The Philosophie's Guide to Gluten-Free Flours

Finding out that you have a gluten allergy used to mean kissing baked goods goodbye forever, but with the increasing awareness of gluten-related health issues, gluten-free treat options are on the rise. While most stores now carry large selections of gluten free cookies, crackers, breads, and other baked goods, we prefer to make our own and with our guide to gluten-free flour options, it’s easy as pie.

 

 

The Easy Option: Cup4Cup

Cup4Cup was developed by Lena Kwak, a Research and Development Chef for the world-renowned restaurant, French Laundry, in Yountville, CA. Cup4Cup offers a variety of blends including an Original Flour Blend, a Wholesome Flour Blend, a Pizza Crust Mix, and a Pancake and Waffle Mix. The beauty of the Cup4Cup flour blends is that they can be swapped out for traditional flours without having to change proportions, making them absolutely fool-proof for anyone that wants to bake all of their favorite treats without having to alter the recipes. This is the best option for a novice baker or anyone that doesn’t want to spend a lot of time experimenting with gluten-free flour options.

 

Almond and Coconut Flours 

Paleo-Friendly Flours

Because the paleo diet eliminates grains entirely, any flours that are paleo-friendly are also gluten-free. These flours tend to be on the heavier side, so some alterations to recipes that call for traditional flour will most likely be necessary. Nut flours like almond flour or hazelnut flour provide substantial amounts of protein and work well for baked goods that are intended have higher moisture contents. There are a few things that are important to remember when working with nut flours. First is that the finer the grind, the better the baked good will turn out in most cases. Also, nut flours tend to burn a little more easily than traditional flours, so adjust your baking temperature to 25°F – 50°F lower than what the recipe calls for and bake for longer if necessary. Coconut flour is another excellent paleo-friendly baking option. It is rich in fiber, but is also very absorbent so additional wet ingredients may be required to avoid a drier baked good. Because both of these flours are free of gluten, baked goods made with these flours may not bind or hold together as well as they would with the use of traditional flour. If you are creating something that you would like to hold together instead of crumble, you may want to consider adding a small amount of xanthan or guar gum or psyllium husks to thicken, bind, and stabilize your gluten-free baked goods. In some instances, pureed fruits can be used as a binding ingredient as well. We use ripe bananas to give our gluten-free Cacao Magic Paleo Bread a delightfully spongey soft texture.

 

Gluten Free Flours

Gluten-Free Grain-Based Flours

Since gluten is only present in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale, any other grains can be used to make flours that are free of gluten. Rice, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, sorghum, teff, and certified gluten-free oats can all be ground into flour and each one has its own unique properties. Oat, rice, and sorghum flours tend to be most similar to all-purpose flour because of their medium starch contents, but may not be able to be substituted 1:1 depending on the recipe. Millet, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, and teff flours have higher starch contents, and like almond and coconut flours, tend to result in baked goods that are denser. Using these heavier flours often necessitates a few recipe alterations to avoid a finished product that is tough or dry. Again, without gluten to bind your baked goods, you will most likely want to add one of the binders mentioned above, like xanthan or guar gum, particularly if you are making something that you want to hold together like cookies or pie crusts.

 

Root and Tuber Flours 

Root and Tuber Flours

While root and tuber flours can rarely be used on their own, these lower starch flours are excellent ingredients for adding thickness, structure, or an airy texture to your gluten-free baked goods. Arrowroot starch and tapioca are great thickening agents for sauces, fillings, and batters, while potato starch can help create light and fluffy baked goods.

 

Philosophie Cacao Magic Paleo Bread 

Of course, any seasoned baker knows that the best results come from repeated trails and recipes that have been refined across many attempts. We always recommend approaching your time in the kitchen with a sense of curiosity and playfulness and would love to know what helpful tips you’ve learned about gluten-free baking from your kitchen experiments. Feel free to share your gluten-free baking tips and tricks in the comments below and be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

 

Images sources from first to last: The Philosophie, Cup4Cup, Small Kitchen College, The Gluten-Free Spouse, The Root of Health, + The Philosophie Recipe Blog.

Comments (1):

jessise13 on

We always recommend approaching your time in the kitchen with a sense of curiosity and playfulness and would love to know what helpful tips you’ve learned about gluten-free baking from your kitchen experiments. – See more at: <a href=“http://www.shoemeno.net/giuseppezanotti.html” title=“ジュゼッペザノッティ通販,ジュゼッペザノッティ人気通販”>ジュゼッペザノッティ通販

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Sophie’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are a beautiful way to celebrate the people in your life. One way to spread a little more love, intention and compassion this holiday season is to share what has been transformational and meaningful to your own life.


