Green Boot Girl

Green Boot Living

2012-02-05T22:50:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I am moving my blog over to another site. Please click http://GreenBootLiving.com to keep following me. Thanks for understanding!

Top 10 Probiotic Foods

2012-02-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

1. Amasai- Contains over 30 live probiotic cultures, and this cultured beverage also contains pre-digested proteins that make it highly digestible. Amasai does not allow any abnormal bacteria to thrive in the digestive tract.
2. Really Raw Cheese- A source of probiotics and nutrients. With its portability, ease of storage, and calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, raw cheese is an awesome probiotic rich food.
3. Cultured Whey- Which can be found in Suero Viv, contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotic microorganisms.
4. Cultured Veggies- such as kimchi, organic soy sauce, and properly prepared sauerkraut, add spice and vigor to meals.
5. Kvass- A Russian staple of refreshment for centuries, has a malty taste with a sweet finish and light sparkle. This probiotic beverage of the first rank is slowly finding its way into health food stores across America. Nourishing Traditions Cookbook has a great recipe for Kvass.
6. Natto- A fermented soy bean paste with an unappetizing smell, is full of Bacilus subtilis spores as well as other wonderful probiotic nutrients. You'll have to shop at Asian markets or other well stocked natural food stores.
7. Probiotic Salsa- may resemble commercial salsa, but that is where the similarity ends. Rejuvenative Foods makes Jordan's favorite salsa.
8. Kefir- A probiotic fermented milk drink made by kefir grains. This beverage led to Jordan's health comeback after he was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease
9. Kombucha- Also from Russia, more widely known. Fizzy fermented beverage is made from black or green tea and a fungus culture.
10. Yogurt- Deserves to be on any Top 10 list, especially if you can find sheep's milk or goat's milk yogurt.

By Jordan Rubin p 88 of Live Beyond Organic.
My goal is to eat a serving of a probiotic food/beverage with each meal. I usually hit this goal pretty easily. I think I am "overeating" when it comes to probiotics- which of course is a good thing. I used to take probiotic capsules that are VERY expensive, but now I consume my probiotics with my meals. It saves me money and it is much healthier this way. There are amazing sources of healthy probiotics in many foods. Go give them a try if you haven't already. You will feel better and stay well!

Oh Sicky

2012-01-31T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well my husband has caught the flu this week. The interesting thing is that he is the only one in the house that is sick. Myself and the boys are doing sequential homeopathy each month. Maybe that is the difference. Right now Grant and Garrett are going thru the Miasms. Grant is clearing the Tuberculium Miasm and Garrett is just starting his first round and he is clearing the Psora Miasm. Psora is the first miasm. This is the miasm of the skin. If u want to learn more about this- u can check out http://www.homeopathy.com/ . Our practitioner is Rudi and he is awesome. The boys are doing great. Which is why it is strange that my husband has come down with the flu. Usually the parents get it from the kids, not the other way around. It is a bad case, but an easy flu to treat because the symptoms are so severe. The more specific the better.
Bones Breaking= Eupatorium P. is known for prompt manner in which it relieves pain in limbs and muscles that accompanies influenza
Fever= Belladona is always associated with hot, red skin, restless sleep (he got up all thru the night making noises
Sore throat radiating to the ears/ really bad breath =Mercurius Solubilis
Sharp Pain in neck/ stiff= Bryonia
Needs a pick me up/ better but can't get over the hump= Gelsemium. This remedy is my favorite. We are out so I need to go pick some up tomorrow.
The flu is so easy to treat naturally. If u have any flu questions. Send them my way! Stay healthy.

Key nutrients for brain development

2012-01-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Vitamin A- Cod liver oil; liver, butter and egg yolks
Vitamin D- Cod liver oil, shellfish; lard, butter and egg yolks

Choline- Cod liver oil; egg yolks from grass-fed animals

DHA- Cod liver oil; liver, butter, and egg yolks

Zinc- Red meat of grass-fed animals, shellfish

Tryptophan- Meat of grass-fed animals

Cholesterol- Seafood; dairy foods, eggs and meat of grass-fed animals

This article is about how we can eat well but still be malnourished. Here is the article. Everyone should go check it out. A lot of these important nutrients are only found in meat, seafood, and dairy products. The key is that these animals are grass-fed. It is important that the nutrients from the grass are part of the diet of the animals: cows and chickens (seafood should be wild). Then the eggs, meat, and dairy are fully packed with with vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin A only occurs in animal foods. Babies and growing children right up to age 18 need more vitamin A in their diet as a function of body weight than adults do. You can give a baby as much or more cod liver oil on a body-weight basis as an adult. It is fine because they really need that vitamin A. The books on infant feeding back in the 1930s and 1940s recommended 2 teaspoons of cod liver oil per day for infants over 3 months old. Vitamin A is an important part of our families diet. Make sure it is part of yours!

