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Pavlova Tropical Fruit Pie

Pavlova dessert is a delicious meringue based dessert with fruit. You usually see Pavolovas piled high with berries. But a tropical twist to that can be with fruits like pineapple, kiwi, guava, bananas, mango, and cherries to make a rainbow effect as in eat-from-the-rainbow anti-inflammatory healthy.

Rainbow meringue pie recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can also omit the sugar in your egg-white meringue base. And instead of a traditional meringue base altogether, you can add a grit or oat pie base bottom.

Either way is a way to enjoy the tropics from home, and the healthy benefits of tropical fruits.

Loaded with Vitamin C and fiber, they also have minerals and  are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Most tropical fruits are also very juicy to quench your thirst and cooling. Instead of reaching for a beverage with calories, eat healthy tropical fruits.

What’s fun about a Pavlova is you can make it your own swirls and patterns.

Rainbow meringue pie recipe.
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Pavlova Tropical Fruit Meringue Pie

This is a lighter pie version with tropical fruits that are high in Vitamin C..
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Equipment

  • pie baking pan

Ingredients

  • Tropical fruits, chopped
  • Meringue (or grit pie bottom)
  • 1 15 ounce cream of coconut can

Instructions

  • For Pavolva, whip egg whites to make meringue base. Add to a pan that will be your presenting dish/pan or use a Silpat for easy transfer. Alternatively you can make a grits pie base that's quicker to bake, with grits, egg, and coconut oil that complements tropical fruit flavors. Alternatively, you can grind oats and bake them to use as the base.
  • Bake in 200°F oven until it feels solid and formed (like packed snow).
  • Decorate with fruit (dragonfruit, pineapple, passion fruit, and guava). If you want to use less fruit sugar or for a breakfast Pavlova, you can alternatively add berries and green bananas.
  • Pipe coconut cream (solid flesh of coconut)

High Fiber Food List and Surprising Facts

High fiber food helps you have a naturally gut healthy life. And if you’re fiber-maxxing these days, some foods are higher fiber in each food category.

high fiber foods printable list.

Besides this printable graphic, check out the selected list below of highest fiber foods.

…Which btw, increasing fiber may be catching on as a trend, but it not a new healthy idea. Your GI tract has always loved you and those before you for increasing fiber.

…and it has been on a nutritional label for years, but is still often overlooked.

The dietary fiber line item is under the carbs category, but indigestible, unlike carbs (that are digested).

And the indigestible fiber supports a healthy gut life.

…Where the fiber we eat comes from foods that have outer plant-based fiber, such as wheat and fruit skins.

Wheat bran and prunes are good examples of the XX in fibermaxxing, as super fiber foods.

And basically, there are two kinds of fiber that make up dietary fiber count: soluble and insoluble. 

Many plant-based foods have both, but when we think of fiber to help food passage, it’s the insoluble fiber kind that we need more of daily.

Think of insoluble fiber as a growing bigger tumbleweed in the desert.

Healthy foods are all around us.

And in the gut, that could be a wad of cabbage or popcorn moving through your body’s water channel tract.

…Or it could be other daily foods like leafy greens, nuts, lentils, beans, and plant-based foods that also have high fiber counts.

Fiber foods are usually affordable foods year-round at places like Aldi grocery stores… and you can find interesting fresh-off-the-farm grown seasonal foods at local farmers markets, such as different kinds of radishes and leafy greens.

Rainbow chard.

The common mature version of these plants generally have more fiber than say microgreens that are the baby versions, and super healthy for other reasons.

Then there are the cereal grasses with fiber, such as wheat, that can be added in your daily diet, like in a fiber healthy brownie recipe that you can make and even enjoy for breakfast.

…And another breakfast way to get in these fiber foods is from organic fruits in a smoothie.

Adding fruit skins to your blender helps you consume more fiber.

Today women are recommended to get approximately 25-30 grams, and for men, 30-38 grams of fiber.

And these are just a few high fiber food suggestions where you can rack up more gram points:

Smoothies – Fruit and veggies are good sources of fiber, and whether it’s a sweet smoothie or green smoothie, your body fiber benefits. Or a veg-fruit blend of the two like in a green mango smoothie.

…Oh, and you can make delicious dessert smoothies too (which is my favorite), like a blueberry cheesecake smoothie.

Did you know cocoa powder has 7-9 grams of fiber per ounce? That’s double or more fiber than. in a medium apple. Finding an unsweetened and natural cocoa powder (not an alkalized Dutch processed) is healthier.

…And that you can add to a chocolate fiber-y coconut chocolate smoothie.

