Pumpkin Cocoa Chili

As fall begins to set in our seasonal produce changes and the warm, wintery foods that comfort us find their way back onto our tables. Winter squashes, pumpkins, stews, soups, nourishing, nutrient dense. We all crave a warm meal that deeply satisfies.

Pumpkins are not only for decorating, they not only have nutritional benefits but they are delicious as well! This Pumpkin Cocoa Chili is one of my favorite recipes using pumpkin that has both a savory and sweet flavor. The spices of the chili bring out the flavor of the meat but he pumpkin adds this wonderful sweetness that rounds the dish out perfectly!

Pumpkins and other winter squashes can seem so difficult to cook but if you simply place the pumpkin in your oven whole and bake at 350 degrees for about a half hour or until soft then you can very easily cut it open without any strain! You can learn to include these nutrient dense foods into your meals regularly with this technique!

Recipe:
1 small pumpkin
1 large onion
3-4 cloves garlic
2T ghee
1lb stew meat, grass-fed
32oz canned diced tomatoes
1 green bell pepper
1T paprika
2T chili powder
1T chipotle powder
1T cinnamon
1T cocoa powder
1t sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

1. Get the pumpkin in the oven! While it's baking dice onions, bell pepper and garlic.
2. Heat the ghee in your stove top pan and add diced vegetables and stew meat. Saute on medium for about 10 minutes.
3. Add spices and canned tomatoes. Mix well.
4. Cover, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let flavors mingle and vegetables cook for about 30-45 minutes.
5. When pumpkin is soft, remove from the oven. Let cool to the touch and when you can handle it, slice open, scoop out the flesh, remove the skin and add 1inch by 1inch cubes to the chili. Mix in well!

This dish is perfect for a seasonal party or fun family dinner. Enjoy with salad, organic corn tortillas, some brown rice, or steamed greens!

*original recipe from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilipo.

Dr Iris Pediatrics

Wholesome Practices is pleased to announce that Dani Rhoades, NC will now be working as the certified nutritionist at Dr. Iris Pediatrics! Dani Rhoades has an extensive history not only with nutrition but with children and is excited to blend her passions together.

The health of our children has changed dramatically with allergies, obesity and other ailments on the rise. This generation is actually the first generation that is said to possibly not out live their parents. These facts are daunting but there is hope as much can be done to support your child's health! Good nutrition starting from a young age or implemented at any time can have profound effects on the human body. My personal story is a living testimony to this effect which is why I am so passionate about my work as a Nutritionist. In today's society there is so much conflicting information about what 'good nutrition' is and often parent's don't know where to start. Dani's personal story, education, and work experience make her a qualified candidate for assisting you in making the transitions towards health your family needs.

Your children deserve the most optical which is why choosing an integrative pediatrician is the best option for your family. Dr. Iris Pediatrics is now accepting new patients- infants under one! This is rare opportunity as normally the practiced is full and closed to new families. Call the office at (805) 892-4141 to schedule your interview today!

We will be offering classes at Dr. Iris Pedaitrics on various nutrition related topics so please keep your eyes out! You can also contact dani@wholesomepractices.com to get added to our mailing list!

Fall Cleansing

Most people are aware that 'Spring Cleansing' is quite common, but most healthcare professionals these days are actually recommending that people also do a second cleanse later in the year. You might be surprised to find out that 'fatty liver' is the single most common disease in America. It's actually estimated that 70-90 million Americans suffer from fatty liver and today we're even seeing this condition in children.

When the body is overloaded with sugar, even in the form of flour or excess carbohydrates, the liver begins to store fat in a process known as lipogenesis. This is seen in the picture above. Fructose, especially in the form of high fructose corn syrup is the number one cause of this. But refined flours or refined grains and other forms of sugar are strong contributors as well. A healthy, whole foods diet will ensure you maintain a healthy liver but what's to be done to actually restore some of the damage that's take place?

One of the best ways to support liver health is through a detoxification plan. The body responds wonderfully to specific foods that enhance liver function like lemons, milk thistle and cruciferous vegetables. Take note this fall and of course again in the spring to cleanse and boost liver health!

'Dani's Detox' is a 5-7 day program that uses food, herbs, supplements and lifestyle to fuel the pathways of detoxification in the liver. The plan was formulated by myself, certified Nutrition Consultant Dani Rhoades, NC with the support of Dr. Robert P. Mathis, MD, ABAARM, ABIHM, CNS, MCP. Together we have created a plan that is natural, science based and incredibly efficient. It works effectively yet calmly so as not to remove you from daily life. While some detox programs can be harsh and cause many side effects, this detox program works gently.

This is normally a $75 program but as fall is another great season for cleansing, Dani is offering to set you up on the detox for just $50! Please contact dani@wholesomepractices.com to being your detox program!

*Be sure to contact your healthcare provider before starting any new program. Although children are mentioned in this post, Dani's Detox is not designed for children. It is also not meant to replace medical care for fatty liver or any other liver disease.