Naturally Rosy

Helping you live a healthy life, naturally.

Rosy Pahwa

3 Secrets to Longer, Shinier, Softer Hair

By 9 Comments

NaturallyRosy.com 3 Secrets to Healthier, Shinier, Longer hair

Model: Sheela Saini

Up until the end of high school, I had thick, shiny (albeit unruly), long hair. In college, I experimented with coloring, highlighting, dying, lowlighting my hair – I mean really everything. Any time I needed any kind of change – low score on a midterm, boredom, celebration – I went straight for my hair. Let’s just say, my hair has never been the same.

I stopped messing with my hair soon after graduating college, but it has taken long strides to get it back to its shiny, healthy self. I struggle with anemia (an iron deficiency), which tends to cause hair thinning as well.

But there’s hope!

I did tons of research and, through trial and error, have narrowed it down to the three things I do to get back the soft, shiny, long hair I once had (naturally, of course!).

While I’ve tried different things, I’m going to share the trick that I use most often because it’s simple and easy 🙂

Ready for my three secrets that never cease to keep the compliments coming?!…

Read More »

Gajrela/Gajar ka Halwa/Carrot Dessert (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Option)

By 8 Comments

NaturallyRosy.com - Sugar free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian Gajrela Carrot Dessert

Gajrela aka Gajar ka Halwa aka Carrot Dessert!

Once I sat down and really thought about the first recipe to feature on Naturally Rosy, it was kind of a no-brainer.

This site is dedicated to my dad, who was my first teacher on how to live a natural life with a balanced mind, body, and soul. So many things I know and am learning stemmed from his influence. He woke up at 4:30AM for most of my life, starting his day with meditation, prayer, and yoga. He was more flexible than most people I know (including myself) at the age of 60! Amazing.

It took me a long time after dad passed away to get into the kitchen and create new recipes again, much less attempt versions of his favorite foods. Once I started, it was a way for me to connect with him again. We had always had a strong spiritual connection, and I realize cooking has been strengthening that. Out of everything I’ve made, this recipe resonates most considering it was hands-down his favorite dessert. It’s my way of paying homage to my inspiration.

Although most of his meals were homemade, he had a major sweet tooth. One of his favorite things to eat was gajrela, an Indian dessert made out of carrots that I can only best describe in English as a carrot pudding. If you’re thinking, “A carrot pudding? What?” you’re not alone. But just trust me on this one 😉

I remember years ago I tried making him a healthier, raw version (the typical recipe includes an insane amount of sugar – something on my no-no list). He tried it of course, (since he was the best taste-tester ever) but I could tell he wasn’t a huge fan even though he told me the opposite. My mom isn’t as subtle, and when I told her I was trying this recipe again, she brought to my attention the first time I tried to make it and no one finished it (lol).

Guess what? I made a brand-new version and mom said it tasted like the gajrela she was used to! *Success* considering she loves her sugar and this recipe contains no refined sugar!! If you know Indian dessert, you know how much of a feat this is.

NaturallyRosy.com - Sugar free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian Gajrela Carrot Dessert

This gajrela dessert recipe is not only healthy with whole ingredients like cinnamon, flax seeds and carrots (with tons of proven benefits!), but it is also gluten-free, vegetarian (with a vegan option), can be nut-free and is completely organic and homemade! You can eat it cold, but I love eating it right after it has been made so it’s nice and warm. Talk about comfort food!

This recipe serves two, but you can easily double (or triple or quadruple) it!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Gajrela (Gajar ka Halwa aka Carrot Dessert)
 
Save Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A dessert made out of carrots! This comforting dessert doesn't use any refined sugar as a sweetener, just dates and honey, and is actually quite healthy!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian, Dessert, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Organic, Refined Sugar free
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups of grated carrots (~2 full carrots)
  • 2 dates
  • 1.5 cups of milk (sub almond milk or any nut milk)
  • 1.5 tablespoons ground flax seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • 2 tablespoons raw, organic honey
  • *Optional: Handful of raisins
  • *Optional: Handful of chopped nuts of choice (I find that pistachios and almonds work best)
  • *Optional: ½ tablespoon of hemp seeds
Instructions
  1. Add dates to a food processor for about 5 pulses.
  2. Add grated carrots to processor until dates and carrots are combined (just a couple pulses should do depending on your machine).
  3. Add date/carrot mixture and milk together (if you have a steel pot, that will work best).
  4. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat.
  5. When the milk begins to dissolve, mix in the ghee.
  6. Add ground flax seeds, cinnamon and honey and mix again.
  7. If using nuts, add them in.
  8. Let simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, adding in raisins (if using) towards the end, and stirring occasionally.
  9. Once all the milk is dissolved, stir to desired consistency.
  10. Top with hemp seeds if using, and serve immediately!

