Oh happy third day of Spring. Well, it’s more like summer here (84F), but I am not going to complain. At least not until we hit the 100’s. haha!
I’m glad most people are interested in Spring Cleaning “body, mind, and soul.” Either way, I think it’s a good way to just check in and evaluate our “present” being. Does that make sense? Hope so!
Moving on, shall we? I know a lot of people are always talking about detoxes, and how they’ve really benefited from them, but it’s just not my style. Maybe someday, just not today. I rather focus on foods that cleanse our organs. Foods that nourish our bodies. Foods that energize our muscles! Spring time is that perfect time to focus on those foods.
Did you know that traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes the Vernal Equinox as the most important time of the year for the health of your liver, which regulates all detoxification cleanses and may be the most important organ to maintaining optimum health over a long life. Best of all, the liver is most easily transformed during Springtime.
Also, Spring is the perfect time for cleansing and getting Qi moving. Just as we are naturally drawn to “spring cleaning” to get rid of unnecessary stuff around us, cleansing our bodies helps move out junk and unwanted toxins internally. Hence our digestion is KEY!!
What are some good “Cleansing” foods for the liver and gut?
Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that help the liver to remove unwanted baggage that slows down its performance.
source:
- oats
- leafy green vegetables
- olives and olive oil
- beans, legumes
- garlic and onions
- tomatoes
- nuts
- cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon
- flax seed and flax seed oil.
And what about digestion?
source
- Tempeh – its has high protein and fiber as well as an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper. Tempeh is rich in probiotics and helps the digestive tract replenish bacteria lost from taking antibiotics, drinking chlorinated water, eating foods containing pesticides, or any other toxins. source
- Kombucha – good cleanse for the liver and gut because of its Glucuronic acid. Glucuronic acid binds toxins from the liver them and flushes them out through the kidneys. Now you know what I love my Kombucha!
Good Gut Brownie
- ½ cup or around 50-60grams on Gluten Free Brownie Mix. Pamela’s has natural ingredients which I like. Molasses and Honey; Brown Rice Flour; Natural Process Cocoa Powder; White Rice Flour; Organic Chocolate Chunks (Organic Natural Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Paste, Organic Cocoa Butter), just to name to a few.
- 1 bag or 6oz. dried Mission Figs
- ⅓ block or close 80grams raw tempeh (original flavor is best)
- cinnamon to taste
- dash of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2-3 tablespoon milk (I used almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon NUTTZO or other nut butter (optional)
- If you want it sweeter, add in 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice. (optional)
Directions:
Blend tempeh and figs together. Place in mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients and spices. Pour batter into mini loaf tin or muffin tins and bake at 350F for about 25-30 minutes. Maybe be longer due to oven type. Makes for one mini cake or 3 large brownies. Just double the batter if you want more.
Cheers to Spring “Cleansing!”
LC
Hi!
I love your blog! I have been struggling with gut issues for the past year. I have seen everyone! Natural medicine and traditional medicine has been tried! I have been on many supplements, a thyroid medication, Fish Oil, Digestive Enzymes, Aligh probioitc, Vitamin D, etc… I am currently doing Milk of Magnesia and the Align probiotic as well as the Low FODMAP diet. This diet is so restrictive. It actually does not allow for the consumption of onions and garlic and said they are horrible on your gut. It says no figs as well. I was thinking about trying those brownies but saw they have some non FODMAP friendly ingredients.
I was just wondering if you tried FODMAP and if it worked for you?? Any answer would be great! Thank you!!
Just pulled them out of the oven! YUMMMMO! Love the texture – fig seeds, tempeh….YUM! Will def be doing this again!
Made them….and LOVE THEM!!!!! 🙂
oh do it Haley!! Its so good and easy! let me know how it goes. Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Soooooooooo hitting up the store tonight to get all the fixins for this!
girl, its ridiculous. Kristina (spabettie) tried it out too. she LOVED it! The tempeh really gives it an awesome texture! Hope you get today to relax.Cheers! Lindsay
Those sound crazygood, Linds! xo
yes m'am, so good! Kristina tried out my recipe herself…success!!!http://spabettie.com/2011/03/23/figgy-goodness/let me know if you try it! Lindsay ________________________________
Ohhhh, I am so anxious to see what these taste like! Just bookmarked so that I can try it at the new house (aka when Heather's kitchen will be stocked again)! They look like they have amazing texture!Thanks for the info too! I didn't realize tempeh had probiotics! I love it already, but I might just find another excuse to have it in my diet more often!
