The Sage Foodie

This recipe suits me: a Korean culture lover, vegetarian, and healthy eater! Bibimbbap , meaning "mixed rice" in the Korean language, is a popular Korean dish comprised of rice, vegetables, meat, and fried egg. It's served with an attractive presentation, but before you eat it, you're meant to mix all of the ingredients together. As a fan of Hallyu, I often see the dish make an appearance in K-dramas or variety shows. I've enjoyed my fair share of it at Korean restaurants, but readily created my own version.  My bibimbap recipe is completely vegetarian—I swap the standard beef bulgogi for marinated mushrooms. For extra fiber, I opt for short-grain brown rice instead of the white variety. Top it with a fried egg and gochujang for a savory, spicy, and sweet flavor. My version may not be entirely authentic, but I hope you enjoy it.   Ingredients: 10 ounces of crimini (baby bella) mushrooms 1 bunch of fresh spinach or 3 cups of bagged spinach 2 carrots, peeled and sl...

For me, baking is a family tradition. In trying to be healthier, I wondered if there was a way to leave the sugar behind. Conventional baking typically relies on white sugar. While the sweetener is ubiquitous and familiar, it undergoes various processing methods, leaving the final refined product devoid of nutritional value. Fortunately, there are alternative options that have health benefits. Deviating from the default can be quite fun and even adds to the flavor profile of your baked goods. Here are some of my favorite natural sweeteners to use.  Date Syrup Made completely from fruit, date syrup is a thick, sweetener processed from medjool or deglet dates. It has a robust flavor that tastes strongly of dates and caramel. Most date syrups are dark, but there are some "golden" varieties. Despite the fructose, date syrup is high in fiber and minerals. This gives it a lower glycemic index score than that of cane sugar. Its magnesium and phosphorus content also make it favorabl...

Smoothies are a convenient, portable breakfast option and a great way to incorporate fruit into your diet. This chocolate and cherry-flavored beverage is reminiscent of chocolate milk or black forest cake. Unlike a typical dessert, though, this morning smoothie is rich in plant flavonoids, healthy carbohydrates, and fiber. Nut milk makes this recipe dairy-free and perfectly suitable for a plant-based diet. I opt for hazelnut milk for a rich flavor undertone. Date syrup complements the chocolate flavor of cacao, while ripe banana adds a creamy sweetness. I prefer using frozen wild blueberries, which are smaller and earthier than the regular variety.  If you can't find them in the store, regular blueberries will work just fine, but note, they are a bit sweeter. Overall, this recipe, when using organic ingredients, is low-acid. The frozen organic fruit, date syrup, cacao, and the nut milk are all considered alkaline-forming ingredients.  Serves: 1 Ingredients: 1 cup of nut or see...