Monday, July 30, 2012

Cuckoo for Coconutz

You might call it a cultural craze, since the coconut has been exploding on the scene lately.  In fact, the two largest soda brandz on the planet have both recently acquired coconut water brands. 

Additionally, you can find coconut related products in health food stores and in mainstream retail.  Itz everywhere and I AM CrAzY for Coconutz.  I've been cooking with it, using it as a hot oil treatment on my hair and slathering it all over my face and body for several years.  So letz take a closer look at this fascinating phenomenon called the coconut.


This information comes from an article called The Scoop On The Drupe.....

"Even though the word NUT is in coconut, itz not a not or wholly even a fruit for that matter.  Itz technically called a drupe; itz a fruit with an outer husk or skin, a usually succulent middle layer, and a hard and woody inner shell typically enclosing a single seed.

  Other examples of drupes include: stone fruits such as plums, cherries, dates, mangoes and apricots as well as raspberries and blackberries, which are made up of clustered tiny drupe lets surrounding a central stem.

While coconutz may fit neatly under the "drupe" umbrella, there are important differences within the coconut world to consider.  While itz true that coconutz are super foods packed with vitamins minerals and fiber, there's a difference, for instance, between young coconutz versus mature coconutz, as well as coconut water versus coconut milk.  For example, young coconutz have more water and soft, gel-like coconut meat, while mature coconutz have less water and firmer coconut meat.

  Both young and mature coconutz are good for you, however, the mature coconut may have a lightly higher healthy fatty acid content, while young coconut may have a bit of an advantage water-wise.  Here's why: young coconut water is high in B vitamins, minerals (especially calcium, magnesium and potassium) and contains high levels of electrolytes.

   Speaking of coconut water, letz just clarify that coconut water is the liquid inside the coconut.  Coconut milk, however, is made from the expressed juice of grated mature coconut meat and water.  Going a step further ... coconut cream is made in a similar way as coconut milk, but contains a higher ratio of coconut to water, thereby making it thicker.  You can even buy or make coconut kefir from coconut water or coconut milk.  You'll not only get the health benefits of coconut, but, since coconut kefir is a lacto-fermented beverage, you'll also get probiotics and enzymes, which support digestion.

  While we're at it, letz not forget about coconut oil ~ known as the world's healthiest oil ~ from the coconut meat that contains untra-healthy medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid, myristic acid, caprylic acid, palmitc acid and more.
1
  Don't use just any coconut oil, either, because coconut oils on the market vary dramatically quality-wise.  Low-quality coconut oils are processed by chemical extraction, using solvents, or are hydrogenated, bleached and deodorized,  A high-quality virgin organic coconut oil derived from fresh coconutz with NO GMO ingredients, bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation is what you want to look for and use. 

  Two other coconut products gaining in popularity with the health trendsetter crowd are RAW COCONUT CREAM and RAW COCONUT KEFIR. 

Here is what you need to know about these cutting-edge drupe derivatives:


  Raw coconut cream is created by pressing or "juicing" the meat of the mature coconut.  This creates a food loaded with Medium-chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the body-providing a yummy source of quick energy.  An added bonus is that raw coconut cream has the consistency of cream cheese and has a smooth texture - making it an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in a raw dessert or smoothie.  Whatz more, raw coconut cream is perfect for those on a raw, vegan diet.

  Raw coconut kefir is made from raw coconut water that is naturally fermented with probiotics, but itz dairy-free, suitable for vegans and packed with enzymes.  Raw coconut kefir also promotes a healthy intestinal environment supporting your body's immune and digestive systems.

  Likewise, raw coconut kefir supports proper hydration since it is a highly organized, ionized water source.  (Note:  I recently read an article about success stories of Autism & ADHD using Raw Coconut Kefir.  Here is the link:  http://healingautismandadhd.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/cucko-for-coconut-kefir/_ )

  With such great taste and a variety of health benefits, itz no wonder there's a cultural coconut craze,  So, if you're going cuckoo for coconutz, now you have the scoop on this amazing drupe."