This gift guide was created to help you slow down, evaluate and look at the people in your life for what they mean to you and who they are instead of just another name of your list to check out. Here are my top picks for gifts for your loved ones.


If you have friends and family that are ready to step into their life, transform their whole health, and elevate their well-being, then we want to help you find the PERFECT Philosophie goodie to gift them.

Give the gifts that help spread love, wellness and ABUNDANCE this holiday season. 

 

Philosophie Lover’s Bundle (on subscription)
Pranamat (code: SOPHIE)


 



 



 

Alive Water (delivery service)


 



 

Harry Potter™ Faux Book Lockbox from Pottery Barn (or any of the Pottery Barn teen or kid collection)


Adapto – what? The Philosophie Behind the Adaptogens in our Products

Philosophie Superfood + Adaptogen Blends

Adaptogens are Mother’s Nature natural medicine. Adaptogens are powerful little plants and herbs that have literally withstood natural disasters and bring their same ADAPTIVE qualities into our bodies. Philosophie babe, Marissa Cohen, shares the beauty and power of adaptogens and how they show up in our superfoods!

Maybe adaptogens are a staple in your diet, or maybe you’re not sure how to pronounce most of them. Adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms have gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. Despite what your social media feed may lead you to believe, these powders are far from a recent trend. Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine to help restore the body to balance. 

Each one of the Philosophie Superfood Blends contains potent, responsibly-sourced adaptogens. From maca in Berry Bliss to mesquite in Green Dream and reishi mushroom powder in Cacao Magic, these blends are designed to nourish you on a cellular level, beyond helping you meet your daily macronutrient requirements. 

Philosophie Superfood Blends

What are Adaptogens?

The term “adaptogen” was first defined by a Russian pharmacologist to mean “agents which help an organism counteract any adverse effects of a physical, chemical or biological stressor by generating nonspecific resistance.”* For example, the cacao and reishi mushroom in Cacao Magic help the body achieve homeostasis and fight fatigue. If you are feeling depleted, they can deliver energy, but if you are overstimulated they can have a calming effect. Cacao and reishi specifically have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are specifically beneficial for helping the body cope with physical and mental stress.

Chocolate Cacao Strawberries

Adaptogens for Stress Relief

The psychological benefits of adaptogens make them especially useful in today’s world. An estimated 31.1% of Americans experience anxiety at some point in their lives.* Anxiety disorders range in their intensity, but, when left unaddressed, they can become crippling or lead to more severe mental and physical illnesses.

Using adaptogens is a great way to manage stress from the outside world and minimize the effects of the cortisol stress response in the body. One study found that consistently taking adaptogens for 60 days decreased stress in participants by 28%.* Furthermore, other trials have shown the herbs ability to combat depression, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and cure sleep disorders like insomnia, and treat adrenal fatigue.


Adaptogens for Brain Health and Depression

Adaptogens can boost cognitive functioning in several ways, which explains why it is often used in patients with depression and Alzheimer's disease. Adaptogens boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in emotional and mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.* By helping achieve adequate serotonin levels, adaptogens can bring relief to those suffering from mood disorders. Furthermore, they help regenerate brain cells and reconstruct synapses, the never endings where cells communicate with one another. As a result, the ability to learn, memorize, and recall information is enhanced.

Superfood Blends

Adaptogens for Hormone Balance and Fertility

All three blends contain organic maca powder. Maca is a root that is dried and ground into a fine powder. It has a rich, malty taste that helps make the Superfood Blends so delicious. But it’s not just your taste buds that have you craving your daily dose of Philosophie products – your hormones want their hit from maca, as well. Maca helps balance hormones by supporting the endocrine system, making it a natural aphrodisiac that increases sex drive and supports fertility. And while most energy enhancers like caffeine deplete the adrenal glands, maca supports the adrenals and stabilizes your blood sugar to give long-lasting stamina. Not to mention that it contains a host of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for reproduction, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron.* 



The beauty of the Philosophie products is that they are curated to give your unique body exactly what it needs through the use of the adaptogens. They work their magic on their own or in synchrony with each other when combined. Check out our recipe page for hundreds of ideas to begin nourishing your beautiful body, mind, and spirit.

