Good Nurture

Reflexology for Insomnia and Better Sleep

2012-01-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of requests on how reflexology (and other things) can help insomnia and other irregular sleep patterns. I've put together a foot and ear reflexology map for you to explore.

First let's explore the foot map. This map is pretty general as it covers a lot of different points. Before going to bed each night sit upright with your foot in your lap (if you can do this). With your thumb, deeply press in and walk your thumb on the large plantar pad of your big toe. Work deeply for at least 1 - 3 minutes on each of the big toes. Also work on the 2nd toe for a minute. The toe points will work your head, brain, pituitary, and pineal gland reflexes... all important to balance for a good night's sleep.

If you can't reach the bottom of your toe, have someone else help you. If that isn't an option, find a firm, (not to sharp) solid corner of a wooden coffee table and press the plantar pad of your large toe on it for a few minutes.

Next walk your thumb along the inner (medial) edge of each foot (one at a time). This is your spinal reflexes, which will help balance your body systems.

Now you can either continue to walk your thumb in the rest of the purple areas marked in the picture (along the ball and arch of each foot), or you can now take a high-bounce rubber ball and stand up and very slowly step on the ball. Once the ball is deep in the muscle of the sole of your foot, slowly roll your foot backward and forward to deeply work these points. Five minutes on each foot will be great. This works your heart, adrenals, solar plexus, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, stomach, intestines, and all your abdominal organs. It also relaxes the muscles on your plantar foot, which in turn, radiate up the back of your legs, lower and upper back, and neck. Relaxing these muscles also helps aid sleep, especially when muscle tension is part of the culprit.

Next, let's take a look at this ear reflexology map. (This information is from Terry Oleson's Auriculotherapy Manual).

The main points to work are the non-blue areas. If you want extra support, then do the secondary blue points.

How to work the Ear Points: Either before or while you lie down to bed each night, hold these points either between your fingers or pressing on them with your finger tip for a minute or so on each point. Personally, I like to end with the Zero Point for at least 5 minutes. Keep in mind to keep your body, arms and hands as relaxed as you can while holding these points. If you are lying down, make sure your elbows are supported properly with any pillows or support they may need. If you want to work on these points prior to lying down, sit at a table and prop your elbows on the table while resting your head in the palm of your hands while your finger tips reach your ears to press on the points.

Other things that may be able to improve your sleep are:

Be active during the day. Get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day.
Eliminate caffeine. If you absolutely won't give it up, at least give it up after 12 noon. This includes tea and chocolate.
Avoid alcohol.
Do yoga before bed. Do some calm, slow yoga with special breathing techniques, in a very dim lit room prior to bed. This relaxes your body AND your mind.
Keep your environment stimulant free at least an hour before bed. This means lower the lights, turn off the computers, tv's, cell phones, and other electronic gadgets.
Eat a diet that is mostly plant-based, especially eating a lot of dark greens like kale, broccoli, and spinach.
Create a regular bedtime and wake up time.
Do the Hook Up. Donna Eden in her book "Energy Medicine" gives us this great exercise. While in bed, press down your belly button with the middle finger of one hand and with the middle finger of the other hand press and hold above the bridge of your nose between your eyebrows. Breath in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth for at least 20 seconds. (I like to do this for a few minutes). This creates a connection between your central meridian (which sends energy up the front of your body) and the governing meridian (which sends energy up your spine).
Keep your body temperature comfortable. Being either too hot or too cold will make going and staying asleep hard to accomplish. If your feet or too cold or too hot, the same thing happens.
These are some great books to help calm the mind and create a heart-based peace.
The Genie Within by Harry Carpenter
and The Heart Math Solution by Doc Lew Childre

I hope this has been helpful! Wishing you a great night's sleep!!!

Grand Opening of the Community Holistic Health Center!

2011-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the
Community Holistic Health Center in Lafayette, Colorado,
and my new office space!!!

I will be celebrating my own Grand Re-Opening of my practice as well!
My new hours will be Thursday and Saturday from 9am - 1pm!
Please visit my website to book your session!

And, please join me and my fellow health practitioners for the Grand Opening of the CHHC!

On Saturday we will be offering sample sessions of our healing work.

CHHC Grand Opening Events

Join us in Celebration Friday, 11-11-11
6 pm to 9 pm
We will have live music, appetizers and fascinating conversation!
Meet our Board Members and Practitioners.

Enjoy the offerings of our practitioners Saturday, 11-12-11
10 am to 4 pm
Our practitioners will be offering samples of their services at our first CHHC Health Fair.
Some of the services offered:
Acupuncture
Massage
Reiki
Reflexology
Aromatherapy
Flower Essences
Intuitive Readings

Activating Pineal Gland

2011-10-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some good references on how to detox and activate your pineal gland:

Meditate on pineal gland and visualize it glowing in white golden light and feel it tingling or vibrating in the center of your brain.
Do the Aum (Om) chant every day (sit upright, hands folded together on lap, right thumb over left.) Take a deep breath in (filling first the stomach/diaphram, then mid-chest, the upper chest.) Then exhale with the A (soft a) sound while emptying the stomach/lower chest. Continue exhaling and say U (cross between oo and strong O) sound while emptying the mid-chest. Finish by closing your mouth and saying the M sound while emptying your upper chest and feel vibrations on the roof of your mouth.Pause and repeat several times. Quiet your mind and focus internally on the sounds, the waves of vibration it creates, your breath, and your internal stillness within the breath movement.
Avoid all things fluoride, including: tap water, cooking with tap water, fluoridated toothpaste, conventional fruits and vegetables, showers without filter, and anything made with artificial food and drinks, and red meat.
Drink only pure water: drink spring, distilled, or reverse osmosis purified water. Buy a shower filter, go to whole foods and buy organic fruits, veggies, and toothpaste without fluoride.
Avoid processed foods, sugar, additives.
Eat only whole, organic plant-based foods.
Consume super foods: Chlorella spirualina, blue-green algea, iodine, shilajit, cystine, blue skate liver oil, monoatomic gold, raw cacao, goji berries, watermelon, bananas, hemp seeds, seeweed, and noni juice.
Hold Master Reflex Points on the Ears. Lie on your back, and hold the following points (see image) on your ears. The Shen Men, Pineal, and Zero Point are particularly potent. Hold gently with your middle or index finger for several minutes each. I usually end with the Zero Point and hold for at least 5 minutes.

