Linda Baldwin, Author at ig2go

Author: Linda Baldwin

Embrace Autumn’s Bounty: Healthy Food Choices in Fall

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

As the weather here in Florida finally has a bit of crispness in the air, we becomes aware that the fall season has come about. The fall season brings an abundance of delicious and nutritious foods. October is the perfect time to savor the flavors of autumn while prioritizing your health. Here’s a glimpse into some of the wholesome foods you can enjoy this month.

1. Apples:

October is synonymous with apple-picking season. Apples are not only a tasty snack but also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Try them in salads, oatmeal, or as a crunchy dip with peanut butter.

2. Pumpkin:

Pumpkin spice everything might be popular, but real pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Roast it for a tasty side dish or blend it into soups for a comforting meal. Stop in and grab our pumpkin pancakes

3. Squash:

Varieties like butternut, acorn & spaghetti squash are excellent sources of vitamins A and C. They make delightful additions to soups, stews, and casseroles, adding a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. We use spaghetti squash in our chicken Lasagna

4. Cranberries:

Fresh cranberries start to appear in October, bringing their tart flavor and a hefty dose of vitamin C. Whip up a homemade cranberry sauce or toss them into your morning smoothie.

5. Brussels Sprouts:

These small, cabbage-like veggies are at their best in the fall. They’re packed with nutrients and can be roasted or sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious side dish. Kale and Brussel Casear is available in our deli cases

6. Pears:

Fall pears are a sweet and juicy treat. They’re an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. Enjoy them fresh in salads and fruit bowls or poached for an elegant dessert.

7. Nuts:

October is the season for nuts like almonds and walnuts. They provide healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch. Snack on them or sprinkle them over your salads for an extra dose of nutrition. We love our almond flour baked goods and the candied nuts in our fall salad

8. Sweet Potatoes:

These vibrant tubers are a fantastic source of beta-carotene and fiber. Bake or mash them for a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes. Wedges are available daily in our vegan deli case

9. Comforting Soups:

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in comforting soups. Whether it’s a hearty vegetable soup, a butternut squash, or a classic chicken, soups are a wholesome way to stay warm and nourished. A variety of specials are always in our grab n go cooler.

By focusing on these seasonal ingredients, you can create a menu that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to cool off, these fall foods will keep you energized, warm, and feeling your best. So, fall in love with as many of these as possible and enjoy the healthful benefits of the season.

Spruce Up Your Culinary Creations

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

Get creative with some sample recipes that incorporate new flavors and fun new ingredients. Use Infused Honey for cocktails, and incorporate these handcrafted specialties into your seasonal grazing boards and main dishes.

 

 

Ginger Honey Glazed Carrots

Easy to make with only a few simple ingredients, these glazed carrots make a great side dish to any fall meal. Yield: serves 4

 

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons Ginger Infused honey
  • 4 Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 Cup water
  • Salt and Pepper
  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in ginger.
  2. Add Ginger honey and stir to dissolve.
  3. Stir in carrots and toss to coat.
  4. Pour in water and cover to steam.
  5. Stir occasionally and cook 8 minutes or until tender.
  6. Season to taste.

 

___________

 

Lavender Vanilla Bean Honey Martini

Cocktails are an essential part of most gatherings we’ve developed one rule for choosing the best recipes: keep it simple. So simple that your guests can help themselves. Yield: serves 1

 

  • 23 Ounces gin (or vodka)
  • 1 Ounce lavender vanilla bean honey
  • Sparkling water
  1. Fill cocktail shaker with the gin and lavender vanilla bean honey and shake.
  2. Add a handful of ice and Shake again.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Top with sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender, or a few dried lavender buds floating on top.

 

___________

 

Lavender Vanilla Bean Honey Old Fashioned

Cocktails are an essential part of most gatherings we’ve developed one rule for choosing the best recipes: keep it simple. So simple that your guests can help themselves. Yield: serves 1

 

  • 1½ ounces bourbon whiskey
  • ½ ounce rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz. lavender vanilla bean honey
  • 4 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • 1 orange twist, for garnish
  1. Combine the bourbon, rye, lavender vanilla bean honey, and bitters in a mixing glass, and stir.
  2. Pour over an ice-filled rocks glass.
  3. Garnish with an orange twist and serve immediately.

