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The Essentials is a series of recipes and tips that will inspire you to stay sugar free without changing your daily routine. Ok, you have decided to take on the challenge of going sugar free for the month of September. You committed to yourself that you could 1) avoid store bought sugary baked goods, 2) that you are going to replace soda pop with hydrating herb and fruit infused water and 3) you are going to attempt making your own sauces, condiments and dressings at home…

BUT.. then you remember… you favourite morning ritual… your coffee (w/sugar!) No need to worry, I got you covered with this creamy, silky and sweet morning brew… I can assure you, you will not be missing your double double!

Directions

After brewing your morning cup (or 2) of coffee, add it to your blender with 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and optional 1 tsp of cacao. Blending the coffee with coconut oil turns it into a creamy latte, while giving you a dose of your healthy fats. The added cinnamon helps to balance blood sugar levels and the cacao is a great magnesium and energy boost.

Not a coffee drinker? Try one of my Superfood Latte Teas (click for free e-book with 5 recipes!) for a morning boost like Maple Chaga, Matcha-Maca, or Turmeric Chai! They are all dairy free and prepared with your choice of coconut or almond milk. You could also experiment with using an all natural coffee replacement such as Dandy Blend.

Turmeric Chai Superfood Tea

I absolutely love this dip for so many reasons. It’s so easy since all you have to do is throw all the ingredients into a food processor. The dip is so creamy and makes you feel as though you are indulging in your favorite ranch and cream cheese dip..minus the dairy.

This dip is raw so it contains all the enzymes needed for digestion. It’s an easy way to include more raw food into the diet and to switch up the hummus dip typically served with veggies.

I love to eat this dip with flaxseed Foccacia, a recipe and new favorite I learned about from Healthful Pursuit’s “The Keto Beginning.”

Why was this dip included in the detox?

Raw sunflower seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps the body fight off oxidative stress and free radicals. They also contain tryptophan, an enzyme that produces serotonin and relieves tension and promotes relaxation.

It contains fresh lemon juice which is very important when it comes to detoxing and alkalizing the body, and so are fresh herbs (especially parsley!)

Garlic is an important anti-bacterial which helps to strengthen the immune system, fight off infection as well as delivers important minerals like selenium and manganese…among many other health benefits.

Creamy Sunflower Seed Dip

Makes 2 cups

1 1/2 C raw sunflower seeds (soaked for at least 3 hours)

1/2 lemon, juiced

3/4 C water

1 tbsp fresh dill

1/3 C fresh basil mint

1/3 C fresh parsley

1 green onion (for garnish)

1 garlic clove

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1/4 C cold pressed olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS : Put all ingredients except the olive oil in a vitamix or high powered blender.

Once the blender is running drizzle the olive oil through the opening in the lid and process until smooth. You may need to stop the blender to scrape down some of the sunflower seeds from the sides. Do that and then just run the blender for another few seconds. Refrigerate the dip for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Post your comments below once you try it!