tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85236138384764173522024-02-21T05:39:49.838-07:00Berry Veggie and Coconutz by beci gregoryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-73530581602546615922015-07-26T08:00:00.000-06:002015-07-26T08:00:01.240-06:00DRY SKIN BRUSHIING<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #472c7c;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;"><b> Dry
skin brushing is an easy way to improve circulation, lymphatic
elimination, and skin appearance. Even the soles of your feet and
palms of your hands benefit from dry skin brushing.</b></span></em><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #472c7c;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFhtbMgTIbAGa_WayWU3m5VmkFPz8qqpZGRT6J90e8zzLtC0dS7ifqp8YLzriAG9yTHHCHYcyDF33m5mTdjpMztI0J8KBrSAVKkK9aPdiylleH62vu1MTA05XIko8Av8R2C0LZu_5PZLi/s1600/dry+skin+brushing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFhtbMgTIbAGa_WayWU3m5VmkFPz8qqpZGRT6J90e8zzLtC0dS7ifqp8YLzriAG9yTHHCHYcyDF33m5mTdjpMztI0J8KBrSAVKkK9aPdiylleH62vu1MTA05XIko8Av8R2C0LZu_5PZLi/s400/dry+skin+brushing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #472c7c;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></em></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dry
skin brushing</b>:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Is
a simple way to keep the skin soft, smooth, and healthy, as it
stimulates the sweat and oil glands (which decrease production with
age, resulting in mature skin often being dry) and stimulates the
connective tissue and collagen in the skin</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Exfoliates
the layers of dead cells to enhance skin's appearance (skin's
ability to shed the outermost layer of cells decreases with age)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Stimulates
the skin circulation to improve elimination</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Stimulates
the lymphatic system, accelerating filtration from the intercellular
spaces to the lymph vessels, the emptying of lymph vessels to the
nodes, and the flow of lymph through the nodes (remember that the
lymph does not have its own pump like blood, so relies on muscle
movement and manual stimulation such as that through massage and
skin brushing)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Tones
the muscles, stimulates the nerve endings, and relaxing the muscles</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Redistributes
fatty deposits by improving circulation and avoiding lymphatic
congestion</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Can
help break up areas of cellulite and prevent further cellulite by
avoiding lymphatic and capillary congestion</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Increases
and stimulates circulation, especially of the small capillaries
under the skin</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbOFJ6clpBMPmXn1Oq48xG9iZ1Y7ho8g00MvOdMD0BBqSZBXebZQua7xZprtHJ_UNOMgM8QSAT8w0KOX32AaGcBoGOKX7P1onRCboJPsLEmB_2OdkZOyDnujRn00E-AlNYupp17SKNky4/s1600/dry-brushing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbOFJ6clpBMPmXn1Oq48xG9iZ1Y7ho8g00MvOdMD0BBqSZBXebZQua7xZprtHJ_UNOMgM8QSAT8w0KOX32AaGcBoGOKX7P1onRCboJPsLEmB_2OdkZOyDnujRn00E-AlNYupp17SKNky4/s400/dry-brushing2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Important:</b></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Never
wet the brush: Dry skin is important as water acts as a lubricant
and the beneficial affects of the friction are lost</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Use
a natural bristled brush, preferably a long handled bath brush. Note
that it must be of natural bristles - nylon tears the skin and
disturbs the electro-magnetic balance of the skin</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Take
your brush and start in small circles brushing all over the body on
bare skin (note that the photos above showing brushing over clothing
are for demonstration only)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">As
you move through each area, it may assist lymphatic flow to begin in
the lymph node for that area, then work from the outer extremities
towards that lymph node.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Begin
at the feet and work towards the heart to stimulate venous
circulation</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Do
not brush the face or any tender or inflamed areas</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Do
brush the soles of the feet</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">The
brush may feel very rough to begin with so just use gentle pressure
until you become used to the sensation. Increase the pressure as
needed</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">Dry
skin brush at least once a day for best results</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">If
desired, you can follow your dry skin brushing with a simply
hydrotherapy technique: a shower that alternates hot then cold
shower. The hot and cold temperature further stimulates the
circulation but is not vital. If this is too traumatic for you, just
finish off with a shower at usual temperature</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;">It
can be helpful to follow dry skin brushing with a salt rub (use half
a cup of sea salt or Epsom salt, add sufficient olive oil (you can
also use sweet almond oil) to made a paste. Add a few drops of
essential oil if you wish). Rub all over the body, avoiding the
eyes, mucous membranes, and any broken skin. Then rinse off in the
shower.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IW6yJXPFRkW0khVijsCJCVPHANbytgdBkfa6pUlxmyOstXk0k7RLr4KDbDPdQNaH4vVUll5chzgy4NE6w0nVf6xk7Ih-Y0TD3h2oOzniekvF0WmltFMVGcSpECCLQylsfIOfh-UKbPUW/s1600/drybrushing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IW6yJXPFRkW0khVijsCJCVPHANbytgdBkfa6pUlxmyOstXk0k7RLr4KDbDPdQNaH4vVUll5chzgy4NE6w0nVf6xk7Ih-Y0TD3h2oOzniekvF0WmltFMVGcSpECCLQylsfIOfh-UKbPUW/s400/drybrushing3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="orphans: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.2in; orphans: 1; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> To
give yourself a thorough brushing, you should plan to spend at least
five minutes on your full body. Note that you only get to see the
benefits when you dry skin brush once a day; we recommend brushing
before your morning shower routine. If you can dry skin brush
consistently over a period of a few months, you will notice the
benefits. </i></span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="orphans: 1;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Namaste, Beci</div>
<br />
<div style="orphans: 1;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Reference:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 1;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Peterson, D. (2015). <i>NAT 211 Anatomy
& Physiology II</i>. Portland, Oregon: American College of
Healthcare Sciences. </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-42155287133446937042015-07-25T15:49:00.000-06:002015-07-25T15:49:51.668-06:00SEEDING FEAR - The Story of Michael White vs Monsanto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Another important video to watch about the evil corporation, Monsanto.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Please watch and do NOT support GMO's!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="yt watch-title-container" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; display: table-cell; margin: 0px 0px 13px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 609.599975585938px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YZGueeao0tE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YZGueeao0tE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<h1 class="yt watch-title-container" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #222222; display: table-cell; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 13px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 609.599975585938px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="SEEDING FEAR - The Story of Michael White vs Monsanto"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></h1>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-63359691752504273382015-04-11T11:37:00.001-06:002017-05-28T17:49:15.626-06:00Multiple Sclerosis<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><b><i> <span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my essay for school this week on MS. As I continue to deal with many symptoms of relapsing-remitting MS, I pray that I will be able to get an answer soon... one way or another. My next steps are an MRI and if there are </span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 32px;"><b><i>lesions on my brain</i></b></span><span style="line-height: 200%;"><b><i>, a spinal tap to confirm. At this point I just want an answer. I am continuing to treat it the best way I know how and to consume all the information I can get. Learning about the Nervous System in Anatomy this week, has been very helpful in my quest towards healing. </i></b> </span></span></span><br />
UPDATE: The MRI results showed no signs of MS - Multiple Sclerosis. There were minor signs of possible mini-stroke(s) but it will take another MRI in order to come to any conclusions.</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 200%;"> M</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">ultiple
Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) the
disrupts the flow of information in the brain and between the brain
and the body. MS is considered to be an immune-mediated disease in
which the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system.
Some MS experts believe it is an autoimmune disease but this is
debated by the scientific community. Autoimmunity means that the
immune system is reacting against normally occurring antigens (or
proteins that stimulate an immune response) in the body, as if the
antigens were a foreign object. Because no specific antigen has been
identified in MS, it has not been classified as an autoimmune disease
at this time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"> Multiple
Sclerosis occurs as the immune system attacks myelin, which is the
protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
The damaged myelin forms scar tissue called </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>sclerosis</b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;">,
which gives the disease its name. When any part of the myelin sheath
or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to
and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted,
producing a wide variety of symptoms. The disease is thought to be
triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by a combination of
one or more environmental factors. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"> People
with MS typically experience one of four disease courses, which can
be classified as mild, moderate or severe. They are as follows:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"> 1.
</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>
Relapsing-remmitting MS (RRMS) </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;">is
the most common. It is characterized by clearly defined attacks of
worsening neurologic function. The attacks are defined as relapses,
flare-ups or exacerbations. They are followed by partial or complete
recovery periods or remissions when symptoms improve partially or
completely and it doesn't seem like there is progression of the
disease. Approximately 85% of people with MS are diagnosed with
RRMS.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"> 2.
</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Secondary-progressive
MS (SPMS) </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #544d46;">comes
from the fact that it follows after the relapsing-remitting course.
Most people who are initially diagnosed with RRMS will eventually
transition to SPMS, which means that the disease will begin to
progress more steadily (although not necessarily more quickly), with
or without relapses.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> 3.
</span><span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Primary-progressive
MS (PPMS) </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #544d46;">is
characterized by steadily worsening neurologic function from the
beginning. Although the rate of progression may vary over time with
occasional plateaus and temporary, minor improvements, there are no
distinct relapses or remissions. About 10% of people with MS are
diagnosed with PPMS.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #544d46;">4.
</span><span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Progressive-relapsing
MS (PRMS )</b></i></span></span><span style="color: #544d46;">is
the least common of the four disease courses. It is characterized by
steadily progressing disease from the beginning and occasional
exacerbations along the way. People with this form of MS may or may
not experience some recovery following these attacks; the disease
continues to progress without remissions.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"> No
two people have exactly the same MS symptoms, and each person’s
symptoms can change or fluctuate over time. One person might
experience only one or two of the possible symptoms while another
person can experience multiple symptoms.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> The
more common symptoms of MS are, Fatigue (80%), Numbness or tingling
(one of the 1</span><span style="color: #544d46;"><sup><span style="font-size: small;">st</span></sup></span><span style="color: #544d46;">
symptoms), Weakness, Dissiness & Vertigo, Sexual Problems, Acute
or Chronic Pain, Emotional Changes, Walking or Gait difficulties,
Spasticity, Vision Problems, Bladder & Bowel Problems and
Cognitive changes.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"> Less
common symptoms include; Speech problems, Tremors, Breathing
difficulties, Headaches, Swallowing problems, Seizures, Itching and
Hearing loss. Even though chronic headaches and migraines are
considered a less common symptom of MS, it can be one of the first
signs you have the disease.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"> In
the early stages of MS, symptoms may be subtle or “invisible” to
those on the outside. You can look perfectly normal to those on the
outside. The worst part is when others don't believe you or question
the reality of your symptoms.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> According
the the National MS Society, there are currently no symptoms,
physical findings or laboratory tests that can, by themselves,
determine if a person has MS. Several strategies are used to
determine if a person meets the long established criteria for a
diagnosis of MS, and to rule out other possible causes of whatever
symptoms the person is experiencing. These strategies include a
careful medical history, a neurologic exam and various tests
including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evoked potentials (EP)
and spinal fluid analysis. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> Currently,
there is no cure for MS but there are several medications used to
modify the disease course, treat relapses and manage symptoms. These
medications help people manage their MS and enhance their comfort and
quality of life. For a list of these medications, here is a great link: </span><a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications">http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications</a><span style="color: #544d46;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> Complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM) for MS includes a wide variety of
interventions, from diets and supplements to meditation and T’ai
Chi. Vitamin D, exercise, acupuncture and cooling strategies are
establishing their role in comprehensive care through scientific
study and clinical trials. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> The
American Academy of Neurology recently released a guideline on the
use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in MS. CAM
therapies with sufficient evidence to support practice recommendation
in MS include: </span>
</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Cannabinoids:
OCE, Synthetic THC, Sativex oromucosal spray & smoked cannabis</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Ginkgo
Biloba</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Lofepramine
plus phenylalanine with B12</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Reflexology</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Bee
Venom</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Magnetic
Therapy</i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Lowfat
diet with Omega 3 supplementation</i></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"> There
are many treatments and resources available for those suffering with
MS. I recommend visiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's
website for more detailed information and support.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;">Namaste, Beci </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>References</u></b>:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #544d46;"> A
World Free of MS. (2015, March 6). Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ </span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #544d46; font-family: inherit;"> Yadav,
MD, MCR, V., Bever, Jr., MD, MBA, FAAN, C., Bowen, MD, J., Bowling,
MD, PhD, A., -Guttman, MD, B., Cameron, MD, PT, M., . . .
