Wellness - 21

Raw - Corn Chowder with Lime Cream

2010-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what to do with all the fantastic corn coming in this summer? I encourage you to try this recipe. Great on a hot day. I spent the morning watching my son play baseball in the heat and this was a good lunch to have....

4 cups of corn kernals cut of the cob..(about 4 ears)
1 tsp garlic
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
about 2 cups of water

Place all the ingredients your food processor or your Blendtec and process on pulse untill it's a chunky chowder or if you like it smoother blend longer.

I also made a cashew cream recipe using:

1/2 cup raw cashews
little water and some lime juice, and cayenne for a kick and blended until it was the texture I liked. I added a dollop on top of the chowder and yummy! The cayenne really made it good.

The crackers I have are both good...the Mary's gone Crackers - Herb and the Exotic Rice Toast...purple rice and black sesame...both are gluten free and vegan. But not raw.

Give this a try..it's another quick and easy meal. I've finished half that bowl, and I'm feeling satisfied.

Almond Cacoa Raw Cake...

2010-06-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

This raw treat has such a great flavor...The citrus zest and the cacao....what a combo!

Here is the original recipe I was forwarded from Celia, and she found it on: http://happyhealthyliving.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/cocoa-almondcake/

I only had to add more almond meal to the topping...it was too thin, but that could have been due to the amount of juice in my lemon. At first I thought that the olive oil in the topping would interfere with the sweetness and would have been better with coconut oil, but I do like the olive oil in it. The lemon juice cuts through it and gives it such a healthy taste. I also used honey...I've decided not to use agave anymore.

The only fresh fruit I had was the kiwi, strawberries and blackberries...Her cake was much prettier...I wish I had some star fruit...wouldn't that make a nice Forth of July cake?... Also,next time I may use soaked cashews for the topping to give it a creamier and lighter color...

I encourage you to try this...it was fun, easy and so yummy!

Daikon Salad and Daikons health benefits

2010-05-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Before I post the recipe I wanted to post the benefits of daikon and a little testimony about my sister, who passed away at 54 of cancer.

Below is an article of the health benefits of daikon...but first let me share a little about my sister Colleen.
When my sister had her cancer 27+ yrs ago, she was given only 6 months to live. She beat it, using the Micro-biotic diet. She improved so fast that she knew she was onto something of truth, and she pursued the micro-biotic diet further and went to go see Michio Kushi in Boston a number of times. She would come home and tell me the wisdom this man had, and how much he could tell about her by just looking into her eyes and her skin tone. Anyway, one of the many things he told her to do was to have fermented daikon after every meal.
I remember sharing after every meal with her a few daikon pickles. It became something I looked forward to with her. Along with the Komchee twig tea and the miso soups. She beat the cancer then, changing her diet and lifestyle. Her improvement amazed her medical doctors. She lived another 25 years, cancer free.
Keeping it brief, Colleen remarried and her new husband liked to cook and he entertained alot and liked going out to eat as well. The last four years of my sister's life, she also started eating this way, more so, then the micro-biotic diet that she had been eating. The cancer returned, well, I guess it never went away, she just was able to keep it still, untill she started eating the Western diet again. Which included alot of cookout, meats, and processed foods. So enjoy your daikon.....

Raw daikon is used throughout Japan to complement the taste of oily or raw foods and, more importantly, to aid in their digestion. Laboratory analysis has shown that the juice of raw daikon is abundant in digestive enzymes similar to those found in the human digestive tract. These enzymes - diastase, amylase, and esterase - help transform complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into their readily assimilable components. Traditional Japanese restaurants serve grated daikon (daikon oroshi) in tempura dip to help digest oils, or shredded daikon with raw fish to help digest the protein. Grated daikon is a wonderful aid to people with a weak digestive system. It is important, however, to use grated daikon immediately. In just thirty minutes nearly 50 percent of its enzymes are lost.

The enzymatic action of daikon juice has gained the attention of scientists in Japan. At Tokyo's College of Pharmacy, researchers have discovered that daikon juice actually inhibits the formation of dangerous chemicals in the body. Nitrosamines, a type of carcinogen, can form in the stomach from chemicals present in both natural and processed foods. Daikon juice contains substances identified as "phenolic compounds" that can block this potentially dangerous reaction. Thus, a diet including raw daikon may reduce the risk of cancer.

Daikon has also been shown to be effective as a diuretic and decongestant. As a diuretic, raw daikon promotes the discharge of excess water by the kidneys. The result is increased urination and gradual reduction of the swelling condition known as edema. As a decongestant, the enzymes in daikon juice seem to help dissolve mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system and facilitate their discharge from the body.

Daikon is high in vitamin C and folacin. Like its relatives broccoli, cabbage and kale, daikon is a cruciferous vegetable that offers cancer-protecting potential.

A few drops of soy sauce and a tablespoon of grated daikon is a macrobiotic treatment for helping the body discharge old animal protein and fats. Cooking daikon with a kombu broth is said to help the body eliminate excess dairy products. A tea brewed from daikon, shiitake and kombu has been used as a folk remedy to reduce fever.

Here is the recipe I used:
One good size daikon and spiralized
One cucumber spiralized
Two small carrots shredded

I cheated today and used the below bottled dressing, by Organic Valley, Miso Ginger...but a good ginger dressing is very good on this.

Earth Day...What did you do?

