Chris’ Favorite Recipes for Balanced Blood Sugar & Energy

At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we believe that food is medicine. The right ingredients can support blood sugar balance, energy levels, and overall well-being. These carefully crafted recipes are nutrient-dense, packed with whole foods, and designed to fuel your body naturally. Enjoy these delicious meals while keeping your health in focus!

Chris’ Grits & Chorizo Recipe

🔥 A protein-packed, nutrient-dense dish perfect for any meal of the day. Balanced with protein, fiber, and complex carbs to support energy and hormone health.
Serves: 8

Ingredients:

Sautéed Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced

• 2 poblano peppers, diced

• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced

• 1 large onion, diced

• Salt & pepper to taste

Protein:

• 1 lb prepared pork chorizo

• 1 lb low-fat turkey or beef

• 1 packet Siete chorizo seasoning

Grits Base:

• 4 ½ cups boiling water

• 1 ½ tsp dried dulse or kelp

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups grits (unprepared polenta)

• 1 can plain pumpkin

• 2 cups frozen spinach or sorrel

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese

• Two eggs, fried over-easy

• Your favorite hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeño, and onion. Cook until softened. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Cook Proteins: In another skillet, cook chorizo and turkey/beef with the Siete seasoning until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Prepare Grits: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in dulse, salt, and grits. Reduce heat and cook until thickened. Stir in pumpkin and frozen spinach until well incorporated.

4. Assemble Bowls: Layer grits, sautéed vegetables, and chorizo mixture in a bowl. Top with shredded cheese, fried eggs, and hot sauce. Enjoy!

Chris’ Pho Recipe

🍜 A deeply nourishing, gut-healing soup loaded with collagen, minerals, and vibrant vegetables.
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

Broth Base:

• 2+ lb beef bones

• 2 large onions, skin removed and cut into large chunks

• 1 jalapeño or similar pepper, stemmed and cut into large chunks

• 4 quarts water

• 3 tbsp ginger

• 1 packet pho spices

• 2 tbsp salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 oz cubed mushrooms (or 1 package dried mushrooms)

• 1 bunch green onions, sliced

• 1 cake rice ramen per person

Toppings for Serving:

• Thinly sliced beef (cooked by ladling hot broth over it)

• Bean sprouts

• Thinly sliced cabbage

• Matchstick carrots

• Lime wedges

• Fresh basil

• Fresh cilantro

• Thinly sliced daikon radish

• Tofu (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown Beef Bones: In a stockpot, brown beef bones over medium-high heat. Set aside.

2. Sear Aromatics: In the same pot, sear onions and jalapeño until charred.

3. Simmer Broth: Add water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring to a boil, then return bones to the pot. Skim any foam from the top. Add ginger and toasted spice packet. Simmer for 3+ hours.

4. Strain & Blend: Remove bones and spice bag. Use a stick blender to blend in softened onions and jalapeño for added depth of flavor.

5. Add Mushrooms & Green Onions: Stir in mushrooms and green onions. Simmer for another 20 minutes.

6. Cook Ramen: In a separate pot, cook rice ramen according to package instructions.

7. Assemble Bowls: Place thinly sliced beef in bowls. Ladle hot broth over it to cook. Add ramen and top with your choice of vegetables and herbs. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These whole-food, nutrient-packed meals are designed to nourish your body, balance blood sugar, and support digestion. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting grits & chorizo or a deeply healing bowl of pho, these recipes bring flavor and function to your wellness journey.

🌿 Looking for personalized nutrition guidance? Schedule a consultation with Itasca Naturopathic Clinic today!

Bon Appétit!

Rachel Oppitz, ND