oh that sounds AWESOME!! I cannot wait to see your version. I bet its even more delicious. And the tempeh doesn't really give it flavor, just a chunky chewy texture, which I like. Lindsay ________________________________
I made these!!!!!!!!! Blogging on monday since my blog is being stupid right now (lots of technical difficulties… and such).Anyway, I used tofu. Was your batter SUPER thick? I probably added a good 1/2 cup at least of extra liquids. But they were good! And I'll be making them again with variation. I did have a little bit of batter left over so I stirred in some chocolate life basic's protein and peppermint extract- baked in mini pans and they were EVEN better! Oooh you're definitely onto something with these brownies. Does tempeh affect the flavor at all? I may try using it next time.
Why thanks! And it only took me one glass of wine to get there… let's hear it for being a lightweight!
Hehe! That's why I love your comments!
As my response, I totally want to say "sweet!" but that would be punny. 😀
it so is!! and Kristina tried it out too! http://spabettie.com/2011/03/23/figgy-goodness/ Lindsay ________________________________
These actually sound awesome!!
you are so right kelsey! I was hoping they'd taste good and after I bit in, I jumped for joy! THEY WERE GREAT!! YEA!! Lindsay ________________________________
Lindsay it almost looks as if you are hesitant biting into that brownie .. thinking "will it taste good??" and im guessing if there was an after picture, you'd be smiling and giving us a thumbs up! Perfect spring cleaning brownies!! <3
Hmmmmmmmmmmm, tempeh. I've had black bean brownies! I'd totally try these though.
what, you won't try my tempeh brownies? what about kimchi cookies? haha, jk! I know, I know, not your style but thanks for not judging. hehe! Lindsay ________________________________
this one is a favorite of mine!http://www.lightlife.com/product_detail.jsp?p=tempeh_wildrice Lindsay ________________________________
Haha I did judge the ingredients for a while…until I saw your happy cute face on the bottom! Don't think I'll be using tempeh in my brownies anytime soon though! 😉
This looks amazing. I love Pamela's too. I have huge bags of it in my cupboard. What can I use in place of tempeh since it isn't GF? I thought you were gluten intolerant?? Maybe, I'm just being a freak, but I thought tempeh had gluten in it??
oh thank you! you are too kind. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Cheers! Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Wow this is wonderful! Thank you for creating a treat recipe that is in small portions. So Smart! I found your blog after reading Spabettie!.. You gals are really amazing.
LOL! you got the guts, i know it! Let me know if you try 'em. And by the way, I am not liking dancing with the stars in place of the bachelor. UGH! Lindsay ________________________________
These are totally for you. Too bad you are not in austin, I would have made you a whole CAKE! Lindsay ________________________________
YUMMM THANKS
oh yea, let me know how it turns out! Lindsay ________________________________
no for real they are so good. Kristina baked them yesterday too. Look! http://spabettie.com/2011/03/23/figgy-goodness/ Lindsay ________________________________
OOh those look so good!! Do you they taste good or are you making the icky face, LOL! THey look amazinggggg
I am SO going to try this… I love when healthy tastes good 🙂 PS love your pics!!
you're so sweet for making those brownies for me for my birthday 😉 i definitely will be trying those babies out!
I'll be honest. I judged. But I don't doubt you and I will most likely try this… if I get the guts to.Have a great day lovee!Rebeccahttp://fromheretothereinpurple.blogspot.comhttp://twitter.com/rlustig
I have to say that you are the queen of produce and love it! I've been on a broccoli kick for weeks because of you. a great ADDITION to my normal greens. YIPPEE!! Thanks for always encouraging us Janae. <3! Lindsay ________________________________
well your recipes are always brilliant so that means a lot coming from you! Thanks Amber! Lindsay ________________________________
oh now you got me craving olives. So good!;) Lindsay ________________________________
Holy crumbs – tempeh in a brownie? You are my new hero. Brilliant!
It is so warm there!! I am incredibly jealous….I will be there in a few hours k!?! I LOVED this post because I LOVE that you focus on ADDING foods to make you healthier rather than taking away things. You are my kind of girl! LOVE the pictures gorgeous girl. How is your car doing? Hope you have an amazing day and I NEED those brownies….I will be making them:)
I agree with you about detoxes…so not my thing! There are definitely other ways to "clean house" rather than popping pills or liquid diets. I am craving olives so bad now.. and I'm all out lol. Those brownies look DELISH!
