When I was first introduced to the paleo lifestyle, it quickly became obvious how important bone broth was. Everyone talked about it and touted it's magical powers! As a recovering vegetarian I wasn't so sure about it. The thought of simmering animal bones kind of freaked me out. 

As I researched it and found recipes I had to laugh to myself. My mother has been doing this forever! She always saved the turkey carcass after Thanksgiving and made broth from it. I used to roll my eyes at her thinking how strange that was, all the while not realizing the incredible health benefits she was giving her family.

She told me that her family has been doing this for generations, and now I'm continuing the tradition. 

Every time I make something from scratch that I'm used to purchasing at a store, I'm blown away by how much better it tastes. There is something about fresh food made with love that store bought food just can't compete with. Add the incredible health benefits of no preservatives, chemicals or additives and you've got perfection in a bowl! I know exactly what is in my broth, and that's priceless! No natural flavor mystery here! 

So why bone broth? Let's take a look at the health benefits:

• Studies have found that chicken soup helps reduce upper respiratory cold symptoms. It does this by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils, which are white blood cell that defends against infection.
• Chicken soup has also been found to help increase the movement of nasal mucus. It even did so better than plain, hot water.
• Bone broth is good for your joints. Are you currently taking glucosamine-chondroitin for achy joints? You can skip the expensive supplements and just drink bone broth. According to Dr. Cate Shanahan, the health of the collagen in your ligaments, tendons, and on the ends of your bones will determine the health of your joints. Bone broth contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). some examples of GAGs are: glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. All essential for bone health. 
• Bone broth helps to heal your gut. We are now learning so much about the importance of gut health. A compromised gut is now known to be the cause of many of the diseases we are facing today. Your gut is is supposed to allow nutrients to pass through, however, if you've been eating a poor diet, have chronic stress or bacterial overgrowth, your intestinal lining my be allowing too much to pass through into your blood stream. This leaky gut can cause food sensitivities. Over time it can lead to autoimmune disease. The gelatin found in bone broth helps to heal the gut by filling in the excess holes. The use of gelatin as a therapeutic agent goes back to the ancient Chinese. 
• Bone broth contains collagen. Your hair, skin and nails are all made up of this protein. So if you want less wrinkles and stronger hair and nails, have yourself a little bone broth!
• According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, bone broth contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily—not just calcium but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals.

Needless to say, consuming bone broth on a regular basis is exceptionally good for your overall health. Here's a very delicious recipe adapted from Againstallgrain.com. 
Some important points to remember:

• The water should be cold, because slow heating helps bring out flavors.
• Vinegar is added to the broth to help extract calcium.
• Heat the broth slowly and once the boil begins, reduce heat to its lowest point, so the broth just barely simmers.
• Any foam that forms should be carefully removed with a spoon. It contains impurities, alkaloids and large proteins called lectins. If left in it will disrupt the flavor. 
• The longer you simmer, the more flavor and gelatin you'll extract. 
• Chill the broth to remove the fat.

I am all about batch cooking. I do not have time to cook every day, nor do I care to! Twice a week I cook up a bunch of veggies that will last me for days. I'll use them for my breakfast and dinner all week long. (Lunch is always raw veggies.) 

One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to roast them. You can do a whole bunch at once so it's a better use of your time. Plus, they taste scrumptious! 

The best vegetables to roast are, well...any veggies! Broccoli, cauliflower, squash, Brussels sprouts; they're all so yummy roasted. Each time you make these, change up the veggies and spices for a totally new dish.