 

___________

 

Rosemary Lemon Salmon Filets

The rosemary-infused honey gives this dish a sweet and aromatic flavor. Yield: serves 4

 

  • 2 tbsp rosemary lemon honey + more for finishing drizzle
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 (6-oz.) skinless boneless salmon filets
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • Pinch fresh rosemary leaves (optional garnish)
  1. Arrange salmon filets, flat side down in a shallow dish in a single layer.
  2. Season to taste with salt and pepper and drizzle with the infused honey.
  3. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-low and rub grates generously with olive oil.
  5. Place salmon on grill, rounded side down, and cook, rotating to create crosshatched markings and turning once, until dark golden brown and medium rare, (2 to 3 minutes per side)
  6. Divide salmon between 4 plates and drizzle with lemon juice and a little bit of the extra honey to taste. Garnish with fresh rosemary, and serve immediately or at room temperature.

 

___________

 

More Honey Ideas 

Honey is a natural sweetener, and a fantastic alternative to using refined sugars. Our infused honey create more opportunities to play with flavor and create some really special dishes.

 

Tag us in your creations! @IntelligentGourmet on Instagram and Facebook

 

  • Add a warming taste to a cup of tea.
  • Infused honey is so enticing when drizzled over oatmeal.
  • Drizzle over baked brie or pork chops.
  • Over vanilla ice cream for a sweet, fresh flavor.
  • Terrific in a martini or old fashion instead of simple syrup.
  • Try our Chili Honey on fried chicken & biscuits.
  • Honey over waffles instead of syrup.

 

___________

 

Rosemary Roasted Walnuts

VEGAN – GLUTEN FREE – PALEO – DELICIOUS Wonderfully simple and addicting roasted walnuts. Salty, sweet, savory snacking perfection. Yields:3 cups walnuts

 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey (sub agave for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (or 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1.25 teaspoons of our rosemary grapefruit maldon sea salt flakes
  • 3 cups walnut halves
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, honey (or agave), rosemary, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
  3. Place the walnuts into a mixing bowl and drizzle the oil and spice mixture over the walnuts. Stir to toss and coat the nuts well.
  4. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant, hot, and golden.
  5. Cool then seal and add to grazing board when ready to share.

 

___________

 

Infused Salt Hasselback Potatoes

This recipe adds extra flavor to crispy, roasty, hasselback potatoes to elevate your side dish to the next level. Yield: Serves 4

 

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves – minced or pressed
  • 1 pound Mixed New Potatoes
  • 2 teaspoon finishing salt (any of our infused salts are fantastic with this)
  1. Mix olive oil and garlic in a small saucepan on low heat for 5-10 min or until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic, you just want the flavor to begin infusing into the oil.
  2. Slice the potatoes vertical slits 3/4 of the way thru each potato along the length of the potato – making sure to not cut all the way thru.
  3. Arrange cut potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush generously with garlic oil mixture.
  4. Place into the hot oven and cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven, brush with remaining garlic oil mixture and top each potato with a generous pinch of your favorite salt.
  6. Place back into the oven and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender and crispy around the edges.

 

___________

 

More Salt Ideas 

Finishing salts boast a bright flavor that elevates everything from dark chocolate to pastas, salads, roasted vegetables and even margarita’s.

 

Tag us in your creations! @IntelligentGourmet on Instagram and Facebook

  • Rim a margarita glass.
  • Sprinkle a little over chocolate truffles.
  • Use with a Carmel sauce over cheesecake for an elevated salted Carmel flavor.
  • Use over any meat or seafood in place of regular salt for added flavor.
  • Sprinkle over rice or pasta.
  • Sprinkle over a salad for added flavor.
  • Roasting nuts? Sprinkle on a flavored salt after they are done for a special finishing touch.
___________

Bottom of the Jar Vinaigrette 

Don’t let any of that sweet jam go to waste! This vinaigrette dressing will make use of every last drop left in the jar and create a beautifully flavorful topper for fresh greens or veggies.

