Longevity Elixirs ~ Falling into Fall 🍁
Happy transition season,
I have many thoughts about this time of year, and I'm going to post them on Substack, LinkedIn & The Croneicle. Change is in the air. Read it where you please, if you please.
My summer has been a season of introspection, a routine reboost, and a time of tough feelings. Like many women 35+ my hormone health is loud and begging to be addressed, and when I've looked into what is possible to change within my means, at this time, it's an emphasis on increasing plant diversity in my diet, going to bed at a regular time (this is hard for me), and scheduling time for gratitude.
These resources helped me and they are shared with the intention that you take what works for you . . .
Elixir 1 ~ Recipe for Fennel Linguine by Borough Chef
I have been making this recipe on repeat. 1st of all, fennel is unbeatable for constipation, bloating, and improving heart health. In Ancient Rome it was known for purifying the body, protection from evil spirits, and amplifying health and divination. I buy one bulb and it lasts me three meals of this dish. The recipe is from Borough Chef and it's fabulous!
Ingredients: (makes 2 portions)
1 head fennel (cut into 4 wedges then sliced very finely lengthwise, roughly chop any attached green fronds)
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 cloved garlic, finely sliced
pinch chilli flakes
1 tsp thyme leaves
1 lemon
80g grated parmesan
180g dried linguine pasta
olive oil
salt and pepper
Method:
1. Place a wide pan over a medium heat with a little oil. Add the garlic, fennel seeds and thyme. When aromatic, stir in a little grated lemon zest and the sliced fennel. Stir regularly until the fennel is soft and just gently caramelized.
2. Bring a large pan of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the linguine to al dente and drain, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking.
3. Add the linguine to the fennel pan and turn off the heat. Stir in the parmesan and lemon juice. Stir vigorously until a silky sauce has formed, adding pasta water as necessary.
4. Stir in any fennel fronds. Season to taste and top with extra parmesan to serve.
Elixir 2 ~ Crispy 6 Plant Granola from Fiber Fueled
In the world of glucose regulation, granola has become "gra-NO-la" – an absolute no-no. However, I love Dr. B (Will Bulsiewicz)of @theguthealthmd after taking one of his courses for a Fiber Fueled Thanksgiving a few years back. The chef he works with is phenomenal and this recipe is packed with robust nutrients (6 plants total).
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons hemp seeds|
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons organic sunflower oil
¼ cup 100% maple syrup (I reduce this by half)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients into a large bowl.
3. Add maple syrup and the oil in saucepan over medium heat.
4. Once simmered, remove from the heat and add the vanilla.
5. Add this beautiful syrup mixture to the oats and mix it around.
6. Spread it over a baking sheet and cook for about 90 minutes until it's perfectly crunchy.
Elixir 3 ~ A Gratitude List for the Month
Above is Maria. My new neighbour who is 88yr. and the proudest Greek Canadian I know. She has an incredible capacity for gratitude and deeply loves being both Greek & Canadian. I visit her almost every day to check-in, close her blinds and have a laugh. My time with Maria has taught me many things, but most importantly, it's reminded me to be grateful. She is overflowing with it.
Everyday she tells me how grateful she is to have married her arranged (and now deceased) husband, how grateful she is to have travelled 12 days by boat to arrive in Canada (1 year into marriage) – even though she's never taken a boat since, and how grateful she is to have landed her first job at A&W as a young mother, without knowing any English. She is a woman of faith, mortality, and laughter. She welcomes death with gratitude and every morning she's alive . . . with gratitude.
Having done many gratitude lists in my day, I wanted something simple that tied me to the season, so I started with 8 Things in August, every day – and now it's 9 Things I'm Grateful for (everyday) in September. I can't imagine doing just 1 in January, but we'll see.
My wish for you this season is to bless the food you eat by touching it. In true Taurus fashion, I love connecting with my food through my senses, so take time for yourself. Good food helps you to move better, sleep better, live better. Gratitude = low stress, which equals better digestion. I'm for it! It's a silent revolution because it's inconvenient for your time but convenient for your bodily functions. Choose to honour your sacred temple.
Happy September,
Justine