 I found the below video on the Benefits of Coconut Oil.  According to Dr. Bruce Fife,"Coconut Oil is the worlds only low calorie fat.  When you eat coconut oil, the body uses it to produce energy and in the process your metabolism is kicked up a notch so you burn off calories at an accelerated rate.  Studies show that adding coconut oil to your diet increases metabolism by 48% and in obese individuals it increases metabolism by 65%."  He also talks about many other benefits of eating coconut oil.

My dog, Ochee, has actually been trying to tell me this for months.  Every time I cook with Coconut oil he begs me for a teaspoonful.. He loves it and has lost 18 lbs in just over a year.




Remember... You are What You EAT..... Namaste,  Beci

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Apple-Cinnamon Muffins

  This morning I woke up craving my favorite Vegan Apple-Cinnamon Muffins.  I haven't made them since the last cold day in the Spring.  It was such a nice treat to smell the apple & cinnamon wafting through the house as I got ready for my day.  So today I would like to share the recipe with you. It comes from one of my favorite books, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin.  This is one of the most used cook books I've ever owned.

  The Recipe is a BASIC Muffin Mix in which you are only limited by your imagination of things you can add to it.  There are some different variations listed below.  My favorite is the Apple-Cinnamon but I've also made the Zucchini-Raisin and it was equally as good.


Basic Fruit & Nut Muffins

Skinny Bitch in the Kitch

Makes 12 Standard Sized Muffins

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
2 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1/2 C Sucnat or Natural dry Sugar
1 Tablespoon Ener-G Egg Replacer
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon fine Sea Salt
1 1/4 C Soy Milk (I use Almond Milk)
1 C fresh or dried fruit, diced or chunked
1/2 C Chopped Nutz (Optional)

  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a standard-sized muffin tin or use muffin liners.  (I actually use a large muffin tin which makes them double the size)  In medium bowl, whisk together the soy (almond) milk, oil and vanilla.  Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until barely combined.  Stir in the fruit and nuts, if using.  Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin tin, dividing it evenly.  (I then sprinkle a little bit of the Sugar In The Raw on top of the muffins)....


Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.

Here are some different variations:

CRANBERRY~ORANGE Muffins:  Add the zest of 1/2 orange.  Use dried cranberries and omit the nuts.

TROPICAL MACADAMIA NUT Muffins:  Add the zest of 1/2 orange, combine banana and shredded coconut for the fruit, and use macadamias for the nuts.

APPLE~CINNAMON Muffins:  Use apples for the fruit, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to the dry ingredients.

ZUCCHINI~RAISIN Muffins:  Combine shredded zucchini and raisins for the fruit, omit the nuts and add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger to the dry ingredients.


HOPE YOU ENJOY..... Beci


Thursday, July 12, 2012

CEREAL ~ Thumbz Up or Down?

  Itz time to begin my monthly report of products that I've researched and stamp with approval "Thumbz UP" or dissaproval "Thumbz DOWN".   Over the last several weeks I've been looking for a great tasting and organic cereal.  This has proven to be more difficult than I imagined even at my local Health Food Store (Good Earth).  I was a bit surprised to find that they were still selling PEACE Cereals since they are no longer "certified organic". So the Thumbz DOWN out-number the Thumbz UP for this month.  But I will continue my quest and report back with my findings.
  First, I will start with the cereals that I'm giving a Big Thumbz DOWN.........

A BIG THUMBz DOWN......

KASHI CEREAL  

In April of this year KASHI went under attack as not living up to its "natural" label on its products.  Most of you probably read something about it on Facebook or heard about it in the news when some consumers claimed Kellog was misrepresenting its cereal.  

The controversy went viral after a grocer tacked a note to one of his store shelves (in Rhode Island) telling customers he wouldn't sell the cereal because he found out the brand used genetically engineered, non-organic ingredients. (For more on the story, I have listed a link to an article from USA Today at the end of this review.) 