Philosophie Smoothies

Recources(*):

http://www.womenlivingnaturally.com/articlepage.php?id=69

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248

https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-glossary/#dopamine

https://www.floliving.com/how-to-use-maca-to-treat-infertility/

 

What are your favorite benefits of adaptogens and how do you like to incorporate them into your diet? Share with us on the comments below and connect with us on Instagram!

Superfood Chocolate Bark

Superfood Chocolate Bark

We’re in LOVE with this dark chocolate superfood bark recipe made with Cacao Magic, Coconut Magic and Rich Nuts Sprouted Cashews making this a mood-boosting, tasty, sweet & savory treat!


You can turn any recipe into a nutrient-dense, balancing meal by adding superfoods and high-quality organic foods. All foods are not created equal, so even when it comes to choosing nuts make sure to source a brand that is raw, organic and activated like Pine Nuts. 


This superfood bark is super easy to make and can last for a whole week. Clean ingredients, energizing and mood-balancing superfoods and no added sugar makes this dreamy treat good for your body too!

Philosophie & Rich Nuts

Gather This:

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

2 tbsp Cacao Magic

2 tbsp Coconut Magic

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

Pinch of pink sea salt

⅓ cup Rich Nuts Savory Sage Sprouted Cashews, roughly chopped


Do This:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Once the chocolate is melted, add Cacao Magic, Coconut Magic, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of pink sea salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

Pour the chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a thin layer.

Sprinkle the sprouted cashews evenly over the chocolate bark, gently pressing them down to make sure they stick.

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate bark to set. Once the chocolate is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and break it into smaller pieces or irregular chunks. ENJOY!

Chocolate Bark

 

What treats are you making with your superfoods? Share below!

Simple Steps to Let Go of Stress

Stress Less with Philosophie

Stress is pretty much unavoidable. Between traffic, busy schedules, and the many responsibilities that come along with the various roles each of us play from parent, spouse, business-owner or employee, it’s no wonder that we often find ourselves dealing with high levels of tension, either mentally, emotionally, or physically.

As natural as it is to feel this stress, if we allow it to become a constant in our lives, it can lead to a variety of negative effects including headaches, digestive trouble, elevated blood pressure, pain in muscles and joints, problems with sleep, fatigue, and mood disturbances. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re doomed to suffer if you experience stress in your day-to-day life. Investing time in soothing and balancing practices can help you release the build-up of stress from your body and your mind.

There are tons of way to let stress go, and different people will find that some methods are more effective for them than others. If you find yourself struggling with stress on the regular, try out some of these simple stress-relieving practices to feel a greater sense of ease and peace in your daily life!

 

Sophie + Son

De-stress in the Kitchen

Cooking can be a wonderful way to relieve stress because it can help you focus your attention on something positive and nourishing. Many of the things that you do to prep a meal, snack, or treat involves some sort of repetitive process like chopping, stirring, or washing produce. These actions have a simple rhythm to them that can be soothing and almost meditative. Baking, in particular, is a great kitchen activity for releasing tension because the unique sensations of working with dough and batters with your hands can get you out of your head and back into your body very quickly. Not sure what to make? Try your hand at some delicious baked goods, like our Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

Just Say "Om"

Developing a steady meditation practice is one of the very best things you can do to let go of stress in your life. It cultivates a deep inner peace and the ability to let distressing thoughts go instead of circling them obsessively. There are tons of different types of meditation practices, but even taking just a few minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can have dramatically positive impacts.

 

Spend Time with Friends

There are some people that always just leave you feeling refreshed and more positive and those are the people you want to spend time with when you start to feel the pressures of life building. Whether you choose to talk about what is troubling you, or you prefer to focus on what’s going on in their life, spending time with a grounded friend can help you get perspective on the issues that you’re struggling with.

 

Time with Friends Philosophie Image

 

 Have a Dance Party

This may sound like a silly suggestion, but I dare you to try it. Next time you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, step away from the source of the stress for a few minutes, turn on your favorite beats, and rock out. It may not feel entirely natural at first, but if you allow yourself to connect with the music and really let your body express any pent up feelings through your movements, you just might find that you can completely turn your mood around in just a matter of minutes!

 

Get Out in Nature

Another thing that can help you get perspective is getting out of the hustle and in to nature. There’s something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world that reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to simply be the best us we can be. All of the added stresses and strains of modern life feel far away when you’re out on a long hike or floating in the ocean’s waves, and that little bit of space can help make stressful situations seem much more manageable.