 

  • 1 rounded tablespoon of IG Jam – scrape the bottom of the jar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon or spicy mustard
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

    Use with:

    • 8 cups chopped greens and any vegetables
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  1. To the bottom of an almost-empty jam jar, add the other ingredients and shake to combine. Or, whisk together all the ingredients in a salad bowl, streaming in the EVOO.
  2. Toss with lettuce and vegetables and season with salt and pepper.

 

___________

 

More Jam Ideas 

Jams are versatile spreads that can be used for so many different things in the kitchen. We’ve listed a few ideas here to get you started, but this is only the tip of the jam iceberg.

 

Tag us in your creations! @IntelligentGourmet on Instagram and Facebook

  1. Add some to a pan sauce for meat – It not only helps thicken it, it adds sweetness and flavor. Try stone fruit jam like our plum jam with red wine as a pan sauce for steak or pork chops.
  2. Whip up the ultimate grilled cheese – Jam + melted cheese + golden, toasted bread. (It’s the jam that makes it ultimate.)
  3. Top your pancakes – Turn jam into syrup instantly by boiling it with a bit of water. (Sayonara, maple syrup!)
  4. Serve it alongside cheese – Oh you thought your cheese plates were already fancy? You haven’t even seen fancy until you’ve put a cute jar of jam on the plate.
  5. Make flavored chocolate – Stir a spoonful of jam into warm ganache and pour it over cakes. Or refrigerate until firm and use it as a filling for French macarons.
  6. Make better biscuits – Instead of slathering your biscuits with jam, bake jam right into the biscuit.
  7. Make your own fruit-flavored yogurt – Spoon some jam into a bowl. Top with plain yogurt. Call it fruit-on-the-bottom.
___________

What do you do with Pickled Watermelon?

Pickled vegetables are a fantastic pairing with meats and a must on a board or on the bar. Great served as part of an appetizer spread accompany with flatbreads and grilled meats

 

  1. Use them like a chutney –  accompaniment to roasted meats much like you would dress roasted turkey with cranberry sauce.
  2. Looking for a unique addition to an appetizer tray or charcuterie board?This is it!The flavorful pickled watermelon pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, meat, and other pickled vegetables.
  3. It is delicious by itself as a winter treat or as a condiment with greens or turkey.
  4. Other fans say it’s great with cheese and crackers or on sandwiches

 

___________

 

Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables

 

  1. The pickles are traditionally served on Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. They’re a little like bread and butter pickles, though crispier, not as sweet, and with a slight radish taste from the daikon.
  2. These pickles would be great with anything that would typically be served with coleslaw or sauerkraut, like hot dogs, or barbecued pork
  3. They would also be great with salad or wrapped into a spring roll.
  4. There is definitely a health benefit to eating these kinds of vegetables, so they can even be enjoyed just by themselves.

How to Use Food to Rock Your New Year’s Resolutions, All Year Long

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

This post is NOT about losing weight. In fact, that resolution isn’t even going to be mentioned, because you know why? I’m SICK OF IT! Aren’t you? Of course, you can use food to lose weight (studies show it’s more effective to control your diet than increase exercise if you have to choose), but let’s dig a little deeper this year and go after what we really want to maintain your New Years Health goals.

1. Resolution: Be Happier 

It’s a simple one, but it’s what we’re really after with all the other resolutions isn’t it? Even when you have a great family, work you love, and live in a beautiful part of the country that hovers between 60 and 80 degrees in the dead of winter – you can still feel down more often than you’d like. Stop punishing yourself for being ungrateful – that’s not it. Unless you need to make real changes in your life (maybe you do!), these downtimes are chemical. And that means you can lift yourself back up with food. 

There was an interesting study on PBS recently that linked inflammation with depression. This means that an anti-inflammatory diet could significantly help symptoms of depression. Two especially powerful anti-inflammatory foods (or supplements) you can try are: 

  • Turmeric (curcumin) 
  • Omega-3 (fish, or fish oil) 

2. Resolution: Be Healthier 

Boost energy and fight disease this year by incorporating these 5 foods into your daily life. Yes, daily.

  1. Lemons – Anti-inflammatory, inhibits cancer cell growth, increases “good” cholesterol levels, vitamin C.
  2. Broccoli – Anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting rock-star, vitamin K & vitamin C combo builds healthy bones.
  3. Dark Chocolate – 1/4th oz daily reduces blood pressure & bad cholesterol, and improves your mood!
  4. Salmon/Fish/Flax Seeds/Walnuts – Omega-3 fatty acids help the brain work better, reduce bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk for heart disease. 
  5. Spinach – Anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, and eye-health-improving. Toss a handful in with your eggs every morning! 