Most corn and soy ingredients come from genetically engineered crops, which have never even been proven safe. In fact, scientists have linked GMOs to serious health problems. In Cornucopia Institute tests, researchers detected GMO material in 100 percent of the soy in Kashi GoLean.  (Please read my page to the right "WHATz a GMO" for more information.)
Kashi is owned by food industry giant KELLOG COMPANY, which also markets Bear Naked, a non-organic granola.  (Many big Food Corporations are changing the names on their products to mask who they are from the conscientious consumers) The Cornucopia Institute also points out that the cereal-making giant has no policy against the use of toxic pesticides, hexane, a harmful solvent used in non-organic soybean processing, and GMO ingredients. 

PEACE CEREAL 

In the past I was a big fan of Peace Cereal and really loved the taste.  But about a year or so ago I noticed that they were no longer labeled "Certified Organic".  Doing some research, I found that until 2008, all Peace Cereal products were certified organic or labeled "made with organic ingredients," meaning at least 70 percent of the ingredients were organic. Today, none of their products are, which can be confusing to customers who initially trusted the once-organic brand. Strawberry-containing Peace Cereal options could contain the carcinogenic pesticide Captan, which is detected in 55 percent of conventional strawberries tested.

Peace Cereal has no organic options left, but its prices remain the same.

BACK TO NATURE

Back to Nature is owned by KRAFT FOODS and comes in nine varieties, with only one being organic. Its "natural" granola products contain conventional ingredients that are produced on conventional farms with the use of pesticides and other synthetic inputs that would be prohibited on organic farms. Conventional grain ingredients destined for processed foods like granola can be fumigated in the warehouse. The USDA has tested ingredients like wheat flour for toxic fumigant residues, and has found some samples to be contaminated with levels higher than the maximum acceptable level for children. Organics, which prohibits these fumigants, offers a level of protection that 'natural' products don't."

_______________________________________________________________

NOW FOR A BIG THUMBz UP ~ NATURE'S PATH ORGANIC.....

After searching the shelves for a product labeled "USDA Organic" and "NON GMO Project Verified" this is the only brand that I found. It is also labeled "Certified Gluten-Free" and the boxes are made from "100% Recycled Paperboard".  This all added to my desire of wanting to support this company but was it going to taste good? 

The first box of cereal I tried is the SUNRISE, Crunchy Vanilla which contains: Corn, Rice, Flax, Quinoa, Buckwheat and Amaranth.  It was like a combination of Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Corn Puffs.  I enjoyed it but since I've never been a fan of Corn Puffs, I found myself wishing they had left them out.  It was almost a little too sweet for me, but I feel most people who like their cereal sweet will love this.

INGREDIENTS:  Made with love and....Whole corn meal, evaporated cane juice, brown rice flour, yellow corn flour, unulin, quinoa puffs, flax seeds, natural vanilla flavor, buckwheat flour, quinoa, sea salt, amaranth, molasses, tocopherols (natural vitamin E).  ALL ORGANIC 

Nutrition Factz:  Serving Size 3/4 Cup; Calories 110, Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 130 mg, Potassium 65 mg, Carbohydrate 25g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 7g, Protein 2 g.

The second box of Nature's Path Organic Cereal I tried is the Flax Plus, MAPLE PECAN CRUNCH.  This is absolutely my favorite.  It is "Toasted crunchy flax flakes combined with a breakfast granola made of golden-hued, real maple syrup and roasted pecans."  I love cereal with a granola and nut crunch.  This was perfect and just what I was looking for.

INGREDIENTS:  Made with love and...
Organic whole wheat meal, organic rolled oats, organic evaporated cane juice, organic wheat bran, organic pecans, organic flax, organic soy oil, organic brown rice flour, organic oat bran, organic barley malt extract, sea salt, organic maple syrup, organic coconut, natural maple flavor, organic oat syrup solids, tocopherols (natural vitamin E), organic molasses, organic cinnamon.