Seuro Viv Cleanses the Body

2012-01-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

We love Suero Viv in our home. I started to drink 2 a day and within 4 days I had lost 2 pounds. The weight I lost was water weight and excess fluid retention. I look and feel great. Most Americans are Potassium deficient which is the mineral that is needed to help the body rid itself of the excess salt/sodium/ fluid in the tissues. Anywhere there is extra "blubber" or cellulite there is also extra sodium . It is not about consuming less salt to solve this problem. It is all about consuming more potassium. Now you can go out and buy lots of Potassium supplements to take each day, or you can consume this amazing electrolyte beverage that is packed with Potassium and other important minerals. Here is a quick list of some of the other great benefits of Suero Viv. You can check out the product here.

Benefits of Suero Viv

Regenerates the intestinal flora

· Eliminates excess fluid from tissues

· Powerful anti-microbial properties

· Powerful anti-oxidant concentrates

· Enhanced circulation

· Reduce muscle spasms

· Mega-doses of electrolytes

· Promotes stable blood sugar

· Enhance fat metabolism

Constitutional Remedies

2012-01-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

I have been reading up on constitutional remedies lately in a book called, "The Homeopathic Treatment of Children- Pediatric Constitutional Types" by Paul Herscu N.D. For those that are wondering what in the heck is a constitutional remedy...let me explain. "A constitutional remedy is a remedy that works on a deep cellular level to bring the body and emotions back to a state of health and balance. By doing so it makes the whole system more resistant to disease. To find your constitutional remedy you will need to see a trained homeopathic physician. They will ask you many questions, some may seem irrelevant. Constitutional remedies are deep and long acting. Many people find that it is useful to get a "constitutional tune-up" once a year or at the change of the seasons" from here.
In this book, this doctor describes in detail the different constitutional types for children. Over many years of practice, 80% of his patients fall into 8 categories/remedies (6 of which I am going to cover): Calcarea Carbonica, Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, and Sulphur. The funny thing is that Grant and I have the constitution Silica (which is not listed here, but is a very close resemblance to Pulsatilla). Garrett is my Sulphur child.
Here is a brief summary of each.
1. Calc Carb - These are healthy children with strong personalities that lead to strong wills, obstinacy, and independence. They tend to be plodders and have delayed mental development. They fear insects, scary stories, and ghosts; they are fascinated with the supernatural.
2. Lyc- These children have two aspects: an anxious, insecure, indecisive side that makes them seem weak; and an irritable, bossy side that makes them seem tyrannical. It is the interplay of these two aspects that gives the major clue to this remedy. They fear strangers, failing, being in the doctors office- all fears are better if an adult is present. Dyslexia is common.
3. Nat Mur- These are perfectionistic, introverted children who are well groomed, self- conscious, and fearful of ridicule. They feel sadness deeply, become depressed, and blame themselves for any disaster that befalls the family. They refuse consolation.
4. Phos- These are friendly, good natured, extroverted, excitable children. They complain of many fears, especially of the dark, thunderstorms, insects, their family's well-being, and an ominous, unknown something that will "get" them. All complaints are ameliorated by consolation. I have a nephew that fits this constitution exactly.
5. Puls- These are mild, timid, pleasant, clingy children whose emotions rule them. They undergo vast mood changes and especially exhibit weepiness. They fear abandonment and are jealous of younger siblings. These states are ameliorated by consolation.
6. Sul- These are extroverted curious children. They tend to be leaders and are independent and perhaps haughty. Occasionally they become hyperactive and break all the rules of the house. Activities are done with exuberance and tireless fun. They can become lazy and procrastinate. The cerebral type is shyer and neater, though still haughty. They fear heights.

These summaries are meant as an aid to beginners...like myself. We use a homeopathic doctor and I give my boys their constitutional remedies often- like today. And boy do I notice a difference- a positive one!! They are each less emotional, less crying, less complaining, less fighting. Of course, these remedies help with lingering illnesses. Cleared up Garrett's slight wet cough. Today was a great day thanks to Puls 1M and Sul 1M.

