Nutrition and food preferences are obviously very personal, but here are a few things that we love and that have been staples in maintaining our health and wellness.
Nature's Multivitamin with bioavailable iron and copper! We have loved this addition and have been saving a lot of money on vitamins beacause this covers so many bases. It is 70% protein by weight, contains the highest concentration of naturally occurring vitamin A, has high B vitamin content (including B9 and B12), bioavailable iron, copper, zinc, selenium, chromium, helps repair DNA and RNA, boosts energy, immune system, metabolism, and improves digestion! Seriously so good!
COUSER10
Saves you every time and can be applied on top of other discounts.
I started using these protein shakes when I was pregnant with Caleb (2016) and thought it would be a short term product…but Noah and I (and our boys, as they get old enough), have had an IsaLean shake every day since then! For us it has been the best way to start the day, maintain our weight, and I attribute a lot of my preggo belly skin elasticity to this product! Our recipe (makes enough for the whole fam): 1 banana, 4-5 scoops of IsaLean (chocolate is best), handful of greens, tablespoon of sea moss, two cups of ice, top with water, and blend until smooth. We also take it on vacation and just shake it up with water for a reliable breakfast option.
Give it a try and if you love it, reach out and I will tell you a few ways to save on this product that are worth it if you plan to use it long-term.
Supplements
Yep, actual sea moss:) We have been using this since July 2022 and may continue forever! Check out their site for a list of benefits. The thing we have noticed most is decreased mucus production when sick...which is a game changer. We buy the 32oz. jars and usually wait for a sale to stock up a bit and save. We add a tablespoon to our morning protein shake daily and can't taste it at all!
During the long NW Montana winter, we rarely see the sun, so vitamin D is in short supply. We can supplement this to some extent by eating things like salmon, sardines, egg yolks, organ meat, and mushrooms. However, some supplementation is helpful. These drops are potent and VERY cost effective (900 servings per bottle)!
V
This grass fed collagen is easy to use, bioavailable, and helps to maintain healthy skin, organs, joint health, brain function etc. Plus it easily mixes in to my daily Adrenal Boosting Cocktail (recipe below).
COUSER10
Saves you every time and can be applied on top of other discounts.
This is a super easy addition to your water bottle to get some good electrolytes into the day. I just add a few drops to our water, I have found that if you do the full amount, the flavor is a bit much. A few drops goes totally unnoticed and the bottle will last a LONG time.
If you need a little more motivation for you or your littles to drink more, this hydration mix is sugar free and tastes great! Add some ice and it feels like a treat. Our favorites are orange, coconut, and blue raspberry.
This powder is awesome and convenient. It can be added to water, mango gummies (recipe below), or other foods to help prevent or heal from active sickness. You can also add a teaspoon of powder to your bath to help neutralize chlorine in the water...which if you live in Whitefish you need!
COUSER10
Saves you every time and can be applied on top of other discounts.
Food
Drink water FIRST THING with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.
Continue to drink water throughout the day. Add Trace Minerals or Isagenix Hydrate at some point.
Take my supplements - 4 beef liver, 2 morning magnesium (COUSER 10 saves you on both!)
Drink an Isagenix shake for breakfast, within an hour of waking.
Second breakfast or snack - one raw carrot (check out @jessicaashwellness for the why), eggs, sourdough bread, and grass fed butter.
At some point - Adrenal Boosting Cocktail (recipe below).
Eat real food throughout the day!
This is a new hobby for me, but I’m loving it! If you are local and want a starter, hit me up! Our breads can be cousins haha! The boys named ours Sour Bird or Birdie for short. If you are looking to order a dehydrated starter, this is where I got mine - Shastri Sourdough
The tools I use:
Dutch Oven for the perfect round loaf
HAPPY BAKING!
These gummies are so creamy and a great source of protein and vitamin C!
Recipe:
1 Scoop BOVINE GELATIN (COUSER10 to save)
16 oz. Mango Juice
(we like this brand and it's available in our grocery store)
1/2-1 tsp. ACEROLA POWDER (COUSER10 to save)
Combine dry ingredients. Add about 1/2 c. of juice to the dry ingredients and stir so the gelatin can bloom. Meanwhile, heat remaining juice to a low simmer. Once hot, add juice to gelatin mixture. Combine until smooth and add to silicon mold, ice cube trays, or shallow pan and place in the fridge. After a couple hours pop out or cut up your delicious gummies!