________________________________________________________________

Today I went to Nature's Path Organics web-site and was pleasantly surprised to find a large variety of different products..... COLD CEREALS, HOT CEREALS, PREMIUM GRANOLA, TOASTER PASTRIES, BARS, ENVIROKIDS CEREALS, PANCAKE MIXES & LOVE CRUNCH. 

I AM ON IT....cannot wait to try their 8 different flavors of OATMEAL, the PANCAKE MIXES and, of course, the LOVE CRUNCH.  Here is their website:  http://shop.naturespath.com/

ENJOY....and remember YOU ARE what YOU EAT.  Namaste,  Beci


Monday, July 9, 2012

CHILL OUT w/ Frozen Assets

  This week I found some wonderful, healthy popsicle recipes to share. 

This first batch of recipes were found in the "edible WASATCH" magazine and written by Amy Thompson..... For full online magazines go to http://www.ediblewasatch.com/ 

Huckleberry Ice Pops w/ Lemon Verbena

If you can get huckleberries for this recipe, use them.  Their perfume-y flavor is delightful with the lemon verbena.

2 cups Huckleberries or Blueberries
1/2 cup White Grape Juice (if berries are frozen)
1 cup fresh Lemon Verbena Leaves
6 tablespoons Maple Syrup

Blend all ingredients in a blender, fill ice pop molds and freeze.  If berries are fresh you may need less white grape juice.

Strawberry-Basil-Balsamic Ice Popz

This recipe tends to freeze less rock hard than the others and is a great option for sorbet both because it won't freeze solid and because the flavor is a bit more grown up.

2 Cups Strawberries
4 Tablespoons Honey
1/4 Cup tightly-packed, fresh Basil Leaves
6 tablespoons good Balsamic Vinegar

Blend all ingredients, pour into ice pop molds and freeze.

Frozen Frog Eggs

 Chia seeds, puff up and get a slippery coating when soaked in liquid.  They remind me so much of the frog eggs I used to gather as a kid.  A little spinach completes the illusion and adds extra nutrition to boot.

1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
2/ Cups Pear Juice, divided
2 Cups fresh spinach
3 tablespoons honey

Soak the chia sees in 1 cup of the pear juice until they are plump and look like a clear frog egg with a tiny tadpole inside.  Blend the other 1 cup of pear juice with the spinach and honey, stir in the "frog eggs."  Pour into ice pop molds and freeze.

Peach-Sage Ice Popz

Sage usually makes me think of butternut squash, but it works surprisingly well in these ice popz paired with sweet, summer peaches.

2 Cups Peaches
20 fresh Sage Leaves
1/2 to 3/4 cup White Grape Juice (if using frozen peaches)
4 tablespoons honey

Blend all ingredients, pour into ice pop molds and freeze.  If using fresh, juicy peaches, you may be able to skip the white grape juice.

Fairy Nectar

This recipe in particular tends to attract butterflies and little girls in tutus.

2 Cup White Grape Juice
4 tablespoons Honey
4 Rose Blossoms, Petals only
2 teaspoons Rose Water

Blend all the ingredients.  You will end up with a light pink liquid, flecked with tine bits of rose petal.  Pour this into ice pop molds and freeze.

_____________________________________________________

This second batch of recipes were found in deliciousliving magazine at Good Earth. (Go to http://www.newhope360.com/ for more recipes)

 The recipes are by Jennifer Brewer and photo by Mick Jones. 

STRAWBERRY ICE POPz

Serves 8 / Gluten free
Prep 15 minutes / freeze 2 1/2 hours

Simplicity itself.  For a luscious twist, follow step 2 to add a nut-cream layer; nobody will believe the resulting "strawberry shortcake" popz are dairy free, gluten free, and sweetened only with dates (though for either version, if your berries aren't quite ripe enought, you can always add a bit of sugar).