Top 10 facts about Monsanto

2012-01-23T06:16:00.000-08:00

1. No GMO laws in the USA
2. Inadequate FDA/USDA safety testing
3. Puts small farmers out of Business
4. Products pollute the developing world
5. Monsanto blocks government regulation
6. Guilty of false advertising and scientific fraud
7. Consumers reject bovine growth hormone rBGH in milk
8. GMO crops do not increase yields
9. Monsanto crops control the US soy market
10. Crops cause new allergies
Article from here.
The most disturbing part of this list is the #1 thing. We should have laws regulating GMO use in the United States. It is hard to believe that a country like ours is behind on something so important. I guess when you factor in all the money Monsanto makes, the picture becomes a little clearer. There may be a reason there are no laws regulating GMO uses in the USA. I hope this changes very soon.

Arnica is Amazing

2012-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Arnica is the #1 best selling homeopathic remedy in the world and my favorite all- round remedy.

Physical shock and trauma - Especially helpful after the classic shock response after an accident or severe emotional upset. The person insists, “I’m fine, really. Leave me alone.” When they clearly aren’t fine at all. Really don’t want to be touched or fussed over.
Head Injuries-  Reduces complication risks following a blow to the head. Reduces pain and swelling. Remember to seek trusted medical help, too.
Bruises-  Take it and watch your lumps and bumps disappear, almost before your eyes.
Post childbirth-  Will dramatically reduce recovery times, take as you would a painkiller, repeating as needed. I used Arnica post delivery of my second son and I had a much faster recovery even though I needed more stitches.
Exhaustion and fatigue -Ideal for when you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do! Of course it’s cheating and you will have to rest up later, but if you really must keep going take Arnica. Tour de France cyclists swear by it and so do women in labour.
Recover from Jet lag -Take Arnica for second wind and you can keep awake long enough to get onto local time.

Amasai Addiction

2012-01-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

We have had our fair share of healthy yogurt, kefir, and fermented dairy products around this house. My son that is 2 years old drinks about 20 ounces of drinkable yogurt a day. We have a range of "yogurts" that he has been drinking since he was 2 months old. Maybe that is why is is so healthy and strong. He first started off on plain raw goat kefir at about 8 weeks old. Then he moved up to drinkable raw cow milk yogurt at 4 months old and he has been chugging ever since. Today we do a little of everything. I find the healthiest and best products available, usually from farms or co-ops and that is what my son drinks. When I found out about Beyond Organic I was so thrilled! Really- I wanted to make an order that day :) I have always had to go straight to the farm for my products or make them at home. I read over Jordan Rubin's standards for Beyond Organic and I couldn't believe what I was reading. He is doing things that most grass-fed/organic farmers don't even do. Many of the well known organic brands in the health food store (that I buy when I am in a hurry) do not even compare to Beyond Organic standards. You will get the idea when you learn more about why Amasai is unique.

1. The Cattle – Before he invested in the first blade of grass, Jordan researched the genetic traits of specific breeds of cattle. What he found was a breed of cattle that carried a genetic trait that made their milk protein more digestible. Never one for half measures, Jordan meticulously tested every cow he intended to purchase and only bought ones that carried this genetic trait.    

2. What the Cattle Eat – Great milk comes from great pastures. At Beyond Organic, we’ve spent years getting our pastures ready, from planting to irrigation to growing. Because our cows are only allowed to feed on the grasses, herbs, legumes and forbs growing out of the ground, we place great emphasis on soil regeneration—naturally. This means NEVER using pesticides, herbicides or fungicides on our certified organic land and NEVER using chemical medicines such as antibiotics or hormones on our animals. 

3. The Fat – Early feedback from Amasai fans says that people are surprised by two things: how much they crave Amasai and how much it satiates their appetite. This is due to the fact that Amasai is a “true whole milk” cultured dairy beverage. The fat from our GreenFed cattle is not good fat—it’s GREAT fat. We never skim the fat from the milk that our cows produce.  

4. The Culturing Process – Unlike every other cultured dairy product available for sale, Amasai uses over 30 probiotic organisms to culture the milk. This leads to a more diverse set of beneficial bacteria that help provide you the abundant heath you crave.

They didn't even list a huge factor for me...which is convenience. I know this may not be important to everyone, but like I said we go through about 120 ounces of yogurt a week. That is a lot. It is so nice to have it delivered to my house!

Yes, Amasai is unique and different. But I am most impressed with Jordan Rubin. He is very unique and different. He is on a mission to help everyone have access to healthy and real foods that nourish and strengthen the body. Someone at his level of success is taking the time to help everyone, even people like me who are just trying to get the best quality food to our children. Thanks Jordan Rubin.

Check out Amasai here.