2010-04-23T03:52:00.000-07:00

Did you take a walk outside, preferably barefoot?

Did you take time to connect to the earth?

Did you smell a flower, see a new bloom?

Did you look into your pets eyes and see the love?

Did you plant a seed or a tree?

Did you say thanks to the Creator? The Creator of the Universe? The seas, the mountains and the place you call home?

It should be Earth Day everyday…we should all connect to the earth each and everyday. In fact, I believe we should walk outside barefoot everyday and sit in the sunshine for a few minutes each day for our health and wellbeing.

Did you know there were no recorded problems with the feet in biblical days? when they walked barefoot or in open sandals? ….the first problems started in the Renaissance era.

Benefits of walking barefoot:

Children who go barefoot, and are allowed to do so by their parents, have been seen to have lesser foot deformities, greater flexor strength and more feet agility. At the same time, they are able to spread their toes to a greater extent than others.

Those who walk with their shoes on encounter much more aches and pains in the body, as compared to the people who indulge in home bare foot walking.

Barefoot walking helps straighten out the toes of a person. At the same time, if you walk bare foot, even the lazy muscles of your feet are prompted to move and develop more, with the result that you have toned and much stronger foot muscles.

Walking barefoot helps the leg muscles pump blood back to the heart. This makes it beneficial for those who are suffering from the problem of varicose veins.

Walking barefoot helps relax tired feet.

Its beneficial for people suffering from flat feet, in many cases helping them overcome the problem altogether.

Walking barefoot in the summer season has been found to have a cooling effect on the body of a person, especially if he/she walks on morning grass, leaves or a piece of log in the garden.

In traditional exercises, like yoga, tai-chi and martial arts, it is believed that being barefoot helps a person absorb Chi, the life-force energy. As you walk with your feet bare, you increase your vitality. At the same time, it helps you think clearly and increases your capacity to work.

Walking barefoot in your garden or the local park will help you feel closer to the nature. This will not only take your mind off everyday tensions and relax your body, but also rejuvenate your mind and boost your energy levels.

Benefits of Sunshine:

Sunshine stimulates the production of serotonin which promotes a good mental outlook and fights Seasonal Affective Disorder. It also stimulates the pineal gland which produces melatonin. Melatonin is one of the chemicals that operates our bodies clocks and helps with sleep function. Ninety percent of our vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun.

Vitamin D

We can get vitamin D from food, but not enough for optimal health which is why supplementing our intake is necessary. What does vitamin D do for our bodies?

Most recent studies suggest that since vitamin D helps to lower blood cholesterol levels it is a factor in fighting heart disease.

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and teeth as it aids in the absorption of calcium

It also helps prevent certain cancers including lung, prostate, and maybe even certain skin cancers.

Sufficient vitamin D also regulates the immune system. One study saw a 70% reduction of colds in 3 years in participants given vitamin D supplements.

VitaminD may even help slow down the aging process. A study showed that the biological markers, called telomeres, were longer (a sign of being biologically younger and healthier) in participants with higher levels of vitamin D.

Sunshine is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Like all activities, taking in the sun must be done in moderation. The best way to absorb it is without sunscreen so limit your exposure to short periods of time. The body takes in the sun’s goodness through any exposed skin area. The body can only store vitamin D for 60 days so regular exposure is called for.

Make it Earth Day Every Day for your health! Walk outside today and look at your gardens in your barefeet. Enjoy the sunshine for 15 minutes, while you say a prayer of Thanks.

Tell your children, family and pets you love them....today! Be thankful they are yours to love and nurture for this time here on earth.

Peace, Love and Health!
Cindylee

Improve Your Memory with Nutritional Dense Foods

2010-04-17T03:26:00.000-07:00

Have you heard, Less is Best.....?

German scientists say their research shows that the less you eat, the better your memory. Munster University researchers took 50 “elderly” people and used them as test subjects.

They gave them a memory test. Then put them on a diet which reduced their caloric intake by a third. Then they gave them another memory test.

Other research has indicated that a calorie-restricted diet is good for all sorts of things.

The idea goes: the fewer calories you take in, the fewer diseases you get, and the longer you live. The problem is that no one knows how, or why, it works but many ideas on why.

Hmmmm, could this be because most of the high calorie stuff is junk. Few vitamins, minerals, no enzymes, and lots of bad fats. Dead empty foods filled with additives that aren't even food. Any combination of the above puts a huge physical stress on the body.

Stress of any kind will cause disease, weaken and kill.

What you really need to focus on is nutrition, not calories. That’s why I promote more raw, organic, living foods lifestyle. If you can't go all raw, just increase the amount....eat raw for breakfast and lunch, and limit your animal foods, if not eliminate it. If you include animal foods, make sure it's organic, free-range, grass-fed no anti-biotic, growth hormones etc...

Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7847174.stm

2010-04-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

I thought today I'd share with you some of the healthy personal care items I have been using for a few months now. Infact, it's time for me to reorder! I found out about it by a friend of mine and told her I was willing to give them a try, but wouldn't promise a reorder. So far I've liked everything I've tried and have waited too long to reoder and will have to do without the products for a few days until my order comes in.

Lemon & Coriander Deodorant was one of the products I really wanted to try.

Finding a healthy alternative was hard and almost imposible , and it wasn't something I could find locally.. Sure I could have used all the home recipes including baking soda and essential oils, diluted vodka or witch hazel, but nothing really worked. Neal Yards Remedies, Lemon & Coriander Deodorant did work. No wonder it was awarded the Beauty With a Conscience Award for being the purest and most effective products in their category.

