The Yogi Mami

Yogi Mami is Moving!

2014-01-03T12:32:00.001-08:00

With the growth of my blog over the past year I decided it was time to move from Blogger to Wordpress. Please follow me on my new page- http://yogimami.com/ to stay up to date on great articles, giveaways and lots more!

Thank you for your continued love and support and wishing much health and prosperity in 2014 and beyond!

Mom Approved Toys for Preschoolers and Kindergarten

2013-11-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

When ever holidays or birthdays approach I am always looking for toy ideas for my kids that are both fun and educational. I like to provide this list to family members so that we try to avoid ending up with too many toys that don't get played with. As a homeschooling family I want something that is functional but also something that will keep my kids attention. This post is a list of great toys for young children from infants thru 1st grade. A few of these my kids have and LOVE and the others are on our wish list.

Infants & Toddlers:

For gift ideas for young children, checkout this post by a great blog I follow, The Darling Bakers. The post shares great ideas for toys and activities for the first year and the toddler years.

Toys and Activities for Children's Early Years- The Darling Bakers

Preschool to Kindergarten:

Alphabet Bingo Games- Where to Buy
This is a great game for children ages 4-6. It teaches pre-kindergarten children up to 1st grade. It teaches them to recognize the alphabet.

Jax Ltd., Inc. Sequence Letters- Where to Buy
Intended for kids age 4-7. It's a great way to learn the alphabet and the sound each letter makes.

Learning Resources Sum Swamp Addition and Subtraction Game- Where to Buy
This is a great game to sharpen math skills and the basic operations of addition and subtraction for younger children and as practice for older children.

Melissa and Doug Abacus- Where to Buy
This activity is great for kids 3 and up. It helps to teach math skills, patterning and color recognition.

Melissa and Doug Pattern Block & Boards- Where to Buy
These colorful pattern boards are great for children 3+ and is a great way to learn about patterns and shapes.

Melissa and Doug See & Spell- Where to Buy
This activity is recommended for children ages 4-7. It contains 16 colorful pictures to learn spelling skills.

Melissa and Doug Geometric Stacker- Where to Buy
This durable wooden toy for kids 2 and up. It helps to build shape, color and size differentiation skills.

Plan Toys Preschool Sorting Board- Where To Buy
Perfect for kids age 2-5. This toy teaches colors, shapes and math concepts.

ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words- Where to Buy
For grades pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade. This game was developed by educators to teach sight recognition and of essential words.

ThinkFun What's Gnu- Where to Buy
This game is designed for kids age 5-8. It teaches word recognition, vocabulary building and reading.

Do you have any mom approved toys to add to the list? We would love for you to share!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Yoga Postures to Alleviate Pregnancy Discomforts and Prepare for Labor

2013-11-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

There is no denying the miraculous life experience of pregnancy and childbirth, however, there can be quite a bit of discomfort and anxiety involved for the expecting mother. In fact, it is one of the most physically demanding events of a woman’s life. There are many uncontrollable factors such as the size and positioning of the baby, the intensity of the contractions, and the amount of space in the pelvic girdle. Pregnancy brings along with it many symptoms such as headaches, morning sickness, joint pain and insomnia. While these elements can be out of the woman’s control there is a way that the mother-to-be can prepare to have an enjoyable pregnancy and manageable labor. Prenatal yoga offers expectant mothers spiritual, mental and physical comfort during both pregnancy and labor, which is beneficial on this life-changing journey. This article will discuss how prenatal yoga can be incorporated into a daily regimen to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Yoga During Pregnancy:

Practicing yoga everyday is preferred, but if not, at least 3 times a week to receive the most benefits. It is important to find the right practice whether it’s at a studio, gym, DVD or your personal home practice. Prenatal yoga helps to stretch the growing body, quiet the mind and help prepare for the demands of motherhood. Breathing and postures increase lung capacity, improve quality of sleep and help you to connect with your baby more deeply. While you many not want to work out during the first trimester due to morning sickness or being tired, practicing prenatal yoga can bring relief to many of the impinging symptoms that occur throughout the pregnancy. Modification of poses can be used throughout the pregnancy to adapt to the growing body.

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga During Labor:

Prenatal yoga helps to promote body awareness by teaching the individual how to go within and listen to the needs of the body. Yoga focuses on breathing (pranayama), postures (asanas) and meditation as a way to distinguish areas where tension is being held. Awareness of these areas allows the woman to release that tightness, letting the body open up and facilitate labor. When the body is stiff and rigid, it prevents labor from progressing smoothly. In addition, the deep connection with the body allows the women to rely less on medical thinking and more on the intuitive wisdom of the human body. Prenatal yoga during pregnancy offers countless benefits when it comes to relieving pregnancy discomforts and managing pain during childbirth.

Prenatal Yoga Postures To Alleviate Common Pregnancy Symptoms:

Balasana/Child’s Pose: Kneel on the floor, (use blankets as needed to support knees) touching your big toes and sitting back on your heels. Open your knees hip distance, or wider. Inhale through the nose bringing your arms over head, and during the exhale lower your torso down in between your knees and rest your forehead on the mat. Your arms are overhead resting on the floor. You also have the option to rest the head on a block, bolster or pillow for added support. Rest in this position as long as is comfortable. This pose is great for relieving headaches, morning sickness or heartburn simply by placing a bolster under the head and chest for extra support. It helps to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids and is great for preparing for a restful night sleep.

Cat/Cow: Start on your hands and knees in tabletop pose with your knees under your hips and your wrist, elbows and shoulders all in one line with head in a neutral position. Inhale, gazing up towards the sky and raising your sit bones toward the sky and letting your belly drop towards the floor. This is a great position in the 3^rd trimester as it creates a lot of space in the womb to give some relieve to mama and baby. On the exhale press your palms into the mat, tuck your neck and pelvis and round your back just like an angry cat. Flow through these two postures for 10-20 breathes each. This combination is great for stretching out the spine, releasing back tension and helping the baby to move off the sciatic nerve. Practicing this posture daily helps to move and keep the baby in an optimal birthing position.

Viparita Karani/Legs up the wall: This posture might take a little more effort, especially towards the end of your pregnancy, but I promise you it’s worth it! Find a spot near a wall and have a couple of folded blankets or a bolster/pillow to place under your hips. Lay on your back and swing your legs up onto the wall. You do not need to have your bottom all the way up against the wall. You can be at an angle. The important part is that your legs are elevated. This posture is useful for preventing and relieving hemorrhoids, swelling of the legs and feet and varicose veins. Practicing this posture before bed is helpful to promote restful sleep.

Supta Baddha Konasana/Reclined Bound Angle: Lay a bolster, or folded blanket in the middle of the mat. sit down at the end of the blanket and bring your feet to touch with your knees opening out to the side. Slowly lay back onto the bolster, or blanket making sure your head and neck is supported. Allow the pelvic region to sink into the mat, which will allow the hips to open up even more. It is beneficial to use a wall to hold your feet into place otherwise as you tend to settle into the posture your legs will begin to slide away from your body. You can also use a strap to hold the feet into place. This nurturing and restorative posture helps to relieve heartburn and morning sickness, as well as opening up the chest and relieving back tension. This posture can be held as long as is comfortable and even be used during meditation, or visualization sessions.

Baddha Konasana/Cobblers Pose: Sit with your legs extended out in front of you. You can sit on a block, or blankets if you have tight hips. Bend your knees, bringing the soles of the feet to touch and allowing your knees to drop out to the sides. Back is straight and you can rest your hands on your knees or you can bring your hands to prayer center. This posture is great for relieving sciatica and back pain. It stimulates the digestive system and relaxes the pelvic region. This posture should be practiced daily, especially for pregnant women who sit for long periods of time.

Breathing Exercises:

Breathing techniques are important to practice during pregnancy to help the body become familiar with conscious breathing when it is time for labor. During moments of stress our breathing typically becomes rapid and shallow resulting in less oxygen circulating through the body. In labor, breathing techniques calm the mind, bring fresh oxygenated blood to body/baby and provide energy. Taking the time to discipline the mind and body to breathe more efficiently is helpful in all aspects of life and improves overall well-being.

Deep Yogic breathing is deep, even inhalations through the nose and deep even exhalations through the nose. Deep breathing involves complete expansion and contraction of your lungs. This breath is used to replenish healing qualities that are needed to maintain harmony and balance. Being conscious to completely fill and empty the lungs while also paying attention to your facial muscles, making sure the muscles around the eyes and the jaw are relaxed. We carry stress in our face, hips and shoulders, so consciously relaxing one area tends to spread relaxation to those areas as well.

Cleansing breath follows the same principal as deep yogic breathing, but has a strong emphasis on the exhalation through the mouth instead of the nose. This breath is used to clear away tension, discomfort and negative thoughts and emotions. Bring your attention to those tense or negative feelings and imagine they are being blown away with each breath as you exhale forcefully through the mouth. Cleansing breathe helps to clear carbon dioxide from your lungs and encourages the body to relax.

Meditation Techniques:

Relaxation and visualization play important roles during pregnancy and labor. Practicing these techniques regularly work to condition the mind and is a great way to eliminate any fears and anxiety associated with the birth process. Taking the time daily to relax and mediate helps to eliminate muscle tension and making the relaxation response easier to reach during childbirth. Bonding exercises are a great way to connect with your little one while in the womb and begin the parenting relationship. Envisioning a successful labor can bring confidence in the woman’s ability to birth without the need for medical interventions. Many of the restorative postures can be held for long periods of time and are ideal to pair with relaxation and meditation. Affirmations and mudras (hand postures) are also useful during these exercises as a way for the expecting mother to tune in with her body and her baby and trust in their ability to have a fulfilling labor experience.

