Things in my Kitchen I Can't Live Without (Part I):

Barlean's Flaxseed Oil: First of all, flaxseed oil is one of the best treats for your body. Like Fish Oil, it is a strong anti-inflammatory that helps with looking younger and speeds hair growth. Unlike Fish Oil, it's really good!! Choosing the right brand, however, is also extremely important....if you try the wrong one you might be scared away forever.

I won't buy anything other that Barlean's (stores that sell it are listed on their website). They have a great nutty flavor and the bottles are freshness dated so you know when it was pressed and when it's no longer good. I use flaxseed oil in protein shakes, salad dressings, or just drizzled on potatoes or veggies after they're cooked. Another excellent way to use it is to drizzle it on toast or dip bread in it.

Note: You can't actually cook with flaxseed oil....it can't withstand the heat....just add it afterwards. You'll be amazed by how little it changes the flavor of things, yet, how healthy you'll feel knowing you're eating it. Aim for 1-2 Tablespoons/day.

Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar: The benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar are so numerous there are actually books written about it. It helps with digestion...your skin...it even helps you when you have a cold. Make sure you buy the kind with the "mother". That's the foggy kind. This type has more anti-oxidants than the filtered kind.....leading to more goodness for your body.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that use Flaxseed Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar so you can try them on your own.

Broccoli/Apple Slaw:
1 Cup broccoli (chopped)
1 Small Gala Apple (cubed)
1 Tablespoon Barlean's Flaxseed Oil
2-3 Tablespoons Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix all ingredients together. You may want to use a food processor for the broccoli....it can make a big mess in your kitchen otherwise. Let sit for 15 minutes before you serve.












Amazingly Healthy Salad Dressing:
1 Tablespoon Barlean's Flaxseed Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (Did I mention lemon juice is a fantastic liver cleanser?)
2-3 Tablespoons of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

Fruity Protein Shake
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (Designer Whey is my favorite here....it's sweetened with stevia, not artificial sweeteners and low in carbs)
1 Cup Frozen Fruit (Any Kind)
1 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Oil
1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseeds (Optional)
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional)

Just blend together and enjoy.