You may be asking what is BEAUTY WITH A CONSCIENCE AWARDS and what sets it apart from similar reviews? The answer lies in their high standards for safety and purity. They don’t allow or test any products that contain known hormone disruptors, carcinogens, skin or respiratory irritants, or environmental hazards—we’re talking about parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and fragrances, sulfates, petroleum derivatives, and a host of harmful ingredients often found in conventional beauty products.

For more information regarding these great personal care products you can go to my website at

https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/cindylee

They have skin care, hair care, body care, essential oils and blends and more....ingredients are mostly all grown on their own gardens in England.

Benefits of Cucumber Juice

2010-04-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

This week I have a lot of cucumbers leftover from my Fresh-Picked deliveries
and will be using them in my juicing this week. Here are some of the health benefits I found this morning for cucumber juice.

Reported Health Benefits :
Cucumber is best natural diuretic known, secreting and promoting the flow of urine.
Helps in kidney and urinary bladder disease and pancreatic disease

The potassium content of cucumber makes it highly useful for conditions of high and low blood pressure.
Cucumber contains erepsin, the enzyme that helps to digest protein.
The high silicon and sulphur content of the cucumber is said to promote the growth of hair, especially when the juice of the cucumber is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
A mixture of cucumber juice with carrot juice is said to be beneficial for rheumatic conditions resulting from excessive uric acid in the body.
Cucumber juice is also valuable for helping diseases of the teeth, gums, especially in cases of pyorrhea.
Cucumber, radish and bitter gourd are beneficial in diabetes.
The high mineral content of this vegetable also helps to prevent splitting of nails of the fingers and toes.

Why I juice....

2010-04-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is why I juice:

The pictures I wanted to use wouldn't upload for some reason, but here is a picture of what I have in my smoothie in the morning. One bunce of kale, one banana and some berries.

Then in the afternoon I'll have 32 oz's of juice...this pile of carrots, apples, beets and parsley makes me 32 oz's of pure organic nutrition.

I also like to have 3 apples and one whole lemon in the afternoon...it makes the best lemonade ever!!

I thought the picture would help put in perspective all the nutrients juicing can add to your diet.

Have to keep it quick tonight.....Oh to end it on a sweet note, I've lost 6 pounds this past week!

Blessings,
Cindylee

My Fresh-Picked Organics are here at last!! So it's juicing again ...

2010-04-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I am so excited to have fresh organic produce again! It's not only the taste but the thought of healthy and chemical free food, nourishing my body!...It sure helps my emotions...just the thought increases my energy and makes me feel more alive! And to know what it's doing for my physical health...wow!

Yesterday I started my juicing... it's not strictly a juice fast because I'm starting my day with a green monster, which is a banana and a bunch of kale in my blendtec. I'm still putting the ground flax in it too, for the extra fiber and colon cleansing. And I'm eating raw fruits and veggetables when and if, I feel hungry. Once you start puting nutritients in your body, you'd be surprised how filling real food is. Take the sugar and fillers out of what you eat and you just don't need as much. Add exercise and activity into your life to keep the emotional need of food, away....then you are on your way to a much improved and healhty life. Both physically and emotionally. You just might not know how bad you felt until you start a healthy diet and exercise.....

Yesterday I had 32oz's of carrot, parsley and apple juice and it is so good.
Today, I plan on having carrot, beet, parsley and apple and for a treat later, I'll have lemonaide...that is with one lemon and 4 apples.

I've lost 4.2 lbs in the last week and I've got 12 more I need to lose to get to where I was last fall.

I ran the day before yesterday and took a brisk walk yesterday with my daughter and dog, who are both pregnant and need to walk...lol. I also did some yoga stretching. Today I am running 4-5 miles, and doing some upper body strength exercices. So I better get started...I'll update again later. I want to share a recipe I made for the boys the other night....it turned out to be a hit and was fairly quick and easy.

Be Blessed!

Greening it up....

2010-03-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

This morning and almost every other morning I have a green smoothie. This morning I had one that had almond milk, banana, spinach, and raspberries. I forgot to add my ground flax seeds which usually goes in all my smoothies.

Before my oldest son went to school I made both my sons a cheese and spinach omelet with Applegate's no-nitrates turkey bacon. When my youngest son, who is homeschooled wanted a morning snack, I made him a smoothie using; vanilla almond milk, half banana, amazing greens kids chocolate and a heaping teaspoon of peanut butter.... yummy.

I will sometimes use the berry flavored Green Superfoods in my smoothies, but I usually just mix it with some water and drink it down.

For lunch, Creamy Broccoli Soup:

This was very good and the garlic in it really warms it up, for a cool day.
My son had Amy's Vegetable Lasagna, which he gobbled up.

I wanted to add that many people are turned off from trying raw soups, because like me they may think of cold soups. And who wants a cold soup? When you blend your raw soups in the Blendtec , it warms it up to a nice warm temperature, without killing any of the living enzymes that are so beneficial to our health.
This soup was really good, and very easy to make.