This drink is DELICIOUS and gives me a quick boost during busy days. Super simple and creamy, plus easy to whip up, though I would recommend a HAND FROTHER.
Recipe is approximate, adjust to your taste:
3/4 c orange juice
2-3 Tbs. heavy cream
1/2 scoop COLLAGEN (COUSER10 to save)
pinch of sea salt
Combine juice, cream, and salt and froth while adding collagen for the best result.
We have three boys...so I'm starting early with figuring out a few ways to make a ton of food on the cheap. I know that making a turkey can feel intimidating, but it is one of the easiest meals ever and the leftovers are GOLD!
Super Simple Turkey Recipe:
1 Turkey*
Thaw and remove neck and organs from the body cavity, I usually boil the neck to start my gravy and the boys love to dissect the heart.
Butter
Salt + Pepper
Place turkey in a roasting pan or large cake pan. Coat the bird in butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and bake on the center rack for 12 minutes per pound. That's it!!
I usually make mashed potatoes and use the drippings to make a simple gravy. With the leftovers I make enchiladas and curry turkey salad for sandwiches or to put on crackers. You can save additional money by making your own bone broth (below). I can add the other recipes if you're interested.
*Turkeys are often on sale around the holidays. If you have freezer space, grab a couple.
Bone Broth Recipe:
Cleaned Turkey Bones
2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
Preferred Herbs: parsley, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage
Salt to taste
Place all bones in a large stock pot and cover fully with water. Add vinegar and herbs. Bring to rolling boil for 20 minutes. Reduce to a low simmer and let simmer covered for 8-10 hours (usually do this overnight). Add salt to taste preference. Strain and store in jars in the refrigerator or freezer (leave space for freezing). I usually reheat and drink plain. You can also use for other recipes. Bone broth so good for you and delicious!
You know I love a budget, and with prices increasing on most groceries, we have had to get a little more savvy on how we buy food. I hate to compromise on quality...so AZURE STANDARD has been an incredible find, plus it's fun!
Azure is an online grocery store with drops around the country (if you're local, our drop is between Columbia Falls and Whitefish). They deliver organic groceries at a great price (many in bulk) once a month. When you put in your order, you get an estimated delivery date. On the day of the delivery you get a text update for the time that the truck will arrive. You then head out to meet the truck and the other community members that have ordered. Together you unload the truck and distribute the orders.
We have only been a part of the Azure community since the start of the year, but I am loving the quality of the food, the community at the drops, and the savings! Check them out and see if there is a drop near you.
I love a good tradition, plus one day of the week where you don't have to decide what's for dinner is a win in my book! Every week we look forward to our Friday pizza. This pizza dough recipe is so quick and easy! If you are a keeper of sourdough you have to try it. One batch makes two large-ish pizzas or 4 personal size. Our boys love personalizing their pizza.
If you've ever tried making pizza and it didn't turn out as good as your local pizza place, try this tip - put a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees. Create your pizza on a piece of parchment paper and place all directly on the pizza stone. Bake for 6-8 minutes depending on size and sauce content for perfect pizza!
Discard Pizza Dough Recipe
1 cup (227g) sourdough discard
1/2 cup (140g) water
2 1/2 cups (300g) flour
1/2 tsp. yeast
Mix to combine and knead for 7 minutes (I use the bread hook on my mixer). Cover and let rise for 2-4 hours. Divide, flour hands, pull and shape crusts. Bake 6-8 minutes at 500 degrees.
The summer of 2023 was my first year as a gardener and I can confidently say I'm in love (check out my garden journey for details). Fresh ingredients are hard to beat and whether you're growing your own basil and sourcing it from a local farmer or the store, this pesto recipe is insane. It will kick up your pizza game real quick. Let me know if you try it:)
Basil Pesto
3 cups basil packed
1/2 cup olive oil (love this one)
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 large garlic cloves
salt to taste
Put all ingredients into food processor and blend on low until you get the desired texture. Use immediately, store in an air tight container, or freeze in small cubes for later use.