Processed Meat and Cancer

2012-01-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend was very busy. I was babysitting a nephew of mine while my brother and sister-in law moved. I was a little tired on Saturday night so I sent my husband to the grocery store with the 2 boys. I made a little list for him, but I knew he would take this shopping freedom and deviate from my organic items. He came home with a frozen pizza, bacon, roast beef, and some deli turkey. He also snuck in a bag of Doritos. After he ate the pizza and Doritos he had to go into work. He said that he felt terrible and couldn't focus. I felt bad for him, but I was not surprised. I had a bite of the pizza and my throat started hurting within a few minutes. I also had a headache the rest of the afternoon. No amount of Suero Viv could undo the damage :) Lately we have really cut back on deli meat consumption. It is not really healthy. Of course, a turkey sandwich is better than McDonald's, but we are trying to eat more whole foods for lunch. I think this is the hardest meal to not take shortcuts on. I love sandwiches!! We do still eat sandwiches when I make homemade chicken salad or a raw cheddar cheese melt. These are some great alternatives to deli meat. Here is an article that associates the consumption of processed meats with pancreatic cancer. Go check it out. This is serious stuff.

Buy Organic Whole Foods here.

Best Flu Remedies

2012-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

If you want to try some more natural flu remedies this year- keep reading. People with the flu complain of fever, chills, headache, fatigue, aching muscles and joints, sore throat, and cough. There is less nasal secretion and more fatigue than with the common cold. Flu sufferers often feel "wiped out" and just want to stay in bed. Some influenza has a gastrointestinal component with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Gelsemium is the # 1 remedy to think of with the typical flu symptoms: tremendous aching, no thirst, a low grade fever (100/101) with chills running up and down the back and clamminess rather than sweating, tremendous lethargy and sleepiness, no energy to talk or open the eyes.
Baptisia looks like Gelsemium but it's much worse--people look and feel very sick. The temperature is higher, the face is a flushed - typically is a dark red (not pale), the pains are severe, there's an intense thirst with profuse sweating, typically the breath and sweat smell bad. The lethargy and sleepiness are so extreme people will fall asleep in the middle of a sentence.
If extreme chilliness predominates then think of Arsenicum or Nux vomica.
Bryonia- if a painful cough develops.
If a low grade fever goes on for longer than 2 or 3 days think of Ferrum phosphoric.
These homeopathic suggestions come from Miranda Castro. She is a very popular homeopathic doctor that practices in Florida.

One remedy that is not mentioned that I like to have on hand also, is Eupatorium. This remedy is given when there is deep aching in the muscles and bones- feels like the bones are broken. If you can believe it this flu bug went through our family last year. I remember laying in bed feeling like my legs were broken. I had never felt such intense leg pain before in my life. It was horrible. I will never forget to pick up this remedy during the flu season! You can pick up all these remedies at your local health food store. Stay safe and healthy this season.

Why whey?

2012-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

Click to read the full article here.

The Healing Properties of Whey

Whey has numerous healing properties. It's healing action works in multiple fashions. It acts on the intestines, liver, and kidneys, while encouraging assimilatory and eliminatory functions.

Whey is a quite gentle laxative. It is effective in the case of intestinal sluggishness as well for both occasional and chronic constipation. It has even sometimes provided excellent results in cases where the intestines have been exhausted by overuse of purges and harsh chemical laxatives.

By helping the intestinal flora regenerate, whey has a beneficial effect on the digestive process. When intestinal flora is partially destroyed or imbalanced, the transformation of food is poorly achieved, which can cause a number of chronic digestive disorders. Taking whey regularly can cure these problems and restore normal digestive function. Lactose is the nourishment of choice for the beneficial bacteria of intestinal floras, because it allows them to reproduce and multiply much more easily. It is therefore particularly useful to consume whey at times when the microorganisms of the intestinal flora have been destroyed, for example when antibiotics have been taken.

Bodily tissues hold a certain amount of fluids that are retained there by, among other things, the presence of salt. Consequently, there is a physiologically beneficial salt content in the body. In certain pathological situations, however, this content can increase, which naturally results in an increase of the amount of fluid that is held. Edemas will appear, often in the legs (particularly around the ankles), the hands (making it difficult to remove rings), and the eyelids. Because this additional water content has caused the tissues that make up the various organs to swell, numerous health problems can result, including high blood pressure, blood or lymphatic stasis, and organ congestion.
Taking whey, which is rich in potassium, is quite useful in these situations because potassium is the natural enemy of salt and expels it from the body along with the water it has retained. .
A large fluid elimination is one of he more visible and spectacular effects of the whey cure. The quantities of urine that are eliminated are clearly higher than the quantities of water ingested, especially when the individual has been retaining water.