Narayanaswami, MBBS, DM, FAAN, P. (2014, March 24). Summary of
evidence-based guideline: Complementary and alternative medicine in
multiple sclerosis. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from
http://www.neurology.org/content/82/12/1083.full.pdf html </span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-21755666730791060792015-03-13T20:24:00.000-06:002015-03-14T07:57:45.373-06:00Kale - Apple Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIM7_ASbnvKzJdci8PBr0yRAJ4Q4Hg_GgBjYujuy6K-5vzp787KRb04_fJUfWdfoftzSwMZNtDFGJfsqp1Y7yafP1dks-n0o5_8fOWRn1ZK5NKnRwQWbubr64q0D-nv3SiYyDdEaE-X49/s1600/Smoothies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIM7_ASbnvKzJdci8PBr0yRAJ4Q4Hg_GgBjYujuy6K-5vzp787KRb04_fJUfWdfoftzSwMZNtDFGJfsqp1Y7yafP1dks-n0o5_8fOWRn1ZK5NKnRwQWbubr64q0D-nv3SiYyDdEaE-X49/s1600/Smoothies.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><em>In celebration of St. Patricks Day, I am sharing my favorite Green Smoothie....</em></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><u>KALE-APPLE SMOOTHIE</u><br /><br />1 C. Frozen Kale<br />1 Apple of Choice**<br />1/2 Ripe Banana</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">1/2 Avocado<br />1 C. Soy Milk<br />2 C. Water (cold)<br />1 T. Pure Maple Syrup*<br />1 T. Chia Seeds*</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">ICE ~ as desired</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">Blend well. Add Ice and water for desired consistency.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />*optional ingredients </span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">**I use red delicious apples</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">TIP: I buy ripe bananas and avocado's on sale, cut them up into chunks and freeze. It saves time when making my morning smoothie, I can just throw a few pieces in my blender and then I don't need much ice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I CRAVE my morning smoothies. They re-hydrate your body after sleeping all night and give me the jump-kick needed to get through the day. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">ENJOY... and REMEMBER You Are What you EAT...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida sans', tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, lucida grande, lucida sans unicode, lucida sans, tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Namaste, Beci </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-66506286358341630502015-03-13T19:17:00.002-06:002015-03-13T19:17:28.146-06:00Nutty Butter Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYALmjjYeYuS4q0Zr7gtS-cYGePVPfcSsw9YUe4qRBUfv1o_tSwAOyknutP5ISIm9ottvH6IDDFZ6o5Lf1XSQ5_grD7d8jrx7fL9NQTPlZzSnhapCGZPryFvSF7u_MSJc7jb6uYEpgjWI/s1600/Nutty+Butter+Balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYALmjjYeYuS4q0Zr7gtS-cYGePVPfcSsw9YUe4qRBUfv1o_tSwAOyknutP5ISIm9ottvH6IDDFZ6o5Lf1XSQ5_grD7d8jrx7fL9NQTPlZzSnhapCGZPryFvSF7u_MSJc7jb6uYEpgjWI/s1600/Nutty+Butter+Balls.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been asked by a number of my friends to share the recipe for this incredible, raw treat. It is so simple to make but truly decadent. They are wonderful with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of cold Almond milk in the afternoon. And there is nothing but healthy ingredients so you can enjoy guilt-free.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have finally measured out how much of what ingredient I use and here it is....</div>
<br />
<u>Nutty Butter Balls</u><br />
<br />
2 C. RAW Peanut or Almond Butter<br />
1 C. RAW Honey<br />
1 1/2 C. Old Fashioned Oats<br />
2 T. Ground Flax Seeds<br />
1 T. Chia Seeds<br />
1/2 teaspoon of Sea Salt*<br />
1 teaspoon Vanilla*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQFLr6nARN6HDzo04LY3F4rt4E0TK1cZsY5rqP7dpr5ThNi37K9xCY47uCKgab7mJs2sqYkzUGSjCBQ8AiT6PGmSE1PCBKf8flFmyFbJQZLUMIWz3eAaXvP2Y3Owk_0ZqZKybpoF4bTBl/s1600/nutty+butter+balls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQFLr6nARN6HDzo04LY3F4rt4E0TK1cZsY5rqP7dpr5ThNi37K9xCY47uCKgab7mJs2sqYkzUGSjCBQ8AiT6PGmSE1PCBKf8flFmyFbJQZLUMIWz3eAaXvP2Y3Owk_0ZqZKybpoF4bTBl/s1600/nutty+butter+balls+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Put the Peanut or Almond butter in a bowl and mix with the honey until well blended. Add all other ingredients one at a time. I usually add the Oats last. Create balls by using a cookie scoop and put them in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And.... ENJOY.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
*If using jar peanut butter, omit these ingredients.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Other Optional Ingredients</u>: Add Coconut and/or mini chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
Happy Eating ~ Beci :)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-23158049072976193452015-03-08T21:51:00.001-06:002015-03-13T20:03:27.471-06:00Balancing Hormones Part I: Symptoms of Thyroid Disease<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today more than 12% of the U.S. population and 1 women in 8 will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and up to 60% of those with this disease are unaware of their condition. Women are five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with this disease than men.<br />
<br />
After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year, I began doing a lot of research on Thyroid disease and Endocrine disorders. Recently, I learned that the endocrine and nervous systems work together in creating homeostasis or the balance inside the body. This has led me to believe that my suffering with severe adrenal fatigue for at least three years is most likely what caused nerve damage in my lower legs and feet. I feel very fortunate to be attending The American College of Healthcare Sciences which has given me the tools to do in-depth medical investigations in all forms of DIS-Ease.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
So what is causing this epidemic that is throwing our bodies and hormones so off balance? There are many sources including genetics, diet, toxic chemicals and auto-immune diseases. I believe it is a combination of all these things that have made this disease so rampant in the society today.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>According to the US Department of Health and Human Resources:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Endocrine disorders involve the body's over - or under-production of certain hormones. Endocrine disorders include hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasis, diseases of the parathyroid gland, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the adrenal glands (including Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease), and ovarian dysfunction (including polycystic ovary syndrome), among others.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Polycistic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, and is the most common cause of endocrine-related female infertility in the United States. An estimated 1 in 10 women of childbearing age has PCOS, and it can occur in females as young as 11 years of age. In addition, PCOS may put women at risk for other health conditions, inclding high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes."</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBObqbSROVNKhRV4htQQjO6pXQBw6NUF_y6OU346TNUZ25IXeYXUU2B5IAQRJY5q5cNgtpPTIVN36nJ6Iw9PFBgppPwlb7ayjSUa8ENDrlGs_oxp9gZESJJXmWwUvS8fHCjYt8edE2K6tZ/s1600/375x321_thyroid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBObqbSROVNKhRV4htQQjO6pXQBw6NUF_y6OU346TNUZ25IXeYXUU2B5IAQRJY5q5cNgtpPTIVN36nJ6Iw9PFBgppPwlb7ayjSUa8ENDrlGs_oxp9gZESJJXmWwUvS8fHCjYt8edE2K6tZ/s1600/375x321_thyroid.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture provided by WebMD.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;">The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck. It acts as the control center for your body. Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland travel through your bloodstream and affect nearly every part of your body, from your heart and brain to your muscles and skin. It is vital in helping the body to use energy properly. When something goes wrong it will lead to either an under-active or overactive thyroid. Your metabolism will either speed up way too high or slow completely down. Both of these conditions affect the thyroid in different ways and therefore have distinct separate symptoms.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In simple terms, hypothyroidism is an under-active thyroid that doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. And hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid so the thyroid makes too much hormone.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>As a result of an under-active thyroid (Hypothyroidism), you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:</b></i></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">Fatigue</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Feeling cold</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Forgetfulness</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Dry Skin & Hair</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Brittle Nails</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Constipation</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Weight gain*</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Muscle Cramps</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Depression</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Decreased menstrual flow</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Swelling in the front of the neck (or goiter)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*If a person with under-active thyroid can force herself to maintain a normal activity level, she may only gain a few pounds. But most people with hypothyroidism feel so tired they stop exercising, sleep more and change their routine, which causes even more weight gain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Hyperthyroidism is associated with all of the body functions speeding up and can cause all or some of the following symptoms:</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Feeling Hot</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sweating</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Problems falling asleep</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Racing thoughts</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Difficulty focusing on one task</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Forgetfulness</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Change in bowel habits, bowels are looser</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Elevated heart rate and palpitations</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Weight loss</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Menstrual problems</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Fatigue</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My symptoms included severe fatigue, brain fog, feeling extremely cold all of the time, dry hair, brittle nails, skin rashes, being off-balance, falling down frequently and bruises that would not heal. This all eventually led to chronic nerve pain in my lower legs and feet which brought on depression.</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please see your health care professional. He or she can order tests to see if your thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range. If they are not, there are medications that can treat and ease your symptoms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Please read my next discussion on <b><i>WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GET TESTED FOR THYROID DISEASE.</i></b> Not all tests are the same and could come back negative when you really do have the disease.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information, please see the articles listed below.<br />
<br />
Thanks for being a part of my journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Namaste, Beci</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<u>References:</u><br />
<i><br /></i>
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. (2009, January 1). Retrieved March 8, 2015, from http://mchb.hrsa.gov/whusa09/hstat/hi/pages/217emd.html#footnote1<br />
<br />
Hypothroid (Underactive Thyroid). (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 8, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments<br />
<br />
Prevalence and Impact of Thyroid Disease. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 13, 2015, from http://www.thyroid.org/media-main/about-hypothyroidism/<br />
<br />
Shimer Bowers, E., & Jones, MD, N. (2013, April 25). Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: What's the Difference? Retrieved March 8, 2015, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism-whats-the-difference.aspxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-72249207588430065212015-02-25T20:34:00.001-07:002015-03-13T19:00:29.822-06:00Reiki Healing Energy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="line-height: 100%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%;">is
a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also
promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on Hands"
and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy"
flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life
force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or
feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy
and healthy.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LrTDhb0-R3GpGAs4KhowdCf1bK63GtDEFHO3-Bw6qDUbjnJMZPtCk7qrkof7zZ7tsjrdSrV-4NqxStzxX3w3_u3y_wm_PT_wUlQpEQNvz1qGJ_rsbrfhFzgGbkxywxmuiky2bpK-GR5O/s1600/reiki4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LrTDhb0-R3GpGAs4KhowdCf1bK63GtDEFHO3-Bw6qDUbjnJMZPtCk7qrkof7zZ7tsjrdSrV-4NqxStzxX3w3_u3y_wm_PT_wUlQpEQNvz1qGJ_rsbrfhFzgGbkxywxmuiky2bpK-GR5O/s1600/reiki4.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> The
word </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">is
made of two Japanese words; </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">REI
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">which
means "God's Light Energy" and is directly translated as
God or light. It is used to describe the whole of creation – Every
cell, blade of grass stone, tree, animal, human, every planet and
star. It could be interpreted of “All That Is,” both in thought
and form. </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">KI
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">which
is "life force energy" or the vital energy that is used to
animate and give life to all creation. KI can normally be seen with
the naked eye, and appears as dancing electrons of light that move
rapidly around. There is an abundance of this energy in nature, and
it is most clearly visible in mountainous areas, at the ocean's edge,
or in dense forests. </span><span style="color: black;">
So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
</span>
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> A
treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through
and around you. </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">treats
the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating
many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of
peace, security and well being. Many have reported miraculous
results.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZPue1m6ZlPuL6ZVyDcFBFCIVLDwjHWKEB3lvyLVcyCUVdDReilqj7hMebTZZAwDYAHtArFUwe0RXldoaRfqmgcE5ZVVRTFlr8Z9aWJSQf8n9SaIUJrYH06x5JAHA_mdd22FTPqR51Lhv/s1600/Reiki+Hands.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZPue1m6ZlPuL6ZVyDcFBFCIVLDwjHWKEB3lvyLVcyCUVdDReilqj7hMebTZZAwDYAHtArFUwe0RXldoaRfqmgcE5ZVVRTFlr8Z9aWJSQf8n9SaIUJrYH06x5JAHA_mdd22FTPqR51Lhv/s1600/Reiki+Hands.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Reiki
i</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">s
a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and
self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in
helping virtually every known illness and malady. It always creates
a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other
medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote
recovery.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span></em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">is
spiritual in nature but it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and
there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">.