Gajrela can be easily reheated, or eaten cold. It can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Let me know how you like the recipe! I’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy!

About Naturally Rosy’s Recipes and Tips

By Leave a Comment

NaturallyRosy My Recipes Quinoa Bowl

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a few notes and promises about my recipes and tips:

*I will never suggest ingredients/tips that I have not tested and used myself.

*I’m an ingredients counter, not a calorie counter ;-).

*I am a believer of the notion that we should eat more, not less- as long as the ingredients we are eating are whole and beneficial to our individual bodies.

*I eat mainly whole and plant-based foods that tend to be gluten-free, white/brown/cane sugar-free, paleo, grain-free and you’ll find plenty of vegan and vegetarian recipes here, too. That is not to say that every recipe will adhere to all of the aforementioned restrictions, but I will be very transparent about that at the beginning of each post 🙂

*I use organic ingredients as often as possible.

*What works for some people will not work for everyone. People eat based on their ailments, lifestyles, body types and even the seasons. I encourage you to pay attention to your bodies during and after you eat to figure out what best suits you and to pay attention to what makes you feel energetic and whole.

*The same goes for our taste buds! What tastes good to some people will not taste good to everyone. That’s why I’ve tested all of my tips and recipes on various family members and friends and have included the ones that work for the most people. Hopefully you’ll enjoy them, too! 🙂

*Don’t be afraid to try something new! Things that are worth doing may initially make you feel uncomfortable. I was so afraid of making mistakes and stepping out of my comfort zone for the longest time, but the reason I was able to make such a huge lifestyle change, and losing fifty pounds in the process, was by trying new things and I am SO glad I did!

That’s all for now! Let me know if you have any questions! I’m always here for you! 🙂

❤ Naturally Rosy

My Kitchen Staples

By Leave a Comment

NaturallyRosy My Kitchen Staples

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite items that I always have readily available in my kitchen because they boast the most health benefits!

Since I rarely eat out and prefer making my own food to pre-packaged, I have a pretty comprehensive list of what I always have on hand. These are great if you’re like me and are anemic, have low vitamin D, or simply enjoy eating well!

Organic Herbs and Spices:

I buy these in their dried forms and fresh when seasonally available. They all contain vital vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

If you are buying these in their dried forms, be sure to choose from brands that do not include any additives.

Parsley

Cilantro

Dill

Himalayan Pink Salt

Black Pepper

Turmeric

Ginger

Basil

Cumin

Cardamom

Garlic

Fennel

Organic Nuts and Seeds:

Again- make sure to check labels. I don’t buy anything that has added salt or sweeteners.

Pumpkin seeds

Sunflower seeds

Brazil nuts

Almonds

Walnuts

Pecans

Cashews

Pistachios

Chia Seeds

Hemp Seeds

Flax Seeds

Sweeteners:

Organic, raw, unfiltered honey

Organic, Pure Maple Syrup

Organic Dates

Organic Dark Chocolate (80% cacao/cocoa and up)

Healthy Fats:

Make sure all of your fats are certified organic

Extra Virgin/ Virgin Coconut oil:

Refined coconut oil is better for cooking at higher temperatures whereas unrefined coconut oil is made from raw coconut meat and will have more of a coconut flavor. Quick tip: add a bit of salt to unrefined coconut oil when cooking and it will take some of the coconut flavor away for the pickier eaters. There are also tons of external benefits to unrefined coconut oil.

Olive Oil (I do not trust olive oil unless it’s in glass and includes a harvesting date)

I use extra-virgin olive oil, but not for cooking at high temperatures. Its benefits are best retained at low temperatures, but especially in its raw state when making dressings, sauces, and topping salads.

Butter from Grass-fed cows

Grassfed Ghee: also known as Clarified Butter

❤ Naturally Rosy