The kidneys are among the main organs for the elimination of wastes and metabolic residues. They filter wastes out of the blood and eliminate them in a diluted form as urine. The kidneys are constantly working to maintain the composition of the blood as close to its ideal as possible. For various reasons however, this elimination can take place in an insufficient manner. Unable to exit the blood, the wastes collect in the body where they can cause various disorders. Gout, for example, is a disease caused by the presence of too much uric acid in the body, acid the kidneys should be eliminating. This disease is displayed by very painful crisis of acute arthritis, generally located in the big toe.
Other diseases caused by poor renal elimination include rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and some forms of eczema.
Blood analysis after whey cures confirms that the blood has rid itself of numerous wastes. This is also evident by the fact that the symptoms of diseases will diminish in intensity or disappear altogether.

This article is full of amazing facts. If only I had this information during both my pregnancies! I had the worst swelling right before labor and right after. I just hope that more and more people learn about the healing properties of whey. It is never to late to benefit from the healing properties of whey!

Check out Beyond Organic's Whey sports drink here.

Cooking vs Baking

2012-01-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

I must confess that I am not the best baker. I am great at cooking, but when it comes to baking I have not mastered it yet. I am always a little nervous when watching the oven timer go down. Some of these thoughts cross my mind- Did I get it right this time? Am I going to have to start over again? Is my husband going to like it? My husband is not easy to impress when it comes to baking. He comes from a long line of mastered bakers. His father is a great baker and so are most of his 8 sisters. For me, when it comes to baking it is still 50/50. Fifty percent of the time it will work out and fifty percent of the time it won't. I guess even when the outcome is not great- I can usually talk my four year old into eating some! He is is a great sport. One reason I love the Nourishing Traditions cookbook is that it keeps baking simple. Simple recipes. Simple healthy ingredients. Lots of room for improvement. The bread recipes are awesome and the dessert recipes are lower on sugar than what you may be used to, but very healthy and good.
Speaking of baking and sugar, this week I read an article about Girl Scout cookies being highly processed and unhealthy. Not a big surprise of course. This article highlighted the unhealthy ingredient list and really focused on the unhealthy hydrogenated fats that are used, which are terrible for your health and your brain. Nothing new. These are cookies coming from a box with many of the same ingredients you would find in Chips Ahoy or Oreos. You get what you see. What I did come across that was cool was the Original Girl Scout cookie recipe. I loved checking out this out! Here is the link. If you like thin mints then click here for a homemade thin mint recipe. Which was my all time favorite growing up. I remember being a girl scout for many years and eating Thin Mint cookies by the boxes. They were so addicting then and I bet they still are now! I think the original girl scouts had the right idea. They went around selling homemade cookies door to door. It is too bad that any idea (in the food industry) that starts out healthy or semi- healthy (they are cookies I guess) and makes it "BIG" ends up loosing it's healthy ingredients and replacing them for cheap highly processed ingredients. It is all about profits. Food can be made better and healthier, it just take more time and money. I guess that is not great for corporate America. This year make your own version of Girl Scout cookies and just donate money to the troop if you feel inclined. They will make more and your health will thank you!

Amasai 101

2012-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Just in case you are still on the fence about Beyond Organic's powerful probiotic drink- here is a little review: Amasai 101. What makes Amasai powerful? How powerful is it? How is Amasai made? Where does it come from? I love details. I need to know the facts about the healthy products I am consuming. Here are some of the facts about Amasai.

