Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Turmeric

"The Spice that Ignites Your Body's Astonishing Immune System"
(click here for full article)

by Dr. Mercola

13 Ways this Turmeric Can Help You
Spice Up Your Life (and Your Health*)

Let me summarize thirteen ways this 100% certified organic-based Turmeric can spice up your whole person:

Boosts your antioxidant protection against free radicals*
Helps promote your healthy skin*
Supports your overall eye health*
Provides you immune system support*
Aids your skeletal system and joint health*
Encourages your healthy liver function*
Helps you maintain healthy cells with support against free radicals*
Balances the health of your digestive system*
Aids you in support of healthy blood and your circulatory system*
Helps you maintain normal cholesterol levels to support your cardiovascular system*
Assists your neurological system's healthy response to stress*
Promotes a healthy female reproductive system*
Helps you maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range*

And more...

Millions of people use turmeric on a daily basis in their lives today. In India alone, up to 500 million people use it in one form or another every day.

Isn't it time you gave your body what it deserves?


Artist: Wicked Paper Co.

Just loved this message :o)

Whole Grain Oatmeal with Almonds, Dried Cranberries & Dried Cherries, and Granola Chunks

Simple and Tasty Breakfast Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup of Quaker 100% Whole Grain Oatmeal
1/2 Cup of Silk Pure Almondmilk Original (You can add more if you like oatmeal to be more creamy.)
1 Tsp of McCormick's Pure Vanilla Extract
About 1/4 Cup or 32g of Planters Digestive Health Mix (MINUS THE PISTACHIOS)

1. Put the oats and milk in a pot over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until oats swell and start to absorb milk.

2. Stir frequently to avoid sticking to the pot. (If it starts to boil too much, turn it down.)

3. Remove from heat, stir, then stir in vanilla extract.

4. Then add Planters Digestive Health Mix (which should include Almonds, Dried Cranberries & Cherries, and Granola chunks), and stir in.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 342
Carbs: 47
Fat: 13
Fiber: 10
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 120

Enjoy!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Concerning Apple Cider Vinegar

So this is a topic that I have researched extensively, and ultimately I have come to understand that apple cider vinegar would be greatly beneficial for me! I understand that you must purchase organic and raw apple cider vinegar (cloudy in appearance) for the best results, as the clear versions often seen in stores are basically ineffective. So I purchased my organic raw apple cider vinegar, and it should be here any day now! I will keep you updated on how it goes, but here below is an article that addresses the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar...

15 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day (http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5875/15-Reasons-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Every-Day.html)

By Lisa Mitchell

Apple cider vinegar is my new obsession. I recently began taking apple cider vinegar shots 2-3 times a day for a quick and effective energy burst. However, looking deeper into the product, I have discovered so many other useful ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into a daily repertoire. It is effective for pretty much anything – your skin, your hair, your house, and even your pets can benefit from its qualities. Raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized, apple cider vinegar is so much more than a salad dressing!

1. Apple cider vinegar is a completely natural product. It is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It is then fermented a second time to apple cider vinegar. When using natural apple cider vinegar, we instantly decrease the consumption of unnatural chemicals in our homes and daily lives.

2. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a rinse for your hair after shampooing, and will aid in increased body and shine. I recommend recycling an old shampoo bottle, then filling it with 1/2 a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of cold water. Pour the solution through your hair after shampooing several times a week for dramatic results.

3. Natural apple cider vinegar regulates the pH of your skin. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and spread the concoction over your face with a cotton ball to replace your current toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturizer. A dab of apple cider vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.

It is also a recommended agent for warts. For warts, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then fasten the cotton ball over the wart with a Band-Aid overnight. The skin may swell some as it reacts with the solution. However, the wart will fall off. Once it falls off, the treatment should be continued for a few more days, to make sure the wart doesn't return.

4. Apple cider vinegar can help remove stains from teeth. Rub teeth directly with apple cider vinegar, and rinse out with water.(This is the only one I disagree with because I read that it is actually not so good for your teeth.)

5. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes to eliminate discomfort from sunburn.

6. Apple Cider vinegar can be used as a natural aftershave. Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face.

7. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your hands and feet will give massage-like benefits and relief to tired hands and feet.

8. Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss. For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar).

In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.

9. Apple cider Vinegar will balance your entire inner body system. The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Hence, my desire to sip some a few times a day for a natural boost of energy.

10. As part of balancing the body's pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.

11. This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).

12. This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida -- yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.

13. Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.

14. The use of apple cider vinegar is effective in repelling fleas on your pets. One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone.

15. Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and have your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product that cab be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend its use!