Did you use yoga during your pregnancy? If so, how did it help you and what was your favorite pose?

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Traditional Portuguese Sopas Recipe

2013-11-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am third generation American, but my ancestors are from Portugal. To be exact my great grandparents were from Madeira and the Azores. Growing up in a large Portuguese Community of San Diego every year thousands would all get together and celebrate the Festa do Esprito Santo- The Feast of the Holy Spirit. This celebration would honor the religious beliefs, traditions and people of the community with a parade and festival in which everyone would come together. Today it is the oldest ethnic festival in San Diego (2014 will be the 104th year!) and I have been apart of it almost ever year since I was born.

I love getting together with family and friends for this joyous occasion and some of my favorite memories were enjoying the traditional meal served on this day called Sopas. It is a very simple beef stew but the flavors are very unique. When I was growing up I would wait all year for this favorite dish, but now that I am grown I love to make it a couple of times a year. I recently ordered some grass-fed beef from my new rancher and couldn't wait to make Sopas. If you are looking to try a different and ethnic beef stew recipe here is one I think you would enjoy!

Traditional Portuguese Sopas:

4lbs of boneless chuck roast
6 cups of water
3 cups of beef bone broth (homemade preferred)
1 cup of red wine
1 can tomato sauce or 2 cups of chopped tomato
1 yellow or white onion sliced
1 head of cabbage cut into wedges
2 large potatoes cubed
4 cloves of garlic chopped
a bunch of fresh mint leaves and stalk
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp pickling spices
Salt and Pepper to taste
French bread sliced (day or two old bread is great!)

Add everything except cabbage, potatoes, bread and mint to a large pot on medium high heat. Use cheesecloth or strainer to contain pickling spice and cloves. Make sure the meat is covered. Once liquid comes to a boil, turn on low and let everything cook for about 4 hours, or until the meat is falling apart. Towards the end of the cooking time add the potatoes and cabbage, some mint and let it cook until both are soft. Place sliced bread in a glass or ceramic cooking dish and place a few mint leaves on top of bread. Ladle some of the beef broth over the bread and serve.

Have you had Traditional Portuguese Sopas? If you have a recipe I would love for you to share your variation!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

5 Practices to Live a Happier and Healthier Lifestyle

2013-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

For many people taking small steps toward better health helps to make change easier to accept. Incorporating any nourishing changes into ones lifestyle is another way to encourage well-being and promote vitality. No matter how busy one’s schedule is even the smallest changes can make a big difference in helping to achieve a happy healthy life. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a chore! You don’t need to deprive yourself of everything you love. Instead the key is to nourish yourself and begin to notice even the smallest differences. Once you start to notice positive changes and feel better both physically and mentally the rest will begin to follow. Establishing small steps towards living a better lifestyle is the most successful way to ensure a long-term change. I am constantly implementing change for the better. My husband always teases me because I always have some new concoction or food product that is a new essential! But he benefits from it and he loves it.

Here are five healthy habits that we have integrated into our lifestyle to increase health and wellness and have noticed positive differences in how our bodies function.

1. Meditate
Meditation has been associated with brain improvement in a variety of areas such as stress, addiction, anxiety and cognitive function. Including even just 15 minutes of meditation into your daily regimen can make a big difference. Sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing and trying to keep your mind from wandering helps to reduce symptoms of depression, settle anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve your mood. I try to wake up before the kids, or if they beat me (which happens often!) then I try to do it before bed.

2. Oil Pulling
This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of using oils to remove harmful organisms, bacteria and fungus from your teeth, gums and throat. It is best done in the early morning before eating or drinking anything and using 1-2 teaspoons of organic coconut, sesame or sunflower oil. Put the oil in our teeth and swish around for 20 minutes. I know it might sound weird to swish oil around in your mouth, but my teeth felt so clean after my first time that I was instantly hooked. My gums and teeth felt great and I began to feel better and better after each day that I practiced this.

If you are new to oil pulling it may be easier to start out doing it for 10-15 minutes and then increase your time from there. The oil will begin to break through the plaque and re-absorb bacteria and toxins improving oral health as well as preventing and reducing a number of health concerns.
Once you are finished spit the oil into a paper towel or plastic bag, rinse your mouth out and brush your teeth immediately. It is important not to swallow the oil that contains all the toxins you just removed.
In addition to healing and treating gingivitis, cavities, sensitive teeth and bad breath it is also offers benefits such as eczema, headache and allergy relief, and supports healthy kidney function.

3. Lemon Water
I wrote about lemon water HERE when I first started doing it back in .... I was hooked immediately! It's like a bath for your internal organs. Such a great way to start the morning and a great alternative to coffee and tea. Lemons have strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune boosting properties. They contain vitamin C, citric acid, calcium, magnesium, pectin and bioflavonoids that cleanse the liver, aid in digestion and fight infection. It is best to drink first thing in the AM to flush the digestive system, PH balance the system, hydrate the lymph system and aid in weight loss. Lemon water is also a great replacement for morning coffee as it provides energy and can enhance one’s mood.

4. Ghee Water
Ghee is a butter in which all water and milk solids have been removed. Ayurvedic tradition considers ghee to be one of the most health promoting foods shown to strengthen the body, improve mental functions and promote longevity. It is good for the eyes, stimulating digestion and enhancing stamina and protecting against various diseases.
Drink a tablespoon of Ghee in warm water in the morning about an hour before you eat or in the evening before bed. This alkaline forming tonic promotes a healthy glow in the skin, and the ghee can also be used as a healthy substitute for butter or cooking oil.

5. Fermented Foods
Fermentation has become a lost art. Thanks to the advances in food preparation many of the probiotics and enzymes in food has declined over the years. There are several reasons why fermented foods should be included in the diet such as introducing beneficial bacteria into the digestive system and allowing the body to adjust nutrients better. Fermented foods are very easy to make, extremely budget friendly way to include real foods and a great way to preserve food. Fermented foods include Sauerkraut, Salsa, Pickles and Condiments. Fermented drinks such as Kombucha, Ginger Ale and Kefir are great alternatives to soda and have been used as substitutes to help people break their soda addictions. I was a little weary of fermenting at first. It was like a science experiment and takes some brain reconditioning when you see the mother growing on your food/drink, but after the first couple of times the begin to get more confident, less scared and feeling amazing!

Do you practice any of these healthy habits? If so share with us what you love or how it has benefited you!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Health Benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea for Women

2013-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Raspberry leaf tea is a mild tasting similar to the taste of black tea, but without the caffeine. The tea is made from dried leaves of the raspberry plant. This powerful herb is high in vitamins, nutrients and tannins which makes it great for women in all stages of life, and pretty much everyone else. I discovered raspberry leaf tea in my first pregnancy and used it again in my second with wonderful results. I was reintroduced recently when I began to research some natural treatments for my own personal health issues. This post will share with you the benefits of including raspberry leaf tea to your routine.

Nutritional Information for Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf tea is very rich in vitamins and minerals and is a great way to boost the immune system when feeling ill and can also be used as a base for homemade electrolyte drinks. Raspberry leaf tea contains high amounts of:

Calcium
Carotenoids
Pectin
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Vitamins A, B, C, D& E.

Because of the high nutritional value raspberry leaf tea is especially beneficial for both men and women's reproductive system as a way to detoxify extra hormones from plastics, food additives, commercial meats, dairy or natural hormonal shifts.

Health Benefits of Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf tea has been used throughout history to treat problems such as anemia, cold/canker sores, bloating diarrhea, gum disease, sunburn, rashes and other skin disorders. This herb is ideal to balance hormones and ease symptoms of PMS, endometriosis menstrual problems and cysts. Raspberry leaf tea possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It is said to boost fertility and is highly recommended for women who are trying to conceive and, if approved by your healthcare provider, is safe to take throughout pregnancy. Raspberry leaf tea is also shown to reduce morning sickness symptoms and leg cramps that are common pregnancy discomforts and is often recommended by doulas and midwives. The tea strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles and studies have shown that women who drank raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy had shorter labors and were much less likely to have interventions than expecting mothers who did not consume the tea. Since I used it in both of my pregnancies I don't have anything to compare it to, but I did have two, amazing and fast natural childbirths and attest it to all the natural modalities I used throughout my pregnancy which included raspberry leaf tea, yoga, relaxation and meditation and evening primrose oil.

How To Use Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea comes in tablet, tea bags, loose leaf or tincture form. It can replace your morning or evening tea, since it doesn't contain caffeine and can be served either hot or iced. A tincture can be applied externally to help skin problems, or can be taken internally to alleviate PMS, menstrual flow that is too light or too heavy and infertility. Raspberry leaf tea can be purchased online (HERE), found at many health food stores or from health practitioners. It is important to purchase herbs from a trusted source to avoid contaminated products.

I have been using raspberry leaf tea most recently as one of the natural modalities to balance my hormones and alleviate the symptoms associated with my fibroids. I have noticed a difference in my health and well-being and couldn't wait to share the information I have found with my readers. Herbs effective everyone differently so it is best to consult a medical professional and test to see which herbs work best for you!

Do you, or have you taken raspberry leaf tea? We would love for you to share your experiences with us!

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-309-RED%20RASPBERRY.aspx?activeIngredientId=309&activeIngredientName=RED%20RASPBERRY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_raspberry_leaf

http://www.pregnancy.com.au/resources/topics-of-interest/pregnancy/raspberry-leaf.shtml

www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/raspbe05.html

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Guest Post on The Dabblist: 7 Essential Oils to Facilitate Labor Naturally

2013-11-11T22:53:00.001-08:00

I am so excited! I did my first ever guest post over at The Dabblist! It's all about essential oils to help ease pregnancy discomforts and facilitate labor!