"Improved absorption of vitamins and minerals. Reduced cellular-level inflammation. Improved digestion. Better recovery after the use of antibiotics. Reduced rates of diarrhea. Improved immune response. Many Strains Of Amasi. Across Africa, people consume “amasi,” but the exact strain of the ferment varies from community to community. If you have made your own kefir you may realize that the specific kefir grains you are using have adapted over time and may even acquire some bacteria from your own kitchen, creating a unique cultured drink. This is basically what happens with amasi. Different micro-environments across Africa and different procedures for making and storing amasi lead to different strains of amass. There is no one dairy culture called “amasi” for this reason. However, amasi is recognized as being loaded with beneficial strains of lactobaccillus that have not only helped traditional African people maintain their health, it has also protected their milk from the growth of harmful bacteria. Many Names For Amasi. Many cultures in Africa call their fermented milk “amasi,’ though in Afrikaans it is apparently “maas.” Many Americans are generations past fermenting their milk in a gourd in their home. Some of us have embraced the practice once again and have counter tops full of fermenting foods. For those who are too busy or otherwise not interested in becoming a food fermenter, you still need rich probiotic foods to support your healthy. Beyond Organic Amasai And Beneficial Fats Omega 3 And CLA. One key benefit of Beyond Organic Amasai is that the cows themselves are essentially grass-fed. Beyond Organic has trademarked a term “Green-Fed” its focus is on feeding cows a diet that they were naturally designed to consume. The cows are on pasture but will likely also receive a diet of stored alfalfa and other feed as they weather the Missouri winters. Grass fed dairy products contain higher levels of the beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids and of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A cow on a diet with no pasture produces some CLA — about 50 milligrams in a tablespoon of butter, a cup of milk, or a tablespoon of cream. A cow on an exclusive diet of grass will produce about 250 milligrams of CLA in one tablespoon of butter, 200 milligrams in one cup of whole milk, and just under 150 milligrams in one tablespoon of cream. As a result, Beyond Organic Amasai is a powerful probiotic food, but it will also provide you with important beneficial fats."

Amasai has helped our family in so many ways. It is something great to grab when you are in a hurry. We use them for smoothies and other recipes often. My husband can easily take the bottles to work. He will be at work for 15 hours some days and knowing that he can still drink a strong cultured dairy beverage is comforting to me and very helpful to his digestive system. He does a lot of sitting and needs something very strong to keep his system regular. He has "bowels of steel", so if it helps him- it is a strong culture! Amasai has been awesome for our family so far! Try some today.

Bye Bye Sugar!

2012-01-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to fight the sugar fight today? It seems sugar is everywhere and in everything! If you have young children this can be a frustrating battle. Sugar haunts my family everyday....sugar at school, sugar in EVERY check out line, sugary sweets at Grandma's, sugar at church. It does make me a little crazy! Food that is processed and convenient is full of sugar. I do not have the standard pantry full of sweet snacks and cookies. If my kids eat cookies, muffins, or cake...we make them. We use organic cane sugar as a sweetener along with a more natural whole organic sugar that is unrefined and unbleached. It is called Rapunzel and you can buy it at your local health food store. It is still sweet, but much less than regular sugar. My goal is to decrease my family's sugar intake. When you increase healthy saturated fats (like raw milk, raw cheese, raw butter, coconut oil, grass-fed meat, etc) the sugar cravings decrease. I have noticed this with my kids. After I fill them up with a homemade dinner full of healthy fats they can not finish the cookie they were begging for before dinner. Their appetite it full thanks to the healthy fats and their sugar cravings lessen or disappear. This is not easy work. My four year old can eat A LOT of food some days. The most important step in this whole process is to make sure you stay ahead of the hunger. A child begging for a cookie is a child hungry and looking for a quick fix. Fill their little bellies with healthy fats and they will not grow up to be the standard american sugar addict.
Is sugar really that bad? Here are some sugar facts from the Weston A. Price Foundation:
~Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, lung, gallbladder and stomach.

~Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia.

~Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including an acidic digestive tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

~Sugar can interfere with your absorption of protein.

~Sugar can cause food allergies.

~Sugar contributes to obesity.

You can read the article on Zapping Sugar Cravings here. It is a great article that can help you get started.

If you want more information on healthy organic fats check out this link.

Sick Husband

2012-01-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

My husband did a little too much activity around the house over the weekend. He took on a huge garage renovation project and ended up flaring up his asthma and allergies. He hardly has any asthma issues in Florida, luckily. But when he does get his typical upper respiratory issues I have two awesome remedies on hand always - Apo Pulm and Bronchi Pertu. But this time I am out!!! I am so upset, I went ahead and ordered them but they will take a few days to get here. So until then I have been using an Upper Respiratory Remedy from here. It is working pretty good, but the others are amazing and work fast! I guess I just have to wait it out. Other things I am using for now: lots of Vitamin C, Fermented Cod liver oil, homemade chicken broth, Gelsemium, Belladona, and a random Night time Homeopathic cough syrup. He is doing very well.

Here is a picture of his lunch- rice/ chicken broth. Luckily I had some ready to go. Sick husbands are never fun!

My update- He is almost 100% percent better today. Looks like my 2nd choice remedies helped him after all!