1.5 cups of almond milk..( I just added the almonds and water to my blender)
1/2 avocado
1 clove of garlic
sea salt and pepper
1 cup of broccoli
1 tbls olive oil
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp onion (I used a small piece of onion)

Just blend...very good and very filling. I couldn't even finish that bowl.
Buy a Blendtec Total Blender Now

The sun has finally popped out, so I think I'll go for a short run, then off to my oldest sons baseball game. I'm packing water, dates, walnuts, and an apple. I may process up some homemade "larabars"....will post about them tomorrow.

Day one of preparing myself for juice fast next week.

2010-03-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did ok...not great, but with having a lack of good organic produce, I am limited, on what I have to eat. I can not wait for my freshpicked organics order to start coming on a weekly basis again. Having healthy food on hand makes it much easier to stick to a healthy diet.

It was a beautiful day yesterday, and my son and I decided to enjoy it by going to the park with a picnic and flying a kite. So off to the park we went...

He naturally wanted to go through a fast food restaurant for a his picnic lunch, but I stood my ground and made us a picnic. Remember I want to eat as little toxins as possible and keeping the foods to what I can digest easily. Which means no meat for me or cheeses. Cultured dairy, such as yogurt or kefir, I may use this week for the probiotics and good bacteria. Another thing will be fermented veggies like kraut. I want to make sure I have good flora going in, for when I start cleaning out my intestines.

We had all organic... peanunt butter on whole grain artesian bread
sliced apples
Humbles, which are a new chip we found. They are hummus chips,
and have a great flavor and crunch!

We had the sesame garlic ones...I almost ate the whole bag myself. They may not be a healing or raw food, but are a good alternative to the potato chip.
Water to drink.

My afternoon went by fast even at a relaxed pace, so dinner wasn't prepared, before we had to head out to my older sons baseball game. But I did eat, some dates, almonds and apples. For dinner I guess it was the banana with almond butter on it. I didn't have enough greens yesterday. I had only what was in my morning smoothie, which by itself gives me all my fruits and veggies I need in a day, but I'd rather still have them in their natural form.

My water intake was low, because I forgot to take enough to the park. So today, I'm working on drinking my minimum of 64 oz's.
A good way to calculate the amount of water you need is take your weight, divide that number by 2...so if you weighted 100lbs, 100lbs/2 would be 50 oz's. But for every 25lbs overweight you are add 8oz's more. If you should weight 125 but you weighted 150, it'd be 150/2=75 plus 8 more for the extra 25lbs...so it'd be 83 oz's.

Drinking water has many benefits that you probably aren't aware of. Water performs numerous functions in the body. Everything that happens in the body is dependent, directly or indirectly, on water. One of the first things I suggest and coach my clients on is drinking water. And I'm having a hard time with it... this is good for me to be reminded how hard it is to do such a small, simple and basically free step, like drinking water. Basically free, because I do recommend you drink filtered water and the filter system you choose will cost something.

For exercise yesterday I did yoga, and today, I'll so some upper body strength exercises. I basically, use dumbbells, and floor exericses. I may go for a run if the rain holds off.

Since yesterday I didn't do well with my greens, a big green salad is on my plate for lunch with some avocados, tomatoes and cucumbers. Pita bread with hummus on the side. For dinner I think I'm making a cream of brocolli soup in my blendtec and maybe a cabbage slaw on the side. I also have a few more avocados, so I may make one of those cocao/avocado puddings...using one avocado, 1/2 banana, cacao or carob, 2 dates and filtered water...blend to a creamy texture and enjoy. Ok, I'm looking forward to that...

Spring is Here, Time to cleanse!

2010-03-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Everyone!
I love spring...a fresh start,with new life blooming everywhere around us.

I started out my Spring, running my first half-marathon....yep, I did it and I finished still standing. I finished in less then 3 hours, which was my personal goal. Since I hadn't trained, I thought I'd be walking much more then I did. I ran through the first ten miles, but had to walk/run the last 3.1....

Before the race, I had my picture taken with my daughter, and what I saw I didn't like. I saw bloating in my face...not what a nutritional and wellness coach likes to see in anyone, and especially in themselves.

I'm starting this week to eat really well and prepare myself for a cleanse. Then, next week with my fresh-picked organic produce I'll start a short juice fast to help clean out and nourish my body.

By eating well, I mean eating clean...with little to no toxins, and I'll be eating more plant based foods, adding lots of fiber, and food that is easy for me to digest, with lots of water. Easing into my juice fast...when my body can just absorb nutrition and not have to work on digesting or sorting out non-foods. (chemicals, additives, etc) Taking in as much healing nutrition with as little work as possible.

What, I need to concentrate on is drinking a lot of filtered water. I've been slacking on that, since I hadn't been running or exercising everyday, it's hard for me to drink. This morning I'm filling up my gallon jar on my counter with the amount I want to finish today, and hopefully, seeing it on the counter I'll accomplish just that, before I go to bed, tonight.

Now, that it is warming up, I'm happy to start my exercise program back up. I need to find away to keep it up in the winter.

My program will be much like it was last year;
running 5-6 days per week
yoga/stretching 2 times per week
strength 2-3 times per week (upper/lower and trouble spots)

I've gained 16 lbs since Dec.09, and I need to lose that...my eating hasn't been terrible, but not like I should be eating. I've not been eating enough fruits and veggies and I've eaten more meat, then I normally do. Not enough water and hardly any exercise.

For accountability, I'm going to post daily and I hope that I can get some feed back just, so I know someone is watching me....and f you'd like to join me and start your own Spring Cleaning...let me know. We'll do it together and motivate each other...