16 ounces fresh Strawberries, washed and hulled
Sweetener (agave or honey), to taste

NUT CREAM (Optional)

1/4 cup Raw Cashews
1/4 cup Raw Macadamia Nutz
3-4 Medjool Dates, pitted
1/2 cup Coconut Milk
1/2 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 tablespoon pure Vanilla Extract

1.  Pulse strawberries in a food processor until fully pureed; taste and add sweetener if necessary.  Divide mixture among eight 3-ounce pop molds. Freeze.
2.  To add optional nut-cream layer: In a food processor, pulse cashews, macadamia nutz, and dates until well ground.  Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; blend until smooth and creamy.  After strawberry popz have been in freezer for about 30 minutes, remove and pour nut cream mixture on top.  Insert sticks.  Freeze until set, about 2 hours.

PER SERVING: (with nut-cream layer): 99 cal, 6g fat (3g mono, 0g poly, 2g sat), 0mg chol, 1 g protein, 11g carb, 1 g fiber, omg sodium

MELON MOJITO POPz

Serves 6 / Staff Favorite, Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep 8 minutes / freeze 3 hours

  These flavorful pops take advantage of the delightful summery combination of lime, mint, and melon.  Green honeydew is wonderful but any melon will work just fine.

1/4 cup Coconut Sugar or Natural Cane Sugar
3 tablespoons choped, fresh Mint Leaves
1/4 cup fresh Lime Juice
1 cup sparkling Lime-flavored water
2 cups finely diced Honeydew, Cantaloupe or Watermelon



1.  Combine sugar and mint in a food processor and pulse until mint is finely chopped.  Scrape into a bowl and add lime juice and sparkling water, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2.  Divide melon pieces among six 3-ounce pop molds.  Fill with lime mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.  Secure lids and jiggle molds to distribute mixture evenly.  Freeze until set, about 3 hours.

PER SERVING:  53 cal, 0g fat, 0g protein, 14 g carb, 1 g fiber, 28 mg sodium

PEACHY BASIL POPz

Serves 8 / Gluten Free, Vegan
prep 15 minutes / freeze 3 hours

  A grown-up ice pop (for kids, you might leave out the basil).  The sweeter your fruit, the less sweetener you will need, so be sure to taste your mixture before adding any.  You Can also use nectarines in these yummy popz.

1 pound ripe, white or yellow Peaches (about 3 medium), halved and pitted
2 tablespoons thinly slice fresh basil
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar, to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.  Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor.  Transfer 1 cup of chunky peaches to a medium bowl; stir in basil and set aside.
2.  To peaches remaining in food processor, add orange and lemon jices, agave, and vanilla.  Puree until smooth.  Add to bowl with the chunky peaches and mix well.  Divide mixture among eight 3-ounce pop molds.  Freeze until set, about 3 hours.

PER SERVING:  45 cal, 0g fat, 0 mg chol, 1 g protein, 11g carb, 1 g fiber, 0 mg sodium

CREAMY CHERRY KEFIR POPz

Serves 8 / Gluten Free
prep 10 minutes / freeze 3 hours

 Kefir's beneficial bacteria survive when frozen, making these creamy pops a treat for your tummy.  Also try this with flavored kefir.  If you don't have fresh cherries, substitute frozen.

2 cups (about 11 ounces) fresh pitted cherries
2 cups plain, unsweetened coconut kefir
2 tablespoons agave or brown rice syrup
1 1/2-2 teaspoons almond or vanilla extract

1.  Combine cherries and kefir in a food processor and process until cherries break down and kefir turns pink.  Add sweetener, extract, and a pinch of sea salt; pulse until blended.  Pour mixture into eight 3-ounce pop molds and freeze until set, about 3 hours.

PER SERVING:  67 cal, 1 g fat, 2 mg chol, 4 g protein, 12g carb, 2 g fiber, 32 mg sodium

CHAI ICED TEA POPz

Serves 8 / Bluten Free, Vegan
prep 20 minutes / freeze 3 hours

 Too hot for tea?  These delicious popz are a refreshing way to get your anioxidants.

