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Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Breakfast Quinoa. Yuuummmmmm......


Topped w/bananas and a little agave nectar drizzle.
 I really have been meaning to post this for the past couple of weeks.


Since my quest to eat more like a vegan/raw-vegan, I’ve been searching for recipes to try. Although this search has been a bit daunting here and there, I have managed to try a few. At least, outside of me just winging it in the kitchen. Why am I dragging my feet. I'm a bit intimidated. There. I said it. I'm the type of person who likes every little piece in its appropriate pla is a little bit of a control freak. If I don't feel like I have a handle on it then I'm more apt to drag my feet about it. I pretty much thought I squelched that self-dynamic but I'll admit I need to work on it somemore. Mk, that's another post. Think I need to take some courses on different spices and their taste.

Anyhoo, on to my post:

I got the inspiration for trying this particular dish from Folake’s (StylePantry.com) hubby who has a food blog at TastePantry.com.  Of course, I added my own little spin to it.

Breakfast Quinoa
Ingredients:
2 C of non-sweetened milk sub (hemp, almond, vanilla almond, rice, etc.)
1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
1 C of quinoa, rinsed
about 3 T of sweetener (or to taste)
toasted nuts and fresh or dried food for topping

 Place the milk and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan over moderate heat and bring to a boil—be careful as milk can bubble up quickly and easily scorches. Stir in the quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the quinoa and milk simmer about 15 minutes. Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt and continue to simmer until all the milk is absorbed, another 8 to 10 minutes.

Strawberries...yum!


Btw, I love this dish.  Whenever a recipe calls for a sugar, I use a sweetener like agave nectar, honey, stevia or lucuma powder. In this case (and for the most part), I used the sweetener raw agave nectar.
 
Peace out, Lovelies.

Post Title Breakfast Quinoa. Yuuummmmmm......

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

MY NEW FAV "SAMMICH"!!

Hi Gorgeous!


A few days ago, I started playing around with a veggie sandwich idea. I was craving a really good veggie sandwich. I tend to love sauteed portabello mushrooms w/red onions as a base for my veggie sandwiches, so I started with that in mind. I also wanted (and love) avocado's so I began to toy with the idea of using it as a spread instead of cutting it into chunks. I ended up coming up with something that is filling, healthy & very good on the taste buds.



I spreaded some ripe, mashed avocado onto a slice of Ezekiel sprouted bread. *Note: At this point, I'm only using one slice of bread. Two slices is way too much for me. I'm also toasting the bread.

I added a layer of baby spinach leaves on top of the avocado spread.


Please disregard the tomato on top. I was going for adding another element of taste to the sandwich but it just didn't work out to my liking. So since then, I've been leaving it off. I actually removed this tomato after taking my initial bite into "my sammich".



My pièce de résistance!
 I know this may look a mess. Well, it is! A deliciously messy sammich!! And yes, it really is a messy eat. Lol.

Oh, I forgot to mention that when sauteeing the ports & onions, I added 2 to 3 cloves of garlic and some Sun Fire salt to taste. Yummmm.....


And to top it off, I have me some Kombucha tea with it. Love this stuff!!

**Please note, I've made about 4 of these since making this initial sandwich pictured here. I would've taken a picture of them since they are exact to my description in this post. However, I (& everyone else) keeps eating them up.

Lol.

Post Title MY NEW FAV "SAMMICH"!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A COUPLE OF NEW SMOOTHIES FOR YA!!

Well, at least they're new to me. =)

Had a Facebook inquiry about a smoothie pic I had posted and realized that I hadn't shared any smoothie recipes lately. Mainly because I hadn't tried anything new until now.

So here goes.....


I adapted this first one from a shake recipe that I found by Kathy of The LunchBox Bunch. The original recipe calls for 1/3 cup of ice. I prefer to only use frozen fruit instead of ice. I just like mine on the thick side. Click here for the original shake recipe.




As you can see, I had to take a few sips of this while taking pics. Lol. Love the nutty flavor of this one. And so does my daughter.
Almond Banana Smoothie

1 3/4 C almond milk, vanilla flavor *I prefer unsweetened.
2 large frozen bananas
2 heaping T of raw almond butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon


Place all ingredients in a high powered blender. Blend on high til smooth and thick.
Makes enough for 2, maybe 3.
Enjoy!!