In fact, </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">is
not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in
it or not. Because </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">comes
from God or Source, many people find that using </span><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black;">puts
them more in touch with the experience of their own beliefs rather
than having only an intellectual concept of it.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"> While
</span><em style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reiki
</span></span></span></em><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%;">is
not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that
promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the
Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice
certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are
nearly universal across all cultures. The following are the Five
Reiki Principals:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Just
for today, do not anger</span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Do
not worry</span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Be
filled with gratitude</span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Devote
yourself to your work</span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Be
kind to others."</span></span></span></em><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi_ZnZDXPo1Rg3SNjb6pe20fHH5ZKNp_n3psLzOvgpWgDEJXB4LrBGE9LDorSCZ0TDuurjc0IWgyeBbrq5c5PdT4h6rh1xJj25Mgtnqh6_fbyOjD9odV8dwv5VaLaLgB5iKFF9eRjgOGV/s1600/Reiki+Buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi_ZnZDXPo1Rg3SNjb6pe20fHH5ZKNp_n3psLzOvgpWgDEJXB4LrBGE9LDorSCZ0TDuurjc0IWgyeBbrq5c5PdT4h6rh1xJj25Mgtnqh6_fbyOjD9odV8dwv5VaLaLgB5iKFF9eRjgOGV/s1600/Reiki+Buddha.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></strong><strong style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> was blessed to be attuned as a Reiki Practitioner in 2007. My
experience with Reiki in both my personal experience and sharing it
with others led me to become a Reiki Master/Teacher in September of
2009. It is a beautiful healing practice which I am now opening to ALL WOMEN. Sessions are being held at my home in Sandy. The first session is for donation ONLY so you can experience the wonderful healing power of Reiki energy for what you can afford. Email me at balancinghandz@gmail.com for additional information.</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reference:</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Green,
J. (2013). What is Reiki? In </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Reiki healing bible: Transmit healing energy through your hands to
achieve deep relaxation, inner peace and total well-being</span></i></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
New York: Chartwell Books. </span></span></span></strong>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-44014197689670092562015-02-07T13:30:00.000-07:002015-02-25T19:45:24.079-07:00My Discovery of Nutrition<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"> For my assignment
in College Writing class this week, I need to complete a journal
writing on</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">what I have chosen for my final essay. The topic I have
chosen is Nutrition. My goal is to incorporate in this essay how I
discovered the importance of proper nutrition, by what means I have
and continue to </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">incorporate in it my
life and the role it has played in bringing me to where I am today.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I feel it is
important for my story to reflect back on my childhood and discuss
what food was like when I was young. Growing up in the 60's –
70's, we were not taught about nutrition and I don't remember that
word even being spoken. Other than “eat your carrots, it will help
you see better” or “sugar will rot your teeth”, there wasn't any
other mention of what a proper diet was. It was very important to
eat what was placed in front of you and not to waste your food. My
grandparents knew what it was like to go hungry and it was engrained
in our minds how lucky we were to have food to eat. Honestly, I
never felt really bad about leaving food on my plate as we had Irish
Setters who were fed all of our table scraps along with their dog
food. So nothing ever went to waste.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Going to a
restaurant or eating out was reserved for special occasions; such as
birthdays or other celebrations. Once in awhile, we were able to get
a burger and root beer from the Hires located down the street. Back
then you couldn't just drive through, you had to park, order and they
brought your food out on a tray. As a child is was fun for me to
push the big orange button on the screen as soon as my dad was ready
to order. We would then take our food to the drive-in theater across
the street. Once we were there, my dad would put the seats down in
the back of our old blue Ford station wagon. My sister and I would
then make a bed in the back using our sleeping bags, blankets and
pillows. It was a mini picnic inside the car. All while we were
preparing, the smell of the burgers, fries and sauces made our mouths
water and we could hardly wait for the first taste. Each bite was
savored as we did not know how long it would be before we had such
another decadent treat again.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Meat and dairy were
the main staple of our diet and we didn't know anything about the
suffering or cruelty of animals. In fact, I didn't learn about
factory farming until I was in my late twenties. My dad was an avid
hunter so most of the meat we consumed was from the wild. Even
though I am a vegetarian now, I still believe this was the more
nutritious option. Moose burgers or chili, elk steaks, venison and
even antelope were common at our house. Instead of chicken we mostly
ate pheasant or some other small bird. This was never my favorite
part of the meal but I ate it in small portions.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> As a teenager, I
learned any creativity in the kitchen from the most popular and
widely available, Betty Crocker Cookbook. White flour, white sugar,
eggs and milk were almost always the main ingredients of any treat or
bread. Now that I know there was never really a “Betty Crocker”
our food system and diets seem so contrived and controlled. But at
least we learned how to cook and had home-made meals as a family
every night.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I believe that my
parents did the best they could with the knowledge they had at the
time. They worked hard and never allowed us to go hungry which was
the most important thing. And I am eternally grateful.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;"> Our food system and
the way we eat has changed so much since then. In a lot of ways for
the worse but some for the better. Today there is more knowledge
readily available for those who want to incorporate proper nutrition
in their diets. It also seems like more and more people are becoming
aware of its importance. I am looking forward to sharing my journey
and what I have learned with everyone.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">REMEMBER... You Are What You EAT. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Namaste, Beci :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-38447857385578161412014-12-28T14:32:00.000-07:002015-03-14T23:14:26.668-06:00History of Soda<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">A little history about soft drinks which I learned in Nutrition class this week. Once again, something that started out fairly healthy and turned into pretty much poison for profits......</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">During the 1800s, local pharmacies started to experiment with medicinal herbs and essential oils to improve the flavor of mineral waters, to replicate them, and to create novel beverages. As the birthplace of soda was the local pharmacy, it</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: #f9cb9c; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> is not surprising that many of the drinks still in existence today were developed by pharmacists and doctors, including Coca-Cola (invented by John S. Pemberton), Pepsi (originally introduced by Caleb D. Bradham asBrad’s Drink), and Dr. Pepper (created by Charles Alderton).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />As the industrial revolution improved the production ability of bottle and cap makers to maintain carbonation, the ability to transport these beverages made it possible to turn pharmacy fountain drinks into soda drinks sold around the world. The original formulas have also been modified to reduce the cost of manufacturing, to extend shelf-life, and to meet new regulations.<br /><br />However, nowadays, sodas have little in common with the original creations. For example, herbal extracts, such as coca leaf extract, are rarely used. Sugar has largely been replaced with less expensive high fructose corn syrup or, in the case of low-calorie soft drinks, with the artificial sweetener aspartame. Phosphoric acid is added for an “extra bite,” while caffeine is included as a stimulant. A number of preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, are used to inhibit bacteria, molds, and yeasts. In colas, the characteristic dark color comes from caramel coloring (burnt sugar). Red 40 and other artificial colorants are used in fruit-flavored drinks. Specific fruit flavor is achieved by adding flavoring agents, such as citric acid in citrus-flavored drinks. Also, do not forget about surfactants and emulsifiers, such as glyceryl abietate (glycerol ester of wood rosin) and brominated vegetable oil, necessary to improve solubility of the components. Thus, modern soft drinks contain numerous ingredients that are far from being “natural.”<br /><br />When talking about sweetened beverages today, one must add fruit, sports, and energy drinks to the ever-present soda consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that half of all Americans consume at least one sweetened beverage per day, which has been shown to increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gout, and decreased diet quality. Socioeconomic factors also play a role in consumption, as it has been shown that lower income status is correlated with an increased percentage of diet consumed as sweetened beverages.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Here is a chart on some of the ways drinking Soda affects your health....</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUsAaLNfHwvITEY00aT-0OQI9fQrMrG2cqt1WEyKbdQtgA_PBOPF3QkDvFX9deRDnM0nfXveFf7JrkOcygCr3j0zS4KUfFpT9FFHHBTS3eg7Hz5cKQhrI7AKzbB1UgNHgr_sOeSvsyr7G/s1600/sip+of+soda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUsAaLNfHwvITEY00aT-0OQI9fQrMrG2cqt1WEyKbdQtgA_PBOPF3QkDvFX9deRDnM0nfXveFf7JrkOcygCr3j0zS4KUfFpT9FFHHBTS3eg7Hz5cKQhrI7AKzbB1UgNHgr_sOeSvsyr7G/s1600/sip+of+soda.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: #f9cb9c; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">So next time you reach for a soda, think about the harm it is doing your body. There are alternate forms of beverages that are better for your health.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Remember, You ARE what you EAT & DRINK.... Beci</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Reference: American College of Health Care Sciences, Nutrition 101, Module 15</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-75531434743297392592014-11-20T20:02:00.000-07:002014-11-20T20:47:27.465-07:00Dietary Supplements: Necessity or Waste?<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span>In our nutrition class, we have been learning about the advantages and disadvantages of adding supplements to our diet. Whether it has been advertised to boost metabolism, build muscle or to combat disease; adding supplements have become a normal part of most Americans diets. Most of us take supplements in order to consume our daily adequate nutrients; and we believe taking these pills, capsules, powders or liquids will make up for anything we are lacking in the foods we eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFMxZTVj6A04pYpEDiBHTXuoeSCEDclZ_Hw0Y4ftXikgyyHM23DGyzBXxgT38MKg47RMygjp-VDasU9gyOUK6Zvc27i3mSisly7nWzTPlBwY3LH5AY1FHFUc2plae3IGdvJRDTOaVnMMN/s1600/Dietary+Supplements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFMxZTVj6A04pYpEDiBHTXuoeSCEDclZ_Hw0Y4ftXikgyyHM23DGyzBXxgT38MKg47RMygjp-VDasU9gyOUK6Zvc27i3mSisly7nWzTPlBwY3LH5AY1FHFUc2plae3IGdvJRDTOaVnMMN/s1600/Dietary+Supplements.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"> While
studying our textbook, </span><i style="line-height: 200%;">Nutrition An Applied Approach</i><span style="line-height: 200%;">, I have
been surprised by some of the myths and facts in regards to
supplementation and how it can either help or harm our bodies. Yes,
some supplements can be toxic if we ingest too much. They can also
negatively interact with prescription medicines and cause serious
side affects to those suffering from certain ailments or disease.
The following information is important for everyone using supplements
or considering adding them to their diet.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
In the
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, “Dietary
supplements are categorized within the general group of foods not
drugs.” In other words the regulation of supplements is not as
strict as the regulation on drugs. So as a consumer, we should all
understand the facts about supplement regulation.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Dietary
supplements do not need approval from the FDA before they are
marketed.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>The
company that manufactures a supplement is responsible for
determining that the supplement is safe; the FDA does not test any
supplement for safety prior to marketing.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Supplement
companies do not have to provide the FDA with any evidence that
their supplements are safe unless the company is marketing a new
dietary ingredient that was not sold in the U.S. Prior to 1994.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>There
are at present no federal guidelines on practices to ensure the
purity, quality, safety, and composition of dietary supplements.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>There
are no rules to limit the serving size or amount of a nutrient in
any dietary supplement.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Once
a supplement is marketed, the FDA must prove it is unsafe before the
product will be removed from the market.</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
So how
can we ensure that the supplements we are consuming are safe. The
FDA suggests that consumers should practice the following tips. If
you follow these guidelines, it may prevent purchasing supplements
from fraudulent sources which could be detrimental to your health.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Look
for the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) symbol or notation on the label.
This symbol indicates that the manufacturer followed the standards
that the U.S.P. Has established for features such as purity,
strength, quality, packaging, labeling, and acceptable length of
storage.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Consider
buying recognized brands of supplements. Although not guaranteed,
products made by nationally recognized companies more likely have
well-established manufacturing standards.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Do
not assume that the word <b>natural </b>on the label means that the
product is safe. Arsenic, lead, and mercury are all natural
substance that can kill you if consumed in large enough quantities.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>Do
not hesitate to question a company about how it makes its products.
Reputable companies have nothing to hide and are more than happy to
inform their customers about the safety and quality of their
products.</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
If you are going to order supplements over the internet, our
textbook, <i>Nutrition An Applied Approach,</i> gives some great
criteria to go through before you purchase.
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
What is the purpose of the website? Is it trying to sell a product
or educate the consumer? Look for websites that provide educational
information about a specific nutrient or product and doesn't focus
on just making money.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Does the site contain accurate information? Remember testimonials
are NOT reliable and accurate. Scientific research is the most
desirable.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Does the site contain reputable references? Reputable references
come from published scientific journals and should contain detailed
information such as; names, journal title, date, volume, page
numbers, etc.