For more healthy smoothie ideas, get the FREE smoothie guide.

Green lentils – Peas and lentils are related, but from different plants or parents. They’re like cousins to each other. And you can make  mushy peas with higher fiber via green lentils, that substitute green peas (that don’t have as much fiber).

Navy beans – The queen of high fiber beans are navy beans. Navy beans are also called pea beans (they have that in common with chickpea-garbanzo beans that also have both pea-bean in the names).

They may not be as easy for you to source as other beans, but are often found in a 15-bean bag. You can easily make this a healthy meal in a homemade bowl of turmeric soup.

And if you’re having a tough time finding these beans (vs cannellini or Great Northern beans that navy beans are often confused with), check out dry beans at places like Walmart markets that usually have a larger selection at lower prices. And you can’t go wrong with pinto beans either.

But if you’re hesitant about beans altogether, you can avoid the reason why many people sometimes stay away from the bean digestive effects…

Tip: And if that’s your bean experiences after digested, try a bag of dried beans. Soak the beans overnight or longer in a bowl of water. Absorbing the water, the beans will expand and grow in size, maybe as big as a lima bean, so add more than enough water to fully cover. Then low and slow cook the beans until soft.

Try them and note the difference for your body. Either way, it will be a different experience than canned beans.

Psyllium husk – This is one of those supplemental powders that has been around. It’s definitely an alternative, but one that often comes with additives and sugar. You can get enough fiber from your healthy food diet if you try.

…So maybe challenge yourself to get enough fiber from foods? Because then you’re eating more plant-based foods that also offer vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory body benefits. Just a thought.

Artichoke – This a prebiotic food that feeds good bacteria (good for a gut baby). The common globe artichokes look more like pretty green roses with the concentric petals.

You’ve probably also heard of Jerusalem artichokes… that are tubers (like water chestnuts or potatoes) and not related to those artichokes. They actually look more like potatoes on the outside. But that’s okay if you get confused between the two, as both are fiber healthy.

Both artichoke types have prebiotic fiber (inulin) that feeds good bacteria, found also in asparagus, chicory root, garlic, bananas, alliums (e.g. onions and garlic).

Passion fruit – The passion fruit is also passionate in fiber with about 25 grams per cup compared to 8 grams in berries like raspberries, that are also considered high fiber fruits.

But passion fruit is great for people who don’t love sweet fruits, but if you do, you can pair with other tropical fruits in a smoothie, like sweet dragon fruit, pineapple, or kiwi that are easier to source. Or add in to coconut.

Avocados – You can find avocados on so many healthy lists, but as for fiber, it’s also a winner! It’s higher than many fruits. So add the superfruit in your smoothies, dips, and smears. You can try with coffee that’s a laxative, in a 2xx morning avocado coffee smoothie. 🥑 And then grow a little avocado plant from seed.

Prunes – These are dried plums that are good snacks that have balanced soluble and insoluble fiber. Plus you’re eating the skins that are mostly insoluble fiber (reason for daily fiber) and the flesh or pulp is soluble.

And they taste consistent. Because you probably remember the plum tastes from in season vs. off season where they can be sweet or sour.

For prunes, the natural fruit sugar in them act as laxatives. They make great home snacks (and not so much take-a-long-snacks). And you can try adding to your cooking, like pairing with meat if you eat.

Wheat bran – A wheat kernel has bran (outer layer), germ (inner seed) and endosperm (middle layer). Whole wheat flour has all, but the bran has the higher insoluble fiber, like most skins.

Flour is also more processed. But you can easily add wheat bran into your bakes like a whole grain roll or daily biscuit. You can also get this in your fortified cereals if you don’t like to bake.

Barley – Getting both soluble and insoluble fiber, barley has both like prunes.

To prepare, it’s easier than dry rice. It’s closer to quinoa where you can dry toast for a minute (optional), and then cook in water until soft.

It’s a good alternative to rice or oats. It’s a healthy ancient grain like buckwheat and amaranth where you can add a little into your bakes.

…That makes this ‘lil home baker happy. 😊

Matcha Banana Bread – Easy as Pancakes!

Matcha banana bread is an easy bread you can make for brunch. And this one is a mixed batter (and not a proofing bread dough) before it’s in the oven, so you’ll save hours! Think of it like a quick pancake batter.

matcha banana bread

…And you can make this simple, where all you need is a pancake mix and a banana.

…Oh, and then add a little milk and/or yogurt for moistness. You can also make your own easy banana bread mix with flour (gluten and gluten-free), baking powder, and choice of sweetness (such as maple syrup or honey that are good for breakfast and lower sugar than sugar).