3. Resolution: Spend More Time With Loved Ones 

Invite some friends over to cook a healthy meal together – and schedule these dinners as often as you’d like.  We’re all so busy that if we don’t schedule in time with friends and loved ones, it never happens. So put a few dinner dates on your calendar. Here’s an idea: Make a game of it by inviting a friend to walk through your local farmer’s market with you, choose some “mystery” ingredients, and see what you can do with them when you get back! 

Don’t like to cook, but still want the healthy dinner? We’ve got you covered. Just serve everyone Intelligent Gourmet! 

Share your new years health goals with us! What are your favorite tools and healthy habits?

Juice Your Way Into the New Year

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

Resolutions… Goal setting… Intentions… Sometimes, these words hold too much weight at the dawn of a New Year. Let us put those aside and juice your way into the New year!

Our goal is not to lose weight or change your diet – but instead, share with you why adding juicing to your diet can lead to a happier & healthier year.

Resolution: Be Happier

It sounds so simple, but this is one resolution that we would all like to obtain! Even if everything adds up – your family dynamic is great, your work is your passion, and live somewhere with plenty of sunshine, we can still feel down more often than we would like. There is no need to punish yourself for feeling down – oftentimes, it is what is inside of you that does it. Typically, these downtimes are chemical and that means you can lift yourself back up with good-for-you food.

There was an interesting study on PBS recently that linked inflammation with depression. This means that an anti-inflammatory diet could significantly help symptoms of depression. Adding both of these two foods (or supplements) to your diet or throwing them into your daily juice or smoothie is very easy, and are very powerful, anti-inflammatory foods:

  • Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Omega-3 (fish or fish oil)

Resolution: Be Healthier

Boost energy and fight disease this year by incorporating these 5 foods into your daily life. Yes, we really do mean, daily! Upping your juice game by adding a couple of these to your daily creation can add so many benefits to your diet.

  • Lemons: Tart but delicious, they are anti-inflammatory, can inhibit cancer cell growth, increases “good” cholesterol levels, and have a good amount of vitamin C.
  • Broccoli: These little trees are anti-inflammatory and are cancer-fighting rock-stars. Plus, they are packed with Vitamin K & Vitamin C; this combination can help build healthy bones.
  • Dark Chocolate: Only a fourth ounce, enjoyed daily can reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Bonus, it can improve your mood!
  • Salmon, Fish, Flax Seeds, & Walnuts: All of these hold Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help the brain work better, reduce bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk for heart disease.
  • Spinach: Just call us Popeye! Spinach is an anti-inflammatory food, cancer-fighting, and help with improving your eye health. We suggest tossing a handful in with your eggs every morning

Cooking not your thing, but still want a healthy dinner? At Intelligent Gourmet – we’ve got you covered! Stop in today, enjoy some of our fresh juices & grab a few of our favorite dishes to go, #gourmetontheGO.

5 Juice Ingredients That Reduce Inflammation & Bloating

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

Have you ever woken up and felt bloated? If you answered yes to this question, then you have probably had this happen more than once. While this problem may be familiar, the treatment is often lesser-known. A lot of people tend to look up ways to feel better online, and there are usually some bizarre remedies on different websites that people try, even if they don’t make sense! What many don’t realize is that it is easier to treat bloatedness or inflammation than you think. One way to improve how you feel on a daily basis is to visit a juice bar nearby. At Intelligent Gourmet, your health is important to us and we are dedicated to serving you healthy yet delicious drink options that offer many health benefits, like those that offer digestive relief.

5 Juice Ingredients That Reduce Inflammation And Bloating

Do not be fooled by the internet. You do not need to do anything crazy to feel better when you are bloated or inflamed. There are natural and affordable options to staying healthy, such as eating and drinking properly, so you obtain all of the energy you need throughout the day. Some juice ingredients that can reduce your bloating include

Ginger- This spicy ingredient is a potent anti-inflammatory that reduces the pain associated with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory issues.
Turmeric- Protects fats against oxidation during cooking and shields the body against oxidative stress.
Celery- There are more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds.
Cucumber- Cucumbers can lower the inflammatory response in the body and can potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Cayenne- Cayenne has a very powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called capsaicin.