To Your and My Health!
Cindylee

OH NO!.....I Dusted off the scales!

2010-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it...I pulled out my scale. The one that I had over in the corner, the one I don't usually get on. When I'm in shape or feeling good I don't concern myself with the scale. I don't think our fitness should be based on the scale. More on our body composition. You know that one that tells you how much body fat, lean mucsle and water? Well, that will be next, but I'm not sure I want to do that one. I have a very expensive and accurate tool that I bought when I had my office a few years ago. I'm really not wanting to see those numbers. I knew I had gained some weight over the last month, that would have been impossible to avoid, considering my poor diet choices and lack of exercise. And my water consumption, had gone done to almost none other then what I'd get from the limited produce, hot tea or coffee. Yes, I started drinking coffee again. When my husband is home in town, it's made in the morning and I so easily slipped back into that trap.

I could tell I was getting softer and that some of my clothes didn't fit as well as they did before. They still fit, but not as well, I felt dumpy and uncomfortable. Because, I did feel so healthy and alive just 6 weeks to a month ago, that now, I can really notice the signs of a poor diet and lack of exercise.
I believe most people live with these signs and symptoms everyday and don't even know that too could feel SO much better.... I'm looking forward to regaining that healthy, vibrant, alive and full of energy life. I get excited or motivated just thinking about it....

Here are some of the Symptoms:
Fatigued in mind and physical. - I've started back running again, and noticed that my mucsles get fatigued very fast. My thinking isn't as clear.

Bloated, constipated or both - no discription, it says it all

Complexion - face looks dull, getting blemishes that don't heal fast, looking older.

Eyes look tired and glassy. Not clear.

Poor Sleeping pattern - I am tired before bed, fall asleep early then up in the middle of the night and then tired during the day.

Attitude - I seem blue, blah or lazy most of the time. Less happy.

Feet hurt, shoulders hurt, had a few headaches, bordering on migranes.

Menopausal heat flashes are back. I controlled them before, and never noticed them. Now they are often. Day, night, while driving, while cleaning, while sleeping, at anytime. I'm anxious to see if they go away with diet and exercise. I know they should...and I know they have, before...so we'll see.

As a nutritional consultant I am ready to "DO" what I teach and believe.

So my next post will be a challenge...for myself and for those that would like to follow along with me. So be watching for that challenge!

Healthy Blessings,
Cindylee

I'm Back!

2010-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it’s been that long since I posted on here. For me it takes quiet time to sit down at the computer to write and for some odd reason, whenever I sit down here, everyone needs me, or just has to come in the office to talk. I have started many posts but I usually end up just deleting it, because I can't think.

Since my last post I’ve taken a raw foods “cooking” (?) class, or should it be called a preparing class? I am now certified to teach others and I plan on continuing the levels, so I can also certify others…..lol.

But I’m learning a lot on my own and have been enjoying the new challenge. It’s refreshing in some odd way. Different then learning cooked recipes… I’m not sure of the difference. Gee, I don’t know, maybe there is something to the energy around us.

Some of you know that I have a business in organic produce and foods, but have taken time off the past 2 months to try to drum up new business. I think it’s ready to start up again. I’ve been missing the high quality of organic produce that I was getting before. And honestly, if it’s not in the house, I don’t eat well.

Confession time: This past month I’ve eaten foods that are terrible. My husband is home and he loves desserts and ice cream every night. I can’t say I’ve had self control every night. Making him cookies, brownies and other sweets, has been tough to stop at just taste testing. So since my last post that no animal foods...well, lets just say I will have to start that again.

Along with that the rain and cold has kept me from running every day, or honestly it’s been weeks since I ran. I started back this past week, and it’s been like starting over. I can barely do 3 miles when in Nov. I was running 13 miles for my long runs. The half marathon is March 21st, that’s less then 6 weeks to train.
My beautiful daughter Kara enrolled me in that for my Christmas present…. I’m not sure to be thankful or mad at her…lol. I’m thankful, really…because that is what is pushing me to get back to it.

The good news is, that it's never to late to start....and that is what I am doing. I am a nutritional consultant have a passion in nutrition and living well, and even I fall into the traps of distractions. I also, seem to have a pattern I follow...if I have to quit something I love, then I rebell and do completely opposite of what I should be doing. When I had to put my business on hold it saddened me and looking back, I rebelled. Which is unhealthy, not only in the foods I allowed myself to eat, but the quilt I felt about it. So, I'm shaking off that spirit of rebellion and I'm not going to let it get control over me. I'm taking charge of my health once and for all!!

If anyone would like to join me, let me know...

Well, I guess I’ve been gone away from the family too long. I'm being asked to go find the carrots….my youngest son wants a carrot to snack on, and can’t find them in the fridge….I’m sure they are laying right there, but maybe under the lettuce. Why no on can lift up something to look ..?

Blessings,
Cindylee

Going Raw Another Transition

2009-11-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

Going Raw Another Transition

As some of you know, I’ve been on a dietary journey for years. Some people never give a thought to what they eat, and I give it a lot of thought….I’ve tried many ways to include healthy foods in my diet with always organic and leaning more towards the vegetarian or plant foods. I have studied for years and I've made many compromises to what I have come to believe is the best diet for myself, (well honestly, for most people) just to fit in with society or even my own family. But I’m finally going to listen to my intuition and eat for my own health. And that would be eating more raw vegan foods. That is the food that works best for me and makes me feel more “alive”.