</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Who owns or sponsors the site? Full disclosure should be made in
the “About Us” or “About Me” section of the website.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Who wrote the information? Once again, full disclosure should be
made.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Is the information current and up-dated regularly? You don't want
to be following advice from an article that was written several
years ago. Supplements and health information change so rapidly
that most statistics from a few years ago are no longer relevant
today.</i></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo7iHAC5XBRdLalizzlyvyDAOFKcHuyPKyy5dyAmdsCelzqGG79X3IVsdaVVl_XY1PXrqwYD19FrJULdBmURXLRqPGmf6ulmzGBsOF908eAIAPYd-nr1X1tJqbf55LZ2I6sYvXoMeIOIw/s1600/Supplements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFo7iHAC5XBRdLalizzlyvyDAOFKcHuyPKyy5dyAmdsCelzqGG79X3IVsdaVVl_XY1PXrqwYD19FrJULdBmURXLRqPGmf6ulmzGBsOF908eAIAPYd-nr1X1tJqbf55LZ2I6sYvXoMeIOIw/s1600/Supplements.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
One thing that I have come to recognize is that supplements are not a replacement for food. There are many nutrients, vitamins and
minerals in vegetables and fruits that you cannot get in supplements and many that most likely haven't even been discovered yet. But there are some people who can benefit from supplements such as vegans who do not consume
adequate vitamins in their diets. A supplement providing riboflavin,
vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc can be beneficial to
those who fall within this group. Also, people with lactose
intolerance can benefit from calcium supplements and the elderly can
benefit from a multi-mineral supplement with vitamin B12. There are
many others who can indeed benefit from supplements.<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
It is crucial for your health to not take supplements for any of the
following reasons:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Adding fluoride supplements for children who already drink
fluoridated water.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Taking supplements with certain medications that can have a negative
interaction. One example is people who take Coumadin should not
take vitamin E or K because it can cause excessive bleeding.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Taking non-prescribed supplements if you have liver or kidney
disease.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Taking beta-carotene supplements if you are a smoker as it can
increase the risk for lung and other cancers.</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i>
Taking supplements to increase your energy level. Vitamins and
minerals do not contain fat, carbohydrates or protein which is our
major source of energy.</i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX2sowWvcVywfYYdm7SEAJzTomiBsFD5GS2bAtV5HWtaC6NLzc8XyG4f-7AP8jbJd6sBWEfUc2fVBYVkhRqqgzGSdE_fWR1gV-3dRziKbverzdlRsFOWiDRaX6L710FW6ulFkTptXCv-3/s1600/Balancing+Supplements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX2sowWvcVywfYYdm7SEAJzTomiBsFD5GS2bAtV5HWtaC6NLzc8XyG4f-7AP8jbJd6sBWEfUc2fVBYVkhRqqgzGSdE_fWR1gV-3dRziKbverzdlRsFOWiDRaX6L710FW6ulFkTptXCv-3/s1600/Balancing+Supplements.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Personally, I have found the best way to purchase supplements is
through the recommendation of my Naturopathic Doctors (N.P.). Even though I trust them, I still did my own research and compared the
supplements they endorsed to other brands. My findings gave me peace
of mind that they were indeed safe and a good addition for my dietary
needs. Always seek advise from your doctor, registered dietitian or
health care professional in regards to taking supplements, especially
if you are currently on prescription medication or suffer from any
physical ailment.<br />
<b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><br /></b>
<b style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">AND REMEMBER ~ YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT . . .</b><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Namaste, Beci </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reference:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thompson, J., & Manore, M. (2006).
The Role of Nutrition in Our Health. In <i>Nutrition An Applied
Approach</i>. San Francisco: Pearson
Education. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-43950486800486323532014-11-16T11:47:00.002-07:002014-11-16T12:24:25.460-07:00Burnout: Are you SPENT ?<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been reading the book, <i><b>CLEAN: Remove - Restore - Rejuvenate by Alejandra Junger, MD.</b>, </i>and preparing to start his cleanse. This book was sent to me as curriculum from American College of Healthcare Sciences, where I am pursuing an Associates of Science degree in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). So I trust the wisdom and knowledge contained within. This morning I was reading through the warnings of who should NOT participate in this cleanse when I came across the section called, <b>Are You Spent</b>? Yes, being "Spent" is an actual syndrome that is not recognized by most traditional physicians. Dr. Junger goes on to give the following information about the "Spent" condition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAt7oSLhOpThVon3T1DgnC-qRKlfc_Wl7RH1Tb293VIfUieOXlS5tRiPG3pvI_N8SQvSmUD_LR1PtJUUEVudOseXuX6uiefnpr8GMX0z4mGcgZMO7ewUeJBOnoMTFpNQ5g3Sdp_QnYp8j/s1600/Burnout+-+DPC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAt7oSLhOpThVon3T1DgnC-qRKlfc_Wl7RH1Tb293VIfUieOXlS5tRiPG3pvI_N8SQvSmUD_LR1PtJUUEVudOseXuX6uiefnpr8GMX0z4mGcgZMO7ewUeJBOnoMTFpNQ5g3Sdp_QnYp8j/s1600/Burnout+-+DPC.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"The Spent syndrome has been identified an treated extensively by my colleague, Dr. Frank Lipman, and it refers to patients who are exhausted, have low blood pressure and a host of other symptoms attributable to the depletion of their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's stress-regulating system. Depletion of the adrenal system is rarely diagnosed by conventional doctors, largely because most blood tests and other laboratory evaluations come back as normal, despite the patients' experience of being constantly exhausted. Dr. Lipman, my partner. . . and I, are seeing that this condition disproportionately affects <b>women</b>. This could be because their hormonal systems are more complex, because they tend to express the effects of fatigue more acutely, or because women, as natural caregivers, are more likely to let themselves reach a point of burnout before asking for help."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dr. Junger goes on to request that you ask yourself the following questions in order to help determine whether you have a problem with your adrenal function.</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Does it take you longer that average to recover from illnesses or injuries?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you regularly have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you feel a sense of ongoing fatigue that is not relieved by a good nights sleep?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you feel light-headed when getting up from a lying-down position?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you have abnormally low blood pressure?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you have extreme sensitivity to cold or tend to feel cold in environments where other do not?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you have chronic level of anxiety or have you ever had panic attacks?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you have periods of depression or frequent crying jags (also a hallmark of toxicity)?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you have a tendency to bruise easily?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you answered <i>yes to two or more</i> of these questions, it is important to find a health-care practitioner who understands how to check your level of adrenal function and work with you to improve it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I answered yes to 8 of the 9 questions!</b> Luckily, I am working with two wonderful Naturopathic Doctors who are helping me get back on track. I was diagnosed in June with Hypothyroidism and Iron-deficient Anemia. While my symptoms are improving, I am still dealing with them all to some degree. In order to go ahead with this cleanse, I will discuss it with my doctors and make sure my body is ready for this undertaking. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfow233k6ElU0-OaR6zwYJKGBmdl1SLeRv7eB79CEwm6YsICD-6CqsIJJNG8tqT3y0zHcohzHq-EvMep1YrR6XhGTVwBUnEAgvmlZaJnjClnt7VorioZduoIByE3SYd5Gk4-s7kjEFzL9/s1600/REVIVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfow233k6ElU0-OaR6zwYJKGBmdl1SLeRv7eB79CEwm6YsICD-6CqsIJJNG8tqT3y0zHcohzHq-EvMep1YrR6XhGTVwBUnEAgvmlZaJnjClnt7VorioZduoIByE3SYd5Gk4-s7kjEFzL9/s1600/REVIVE.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dr. Junger recommends anyone with symptoms of the "Spent" condition, should read Dr. Lipman's book, <i>Spent</i>, which describes the syndrome and its treatment plan in detail. He states, <i>"The ability to tune in to what you need and distinguish between the conditions of toxicity and of being Spent may be one of the most important tools you can use to create a future free of hospital visits and prescription drugs - and full of vibrant health.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just went on amazon and found that the book, Spent, was re-published as, <i><b>REVIVE</b> Stop Feeling Spent and <b>Start Living Again</b></i>. I was able to purchase the Kindle Edition for $7.95.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once I have read it, I will give you my full review. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a great Sunday!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Namaste, Beci</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reference:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Junger, A. (2009). The Clean Program. In <i>Clean: The revolutionary program to restore the body's natural ability to heal itself</i>. San Francisco: HarperOne.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-2187929070930459172013-11-02T00:00:00.000-06:002013-11-02T00:00:07.408-06:00Roasted AsparagusRoasted Asparagus has become a regular side dish and even snack for me. Sometimes it is difficult to decide between making sweet potato french fries or asparagus... and I love french fried sweet potatoes.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roasted Asparagus Recipe</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1 1/2 Lbs. fresh asparagus, trimmed (<i>Thin asparagus works best)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>3 T, extra-virgin Olive Oil</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1/2 tsp. Sea Salt</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2 Tbsp Earth Balance Butter</b><i> (optional)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Trim the asparagus. (For first timers, see video below).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JERET0B8lDA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Spread asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and roast the asparagus in the upper third of the oven until the spears are tender when pricked with a tip of the knife: about 10 to 12 minutes depending on their thickness. <b style="font-size: x-large;">I like to cook them until the ends start to brown and get a little crispy. </b>Remove from oven.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHkVxDlriJUM74kVE7fm737OtvSGEOCmAZquDChVep36J56hninpvFTD01upy9AfSLff9MZJQcFwX-37zPeiJ4YmmB4PN9WLoKIoJKveUJ7Rs19ApaFKbhku9NP4sInFP9LWmNSNt52aP/s1600/DSCN2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHkVxDlriJUM74kVE7fm737OtvSGEOCmAZquDChVep36J56hninpvFTD01upy9AfSLff9MZJQcFwX-37zPeiJ4YmmB4PN9WLoKIoJKveUJ7Rs19ApaFKbhku9NP4sInFP9LWmNSNt52aP/s400/DSCN2768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Optional</b></span>....<i> I find the asparagus tastes so good as is that I do not need the additional ingredient</i>. But for those of you who like butter, this is worth the try. Immediately place the butter on a corner of the hot baking sheet to melt with tongs. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. Pour melted butter over the asparagus and serve. <span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Serves 6</b> </span>but <b><span style="font-size: large;">only two of us usually eat it all.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This asparagus goes with just about everything ~ I have put it on <b>pizza,</b> eaten with <b>mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes</b> and today we had it with <b>scrambled eggs</b>. <i>No, I don't usually eat eggs but found a lady down the street with chickens running around her back yard and bought some from her. No factory farmed, store purchased eggs for me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCg4Ibu70eL4S0KwIFdSc0rh858Tt5CVAliqUKYwjVxbVqks8awJ6x0c_wZL-XvH3QASLA_fKdf7Y4771eGHg93xrzlNPpTpfS45jFbv9M6lG91AtVUPyPNcuWgAh2e-H9sOtFpe6aMii/s1600/DSCN2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCg4Ibu70eL4S0KwIFdSc0rh858Tt5CVAliqUKYwjVxbVqks8awJ6x0c_wZL-XvH3QASLA_fKdf7Y4771eGHg93xrzlNPpTpfS45jFbv9M6lG91AtVUPyPNcuWgAh2e-H9sOtFpe6aMii/s400/DSCN2770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wish that I could get a picture that does the taste justice. You will just have to try it for yourself.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ENJOY.</b></span>... and remember<b><span style="font-size: large;"> YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT...</span></b>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Beci</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-35294619599812600452013-10-26T11:00:00.000-06:002013-10-26T11:00:03.198-06:00Oat & Apple Crumble Here is my favorite recipe for an easy <b><span style="font-size: large;">Oat & Apple Crumble...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClCEptLjdBtOKv8_TXq6Erco09rzDwVSu5MuKkgdnMjFTYYi470aj-Jilr0iFezX0B6d4uG1lwui5a8N-Odc1d3QoHbL9Ct0vudp6nOwAs-gP4y8z0loJNokgugez-WTo4dmFz34QKsCu/s1600/oat+&+apple+crumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClCEptLjdBtOKv8_TXq6Erco09rzDwVSu5MuKkgdnMjFTYYi470aj-Jilr0iFezX0B6d4uG1lwui5a8N-Odc1d3QoHbL9Ct0vudp6nOwAs-gP4y8z0loJNokgugez-WTo4dmFz34QKsCu/s400/oat+&+apple+crumble.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topped with a scoop of Nada Moo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6 Cups apples, peeled, cored & sliced, <i>I used cooked apples</i><br />
<div>
1 Cup Regular (Organic) Oats</div>
<div>
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour</div>
<div>
1/2 Cup All-purpose Flour, <i>I use non-bleached</i></div>
<div>
1 Cup Brown Sugar</div>
<div>
1 1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon</div>
<div>
1/4 teaspoon sea salt</div>
<div>
1/4 Cup apple juice </div>
<div>
2 Tablespoons Oil, <i>I use melted coconut oil or olive oil</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread oats on a baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Cool.</div>
<div>
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In a lightly oiled 2-quart baking dish, arrange sliced apple in a single layer, In a bowl combine dry ingredients, oil and apple juice. Sprinkle over fruit and bake at 30 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until browned.</div>
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Since I don't consume dairy, I like to top my Apple Crumble with a scoop of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nada Moo Frozen coconut milk</b>.</span> Their products are also Gluten Free. There are many delicious flavors but I stick to the <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla....ahh</span></i></b> for this luscious desert. I love them all but the <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lotta Mint Chip</span></i></b> is my favorite.....</div>