All of these ingredients offer benefits that your body can appreciate. Some juice options that are offered at Intelligent Gourmet that may reduce your inflammation are Healthy Body, Bottled Sunshine, and Cucumber Julep.

Other Ways To Reduce Inflammation

Juicing is a great way to detox your body, and with a juice bar nearby in Tampa, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing which ingredients you prefer to reduce your bloating and inflammation. Along with with juice options that offer very healthy ingredients, there are other ways to help reduce your inflammation:

Eat more plant based, nutrient-dense foods.
Focus on gut health.
Make sure you always have plenty of rest.
Reduce the toxins in your food, home, and personal care products.

These are just some of the ways to help reduce your inflammation or bloating. Make sure that when you are researching online, you choose the healthiest options to detox your body. Do not put your body in harm’s way with out of the box remedies.

Contact Us

When you are looking for a juice bar nearby in Tampa, come into Intelligent Gourmet today! We have a variety of juices that can help reduce your bloating and inflammation. Do not follow crazy remedies you find online! There are much healthier and safer ways to lower inflammation. To find out more about the juices we offer call us today at (813) 287-2253 or visit our website! https://www.ig2go.com/.

Diffusing Essential Oils

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

People often ask why I love to diffuse essential oils.

Well being a long time scent junkie or should I say candle-holic, I was sad to learn that my addiction to burning a candle in every room just might not be the best thing I could’ve been doing for my health or for the health of those around me.  I simply had to find healthier and more organic way to satisfy my cravings. THE FACTS:

  • A lot of the candles we burn are made from paraffin wax, when you burn paraffin it forms the toxic substances benzene and toluene both of these are know to be carcinogens.
  • Some candles even have a tendency towards lead core in the wicks, nobody wants to release that in their environment.
  • Because we love beautiful things and the marketplace is appealing to our scenes, many of our candles even the soy ones are enhanced with artificial scents and colored with harmful dyes.

Enough said, I made the decision to my part by not spreading toxins in the air with my burning candles.

Diffusing pure essential oils gave me all of my fabulous scents with the  added benefit of promoting physical and mental health.  Just one of the many gifts of diffusing oil is that you can choose your oils to suit you and create customized blends of the oils to fit your mood or your current situation.

  • Blend them is your work space to create an atmosphere of clarity, energy and stimulate focus.
  • Use them in your home to promote, relaxation, calmness and a sense of general well being.
  • In your bedroom use one oil in the evening for a restful night sleep and in the morning to strength and toning while doing your morning meditation or exercise.

I chose Neal’s Yard Remedies, because I think of them at the pioneers of essential oils. Their oils are all 100% pure and unadulterated.

They believe that wild-crafted and organically grown plants are better for you, the growers and pickers, their communities and the environment. By severely restricting the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are used you can be sure you are getting the best possible product.

To order call us . 813.287.2253 or shop online @ https://us.nyrorrganic.com/shop/ig2go

How to Use Food to Rock Your New Year’s Resolutions, All Year Long

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

This post is NOT about losing weight. In fact, that resolution isn’t even going to be mentioned, because you know why? I’m SICK OF IT! Aren’t you? Of course, you can use food to lose weight (studies show it’s more effective to control your diet than increase exercise if you have to choose), but let’s dig a little deeper this year and go after what we really want to maintain your New Years Health goals.

1. Resolution: Be Happier 

It’s a simple one, but it’s what we’re really after with all the other resolutions isn’t it? Even when you have a great family, work you love, and live in a beautiful part of the country that hovers between 60 and 80 degrees in the dead of winter – you can still feel down more often than you’d like. Stop punishing yourself for being ungrateful – that’s not it. Unless you need to make real changes in your life (maybe you do!), these downtimes are chemical. And that means you can lift yourself back up with food. 