8 black tea bags
2 cups water
1 cup Coconut Milk
3 tablespoons Coconut Sugar or natural Cane Sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves


1.  Bring tea bags and water to a boil in a medium pot.  Boil for 1-2 minutes; remove from heat.  Steep 10 minutes.
2.  Remove tea bags, squeezing to extract all flavor.  Add coconut milk, sugar and spices.  Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Cool slightly before pouring into eight 3-ounce pop molds.  Freeze until set, about 3 hours.

PER SERVING:  40 cal, 2 g fat (0 mono, 0g poly, 2 g sat) 0mg chol, 0 g protein, 5 g car, 0g fiber, 10 mg sodium

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE FUDGE POPz

Serves 8 / Gluten Free, Vegan
prep 15 minutes / freeze 3 hours

 Instead of heavy cream, arrowroot thickens this rich mixture.  The only sugar is in the chocolate; if you like sweeter treats use chocolate hemp or soy milk or add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetener before heating (don't boil soy milk).  Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving to soften.

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
3 cups vanilla hemp milk, divided
10 ounces 70% cocoa chocolate bar, chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1.  Whisk arrowroot into 1/2 cup hemp milk.
2.  in a medium pot, stir together remaining 2 1/2 cups hemp milk and chocolate.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly; boil gently for 1 minute.
3.  Remove from heat and stir in arrowroot mixture and vanilla.  Cool slightly before pouring into eight 3-ounce pop molds.  Freeze until set, about 3 hours.

PER SERVING:  262 cal, 17 g fat (5 g mono, 5g poly, 8g sat), 0mg chol, 2 g protein, 21 g carb, 3g fiber, 0mg sodium

Note:  You can also try these recipes in the Zoku Popsicle maker (previous post) for popsicles that are frozen within 5-7 minutes.  If you are going to purchase the Zoku Maker through Amazon, please click on the Carousel Link on this blog to the right.  It will help add a few cents to my cause.  Thank you for your support.

Namaste,  Beci

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Nourishment

  On the weekends, I open the book UNTIL TODAY by Iyanla Vanzant for spiritual upliftment.  Every page is dated with a message for that day.  Normally, I would not post this information on this blog.  Instead I would include it on my blog http://balancinghandz.blogspot.com/ which includes excerpts from my daily life and uplifting stories.  But as I opened and read the messages for both July 8 & 9th, it incorporated the message with physical nourishment (food) and seemed so appropriate. 

  Yesterday, I spent most of the day catching up on must needed sleep, meditating and organizing all the articles, books & magazines I've saved over the years pertaining to food tips and healthy recipes.  This morning I woke up with excitement and gratitude in my heart once again ready to focus on this blog.  Sometimes it is all too overwhelming with the abundance of information I have.  This puts up a wall of confusion as I don't know where to even begin and what information will be the most helpful  This message reminds me to just ask for help and I will receive the guidance that I need.  I hope you enjoy and find this relative to your lives.

  JULY 8th.....

   Picture yourself sitting at a banquet table, covered with all of your favorite foods.  Imagine the sight.  The smell.  Anticipate the pleasure of sinking your teeth into all of your favorite foods, which have been prepared to perfection.  Now imagine that as you finish one delight, a well-mannered server brings you the next.  This continues until you are filled to capacity and thrilled to exstasy.  You push back from the table totally satisfied and grateful.

  Are you aware that your spirit needs to be fed?  Did you know that your spirit would be delighted to partake in a feast of spiritual food?  How about a plate full of prayer?  Or maybe a few hours of succulent self-reflection.  Perhaps a piping-hot selection of spiritual literature, served by the side of a lake or under a tree, would satisfy your spiritual hunger.  Can you imagine feasting for a few hours on spiritually uplifting music?  What about some forgiveness a la mode, topped with compassion?  You cannot imagine how much your spirit would enjoy it.

  Would you believe that there are many eager angels, guardians and guides just waiting to serve you?  They have already set the table and begun to prepare everything you need to satisfy your spirit.  Need some help?  Look under the appetizers.  Want some more understanding?  Check the daily specials.  If warm wisdom or scrumptious security would fill you up, try the Chef's Specials.  It's all there on life's spiritual menu.  All you have to do is simply raise your head, your heart or your hand and ask.  Like the body, the spirit must be fed.  Your spirit not only requires a well-balanced diet, it must be fed on a regular schedule.