Checkout 7 Essential Oils to Facilitate Labor Naturally!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

45 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipe Roundup

2013-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love Fall! It's the sign that the holiday season is coming up. Since I was little Thanksgiving was always one of my favorites. Spending time with family always makes for some wonderful memories and HELLO, it's a holiday based entirely about food! What could be better than that?

This year we are celebrating TWO Thanksgivings! One with my side of the family a week before and the second on the actual day of with my In-Laws. As it gets closer I am looking for new and healthy Thanksgiving side dishes to make and share with our families, so I asked my Village Green Network blogger friends to share their favorites. All the recipes look DELICIOUS! I wish I could make them all, but have a couple of weeks to decide which will make the cut and onto the table this Thanksgiving. Of course I had to share the wealth and provide my readers with some healthy menu inspiration for the upcoming holiday of Thanks as a way to show my gratitude for your continued support. I hope you enjoy the recipes! Bon Appetito!

Starters:

Purple Cauliflower Soup by A Harmony Healing

Autumn Soup by My Heart Beets

Purple Cauliflower Soup by A Harmony Healing

Sweet Sides:

Honey Sesame Yams by Savory Lotus

Pumpkin Apple Butter by Yogi Mami

Lacto-Fermented Cinnamon Apple Chutney by Raia's Recipes

Grain-Free Autumn Spiced Sweet Potato Bread by Soundness of Body and Mind

Honey Sesame Yams by Savory Lotus

Coconut Palm Sugar Sprouts by Popular Paleo

Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon & Coconut by Real Food Outlaws

Healthier Boston Market Style Sweet Potatoes by Real Food Outlaws

Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Crust by Hollywood Homestead

Lacto-Fermented Cinnamon Cranberry Applesauce by Raia's Recipes

Homemade Pumpkin Puree by My Gutsy

Fermented Cranberry Sauce by Oh Lardy

Amazing Cinnamon Applesauce by Raia's Recipes

Lacto-Fermented Cinnamon Cranberry Applesauce by Raia's Recipes

Warm Cinnamon Applesauce by Hollywood Homestead

Savory Sides:

Simple Buttery Brussells Sprouts by DJ Foodie

Kale & Spinach Balls by Yogi Mami

Crispy Green Beans by Healthy Roots Happy Soul

Simple Buttery Brussels Sprouts by DJ Foodie

Broccoli Salad with Carrot, Cranberries and Bacon by DJ Foodie

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon by Hollywood Homestead

Green Beans with Lemon & Herb "Crumbs" by Meatified

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter and Cranberry by Oh Lardy

Roasted Garlic Broccolini by My Gutsy

Green Beans with Mustard & Thyme by Real Food Outlaws

Curried Butternut Squash and Greens by Savory Lotus

Sweet Potato Gratin by Meatified

Sweet Potato Gratin by Meatified

Butternut Squash Gratin by Oh Lardy

Easy Indian Roasted Butternut Squash by My Heart Beets

Sweet Potato Mash with Tangerine Balsamic Glazed Red Onions by A Harmony Healing

Sweets and Beets by Dr. Peggy Malone

Easy Sweet Potato Oven Fries by Raia's Recipes

Easy Cauliflower Rice by Hollywood Homestead

Mashed Cauliflower by Hollywood Homestead

Mashed Cauliflower and Celery Root by DJ Foodie

Roasted Root Veggies by Raia's Recipes

Creamed Corn by Raia's Recipes

Fennel Onion Jam by Popular Paleo

Braised Spicy and Sweet Red Cabbage by A Harmony Healing

Orange Cauliflower Parsnip Puree by A Soundness of Body and Mind

Fennel-Onion Jam- awesome for topping turkey (in lieu of gravy) by Popular Paleo

Rootin' Tootin' Underground Hash by DJ Foodie

Desserts:

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie by My Heart Beets

GAPS Apple Crisp by My Gutsy

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie by My Heart Beets

Paleo Pumpkin Pie by Hollywood Homestead

Pumpkin Carrot Harvest Cake at Soundness of Body and Mind- Guest Post by Nourished with Karen

Pumpkin Trifle by Yogi Mami

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: This post contains paid affiliate links. In order for me to support my family and continue my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part III: Coconut Oil

2013-11-03T13:38:00.002-08:00

Coconut oil has been demonized for years for being high in saturated fat, as if that's a bad thing, when in fact researchers say it's a GREAT thing. Coconut oil is one of the highest sources of saturated fat on earth and is packed with nutrients. The myth that saturated fats cause clogged arteries has been debunked and many people are realizing the health benefits of Coconut oil. You can find it at most health food stores or you can buy online HERE. Make sure to buy Organic Virgin Coconut oil. Nothing processed or refined as it is basically useless and provides zero benefits.

Coconut Oil has a multitude of benefits from both eating it and applying it topically. I always have at least two bottles of coconut oil in my house at all times. One in my kitchen to cook with, and another in my bathroom. This post will share with another from my Medicine Cabinet Must Have list and why no house should be without coconut oil!

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Brain Booster
Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral
Burns Fat
Bone Health
Immune Booster
Improve Digestion
Boosts Energy
Oral Health
Skin and Hair Care

Modern medical research is showing that coconut oil is treating a large number of conditions including:

Supporting Thyroid Function
Dissolves Kidney Stones
Reducing Epileptic Seizures
Improves Insulin Secretion and Utilization of Blood Glucose
Relieve Symptoms and Health Risks Associated with Diabetes
Reduces Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Relieves Symptoms of Crohn's Disease, Stomach Ulcers and Colitis.
Kills Viruses Associated with Influenza, Herpes, Measles, Hepatitis C, SARS, etc.
Kills Bacteria Associated with Ulcers, UTI, Gum Disease, Cavities, Pneumonia, etc.
Kills Fungi Associated with Ringworm, Athletes Foot, Thrush, Diaper Rash, etc.

Ways To Use Coconut Oil

For cooking- Coconut oil has a high smoke point so its great for cooking. You can use it in place of just about any oil and it is a much healthier alternative to Canola or Vegetable oil which I talk about HERE. Many people worry about the taste, but many people don't notice it. Some people are sensitive to it at first, but after a couple of time of using it you get used to it. It is great for baking and as a dairy free replacement for butter.

Cosmetic products- Coconut oil is a great alternative to many products and is a main ingredient in many homemade products because of its healing abilities. By itself makes great eye makeup remover, facial and body moisturizer, personal lubricant, baby lotion, hair mask, chap stick and even deodorant. When applied directly to affected areas it can help treat cradle cap, hemorrhoids, dandruff, athletes foot, eczema and psoriasis.When used during pregnancy it can also prevent stretch marks.

Wound Care- When applied topically, because of its anti-bacterial benefits it helps the infected or injured area to heal faster. It heals sunburns, chicken pox, poison ivy/oak, cold sores and cuts or scratches. Coconut oil when applied directly to affected areas can help treat cradle cap, hemorrhoids, dandruff, athletes foot, eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash.

Health & Wellness- When taken internally it is also very beneficial. Coconut oil supports healthy thyroid function, hormone production, and boosts circulation. It can improve insulin levels and cholesterol levels. Recent research is showing that because of Coconut oil's brain boosting benefits it can prevent and reverse Alzheimer's, is helpful for people with autism and can treat depression and anxiety.

With an impressive list of benefits like that who wouldn't want Coconut Oil as a staple in their house? It can has so many uses and is a much better alternative to commercial products or pharmaceutical medicines.

Do you use Coconut Oil? What is your favorite use for it?

Resources:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

http://coconutoil.com/AlzheimersDiseaseDrMaryNewport.pdf

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: This post contains paid affiliate links. In order for me to support my family and continue my business activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Split Pea Soup with Bacon

2013-10-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

As the weather cools down we tend to crave warm comfort foods such as soups and stews. It's a great way to nourish and warm the body with healthy meats, vegetables and spices during fall and winter. Soups are a favorite of mine because of the endless variety and I am excited to share with you my favorite recipes in the coming weeks. This post I will be sharing my recipe for split pea soup with crisp bacon. MMMMM BACON!!

This split pea soup is so easy to make, inexpensive and so yummy! Prep time was only about 30 minutes with about an hour and a half of cooking time. Make extra to freeze a batch for a future dinner when you aren't in the mood to cook, but still want something healthy!

2 cups of Split Peas (soaked 3 hours)
2 Tbs of grass-fed butter or olive oil
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1/2 white or yellow onion chopped
3 carrots sliced
2 stalks of celery sliced
6 cups chicken broth or water
Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
Ground Cumin
Smoked Paprika
Greek Yogurt (optional)

Rinse split peas and soak in clean filtered water for about 3 hours. Once soaked drain the peas. In a large stock pan or soup pot on medium heat, add butter or olive oil until melted and saute up garlic, onions, celery and carrots cooking until onion is translucent. Add salt, pepper and cumin and paprika to veggies and add split peas. Stir until fragrant about 2-3 minutes. Add water/broth and turn heat up to medium high to bring everything to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn heat down to maintain a low simmer and cook until peas are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the peas are broken up. Taste and add salt accordingly, especially if you used water instead of broth.

While soup is simmering cook up some bacon to crispy and set aside to drain. Once peas are tender you can add some bacon to the soup reserving some to sprinkle on as a topping if desired. I also like to add a dollop of homemade Greek yogurt to add some creaminess to the soup.