There was an interesting study on PBS recently that linked inflammation with depression. This means that an anti-inflammatory diet could significantly help symptoms of depression. Two especially powerful anti-inflammatory foods (or supplements) you can try are: 

  • Turmeric (curcumin) 
  • Omega-3 (fish, or fish oil) 

2. Resolution: Be Healthier 

Boost energy and fight disease this year by incorporating these 5 foods into your daily life. Yes, daily.

  1. Lemons – Anti-inflammatory, inhibits cancer cell growth, increases “good” cholesterol levels, vitamin C.
  2. Broccoli – Anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting rock-star, vitamin K & vitamin C combo builds healthy bones.
  3. Dark Chocolate – 1/4th oz daily reduces blood pressure & bad cholesterol, and improves your mood!
  4. Salmon/Fish/Flax Seeds/Walnuts – Omega-3 fatty acids help the brain work better, reduce bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk for heart disease. 
  5. Spinach – Anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, and eye-health-improving. Toss a handful in with your eggs every morning! 

3. Resolution: Spend More Time With Loved Ones 

Invite some friends over to cook a healthy meal together – and schedule these dinners as often as you’d like.  We’re all so busy that if we don’t schedule in time with friends and loved ones, it never happens. So put a few dinner dates on your calendar. Here’s an idea: Make a game of it by inviting a friend to walk through your local farmer’s market with you, choose some “mystery” ingredients, and see what you can do with them when you get back! 

Don’t like to cook, but still want the healthy dinner? We’ve got you covered. Just serve everyone Intelligent Gourmet! 

Share your new years health goals with us! What are your favorite tools and healthy habits?

New Years Health | How to Use Food to Rock Your New Year’s Resolutions, All Year Long

Juice Your Way Into the New Year

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

Resolutions… Goal setting… Intentions… Sometimes, these words hold too much weight at the dawn of a New Year. Let us put those aside and juice your way into the New year!

Our goal is not to lose weight or change your diet – but instead, share with you why adding juicing to your diet can lead to a happier & healthier year.

Resolution: Be Happier

It sounds so simple, but this is one resolution that we would all like to obtain! Even if everything adds up – your family dynamic is great, your work is your passion, and live somewhere with plenty of sunshine, we can still feel down more often than we would like. There is no need to punish yourself for feeling down – oftentimes, it is what is inside of you that does it. Typically, these downtimes are chemical and that means you can lift yourself back up with good-for-you food.

There was an interesting study on PBS recently that linked inflammation with depression. This means that an anti-inflammatory diet could significantly help symptoms of depression. Adding both of these two foods (or supplements) to your diet or throwing them into your daily juice or smoothie is very easy, and are very powerful, anti-inflammatory foods:

  • Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Omega-3 (fish or fish oil)

Resolution: Be Healthier

Boost energy and fight disease this year by incorporating these 5 foods into your daily life. Yes, we really do mean, daily! Upping your juice game by adding a couple of these to your daily creation can add so many benefits to your diet.

  • Lemons: Tart but delicious, they are anti-inflammatory, can inhibit cancer cell growth, increases “good” cholesterol levels, and have a good amount of vitamin C.
  • Broccoli: These little trees are anti-inflammatory and are cancer-fighting rock-stars. Plus, they are packed with Vitamin K & Vitamin C; this combination can help build healthy bones.
  • Dark Chocolate: Only a fourth ounce, enjoyed daily can reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Bonus, it can improve your mood!
  • Salmon, Fish, Flax Seeds, & Walnuts: All of these hold Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help the brain work better, reduce bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk for heart disease.
  • Spinach: Just call us Popeye! Spinach is an anti-inflammatory food, cancer-fighting, and help with improving your eye health. We suggest tossing a handful in with your eggs every morning

Cooking not your thing, but still want a healthy dinner? At Intelligent Gourmet – we’ve got you covered! Stop in today, enjoy some of our fresh juices & grab a few of our favorite dishes to go, #gourmetontheGO. 

Happy Holidays – It’s Cookie Time!

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

Happy Holidays – it is time for cookies! Really, we weren’t kidding!

The holiday season is not complete without something sweet and cookies are too good to pass up. But, if you need a nutritionist’s blessing over your Holiday table to feel less guilty about indulging – well, here it is! There are many ways that you can make healthier cookies with ingredients such as vegan butter, finely ground nuts, gluten-free flour, and agave nectar. And even if you make your Christmas cookies with white sugar and shortening, the spices in your recipes still have healthy qualities. 

