I really like to bring attention to great friends who are doing important work in the wellness world.   Lauren Rust is one of those people. She is a health coach – but she specifically works with women who have been diagnosed with HPV and cervical dysplasia.  Lauren is developing a program to support women in this situation and to help them make health- and immune-boosting lifestyle choices.

I am happy to introduce Lauren’s work here. And I’m especially looking forward to trying this fantastic recipe!!

~Mahri

TRUFFLE ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH IMMUNE BOOSTING POWER

By: Lauren Rust, CHC

I’m pretty cold right now. How about you? Being raised in Georgia did nothing to prepare me for the kind of winter we’re having. When I moved to the city five years ago, my idea of a winter coat was a light jacket. Needless to say, I’ve upgraded my wardrobe since then!

When it’s cold outside, my body craves warm, nourishing foods and there’s nothing easier than roasting veggies for dinner. (HEALTH COACH CONFESSION: Contrary to popular belief, when I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen emulating June Cleaver). So when I’m in a pinch for time or need a fabulous side dish, this is my go-to recipe. It’s so simple and it’s always a crowd pleaser!

And what kind of health coach would I be if I didn’t tell you about all the glorious health benefits of this delicious dish? In my practice, I work with women who have HPV or cervical dysplasia, teaching them how to support their immune systems naturally, and one of the best things women can do for strong immunity is to add lots of cruciferous vegetables into their diet! We all know vegetables are good for us, but cruciferous vegetables are the powerhouses of the vegetable world! So today, let’s talk about one of them – Brussels sprouts!

Brussels sprouts contain compounds called ITCs that promote the elimination of carcinogens from the body. ITCs also help reduce DNA damage that could potentially lead to the development and proliferation of abnormal cell growth! Plus, sprouts are full of vitamin C (for immune system support), folate (for healthy cell growth) and vitamin K (which helps regulate inflammation).

So next time you’re craving a warm, delicious dinner that’s also super nutritious, do yourself a favor and start roasting!

TRUFFLE ROASTED VEGETABLES

Ingredients:

• 1 small bag (or heaping handful) of Brussels sprouts
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 1 (8 oz.) pack of mushrooms
• 1 onion (red or yellow)
• 1 (13.75 oz.) can of artichoke hearts
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• Extra-virgin coconut oil (I recommend Trader Joe’s brand!)
• 1 tsp. (divided) of truffle oil (this is optional, but gives them that extra delicious flavor!)

Seasoning:

• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease 2 baking pans (I’m a big fan of leftovers, but if this is too much for you, cut the recipe in half).

2. Finely chop the garlic and cut the onion into long strips.

3. Wash and chop your mushrooms into smaller pieces (there is no wrong way to chop these veggies, by the way!).

4. Wash and cut your asparagus into thirds (discarding the tough white end of the stalks).

5. Wash and chop your Brussels sprouts in half. Then with your knife, make a tiny slit into the “tree trunk” looking end of the sprout (this helps them cook more evenly!).

6. Wash and break your cauliflower into smaller pieces (you can use your hands!).

7. Now drain your can of artichokes and break the hearts into smaller pieces.

8. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients and drizzle with just enough coconut oil to give the veggies a light coat. Mix well.

9. Give the veggies a generous sprinkle of the spices listed above, then spread the mixture evenly onto the baking pans.

10. If you’re using truffle oil, drizzle ½ tsp. per pan over the veggies and bake for 40-45 minutes (flipping halfway through) until the veggies are cooked through and slightly browned. Enjoy!

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Lauren Rust is a Certified Health Coach based in New York City. She works with women who have HPV and cervical dysplasia, giving them emotional support and simple tools for supporting their immune systems through food and lifestyle modifications. She received formal training in nutrition and innovative coaching techniques at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Lauren is a travel junkie, a big fan of her trusted bicycle and a great listener who would love to connect with you in person or by phone! You can learn more about her programs at Lauren Rust Wellness.