Hold Pineal Gland Reflexology Points on Hands and Feet. There are many reflexology charts out there that will tell you different locations of the pineal gland point. So I recommend putting firm pressure in these various areas: FEET: On the Big Toe press in the middle of the plantar (bottom) toe pad - in the toe print spiral. Also hold firm pressure on the top medial (towards body's midline) edge. HANDs: Same as on Big Toe except use your thumb. Press firmly on the middle of the thumb pad (in the spiral of the thumb print), and also on the upper portion of flesh along the thumb nail on the medial edge (away from your index finger).
Use Crystals. Amethyst, Charoite, Dumitorite, Pietersite, Lodestone, Quartz, Purple Fluorite, Purple Sapphire, Dragonite, Moonstone, Purple Lepidolite, Rhyolite, and Ruby. Hold a crystal over 3rd eye for 15 - 45 minutes during meditation.
Herbs: Chamomile, Pine Bark, Lavender bud, Wild Indigo Bark, Violet, Licorice, and Ginseng.

Some links for Pineal Gland activation:.

How Does Your Sunscreen Rate?

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

The EWG's 5th annual sunscreen report is here! They analyzed more than 600 beach and sport sunscreens and found that they could only recommend one in five sunscreens for this summer! The rest either don't protect enough or contain hazardous ingredients that don't belong on your skin.

I know you count on sunscreens to protect you and your family from sunburn and to help prevent sun damage and skin cancer, so please take a moment to check out our most comprehensive Sunscreen Guide to date. You can look up your sunscreen or find out our top-rated sunscreens.

Click here to check out this year's Sunscreen Guide!

This report is packed with invaluable information from the best sunscreens to sun safety tips. There's even a Hall of Shame to shine a light on the sunscreen industry's worst practices.

Patriotism on a Plate

2011-05-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

"Patriotism on a Plate" is a must-see talk given by Robyn O'Brien that she presented at Tedx Austin 2011. She shares her amazing journey with her own child's food allergies, her type-A personality to find out why so many of our children now have food allergies, why our food industry is affecting the health of our nation, and why organics cost so much. This is brilliant, informative, eye-opening, and inspiring to all of us to make big or little changes to move ourselves, our families, and our country, patriotically, into a healthier, happier, and more economically sound future.

Our Love-Hate Relationship with Sweets

2011-05-18T07:19:00.001-07:00

Oh those sweets! We love them. We hate them.

We love the taste of sweets. We love the feeling of sweetness in our mouths. In fact, we love the "feeling of sweetness". Oh but the guilt that follows the bite down is enough to spoil that love affair with each swallow.

I can hear it now... "this is bad for me, I will gain weight, my face will break out, where is my will power, this causes inflammation, this causes addiction, this causes disease..!" * Gulp! * You just ate that, all that. The guilt is punishing enough to make you never eat another sweet again. That is, until the next bite tempts us. "Oh, hello my sweet love!"

Sweet food is, for many of us, a love-hate relationship. We crave sweetness for many reasons. One reason people eat sweets is that we have become "programmed" unconsciously to do so. We have become mindless when it comes to putting something inside our bodies based on triggers that aren't the hunger triggers. How many times have you had a bowl of sweets while you were at the computer or watching TV, and magically, it disappeared without you realizing it! Do you procrastinate by eating sweet food? Do you shove emotions inside with sweet food? Do you eat sweets because some emotion or part of your life is missing? Do you eat them because they just somehow magically find their way into your mouth?

Mindful Eating with Sweets:

The next time you find yourself about ready to put a sweet in your mouth...

Push the "pause" button. If you can, put the food down for 10 minutes. This gives you a mental break in your actions (that may not be conscious or mindful).
Be curious about your actions. Ask yourself: Are you hungry? If so, is this the best choice? Why this and not something healthier? Does the activity I'm doing now usually trigger me to eat sweets? Don't be judgmental or harsh on yourself. Just be curious, interested, and obtain some conscious information.
Conjure up some wonderful, "sweet" feelings. This can be happy memories, people, pets, things you love, or something you are appreciative and grateful for. Sometimes we crave "sweetness", and the easiest way we give it to ourselves is through food. After all, grabbing a cookie might be easier to some than digging to find that "sweet-self-love" we all truly want.
Check back in 10. After the 10 minutes is up, see if you are hungry. Do you still want the food? Is there something else you want that is better for you? Just observe. Don't guilt yourself if you do eat the sweet.
Learn and enjoy. This was a lesson in mindfulness. See how you feel while you are eating it. See how you feel afterwards. Remember that how you feel is nourishment too. Be as kind to yourself as you can.

Beyond the mindfulness of eating, there are other factors to look at with our relationship with sweets. Another main reason we crave sweets is simple enough... because like attracts like. The more sweets you eat (even if they are artificial), the more we are begging for more.

When eating sweets, aim for whole foods made and packaged by Mother Nature herself. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds are great choices. Try to make sure you are also having fiber and protein while eating sweets, as it slows the sugar release down in your body.

Here is a great article (link below) on some great ideas on how to Tame Your Sweet Tooth.

Tame Your Sweet Tooth

When it comes to sugar, it helps to be strategic, says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD: “I’m not saying you can’t have pleasure in the form of sugar, but it’s time to start making informed choices.” Here are some tips:

* Put protein, healthy fat and fiber in the mix. All of them slow down the digestion process, averting blood-sugar spikes. Get creative by adding slow-digesting nutrients to your favorite sweets. If you’re going to have jam on your toast, make sure you’re also having an egg, some nut butter or other fat with your breakfast. If you’re going to eat cereal, put some walnuts on it. Top pear slices with crumbled Gorgonzola. Choose dark chocolate, which contains some fat, over fat-free candies.