This was a hit in our house, especially with my husband who said "I don't even like split pea soup and this is REALLY good!" It is very easy to make and a great way to get vegetables, healthy fats and if you use homemade bone broth, you get even more nutrients. Split Pea Soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

Do you love split pea soup? If you try my recipe I would love to hear your thoughts! Or if you have your own variation of split pea soup that you would like to share please feel free!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: This post contains paid affiliate links. In order for me to support my family and continue my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Improve Breast Health and Grow Your Breasts in 30-Days!

2013-10-20T13:17:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I totally know the title sounds like one of those scam advertisements but keep reading because if you are interested in keeping your breasts healthy and helping them to grow bigger you are about to get some some useful information that could change your life! Also, since October is Breast Health Awareness month I thought it would be appropriate to share some information on how women can keep their boobies happy and healthy!

Let's be honest, in our society there is quite a bit of emphasis on breasts from both men and women. For many women their self confidence is associated with their body, including breasts, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have breasts they are happy with. This often leads to women having expensive and risky cosmetic surgery as a means to achieve their ideal breasts. But what about a natural way? Does one exist? Until recently I thought that answer was no. Never being blessed in the boob department anyways I had finally grown accustomed to my small "Girls", but after having two children that I breast fed each for a year they were even smaller than ever. Cosmetic surgery was something I was not very interested in because of the risk factor and felt there was really no other option.

I began to research if there were any natural ways to help them grow and found quite a bit of information in regards to breast massage for women's health with the benefits of preventing breast cancer and helping them to grow naturally! Apparently breast massage paired with a few other techniques was the key to promote breast health and also help the size to increase. Of course I couldn't wait to try and see if it really worked and if nothing else at least I could incorporate the breast massage as a preventative measure. I am happy to report that IT WORKED! My breasts increased a cup size in about a month and felt so healthy. My husband, who was not convinced it would work, totally noticed a difference and couldn't believe it! I, of course, am ecstatic and am more determined than ever to see if they continue to grow!

I wanted to shout this news from the mountain tops! I wanted to tell every Itty-Bitty Titty Committee member the good news! And what better way to do it than blogging about it!

Diet & Exercise

Just like most things, diet and exercise play a key role. When your body is healthy you will look healthy. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day promote a healthy body. This is essential if you want your body to perform optimally. I began to take a little bit of time each day to get some yoga in. Certain exercises such as push ups or yoga Chaturangas can help to strengthen muscles around the breast. I incorporated a daily green smoothie (2-4 cups a day) to add more fruits and veggies to my diet. Eating Phytoestrogen rich foods such as legumes, flax seeds, peas and bran encourage the body to naturally create estrogen which is essential in regulating hormones without drugs.

Herbs & Supplements

From my research I found some herbs and supplements to add to my diet to help in my attempt at bigger boobs. After all, I was going to give this some effort. I wanted to go BIG or go home, literally! I included Fenugreek (where to buy) and Evening Primrose Oil (where to buy), which I already had on hand after pregnancy and breastfeeding. I took 3 pills of each daily. Studies show these supplements promote healthy breast tissue. Fenugreek contains estrogen which helps to increase breast growth. I also began to supplement with Magnesium which is a key mineral in encouraging the body to produce progesterone, among many other bodily function.You can read more on the importance of Magnesium in my post HERE. It is important that a woman has a healthy balance of both estrogen and progesterone for optimal health.

Breast Massage

Breast massage techniques are common in Ayurveda, Lomi Lomi, Chinese Massage and other traditional medicine systems. For me this technique was the kicker. I noticed such a difference thanks to this self breast massage. At first it seemed a little daunting. The massage could take up to 20 minutes and it was recommended to be done twice a day. But once I started to notice results I was hooked! In my research I learned about essential oils that were said to help breasts increase in size and firmness and help to promote hormone health.

These oils include: (where to buy)

Geranium
Clary Sage
Ylang Ylang
Peppermint
Rosemary
Lemongrass
Frankincense
Jasmine

You do not need to use all of them, you can combine what you have or what you wish to buy. In a glass bottle mix a few tablespoons of a carrier oil (coconut, olive, almond, apricot, etc.) and add about 10-15 drops of the oils of your choice.

In the morning when you wake up and in the evening before bed you can undress, massage some oil between your palms to warm up and begin your breast massage. For larger breasts you want to massage your breasts inward and around in a circle. You want to aim for about 100-300 full circles which can take about 15-20 minutes.

The breast massage helps to improve circulation and prevent stagnant tissue build-up from creating clogged ducts. The stimulation helps to drain glands and prevent toxins from accumulating. Self breast massage helps to treat and reduce cysts which are common especially in women ages 30-50. Practicing regular massage helps the body to create the hormones progesterone and oxytocin which both increase emotional well-being. I have been experiencing symptoms of Fibrocystic breast condition for a couple years now and this massage helped provide tremendous relief.

If you have any other suggestions about natural ways to increase breast size or if you try my suggestions I would love to have you share your stories!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: This post contains paid affiliate links. In order for me to support my family and continue my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Are Antibiotics as Safe and Effective as You Think?

2013-10-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

We live in a culture reliant on medical interventions as a way to be healthy, one of the most common being antibiotics. Many people are falsely under the impression that antibiotics are necessary when signs of illness occur. Symptoms such as fever, chills and fatigue usually result in a visit to the doctor to receive a prescription, which the doctor writes without hesitation. With prescriptions for antibiotics being handed out so freely their can't be much risk. Or is there? This article will discuss how recent research is showing that antibiotic drugs aren't as safe and effective as the majority of people are led to believe.

How The Immune System Functions

The main function of the immune system is to protect the host from chemicals and microbes and preserve the integrity of the body. There are many factors that can weaken the immune system such as stress, chemicals and emotions causing pathogens the opportunity to flourish. As a result immune system mechanisms illicit symptoms associated with colds and flues, for example sneezing, body aches, fevers and runny nose. These symptoms are actually a good sign that the body is working appropriately to facilitate the natural healing response. The immune system adapts its response during infections to improve its recognition of the pathogen. This response is retained even long after the pathogen has been destroyed, storing this information in the immunological memory, which allows the system to attack stronger each time this pathogen is discovered in the body. Should the system detect these the pathogen in the system again these specific memory cells work to eliminate it.

How Antibiotics Work

When symptoms of illness are present many people depend on antibiotic prescriptions to save the day. Without them, how on earth would the body know how to heal itself? Unfortunately, when antibiotics are taken the immune system is suppressed and the natural immune response symptoms disappear causing the patient to appear to be healed, when in reality only the symptoms have been eliminated leaving behind the harmful infection. The gross misuse of antibiotics has become apparent and bringing with it many dangerous and life threatening consequences. A mandate in 2003 required all doctors to culture microbes and perform susceptibility testing prior to prescribing antibiotics. A decade later almost all physicians still fail to follow this mandate meaning that the majority of antibiotic prescriptions are useless. How useless? Studies show that 50% of antibiotic prescriptions are unnece ssary with some studies estimates as high as 70-90% in children.

Dangers Of Antibiotics

With antibiotics being given out so freely the general public believes that the drugs are safe and the medicine carries with it little risks. This couldn't be further from the truth. Along with suppressing the immune system antibiotics kill off the good bacteria within the body for up to 12 months or more. This leaves the patient in a germ-free state and making them susceptible to many other diseases and conditions. Antibiotics create the perfect bodily environment for many diseases and cancers to thrive. These wide range of diseases include acne, asthma and colitis while excessive use of antibiotics have been associated with colon, prostate and breast cancer. Some research shows that the gut flora doesn't completely restore itself even after 3 years, proving that flora is permanently altered and can lead to lifelong impairment. The development of fungal candida infection occurs 4-52 hours after taking even just one antibiotic pill. The pills cause inflammation in the system promoting ongoing candida growth, which is associated with over 100 conditions and diseases. A recent study out of Harvard shows that repeated use of clinical antibiotics causes oxidative stress that can cause damage in DNA, proteins and lipids in cells. These antibiotic induced changes increase the risk for lung cancer, obesity, cardiovascular death and many other conditions. Many people are unaware that sudden death is ALWAYS a risk to taking antibiotics because very few doctors discuss the risks with their patients leaving them with the false misconception that the antibiotics are safe. This gross misuse of antibiotics is causing life-long diseases especially in children by weakening immune systems and making patients more susceptible to far worse conditions than a cold. Continuous use of antibiotics exposes EVERYONE to increased levels of infection from pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics as microbes have the ability to adapt and create antibiotic resistant strains of diseases. This poses a catastrophic threat to society and can result in vicious, untreatable diseases.

Natural Cold And Flu Alternatives To Antibiotics

There are much better alternatives to fighting the cold and flu than taking antibiotics. Even over-the-counter medicines only mask the symptoms without providing any benefit to the body. Homemade bone broth, lots of rest and vitamins and supplements helps the body to fight the infection naturally. Living a preventative lifestyle of maintaining healthy diet, regular exercise regimen and adequate sleep builds a strong immune system and is important in staying healthy. Homeopathic medicines and combinations of food, herbs and even essential oil can do wonders for helping to heal and relieve discomforts without harming the body. Probiotics are also essential in helping the body to heal if you have taken antibiotics in the past. Probiotics help to restore the good bacteria back into the digestive track and can be taken by supplement form or by consuming fermented foods. Yogurt, Kefir, Kombucha and Sauerkraut are all examples of true fermented foods that can be safely made at home. Probiotics help to support digestive and urinary health, women's health and reducing allergies. Taking natural preventative measures helps to keep the immune system strong and healthy and is a much safer and more effective method than relying on dangerous antibiotics.