As you can see, I was taking sips from this one, also. ;)

Yes, you do see Girl Scout cookies in the background. I swear I didn't do it. Seriously. Lol.

Avocado Green Smoothie
4 - 6 leaves of Kale
1 avocado (diced)
half a fresh pineapple (cubed)
orange (peeled) or mango (peeled or frozen)
filtered water
1 knob of ginger *optional
sweetener like raw agave, honey or stevia to taste *optional


Place all ingredients into a high powered blender. Blend on low til smooth and thick.
Me thinks it makes about 4 servings.
Enjoy!!

Happy Sipping!

Post Title A COUPLE OF NEW SMOOTHIES FOR YA!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

VEGAN--ISH IS MORE LIKE IT


source
 Hi Gorgeous Ones!

The pic above is funny. A few of my friends say that I may sprout any day now. Lol.

Anyhoo, I feel sooooo much better today. Not quite back at 100, but well on my way. I was delighted to watch Oprah's show yesterday. It was about how she and 300 some odd members of her staff took on a "vegan for a week" challenge. I thought it was so cool and at times, funny to watch.

Vegan - a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at

I absolutely loved that so many people actually took on this challenge, and at least tried. Now, don't get me wrong. Personally, I'm not against eating meat, fish or eggs but at this point in my life I've decided to eat a mostly vegan diet. So although I hate labels, for clarification purposes, vegan-ish is more like what I'm doing. For me, meat, fish and eggs will be eaten in small amounts and not too often. And most importantly, they have to be raised/farmed with the highest ethics involved. Yes, it is more expensive but so is healthcare and big pharm. On top of which, the previous two can really eff you up on so many levels.

That being said, on to the point of this post. Just wanted to share a couple of dishes that I've experimented come up with on my own.

Awesome Dinner (or Lunch) Salad


Ingredients:  Green Lettuce, Romaine, beets, carrots, red onion, raw sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, avocado and vegetable tempeh. All are organic and quite tasty together.
Dressing: 1 part evoo to 2 parts raw apple cider vinegar. I then added some oregano, parsley & basil herbs to it.
Tempeh : Lightly browned in evoo
Seasoning: Pristine Sun Fire Salt
 
Tempeh is cake of soya beans that is made by removing the hull of cooked, soya beans, mixing with a rhizopus culture, and incubating for a day or two. The culture helps hold the soya beans together in a cake form. It is common to find tempeh made with added ingredients such as vegetables or grains. Eaten in Indonesia and Ceylon as a staple food. And it's packed with protein.

 
Sundried Tomatoes Quinoa w/Veggies
 

Now, I'll be the first to admit that this doesn't look all that appealing but the flavor is awesome. I love the lift that the sundried tomatoes gave it. Only next time, I'll be sure to cut them up into smaller pieces.
I prepared the quinoa per package instructions which is similiar to preparing rice on the stovetop. I put the onion and garlic in with the quinoa. Then I added the veggies.

Ingredients: Quinoa (keen-wah), red onions, spinach, broccoli.
Seasonings: Pristine Sun Fire salt and garlic

Quinoa: Though not technically a grain, quinoa can substitute for nearly any grain in cooking. Actually the seed of a leafy plant, quinoa’s relatives include spinach, beets and Swiss chard. Due to its delicate taste and rich amounts of protein, iron, potassium and other vitamins and minerals, it is quite popular. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and is easily digested.
Quinoa is an ancient crop that grows in poor soil, dry climates and even mountain altitudes. It is native to the Andes, but is also grown in South America and the Colorado Rocky Mountains.



references:
http://www.soya.be/soy-glossary.php
http://www.goodhealthinfo.net/mdr/glossary.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-quinoa.htm
 
Check back on tomorrow to read about my final thoughts/experience on Carolyn Akens Body Rejuvenation Detox program.
 
Talk to you all tomorrow!