New Science of Yoga Program

2011-05-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, if/when you started yoga you may have felt very confused by all the choices. Making sense of yoga and figuring out the right approach was, for me, frustrating to say the least. Then I found something that made all the difference in the world. It took the mystery out of yoga and gave me all the tools and guidance I needed to totally transform my health and my life ...

What if there was a way for you to stop spinning your wheels too and finally start realizing all the great health benefits of yoga ... quickly and more easily than you even imagined?

Well, I'm excited to tell you that now there is! Yogacharya, director of International Yogalayam, has just released his newest (and in my opinion, best) yoga home study program called The Science of Yoga.

This one of a kind yoga training course just got released to the public today, and with the special offer on it for the next 72 hours, you really can't go wrong (there's even 3 excellent free bonuses included too!) So don't delay ... in 3 days this opportunity will be gone.

P.S. The nicest thing about The Science of Yoga is that it is 100% Internet based. You could be using it within minutes of reading this email... And Yogacharya offers a no questions asked, 100% money back guarantee too. So what have you got to lose?

Namasté my friends!

[Learn More about The Science of Yoga]

Self-Help Points for Allergies

2011-04-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Spring is blooming, and so are allergies!

Here are is a helpful guide to some points (acupressure / reflexology / auriculotherapy) that you can work to help relieve your allergy symptoms.

The chart to the left shows ear and hand points you can work. For the ear, simply press or squeeze the points for a few minutes throughout the day.

For the web points in the hands, firmly squeeze for a few minutes. In addition, squeeze and pull on the fingers and toes. The tips of the fingers and toes are great too. Firmly put pressure on them with your fingers tips.

Of course, there are many other points to work, but this will give you a good start!

In addition, here are some other helpful ideas for reducing allergies:

Drink plenty of water - stay hydrated

Use a neti-pot - to clean out the nasal passages

Shower every night - wash off pollens, allergens

Eat organic, whole fruits & veggies - supports healthy body and doesn't over-tax your system

Emotions on Food, Mindful Eating

2011-04-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

If we condemn anything that we eat, we are condemning ourselves in the process and our food will not agree with our harmonious, natural state of being. We will then experience the feelings that we offer our food (perhaps in a different context), until they get loud enough that we are able to recognize the feelings we are offering and decide to release them.

If you have a bowl of ice cream and feel, "This is bad food for me. I am weak and have no will power to not eat this...", and continue to eat, you have just made yourself weaker. You have confirmed to yourself you are weak in will power, and you have weakened your body's physical health. Perhaps this is because the ice-cream is not a good choice for your well being, and/or because you've condemned it and yourself. So now maybe you feel bloated, irritable, tired, or fatigued. Notice yourself. Your feelings of weakness will continue to manifest in you as you continue to offer them.

Now, if you take that same ice cream and say "I love myself. Is this the right choice for my well being?" You might actually put the ice cream down, or you might eat it. Be mindful and loving in whatever decision you make.

If you do eat it, decide to be mindful while eating it. Love yourself, observe yourself, and be non-judgmental. Ask what is the purpose of eating it? Are you actually hungry? Is there a feeling you are trying to gain, loss, or move? Feel the temperature and texture in your mouth. How do you feel with each bite? How does your mind and heart feel? How does your body feel? Is the food satisfying you? How do you feel after you've eaten it?

Embrace the moment for what it is and the gems of love and wisdom it has given you.

Brussels Sprouts Please!

2011-04-08T20:16:00.001-07:00

Ok kids (and adults), it's time to give Brussels Sprouts a try. Believe it or not, my daughter was first exposed to Brussels Sprouts on a cartoon show. (It amazes me the vegetables I have YET to introduce to her... I'll be on a mission now to expose the fruit and vegetable world!)

So after seeing those green little veggies on Olivia, she said... "Mom, what are Brussels Sprouts?" Knowing she was a huge fan of raw food and cabbage, I said "They are like little baby cabbages". Then she immediately asked to go to the store and buy them. So we did.

We brought them home and she looked at them with a smile. She immediately bit into one and was thrilled! They did taste like baby cabbages! And how fun they were too. Eat them in balls or peel them and eat the leaves one at a time! That was two days ago. Since then, she's asked for them over and over again.

The lesson? Continue to introduce new foods to your children. Just because you don't eat them or don't think they would like them is no reason to leave it out of the equation. You'd be surprise what kids will like (especially the more foods they are exposed to). Give them the benefit of the doubt and make it fun. Kids gravitate toward raw foods, so try raw versions first. Cooking vegetables can spoil the whole experience for kids.

So give those little green balls of nutrition a try! You just might like it!

Quantum Healing Video with Gregg Braden

2011-03-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

I love the work Gregg Braden has offered our world. He has many wonderful books I would highly recommend, including "Divine Matrix" and "The Spontaneous Healing of Belief". Here is a great video Gregg has shared with us. In it you'll see actual footage of healing, documented in real time, of a bladder tumor disappearing, you'll see what affects our thoughts, prayers, and focused attention have on water crystals and the state of peace within the world. We can ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE on creating healing and peace within ourselves, our families, communities and our world. The power has been within us along.

Natural Remedies for Radiation and Toxic Overload

2011-03-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Natural Remedies for Radiation and Toxic Overload
Here is a great Care2 article by Bridgitte Mars that will help our bodies, even without if we aren't in high radiation exposure areas... as we are constantly bombarded by toxins.

Here's an excerpt:

"The seed buckwheat is high in rutin, helps to protect against radiation and stimulates new bone marrow production. The mucilaginous fibers in seaweed (such as kelp, kombu, arame, nori, sea lettuce, dulse, wakame and hiziki) help to prevent the reabsorption of radioactive strontium 90, barium, cadmium and radium by binding with them and carrying them out of the body. Sea vegetables are also high in natural iodine, which can load the thyroid, so that radiation is not absorbed. Eat two tablespoons daily for protection and be careful of overdoing. Be sure seaweeds are from clean waters like www.seaweed.net, or www.seaveg.com.
Following the bombing of Nagasaki, a group of surviving macrobiotic doctors and their patients avoided radiation sickness by eating brown rice, miso soup, seaweed Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt and were told to avoid sugar and white flour products. These patients did not get leukemia, though the hospital was only one mile from the bombsite!