Why Christmas Cookies Are *kinda* Healthy For You

Gingerbread Cookies: Combining ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg make gingerbread cookies rich, spicy, delicious, and healthy! A true superfood, ginger improves blood flow, prevents colon cancer, reduces inflammation, strengthens the immune system, and can help fight respiratory problems.  Cinnamon helps reduce bad cholesterol and cloves are packed with antioxidants and manganese, which help you control your weight and improve your mood. Nutmeg contains trace minerals that strengthen the immune system and antibacterial properties that help protect your teeth and gums – you can even find nutmeg oil in some brands of toothpaste.

Find a healthy Gingerbread Cookie recipe using spelt flour here.

Snickerdoodles: The main ingredient flavoring delicious, soft, and chewy Snickerdoodles is cinnamon. Cinnamon reduces LDL cholesterol levels, which can help reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon also helps fight ulcer-causing bacteria and pathogens, is an anti-inflammatory, and helps balance hormones for women.

Find a vegan Snickerdoodle recipe here.

Lebkuchen: This German Christmas cookie is made with a number of spices, candied citrus peels, hazelnuts, and almonds. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves is powerful enough to make these cookies healthier than the average circular morsel. And, when you add ingredients like flavonoid-rich orange and lemon peels, constipation-reducing dates, and good fat-packed nuts – this cookie starts looking more like a breakfast bar!

Martha Stewart’s Lebkuchen recipe here.

From all of us at Intelligent Gourmet, we wish you a Happy Holidays! We hope that you enjoy everything on your table this year – we’d love to help you with a few dishes too! Shop our Holiday Menu HERE – Christmas orders need to be placed by Wednesday, December 16th. Don’t delay!

Find these recipes and more on the Intelligent Gourmet Holidays Pinterest Board! 

Reasons to Incorporate Fresh Juice into your Diet

Posted on by Linda Baldwin

It’s no secret that there are many reasons to incorporate fresh juice into your diet. Today, we are sharing five reasons why you should add juicing to your everyday! 

Reasons to Try Juicing for Health

Keeps you Hydrated: As part of a balanced diet, it is important to keep up with your intake of water, fruits, and vegetables. Conveniently, fruits and vegetables with higher water concentrations are found in our juice recipes because of the high amount of water they contain. Due to the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, you are getting both water and other important nutrients – this helps your body stay hydrated.

Strengthens Bones: It is important for us to consume minerals, such as calcium, in order to maintain healthy bones and teeth. One easy way to increase your calcium intake is through the foods you eat and drink. Two easy veggies that are high in calcium, and so easy to add when juicing, are kale or spinach. They are a staple to so many of our juice recipes! 

Boost Energy: While caffeine and energy drinks are great for a kick, they can cause us to crash and burn. However, when you treat yourself to a natural, long-lasting energy drink filled with fruits and vegetables, you will be giving your body the combination of nutrients it needs to keep going all day long.

Reduces Stress: Giving your body the proper nutrition it needs will allow it to regulate itself and keep your stress levels down. The more vitamins and antioxidant dense foods you consume, the more easily you will be to cope with stress. Eating certain foods, such as blueberries or leafy greens can help your diet – make it super easy and add them to your juicing routine. 

Better Sleep At Night: You are more likely to feel more relaxed at night when your body has the power it needs to get through the day. Juice can help give your body what it needs to fall asleep naturally at night. Fruits, such as pineapples, bananas, and oranges contain melatonin naturally, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep cycles.

Looking for Healthy Food Near Me? We welcome you into Intelligent Gourmet today to try some of our juice combinations. Juicing is an efficient, yet simple way to get in your helping of fruits and vegetables; in one serving of our juice, you can get multiple servings of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients in one serving. Often times, juicing is easier for the body to digest, compared to solid foods and makes it easier for the flow of fluid to run through your system. There are so has many benefits to juicing – stop in and see our juicing menu, we would love to help you find the perfect recipe to match just what you are looking for.

If you are looking to incorporate juicing for health into your diet, reach out or stop in Intelligent Gourmet in Tampa, FL. We have many recipes for you to try and can easily become your favorite “healthy food near me” lunch destination.
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