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For more information on <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Nada Moo</i></b></span>, go to their website @<b> <a href="http://www.nadamoo.com/">http://www.nadamoo.com/</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ENJOY</b></span>... and Remember <b><span style="font-size: large;">YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT</span>.... </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Beci :)</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-77654774737297745322013-10-25T10:27:00.000-06:002015-02-25T22:36:14.460-07:00An Apple A Day......<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many of the houses on my street have apples trees... how I wish there was one on my property. But the next best thing was when my neighbor, Bob, told me to help myself to the apples on the tree just across the bridge. Even better, the apples are organic and have not been sprayed with anything. I have spent two mornings in the last week picking apples, coring, peeling and cooking them. So far I have turned them into Applesauce, Oat & Apple Crumble and Apple-Cinnamon muffins (recipe listed in previous blog). Other than the time spent peeling the apples, cooking them was an easy process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUOWJGp9K_ln_VDjgRbd_RhiOELiWW1Ujw837tdzVUl1pp-xFA-AkCCadS-ADRpxpTUnejWwngwmHQIjQoOVP3Ii9uWIR5T_CQNubv3F_AP2df91z-vtB5zskBTSqkVllNMUewgrN2qm-/s1600/DSCN2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUOWJGp9K_ln_VDjgRbd_RhiOELiWW1Ujw837tdzVUl1pp-xFA-AkCCadS-ADRpxpTUnejWwngwmHQIjQoOVP3Ii9uWIR5T_CQNubv3F_AP2df91z-vtB5zskBTSqkVllNMUewgrN2qm-/s400/DSCN2757.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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All I did was rinse them off, core & peel them, cut them up in small chunks and bring them to a boil in a pan of water with a couple of teaspoons of cinnamon and a teaspoon of allspice added. You can also add sugar, if you want sweetened applesauce. Since I use most of my applesauce in recipes (including my dogs treats) I wanted it unsweetened. Watch them carefully, as it only takes the apples a few minutes to cook.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">For Applesauce, I placed the drained apples in my blender and pureed to the desired consistency. If it is too thick, you can add some of the apple juice from the pot into this mixture. I also bottle and save the juice to be used in other recipes.</span><br />
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Nutritional Information & Factz</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">We have all heard the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" but most have no idea that the apple was one of the First "Powerfoods". The nutritional values of this beautiful & amazing fruit are limitless. Here is a list of the top ten Health benefits, according to www.care2.com</span><br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><u>Health Benefitz:</u></strong><br />
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apples are filled with soluble fiber (5 grams). This fiber has been shown to reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and possibly some types of cancer. It helps control insulin levels by releasing <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-tips-to-avoid-sugar-cravings.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #025689; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sugar</a> slowly into the bloodstream. It cleanses and detoxifies, which helps eliminate heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In two studies researchers found that eating five apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Chinese Medicine: Apples strengthen the heart, quench thirst, lubricate the lungs, decrease mucous and increase body fluids.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/uses-for-apple-cider-vinegar.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #025689; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Apple cider vinegar</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. <i>(And recently helped cure me of my nasal infection.)</i></span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Studies indicate that eating apples daily can reduce skin diseases.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to a Brazilian study, eating an apple before a meal helped women lose 33 percent more weight than those who didn't.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apples are packed with vitamins C, A, and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron and calcium.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health.</span></span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px;"><b>I would like to add to the above list, The Anti-Cancer Properties of APPLES:</b></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Over the last decade, a host of studies have been done on the anti-cancer properties of apples. Many of these studies have made headlines by producing surprising and favorable results.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Although most of the studies done thus far have focused on specific chemical compounds or nutrients in apples, when we look at the nutrients studied together we get a clearer picture of apples as anti-cancer powerhouses.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Due to the weight of mounting evidence for apples’ anti-cancer properties, they have been added to the American Institute of Cancer Research’s “Foods That fight Cancer” list.</i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Read more:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/anti-cancer-apples.html#ixzz2ikbO2vGX" style="color: #003399; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.care2.com/greenliving/anti-cancer-apples.html#ixzz2ikbO2vGX</a></i></b></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aspects of apples studied in relationship to anti-cancer properties and other disease prevention:</span></strong></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Vitamin C (antioxidant)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Fiber/Pectin (cleansing, lowering cholesterol)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Flavonoids, such as quercetin (which slow development of cancers of the colon, lung and breast.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Triterpenoids, found in the peels of <b><i>(ORGANIC)</i></b> apples (which inhibit or kill cancer cells)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Interesting Apple Factz:</u></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ The apple tree is a member of the rose family.<br />~ When you eat an apple you are consuming a lot of air; 25 percent of their volume is air!<br />~ Apples have 5 percent protein.<br />~ Apple trees can live to be 100 years old!<br />~ The largest apple weighed three pounds.<br />~ In ancient Greece when a man proposed to a woman he would toss her an apple and if she decided to catch it, it meant she accepted.<br />~ The original proverb about eating an apple a day, which came about in 1866, was: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread."<br />~It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.<br /><br /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u>To get the most from eating power food apples:</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Eat apples with skin to get the nutrients; many of the nutrients are in the skin or just under the skin (most of the vitamin C and vitamin A are in the skin).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Apples have been found to be the most heavily pesticide-contaminated produce products according to <a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #025689; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Environmental Working Group</a>. The most common pesticides found on apples are Permethrin and DDT. Non organic apples are often waxed which is not digestible. So...<b><i>Try to buy organic apples or if you cannot, wash them thoroughly before use preferably with a fruit and vegetable wash or peel them.</i></b></span><br />
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I have also read, and believe through experience that Apples are better at giving you energy and mental clarity than caffeine.... even first thing in the morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuv38IazP26cDYEEOR9Big6N53p5TI4-ZoFyPJGR1wOx1Km5yNmztfS4fiDPS9vXEAuV-jatZevVJid7ZonaNlHa2XzcMU2OBGxbkTu03NR8tPwkGWSoNSRsc_-QCdTQNl2Vpf5EMX4j5/s1600/an+apple+a+day+keeps+you+awake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuv38IazP26cDYEEOR9Big6N53p5TI4-ZoFyPJGR1wOx1Km5yNmztfS4fiDPS9vXEAuV-jatZevVJid7ZonaNlHa2XzcMU2OBGxbkTu03NR8tPwkGWSoNSRsc_-QCdTQNl2Vpf5EMX4j5/s400/an+apple+a+day+keeps+you+awake.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So take advantage of any opportunity you have to pick or purchase <b>local,</b> <b>organic</b> Apples right NOW.... before the winter comes.</div>
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Happy Eating.... Beci</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-57705891980680640532012-12-16T16:45:00.002-07:002012-12-16T16:45:38.180-07:00Pumpkin Spice Smoothie<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I made some of the "Moist Incredible Pumpkin Bread" and took it into Super Fly. (Recipe below) Even on the second morning it was still incredibly moist and all gone by lunch time. As I had left over canned pumpkin and didn't want to waste it, I looked for a quick & easy recipe to use it up. Luckily, I found this delicious Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe. At first I wasn't quite sure about Pumpkin in a smoothie but one sip changed my mind forever. Now I crave them all the time....</div>
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Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, yeast free, corn free - this smoothie is creamy and light. Not only will it add extra fiber to your day, but having pumpkin in the morning will keep you fuller, longer! It is delicious even without the Vegan Whipped Topping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbnNHIoDASvJ6UCwos6A7B4rB7B-C0L9D9N66M1Tqh77DeZm4CjLDmac4gLQCIbypybwOysRaKRST1_d4BPUFgmRO4VuSyJ9n0ypNyYfECJJrshgmE5qUaxNGBLvO3XNITNCcK5wOCKu0/s1600/Pumpkin+Spice+Smoothie.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbnNHIoDASvJ6UCwos6A7B4rB7B-C0L9D9N66M1Tqh77DeZm4CjLDmac4gLQCIbypybwOysRaKRST1_d4BPUFgmRO4VuSyJ9n0ypNyYfECJJrshgmE5qUaxNGBLvO3XNITNCcK5wOCKu0/s400/Pumpkin+Spice+Smoothie.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
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1 Cup Vanilla Almond Milk (I use sweetened)<br />
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin (I use Farmer's Market Organic Pumpkin with a BPA Free Liner)<br />
1/2 Ripe Banana<br />
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup<br />
1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract<br />
1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon<br />
1/8 tsp. Ground Ginger<br />
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg<br />
Pinch of Ground Cloves<br />
Pinch of All Spice<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
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Place everything but whipped topping in the blender. Blend until Smooth. Pour into your favorite glass and place a couple tablespoon of coconut whipped cream on top. (Optional and is great without it.) Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired!<br />
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<u>Vegan Whipped Cream</u>:<br />
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1 Can of full fat Coconut milk, chilled in the fridge overnight<br />
1/2 tsp. pure Vanilla extract<br />
2 Tbsp. Palm/Coconut sugar, ground in coffee grinder<br />
1 chilled glass bowl<br />
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Pierce the bottom of the chilled can of coconut milk to drain out the liquid portion of milk. Then, open the top of the can and drop the solid milk and vanilla extract into the chilled glass bowl. Beat with hand mixer for 15 seconds before adding powdered coconut sugar and blending for another 15 seconds. Please back in fridge until ready to use. THIS IS A GREAT SUBSTITUTE FOR WHIPPED CREAM ON ANYTHING!! <br />
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I hope you enjoy & remember YOU ARE what you EAT!! BeciAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-49864225514574826632012-09-29T20:57:00.000-06:002012-09-29T20:59:23.424-06:00The Moist Incredible Pumpkin Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDWi91fSY9_EhEi20LU11r9Sx4LRsZ3YWg1uD9ZApr5RYJzrclNWYLEySM_eBmLG9G0XhxXsbFwqToEV5zQY3jZU0uAng6eKmCt_Z-20nRUzouXDa4kxfr6hokNcn122kkWnvk1qQTDY2/s1600/Pumpkin+Patch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDWi91fSY9_EhEi20LU11r9Sx4LRsZ3YWg1uD9ZApr5RYJzrclNWYLEySM_eBmLG9G0XhxXsbFwqToEV5zQY3jZU0uAng6eKmCt_Z-20nRUzouXDa4kxfr6hokNcn122kkWnvk1qQTDY2/s320/Pumpkin+Patch.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along with the leaves turning spectacular shades of yellow, orange and red, another sure sign of fall is PUMPKINS. </div>
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The pumpkins in the garden are finally mature, and the kids are looking forward to cutting them into Jack-O-Laterns for Halloween. </div>
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October & November wouldn't be the same without Pumpkins adorning our doorsteps and cooking in our ovens. </div>
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While I must admit Pumpkin Pie is my number one favorite, this incredible Pumpkin Bread is a close second and doesn't last for long around the house.</div>
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<strong>SUPER MOIST (VEGAN) PUMPKIN BREAD</strong></div>
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<u>INGREDIENTS:</u></div>
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3 1/2 Cups Organic Un-Bleached Flour<br />
2 Cups packed Dark Brown Sugar<br />
2/3 Cup White Sugar* (I use Raw Sugar)<br />
2 teaspoons Baking Soda<br />
1 teaspoon Sea Salt<br />
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />
2 Cups Pumpkin Puree<br />
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil<br />
1/2 Cup Applesauce<br />
2/3 Cup Coconut or Almond Milk*<br />
2/3 Cup flaked coconut (optional)<br />
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* If using Sweetened Milk reduce Sugar to 1/3 Cup<br />
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<u>DIRECTIONS: </u><br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans with coconut oil.<br />
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In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, regular sugar, baking soda, salt, nutmeg & cinnamon. Add the pumpkin puree, oil, applesauce, milk and mix until all the flour is absorbed. Fold in the flaked coconut (if using). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.<br />
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Bake for 1 hour and 15 minuted in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (My oven cooks fast and is ready in about an hour...so start checking it around the 50 minute mark)<br />