Post Title VEGAN--ISH IS MORE LIKE IT

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

BECAUSE I'M WORTH IT.....The Series


Hi Gorgeous Ones!


As I mentioned last week, I’ll be posting weekly on my journey to greater health & fitness. Over the weekend I was out-of-town in Gatlinburg, TN with my daughter, which entailed some elements that slightly threw me off. Will discuss that further in Friday’s post. Outside of that, I worked out that Friday morning which was the day we left. I didn’t get in any “deliberate” work-outs during our trip but I can say that I got an extra good amount of daily walking in.

My 1st workout since then was on Tuesday. I haven’t made it back to the gym yet, so I’ve been gettin’ it in at home with my trusty work-out dvd’s by Gilad and Jillian Michaels (You know, the hellified fitness coach from "The Biggest Loser"). You may think that it’s not possible to get an authentic workout outside of a fitness gym but it really is. As long as you have the genuine desire and drive to get to a specific goal it’s doable. Great workouts and exercise can be done just about anywhere. Trust me. I’m giving up the same amount of sweat as I do when I go to the gym.

My weight hasn't fluctuated, which is a good thing. it did cross my mind though, as I ate some fries with a veggie burger while in Gatlinburg. Oh! I also had a Coke Zero while on the road. I know some of you may be thinking "What's the big deal with that?".  Lately, I've stayed away from diet sodas for some of the reasons here and here. I caved in late Sunday night for a caffeine buzz. Had to make sure I stayed awake while on the road and coffee would've made me need some extra stops. So I definitely have to find another and healthy option for when I'm on a road-trip like that.

If you know or have heard of anything, do share. I'll research it and see if it's something I could try. And in the meantime, will look for other options myself.

So, what have you done for your own heatlh, wellness and fitness?.. You know you're worth it.

Peace,

Post Title BECAUSE I'M WORTH IT.....The Series

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "FRUITS GALORE!"




Tropical fruits:  Very high in proteolythic enzymes- which means they are great for breaking down protein, and starch. Fresh is best, but you can purchase dehydrated (w/o chemicals and preservatives) pineapple, mango and papaya from health food stores, online, and other health oriented stores. I highly suggest eating some through-out the day or after meals.

Citrus Fruits:  Nutritional powerhouses. They are one of the fastest ways to hydrate the body. Add some fresh lemon to your water for many health returns. Lemons help increase enzyme activity, and increase bile for fat digestion. Lemon juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil with some spices and herbs makes the best salad dressing!

Bringing Families Back to Health, One Bite at a Time! ™


------------------------



Carolyn Akens

Health Coach


Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Website: http://www.carolynakens.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT

Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.

Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

Post Title CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "FRUITS GALORE!"

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "ACIDIC FOODS"


Acid - Alkaline Food Chart

Acidic Foods


Ingesting foods that are considered to be acidifying foods include dairy products, processed sugar, meat, alcohol, coffee, etc. These types of foods inhibit the body’s ability in neutralizing the acids.

Acidic toxins are created by microforms and pathogens inside the body. If the body is too acidic, yeasts, microforms, and bad bacteria become rampant. These live organisms can create even more toxins, and create to the already acidic environment.

Some acids are strong, while others are weak. Acid build up occurs when the body systems which are responsible for eliminating these types of acids are not functioning properly, and become compromised. Many systems in the body buffer acids. These include mineral reserves, the breath, and fat.

Acids are considered toxins, and these toxins need to be removed through detoxification. You have to aid your body in the detox process especially when it is not functioning well.


Carolyn Akens

Bringing Families Back to Health, One Bite at a Time! ™


------------------------

Carolyn Akens

Health Coach


Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Website: http://www.carolynakens.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT


Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.

Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

 
*author of this post is Carolyn Akens
**Carolyn, thanks again for another great post with necessary information! So appreciate your educating us on healthy and healing matters.
{{Hugs}},

Post Title CAROLYN'S CORNER ON "ACIDIC FOODS"

Thursday, October 14, 2010

REDEDICATIONS


Due to yo-yo eating and inconsistent workouts, I’ve had to rededicate myself to consistent exercise & consistent healthy eating. One of my goals is to be in skinny jeans by Christmas. Yes, I said skinny jeans. Not that I’m big on them, it just gives me a nice goal to envision.
Anyhoo, I’m working (along w/a lil help from here and there) on a detox plan that will include colonics. Don’t know what a colonic is?.. Well, think of it as a major enema or just read {here}.  It’s been a few years since I’ve had one but I’m definitely not a stranger to them. I’ve already scheduled a colonic for next week so expect a post on it.I’m also paying really close attention to the ingredient listing on ALL products. Vegan included. *Carolyn Akens had warned me about that.* It’s amazing (and sad & unfortunate) how much crappy shit is in the majority of things sold. Since I’m still working out the details of my detox plan & eating habits, I’ll have to post on that later. Or it may turn out to be something that I sort of “wing” as I get retuned to listening to my body. Either way, I’ll be chronicling all of this, in some way, on the blog.






As far as my workouts are concerned, I’ve gone back to the gym and am working on my running (better yet jogging). I’m doing pretty good so far. And will continue to work on increasing my distance. I have an awesome goal. I’ll be returning to jog the Peachtree 2011 . This is my main motivation for working on my jogging endurance and time. It’s not until July 4th, so my plans are to be more than ready for it by then. What I’m even more excited about is the half-marathon that I’ll be participating in Thanksgiving Day morning. *I’m so stocked about it!* Wish me success!
I’ll definitely post on the experience.



Is there anything that you’ve had to rededicate yourself to lately?....

Post Title REDEDICATIONS

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS


My favorite things from The Sound of Music
Love that friggin' song!
Anyhoo. Had to share a couple of my favorite snacks of the moment. They are super simple, very delicious and great for your body!


Apples topped w/Cinnamon - my current fav!
Apples are good for:


  • Bone Protection

  • Asthma Help

  • Alzheimer's Prevention

  • Lower Cholesterol

  • Lung Cancer Prevention

  • Breast Cancer Prevention

  • Colon Cancer Prevention

  • Liver Cancer Prevention

  • Diabetes Management

  • Weight Loss
For more info on the health benefits of apples, read http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html


Cinnamon is good for:
• Reducing blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes.


• Lowering cholesterol.

• Aiding digestion.

• Treating diarrhea.

• Curing the common cold.

• Reducing arthritis pain.

• Boosting memory and cognitive function.

• Treating toothaches.

• Eliminating bad breath.

• Curing headaches and migraine pain.

A WORD OF CAUTION REGARDING CINNAMON - Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cinnamon derived from the Cassia plant contains a toxic compound known as Coumarin. This compound is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations. Since the powdered cinnamon that we purchase in our supermarkets is typically derived from the Cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses of it.


Since cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, caution should also be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning products such as aspirin. Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.

Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.

For more info on Cinnamon's health benefits, read http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php


"Eh...what's up, doc?"....
Carrots!

Carrots are good for:
  • Prevent heart diseases


  • Prevent cancer

  • Lower risk of macular degeneration

  • Improves eyesight

  • Reduce the risk of stroke

  • Reduces the risk of diabetes
For more info on the health benefits of carrots, read http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-carrot.html


Happy Healthy Snacking!

Post Title THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

FOODS THAT PROMOTE HEALTHY HAIR



The state of your hair can be a direct manifestation of internal health. How and what we eat plays a part in the condition of our hair.  So it’s very important to consider the foods that we eat.  Eating a healthy, balanced diet is not only necessary for body's health, but also for the health and beauty of your hair!


Having healthy hair requires well-balanced diets that incorporate proteins and vitamins B, C, E, A and K.
Hair instantly responds to the addition of protein rich foods such as free-range meats & eggs, seeds and nuts.

Healthy diet must include:

Protein
Protein is the building block of hair. Hair is 88 percent protein. Protein will give the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reduce the probability of damage.

Vitamin B
The B vitamins are necessary for healthy hair. Lack of B vitamins can lead to oily hair conditions.

Sources: green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas.

Vitamin C
It strengthens the immune system, and assists in metabolizing B vitamins and amino acids into the body. Lack of vitamin C can cause dry hair.