What are your experiences with antibiotics vs. natural alternatives to dealing with colds and flues? I would love to hear your stories!

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6231158

http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=3511

http://www.ama-assn.org/special/827.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3685787

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Did You Know That You Are Magnesium Deficient?

2013-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

What Is Magnesium and Why Is It Important?

According to Wikipedia Magnesium, chemical element Mg, is an alkaline earth metal and the 8th most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Magnesium is the 11th most abundant element by mass in the human body and is essential to all living cells. This vital mineral plays a role in the body's detoxification process and is crucial to prevent and reverse chemical and environmental damage as well as heavy metals and other toxins. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of the importance of magnesium to their health and wellness.

How Do I know If I'm Magnesium Deficient

Studies show that the majority of people, about 80%, are magnesium deficient and don't even know it. Additionally, most doctors do not even test magnesium levels and until recently magnesium deficiency was hardly talked about.

Magnesium deficiency is caused by consumption of alcohol, caffeine, processed food and sugar. Antibiotics, prescription drugs and excessive sweating from exercise are also linked to magnesium depletion. Guilty of one (or more!) of these habits? Then chances are you are lacking this essential nutrient. Many foods are grown in depleted soil, including organic (although typically higher still vs. conventional), due to modern farm processes which means that even healthy eaters are in need of magnesium.

Magnesium Is Essential For Proper Health And Well-Being

Magnesium is responsible for many bodily functions including:

Regulating blood pressure
Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides
Decreasing insulin resistance
Digestion and elimination
Promoting more restful sleep
Easing muscle cramps
Enhancing circulation
Promoting healthy body weight

Magnesium has been shown to prevent and reduce migraines, treating asthma and emphysema and relieving chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Adequate magnesium levels help to prevent osteoporosis, as well as congestive heart failure and even cancer. For children experiencing ADD or ADHD magnesium intake has been associated with lessening or eliminating many symptoms.

Low magnesium levels can result in many different symptoms which can be different from each person. If you suffer from any of these symptoms chances are your magnesium levels are depleted:

High levels of stress
Anxiety or depression
Mental disturbances
Irritability
Insomnia
Headaches
Nausea
Weakness
Poor memory
Difficulty concentrating
Thyroid problems
Gut disorders
Dental problems
Allergies
Heart flutters/palpitations
Infertility
Fatigue
Muscle pain

If you suffer from several of the above symptoms then your levels are on the lower end of the spectrum and a magnesium supplement is highly recommended. There are a few different ways to get magnesium into the body starting out with small doses and then working up to larger amounts to ensure the mineral is being absorbed properly and not going to waste.

How To Boost Magnesium Levels

While magnesium levels cannot reach necessary levels by diet alone, there are foods that are good dietary sources such as sea vegetables, kelp, nettle flax seed, almond butter and dark leafy greens. You can also get capsule form of Nettle HERE and Kelp HERE.

Another way to get daily magnesium is in powder form HERE or liquid form HERE which provides an easy way to control the dose and work your way up. Lastly, the most effective way to increase magnesium levels is transdermally through the skin. This is the fastest way for the body to absorb the mineral. This can be done through taking an Epsom salt bath or by using Magnesium oil, which is very easy to make.

Homemade Magnesium Oil Recipe

1/2 cup of filtered or distilled water
1/2 cup of Magnesium Chloride Flakes (or Epsom salts) Where to buy
Small spray bottle (glass preferred)

Bring the water to a boil. Pour magnesium flakes (preferred over Epsom salts) in a glass mixing bowl and pour the boiling water over the flakes. Dissolve magnesium and let mixture completely cool before adding to the spray bottle. The magnesium oil solution will last about 6-months (although you will most likely use it up before then if you use daily!)

Spray the magnesium oil on the stomach, legs and arms daily. You may notice a tingling sensations the first few applications, but that is normal. Once your body gets used to it that will disappear. Leave the magnesium oil on the skin to absorb or at least 30 minutes before you shower to ensure maximum results. It can be used multiple times a day and is great for kids too.

Adding Epsom salts or magnesium flakes to baths or foot soaks is highly recommended. Experiment with different essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint or lemongrass and reap the benefits. Taking the time to do something good for our bodies has infinite rewards and should become a regular habit to nourish the mind, body and soul.

It is recommended that you employ multiple ways of magnesium supplementation daily to reach the necessary levels, especially for those who are very deficient and show signs of illness. Common side effects of magnesium overdose is usually upset stomach and diarrhea so if you begin to notice these symptoms it's time to lower your intake. Most people notice changes pretty soon after supplementing magnesium into their diet and are thankful they learned about the importance of the mineral for their health.

Have you used Magnesium to improve your health? Please share your experiences. I would love to hear it!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part II - The Healing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

2013-10-11T12:15:00.003-07:00

This post is a second in a series that will discuss what I refer to as Natural Medicine Cabinet must haves! Part 1, in case you missed it, was all about Bentonite Clay. This next product was the first real natural product that I got hooked on - Tea Tree Oil! We ALWAYS have this product in our house. My friends and family have heard me refer to it numerous times. In fact, my husband can attest that it is referenced, and used daily in our house. This article will be all about Tea Tree oil and why this product needs to be included in your home medicine kit.

What is Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil, or Melaleuca, is a powerful essential oil that has been used to treat a number of medical conditions. Tea Tree oil is a very powerful natural agent because of it's anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It is a renewable resource that is non-corrosive, non-staining, easy to use and very economical. It has been used for hundreds of years first by the aborigines in the Australian outback who were masters of using nature's gifts as medicine. Many studies of the healing properties of Tea Tree oil have been conducted in the past decade and many have dubbed the oil a "first aid kit in a bottle". Tea Tree Oil can be found at most health food stores or you can buy online HERE.

It has been used to treat a number of infections including those that have been shown resistant to antibiotics. It is useful to user for bacterial and fungal skin infections such as warts, rashes, dandruff, wounds, acne, sun burn and athletes food just to name a few. Tea Tree oil has also been used to treat both common respiratory problems such as coughs, sore throat and runny nose to more severe problems such as bronchitis and asthma. It can be used in babies, adults and even animals.

Because of how powerful Tea Tree oil is please take the following precautions:

Avoid contact with eyes
Keep out of reach of children
Do not take internally without consulting a health care practitioner (excluding toothpaste, mouthwash- without swallowing!)
Use patch test before using oil on sensitive skin
Dilute Tea Tree oil with cold-pressed oil (olive, coconut, almond, avocado, apricot) when using around sensitive areas or on baby's skin.
Pregnant women should take extra precaution.

Tea Tree Oil Uses

Styles, Blocked Sinus Passages, Emphysema, Head Cold, Coughs/Congestion- Add a few drops of pure Tea Tree Oil to a humidifier or a pot of steaming water and inhale vapors. You can also add a few drops to some carrier oil and rub on chest and back to breathe throughout the evening.

Sore Throat, Thrush, Canker Sores, Gingivitis, Bad Breathe, Plaque, Toothache- Add a couple drops of Tea Tree to a glass of water and swish around twice daily. It's a great natural replacement for mouthwash and much more beneficial than commercial brands.

Acne, Boils, Minor Burns, Eczema, Insect bites, Poison Oak/Ivy, Psoriasis, Rashes, Sunburn, Warts- Apply pure Tea Tree oil to the area twice daily. Can mix with cold pressed oil and honey to create a salve.

Scrapes, Cuts, Wounds, Abscesses- Apply a few drops of Tea Tree oil to a cotton ball and clean the area. It's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will keep the area clean and able to heal more effectively.

Athletes Foot, Corns/Callouses, Nail Infection, Foot Odor, Ringworm, Shingles, Plantar Warts- Apply a mixture of pure Tea Tree oil (or mix with carrier oil) to affected area twice a day. Add 5-10 drops to a foot bath and soak for 10 minutes.

Dandruff, Head lice, Itchy Scalp, Oily Hair, Thinning Hair- Add 5-10 drops of pure Tea Tree oil to shampoo and conditioner and use daily. Just try not to get any in your eyes!

Earaches- Mix 5 drops of Tea Tree oil with coconut or olive oil. Apply a small amount into ear (a couple drops for babies). Adults can pack ear loosely with a small cotton ball. Reapply Tea Tree as necessary.

Cradle Cap for Infants- Mix 5-10 drops of Tea Tree with some carrier oil and rub on affected area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then wash hair. ***MAKE SURE NOT TO GET INTO BABIES EYES WHEN RINSING!

Diaper Rash & Skin Problems- Mix Tea Tree with a cold-pressed oil and rub on problem area. Do not use pure Tea Tree oil directly on the skin as babies are much more sensitive than adults.

Disinfectant, Deodorizer- You can add a few drops of Tea Tree oil to a spray bottle of water or vinegar. It is multi-purpose and can be used on any surface.

Animal Care- Can be used to treat mange, lice, ticks, ringworm and fleas by bathing animals and mixing 1 tablespoon of Tea Tree oil per cup of water. For abscesses or puncture wounds you can apply a few drops of the pure oil directly on the affected area.

Tea Tree oil is one of the most effective natural medicinal available and even works on conditions that are extremely resistant even to strong antibiotics. With it's multi-purpose properties it is very cost effective and useful to have in the house at all times.

Do you use Tea Tree Oil regularly? If so, please share your experiences and how it has helped you!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Think You Eat Healthy? Think Again!