"Year of Arnica"

2011-12-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

Arnica is one of my most needed remedies in the house. I have very active little boys. My 2 year old is more of a dare devil than my 4 year old. Either way, we have accidents happening all the time. Sometimes I am even at the painful end of the accident. I have become somewhat of a body wrestler lately. I can quickly dodge a punch or body slam from my oversized toddler. This year has been my "Year of Arnica". Not a bad thing, but hoping for less bruises and sprains in 2012!
Kaley- rib fracture (from Garrett)
Garrett- sprained ankle, fractured foot
Grant- just some bruises and bumps
If you have an active or strong toddler please invest in Arnica 30C at your nearest health food store.

Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, joint pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling from broken bones.

Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or injury.

Happy New Year!!!

Amasai Smoothie

2011-12-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

I made the best Amasai smoothie today and wanted to share the recipe. I basically just added things I already had in the kitchen. It turned out really good. I love unplanned kitchen successes.

1/2 bottle Raspberry Amasai
1 cup frozen organic Mango
5 pieces of Ice
2 small organic bananas
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Throw it all in a blender and press go! It was delicious! I will be making these a lot more often even though it is winter. The mango really gave it a great flavor. You may be surprised at how creative you can be with smoothies. Experiment a little!

Click here to check out the amazing Amasai that has 30 cultured probiotics (5 times what you can find in a regular or even organic yogurt)

Cooking is my therapy

2011-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

I tell people all the time that cooking is my form of therapy. People think that I am kidding, but really I am not! After a few hectic days at my parents house for the holidays I was in need of some major cooking "therapy". Since coming home this week I have gone on a cooking extravaganza. It seems like each day I am making new and healthy dishes. Through this process I am starting to feel better again. When I cook I express my own creativity (which by the way is not very much :). Cooking also helps me "vent" out my frustrations with life. I don't always like complaining about my problems to others, but I definitely like complaining to my kitchen. It sure did take a beating this week. In the end, I am just glad that I have found a way to turn my negative energy into positive energy. Isn't that what life is all about? Thank goodness the walls of my kitchen can't talk.
Are you using your kitchen enough?

Hummus Recipe- NT

2011-12-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hummus Recipe from Nourishing Traditions (Makes 2 cups)

2 cups basic chickpeas cooked
3 cloves garlic mashed
1 Tablespoon expeller-expressed flax oil
1/2 fresh lemon juice
salt to taste
pinch of cayenne pepper
(I add 1/2 cup of raw yogurt)

Place cooked chickpeas in food processor (least amount of liquid as possible). Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth. The hummus should be creamy and not too thick. Add some cooking liquid if needs thinning. Serve with Pita Chips.

This is a favorite in our house. My husband was raised on hummus and pita chips. For him it is comfort food. I am just glad that he enjoys healthy comfort food :)

Why Raw milk?

2011-12-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

People are often shocked when I tell them our family drinks raw milk. There is a negative stigma associated with raw milk consumption. I remember feeling apprehensive when I first discovered grass-fed raw milk and dairy products 4 years ago. I was very nervous and unsure about the whole thing. I had a lot of fears. When I became educated on raw milk consumption, my fears went away. Most people that learn the truth about raw milk "convert" and never look back. Raw milk is worth the extra drive and the higher price. You get what you pay for... a high quality nutrient dense food. To this day I still have some immediate family members that make fun of me for my seemingly "strange" choices. I just smile and keep on making the best educated choices for my family's health. One of my favorite phrases when I was a teenager was "ignorance is bliss". As adults, ignorance is not bliss. We have no time to be ignorant and uneducated. We must know the facts and make the right choices about food consumption for our families. Here are some straightforward facts about raw milk.

Real Raw Milk: (it is important to get your raw milk from a licensed raw milk supplier/ or a dairy that employs safety and quality practices)
1. Is usually tolerated by those who are sickened by processed, store bought milk
2. Contains valuable natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, amino acids, and antibodies
3. Contains natural butterfat so the body can utilize vitamins and minerals. Full- fat milk reduces hunger.
4. Contains conjugated linoleic acid CLA which reduces body fat and fights disease. High Omega 3's and low Omega 6's are the correct balance for these essential fats.
5. Sours instead of putrifying and can be lacto-fermented to make nutrient dense probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sour cream, and buttermilk
6. Extremely Safe if properly prepared. Zero deaths reported in 14 years.

Check out www.realmilk.com for more information!

