








Stir Fry is an easy go-to meal that almost any family can make in under 30 minutes. Okra has been a fan favorite for decades in the south. Originally from the indigenous people of the Gold coasts of West Africa, Okra made its way in the bellies of the “New World” in the late 1600’s. However, it’s most commonly known for being included in Creole patois since the 1800’s to the present.
Since Okra and Collard greens are a huge component in the south. I decided to take the two most common items and create a healthy, vegan meal that can be created alongside cornbread and black-eyed peas or as a meal by itself.
My goal was not to overcook the greens so the nutrients still remain in them hence cooking them under 2 minutes.
Here’s the recipe for roasted Okra and Collard Greens stir fry.
INGREDIENTS:
Roasted Okra:
1/2 lb okra cut in halves
3 tbls grape seed oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp basil
1/4 tsp ground sage
Bake at 400 F approx.10-12 minutes
Sautéed Mixture:
2 cups chopped collard greens
2 cups chopped Kale
1/2 onion
1/2 large Green bell pepper
1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
Approx. 3-4 tbls grape seed/Avocado oil
3/4 tbls sea salt
2 cups Garbanzo beans
3/4 cup Black beans
Grains:
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup Kamut Approx
1 cup water
DIRECTIONS:
Boil grains as directed on package.
As grains are boiling, preheat oven to 400 F.
Rinse and slice Okra in halves.
Prepare Okra by mixing oils, herbs and sea salt together on a baking sheet.
Bake Okra approximately 10-12 minutes
As Okra is baking, Chop your Sautee mixture.
Heat skillet on Med-High heat with Grapeseed/Avocado oil
Add onions, peppers, and mushrooms first for a few seconds (coat)
Then Add greens and Kale and sautee’ approximately 2 minutes.
By this time, the Okra should be done. Remove and Let cool.
Continuously stir the Greens mixture.
Grains should be done.
Add cooked or canned Garbanzo beans. Add Sea Salt. Stir
(If you want to keep this meal Dr. Sebi approved, do not add Black beans)
Add Black beans. Stir
Add 2 cups cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup cooked Kamut to the mixture.
Stir approx. 1 minute
Add Okra and Enjoy!
*This entire meal was alkaline until we added black beans. If you follow Dr. Debi’s plan, do not add black beans.
EARTH takes her crown. Her first thoughts are unknown to man but she knows the goals and challenges that’s set before her, yet she strides with confidence that her ground is fertile, strong, and resilient. All hope is never defeated by the feet that walks against her because the gold chain that holds the many keys to success are swarmed around her bones, embracing the lock that holds everything together in one click.
The metal cuffs that holds her wrists are guards of protection from the many hands that want to dig into her mind. As she protects her frame of minds, she allows them to walk amongst her beings as she will soon guide them to the strength that’s bestowed within her womb. No feathers on earth can shield her from how great and powerful she is, only used to shield the distractions so that they too can focus on the greatness of her existence.
Just think! How powerful you could be if you succumb to your spiritual inner being within the womb of the earth, you too will become the Queen you were seeded to be. Remember, not every seed will survive. Some will fall before they are planted and some will rise, like the plant when the morning sun calls it to awaken, to be fuel for the bees that go back to their home to feed their colony.
Be the earthly warrior you were meant to be. Never be afraid to challenge yourself and others to be the flower they were meant to bloom into because the warrior never quit, he just keeps going with no regrets.
Photographer: Jonne Johnson
Model: Tierra Benton
Designer/Stylist: LADASKA MECHELLE
Jewelry: Raje’ Luna
Great places to take kids this week would be the Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM). This season’s exhibit, Healthyville, is all about being smart with your health. Knowing your muscles, being active, and choosing healthy meal options through exploring is what got me excited about Healthyville.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to enter. They have various stations wher you’re moving your feet, arms and entire body to get your heart pumping. Even I was able to get on a station with my daughter to measure our heart rate while being active.
Showing kids through demonstrations on how to maintain and take care of their bodies in a fun way was exciting. We were all over the place. My daughter enjoyed it and you will see her demonstration on muscles in the picture below.
We will definitely go back as education and knowledge about food and health plays a huge role in my house. So fuel up , be active, and head over to the LICM.
When I think about eating, I think about what’s best for my body long term. Most of us have gotten warped in the new society of gmos, toxins and harmful chemicals in our foods. Eating for YOU has essentially become harder so I decided to create a 21 day health challenge to get myself on the right track.
Day one wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be but going to Philly on the first day of my detox was definitely a challenge. Having meals prepped and ready to go, made my commitment smoother.
The meals were not too bad and craving for sweet and savory items didn’t exist. Prepping and cook time for each meal was no more than 20 minutes including prep time and best of all, I lost 3lbs in 4 days.
I am still in the first phase, mid-week and I wanted to share my progress on FOOD JUNKIE 21’s -21 Day Health Challenge.
If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook, you will see an array of images.
These are just a few of my favorites. The Lettuce hand sandwich smothered in hummus. Sweet potato stir fry, Egg & Vegetable scramble w Quinoa and Chickpeas, and a Green Smoothie.