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-remedies-for-radiation-and-toxic-overload.html#ixzz1GxYfFX3r

Helping Japan after Earthquake & Tsunami

2011-03-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Feeling compelled to help Japan in their time of need? The Global Giving Organization has set up a fund with a $2,000,000 goal to help provide relief aid. This project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground. Click here to donate.

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/

Ancient Cosmology: A Map of the Future?

2011-03-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

Ancient Cosmology: A Map of the Future? | Issue Eight, March 2011 | Noetic Now | Institute of Noetic Sciences

This is an amazing article of how the macro-cycles, cycles too large for us to experience individually, are more easily seen and understood by looking at the smaller cycles we are aware of. Simply brilliant and reassuring as we journey forward together on this planet.

Feeding Kids Fruits, Vegetables & Salads

2011-03-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Give kids a chance to like fresh, living foods. Beyond the regular finger foods of carrot and celery sticks, expose them to tasty salads. It's ok. Let them play with their food. The other night I served my 6-year-old some rice pasta and marinara sauce along with a small bowel of cabbage, carrot, and cilantro salad (no dressing). After only 2 bites of the pasta, she literally pushed her bowl aside and grabbed her bowl of salad. Gobbled it down and had 2 more helpings! This is now one of her favorites! "I could sing my mouth is so happy!" she told me.

So how do you get kids to like more raw fruits, vegetables and salads?

Expose them to the salad at high-hungry times (after physical activities, snack times, before meals). So what if they fill up before dinner... it's the best thing they can eat!
Eat living salads yourself, and often (do as I do, not as I say)
Make games of it: "Are you a rabbit?? Here's your munchy, crunchy meal!"
Ask them intriguing questions: "Can you tell the difference between the red and green cabbage?"
Constant exposure pays off. It may take 1 or 250 times before they'll try it, but persistence pays off, especially when they are hungry. It becomes a "known factor" to them. So keep it visible!
Be Creative and let them gravitate towards their natural instincts to eat living food.

Onions for Cold & Flu Viruses?

2011-02-04T07:16:00.001-08:00

There is a myth (and a circulating email) that states placing cut onions around your home helps ward off colds and flu. The myth has pretty much been debunked. However, you CAN help ward off and reduce your symptoms by EATING ONIONS. Onions are rich in antioxidants and have antiseptic and ant-inflammatory properties. It can dry your congested sinuses, reduce phlegm, and reduce your cough, among other healthful benefits.

Eating onions raw is best, as it can quickly clear up some of that congestion. Mince the onion well, mix with honey, and eat a spoonful. You can also try making onion tea by adding a chopped onion to 3 cups of boiling water. (Feel free to add some honey to this as well). Allow the water to warm and drink throughout the day. If you have a hard time tolerating raw onion or onion tea, add a hearty amount of onions to a healthy vegetable soup or other cooked dishes.

A Little Milk with your Antibiotics & Hormones?

2011-02-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

Is there something wrong with this image?

This is a great Care2 article by Delia Quigley.
Learn why you should ditch the milk.

Here's an excerpt:

A recent article in the New York Times disclosed that the F.D.A. has questioned the illegal levels of antibiotics in commercial milk, while the dairy industry refuses to allow testing. Reporter William Newman wrote that despite the Food and Drug Administrations intention to begin testing for antibiotics in milk, sometime this month, the dairy industry claims that testing “could force farmers to needlessly dump millions of gallons of milk while they waited for test results.” ...

...milk from cows treated with rBGH contains more antibiotics, bovine growth hormone, more pus, and something even more dangerous, Insulin-Like Growth Factor or IGF-1, one of the most powerful growth hormones in the human body and naturally present in cows’ milk.

The concern is over the presence of rBGH in a dairy cow’s blood, because it is known to stimulate the production of IGF-1, which is what actually stimulates the production of milk. So here’s the equation: Since rBGH increases levels of IGF-1 in cows and IGF-1 causes cells to divide in humans, will increasing IGF-1 in milk cause cell division in humans that leads to tumor growth and cancer? Dr. Samual Epstein’s research points to that conclusion. “Excess levels of IGF-1 have been incriminated as a cause of breast, colon, and prostate cancers. The risks of cancer to consumers and particularly their children, including those enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, are indisputable.”

Super Foods For Energy & Weight Loss

2011-02-03T05:28:00.000-08:00

Want or need to boost your energy? Besides...

getting enough sleep (going to bed and getting up at consistent times),
drinking plenty of water throughout the day (at least every two hours),
maintaining a balanced, whole-food, plant-based diet with regular feedings - but not too much,
avoiding excess stimulants (like caffeine and sugar)

here are some other helpful energy boosters! (Whew, as if all the above wasn't enough, right?)

Goji Berries

High on my list of amazing super foods, goji berries pack a healthy punch as being one of the most nutritionally dense foodsin the world, and they make a great snack! They contain a healthy balance and dose of both macro- and micro-nutrients, including a high-quality, plant-based complete protein content containing 18 amino acids (and all 8 essential amino acids) along with a rich source of antioxidants (including carotenes, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin - great for eye health). Goji berries also contain up to 21 trace minerals, like zinc, iron, calcium, copper, and selenium. In fact ounce per ounce goji berries have a higher content of iron than spinach; more vitamin C than oranges; more beta-carotene than carrots; and more antioxidants than blueberries. Goji berries also contain polysaccharides that strengthen the immune system. Also impressive, they are the only plant know to stimulate the body's own natural Human Growth Hormone, aiding us in our anti-aging pursuits. In addition, goji berries have been shown to improve your sleep. It is no wonder then why Chinese monks credit goji berries to greater energy, health, and vitalilty.