Sources: oranges, lemons, limes, melons, berries, red peppers, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes and cucumbers.


Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for the health of your scalp. A lack of it can lead to dry hair.

Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe or apricot.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E provides lots of benefits for growing vibrant hair.

Sources: avocado, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables, legume and whole grains.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps to maintain healthy hair

Sources: seafood, dairy food, fig, brewer yeast, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, oatmeal, rye, soybean, liver, wheat and yogurt.

Iron
Healthy hair needs iron in the body. Iron is needed to help carry oxygen to the hair. Without enough iron, hair gets starved for oxygen.

Sources: free-range eggs, fish, liver, oysters, meat, poultry, whole grains, green leafy vegetables and blackstrap molasses.

Magnesium
Magnesium deficiencies lead to hair problems.

Sources: free-range meat, fish, fruit, nuts, brewer’s yeast, whole grains and green-leafy vegetables.

Copper
Copper is needed for hair structure and is involved in the pigmentation of hair.

Sources: milk, bread and green vegetables.

Zinc
A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss. Zinc is necessary for building hair protein.

Sources: oysters, peas, pulses, haricot beans, butter and kidney.



Water
Water is important for hair. Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple and helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Eight to ten glasses of water a day are absolutely necessary to nourish healthy hair.

Essential Fats (EFAs)
Healthy hair also needs two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, that are not produced naturally by the human body.

Omega-3 fats sources: flax oil, algae, cold-water fish, dark-green vegetables, hemp oil and pumpkin seed oil

Omega-6 fats sources: borage, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, corn and pumpkin seeds.

Cold-pressed vegetable oils are also essential to a hair healthy diet. Lack of these oils causes dull, lifeless hair along with parched, rough skin.

To supplement your diet, you should consider taking a daily vitamin-mineral supplement formulated for hair.


Jamie Oliver - celebrity chef

Foods and bad habits that harm your hair

Eating dead food can lead to lifeless hair. These include sugar, carbonated drinks, caffeine, & bad fats . Basically, processed foods.


Alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs destroy important hair growing nutrients, also.


sources:  Hair Style Secrets, Natural News, and QuickCare.org.

Post Title FOODS THAT PROMOTE HEALTHY HAIR

Thursday, September 9, 2010

CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS




Let's see what energy producing foods our monthly contributor, Carolyn Akens,  has to share with us....

Energy Producing Foods




Hot Foods: Cayenne, garlic, ginger, radishes, other hot peppers, etc. are great for digestion, circulation, inflammation, blood movers, etc. Fresh is best!


All raw nuts & seeds: High in essential fatty acids. 3-4 Brazil nuts per day, they prevent muscle loss, and help build muscle. Sunflower seeds are very high in B vitamins; they easily convert glycogen (stored energy) into glucose when needed.


Flax Seeds/Oil: Incredible Essential fat. Crucial for everyone, especially athletes.


Avocado: Extremely nutritious fat, aids in building muscle. Eat at least 3 per week.


Sea Salt: Not all sea salts are the same. A high quality one provides loads of trace and electrolyte minerals. Especially the minerals lost in sweat. A high quality sea salt starts digesting anything it touches and brings fluid balance inside the body. My favorites are Celtic Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Pins Sea Salt.



Carolyn Akens is a gracious and lovely contributor of Carolyn's Corner here on ChocolateOrchid blogspot. Carolyn is also a certified master raw foods chef and instructor. She offers raw foods classes, raw foods chef and instructor certifications and a weight-loss program.

Carolyn is also the creator of the deliciously healthy Agape Nutrition Bars.

Agape Nutrition Bars™ is a "breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime!"
http://agapenutritionbars.foodoro.com/store


Carolyn Akens contact info:

Website: Carolyns Raw Foods

Email: carolyn@carolynakens.com

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/carolynakens

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9GE4ZT

Phone: (678) 807-9187

Visit CarolynAkens.com for information on Health Coaching, Raw Food Classes & Workshops, Raw Chef & Instructor Certifications, and my Speaking Engagements.


Send correspondence to: PO Box 11
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0011

Post Title CAROLYN'S CORNER on ENERGY PRODUCING FOODS

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

ARE U A POPCORN KID?.....