I know, shorts do feel weird. Or rather bare! haha. But pretty soon it will feel weird to wear jeans. Hope you all are having a great week! Lindsay ________________________________
I think so! Its good for you chocolate, not real chocolate. hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
Cleaning by chocolate?! Sign me up!! I'll be making these after Easter. I gave up chocolate desserts for lent. If it's in a "health food" maybe I can give them a go now!
I think you should give both of these a whirl while youre in SC! Maybe it will knock out the storm up north! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
I don't think you'll miss the heat when its 100 degrees here. then I'll be beggin to come stay with you! :)Lindsay ________________________________
oh cha cha away!! time to get some for spring! Lindsay ________________________________
yep, its already summer here. Come on down! I love your outlook on eating "clean" foods versus detoxing. God gave us food for a reason, ya know? To nourish! Lindsay ________________________________
I was thinking about that too! You could use 100% cocoa powder, stevia, vanilla extract, and some baking powder. I bet that would work! Lindsay ________________________________
So glad you weren't about to advocate cleansing by not eating! GO, FIBRE! 😀 If one wasn't going to use a packaged brownie mix… how could they recreate this? Or is that hard? Nevermind. Looks great!
84 degrees!?!? I really am coming to live with you! I 100 percent agree with you on the cleansing foods vs the cleanse. I have people who tell me all the time about this fabulous new cleanse they are doing (i'm sure you get the same thing) and i always just respond by telling them they could get the same effect by eating good food! Love the post. You're awesome babe! xoxoxo
i love the new recipe-looks yummy!!and it's been a while I have done cha cha with some Kombuchaaa 🙂
I miss the south Texas heat! Very informative post! Some pretty ingredients for those little guys : ). But I'm not knockin!Katie : )
the good gut food list is basically my staple foods that I eat everyday 😉 but I have to get on the Kombucha and tempeh since I've never ever tried either! maybe the brownies will be the perfect way to test out tempeh for the first time!! do you think that I can bring spring to Ontario faster by making those brownies because I only have 4 more days of sunshine and then I go back to the snow (which apparently they are having a snowstorm as I write this…blah!!)
lindsay, thank you for the lists of foods. thankfully i eat a lot of them already. though i would love to drink more kombucha!
Yay for spring 🙂 It has been warm here as well, loving it though. Feels weird sometimes being back in shorts! Love the gut brownies… I know my gut will love those 🙂
oh score! good deal on the case. We have strawberry here but no grape yet. You need to have a kombucha fountain at your wedding. haha! No seriously! Lindsay ________________________________
i've never tried tempeh-I need to try it….esp for those brownies..WOW!I can't get grape or strawberry kombucha anywhere around me but I found a place and ordered a case of the strawberry!!! I'm getting kinda bored with original and guava.
its pretty easy! I have the tutorial up on my blog. And if youre ever in Austin, I'll give you a scoby! Lindsay ________________________________
I'm drinking a kombucha right now! One of these days I'm going to have to bite the bullet and start making my own!
hha, I know. Totally bizarre, but it worked! Lindsay ________________________________
thats weird I wonder why you cant comment!
Girl – you are more game than me 😉 Tempeh IN a brownie??? How intriguing!!!
haha, remind me of that when it is 100F here and I am dying to come visit you! Lindsay ________________________________
Yay for spring and gut cleaning and brownies 🙂 YUM! You are super lucky is it so warm down there in TX! 🙂
they are "a healthy passion" friendly! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
yay, your way ahead of the game. I need to send you some of these brownies to make it complete. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
Oh yes, you totally should! Its at whole foods. Try the GT kombucha brand. The synergy are the ones with fruit added so I'd go for those first. The cranberry, trilogy, gingerberry, or grape/guava are all good starters. Let me know if you try it! Lindsay ________________________________
I keep reading about kombucha on blogs lately! I first heard of it a few years ago when I dabbled in raw eating, but I've never tried it. Is it easy to find? I'm thinking that I should take the plunge and give it a try!
I grow them from scratch. https://www.cottercrunch.com/2010/08/feeding-my-mother.html Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Yay for cleansing! I love all of the foods you listed and those brownies look fabulous yum o!
Love the Kombucha! I eat lots of garlic, onions and tomatoes. Your brownies look soo yummy!
where/how do you get the scobies?!
kristi,its so easy to do! I have about 4 scobies. wish I could send you one. Try it out, I promise you can do it!! Lindsay ________________________________
i have a feeling you will like kombucha since you like wine. Drink a synergy flavor first. Like cranberry, trilogy, or guava. Drink it mid morning or mid afternoon on a slightly empty stomach. I'd start off with just 4-6oz at a time. then Report back! I should have bought you one in Austin, would have helped your immunity!! Lindsay ________________________________
that might be the second best way to cleanse. first being kombucha… and second being cleanse by browwwwwwwwnie! =) genius!xoXOxoJenn @ Peas & Crayons
Oh good – most of thoes things on your list are items I eat regularly – still haven't tried kombucha though, it scares me! any tips on taking the plunge?? The brownies look sooo good…LOVE figs!!