Acai Berries
Harvested from the Amazon jungle acai berries are a true super food. They are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Studies have shown these little berries also have great fat-burning and energy-boosting properties.

Cacao (raw chocolate)
The delicious chocolate we love to eat is, in fact, super healthy - when eaten in its raw form (cacao) and not mixed and processed with milk, sugar, and additives. This super food has been around for thousands of years and is naturally rich in antioxidants, fiber, iron, magnesium, flavanols, and polyphenols. David Wolfe says, in his book Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About the World's Greatest Food:

“Every study on chocolate is pointing to the same conclusion: there is something in chocolate that is really good for us. That something is the raw cacao bean, the nut that all chocolate is made from. The cacao bean has always been and will always be Nature’s #1 weight loss and high-energy food. Cacao beans are probably the best kept secret in the entire history of food.”

Try these high energy super food as nibs or as powder. They are great in shakes, desserts, and just eaten raw. Enjoy this super food, but don't overdo it... it does contain caffeine.

Cashew Nuts
With a high percentage of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, raw (unroasted) cashews are considered great for cardiovascular health. High in antioxidants, they help eliminate free radicals. High in magnesium, they support bones, muscles, relaxation, and healthy sleep patterns. High in copper, they help support energy production. Raw cashews is a high energy density and high fiber food that is great in promoting both energy and weight loss when eaten regularly in modest amounts. Keep them in the refrigerator as they go rancid quickly at room temperature.

Chia Seeds
The chia seed is a power food packed with lavish amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats, (great for the heart, for lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation among other things). It also has twice the amount of protein than any other seed or grain (having all 9 essential amino acids), has 5 times the amount of calcium than milk, and is chock full of fiber (making it excellent for weight loss, diabetics, and improving digestion). It also has more antioxidants and nutrients than the flax seed does and has a neutral taste. The abundant amount of soluble fiber forms a gel which slows down digestion, helping decrease the blood sugar levels (great for diabetics). For centuries the Indians of the Southwest and Mexico used this tiny little seed as a staple food. Known as the running food, its use as a high-energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. See the Chia Pudding recipe in my recipe blog - what a way to start your day!!

Coconut
Coconut (and coconut oil) is a remarkable natural fat that gives you quick and long-lasting energy, promotes weight loss, and promotes a healthy immune system. It may seem odd that a fat can do that. The key is that coconut oil is one of the richest sources of healthy fat in the form of medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) and lauric acid. Mother's milk is the only other natural source more abundant in these. MCFAs are easier to digest than other oils and do not circulate in the blood like other fats. They go directly to the liver where they are converted into energy. MCFAs increase metabolism, burning more calories, which promotes weight loss. The lauric acid in coconut oil increases immune function, including anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral actions. This is a great food to add to your diet regime!

Along with a healthy life-style, enjoy these super foods to increase your well being! (I do!)

Airtight Containers | Life Without Plastic Boutique

2010-11-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Airtight Containers | Life Without Plastic Boutique: "

What a great website! Non-plastic (stainless steel) food & water storage, baby and children's food products and toys, and much more. Cute designs too!

Addicted to Cheese & Dairy

2010-11-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why cheese is so addictive? Even those going on a primarily plant-based diet tend to continue craving and eating cheese. Did you know that cheese has trace amounts of morphine? Really. Cow and human milk have trace amounts of this opiate drug to ensure that babies will bond to their mothers and the vital milk they need to grow.

Here are a few informative articles about dairy and cheese.

Addicted to Cheese? Here's Why

"In 1981, Eli Hazum and his colleagues at Wellcome Research Laboratories reported traces of the chemical morphine, a highly addictive opiate. It turns out that morphine is found in cow milk and human, purportedly to ensure offspring will bond very strongly with their mothers and get all the nutrients they need to grow.

Researchers also discovered the protein casein, which breaks into casomorphins when it is digested and also produces opiate effects. In cheese, casein is concentrated, and so is the level of casomorphins, so the pleasurable effect is greater. Neal Barnard, MD said, “Since cheese is processed to express out all the liquid, it’s an incredibly concentrated source of casomorphins—you might call it dairy crack.” (Source: VegetarianTimes.com)"

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cheese-contains-morphine.html#ixzz154sXnR00

Dr. Neal Barnard and physically addictive foods (video)
Neal Barnard MD discusses the science behind food additions. Willpower is not to blame: chocolate, cheese, meat, and sugar release opiate-like substances. Dr. Barnard also discusses how industry, aided by government, exploits these natural cravings, pushing us to eat more and more unhealthy foods. A plant-based (vegan) diet is the solution to avoid many of these problems. Neal Barnard is the founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). (Click here to watch video)

Starr’s ‘Scary Dairy’ Story: Do You Have These Symptoms?

Here is a great article about dairy.Here is an excerpt of dairy reactions:

- Post nasal drip (constant clear mucus coming out of the nose when one is not ill)
- Dark circles or wrinkles under the eyes
- Swollen looking eyelids
- Red ears and red cheeks
- Eczema
- Inability to sit still
- The need to wrestle with someone or constantly move
- Inability to focus for longer periods
- Aggressive attitude and ill tempered
- Fits of pure rage that can last quite a while during which the child screams at the top of their lungs, sweats, eyes get glossy, may yell profanities…after which they are sorry and exhausted…
- Head banging (I know…it sounds terrible but I knew a child who started this behavior upon switching from dairy formula to Whole D when she turned one….fortunately the mom stopped the milk and her child became calm once again
- Trouble sleeping and/or falling asleep
- No naps, short naps, or hard to fall asleep at nap time
- Fatigue and tiredness (from lack of sleep no doubt)
- Catches every cold in town and takes forever to heal due to the incredible congestion
- Chronic ear infections (due to dairy NOT the ear canal laying flat or whatever lies ‘they’re’ spreading)

{Read entire article}

Life is a blossoming...

2010-10-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

I love Deepak Chopra's quote, "Life is a blossoming, not a race". What an empowering attitude shift to carry forward in our life. The image of a flower unfolding is so soft, natural, and beautiful... versus racing towards a deadline that creates a feeling of pressure and an "end".