Hello all of you Beauties!

Just had to share a bit of information with you which will begin with a truth.
Confession no. 1 - I enjoy eating popcorn. I like the smell, the taste and the sound of its crunch as I chomp on it. Sans the butter, I enjoy dipping my fingers in the bowl, scooping out a small handful and then stuffing it into my mouth. It is a pleasure of mine and, I'm sure, many other people. Theater or not, it's always a nice, added-on touch to most specific and non-specific events.

A few weeks ago, after popping a bag in the microwave, I recently came upon an article that discussed the problem with how this snack is prepared these days. And before I go any further let me throw this disclaimer out: I choose to share topics like this with you to inform, not scare you, because ignorance is not bliss. That sh#t can kill you.

Allow me to share:

Research by the U.S.government now reports that microwave popcorn may contain chemicals that can cause health problems.

The issue is that commercial popcorn companies often coat their microwave popcorn bags with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which has been found to cause boeth cancer and lung disease in laboratory animals. Making matters worse, the butter substitute that generally accompanies microwavable popcorn contains a chemical called diacetyl, a common food-flavoring agen that, according to health scientist, is responsible for bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious, debilitating lung disease.

photo by flickr user banlon1964
For an easy and fun healthy alternative, nutritionists suggest that we pop our own popcorn. All that's needed is a large, high pot, about four tablespoons of peanut or canola oil and a small handful of organic popcorn kernels. When the kernels start popping, shake the pot to let the steam escape and to let the unpopped kernels fall to the bottom. As soon as the popping slows down, remove the pot from the stove, pour the popcorn into a bowl, season with a small amount of organic butter or olive oil and a "good" salt.

Now I'd love to find a non-genetically modified organism (GMO) corn to pop. For more info on that, I recommend & refer you to watch  "Food, Inc". I'll have to do a post on that soon. But I'd also like you to consider another reason to pop your corn on a stove top rather than into a microwave. This specific issue having more to do with the method of popping your corn. The microwave.

One of the problems with microwave ovens is that carcinogenic toxins can leach out of your plastic and paper containers/covers, and into your food.

The January/February 1990 issue of Nutrition Action Newsletter reported the leakage of numerous toxic chemicals from the packaging of common microwavable foods, including pizzas, chips and popcorn. Chemicals included polyethylene terpthalate (PET), benzene, toluene, and xylene. Microwaving fatty foods in plastic containers leads to the release of dioxins (known carcinogens) and other toxins into your food.
 
Microwaving distorts and deforms the molecules of whatever food or other substance you subject to it.
 
And I bet you didn't know this:
 
After the war, the Russians had retrieved some of these microwave ovens and conducted thorough research on their biological effects. Alarmed by what they learned, the Russians banned microwave ovens in 1976, later lifting the ban during Perestroika.

Twenty years of Russian research (and German studies as far back as 1942 Berlin) make a strong argument against the safety of microwave cooking.

Their findings led the Russian government to issue an international warning about possible biological and environmental damage associated with the use of microwave ovens and other similar frequency electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones).
You can read more about this here, and here.

Just a few more reasons to cut down, if not all the way out, using your microwave. I'll admit that it is very convenient time-wise, but health-wise, I'd rather slide my cooked foods into a regular old oven for about 15 minutes on 450. Gets it good and warmed up everytime, sans the micro-waves. My fam can attest to that.

To a healthier you,

**First article from the August 2010 print of Natural Awakenings magazine

Post Title ARE U A POPCORN KID?.....

Thursday, July 8, 2010

WHERE I'M AT, PT. II


Hi Gorgeous!

 

 
I know I haven’t posted on healthy eating in awhile so here goes. I have totally been “off the wagon” and I just cannot post about something that is not going on in my life. It just wouldn’t be right.

 
Truth be told, I’ve succumbed to stress and eating on the go. Don’t get me wrong. I do get my wheatgrass, fresh juice, vegan and raw-vegan foods in but not on the level that I had going on before.