  Until today, you may have believed that your spirit could survive on bits of information.  Just for today, be devoted to preparing a spiritual banquet for yourself.  Take a moment to identify all the things that would fill-full your spirit, and then ask the angels to serve it up.

  Today I AM devoted to having a spiritual feast..

  ___________________________________________________________

JULY 9th.....

  What if you were forced to sustain yourself on a low-calorie, minimal-intake diet for the rest of your life?  Or worse, what if you were told that you could never eat again?  No more chocolate.  No more homemade soup.  How would you feel?  How would you survive?  

  If you did not eat to sustain your physical body, you would eventually grow weak and weary.  As you used up the reserve resources of nutrients and vitamins, your vital organs would stop functioning,  Your body would begin to shrivel up and waste away.  A person can only diet or fast for so long before the body demands to be fed.  The same is true of the Spirit.

  Some people are suffering from spiritual malnutrition.  Some people have deprived themselves of spiritual nourishment for so long, they no longer have the strength to handle the weight of their lives.  Their vision is shot!  Their sense of SELF has been diminished to the point that it is a chore for them to do the simplest task in their lives.  Spiritually malnourished people are fretful and frightened, worried and worrisome.  They are drained and draining.  They have their eye on someone else's plate, someone else's life, and they will stretch their shriveled and shaking hand out for whatever crumbs can be spared.

  There is only one cure for spiritual malnutrition.  It is a steady diet of spiritual food.  Prayer builds the spiritual structure.  Faith puts meat on the spiritual bones.  Gratitutde builds spiriitual muscles.  If you are feeling worn out, run down or weary, check your spiritual diet!  You may need to increase your intake of spiritual nutrients.

  Until today, you may have been suffering from spiritual malnutrition.  Just for today, increase your intake of spiritual food.  Engage in a few spiritual experiences.  Test your spiritual muscles.  Make the necessary adjustments to your spiritual diet.

  Today I am devoted to increasing my spiritual intake.. 

____________________________________________________________

  While reading this I couldn't help but think how my choices in food over the last several years has lifted me to an entirely different level not only physically but also mentally and spiritually.  The meat, dairy, processed foods and sugar I consumed weighed me down and made me feel downright awful both inside and out.  Of course, this was not even realized to it's full extent until I gave them up.  Now I can "fill myself up with all the foods that I love" without having physical side affects like feeling bloated, sick or fat afterwards.  I leave the table feeling better about myself in all aspects of my physical & mental well-being. 

  I know, most of us grew up on breakfast, lunch & dinner made from the Betty Crocker Recipe book and to deprive ourselves of the meat, dairy, processed sugar and now GMO's that we've become used to, seems totally overwhelming and unrealistic.  Just take a moment and think about how our parents & grandparents were led to believe that Miss Betty was a wholesome, homemaker who had derived these recipes in her own kitchen.  They had no idea that she was actually a fictional character created by the meat, dairy and processed food industry to get us addicted to their products for financial gain. 

  While all change evolves over time, one day at a time, I promise there is no deprivation.  In fact, I'm struggling to loose 5-7 lbs right now on my vegan, sugar-free diet...I AM NOT DEPRIVED!!  It is all in the mind ~ focus on the food you are substituting, the new taste, consistency and how it makes you feel.  Let go of your focus on deprivation....it is also fictional!

  So while focusing on your "SPIRITUAL FEAST & INCREASING YOUR SPIRITUAL INTAKE"......try coming to the realization that what you consume will either increase or decrease your physical, mental & spiritual well-being.  It's your choice...how do you want to feel?  Your meals can be a Spiritual experience.



Namaste,  Beci 

NOTE:  If you are interested in purchasing any of Iyanla Vanzants books through Amazon, please click on the Carousel Link to the right on this blog.  It will help add a few cents to my cause.  Thank you for your support...