Empowered selfcare, lifestyle strategies & coaching
Let me start by asking, can we normalise selfcare beyond Valentine’s Day? I’m like really! It’s a new year and that tired idea of “treating” yourself and calling it selfcare, is old and pathetic at this point. Not only that, it’s costing women their lives, …
Safety and security first I’m always surprised at how many women don’t know safety and security go hand in hand with selfcare. Selfcare is an essential tool for Black women to navigate the unique challenges they face in the world. However, selfcare is often thought …
Hello fall and winter holiday cooking season, y’all! Nothing says cozy and yummy in this cold climate like a spicy pot of my healthy collard greens recipe. Collard greens are steeped in the traditions of the black diaspora in the Americas and beyond. They are also a favorite dish for this time of the year. However, I’ve since switched this dish up and made it into a much healthier and healing version of the original recipe. Granted, while most folks have their own little somethin’, somethin’ they add to the mix, mine takes it to another level.
While most folks in North America now associate collard greens with the southern region of the country, this dish is unique. It’s roots tie back to the dark history of this country. Collard greens is a dish that evolved from the creativity and tenacity of the lived experiences of enslaved black people. This dish has since become a southern delight and staple during the holidays in the U.S. When African enslaved people toiled and suffered at the hands of white supremacy and slave masters, they were fed scraps and unwanted portions, cuts of meat, etc. These food scraps consisted of greens that were considered inedible weeds or low quality by slave owners. Enslaved Africans took these scraps, coupled with their knowledge of spices and food ways, and created a dish that nourished and sustained the body.
Out of their drive to survive and thrive, Africans in the diaspora adapted their native spices, herbs, knowledge and creativity. In the end, they made food that was both palatable and delicious. We now call much of these adaptations and innovative foods “soul food”. Now, collard greens have become popularized as the “cool and spicy” food to eat and part of “American” culture. My version has been further adapted to craft a healthy collard greens recipe that builds on the history of my people.
1. fibre is just one of the many benefits of this recipe.
2. Vitamins k, A, B, C and E are some of the amazing nutrients in these greens. Also, they’re rich in essential minerals. These include potassium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, iron, magnesium and zinc).
3. Bone broth is loaded with collagen, is gut healing, and promotes immune function. Not only that, it also improves bone and joint health, as well as anti-inflammatory.
4. Other ingredients provide a great source of protein and are anti-inflammatory. You can read more about the health benefits of these spices on anothe one of my post when you click this link.
1. Collard greens (4 cups thin shredded)
2. mustard greens and, or purple kale (2 cups, thin shredded)
3. smoked turkey necks (1 pound)
4. Organic bone broth (2 cups)
5. Smoked paprika (2 tablespoon)
6. Curry powder (1 1/2 tablespoons)
7. Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
8. Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
9. 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
10. 2 garlic cloves
9. Allspice (1/4 teaspoon)
9. Sea salt (1 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt)
10. Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon)
11. Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
12. Fresh ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
You can adjust both the salt and chili powder according to your taste. We love our version of this healthy collard greens recipe, spicy! Also, I’ve got more healthy and delicious dishes right here
Also, check out the video of this recipe right here, to see just how delicious this amazing recipe is!
what would ordinarily take you over 6 hours to prepare, we can cut down the time to 2hours. This is because in order to make a great quality bone broth, the bones must simmer for about 6 hours. Extracting the collagen and other beneficial nutrients from the bones requires a lot of time. Especially if you want to reap all of the health benefits as well as develop the flavour of the broth. Using an organic bone broth brand saves you a lot of time. However, I prefer to make mine from scratch.
bring your bone broth to a gentle simmer while adding in your spices, etc. Next, add the smoked turkey bones, garlic and red onions. Allow it to simmer for about 45 mins and then add in your shredded greens. Once you’ve added the shredded greens, turn down the heat to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for an hour. Occasionally stir the greens and take a fork to shred the meat from the turkey neck bones. Allow to simmer on very low heat for an additional 15 mins and then turn off the heat. Next, allow it to sit for a few mins and then serve hot with corn and flax meal bread.
A great after-dinner holiday tea (or tisane) Happy holidays to everyone around the world and bon appetite! With all of the delicious dishes being served for the holidays, I can’t forget about drinks. My after dinner holiday tea recipe is a perfect way to end …
Ginger as a kitchen staple Ginger is one of the most versatile and healing spices (herbs) around my kitchen! In my opinion, there are very few things that beat out ginger when it comes adding a dose of healing to my food and drinks. My …
We are in the last quarter of 2022 and it is time to make the right shift for staying healthy and living your best life! If You’re not there yet, that’s okay because its never too late to improve your life. That being said, there are so many cheap fall and winter selfcare ideas that I’m about to share today. First of all, selfcare is not optional especially with everything that it is happening on the global front.
It took me a long time to appreciate the true importance and impact of selfcare on every aspect of life. It took tragedy and my on health care issues to realize that I needed to break the cycle of self-neglect and socio-cultural conditioning. That is the same conditioning (and control) that made me believe it was selfish to honor my own needs, desires, etc. This is especially true for women because from the cradle we’re basically taught that our lives, desires, wants, positioning, etc are not of equal value. Women are taught (largely by society and culture) that our worth and validation is tied to “something” outside of ourselves.