This is an excerpt from Deepak Chopra's article "Do you struggle with time?".

"How much better not to feel any time pressure, to blossom fully despite the fact that death exists. The attitude that life is a blossoming, not a race, can be achieved. But to do that, you can’t believe that time is running out. Sending that message to your body’s cells is the same, ultimately, as programming them to age and die."

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/do-you-struggle-with-time.html#ixzz12LNZeQMP

Buying GMO Free Foods

2010-10-07T19:42:00.001-07:00

Here are some excellent resources for buying and consuming GMO-Free foods.
Get the GMO FREE SHOPPING GUIDE: http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/

Remember the four simple tips to avoid GMOs:
From: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/buy-non-gm

Tip #1: Buy Organic
Organic producers cannot intentionally use GMOs.

Tip #2: Look for "Non-GMO" Verified Seals

Tip #3: Avoid At-Risk Ingredients
If it's not labeled organic, or doesn't have a Non-GMO Project Verified Seal, then avoid processed food products ingredients made with these GM crops: Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Cottonseed and Beet sugar.

Corn

Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrups
Sweeteners such as fructose, dextrose, and glucose
Modified food starch*

Soy

Soy flour, lecithin, protein, isolate, and isoflavone
Vegetable oil* and vegetable protein*

Canola Canola oil (also called rapeseed oil)

Cotton Cottonseed oil

Sugar Avoid anything not listed as 100% cane sugar since GM beet sugar recently entered the food supply. To avoid it, look for organic and non-GMO sweeteners, candy and chocolate made with 100% cane sugar, evaporated cane juice or organic sugar.

Aspartame The artificial sweetener also known as NutraSweet and Equal, which is derived from GM microorganisms.

Become familiar with our list of invisible GM ingredients.

Also, more than 50% of Hawaiian papaya is GM, and a small amount of zucchini and yellow squash.

Invisible GMO Ingredients

Aspartame, also

called NutraSweet®,

Canderel®, Equal

Spoonful®,

E951, BeneVia®,

AminoSweet®

baking powder

canola oil

caramel color

cellulose

citric acid

cobalamin (Vit. B12)

colorose

condensed milk

confectioners

sugar

corn flour

corn masa

corn meal

corn oil

corn sugar

corn syrup

cornstarch

cottonseed oil

cyclodextrin

cystein

dextrin

dextrose

diacetyl

diglyceride

erythritol

Equal

food starch

fructose (any

form)

glucose

glutamate

glutamic acid

gluten

glycerides

glycerin

glycerol

monooleate

glycine

hemicellulose

high fructose corn

syrup (HFCS)

hydrogenated

starch

hydrolyzed

vegetable protein

inositol

inverse syrup

invert sugar

inversol

isoflavones

lactic acid

lecithin

leucine

lysine

malitol

malt

malt syrup

malt extract

maltodextrin

maltose

mannitol

methylcellulose

milk powder

milo starch

modified food

starch

modified starch

mono and

diglyceride

monosodium

glutamate (MSG)

Nutrasweet

oleic acid

Phenylalanine

phytic acid

protein isolate

shoyu

sorbitol

soy flour

soy isolates

soy lecithin

soy milk

soy oil

soy protein

isolate

soy sauce

starch

stearic acid

sugar (unless

cane)

tamari

tempeh

teriyaki marinade

textured vegetable

protein

threonine

tocopherols (Vit E)

tofu

trehalose

triglyceride

vegetable fat

vegetable oil

Vitamin B12

Vitamin E

whey

whey powder

xanthan gum

Other resources:
To learn more about eating non-GMO in restaurants.
Find local sources of organic food and GM-free meats.
Avoid Aspartame in non-food items.
Find sources of non-GMO seeds.

VEGGIES vs. ACNE

2010-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dr. Mitra Ray for sharing this article.

Striving for an unblemished complexion? Bypass the skin care aisle and head to the produce section! Eating more raw veggies might reduce breakouts by as much as 30%, according to new research.

A recent study from the University of Oslo compared dietary habits with incidence and severity of acne among 3,775 college students. Researchers found that women who ate more than five servings of raw vegetables daily enjoyed significantly fewer skin eruptions. "This has never been shown before," announced study authors. Less statistically significant, though interesting: both males and females who often ate potato chips suffered 5% more breakouts, while a frequent sweet tooth translated into 4% more "bad skin days."

Why might this be? Previous research suggests that many of the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables help reduce inflammation associated with skin problems. Fending off wrinkles rather than pimples? Produce bolsters skin health on this front too: British researchers found fewer signs of skin aging among women with the highest vitamin C intake. By contrast, sweets and meats contribute to toxins that undermine skin elasticity. More evidence that true beauty comes from within -- at least within your diet!

Bonus: Exercise for a glowing complexion. Contrary to myth, workouts do not contribute to breakouts -- and physical activity may even help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Finding Peace with Unbearable People

2010-09-08T07:16:00.001-07:00

I found a great article and exercise about How to Get Along with People You Don’t Like (And Make Your Life More Peaceful in the Process).

In a nutshell, Brian Vaszily explains the importance of identifying the people who we dislike or make us feel anything but fabulous (not usually hard to find). Then to dig for something, anything, that is of a positive nature in them. Something worth emulating. And then to focus on those qualities. Of course, this is not to say we should put ourselves in harms way by being in a hostile relationship, but to give us a chance to find peace in those relationships that seem to wrap themselves around us.

As Wayne Dyer says, "Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world."

Enjoy Brian Vaszily's article at IntenseExperiences.com

This is another great time to mention Bryon Katie's Work, which is another incredibly powerful way to help deal with people you don't like or can't stand. Katie has an amazing process of turning our suffering into joy. Check out her work at: www.thework.com

Deepak Chopra: The Happiness Prescription

2010-09-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Deepak Chopra: The Happiness Prescription

With the Deepak Chopra: The Happiness Prescription video, you'll discover 10 keys to a happy and fulfilling life. No matter your beliefs, religion or background this groundbreaking video offers solutions for everyone to find love, peace and harmony. If you enjoy this video, please visit Gaiam for more health and wellness videos at http://www.gaiam.com/category/media-l...