I will continue to teach people how to transition over from eating unhealthy processed foods to preparing more healthy foods from scratch. If they can’t let go of the meat and dairy just yet, then I will respect that and help them design a healthier meal plan for their family including those things. Although I don’t believe that is healing diet and if there is disease or a concern for disease, then I would highly recommend an organic vegan and raw diet with plenty of fresh organic juices.

I will be posting recipes for more raw dishes as well as some other versions, including grains, dairy and meat….In my own home, my family will be eating those other versions, while I enjoy my new “raw” dishes. I will not say I’m going 100% raw, but I will be at least trying to stay with the 90/10%…90% raw 10% cooked. I am going to try to give up all animal foods…no more yogurt or cheese. I will miss my yogurt with granola…I’m not saying I’ll never go back to that, but for a true “test“, I am going to give up all animal foods for at least one month.

I did go to a class this past weekend that certified me to teach how to prepare raw vegan foods…So I will start including that in all my nutritional classes.

I would like to encourage everyone to start including more uncooked foods in their daily food plans. By including large salads, smoothies, and including fruit in your day would alone be a huge improvement.

In the next few days I’ll post why I think we should include more raw in our day…

Blessings,
Cindylee

Good friends and fresh air...healthy living.

2009-11-21T09:45:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like a good day outside playing with a best friend and using your imagination.

I'm not sure if it was influenced by that movie, Where the Wildthings Are...or not, but that's what it reminds me of. To bad though, it's a bit too low for me to crawl around in..

The sun was facing me when I took these pictures, I'll have to take some more when the sun is down further, behind the trees. That wood is our fire wood, and he got limbs off the poplar trees that grow like weeds. Then he laid brush ontop. My favorite part is his doorway...how he stacked the wood around the tire...so cool.

I guess he has inspired me to be creative today, I'm going to get out my oil paints and canvas...that I won't share, lol. Or maybe I'll work some more on my daughters blanket, I'm knitting her....we'll see, if I can come up with anything to put on canvas.

On the topic of food...I'm just juicing today. But I've got some good recipes I'll be making in the next few days. So stay tuned....

I'll have mostly a carrot based juice today, with beets, apples, celery, parsley...some combinations or a little of all. And lots of water...which I'm behind on drinking today.

May you all have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones!

2009-11-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Quinoa pronounced Keen-wah is a fast and easy meal...And after the food co-op and other errands today, I didn't have time to think ahead for dinner. Jacob and I ate a late lunch so we didn't really want a heavy dinner.
I made this easy quinoa salad:

Those little round chips on the side, I bought through the food co-op that I'm in. They are a yummy little chip called Goraw, pumpkin "super" chips. They are a live food, with no wheat, gluten or nuts. Very good.

Here is the Quinoa Salad Recipe

Quinoa Salad Ingredients:
•1 cup quinoa
•1 1/2 cups cold water
•1/2 tsp salt
•1 cup snow peas
•1 - 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin
•1/2 green diced
•1 medium ripe tomato
•1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
•1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil
•1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted sunflower seeds or toasted cashews
I used soaked pinenuts, soaked goji berries, and soaked pumpkin seeds
•Options: Chopped scallions, dried unsweetened cranberries, raisins or apricots, Greek olives, minced jalapeno pepper, fresh mint
Dressing:
•2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
•1/4 cup olive oil
•1/2 tsp salt
•Fresh ground pepper

Quinoa Salad Directions
1.The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated if you like
2.Soak the quinoa 15 minutes in cold water
3.Rinse thoroughly, pour off most of the water and drain through a large fine mesh strainer
4.Place in 2 qt pot with the water, salt and oil
5.Bring to a boil
6.Turn the heat down to very low, cover and cook for 15 minutes
7.Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with lid on
8.Fluff gently with a fork and set aside to cool. Setting the pan in a sink full of cold water cools quickly
10.Chop the tomatoes, herb and cucumber
11.Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk or shake in a jar
12.Gently combine veggies, walnuts, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
13.Cover and chill

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Helpful Quinoa Hints:
•Quinoa has high oil content, so should be stored in the fridge or freezer to avoid becoming rancid
•A tight fitting lid is essential for even quinoa cooking
•Quinoa is coated with saponin, which will give it a bitter taste unless you rinse it a couple of times. Those tiny flaky bits in the rinse water are the saponin
•Because of its high protein content, quinoa is a satisfying meal with a few nuts and veggies added

Quinoa Nutrition: With the most complete nutrition and highest protein content of any grain, quinoa is an ideal food for vegetarians and vegans, a good source of vitamins and minerals - iron, magnesium, Vit E, potassium, amino acids, and fiber.

2009-11-19T05:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

Yesterday was a good day to stay inside and get a few things that needed done .... I finally broke down and made a fire, just to take the chill out of the house. That always seems so comfy and cozy. I spent some time sewing, reading, laundry and well, it was just a nice day....

I did try a new method, for baking.....well it's not new, but new for me. I've been reading about it for awhile but finally jumped in and tried it. The process is soaking your flour before you bake with it. The reason you do this, it helps breakdown the phytic acid. Phytic acid is found in the bran of the wheat, and it blocks the absorption of important minerals, like calcium and zink. Another reason, for soaking or sprouting the grain, is it activates the enzymes that are so nutritious. We want all the nutrition we can get, right? There are some studies suggesting that if after awhile of eating whole grains that haven't been soaked, sprouted or fermented, it will cause digestive problems..and you all know how I feel about that!

