Soaking Almonds

Soaking almonds in filtered water is said to improve the digest-ability of the almonds so that our bodies can readily absorb all the wonderful vitamins and minerals found in these sacred morsels. One site I found says "Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, magnesium and potassium and are a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). They are also high in fiber and a small serving has more protein than an egg." Click the following for more info on Almonds: Almond-1, Almond-2.

How to Soak Almonds:

Place a small handful of raw, organic almonds (10-15) in a glass or stainless steal bowl/container. Cover with water. Let soak for 12-24 hours; If you decided to soak for 24 hours, change the water after 12 hours. Once finished soaking, drain, rinse and use. If you want to store the almonds, store them drained in the refrigerator.

Some Uses:
Add soaked almonds to smoothies/shakes
Eat as snack (add a little Bragg's Liquid Aminos or other flavoring of your choice)
Add to salads
Add to cereal

Heavenly Chocolate Shake

All of the following ingredients (pictured below in the order listed) can be found at your local natural food coop or health food store. If you're in the Atlanta area, you can get most of these ingredients at the DeKalb Farmers Market, Rainbow Grocery, Life Groceries Coop or Sevananda Coop

What's in it:

• 1-3 Tablespoons Organic Raw Cacao Powder
• Organic Fruit of Choice
• (I like bananas, strawberries and blueberries)
• Small Handful of pre-soaked almonds (See post on soaking almonds)
• 1-2 Dates (optional)
• 1-2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar (optional)
• 2-4 Cups Water (depends on how thin/thick you like your shakes)
• 1 Tablespoon Flax Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Hemp Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
• 1-2 Teaspoons Spirulina (optional)

How it's done:

• Put 1-2 Bananas, 5-10 Strawberries and 1/2 Cup of Blueberries in your blender.
• Add approximately 2 cups of water (you can add more later if it's too thick)
• Add pre-soaked almonds
  
• Add the dates if you opt to use them
• Start blender on a lower setting and then increase speed to highest to really puree the mix
• While the fruit and nuts are blending, add in the Chocolate, Oils, Agave and Spirulina (optional)
• Let blend until smooth.
• Taste shake and determine if you want more of anything.
• Pour and Enjoy!

Note: Spirulina has a very distinct flavor so you may want to mix all other ingredients first, pour out 1/2 and then add the spirulina, to drink this portion separately until you grow love the flavor.

Note: You can use just Flax or only Hemp Oil - just put in two tablespoons of which ever one you use. If you're just going to use one, I'd suggest the hemp oil.

Note: I really like Sunfood Nutritions Raw Organic Cocao Powder, a bit pricey but worth it!

Note: You can use frozen organic fruit.

The Beginning

Living in Mindfulness is a space that I've created where I will share ideas, insights into life, health tips, recipes, books, authors, quotes, ideas - personal and borrowed - for all to learn and grow from.

I have spent the last 9 years of my life exploring different cultures, ways of life, spiritual practices, traditional medicines, eating habits and exercise choices in an attempt to create a holistically mindful life for myself. By holistically mindful I refer to my intent to be fully aware of how I eat, speak, work, and exercise and to do all these tasks in a way that does not harm myself, my family, my community, or the environment. I also I believe it to be my responsibility to make the changes I wish to see in the world in my own life and share my insights for those would like to hear.

I also know that I sill have much to learn and practice in this life. What I've discovered through my explorations is just the tip of a much greater iceberg of knowledge, experience and practice. I draw great inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh, Lauren Hill, Sri Swamini Mayatitananda, Khalil Gibran, Stephen Levine, Bob Marley, Hafiz, Rumi, Dr. Vasant Lad among others. I welcome any and all comments and ideas.