Ahhh Spring cleaning. I am ready for it! Kombucha is my favorite way to detox. I am in love with the taste and refreshing feeling I get from it! I am so interested in making my own but am scared to. Maybe some day!
I would just try to stay away from processed foods and sugar laden foods. Here's a challenge, focus on eating foods thatn have 3 ingredients or less in them. Now that will keep it wholesome! Lindsay ________________________________
sweet! you know I love it when you try these out. Keep me posted! and safe travels to leaky! Lindsay ________________________________
is it the soy? Thats the only form of soy i can have, because its fermented. Just curious. ANd ya, no spring. Just went from cold to hot, weird! By the way, my hubs is in awe of your pavlova!! Lindsay ________________________________
yes m'am! amen to that!! Lindsay ________________________________
as long as you still try it, thats all that matters to me! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
have you not tried nuttzo? Oh goodness Em, you must go! It will fuel you all the live long day for those runs. Plus you can call yourself nuttzo! Lindsay ________________________________
yes, definitely. I think all that winter stress and lack of sun has left us depleted. Time to cleanse and nourish. I could use some Bressert right now. hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
Jolene, it does look scary. I admit! But you gotta use it right. Try this recipe! http://weirdcombinations.com/2010/07/mediterranean-inspired-tempeh-sandwich/Or even just use the filling and the sauce and place in pasta or salad. Lindsay ________________________________
what?! You've never tried?! Oh its yummy, and I don't do soy but since this is fermented is actually good on the gut (like kombucha). Try sauteeing it in BBQ suace or tamari sauce and serve on a salad with avocado and sprouts. Oh my its good! Lindsay ________________________________
Ditto! Healthy nourishing recipes really cleanse the soul too. In my opinion.:) Lindsay ________________________________
i'm not going to lie: i am judging those ingredients 😉 but i'll still try it
LOL! I know, so weird. But thats what makaes them chewy. Plus I added in some nuttzo (chunky PB). You can totally use sprouted tofu instead. That would work, much more creamy. If you do, just add in some chopped nuts or almond butter. Let me know if you try it! Lindsay ________________________________
its still snowing? Its crazy how vast our weather patterns are. I need some 60F weather, how about you? Keep me posted on your next cleanse, i like hearing about it. Lindsay ________________________________
good, I'm glad we're on the same boat with that! hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
oh my gosh, how could I forget Kimchi?? I'll have to put up your recipe link on the next post. I bet yours taste amazing! Lindsay ________________________________
you know I like hearing this! Can't wait. I'm gonna bug you. hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
its the best of both worlds, thats for sure! Lindsay ________________________________
woah! do you deliver those brownies by any chance? haha. I have this recipe bookmarked. Spring is the time for cleansing in ayurveda, too. Although I just finished one cleanse, I think I might do another in a month or so, once it feels like spring…it's still snowing here in maine!
you can even taste it, promise! Its like the tuna bread, haha! Soy is not good for my gut. Tempeh is a fermented soy bean, nothing added. So it actually helps your gut. Its the only form of soy i can do. Plus it has tons of iron, protein, and B12 vitamins! You would probably like April. By the way, so good to hear from you! Lindsay ________________________________
well thats totally my thing too! Soy is not good for my gut. Tempeh is a fermented soy bean, nothing added. So it actually helps your gut. Its the only form of soy i can do. Plus it has tons of iron, protein, and B12 vitamins! You would probably handle it well. At least I think so!:) Lindsay________________________________
Awesome recipe! Gotta love food thats tasty AND good for you! 😀
I am going to GF my gut!! I know it's a great thing for my system–I wil pick your brain and keep you posted! I love your idea of Spring cleaning body mind and soul Lindsay!
I never knew about the Glucuronic acid in Kombucha…I did know that it had live enzymes that are good fopr digestion, though. You forgot Kimchi! LOL. I'll be making some on my neck of the blog woods very soon.
I'm with you on the detoxes lady. Thanks for some food ideas for spring cleaning our insides, as usual you are AWESOME!