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Remove from oven, and cover loaves tightly with foil. Allow to steam for 10 minutes. Remove foil, and turn out onto a cooling rack. Tent loosely with the foil, and allow to cool completely. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPJee6PiSNAqAuxDA7f5FECAFGRgUo0zsKS1Gy4qgzGHlUq9Swko7UNZPY-F-TrRNDebwEaT2py8xOXmP-9cGdDem1IaKDteEzBAHy89nWmjx8zelZmrLaqvCPETCy-I-_-RNsHUAXta2/s1600/Best+Pumpkin+variety+Picture.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPJee6PiSNAqAuxDA7f5FECAFGRgUo0zsKS1Gy4qgzGHlUq9Swko7UNZPY-F-TrRNDebwEaT2py8xOXmP-9cGdDem1IaKDteEzBAHy89nWmjx8zelZmrLaqvCPETCy-I-_-RNsHUAXta2/s400/Best+Pumpkin+variety+Picture.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not only does pumpkin taste good but it is also good for you.......<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Health Benefits of Pumpkin</span></h3>
<ul>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is one of the very low calorie vegetables. 100 g fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins. The vegetable is one of the food items recommended by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With 7384 mg per 100 g, it is one of the vegetables in the Cucurbitaceae family featuring highest levels of <span style="font-weight: bold;">vitamin-A</span>, providing about <span style="font-weight: bold;">246% of RDA</span>. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes. It is also an essential vitamin for good visual sight. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin A help a body protects against lung and oral cavity cancers.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is also an excellent source of many natural poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds such as α, ß carotenes, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zea-xanthin. Carotenes convert into vitamin A inside the body.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zea-xanthin </span>is a natural anti-oxidant which has UV (ultra-violet) rays filtering actions in the macula lutea in retina of the eyes. Thus, it helps protect from "age-related macular disease" (ARMD) in the elderly.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fruit is a good source of B-complex group of vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.</span></li>
<li type="square"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> indeed are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health. In addition, the seeds are concentrated sources of protein, minerals and health-benefiting vitamins. For instance, 100 g of pumpkin seeds provide 559 calories, 30 g of protein, <span style="font-weight: bold;">110% RDA of iron,</span> 4987 mg of niacin (31% RDA), selenium (17% of RDA), <span style="font-weight: bold;">zinc (71%)</span> etc., but no cholesterol. Further, the seeds are an excellent source of health promoting amino acid <span style="font-weight: bold;">tryptophan</span>. Tryptophan is converted to GABA in the brain.</span></li>
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<strong><em>I hope you enjoy and Remember.... You Are What You Eat. Beci </em></strong><br />
<strong><br /><em></em></strong>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-31489768446066547772012-09-24T21:20:00.000-06:002013-10-25T11:44:44.428-06:00Minestrone Soup<div style="text-align: justify;">
This last weekend I had an Autumnal (or Fall) Equinox Celebration at my home and it seemed like the perfect time to make my favorite Minestrone Soup Recipe. The leaves are starting to change color and slowly fall off the trees. The temperature is also getting down right crisp in the evening and early mornings. September is my favorite month and for the first time ever, I am looking forward to fall & winter.</div>
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About this time last year, I was looking for a great Minestrone Soup Recipe and my dear friend Ashley found this in the newspaper. It came from the Restaurante Della Fontana. For those of you around my age, you most likely ate at the Della Fontana before one of your High School Proms. It brings back many wonderful memories.......</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Minestrone Soup<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Restorante della Fontana</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ Cup Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup diced onions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup diced carrots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup diced celery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">½ Cup pearl barley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Cups Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup chopped cabbage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup chopped spinach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tablespoons garlic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup cooked (or canned) kidney beans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ teaspoons salt (I use sea-salt)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tablespoon dried basil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tablespoon dried oregano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 (32-ounce) boxes beef broth plus 1 Cup (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I use Vegetable broth</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup ditalini pasta (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I use 1/2 ditalini and 1/2 small shells)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the onions, carrots and celery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook until the onions are translucent and the other vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove from the pot and set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add the pearl barley and water to the pot, cover, and bring to a boil.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, about 35 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Add the cabbage, spinach and green beans and continue to cook, covered, until the spinach has wilted and the cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Add the garlic, kidney beans, tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, oregano<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>& broth and bring to a boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, about 15 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I also added the onions, carrots and celery mixture at this point)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Add the pasta and continue to cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, another 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Season with Salt and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MAKES 5 quarts!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>TIP: I love a little more kick and add a bit more Oregano to the recipe. It also freezes well so I often make a double batch. When un-freezing, you will need to add more water or vegetable broth while heating.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoy.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Namaste, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beci </b></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-84490629214623606482012-08-04T21:22:00.002-06:002012-08-19T09:51:07.364-06:00Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVSE1iCPAb1jGXaR54JIHji3rGQ5FjJ1fEWByY58pXLcgv4Ah1vU3hoYfBS_BKkfXTFTwM5yhWuFwLX6mOIiozzWhW1da7x4XAYGLyH6RKTj4zAaUBtF3TLrZUwU7KFl8nptICic7P3x/s1600/Shea+Body+Lotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEVSE1iCPAb1jGXaR54JIHji3rGQ5FjJ1fEWByY58pXLcgv4Ah1vU3hoYfBS_BKkfXTFTwM5yhWuFwLX6mOIiozzWhW1da7x4XAYGLyH6RKTj4zAaUBtF3TLrZUwU7KFl8nptICic7P3x/s320/Shea+Body+Lotion.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago I discovered a wonderful Lotion called <em>EveryDay Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion</em>. EveryDay Shea has a complete body care line which includes, Hand Soap, Bubble Bath, Shampoo & Conditioner, Baby Lotion & Body Bath. This line of body care is....</div>
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Certified Fair Trade</div>
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Made w/ a base of Unrefined Shea Butter</div>
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Made w/ nutrient-rich Water rather than plain H20</div>
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Paraban free </div>
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Contains NO synthetic Fragance</div>
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Cruelty fee with NO Animal Testing</div>
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Petroleum Free</div>
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Their website is <a href="http://www.everydayshea.com/">www.everydayshea.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZDIeA4IZjFJr1Y4SFRMr798OxeAl-Jk6ZDhy7HsWaHGVt3P3VxkBIH7IqHhTILOUZL3H2YiyN69nPDYMzAMs7nONUTb0HwDbdoLt0cjwusG3ryTi0lSPrQbI5msLsyHDOmwPlCHzu-iZ/s1600/Everyday+Shea+Shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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After doing some research, I found that EveryDay Shea is an extension of Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care. Alaffia was founded by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, a Togolese native, as a way to generate funds to conduct community enhancement projects in his home country and other West African nations in order to reduce poverty and gender inequality. Olowo-n’djo believes that Africans can mobilize their natural resources in a sustainable manner to empower their own communities, and that this is a more sustainable avenue towards reducing poverty than waiting for outside aid or for corrupt governments to fall. <strong>Alaffia and the Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative were founded in order to trade the indigenous resource – Shea Butter – in the West to raise proceeds which are then returned to Togo in the form of community projects. </strong></div>
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Here is a Short Video About Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care:</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/zN1_vWsbm9A/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zN1_vWsbm9A&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zN1_vWsbm9A&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Like all other Alaffia Products, 10% of sales are allocated to support Alaffia's community empowerment projects in West Africa. These projects are aimed at reducing poverty and empowering women in poor communities in Togo, and include: <br />
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<strong>Bicycles for Education:</strong> Donations of used bicycles from our US communities give disadvantaged students in Togo the incentive to stay in school. They have sent more than 3500 bicycles to Togo and distributed them to girls and boys in more than 70 villages. <br />
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<strong>Maternal Health:</strong> 1 in every 16 women faces death from pregnancy and birth related complications in West Africa. Alaffia funds prenatal care for 700 mothers each year to help reduce maternal deaths, since saving mothers is critical for reducing poverty in their communities. <br />
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<strong>School Supplies & Repairs:</strong> Spending on education in Togo has dropped by half over the past ten years, meaning families and communities must make up the difference. Every year, they donate school supplies to hundreds of families. Alaffia also donates metal roofs, bench seats, and school supplies to rural schools in central Togo to help these communities maintain their schools. In 2011, they built our first high school in Kouloumi, Togo. (Video Below)<br />
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<strong>Reforestation</strong> To help mitigate the effects of climate change, combat deforestation, and prevent soil erosion in Togolese communities, they plant 8,000 trees each year. </div>
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During the past few months, Alaffia has been working on a few short videos, with the hope of providing you with a deeper knowledge of Alaffia and their products. The following are links to YouTube videos, including an overview of their Shea Butter Cooperative, the celebration and inauguration of the first high school they constructed, an introduction to their new Authentic African Black Soap (which has the most positive reception of any product Alaffia has introduced!) and an overview of our Beautiful Curls line. ENJOY!</div>
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I would love for you to take a brief moment to watch these short films – no more than 4 minutes each. This is a way for you to realize your contribution when you purchase Alaffia and the positive impact that it has on the lives of disadvantaged individuals in Togo.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alaffia Fair Trade Shea Butter Cooperative</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Ppg81AVMTU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alaffia's Kouloumi School Construction Poject</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alaffia's Authentic African Black Soap</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alaffia's Discover Beautiful Curls</span></div>
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Not Only are you making a positive impact when you purchase Alaffia Skin Care Products, you are using a product with amazing health benefits. Here are some of the ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wild Harvested Baobab</li>
<li>West African Neem</li>
<li>Virgin Coconut Oil</li>
<li>Red Palm Oil</li>
<li>Extra Vigin Cocoa Butter</li>
<li>African Wild Honey</li>
<li><strong><em>BASE OF SHEA BUTTER</em></strong></li>
</ul>
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The Benefitz of Shea Butter</h4>
This comes direct from Alaffia's web-site (<a href="http://www.alaffia.com/">www.alaffia.com</a>) about <em>SHEA BUTTER</em> and itz healing powers:<br />
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<strong>Shea Butter</strong><br />
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<em>Shea Butter is the oil from the nuts of wild Shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) scattered throughout the wooded savanna of West and Central Africa. Shea Butter has been used for centuries in Africa and is completely enmeshed within the history and culture of the West African savanna. Shea Butter is mentioned in almost all African historical documents, including a reference as early as Cleopatra’s Egypt, which mentions caravans bearing clay jars of Shea Butter for cosmetic use. Funeral beds of kings were carved in the wood of old Shea Trees, and Shea Butter has always been a staple of African pharmacology</em><br />
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<strong>Indigenous Knowledge for Skin Care</strong><br />
<em>Shea Butter has been used for centuries in Africa as a decongestant, an anti-inflammatory for sprains and arthritis, healing salve, lotion for hair and skin care, and cooking oil. However, the protective and emollient properties of Shea Butter are most valued for skin care. In recent clinical trials, Shea Butter was found to help to protect skin against climate and UV aggressions, prevent wrinkle formation, soothe irritated and chapped skin, and moisturize the epidermis. Shea Butter also enhances cell regeneration and capillary circulation, which helps prevent and minimize stretch marks, inflammations, and scarring.</em><br />
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<strong>Unrefined Shea Butter</strong><br />
<em>Only pure, unrefined Shea Butter contains its full healing and moisturizing properties. Most Shea Butter available to the general public outside West Africa is white and odorless: in other words, it has been “refined” to remove the natural scent and color of natural Shea Butter. In the process, the majority of the effective agents are also removed.</em><br />