You can also get your healthy ingredient adds in like matcha tea in banana bread. Matcha is a healthy anti-inflammatory green tea, good for calming that also supports weight loss. 🍵

matcha banana bread batter.

…Where less sugar is also going to support those efforts.

I also added in healthy gluten-free buckwheat flour to the mix, that’s high in protein and fiber… and good in healthier pancakes and a recipe like this.

You can hide the healthy ingredients after you combine the ingredients. But I left a small trail of spring green matcha on the top of the batter, so you can see it’s there. The color will also blend in more after baked. 🌱

Only the banana bread will stand out in the end.

And that’s a good way to hide healthy ingredients for those who are picky eaters!

…But that you’ll feel better about it in there and anyone you’re sharing with!

The best part is: you can make healthier breakfast sweets like this matcha banana bread without compromising any tastes.

You can also make other delicious low-sugar bakes or low-fat healthy desserts that are better for your healthy eating brunch meals and breakfast missions.

matcha banana bread
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Matcha Banana Bread

This is a banana bread with healthy matcha and made with a simple batter and baked.
Course Breakfast, desserts
Cuisine American
Total Time 45 hours
Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pancake mix (or all purpose flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 banana, sliced vertically in half
  • 2 tsp matcha powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp yogurt (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in a bowl.
  • Pour batter into baking vessel and bake at 325°F for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Virgin Berry Tea Mocktail Drink – Mother’s Day

Virgin berry tea is a mocktail drink that can be made delicious for a special Mother’s Day drink.

Virgin berry tea mocktail drink for special Mother's Day.

Shaken, not stirred, you can easily make a mocktail drink like this with your Magic Bullet blender recipes and brunch waffles. You can shake the ingredients over your shoulder and this will create a smooth frothy tea beverage like this virgin berry tea drink that all ages can enjoy.

This goes well with at a brunch with berry lavender tea scone, berry shortbread no-bake recipe, blueberry cheesecake, lemon strawberry trifle, Belgian waffles, and even cardamom cookies (…that could be the card for mom?).

Happy Mother’s Day!

Btw, when my mom was with us on earth, she spent most of her working career as a dressmaker, so this light pink and purple color berry tea celebrates her life well and fits into the 2026 Met Gala’s Costume Art theme she would’ve liked. She never ate desserts with sugar, but had plenty of fruit.

…Oh, and if your mom is more a Mint Julep Kentucky Derby type, then you can try this Virgin Mint Julep tea drink anytime of day.

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Mother's Day Virgin Hibiscus Berry Mocktail Drink

This is a virgin pink and lavender celebratory and festive mocktail drink with healthy notes that any mom would love! The drink checks the boxes for the service and quality time love language mom as she kicks up her feet to sip on this special mocktail that can be made into a cocktail.
Course beverage
Cuisine American
Author Brandy @ Healthy Happy Life Secrets

Equipment

  • martini strainer or other strainer

Ingredients

  • blueberry tea
  • hibiscus tea
  • can of coconut cream (or heavy cream)
  • blueberries and strawberries
  • lavender tea bag

Instructions

  • Reserve the thickest part of the coconut cream. Then mix the thinner part of the cream to make a milk consistency that will be used for blending.
  • Combine brewed blueberry tea and hibiscus tea and milk consistency cream. Shake up and strain to create the lavender purple color layer. Optional: add berries to this layer if you wish.
  • Freeze the first layer.
  • Repeat the second step but omit the blueberry tea to make the pink color layer as red and white make pink. Optional: add berries to this layer if you wish.
  • Freeze the second layer.
  • Add the thick coconut cream to the top. Add a little of the milk consistency cream to make the thickness of choice.
  • Decorate with dried hibiscus and lavender tea leaves, and/or fresh fruit.
  • Enjoy and watch the drink change colors!

Nothing-Maxxing Is Growth and Happiness

Nothing-maxxing is something my generation called something different that still meant doing nothing.

In simpler times, we called it relaxing.

Today, it’s a healthy intention to do more relaxx-ing.

And to live more healthy and stress-free that helps prevent burnout.

For the younger generations today, some of those older ways were left as pickup pieces in the attic… like cassette tapes.

Tapes left clues to a simpler life, that’s less digital. 📼

And if you were to stack them up, it would sound like a fun game of Jenga, where you know the plastic is also embedded with a world of music or ideas.

That was home entertainment, along with books, board games, and blank sheets of paper.

That we still have today…

Continue reading “Nothing-Maxxing Is Growth and Happiness”