It turns out that every human culture has been soaking, sprouting, and fermenting grains for thousands of years. I have so much to learn about this but I knew it was time to give it a try. I was afraid that the time waiting or preparing would be a problem for me. I have to fit baking in when I can...so most of the time it's a spontanious activity for me. But after doing it, I can see how easy this could be if you started the soaking for the muffins the evening before, left the flour soaking on the counter and continued in the morning...

Ok..here is the recipe I used with the adaptions that I made for soaking the grains.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries and Walnuts
2 1/2 C. whole wheat flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 C. pumpkin puree
2 T. oil I used olive oil
3/4 C. honey
2 eggs
2/3 C. buttermilk made my own with milk and lemon juice
1 t. vanilla
1/2 C. sweetened dried cranberries (like Craisins)
1/2 C. chopped walnuts

I first ground my fresh soft wheat and stirred in the buttermilk to start the soaking process. I honestly didn't think it was going to work, because it was like a dough..not really "soaking" like I thought.
I let it sit for about 10 hours in the microwave with a towel over it.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a standard size 12 cup muffin tin

Now it was time to mix the wet ingredients, I just added everything into my blender and including the baking soda, powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Then I added that to the flour. It was not easy stirring, so I got out my handmixer, which I thought was a no no for making muffins, but I saw that stirring it was not going to work, so I gave it a try and it did work. The batter was now lumpy but mixed as far as I could tell. Then I added in the nuts and cranberries.

Divide batter evenly between 12 standard sized muffin cups. Bake 20-23 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven. Muffins are done when they spring back lightly to the touch or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

I was really curious how they would turn out...take a look:

Then I iced one with a pumpkin and maple syrup icing I made using silken tofu...

So there it is...I did it, I soaked the flour before I baked it. It was interesting I'll admit...but they came out great. They were so moist... I will use this method for now on. I'm not sure how I'll use it in my bread making...but that will be next week....I don't know, maybe, we'll see....I'll let you know.

2009-11-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

All I can say is "UGH"!!!

This is disceptive!...The FDA tells us we can't make a claim that Vitamin D will help you against the Swine Flu, and there is proof of this, .... but yet, it's ok for Kelloggs to use lies like this and the FDA allows it...

How many mothers will buy this food thinking they are feeding their kids something healthy? It's nothing but a highly processed food that's loaded with sugar, trans-fat, high fructose corn syrup and BHT! The nutrient's they claim that are in it are added in. They are not even recognized by the human body as nutrients.

Here read the ingredients yourself:

RICE, SUGAR, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE, ANHYDROUS DEXTROSE), PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL (ONE OR MORE OF: COCONUT, SOYBEAN AND/OR COTTONSEED), SALT, MALT FLAVORING, CALCIUM CARBONATE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, ASCORBIC ACID AND SODIUM ASCORBATE (VITAMIN C), IRON, ALPHA TOCOPHEROL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), NIACINAMIDE, ZINC OXIDE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B1), FOLIC ACID, BHT (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN D, VITAMIN B12. LESS THAN 0.5g TRANS FAT PER SERVING

What is BHT?

BHA and BHT, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) are used similarly to propyl gallate-- to keep fats and oils from going rancid. Used commonly in cereals, chewing gums, vegetable oil and potatoe chips ( also in some food packaging to preserve freshness ) these additives have been found by some studies to cause cancer in rats. If a brand you commonly buy uses these additives, look for a different variety as not all manufacturers use them.

How can Kelloggs sleep at night....?

2009-11-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

Green Smoothie...

Well, here is a picture of how I start most all my mornings... I may not get it first thing in the morning, but everyday I have one.

When I awake, first thing I do is have a glass of filtered water. What I'm doing is breaking my fast...hince Breakfast. Then I'll have another glass of warmed water with lemon juice and maple syrup. Sometimes it's Apple Cider Vinegar and maple syrup. Then when it's time for the boys to be eating I have my green smoothie. Or I may have it for lunch, which is what I'm doing now. I had yogurt, fresh strawberries and granola, this morning with the boys.

My smoothie is 1 banana, 1 persimmon, 2 handfuls of baby spinach, water and ice...... Delicious...really!! But I like green..one of my favorite colors.

Some of you were asking me what toothpaste I used. Lately, I've been very happy with Eco-Dent, daily care tooth powder. No SLS or Fluoride!

Have a good day!
Cindylee

This is fantastic...!!

2009-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have the whole version of this and it's fantastic!

Monday...back to working out 5 days a week...

2009-11-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

I can feel the lack of exercise....I feel just blah, I tell you, just blah! With the rain we've had the last month, and my schedule got even handed some more responsibilities with Brad back to work, that I didn't have the time to go run. SO....to save my mind, my health and my kids, I'm committed to start running again...the normal 5 days a week.

Today, I started back...I didn't run at the park, like I normally do, I ran on the treadmill at BodyPlex for 30 minutes. It felt ok...but today is so beautiful out that, I'm heading to the park to take a short run...maybe easy miles...no hills. I'm going to go get me a glass of water while I finish this up, then out the door I go. It's amazing the energy that exercise can give you for the intire day...I always feel so alive after I exercise. Like I got a shot of liquid energy!!