2013-10-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

As I think back to when I was in my early 20's I thought I was SOOOO healthy! I would make sure to stock up on Lean Cuisines when they were on sale at the various grocery stores, I tried to limit my butter and salt intake and would only consume low or non-fat milk. My grandmother used to tell me not to eat the chicken skin (my favorite part) because it would give me high cholesterol. With obesity, diabetes and heart disease on the rise how is it possible that so many people are unhealthy despite all of this nutritional health knowledge? Could it be that many dietary recommendations are untrue and responsible for misleading the general public? Read further if you would like to know the truth about eating healthy and which foods should actually be avoided.

Before I begin my post, please note that I am not a doctor and this post should not be construed as medical advice. With that being said, I have learned some things over the past few years that I wanted to share and hope that it will be beneficial to my readers.

Salt is good for you!

For years salt has been demonized by so-called experts recommending that people limit their salt intake to increase health, claiming it can lead to high blood pressure. Recent studies actually show that a low salt diet is associated with many overall negative impacts on our health such as insulin resistance and a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Adequate salt intake supports hydration, especially during exercise. A few teaspoons of good salt (This is my favorite!) replenishes the necessary minerals and electrolytes within the body. It has also shown to help cope with stress by speeding up cortisol clearance from the blood. Now again, this doesn't mean it's healthy to consume those super salty McDonald's French Fries (GROSS!) You need to ditch the conventional iodized table salt and pickup some good sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. Health benefits of Himalayan sea salt include promoting bone strength, healthy PH in cells (particularly brain cells), regulating sleep and supporting your libido just to name a few. Over the years this new found knowledge has led me to add a little dash of salt (pink salt) to almost everything! It's the perfect way to include nutrients while also flavoring foods- including sweet foods. A pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavor whether sweet or savory.

So is Butter!

Ugh! Remember Margarine? Hopefully it is not still a regular staple in your diet. It's just plain gross. It is made out of hydrogenated oils which are high in trans fat and has horrible effects on the body. It increases bad cholesterol, while decreasing good cholesterol and has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Butter on the other hand; and I mean good, organic, grass-fed butter, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains Vitamins A, D, E and K while also being high in iron, zinc, selenium and many more. Grass-fed can contain high levels of CLA, a compound that can offer protection against cancer and helps to store muscle in the body rather than fat. Butter, also contains a hormone like substance that can prevent stiffness in the joints. Consuming good butter into your diet can help to boost fertility, protect against tooth decay and protect against GI infections just to name a few. Organic Grass fed butter is very easy to make yourself with my homemade butter method.

Choose Full Fat! Always!

Low fat or nonfat is the healthier alternative, right? WRONG! For years dietary advice recommended low fat or nonfat but experts are now arguing that full fat dairy products are much healthier. Many researchers agree that organic, raw dairy is superior, but even in pasteurized dairy full fat offers the most benefits. Consuming full fat dairy may help to reduce your risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Full fat dairy products also help to regulate healthy body weight with women consuming one cup a day gaining 30% less weight than those who consumed only low, or nonfat dairy. Raw milk is high in vitamins and enzymes that are virtually destroyed during pasteurization; which makes milk harder to digest. Many people who are lactose intolerant may notice their symptoms going away when consuming raw milk products.

Healthy Foods in Disguise

Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, Kashi-Many commercial brands use healthy marketing while their ingredients are anything but. High in sodium, MSG, hydrogenated oils and nitrates, these meals are highly processed. Not to mention the fact that they are usually packaged in BPA containers and cooked up in the microwave (which zaps any nutrients-if there are any!) Simple homemade lunches are a much healthier alternative. Diet, low fat, non-fat, low sugar, sugar free, fat free- when you see those labels, think to substitute with the phrase "Chemical Shit Storm!" Because that is exactly what it is! Over processed and nutrient void foods masquerading as a healthy lunch or dinner option.
When choosing foods, read the ingredients. The less ingredients, the less processed the food is. Avoid high fructose, fructose, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), aspartame, natural flavorings and hard to pronounce ingredients.

So there you have it! No more avoiding all the rich flavors of these healthy foods in the name of health. Forget dieting, counting points and restricting foods that are actually good for you! You can relish in the fact that these whole foods are the real deal and offer tons of health benefits. For me this true understanding of health foods was liberating. I got the satisfaction of eating all those things I loved with the peace of mind that they were actually nutritious and providing myself and my family with the vitamins and minerals our bodies need.

How do you eat? Is this information eye opening for you? I would love for you to share your thoughts and experiences!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Homemade Pumpkin Apple Butter

2013-10-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

Fall Fall Fall! I love Fall! Crunchy leaves, all things pumpkin flavor and cool crisp weather (except in sunny San Diego where we are having a Santa Ana heatwave this weekend!)

With pumpkin on the brain (and an abundance of apples) I set out to try a new Fall recipe. Okay, so it's not exactly a NEW recipe, but I've never made it before so that counts, right?!

This Pumpkin Apple Butter was delicious and so easy to make in a crock pot! We love it in our homemade yogurt, on toast, waffles or pancakes. I am even guilty of eating it right out of the jar- it's that good!

Ingredients:

1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 apples (chopped)
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Nutmeg
Dash of salt
1 tbs Maple Syrup
1 cup filtered water

Add all ingredients to crockpot and turn on low heat for 6 hours. You might need to add some more liquid as the apples break down. Stir occasionally and when its a consistency you like it's ready! I made mine a little chunky, and of course you can also remove the apple peels if you want a smoother texture. I chose to keep the nutrients of the peel in mine and think it is just perfect! The kids and I think it is too die for! The hubby isn't much into pumpkin but even he admitted that it was "pretty good."

Have you tried making your own version of a pumpkin or apple (or both) butter? I would love to hear all about it!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part 1: Healing Properties of Bentonite Clay

2013-10-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

There are a few natural medicine cabinet staples that are a must have in our house. This series will discuss what multi-purpose health essentials I keep on hand at all times and why. These natural methods are tried and true and with very little, if any, side effects.

Bentonite clay is an ancient healing clay used by cultures throughout history for their ability to rid the body of toxins. It has been used for years for both internal and external detoxification and for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and general disinfectant properties. Bentonite clay has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron. When the clay comes into contact with a toxin, chemical or heavy metal it will absorb the poison and release its minerals for the body to utilize. A study from ASU has shown that bentonite is highly effective at killing E.Coli, Salmonella and even MRSA.

Bentonite clay helps to get oxygen to cells by removing excess hydrogen and allowing it to be replaced by oxygen. It is also a common in detox and cleansing products and when taken correctly it has an alkalizing effect on the body and helps to balance gut bacteria. The clay itself has a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge of many toxins. When it is mixed with water it swells open like a highly porous sponge drawing out toxins though electrical attraction.

Bentonite has been used for hundreds of years for detoxification, recovery from vomiting and diarrhea, digestive disturbances, skin issues, allergies and even oral health. Because of its universal health properties bentonite healing clay should be a staple in every medicine cabinet. You can purchase the clay at most health food stores or you can purchase HERE on Amazon.

How to use Bentonite Clay:

*Do not allow bentonite to come into contact with anything metal, as it will reduce its effectiveness. If taking internally do not take within one hour of food or two hours of medication or supplements. Always consult with a doctor before using if you have a medical condition.

• Internal Cleansing- Mix a tablespoon of clay and ½ tablespoon of psyllium husks with 8 ounces of water. Take on an empty stomach preferably early morning or late evening. Make sure to drink lots of water during the day to help facilitate the clay to remove toxins from the intestines.

• Detox Bath- Adding ¼ cup bentonite clay to your bath creates a relaxing, detoxifying mud bath that is great to remove toxins and condition the skin.

• Facial Mask- Make a paste with water or apple cider vinegar. I prefer ACV. Mix it together to make a paste and apply to your face similar to a salon spa. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and wash off. Your face will be bright red and might be pulsating a little. That is a good thing. All of your pores are opened and breathing. This can be done weekly. It is a great way to revitalize your skin and help make a healthy, youthful complexion.

• Skin Disorders/Problems- Make a paste similar to the description above, using either water or Apple Cider Vinegar. Apply it to any skin irritations such as blemishes, burns, cuts, or bites. It is extremely helpful for skin disorders such as chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Let it dry for 20-30 minutes and then wash off. For major issues you can apply a thick layer to the affected area, cover with a wet cloth or gauze and replace every couple of hours.

• Pet Health- If your pet is sick, vomiting or showing other signs of illness you can mix a little clay with their water and or give it orally with a dropper.

• Muscle and Joint pain- Make a paste using water or Apple Cider Vinegar and apply a layer to affected area. Allow clay to dry 20-30 minutes and then wash off. It can be very beneficial to relieve arthritis, carpal tunnel, bruises and sprains.

• Oral Health- Bentonite is great for remineralizing teeth and can be used as a toothpaste or mouth wash. For toothpaste mix with baking soda, coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide and peppermint oil. As a mouthwash mix ½ a teaspoon of clay with ¼ cup of water. Swish in mouth for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with water and then repeat until solution is finished.

When taken internally bentonite removes toxins from the digestive system, cleanses the colon, stimulates liver function, reduces food allergies and improves the immune system. Externally it removes toxins by drawing them through the skin. Because of its versatility and healing properties bentonite is a MUST HAVE for household natural medicine kits.

Do you use Bentonite? If so we would love for you to share any uses not mentioned in this post and why you love it!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Homemade Electrolyte Solution Recipe

2013-09-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Popular electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are full of refined sugars, artificial flavorings, food dyes and chemicals- including a flame retardant. Yep! You read that correctly, Brominated Vegetable Oil has been patented in Europe as a flame retardant and is used by Gatorade as an ingredient. The company says it has been considering removing the ingredient and is working to find an alternative. BVO is banned in food and beverages in Europe and Japan but has been widely used for decades in the U.S.