I'm going to have to go out on a limb here and say this is the oddest brownie recipe I've seen… not in a bad way but tempeh??? Weird. Love it, as usual, but weird. Any suggestions for subs? Tofu? I love LOVE love the name: Good Gut Brownie. :)You're awesome.Cleansing for me always includes lots of fresh lemon, too! Definitely a wonderful addition.
Hmm, interesting brownies. I don't know if I can tolerate tempeh, though. 🙁 Soy makes me gassy, well tofu and soy milk do anyway. Do you think that would be the case with tempeh? I do need some gut cleansing! These digestive issues are REALLY making me mad.
I'm not big into cleanses either. But healthy recipes? Sound good to me!
Look at you being soooo creative with your baking! These look delicious, and I love your explanation of all the great nutritional info. I've never bought tempeh – maybe this will be a first for me!
NUTTZO ?! I love that. I want to walk into the store and say, "yes, Hi. I am looking for the NUTTZO." and see which employee they point me to. 😉
I have never tried tempeh. Sort of afraid of it, like tofu. Probably just because I have never really cooked with either. What is a good first recipe to try out using either?? Any suggestions? 🙂 PS it is freezing here today, snowed yesterday (writing this as I sit under a blanket!). Toss your 80s over here please!
The brownies look awesome! I like to focus on adding cleansing foods (rather than trying to restrict myself). I feel so much better when I eat "clean" foods! That's pretty interesting about the vernal equinox.
I don't care what's in 'em…any brownie is a good (gut) brownie to me! 🙂
The kevita? Yes, it was good. But a little too flat and sugary for me. Try it though, its good! Same $$$! Haha. Hope your are doing well JG! I've been thinking about you!Linz
I knew you'd like this! 🙂
Wow I can't believe there's tempeh in there! I've only tried tempeh once and was not a fan at all. But maybe if it's in a brownie I could!
I drink one a day but yes, for newbies, I'd try 6oz at a time on a semi empty stomach. Let me know if you try it! Yay!
Linds have you tried coconut kombucha yet?!
Linds have you tried coconut kombucha yet?!
Linds have you tried coconut kombucha yet?!
That looks so good! I wish I could have tempeh. You know I am all about cleaning out the gut. Oh and yeah, it went from cold to freakin' hot! Tony is already complaining…this is going to be a long summer.
ooh, fun, i will make those! You are so cute! Its warm here too! I bet you have answered this before… but do you drink the Kombucha everyday? Should newbies start out slow, lol?
YES! Kombucha love 🙂
YES! Kombucha love 🙂
I'm definitely going to be stocking up on this stuff!! lol, thanks for the list, and the great recipe1
those sound soooo gooood!
sounds wonderful!! i love figs :)great list of foods to stock up on this spring. what about foods to really stay away from? (i type this while drinking a diet coke…oops!)
ya, try prunes or dates. I bet those would be fantastic as well. Told you it was a weird recipe, but all very delicious! Lindsay ________________________________
LOL! love it! Your co-workers will not bother you for days. JK! Lindsay ________________________________
I know, sounds weird! but it makes them really chewy and good! Lindsay ________________________________
I'll take you up on that! hehe. Now if only you lived closer. I'd bake you a batch right now!:) Lindsay ________________________________
How on earth did you come up with this recipe!?!?! SO original! So intriguing! I have not been able to find figs around here though (middle of nowhere and all that) — is there anything I could substitute in?
woohoo! youre way ahead of the game. I like that! by the way, how's your kiddo? Lindsay ________________________________
oh I feel so honored when you make my recipes. And yes, I mean that! you are my inspirational chef! Lindsay ________________________________
I knew you would not judge! These are totally youre style. Let me know if you try them. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
tempeh??? lol. ummm… maybe you can make them for me sometime 😉 i'll stick with my leafy green smoothie for now!
I love this post. Now, I'm off to cleanse myself with some beans, garlic, onions, and flax seed. Think my coworkers will walk two steps into my office? 😉
I *just* finished my oatmeal with flax 5 minutes ago, glad I'm on track :D. Those brownies look exquisite… yum!
I would pay you bug bucks for a batch of those brownies!!! 🙂
I pretty much eat all of those cleansing foods daily! I will not judge those brownies. Must give them a try. I just happen to have that same bag of figs in my pantry. The only think I don't have is brownie mix.
I pretty much eat all of those cleansing foods daily! I will not judge those brownies. Must give them a try. I just happen to have that same bag of figs in my pantry. The only think I don't have is brownie mix.
oh WOW – this sounds great to me! *scurrying out to get tempeh* and yes, I will be doubling! 😉