Ok, heres what I had for lunch...I know the picture looks pretty bad....I'm not a great photographer, but I always like reading and seeing what other health bloggers have. I thought others might like it as well....I don't know, why do I like that?

I had left over tortillias I made last Thursday, so I cut them into little triangles, brushed some olive oil on them and sprinkled some garlic salt on them, and in the oven they went for a few minutes to get crisp like a chip. (350 about 10-15 min) I had also some guacamoli leftover and I made hummus last night, and some organic peanut butter. I'm out of almond butter, boohoo ....so for lunch this is what we had:

Those round crackers are flax crackers, I bought yesterday.....Mary's Gone Crackers original flavor. I like them, and until I can master making my own, these will do. That's what I'll be working on later this week...

For dinner tonight, I need something fast, so I'm making brown rice in the rice cooker, then warming up some pinto beans in the skillet with some tomatoes and onions, Mexican style spices and serving them over the rice, garnished with fresh tomatoes and advocado's. And salad on the side of course....!

Oats and Sweet Potatoe Bars

2009-11-16T03:33:00.001-08:00

I tried these for the first time yesterday morning. It was a fairly easy recipe, and pretty quick if you have a leftover sweet potatoe cooked. I didn't so I had to wait for them to bake before I could start, which really doesn't take that long.

Although the bars are not a "sweet" treat...they are good and healthy. You could add more sweetener if you wanted them to be more like a dessert type bar. Since we've been eating less sugary snacks at home, and eating more healthier snacks our need for sweetness is less. Our taste buds and our mind-(plays such a big part) has accepted it, where as many of you starting out, may need to add more sweetener and gradually cut back, until you and your family have also lost that need. I'm thinking sucanat may add a nice flavor to these or add more maple syrup. I also think I'd add a bit more cinnamon the next time. I love that stuff..!

Here is the recipe:

2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 tsps cinnamon, divided
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil ... you could use canola oil or light olive oil
1/4 cup water
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

Steps: Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place sweet potatoes, maple syrup and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a food processor or I used my blendtec and mix until smooth. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix oats, nuts, flour and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. (next time I'm adding more)Set aside.

In another bowl, mix oil, maple syrup and water and then add to dry ingredients. Divide this dough in half.

Oil an 8X8 baking dish and press half of the dough in the bottom. Spread the sweet potatoe mixture over the dough evenly. Then crumble the left over dough over the top of the sweet potatoe and then gently press down.

Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let cool before serving....I stored mine in the fridge overnight and it will be for breakfast this morning with a smoothie.

In the bars you get a good amount of fiber, protein, good fats, vitamins like A, B-6, E, C, calcium, iron, zinc...and many others.

Rich Carob Mousse with Strawberries and Cashew Cream

2009-11-14T10:44:00.001-08:00

Oh my! This will satisfy that need for chocolate!! And you won't believe whats in it....

I didn't have pretty parfait glasses or even wine glasses to layer the mousse, strawberries and the cream in, but this will do....and it sure didn't take away from the taste.

This is a raw vegan dessert...no dairy in it! No cooking! Really pretty simple.... I actually made two, this morning. I wanted to see if I could tell the difference between carob and 100% cacao powder...and well, yes there is a difference, but I like carob, so I didn't have a favorite between the two. My 15yr old liked the cacao one better...my 8yr hasn't had any yet, to busy playing with a friend, outside in this beautiful weather!... When he comes in for a snack, I sure won't tell him whats in it...lol. Oooo, I wonder if I could make a frozen pudding pop out of the mousse?

For the mousse I added in my Blendtec blender:

2 avocados
1 small banana
1 cup carob powder or cacao powder
1 cup pitted dates or you could use 1/2 cup agave
1 cup filtered water
1 Tbls coconut oil
1 tsp organic vanilla

Blend till smooth and creamy! I tasted the avocado and banana blend first because I had seen a recipe called banana-avo pudding, using these two fruits, but more banana...and yes that would work! I can see that happening later this week. Even for breakfast with a bit of granola on top.

Cashew Cream

In the blendtec went:
2 cups raw cashews
enough water to cover then a bit more
1-2 tsp of agave
1 tsp organic vanilla

Blend till smooth and creamy! Layer the mousse, strawberries and cream in parfait glasses or do as I did. I used a glass baking pan, spread the cream over the mousse, then ran a toothpick through it to make that swirly design..then topped with strawberries. I could have also used bananas or any other fruit that you like to pair up with chocolate. And chocolate it is!!

Cashew cream is used in many cream based vegan dishes...one is a creamy tomatoe sauce I make for over my zucchinni pasta... the uses are endless really. I bet you'll be seeing me use it often.

Whole Wheat Pizza

2009-11-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Friday Night Pizza and a movie...
For last nights pizza I used this recipe for the crust:

3 cups freshly ground wheat...1/2 hard white and 1/2 soft white
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup and 2 tbls of water
2 Tbls of olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 Tsp agave
2 1/2 tsp yeast

Mixed all ingredients by hand and worked into kneading for appx. 5 minutes. Placed in greased bowl for about an hour to double in size.
Took out and divided into two pieces. Let Jacob make his own pizza. We rolled them both out and placed on pizza stones. Covered with tomatoe sauce that I made into pizza sauce with herbs, and then topped with onions, tomatoes, spinach and black olives...and raw mozzerela cheeze. Yum!