With all those unhealthy additives it is a wonder why commercial brand sports drinks are commonly used as a way to replenish the body. Especially when it is so easy to make your own homemade electrolyte drink. And I mean-E-A-S-Y! It’s the perfect way to hydrate and heal the body with real foods and minerals not just after a workout, but also for anyone who is having trouble staying hydrated by water alone. It is especially helpful for women who are pregnant and nursing or to ensure that your little one is getting enough fluids when sick (Pedialyte alternative!). With common household ingredients you can whip up a batch in no time for just pennies!

Homemade Electrolyte Ingredients:

• 2 cups of filtered water (can substitute: Green Tea, Coconut Water, Herbal Teas, etc. )
• Juice from 1 lemon, lime or orange
• 2 Tbs of raw honey or pure maple syrup (B Grade)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp of Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan salt.
• 100% organic juice (optional)

Add the liquid to a large glass jar (brew tea of using), squeeze citrus juice in, and add the remaining ingredients and stir. If you used honey it may seem that the honey will never fully dissolve. I promise you, it will! Just keep stirring! Another option is to throw everything into a blender and mix everything up that way too. The solution tastes well on its own without juice, but additional juice may be added for flavor, especially for children. The solutions can be served either warm or over ice. You can store the solution in the fridge but it should be consumed in its entirely within 48 hours.

Other ingredients can be included to make other yummy, healthy versions with lots of benefits. Steeping some fresh ginger in water and using as a base is a great way to help kill a stomach bug while offering replenishment to the body. Include a tablespoon of chia for added protein after an intense workout. The different solutions can be served either warm or over ice depending on your taste and the ingredients used.

The most important electrolytes to the body are calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, hydrogen carbonate and hydrogen phosphate. Losing too many electrolytes results in negative effects on the body. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance differ from person to person but can include muscle spasms, fatigue, weakness, blood pressure changes and irregular heartbeat. This homemade electrolyte solution is so simple and cost effective, with so many different variations! It is definitely ideal in comparison to store bought alternatives. Next time you are in need of a nourishing and energizing drink try this recipe.

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Are Vaccines Making Your Kids Sick?

2013-09-26T06:46:00.002-07:00

The choice of whether or not to vaccinate is a very important and complex decision in which parents must take the responsibility to try to find enough information to make an educated decision that can affect their children for the rest of their lives. As a parent, this decision can be overwhelming and many people trust their doctors to act in the parent’s best interest to provide guidance in such instances. Unfortunately, there is a major distortion of information out there and many people have the misconception that vaccines result in healthier children. However, research is showing that vaccinated children are more chronically ill than their non-vaccinated counterparts. According to the CDC, the number of vaccines that are given to children has increased more than three times in the last 29 years. In 1983, children were given 10 shots from birth to 6 years of age, compared to 36-38 for the same age group in 2012.

Vaccine Dangers

Vaccines can carry with them very serious side effects, ranging from mild complications such as fever or rash, to major issues such as seizure and death. Children who are lucky enough to avoid any major difficulties, can carry with them a lifetime of health problems. According to a survey on VaccineInjury.info, vaccinated children have a much higher rate of autism, ear infections, ADHD, asthma and allergies – in some cases even 30 percent higher than children who are not vaccinated. The assessment continues to show that un-vaccinated children are less likely to suffer from hyperactivity, skin disorders, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety and many other diseases. In addition to the fact that vaccines are being shown to cause health problems, immunizations being given today have not been tested for long-term safety. Most of the studies only evaluate side effects that occur within 48-72 hours, while the truth is that many serious side effects show up long after that time span.

Vaccines are a combination of many different toxic additives, preservatives and cell types that are initiated during the manufacturing process. The problem is that the shots create a temporary vaccine-induced antibody production rather than letting the body build up its natural immune system, and have little evidence as to their effectiveness.

In fact, Whooping Cough outbreaks are higher in areas that have a higher percentage of children who have been vaccinated against it according to Reuters. In 2010 in San Rafael CA they saw the largest spike of cases the state has seen in 50 years after the CDC recommended that children get the vaccine booster.

Over-vaccinating weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections with less ability to fight them off. The injections also promote viral adaption, which is responsible for creating vaccine resistant super bugs. In 2010, 77 percent of the over 1,000 people who were infected with Mumps had received the MMR vaccine- a statistic which was conveniently left unreported by the mainstream media. So while the number of outbreaks occurs the medical establishment can recommend more vaccines to try to reduce the numbers, causing a vicious cycle fueled by misinformation and deception.

Natural Alternatives to Boost the Immune System

Healthier options to inoculations include eating organic food, increasing vitamin D intake and avoiding GMO foods, additives and preservatives. Diet is a very important factor in making sure that our bodies are able to work effectively. Foods high in refined sugars and other additives require our body to use stored vitamins and minerals in order to metabolize, increasing the production of hormones, which suppresses our immune system. Eating fresh whole foods and making sure to get an ample amount of vitamin D is vital in helping to strengthen the body’s defense system. In addition, allowing the body to fight off infection and only using antibiotics when absolutely necessary, will develop natural resistance.

Photo Credit: Header-Moketni

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Collard Green Wraps

2013-09-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

This is a family favorite and a healthier spin on a beloved Asian dish. Collard Green wraps are yummy, filling and can be topped with lots of delicious veggies! Typically lettuce wraps are served with butter or bibb lettuce. I prefer to substitute the wrap for something a little more dense to help increase the nutritional value while still providing a great, fresh taste.

Ground Turkey Meat
Chopped Garlic
Chopped yellow onion
Julienne carrots
Chopped cilantro
Chopped radishes
Collard Green
Soy Sauce
Ground Cumin
Ground Paprika
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Add some olive oil into a pan on medium heat. Sautee up garlic and onions until the onions are soft and translucent. Add turkey meat and brown. Add salt and pepper, cumin and paprika and mix. Cook meat until finished.

Cut off the stem to the collard green leaf, but make sure not to remove the rib. Before meat is done boil some water and boil each leaf for about 30 seconds to soften and remove and dry off.

Add meat to the collard green leaf. Add desired toppings and add a dash of soy or tamari sauce to taste. Wrap up your leaf and you are good to go! These are very large and filling and extremely healthy. You can experiment with different types of meat including chicken, ground beef, bison or shrimp. You can also substitute the collard greens for chard as another healthy alternative. The leaves are a lot more hearty than the more delicate lettuces which makes them less likely to fall apart while being packed with more nutrients.

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

What is a Yogi Mami?

2013-09-15T16:11:00.004-07:00

Wow! It has been forever since my last post. It's been a crazy past couple of weeks with birthdays, our 5 year anniversary, a vacation and lots of fun activities before my husband heads back to work from Summer break. I didn't completely ditch out on work. I have been cooking and found so many easy, healthy DELICIOUS recipes that I have been taking pictures of, so stay tuned! I have also been working on a lot of behind the scenes stuff for the site, blog (Including my NEW ONE through Natural News!) and some other projects I had put on the back burner. I'm hoping to blog more consistently during Fall when it cools down and the kids go to bed earlier. Their energy level has been through the roof which is a great thing, but exhausting at the same time. As I took these last few weeks to enjoy myself with family and friends I began to reflect on my lifestyle, habits, actions and surroundings and look on how I can improve myself to make sure I am on the right path to meeting my 2013 New Year Intentions. This post is to give a little insight to myself and my goals and what being a Yogi Mami means to me!

Yogic tradition is based on the five pillars of yogic balance. Yoga encourages us to acknowledge and understand how these elements are essential for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. When I began my yoga journey I began to learn how important each of these principals are, and began to slowly integrate them into my life. As I have grown up and had children of my own I now make it a top priority to apply these five precepts into my family's lifestyle to help us stay healthy, balanced and happy.

Five pillars of yoga:

- Right Exercise- Regularly practice yoga, as well as other forms of exercise, with good intentions and appropriate to age, health status and the needs of the body.

- Right Breathing- This involves working towards awareness of the breath at all times and re-establishing deep, natural breathing- Similar to young children, which energizes the entire being.

- Right Thinking- The requires clearing the mind of its many scattered thoughts to increase the sense of clarity, calmness and to cultivate a positive attitude.

- Right Nutrition- Being aware of the fuel you put into your body. Eating food slowly and mindfully at the appropriate times and favoring a healthy range of fresh, seasonal, nutritious food in moderation.

- Right Relaxation- This means taking time out to balance the activity in your life with adequate rest to maintain a sense of physical, mental, emotional and energetic relaxation as a way to restore and revitalize your entire being.

Now while I try to keep these 5 pillars a priority in my life, I am in no way perfect! And it's not about perfection, but about balance. I don't beat up on myself if I am not always eating the most nutritious meal. I feel that going out to eat with my family and having a nice time once in awhile is more important than stressing out and trying to make everything homemade and allows me to take a break from cooking to unwind once in awhile. I eat meat, I drink wine, I'm not gluten-free or raw, but I do try to eat as healthy as I can, when I can and listen to my body and what it is telling me. I try not to obsess on my imperfections and choose to focus on the positive things I am doing to make my life better everyday.

As we close in on the last few months of the year I am working towards doing what I can to meet the New Year intentions I set after the first of the year. I plan on focusing on my blog more and sharing even more healthy recipes, tips and advice.