Truth & Lies About Clutter

2010-09-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

I loved this article about the truth and lies behind clutter. Brilliant. Here is Lie #6.

Lie: Okay, so I haven’t worn it this year. You just never know! I could never get rid of those sexy black stilettos that I’ve never worn! They’re Anne Klein and were only $10! The perfect sit-down-and-just-admire-my-shoes event is sure to be in my future!

Solution: If you’ve never worn it, even on Halloween, you’ll probably never wear it. Give it away. Like I said before, waste equals waste. How do you discern which clothes you actually wear and which ones you don’t? Try going two or three weeks without doing laundry. Wear all of your wearable clothes. Whatever is left in your closet at the end of two or three weeks you probably don’t need. If you won’t wear it even when you’re desperate for clean laundry, you’ll probably never wear it.

Click 10 Common Lie We Tell Ourselves About Clutter (from Care2)

To give you some ideas on how to clear clutter, here is a shortened version of the following, excellent article.

Here are 12 Tips to End Clutter!
by Divine Caroline

1. Give each item a home
If you don’t know where something belongs, it can easily become part of the clutter in your house.

2. Assign each item a home
Not only does this create a place where it belongs, but it also saves mental processing when you need to put stuff away instantly, or locate them later.

3. Keep the flat surfaces empty
The flat surfaces in your home are likely to be the easiest targets for clutter. Clearing off a surface (tables, counter tops) are also the easiest way to create an environment that appears clean and organized.

4. Whenever you need to choose, always choose to put things out of sight
Make it a point not to place mail on an open surface when you come home. Keep your mail in a box, or in a cupboard.

5. Clean as you go
This habit gives two things. First, you won’t have to clean up after a pile accumulates. Second, a clean home discourages others from leaving their clutter around (proactive de-cluttering). Clearing off surfaces seems to have an instant calming effect on me.

6. Downsize your stuff
Ridding ourselves of unused stuff removes the clutter and is mentally liberating.

7. Set a timer
It’s been said many times before, but setting a timer and cleaning like crazy for fifteen minutes really does work. .

8. Multiple projects
I’ve found it helpful to write out on paper, all the sections of my home that need organizational love. After that I make each one a mini-project, where I’d tackle one every week. Make sure that each mini-project has a measurable goal, where it is achievable within an hour. If an area requires many hours, then break it up into several mini-projects.

9. Use Labels.
This might sound extreme, but when I last cleaned out my dressers and closets (after three years of resisting to change), I gave each type of clothing a home, and I labeled the locations within dressers to reminder myself.

10. Get Boxes
I’ve found that attractive boxes serve as great storage for loose items. The idea is to group like items together into boxes, so that they will be easy to find when needed, but hidden from the surface when they aren’t.

11. Try Drawer Dividers
These are awesome if you keep your underwear, socks, and t-shirts in one drawer; a divider will keep them separate.

12. Make Utility Drawer Containers
Find small boxes (I use soap boxes, small Glad tupperware, and store bought utility drawer containers) for your utility drawer.

Read the whole article.

True Healing Video by Larry Dossey

2010-08-27T09:45:00.001-07:00

Healing is something far more profound than curing disease. In this video, medical pioneer Larry Dossey shares how healing is a process of connecting with our infinite non-local nature, which helps us transcend our fear of death and alleviate suffering at the root level.

Green Leafy Vegetables Associated with a Lower Diabetes Risk

2010-08-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Increased consumption of leafy green vegetables is associated with lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a British Medical Journal meta-analysis finds.

Researchers examined data from six prospective cohort studies that measured individual consumption of fruits and vegetables. The studies also assessed the development of diabetes over a median of 13 years. Intake of fruit or vegetables, either alone or combined, was not associated with lower risk. In the four studies that specifically measured the intake of leafy green vegetables, a 14% reduction in diabetes risk was apparent between the highest and lowest levels of consumption.

The authors cite the antioxidant effects of beta-carotene, polyphenols, and vitamin C as possible mechanisms for this effect.

Editorialists comment that dietary advice "may be just as beneficial, if not more so, than prescribing drugs" to patients at risk

Art in the School House

2010-08-26T14:58:00.001-07:00

Hello Colorado Friends!

I wanted to let you know about an art show I'll be having a booth in next month (Sept 10 & 11). It's a school fundraising event for Serena's former school, The Patchwork School. You can view more information at: http://www.artintheschoolhouse.com/

I'll be selling my Whimsical Love prints and magnets along with my Prayer Gardens. 50% of the proceeds go to the school.

Hope to see you there!

Calcium Supplments a No-No?

2010-08-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

A new analysis study done by researcher Ian Reid, MD, of New Zealand’s University of Aukland, found that women who are taking calcium supplements are increasing their risk of heart disease by 20-30%.

Dr. Reid told WebMD, “I think we need to seriously consider whether calcium supplementation is a good thing for most people, given that it is associated with a very small decrease in fracture risk." He went on to say, which we've been learning for years...“We encourage our patients to get their calcium from the foods they eat and not from supplements.”

To read the entire article on WebMD, click here.

Dr. Carol Watson, ND says "Doctors who study calcium now understand that the amount of calcium absorbed depends on its interaction with other dietary constituents. In other words, the absorbability of calcium is mainly determined by the presence of food constituents. One study (taken from a research article written by Robert Theil, Ph.D., N.D.) found that whole food calcium is 8.79 times more absorbed into the blood than calcium carbonate and 2.97 times more than calcium gluconate".

When you think of getting calcium from your food, remember dairy is not the best source. Dairy is acidifying, which can cause damage to your bones as your body attempts to rebalance it's pH by stealing alkalizing minerals -- like calcium found in your tissues and bones.
Plant foods are the best sources.

