smoothie June 2016

Papaya & Lime Detox Smoothie

With the heat of summer creeping in, I enjoy chilling down after my workout with a fruity, refreshing smoothie. The papaya, mango, banana and lime all contain phyto-nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. This smoothie is packed with vitamins A, B’s and C, which are great for clearing free radicals and lactic acid out of the muscles after a workout. The cucumber, aloe and coconut water have needed electorates and aid in a healthy digestive track. With all these vitamin-packed ingredients blended together, you get a high fiber, anti-inflammatory, immuno-boosting smoothie that will make you feel like a million bucks!

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IMG 7478 2 E1462996201196

Bee Cause…! ?

Bee Calm & Buzz On… ???
Bees, as well as other pollinators (bats, hummingbirds, butterflies/moths, etc.) are in serious peril these days as a result of the many compounding issues challenging their survival. Every year, we bolster our garden with pollinating, nectar-rich plants to ensure our local pollinators remain fortified, fat and happy! (Honestly, there is nothing better than smiling little bees with their legs fat with pollen, buzzing about the yard in bliss!) ???

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LV Blog Dungeness Crab FF

Dungeness Crab Season 2016!

Nothing screams autumn on the west coast like fresh, succulent Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister). Bay Area crab-lovers eagerly await the opening of the season every November. Unfortunately, this year, the state Department of Public Health has issued restrictions due to a toxin known as domoic acid, which can cause everything from mild gastrointestinal illness to death in severe cases.

Sadly, humans are not the only ones affected by this neurotoxin. Hundreds of marine mammals and birds have been sickened and died due to the unusually high levels of the toxic acid occurring off the coast this year.

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Riveria Pears

Le Voov! Fruit: Royal Riviera Pears ? ? ?

Each year, for as long as I can remember, our dear friends *Kathy and John have sent us a lovely box of Royal Riviera pears from Harry & David in Oregon. If you have never experienced this amazingly sweet and juicy pear, it is truly one to savor. (Please see my About page for details regarding *The Sisters)

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