Please let me know if there are any topics of interest that you would like me to discuss in future
posts!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Quinoa Fried "Rice"

2013-07-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

It was a typical summer day, it was hot, the kids were full of energy and it was time to figure out what to make for dinner. I hadn't gone to the store in about a week and what I had on hand to make full meals was slim pickings. I had some leftover pork I needed to use, but no buns so I couldn't do my typical pulled pork sandwich routine I often did to use up the rest of the meat. I was in the mood to get creative and figure something out without having to ask the hubby to pick up something from the store or rely on take out.

I began to search the internet for ideas when I came across a recipe for fried rice. The only problem was, I had no rice in the house. What was a mom to do? Then I remembered that I had seen an idea somewhere for making fried rice with Quinoa! Or did I just make that up? I searched Google and lo and behold! I found many recipes which I quickly scanned for inspiration. Awesome! I began to come up with how I can make my own version using the ingredients I had on hand. I was a little worried about what my husband would say about the meal, but figured it was worth a try. Let me tell you, IT WAS! It came out so good! Like amazingly good. In fact, my husband told me I could sell it (apparently by opening my own restaurant? Because he thinks I need more people to cook for?!) I have been dreaming about this meal for weeks now. I can't wait to try it again with different ingredients. The possibilities are endless and can be made with many different variations. This post will share with you my recipe for yummy, healthy, quick quinoa friend "rice". My version was pork fried rice, but it can easily be made with any meat or as a vegetarian meal.

Quinoa
Pork
Egg
Garlic
Vegetables
Sesame oil
Broth or water
Salt and Pepper
Tamari or Soy Sauce

I had leftover pork tenderloin that I used for mine, it was already seasoned and cooked. I soaked the Quinoa and cooked accordingly. Once that was done I put some oil in a pan and sauteed up some chopped garlic and onions until translucent. I then added the chopped veggies. Anything you have will be good. I added carrots and celery, peas and purple cabbage but it would also
be great with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, edamame, etc. Sautee for a few minutes until soft. Remove from pan and add scrambled egg. Cook the egg, breaking it up, add the veggies back to the pan, and add the meat. Cook for a few minutes for the meat to warm. Then add the quinoa and stir well to combine. Let it cook a few more minutes and add a little more oil if necessary, season with salt and pepper and add soy sauce or tamari.

Make sure you eat this meal warm. It was delicious. I can't wait to try it with shrimp, or chicken or beef, and other veggies too. I can't wait to make this again, in fact, I think we will be having it in a couple of days because it was just too good!

Have you tried making Quinoa fried "rice"? We would love for you to share your version!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Summertime Fig Recipes

2013-07-14T21:48:00.001-07:00

I had some figs that I picked over at my sister-in-laws house. I absolutely LOVE figs. I usually eat them as is, but started thinking of all the fun creative ways I could use them up. The new recipes were a big hit, so of course I had to share! This post includes two fun ways to eat figs.

The first recipe I made was a balsalmic fig sauce. We ate it drizzled over lamb chops and then leftovers drizzled over baked chicken. The hubby loved it. It took a bit of time to cook, but was well worth it.

Filling of 2 large figs
1 cup chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
3 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 Tbs. Raw local honey
chopped fresh herbs (oregano, thyme)
2 Tbs. Butter
Salt & Pepper

Pour broth and vinegar into a pan on medium high. If you will be pouring over meat that was pan seared or cooked-add the liquid to the pan after you remove the meat to incorporate the brown bits into the sauce and add flavor. Stir until sauce is reduced to 1/2 a cup. Stir in fig filling, honey and herbs and let sauce reduce by another 1-2 Tbs. Add butter and swirl till melted. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over meat and enjoy! It was so yummy. I will definitely be making this again once I get my hands on some more figs!

Fig & Brie Grilled Cheese

Figs
Brie
Bread
Butter

Very simple, two slices of bread- Lay sliced brie on one piece and then scoop some fig filling on top of the cheese and top with the second slice of bread. Butter each side and grill up in a pan. Easy peasy! The taste was devine! I can't wait to try this again, I think it would even be good with a slice or two of ham. Monte Cristo style minus the egg batter. Although, I wonder how it would taste battered and maybe with a bit of maple syrup. Mmmmmmm..............

Do you have any interesting recipes using figs? We would love for you to share!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Top 5 Healthiest Oils to Use

2013-07-09T11:00:00.001-07:00

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion as to which oils are actually the healthiest for consuming. With so many different options out there I decided to share this post to discuss the best oils to have in your house and some information on the best ways to use each.

First off, ditch the canola oil and vegetable oil! These oils are GMO, processed, hydrogenated, refined and just plain yucky. These nasty oils come in the form of margarine, shortenings and low trans-fat spreads. It is hard to go out to eat to a restaurant that doesn't use the cheap oils to accommodate the mass cooking at very low cost. Both Canola and Vegetable oil are trans-rich toxins that, perhaps more than any other components of the modern American diet, has contributed to increases in cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, ED, stroke, dementia, and many other common diseases. For years healthy saturated fats have been demonized as being unhealthy, when actually they are the healthiest and best processed by the body and support immune health. This propaganda is starting to come to a head as many people are waking up to the truth as to which oils are the best to use.

So maybe you can't always control how restaurants cook your food, but while at home you have the option to cook with healthy, beneficial oils without breaking the bank! Try to use only organic, unrefined, unprocessed, virgin oils when possible. It will make all the difference. The least processed option is naturally, always the best. Here is a list of the best oils to use:

Coconut Oil is a great way to increase the amount of healthy fats in your diet. It is one of the most nutritious oils and offers many health benefits. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits. It is also a powerful antioxidant and helps in the absorption of other minerals. The oil is high in Lauric Acid which converts to Monolaurin in the body which has been shown to fight disease and viruses and boost immunity. You can use this oil to cook, as skin lotion, in smoothies, and even hair conditioner. It helps to reduce scars, stretchmarks and age spots. It can be a substitute for butter or any oil when cooking and can even be used as an all natural shaving cream or eye makeup remover.

Olive Oil is another wonderful oil that can be used for cooking, personal care, natural remedies and more. The oil has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids which promote good cholesterol and help to lower bad cholesterol. It is very gentle on the digestive system and contains vital vitamins and minerals. Olive oil also contains antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. It can be used as a moisturizer, a hair de-tangler, furniture polish, to fix squeaky doors or even to cure an earache.

Hemp Oil should not be cooked hot, but can be used in salad dressings, added to pasta or rice or used for cosmetic or medicinal reasons. It is an excellent moisturizer that helps to energize the skin and increasing skin elasticity. It balances hormones, contains the right balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and helps to treat high cholesterol and diabetes.

Sunflower Oil is not a popular oil to cook with, but has tremendous health benefits. It has a neutral taste so it is ideal for cooking and frying. Sunflower oil provides more Vitamin E than any other oil and assists the body in maintaining water in the cells making it great for beauty products. It contains high amounts of Vitamin E, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and many other nutrients that are essential to the body. Including it in your diet reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol and promotes the creation of new cells in the body. It has shown to reduce asthma, colon cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sesame Oil is high in nutritional content and has shown to have capabilities in fighting, reversing and preventing many diseases and illnesses. They are very high in calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese. It promotes beautiful skin, oral health, reducing stress, and protecting against radiation-induced DNA damage. It's high in protein so it is a great inclusion in a vegetarian diet. It can be used in homemade cosmetic products and medicines as well as in cooking.

Replacing dangerous, unhealthy oils with healthy alternatives doesn't have to cost a fortune. When you buy in bulk you can typically get the oil for cheaper and trust me, you will use it. From cooking to easy natural health and beauty products, chemical free cleaning products and first aid - and with so many benefits.

What oils do you have in your house and how do you use them?

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Fermented Beet Kvass

2013-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's Fermented Friday and time for another recipe for a newfound health drink that I stumbled upon as I try to make all kinds of homemade, healthy foods and drinks.

I love beets! They are so yummy and earthy tasting, and they have tremendous health benefits, including purifying your blood. They are great in salads, juiced, sautéed with sweet potatoes, and roasted. Having explored through hoards of fermenting recipes the past few weeks I came across a recipe for homemade Beet Kvass. What a fancy name! What is this concoction? I had never even heard about it, yet my love of fermentation and my love of beets were telling my body that this was something I needed to try!

This post will share with you just how easy this is and drinking 4 ounces each morning and evening have shown to lower blood pressure, purify the blood, aid in digestion and detoxify the liver. It is rich in B vitamins and minerals such as copper, potassium and magnesium. It is a great health tonic to add to any diet.

Ingredients:

Beets (3-4) peeled and chopped (save the discarded greens for yummy salad or sauteed with garlic and onion)
3 tbs sea salt
Filtered water
Whey

Place the chopped beets, in a large glass jar (1/2-1 gallon) add salt and cover with water. Cover with either a paper towel or tea towel and secure with a rubber band. Let the mixture sit on your counter for 3 days then bottle the liquid saving the beets, and a few tablespoons of liquid to brew a second batch. Add about a tbs more of salt and add water to cover and repeat the fermentation process for 2 days and bottle. When the beet kvass has been bottled let it sit in a cool, dry place for another day or two to allow for them to ferment for a couple more days. Place the jars in the fridge where they can stay until you are ready to drink.

Basically the brew tastes like salted beet juice. It has a very earthy, salty taste. Mine did not have the same carbonation taste that I am used to in fermented drink, but it was yummy nonetheless and gave me tremendous energy! I feel so great after I have a glass and really enjoy it.

Have you tried Beet Kvass? Please share your thoughts and experience!

Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.