Basil Pesto Sauce

For my first recipe, I will be posting Basil Pesto because I will be using it for my dinner tonight!

I absolutely LOVE pesto, but it is crazy high in fat between the olive oil and pine nuts so this is a low fat twist on pesto sauce... and let me tell you, it is delicious!!!

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Fresh Basil Leaves
2 Garlic Cloves
2 Tbsp of Pine Nuts
1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
5/12 or .4 Cups of Fat-Free, Low-Sodium Chicken Broth *I will explain this break down later lol just have the broth ready* (I used College Inn Fat-Free, Low-Sodium Chicken Broth)
1 Tbsp of Lemon Juice
Dash of Sea Salt
Dash of Pepper

1. Put all the dry ingredients into food processor (Basil, Garlic, Pine Nuts, Salt, Pepper).

2. Blend until finely chopped.

3. In a measuring cup, add your olive oil.

4. Next, add broth to measuring cup filling it up to 2/3 Cups level on measuring cup.

5. Next, add the lemon juice to the measuring cup.

6. Final step, SLOWLY add measuring cup contents into food processor while blending.

This should make about 1 1/8 cups of pesto sauce, making the serving size 2 Tbsp (with a total of around 9 servings).

Nutritional Info:
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.

Calories: 66
Carbs: 1
Fat: 7
Sodium: 53

Voila!

Delicious low fat Pesto!

My new life :o)

So this is the start to my new life...

and I couldn't be more excited and happy about it!

I'm finally taking care of myself, and even with little changes I already feel so much better!

I've officially been into this new lifestyle for three weeks. It's not an easy process... and I don't even mean giving up those decadent comfort foods. I mean I'm learning the awful habits I've had and the detrimental things I've been doing to my body. These past few weeks have been a roller coaster because I am essentially detoxing from all the junk I had been consuming and trying to correct my sleeping schedule.

It started with a desire to merely lose weight and inspiration from a high school friend who had success on a weight loss system. It has blossomed into the overwhelming desire to rid my life of the toxic food that we Americans are being force fed. If anyone has known me, they know it was almost impossible for me to consume fruits and vegetables. Sour fruity candy was my weakness, and I was incredibly weak. I also have a weird condition where I literally gag from the texture of most fruits and veggies. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have nestled into a reclusive, sedentary lifestyle, and ridiculously indulgent eating habits. I completely threw caution to the wind, and I have paid the price. I have always had digestive troubles for as long as I can remember... I made them ten times worse by eating the way I did and not exercising. Now, I have sciatica, falling arches/plantar fascitis, and generally sore, achy muscles all over my body. My sleeping habits are erratic, and my mental health suffered greatly. I was exhausted and fuzzy headed all the time. I depleted my metabolism from a previous unhealthy diet in which I lost almost 80 pounds, but obviously gained back. I was hating myself because I never felt good. It was getting to the point that I couldn't even enjoy doing the holiday festivities that I cherished (and I'm a crazy big kid with holidays) because I couldn't stand or walk for long period of times. It was just absolutely killing me. By the time I made this decision, I wasn't even enjoying the normal "decadent comfort foods," and I knew it was time. I just didn't know where to start. Cue high school friend, Tiff (if you are reading, thank you so much again!), with good news about a weight loss system that was working for her even after having her baby! I was convinced this is what I needed to do. And there it began... that decision started it all.

As I stated before, it started it with a desire to lose weight so I could enjoy my life more and not sit on the side lines. It has completely changed into a desire to change my life. My first step was to introduce healthy and get rid of unhealthy. For me, "cold turkey" is the best way. That's what I did... hence the absolute horrible withdraw at first. My goal at first was to eat as healthy as I could (knowing I didn't eat many fruits and veggies previously) then to steadily add organic as money allows until I am fully organic (hopefully hubby too). Hubby and I are planning our first trip to a local organic farmer's market, and I'm really excited about it!

Right now there is alot of trial and error with recipes because I'm just getting my cooking legs lol. But I am being completely open minded to everything, trying EVERYTHING! If I can't do the texture, I just puree it so I get the nutrients from certain veggies or fruit. (My hubby is so proud lol!) So this blog is to 1. help me to remember the winners!, 2. save relevant, health-conscious articles and info, and 3. to encourage and remind myself why I am doing this, as well as document my journey. To be honest, I don't miss the old food because this time I'm finding healthy alternatives to my old favorites, and they taste BETTER! Because organic and "diet" (although I hate to use that word) food doesn't have to be bland! You just have to utilize the flavors of real food and be conscious of what you are putting into your body! The way to stick with these is not hate food but to love REAL ORGANIC HEALTHY food... I am feeling better every day, and I know I will never go back. Welcome to my new life :o)