Sophie Jaffe at the beach

 

Drink Water

Drink your water! Our lives can be so full, chaotic, and beautiful that sometimes stress, fear, worry or anxiety arises because we aren’t caring for our physical needs. A big glass of cold water can be SO healing. We love ours with a little bit of sunshine. What about you?

Sunshine Drops

 

Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

When your kiddos (or you!) are craving something sweet, but still want to sneak in some nutrients THIS is the smoothie you need. 


It’s loaded with a blend of coconut water giving it a touch of sweetness from the coconut, banana to make it thick promotes healthy digestion, greens, strawberries, and both Philosophie Berry Bliss (vitamin C + plant protein) and Green Dream (iron support, energy + plant protein)! Another plus about this drink is that it really alkaline's the system and it is incredibly cleansing for the system.


You can take away the banana for less sugar or add more to make it sweeter. You'll still get the beautiful benefits of all the superfoods and greens.

Green Superfood Smoothie

Gather This:

Heaping spoonfuls of Berry Bliss + Green Dream

Spoonful of Cosmic Elixir (collagen + adaptogens!)

1-2 tbsp Coconut Magic or coconut butter

8 oz coconut water 

Handful of strawberries (tip: keep the stems on for extra greens!)

Banana

Handful of greens (we used spinach)


Do This:

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender then pour into your favorite glass and top with bee pollen and a scoop of Culina yogurt alternative. ENJOY!

Strawberry Banana Green Superfood Smoothie

7 Health Goals to Set for Yourself This Year

Philosophie Superfoods

People often think an intention or resolution has to be a giant life change, but we believe in keeping things simple and setting attainable goals. Let’s start to think of this time as another opportunity to check in with ourselves and manifest our dream lives–one small, loving step at a time.


What did we accomplish last year? How did we feel defeated? What did we LEARN about ourselves? What do we want to take into the next chapter, and what do we want to leave behind?


Let this year be all about you and your authentic self. The very best YOU can be.

Cosmic Elixir + Tarot Cards

If you need a little inspiration for your health and wellbeing this year, we have you covered. We’re sharing 7 health goal examples to motivate you but your health is all about YOU. Find what works for you. Take the habits you’re doing already and ADD to them to more align with how you want to feel in life. Do the things that feel GOOD to you.


DRINK MORE WATER

Swapping out sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks for water is a great first step to better health. Elevate your water with Liquid Chlorophyll Sunshine Drops for better digestion, more energy and detoxification.


Philosophie Sunshine Drops

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Sleep is SO important to our mind, body and soul and deep, restorative sleep should be an absolute non-negotiable but often gets pushed to the back of your mind. Sleep is connected to so much in our body including our eating habits. Studies have shown that those who are well-rested have better portion control and will select healthier food options than those who are sleep-deprived! READ THIS POST for our tips to better sleep!


CLEANSE & RESET YOUR SPACE

Clutter in your physical space can create clutter in your mind, making you unable to concentrate on the things that actually matter in the present moment instead you’re focusing on the chores that need to be done, the work piling up or that box downstairs that was yet to be put away. Magic happens as you clear out the clutter that has been weighing you down mentally, physically and emotionally.


TAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE

Make sure to put yourself first by practicing self-care. Doing so allows you to take intentional time away from stress so you can be more resilient when you’re facing challenges. Know what your boundaries are and set functional limits in order to operate at capacity in all of the areas of your life.


Tarot Cards & Self Care

GET TO KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR BODY - INTUITIVE EATING!

Listen to your body instead of all the nutrition noise because you can. Why let your power go to the diet industry when you are lucky enough to be able to give your body what it is truly craving on a spiritual and cellular level? READ THIS POST for our tips on clean eating and attaining more nourishment.


UNPLUG MORE

Putting away your phone or laptop isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s good for your physical health as well. Download our Digital Detox Guide with tips for your own digital detox including a letter from Sophie Jaffe, a meditation ritual, and 5-minute check-in practice.


EMBRACE AGING

Being able to embrace yourself will help you become stronger. Our #1 secret to aging gracefully? SUPERFOODS, of course! Beauty starts within and when you load your body up with nutrient-dense, high-vibrational SUPER foods, your body just loves them. Our superfood blends contain highly potent ingredients like reishi, spirulina, goji berry and collagen to support longevity, skin elasticity, and vitality.

Sophie Jaffe

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