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<em>In addition, refined Shea Butter has usually been extracted from the shea kernels with hexane or other petroleum solvents. The extracted oil is boiled to drive off the toxic solvents, and then refined, bleached, and deodorized, which involves heating it to over 400 deg F and the use of harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide.</em><br />
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<em>Shea Butter extracted in this manner still contains some undesirable solvent residues, and its healing values are significantly reduced. Antioxidants or preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) may be added as well. The end result is an odorless, white butter that may be aesthetically appealing, but lacks the true moisturizing, healing, and nutritive properties of true traditional Shea Butter</em><br />
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<em><table bgcolor="#e9cfec" style="width: 310px;"><tbody>
<tr><td color="white"><ul>Try Shea Butter on these conditions: </ul>
</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#d2b9d3"><ul>
<li>Wrinkles </li>
<li>Dry Skin </li>
<li>Psoriasis </li>
<li>Massage </li>
<li>Hair care </li>
<li>Stretch marks </li>
<li>Burns </li>
<li>Arthritis </li>
<li>Chapped lips </li>
<li>Sun damage </li>
<li>Cracked and dry heels or elbows </li>
<li>Small wounds and scrapes </li>
<li>Diaper rash (prevention and relief) </li>
<li>Insect bites & stings </li>
<li>Muscle fatigue, aches & tension </li>
<li>Pets (skin infections, dry skin & coats) </li>
</ul>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</em><br />
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<strong>In summary, I highly recommend Alaffia Skin Care Products. It will not only make your skin look and feel better, it will give you peace of mind knowing you are making a positive impact on the people in Togo, West Africa and supporting a sustainable product that is good for our planet.</strong></div>
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<em><strong>Namaste, Beci</strong></em><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-34877569515157832362012-07-30T19:16:00.001-06:002015-02-25T22:29:34.593-07:00Cuckoo for Coconutz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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This information comes from an article called <strong><em>The Scoop On The Drupe.....</em></strong></div>
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<em>"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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em>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. </em></div>
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<em> 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: <strong>young coconut water is high in B vitamins, minerals (especially calcium, magnesium and potassium) and contains high levels of electrolytes. </strong></em></div>
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<em> 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. <strong>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.</strong></em></div>
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<em> While we're at it, letz not forget about <strong>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.</strong></em></div>
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<em> 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, <strong>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. </strong></em></div>
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<em> <strong>Two other coconut products gaining in popularity with the health trendsetter crowd are RAW COCONUT CREAM and RAW COCONUT KEFIR. </strong></em></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Here is what you need to know about these cutting-edge drupe derivatives:</span></h4>
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<em><span style="color: black;"> <strong>Raw coconut cream is created by pressing or "juicing" the meat of the mature coconut</strong>. 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.</span></em></div>
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<em> <strong>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</strong>.</em></div>
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<em> Likewise, raw coconut kefir supports proper hydration since it is a highly organized, ionized water source. (</em>Note: I recently read an article about success stories of Autism & ADHD using Raw Coconut Kefir. Here is the link: <a href="http://healingautismandadhd.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/cucko-for-coconut-kefir/">http://healingautismandadhd.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/cucko-for-coconut-kefir/</a>_ )</div>
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<em> </em><strong>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."</strong></div>
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<strong> I found the below video on the Benefits of Coconut Oil. According to Dr. Bruce Fife<em>,"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%."</em> He also talks about many other benefits of eating coconut oil.</strong></div>
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<strong>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.</strong></div>
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<strong>Remember... You are What You EAT..... Namaste, Beci </strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-48831908251720056022012-07-17T17:49:00.003-06:002013-10-25T10:37:07.903-06:00Apple-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, <strong><em>Skinny Bitch in the Kitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. </em></strong> This is one of the most used cook books I've ever owned.<br />
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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.<br />
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Basic Fruit & Nut Muffins</h4>
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Skinny Bitch in the Kitch</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 12 Standard Sized Muffins</span></div>
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1/4 Cup Coconut Oil</div>
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2 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour</div>
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1/2 C Sucnat or Natural dry Sugar</div>
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1 Tablespoon Ener-G Egg Replacer</div>
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2 teaspoons Baking Powder</div>
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1/4 teaspoon fine Sea Salt</div>
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1 1/4 C Soy Milk (I use Almond Milk)</div>
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1 C fresh or dried fruit, diced or chunked</div>
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1/2 C Chopped Nutz (Optional)</div>
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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)....</div>
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.<br />
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Here are some different variations:</h4>
<strong><em>CRANBERRY~ORANGE Muffins: </em></strong>Add the zest of 1/2 orange. Use dried cranberries and omit the nuts.<br />
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<strong><em>TROPICAL MACADAMIA NUT Muffins: </em></strong>Add the zest of 1/2 orange, combine banana and shredded coconut for the fruit, and use macadamias for the nuts.<br />
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<strong><em>APPLE~CINNAMON Muffins:</em></strong> 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.<br />
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<strong><em>ZUCCHINI~RAISIN Muffins: </em></strong>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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8ziEJKqElUUHxJAdThFfG-h0QpJD7miUSvQGhmOrCaDwe1LOFJaXLvQuB42BgTo8SSQjhaWYkNsb8VHOZXtwV97FK-xClLiAPU8spXnaf4G98VbdFbUOx3_ypa7IKgOC06m9zn0WEGzG/s1600/Apple+Cinnamon+Muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8ziEJKqElUUHxJAdThFfG-h0QpJD7miUSvQGhmOrCaDwe1LOFJaXLvQuB42BgTo8SSQjhaWYkNsb8VHOZXtwV97FK-xClLiAPU8spXnaf4G98VbdFbUOx3_ypa7IKgOC06m9zn0WEGzG/s320/Apple+Cinnamon+Muffins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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HOPE YOU ENJOY..... Beci </h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-46390173938693533082012-07-12T17:51:00.003-06:002012-07-12T17:51:42.535-06:00CEREAL ~ Thumbz Up or Down?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfsYAkkkMf_Z6rv3Z5_n9wFBQOG8tPR2QMe52IlOegEMMcRGg_vM0wHp7DSOCX-8vBD3FzelITEaam_OEl9o_yT7-dnLkuBrU6-R3gsXK8USGd8Boc30eBMYMZqhSj-xwtcaJcxpFOY8K/s1600/Thumbs+up+&+thumbs+down.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfsYAkkkMf_Z6rv3Z5_n9wFBQOG8tPR2QMe52IlOegEMMcRGg_vM0wHp7DSOCX-8vBD3FzelITEaam_OEl9o_yT7-dnLkuBrU6-R3gsXK8USGd8Boc30eBMYMZqhSj-xwtcaJcxpFOY8K/s1600/Thumbs+up+&+thumbs+down.bmp" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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First, I will start with the cereals that I'm giving a Big Thumbz DOWN.........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsYprTrXO98NbrzRFm5UyNp6lzy44ETO_K4qSGxnuUbCAhTrpMbRV7eXPe5LHepo9afRU0e0D2yWhaC4jSHYN16m7IYekU1aWl4Fhea0OoeSrSPZwzhBniqKoGv8xYZRaUR2tGgVHMl1h/s1600/Thumbs+down.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsYprTrXO98NbrzRFm5UyNp6lzy44ETO_K4qSGxnuUbCAhTrpMbRV7eXPe5LHepo9afRU0e0D2yWhaC4jSHYN16m7IYekU1aWl4Fhea0OoeSrSPZwzhBniqKoGv8xYZRaUR2tGgVHMl1h/s1600/Thumbs+down.bmp" /></a></div>
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A BIG THUMBz DOWN......</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDo9mc3IhaZvZ3k5tC4mN5_oE-e_g5mTycdLo-iTB6OxgglxzhBSCB_Ge7GJsXaC9FCo2m9V4EVPghdD14wkwOe2bBdGsLEg8VBrsQbVD1D1F_MhcDHhNJtyxG3xiejOsXYefD1NFTnCb/s1600/Kashi+Go+Lean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDo9mc3IhaZvZ3k5tC4mN5_oE-e_g5mTycdLo-iTB6OxgglxzhBSCB_Ge7GJsXaC9FCo2m9V4EVPghdD14wkwOe2bBdGsLEg8VBrsQbVD1D1F_MhcDHhNJtyxG3xiejOsXYefD1NFTnCb/s320/Kashi+Go+Lean.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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KASHI CEREAL </h4>
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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. </div>
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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.) </div>
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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.)</div>
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Kashi is owned by food industry giant <strong><em>KELLOG COMPANY</em></strong>, which also markets <strong>Bear Naked</strong>, 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. </div>
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<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2012-04-29/kashi-natural-claims/54616576/1">http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2012-04-29/kashi-natural-claims/54616576/1</a> </div>
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PEACE CEREAL </h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22tw0CVj062BiEysIGAQzsDmLKPpAjYqPwZfymSXxEB5L7_YA8EtGH77Q2XlxtT-4b3_Z3fq6mlshj79HA6inGKZoT02s-GcrpYr8Ds3yINGniLohz0fVj6Wx7OoyxH3qOLz83BAlY1ab/s1600/PEACE+Cereals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22tw0CVj062BiEysIGAQzsDmLKPpAjYqPwZfymSXxEB5L7_YA8EtGH77Q2XlxtT-4b3_Z3fq6mlshj79HA6inGKZoT02s-GcrpYr8Ds3yINGniLohz0fVj6Wx7OoyxH3qOLz83BAlY1ab/s320/PEACE+Cereals.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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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. <br />
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<strong><em>Peace Cereal has no organic options left, but its prices remain the same.</em></strong></div>
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BACK TO NATURE</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfTT3DlqBz6fmQkwXrQ6Ba0M7U2bsrWrW84Gryp-Fhu3rWOccb_rJPMyTCFkDAtwpXP8xWQUYR1Hovk0g_TYi1gtZEHeloM5cm3OEUKwP5UnfDR2VPvmFVBtygSOvEay-FBUDU9MVlpDr/s1600/Back+to+Nature+Cereal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfTT3DlqBz6fmQkwXrQ6Ba0M7U2bsrWrW84Gryp-Fhu3rWOccb_rJPMyTCFkDAtwpXP8xWQUYR1Hovk0g_TYi1gtZEHeloM5cm3OEUKwP5UnfDR2VPvmFVBtygSOvEay-FBUDU9MVlpDr/s320/Back+to+Nature+Cereal.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Back to Nature is owned by <strong><em>KRAFT FOODS</em></strong> 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." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYWi4Gx9yvk0UPr-eO0AEuS0fDSIU-gCuWXX88QclbNtL2EKfb1vT8dAwuxVrQKW3-qKxh25CMibpxdWgraYsE3FjWp3mJLzDv1WdouETxVGM1vr83XWh29GNqyoczbAwPxMJ25kP43oH/s1600/Thumbs+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYWi4Gx9yvk0UPr-eO0AEuS0fDSIU-gCuWXX88QclbNtL2EKfb1vT8dAwuxVrQKW3-qKxh25CMibpxdWgraYsE3FjWp3mJLzDv1WdouETxVGM1vr83XWh29GNqyoczbAwPxMJ25kP43oH/s1600/Thumbs+up.jpg" /></a></div>
<h4>
NOW FOR A BIG THUMBz UP ~ NATURE'S PATH ORGANIC.....</h4>
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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? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusT-3UABhlbGsijJS27Qgeh7wNCbqGCVwWQJsLhuFRA9sxqF4hFjPk8inXJVbMIieoQLh2Ee1RrYASYSVy8CI-mIeOlbmB4n2rbZgAxHhmnMEO-aW2osv_JcHNVC90zhqIGP6PUN-YRbr/s1600/NP+Sunrise+Cruncy+Vanilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusT-3UABhlbGsijJS27Qgeh7wNCbqGCVwWQJsLhuFRA9sxqF4hFjPk8inXJVbMIieoQLh2Ee1RrYASYSVy8CI-mIeOlbmB4n2rbZgAxHhmnMEO-aW2osv_JcHNVC90zhqIGP6PUN-YRbr/s200/NP+Sunrise+Cruncy+Vanilla.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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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 </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">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.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWruH4aCgkGmlsK8nHLJehR3Iyu-0fqhA_ItRD1rtaQ997lZjIXQz7MW2Nl3OVfXvIZpzMMg3w83d03kcvZgz7sFTA34tFLKIurVpLvRX2yJ8J0Aks9U0kwc96PSEvvSpI0eGJa7rDeB66/s1600/Nature's+Path+Cereal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWruH4aCgkGmlsK8nHLJehR3Iyu-0fqhA_ItRD1rtaQ997lZjIXQz7MW2Nl3OVfXvIZpzMMg3w83d03kcvZgz7sFTA34tFLKIurVpLvRX2yJ8J0Aks9U0kwc96PSEvvSpI0eGJa7rDeB66/s1600/Nature's+Path+Cereal.jpg" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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INGREDIENTS: Made with love and... </div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjlwxzJB1oP2Vdeh-R7j6w_ky784by7xFTewZE71WMcV9N8kvmHM0ioJ7I-KusQcJCTCH67-0hwuwTSTbTn45YVLDh9V2TgobdOkK5AvbM_GloQZ1tyMUpH8PNTSJJIQS9mHKXLRMwzD-/s1600/Love+Crunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjlwxzJB1oP2Vdeh-R7j6w_ky784by7xFTewZE71WMcV9N8kvmHM0ioJ7I-KusQcJCTCH67-0hwuwTSTbTn45YVLDh9V2TgobdOkK5AvbM_GloQZ1tyMUpH8PNTSJJIQS9mHKXLRMwzD-/s1600/Love+Crunch.jpg" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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<strong><em>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: <a href="http://shop.naturespath.com/">http://shop.naturespath.com/</a></em></strong></div>
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ENJOY....and remember YOU ARE what YOU EAT. Namaste, Beci </div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-47891290108442274862012-07-09T07:46:00.000-06:002012-07-12T20:00:34.592-06:00CHILL OUT w/ Frozen Assets This week I found some wonderful, healthy popsicle recipes to share. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__yq7tKliPMvk0gob_PPsXiUVO8GsM1Cvijj4rcbLSTxl35WXa_dQVq7blf4a8eQXj3npKKvvvCU66GM-IOKJTMGuiz6Wq-KOCq_4qSN0Ilu2aeUe2X7UHkjbD6wR6O-dlJ4I7NkHtRrl/s1600/Edible+Wastach+Popsicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__yq7tKliPMvk0gob_PPsXiUVO8GsM1Cvijj4rcbLSTxl35WXa_dQVq7blf4a8eQXj3npKKvvvCU66GM-IOKJTMGuiz6Wq-KOCq_4qSN0Ilu2aeUe2X7UHkjbD6wR6O-dlJ4I7NkHtRrl/s320/Edible+Wastach+Popsicles.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<strong><em>This first batch of recipes were found in the "edible WASATCH" magazine and written by Amy Thompson..... For full online magazines go to <a href="http://www.ediblewasatch.com/">http://www.ediblewasatch.com/</a> </em></strong><br />
