celebrate national doctor's dayThe old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” actually has some grounds for truth. Given that most people don’t meet their daily recommended fruit intake, your doctor would probably love you to eat an apple or any other piece of your favourite fruit every day.

Our family doctors give us a a lot of other advice besides how much fruit to eat. From how often to exercise to whether or not it’s safe for you to start that diet, your doctor is always there to lend a helping hand. That’s why it’s nice to know there’s a National Doctor’s Day to say thank you for everything your doctor does.

National Doctor’s Day is March 30th, and although you may not want to head down to his or her office with a card and flowers, you can celebrate the day by spending some time taking your doctor’s advice and creating what could be some of their most recommended recipes. This could just be the turning point you’re looking for to focus on clean eating, and the best part? They’re healthy and delicious recipes.

Here’s a few doctor recommended recipes you can make this year on National Doctor’s Day.

Cashew Pancakes With Cinnamon Brown Butter

national doctor's day pancake recipeIt’s doctor approved, but cashew flour isn’t something you’ll see front and center on the shelves of your grocery store. If you can find it, you should definitely try cooking with it because cashew flour has healthy fats, protein, and is great for anyone who is gluten-free or diabetic. It doesn’t hurt that these pancakes takes so great you’d never know you subbed anything. Photo and recipe from Dr.Oz.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted grass-fed butter
2 tsp real maple syrup
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fine-grain sea salt
1 1/4 cups cashew flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fine-grain sea salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted (plus more for cooking)
2 tbsp real maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

To make the cinnamon butter:

1. Cook the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for eight to 10 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Whisk in 2 teaspoons of maple surup, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

To make the pancakes:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, one tablespoon coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix to combine.

2. Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a teaspoon or so of coconut oil. When the oil has melted and the pan is hot, add 1/4 to 3/4 cup dollops of batter to the pan, being sure not to crowd them. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip. When browned on both sides, remove from the pan and serve immediately with the cinnamon butter drizzled on top. Add additional coconut oil as need for cooking the next batch and continue making pancakes until batter is used up.

 

Quinoa with vegetables and herbs recipe

quiona with vegetables and herbs recipeI was surprised the first time I tried quinoa. It’s got a nutty flavour that goes well with all types of dishes, and I actually prefer it over rice now. Because Quinoa has so many health benefits, from the fact that it’s gluten-free and has all nine essential amino acids, any dish you make with it will be doctor approved. It’s also easy to make in a rice cooker. Photo and recipe from Oprah.com.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tsp. fresh thyme or oregano (optional)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Directions

Rinse quinoa in a strainer. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp. salt to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa absorbs the water, 10 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high and add garlic, zucchini, carrots, thyme or oregano (if using), and red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender and golden around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, vegetables, and fresh chives and serve.

 

Banana Chocolate Ice Cream

banana chocolate ice cream recipeWhat would life be without dessert? Your doctor doesn’t want you to give up everything, but if you’ve decided you want to focus on reducing sugar, adding healthy ingredients, and cutting fat, you can’t go wrong with this ‘ice cream’ recipe. The main ingredient is banana, and that’s where it gets it’s creamy texture. I’d use a high powered blender to whip everything up, then pop it in the freezer for 1/2 hour before you enjoy. Photo and recipe from Dr.Oz.

Ingredients

1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp liquid Stevia

Directions

Combine ingredients in a blender. You can also add all of the ingredients to your ice cream maker to make it icy cold and frosty, then let it sit inside your freezer for 1/2 hour before you enjoy.

 

happy-national-doctors-dayThose are just three recipes your doctor would approve of, and they are all easy to make and delicious.

The trick to keeping you healthy and your doctor happy is to look at the recipes you normally make and substitute healthy ingredients where you can. Choose different flours to try and substitute, utilize things like sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, and focus on adding as many fresh fruits and vegetables you to every dish you make.

You can do it in one giant leap or a few tiny steps each week, but any changes you make now will be doctor approved during your next visit.

You can find all the small appliances and bakeware you need to create doctor approved recipes at Best Buy, and check out a few of my kitchen favourites below.

cuisinart ice cream maker
You can make any type of healthy ice cream when you have your own ice cream maker

Panasonic rice cooker
It’s easy to make brown rice and quinoa when you have a rice cooker

food processor for grinding flour
You can grind up your own flour with a food processor
Shelly Wutke
Editor TV & Home Theatre
I'm a Vancouver freelancer and tech enthusiast. When I'm not writing you'll find me on my farm with my alpacas, chickens, and honeybees. Visit my website Survivemag