Pregnancy and diet

2011-12-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

I love having pregnant friends. I love babies and the beautiful process of pregnancy and birth. It seems like many of my friends are pregnant right now, so this is a little reminder about what they should try to include in their diet- if at all possible :) Diet is important before conception, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. It is necessary for the mother to eat healthy for her own body and the tiny little person that is developing inside her belly. Here is an article from The Weston A Price Foundation that helps to define what someone should and should not be eating during pregnancy and while nursing. It can be found here.
Cod Liver Oil to supply 20,000 IU vitamin A and 2000 IU vitamin D per day

1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows (learn more about raw milk on our website, A Campaign for Real Milk, www.realmilk.com)

4 tablespoons butter daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows

2 or more eggs daily, preferably from pastured chickens

Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc.

3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week (If you have been told to avoid liver for fear of getting "too much Vitamin A," be sure to read Vitamin A Saga)

Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish and fish eggs

Fresh beef or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat

Oily fish or lard daily, for vitamin D

2 tablespoons coconut oil daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.

Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages

Bone broths used in soups, stews and sauces

Soaked whole grains

Fresh vegetables and fruits

AVOID:

• Trans fatty acids (e.g., hydrogenated oils)

• Junk foods

• Commercial fried foods

• Sugar

• White flour

• Soft drinks

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Cigarettes

• Drugs (even prescription drugs)

Lunchables- #7 Worst Supermarket Food

2011-12-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

I found this interesting article on yahoo health today. The Top 10 Worst Supermarket Foods. You can read the article here. As I was scrolling through the list I was not that surprised with what was ranked. Then # 7 popped up and my stomach started to churn. Children's health and nutrition is one of my greatest concerns. From what we feed them at birth all the way up through school and even into adulthood. Nutrition is especially important when our kids are in school because they need whole real foods that are nourishing and healthy. Parents need to be educated enough on diet and nutrition to know that a lunchable is not an ideal meal. Here is what the writer has to say about this boxed food, "For all the heat school lunch programs have been taking lately, it's hard to imagine cafeteria slop being any worse than what's inside this box. The ingredient list reads like a college organic chemistry final, littered as it is with bizarre preservatives, fillers, sweeteners, and partially hydrogenated oil. The hardest part is deciding which part of the Lunchable is the worst: the sugary Capri Sun, the Nestle Crunch bar, or the neon-orange cheese goo. Isn't it worth an extra few minutes to make sure your children go off to school with the best possible food in their bags?"

Please pass by this food in the grocery store and take a few minutes to prepare a healthy snack/ lunch. It could be as simple as a slice of cheese on whole bread. My son will eat it up. Over time, the less junk you feed your kids the healthier they will want to eat. It does get easier, even for the picky eater. I have one of each...1 picky eater/ 1 non-picky eater. There is a difference.

Baked Chicken Recipe

2011-12-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

This is my baked chicken recipe. I have found that the type of oil you use on the chicken does make a big difference. Olive Oil just doesn't do the trick. It is great with Grape seed Oil.

1 organic/pastured chicken
1/2 cup grape seed oil
Pepper, Sea salt, garlic powder

Turn oven to 350 degrees. Hold chicken and rinse in the sink. Pull out any organs that may still be inside. Put chicken in baking pan. Add 1-2 cups water to baking pan. Pour grape seed oil over chicken. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your liking. Pop in the oven for 1 hour. I start checking at one hour- but it usually takes about an hour and a half. Use a meat thermometer and when it reaches 165 degrees it is finished. Take out and transfer to a plate. Use the leftover liquid for a marinade or cooking. So good!!! I am off to the kitchen :)

Importance of Protein

2011-12-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

I love Jordan Rubin's new book "Live Beyond Organic". It is both inspiring and informative. When I became a mission marketer I received amazing books and magazines written by him. I keep them right by my nightstand and read a little before I go to bed each night. He gets the big picture about diet and health. I feel like I am his biggest fan, but I am sure that every other member of this team feels exactly the same way.

He talks about the importance of protein in Chapter 4 titled Primary Protein. He states,"Protein ranks as the most important nutrient that your body needs- even more important than carbohydrates and fats. If you don't consume enough protein your body will wither and become very weak- so feeble that you wouldn't have the energy to even hold this book to read. Protein means "of primary importance" or "that which comes first". They are the essential building blocks of the body, the foundation that the body relies upon to transport oxygen, contract muscles, transport electrons, and replace tissues. Most muscles, organs, and hormones are comprised of protein. Since the human body does not store proteins for later use, as it does with carbs and fats, you have to continually replenish the body's stores by consuming various protein- containing foods."
What are the best, most effective sources of protein???
-Organically raised, pasture-fed cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, and venison
-Pastured poultry and eggs
-Cultured dairy products derived from cow's milk, goat's milk, and sheep's milk
- Wild caught fish