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<h4>
Huckleberry Ice Pops w/ Lemon Verbena</h4>
If you can get huckleberries for this recipe, use them. Their perfume-y flavor is delightful with the lemon verbena.<br />
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2 cups Huckleberries or Blueberries<br />
1/2 cup White Grape Juice (if berries are frozen)<br />
1 cup fresh Lemon Verbena Leaves<br />
6 tablespoons Maple Syrup<br />
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Blend all ingredients in a blender, fill ice pop molds and freeze. If berries are fresh you may need less white grape juice.<br />
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<h4>
Strawberry-Basil-Balsamic Ice Popz</h4>
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.<br />
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2 Cups Strawberries<br />
4 Tablespoons Honey<br />
1/4 Cup tightly-packed, fresh Basil Leaves<br />
6 tablespoons good Balsamic Vinegar<br />
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Blend all ingredients, pour into ice pop molds and freeze.<br />
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<h4>
Frozen Frog Eggs</h4>
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.<br />
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1/4 Cup Chia Seeds<br />
2/ Cups Pear Juice, divided<br />
2 Cups fresh spinach<br />
3 tablespoons honey<br />
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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.<br />
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<h4>
Peach-Sage Ice Popz</h4>
Sage usually makes me think of butternut squash, but it works surprisingly well in these ice popz paired with sweet, summer peaches.<br />
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2 Cups Peaches<br />
20 fresh Sage Leaves<br />
1/2 to 3/4 cup White Grape Juice (if using frozen peaches)<br />
4 tablespoons honey<br />
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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.<br />
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<h4>
Fairy Nectar</h4>
This recipe in particular tends to attract butterflies and little girls in tutus.<br />
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2 Cup White Grape Juice<br />
4 tablespoons Honey<br />
4 Rose Blossoms, Petals only<br />
2 teaspoons Rose Water<br />
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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.<br />
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<strong><em>This second batch of recipes were found in deliciousliving magazine at Good Earth. (Go to <a href="http://www.newhope360.com/">http://www.newhope360.com/</a> for more recipes)</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em> The recipes are by Jennifer Brewer and photo by Mick Jones. </em></strong><br />
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<h4>
STRAWBERRY ICE POPz </h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8 / Gluten free</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep 15 minutes / freeze 2 1/2 hours</span><br />
<br />
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).<br />
<br />
16 ounces fresh Strawberries, washed and hulled<br />
Sweetener (agave or honey), to taste<br />
<br />
<h4>
NUT CREAM (Optional)</h4>
1/4 cup Raw Cashews<br />
1/4 cup Raw Macadamia Nutz<br />
3-4 Medjool Dates, pitted<br />
1/2 cup Coconut Milk<br />
1/2 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice<br />
1/2 tablespoon pure Vanilla Extract<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">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</span><br />
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<h4>
MELON MOJITO POPz</h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 6 / Staff Favorite, Gluten Free, Vegan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep 8 minutes / freeze 3 hours</span><br />
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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.<br />
<br />
1/4 cup Coconut Sugar or Natural Cane Sugar<br />
3 tablespoons choped, fresh Mint Leaves<br />
1/4 cup fresh Lime Juice<br />
1 cup sparkling Lime-flavored water<br />
2 cups finely diced Honeydew, Cantaloupe or Watermelon<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PER SERVING: 53 cal, 0g fat, 0g protein, 14 g carb, 1 g fiber, 28 mg sodium</span><br />
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<h4>
PEACHY BASIL POPz</h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8 / Gluten Free, Vegan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">prep 15 minutes / freeze 3 hours</span><br />
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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.</div>
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1 pound ripe, white or yellow Peaches (about 3 medium), halved and pitted<br />
2 tablespoons thinly slice fresh basil<br />
1/2 cup fresh orange juice<br />
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice<br />
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar, to taste<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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1. Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor. Transfer 1 cup of chunky peaches to a medium bowl; stir in basil and set aside.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PER SERVING: 45 cal, 0g fat, 0 mg chol, 1 g protein, 11g carb, 1 g fiber, 0 mg sodium</span><br />
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<h4>
CREAMY CHERRY KEFIR POPz</h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8 / Gluten Free</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">prep 10 minutes / freeze 3 hours</span><br />
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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.<br />
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2 cups (about 11 ounces) fresh pitted cherries<br />
2 cups plain, unsweetened coconut kefir<br />
2 tablespoons agave or brown rice syrup<br />
1 1/2-2 teaspoons almond or vanilla extract<br />
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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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PER SERVING: 67 cal, 1 g fat, 2 mg chol, 4 g protein, 12g carb, 2 g fiber, 32 mg sodium</span><br />
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<h4>
CHAI ICED TEA POPz</h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8 / Bluten Free, Vegan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">prep 20 minutes / freeze 3 hours</span><br />
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Too hot for tea? These delicious popz are a refreshing way to get your anioxidants.<br />
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8 black tea bags<br />
2 cups water<br />
1 cup Coconut Milk<br />
3 tablespoons Coconut Sugar or natural Cane Sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
<br />
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1. Bring tea bags and water to a boil in a medium pot. Boil for 1-2 minutes; remove from heat. Steep 10 minutes.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">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</span><br />
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<h4>
BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE FUDGE POPz </h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8 / Gluten Free, Vegan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">prep 15 minutes / freeze 3 hours</span><br />
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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.<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder<br />
3 cups vanilla hemp milk, divided<br />
10 ounces 70% cocoa chocolate bar, chopped <br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
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1. Whisk arrowroot into 1/2 cup hemp milk.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">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</span><br />
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<strong>Note: You can also try these recipes in the Zoku Popsicle maker (previous post) for popsicles that are frozen within 5-7 minutes. <em> 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.</em></strong></div>
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Namaste, Beci <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-82315494638262348402012-07-08T11:59:00.001-06:002012-07-08T12:15:24.818-06:00Nourishment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qob4csNU0S1zNEJ3b71T5wtPouYFiB1oZm1ai4OTyVOI3QbiZ6-8AHs3SyAIdF1F1GlSuRFHmU2HDoSofV7sbufeNgmNEB1pmmCwc3QzCQI-jOMra9uujxyQONQ8_vXQ9AVhxW7A5EPw/s1600/Until+Today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qob4csNU0S1zNEJ3b71T5wtPouYFiB1oZm1ai4OTyVOI3QbiZ6-8AHs3SyAIdF1F1GlSuRFHmU2HDoSofV7sbufeNgmNEB1pmmCwc3QzCQI-jOMra9uujxyQONQ8_vXQ9AVhxW7A5EPw/s320/Until+Today.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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On the weekends, I open the book <strong><em>UNTIL TODAY by Iyanla Vanzant</em></strong> 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 <a href="http://balancinghandz.blogspot.com/">http://balancinghandz.blogspot.com/</a> 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. </div>
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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.</div>
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<em><strong>JULY 8th.....</strong></em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> <strong>Today I AM devoted to having a spiritual feast..</strong></em></div>
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___________________________________________________________</div>
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<strong><em>JULY 9th.....</em></strong></div>
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<em> 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? </em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<em> 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.</em></div>
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<strong><em> Today I am devoted to increasing my spiritual intake..</em></strong> </div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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!</div>
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So while focusing on your <em>"SPIRITUAL FEAST & INCREASING YOUR SPIRITUAL INTAKE"......</em>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.</div>
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Namaste, Beci <br />
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<em><strong>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...</strong></em></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-69627187788886932782012-06-20T22:16:00.001-06:002012-06-21T09:42:53.232-06:00HEALTHY POPz w/ the ZOKU Machine<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Friday I went to my good friend, Leslie's home. Her cute son, Max, was making popsicles all by himself with fresh cut up strawberries and cranberry juice. It was the first time I had ever seen the <strong><em>ZOKU QUICK POPSICLE</em></strong> <em><strong>MAKER.</strong></em> He was using the triple maker, pictured below. (Zoku also has a Duo and Single maker available for purchase.)<br />
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Max informed me that his popsicles would be done in about 8 minutes without going in the freezer. This I had to see....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4uQxI1aFWJ2xVZlsrHSDntsGmDwEX_dfqXe9j2Q1dfCHEbo-G-M0YJDqnELbS7m_UdSoY6hrkbO3WAlXyodOCV97cpxBhO8zZFtSWv5CELLkBFz46ORMVFKDNCwU5BEZh356-MyIg0V/s1600/Zoku+Pops+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ4uQxI1aFWJ2xVZlsrHSDntsGmDwEX_dfqXe9j2Q1dfCHEbo-G-M0YJDqnELbS7m_UdSoY6hrkbO3WAlXyodOCV97cpxBhO8zZFtSWv5CELLkBFz46ORMVFKDNCwU5BEZh356-MyIg0V/s320/Zoku+Pops+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Leslie and I went out on her deck to chat and before I knew it Max came out with his popsicle in hand. I immediately fell in love with the ZOKU Popsicle Machine and am looking forward to purchasing it. <br />
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Of course, there is also a recipe book, storage container and tools to create professional looking popsicles like this....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVEfqzZq09d276hyphenhyphen92RgU-W23Aq_GNmjlzA7wJKLIELRAF8DsV6jiqRypDjNND1LLfWujKR-kA8MJ8G0zNtahP0buVBh2T_5oTOpqjodZTkaJpB9irvplsoa27XvDQ1b0cLVweIcLRsvt/s1600/Heart+pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVEfqzZq09d276hyphenhyphen92RgU-W23Aq_GNmjlzA7wJKLIELRAF8DsV6jiqRypDjNND1LLfWujKR-kA8MJ8G0zNtahP0buVBh2T_5oTOpqjodZTkaJpB9irvplsoa27XvDQ1b0cLVweIcLRsvt/s320/Heart+pops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But since it'z summer and I like to make it as healthy and simple as possible, mine are going to look more like this (Once my Zoku machine arrives)...... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz2Ulig55_kXAKNso-1TiQAvvlyJ4LFanSNn-Qt78GHHCH0LBH3bYWKSgy4Uh0ZTj0cz9vJPW1MjpwA-LObajw9h7mbwtj8sKfwjWTEO_Bd9_WEwOfQ81gx8Trgf0-drm2iIPotWBqSEV/s1600/Healthy+Popz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz2Ulig55_kXAKNso-1TiQAvvlyJ4LFanSNn-Qt78GHHCH0LBH3bYWKSgy4Uh0ZTj0cz9vJPW1MjpwA-LObajw9h7mbwtj8sKfwjWTEO_Bd9_WEwOfQ81gx8Trgf0-drm2iIPotWBqSEV/s320/Healthy+Popz.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Let the experimenting begin...<br />
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Remember... YOU are what you EAT....<em> </em> Namaste, Beci :)<br />
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<em>NOTE: If you are going to purchase the Zoku Maker through Amazon, please click on the Carousel Link on this blog. It will help add a few cents to my cause. Thank you for your support.</em></h3>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8523613838476417352.post-66413766977837918522012-06-10T10:25:00.004-06:002012-06-10T19:46:30.040-06:00Kidney Cleanse...<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
Today I am starting this natural <strong>KIDNEY CLEANSE</strong> made from just <strong>PARSLEY</strong> and pure clean water. I will update you with the results and any differences I feel in my body.</div>
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<em><strong>"Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments."</strong></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlGx6gs7iD0bXRWNjW_j1CX6kFUzen8tpIDlG5-5jlZR7Nu8oBb4_SZHuCrR5WLru3-eeA2-5WLWQjZeon6FyTyNpYSk8EuPRPvuYQMY39y3XK5cZ8a_s_wC8xVD373OcTvbNPv8QT-sR/s1600/Parsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlGx6gs7iD0bXRWNjW_j1CX6kFUzen8tpIDlG5-5jlZR7Nu8oBb4_SZHuCrR5WLru3-eeA2-5WLWQjZeon6FyTyNpYSk8EuPRPvuYQMY39y3XK5cZ8a_s_wC8xVD373OcTvbNPv8QT-sR/s320/Parsley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Here is a very easy cleansing recipe......</strong> <span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> First take a bunch of parsley (MALLI Leaves)and wash it clean. Cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Parsley is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">For more Health Benefits of <strong>PARSLEY</strong>... please see post below.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">REMEMBER... YOU are what you EAT (& DRINK).... Namaste, Beci :)</span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04696105933223803689noreply@blogger.com0