And if you don't have time to cook...

Ok, so now I've found out that I have thyroid problems, which leads me to more flax & an attempt to go gluten free (working most of the time!). When I'm doing as I 'should', I take 2 tblsp. flax meal per day. The easiest way for me to take this is to swill it all with some grapefruit juice. While it's not delightful, you get the health benefits in one shot!

Even better, though, is to add this to a smoothie. I got a great new Vitamix, so it takes just a few seconds to whip one up. Also, if you do it this way, you don't have the nutty flavor of flax that will taint the taste of some foods if you cook it and add too much. So you can get more flax bang for your buck, so to speak.

My favorite

1 scoop protein powder
3/4 to 1 c plain or vanilla yogurt
some frozen berries, about a cup
1-2 tblsp of flaxmeal
about a 1tblsp of honey
about 1/2 cup of juice (I usually have apple or grape to hand)

Add the liquids first, and if your berries are fresh, add a handful or two of ice cubes, too.

This shake really gives you energy, and is great before you head off to the gym, and it will also keep you feeling full for awhile, due to the fiber in the flaxmeal.

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Blackberry Biscuits

Ok, so I just polished off two of these, they're better by far than I thought they'd be.

Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix
1/2 c blackberries, chopped in half (blueberries or marionberries would also be good, as would dried fruit)
1 tblsp flax meal
1 tsp raw sugar

So, follow the directions on the back of the package for the biscuits, and add the flax meal. Fold the berries in. This looks very runny, but will start to form, and you use a bit of the mix to roll it out. I didn't need to roll it out or even use a cutter, as you can shape these very easily with your hands. 1/2 in thick is about right. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on each one, to cut some of the flax taste out. Next time, I think I'll use soy milk, not rice milk. I will definitely make these again, though.

Meatloaf

Thought I'd better get some savory recipes in, too-

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 c skim milk
1/2 c ground flax seed
1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1/2 c chopped onion
1 egg, beaten
1 tblsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 c ketchup (I use organic)

Mix all ingredients well, except ketchup. Put it into a 9X5X3 bread loaf pan and put ketchup on top. Bake at 350° for about 1 1/2 hrs, no more.

Pretty Guiltless Chocolate Banana Shake

1 banana, chopped into chunks
3/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
3/4 c vanilla soy milk (you can use regular milk but you may want to add a 1/2 tsp vanilla)
2 tblsp almond butter (good for you!)
1 tblsp cocoa powder
1 tblsp flax meal (same as ground flax seed)
dollop of honey
a few ice cubes

Mix in blender till blended & enjoy!

Super Yummy Flax Pumpkin & Raisin Cookies

Made these yesterday for my daughter but I can't keep my hands off of them! One of the better 'healthy' cookies I've had in a long time!

2 c flour (I had unbleached white, but I think you could use half wheat)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 c butter
1 egg
1 c canned pumpkin (I used a can of pie mix from Trader Joe's)
1 tsp vanilla
1 c raisins (or mix of dried fruits - I had some papaya on hand so used a handful of dried papaya and a handful of raisins, but cranberries or dried cherries would also be great)
1/2 c flax seed
1/2 brown sugar

Mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, pumpkin, vanilla. Combine bowls and add flax seed & dried fruit.

Drop spoonfuls (they don't really melt down so I wouldn't pile them high) onto non stick or greased cookie sheet and bake at 375° for about 10 or 11 min, until lightly browned on bottom.

They are yummy!

Tasty Blueberry Pancakes!

We had a taste test for pancakes this morning, and these were a hit!

1 large egg
1/2 c wheat flour, 1/2 c unbleached flour
3/4 c milk (great with vanilla soy, too - really sweet!)
1 tblsp brown sugar
1 tblsp vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c blueberries (we like a lot of them!)
1/4 c flaxseed meal

Mix ingredients and cook pancakes on greased griddle or pan over med heat. Tastes best with real maple syrup. Enjoy!