For the average woman, especially non-eroupean, selfcare is something of a luxury even now! Not only that, many folks are struggling to financially and need affordable ideas and tips. Today’s cheap winter selfcare ideas are ones that can also be adapted to other seasons of the year too.
Selfcare is a radical life saving practice that empowers, nurtures, heals, and renews our beings. It literally forces us to do the internal work (i.e. healing, renewing, self-development, etc) necessary for wholeness and autonomy. This is also why, selfcare is often demonized and restricted to cute memes and hashtags in social media. The reality is that most societies and cultures don’t view selfcare as a necessity, especially when it comes to women.
Let’s not forget that the fall and winter seasons are typically the times when people become affected by SAD. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that is related to changes in seasons. So, a good selfcare routine means that you’ll have the tools you need in order to help you get through these tough times. Bottom line, there are many cheap and creative selfcare ideas out there. They are out there if you really want to change your life before the new year!
For many more selfcare strategies, tips and ideas check out my other posts on selfcare 365 days a year! Plus, don’t forget to comment and follow my blog for more life changing tips!
Fall fitness time For every season we need to make adjustments in our routines, cycles, etc in every area of our lives. That means when it comes to fitness and working out, it’s good idea to make changes for the season too. This is even …
Economic hardships We’re in a recession folks and that means tightening our belts. It also means being resourceful and finding creative ways to self care on a tight budget. That also means, getting recession proof self care strategies to help you weather the storm! While no …
It’s almost time to get ready for back to school, work! Once I get in to the full swing of summer, I also like to replenish my stock of herbs. For me, I always make sure that my kitchen is fully stocked with my choice of 5 kitchen spices that heal and nourish the body. Not only that, these spices have been used for centuries as natural remedies, flavorings, and nutritional enhancers.
Regardless of your taste preferences, everyone should have a stash of spices and herbs that have a variety of uses. It’s never a good idea to really on one form of healing and supplementation. Also, as someone who grew up in a family that used natural remedies, supplements, etc, I don’t believe that western medicine has the monopoly on healing! As a matter of fact, a lot of indigenous remedies and supplements from around the world were “appropriated” by the pharmaceutical industry. While I want go into all the details here, I will say that good health is rooted in the foods, spices and herbs we put into our bodies. Plus, I firmly believe the notion of food being our natural medicine.
At the top of my list is ginger! For obvious reasons, ginger is a must-have because it has so many benefits. Not only that, there is a lot of data that supports the healing benefits of ginger. Not only does it enhance your recipes, it is a great digestive aide, cold and flu remedy, etc. Ginger is an Anti-Inflammatory, soothes the stomach, helps wit regulating blood sugar, and so much more. Ginger is central to a number of my homemade cold and flu remedies for those cold winter months as well.
Another important spice is cinnamon. While most people often associate it with baked goods and desserts, cinnamon also has a number of health benefits. Like ginger, cinnamon has been used for centuries as a curative, as a flavor enhancer for both sweet and savory dishes, etc. Cinnamon also helps with digestion, regulating blood sugar, and contains trace nutrients needed by the body.
Next, are cloves. For centuries cloves have been used as a natural food preservative as well as herbal remedies. It is naturally anti-microbial and an anti-oxidant. Believe it or not, cloves have both anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects that many other spices. That also includes a number of fruits and vegetables. To read up more on the benefits of some of the most beneficial spices to have in your kitchen, check out my favorite recipe posts right here
Cloves aren’t just great for sweet dishes or your favorite winter or iced chai. Cloves add both flavor and healing to soups, tinctures and a variety global recipes. My next must-have often fly’s under the radar of most folks. Fresh ground black pepper is so common and so underrated. It is a good source of the mineral manganese which is important for bone health and regulating the metabolism. Did you also know it’s important in the wound healing process? Black pepper may also improve cholesterol levels, gut health and help control blood sugar levels.
Last but not least is turmeric. These days more people are familiar with this lovely spice. It is also a traditional ingredient in curry powder and gives it that distinctive yellow color. Turmeric is widely used around the globe as an anti-inflammatory. It’s now a popular aide to help reduce inflammation and joint pain. I often add it to soups, stews, smoothies, etc for that extra health boost. Some might argue about the dosage, but if you add it often and regularly enough, that goodness will build up! Again, I won’t go into all of the heath benefits but healthline.com gives more details on the benefits of turmeric. It gives a delicious earthy flavor to most dishes and is easily disguised in smoothies, soups and stews too.
Needless to say, there is a vast world out there when it comes to spices! Also, this is just a short list of the spices I typically use in a variety of recipes. Don’t be afraid to try new spices and even your everyday options in new ways. Spices have been used for centuries in a myriad of ways based on trial and error. As humans discovered other applications for these spices through observation, trial and error, etc, we’ve found new uses for them. As a matter of fact, some spices were used for medicinal purposes before someone discovered that they were awesome for cooking too!
Bottom line, humans are curious and adaptive creatures when it comes to both food and environment. Needless to say, this is just one area where that creativity and ingenuity shines through. So, step out of your comfort zone and try these 5 kitchen spices that heal as well as enhance recipes around the world!
Summer outfit tips We all get excited for summer getaways this time of the year. But, things can get uncomfortable and ugly if we’re not prepared or fail to pack appropriately. So, today, I felt it was a good idea to share my summer vacation …