 
I read where Evelyn (EvelynParham.com) did a water fast (Whew!) for a few days. While I do feel the need to do a serious detox, I’m not quite 100% convinced that I could do a water fast just yet but I am marinating on it.

 
I feel as if I’m starting fresh. So here’s the deal-i-o:

  • increase salad intake
  • e3live in the morning
  • include a fresh juice everyday
  • increase fruit intake
  • bring the green smoothie back on a daily basis
  • incorporate colonics

But all of this would go absolutely nowhere without two main ingredients; Willpower and Focus.
I can't say it any better than Evelyn Parham's post on these two important facets here.

How's your willpower and focus when it comes to your health and wellness?

Post Title WHERE I'M AT, PT. II

Friday, May 7, 2010

A LITTLE MORE IN DEPTH ON HEMP


Okay, so I really only mentioned hemp earlier this week. Well, actually its in the product that I reviewed on Tuesday. So there.

Anyhoo, I want to share with you some info on the benefits of hemp. And no, I'm not talking about the kind you smoke. Lol.


So here goes:

Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs.


Industrial hemp has a long history, with a wide range of uses. Like flax and soybeans, hemp provides raw materials for both food and fiber. Today, hemp is grown in most industrialized nations of the world, excluding the U.S. (Find out why at VoteHemp.com).

Hemp is a profitable and potential "dual-income" crop for farmers, as both seeds and fiber can be processed into thousands of uses. Hemp is a highly valuable crop and the oilseed and fiber varieties can be used for the production of fabrics, rope, paper, food, health and beauty aids, printing inks, paint, and building materials. And today it's proving to have even greater value as a potential source of renewable energy, and as a raw material for biodiesel and ethanol. The building materials excel at carbon sequestration helping slow climate change.


Hemp's tiny, round seeds are about the same size as small sunflower seeds. They have a light and pleasant flavor and aroma that is similar to toasted pine nuts. The seeds are the edible portion of the hemp plant.

Hemp seeds contain all 10 Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) - the building blocks of protein. They're also rich in naturally-balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). Additionally, hemp is high in magnesium, iron, potassium, fiber and phytonutrients, plus natural antioxidants like vitamin E. Our hemp foods are a healthy habit that can be part of your diet every day.


Hemp seeds are one of the plant kingdom's best sources of easily digestible, high-quality protein. Proteins are among the body's most essential nutrients, helping you build and repair tissue and build lean muscle mass. 65% of hemp seeds' protein is high-quality edestin, making them the highest vegan source of this simple protein that's required for proper immune system function. The other 35% is albumin protein. With live enzymes intact, hemp's digestible proteins are easily assimilated into the body. Hemp protein is also a great alternative if you're allergic to the proteins found in dairy and soy. Add hemp protein powder to a morning smoothie for a valuable whole-food energy boost.

Benefits of Hemp Seeds


Hemp seeds are nutrient-powerhouses containing:

• All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.

• A high protein percentage of thesimple proteins that strengthen immunity and fend off toxins.2



Eating hemp seeds in any form could aid, if not heal, people suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed has been used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on by tuberculosis, a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away.3

• Nature's highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or seed oil. 4

• A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid - for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.

• A superior vegetarian source of protein considered easily digestible.

• A rich source of phytonutrients, the disease-protective element of plants with benefits protecting your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, organs and mitochondria.

• The richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. 5

Hemp seed oil has been attributed to helping: increase energy, soften skin, relieve arthritis and normalize blood cholesterol.

How To Eat Hemp Seeds:

Incorporating hemp seeds in your diet is so easy. You can purchase whole hemp seeds, hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Simply just eat them raw, add them to a salad, replace olive oil with hemp seed oil, etc. Or add 2 tbs of Hemp Seeds everyday to a healthy shake or smoothie.
Also, it’s best to keep hemp seeds refrigerated and air tight. If you purchase a bulk 5-pound bag, consider adding a pound to a container for daily use, and seal up the 5-pound bag and place it in the freezer. This will help protect the seed and the nourishing Omega-3s which are sensitive to heat and oxygen.

**Resources: partly from  Ratical.org

Post Title A LITTLE MORE IN DEPTH ON HEMP