Here is a list of plant-based foods that are high in calcium:

* Almonds – 1 oz. (about 23 nuts) - 75 mg.
* Blackstrap Molasses – 1 T. – approximately 137 mg.
* Beans
o White beans 3/4 cup has 120 mg
o Navy beans 3/4 cup has 94 mg
o Black Turtle beans 3/4 cup has 75 mg
o Chickpeas 3/4 cup – 58 mg
o Tofu 150g – 350 mg
* Brazil Nuts – 2 oz. (about 12 nuts) - 90 mg.
* Broccoli – 2 cups boiled - 124 mg.
* Celery - 2 cups raw - 81 mg.
* Collard Greens - 1 cup boiled - 266 mg.
* Flax Seeds – 2 T. - 52 mg.
* Instant Oats - 1 packet – 165 mg
* Kale – 1 cup boiled - 94 mg.
* Kelp - 1 cup raw - 136 mg.
* Oranges - 1 medium - 52 mg.
* Papaya - 1 medium - 73 mg.
* Sesame Seeds – ¼ cup - 351 mg calcium.
* Spinach – 1 cup boiled - 245 mg.
* Swiss Chard – 1 cup boiled - 102 mg.
* Tahini(sesame seed butter) – 2 T. raw – 126 mg.

Impact of fresh, healthy foods on learning and behavior

2010-08-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

What happens when you change the food within a school from processed, standard American diet foods to a healthy, vegetarian meals? Watch this amazing 5 year study in an Appleton Wisconsin school.

Neal Barnard on Chocolate, Cheese, Meat & Sugar

2010-08-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

I love this entertaining and certainly thought provoking video.

Chocolate, Cheese, Meat, and Sugar:
Physically Addictive Foods

Neal Barnard MD discusses the science behind food additions. Willpower is not to blame: chocolate, cheese, meat, and sugar release opiate-like substances. Dr. Barnard also discusses how industry, aided by government, exploits these natural cravings, pushing us to eat more and more unhealthy foods. A plant-based (vegan) diet is the solution to avoid many of these problems. Neal Barnard is the founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

The Beautiful Truth

2010-08-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite, eye-opening movies on the impact of food and health. You can watch the entire video online!

Grape Seed Extract Kills Leukemia

2010-08-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt of an article by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor written in Natural News.com on how grape seed extract combats leukemia.

"Now there's another reason to appreciate the healthy phytochemicals contained in grapes. Researchers from the University of Kentucky have found a natural substance in the fruit that's deadly to malignant leukemia cells. The powerful cancer fighter, derived from grape seeds, triggered the death of 76 percent of leukemia cells exposed to the extract in a laboratory experiment.

The scientists just reported this study in the January 1, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. They also published data that reveals the cell signaling pathway that grape seed extract impacts to trigger the death, or apoptosis, of leukemia cells. The University of Kentucky researchers concluded the extract "turns on" a protein known as JNK that regulates the cancer-cell killing pathway."

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/025248_cancer_leukemia_grape_seed_extract.html

Chocolate: Is it Good For Us?

2010-07-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

Most of us will agree that chocolate is incredibly delicious and a favorite treat. But whether chocolate (or raw cacao) is good for us is a question many experts have yet to agree on. Some say it is the best food ever -- chock full of antioxidants, magnesium, and other great nutrients -- giving it a place high on the ladder of the ultimate super foods list. On the flip side, opponents say chocolate is addictive and contains chemicals, contaminants, additives and poisons that should keep this substance out of our diet entirely. So what is the answer to the question of whether chocolate is healthy or not? Here are some things to consider:

Pros:

Rich in Antioxidants: Cornell University food scientists found that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times what is found in green tea.
Rich in Magnesium: Which is good for our Heart and Circulatory system.
Aphrodisiac: This is definitely a bonus!
Decreases the appetite in some people: Helps people manage their weight.
High in serotonin and dopamine: This helps us feel happy and combats depression.
Contains flavanols: This helps the blood flow smoothly, essential in keeping blood platelets from sticking together.
Contains high fiber and iron: These are both beneficial to the body.

Cons:

Chocolate/Cacao contains chemicals, additives and contaminants (1)
Some negative Chemicals are (2):

Theobromine: known to cause a host of symptoms including abnormal glandular growth, nervousness, depression, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and itching.
Caffeine: highly suspected of being a carcinogen, and is directly linked to heart and circulatory problems, glandular difficulties, nervous disorders, osteoporosis, birthing abnormalities, and so forth.
Theophylline: causes stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, and nervous disorders.

It acts as a stimulant and agitates the kidneys and adrenal glands: This can cause: insomnia, nightmares, waking up in the middle of the night, shakes, and extreme energy shifts.(3)
It can be addictive.
It might cause allergic reactions.
It can come with unhealthy baggage. Look at the other ingredients alongside your favorite chocolate treat if it isn't plain and simple raw cacao nibs or pieces. Many chocolate treats have dairy, sugar and a lot of other additives that you might have a negative reaction to. Sometimes the chocolate isn't what is bothering people, it's all the other stuff.

Tips on Eating Chocolate:
With that said, here are some tips to consider when you decide if you should keep chocolate in your diet.

Remember: “One person’s panacea is another person’s poison” – listen to your body and its response to eating it. If you have adverse reactions (such as migraines, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, increased heart-rate, gastro-intestinal problems, rash, itching, hives, or anything else) avoid consuming chocolate and/or cacao. Instead, you can replace it with something that resembles chocolate, a food called carob. Carob is made from a fruit, with a resemblance of the chocolate taste. Instead of being a stimulant, this mineral rich food actually has a calming effect.

If you don't have adverse reactions to chocolate, eat it in its most natural form, raw cacao nibs or powder. Or at least aim for eating dark chocolate with a small ingredient list. Don’t eat it in large quantities or on a daily basis. Eat your chocolate in moderation -- as the treat it deserves to be -- and enjoy it immensely!
_____________
(1) FDA Defect Levels Handbook: http://www.fda.gov/food/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/guidancedocuments/sanitation/ucm056174.htm
(2) Ty Stanley, Diet by Design: Fruits, Nuts and Natural Foods (New York, Teach Services, December 1998) and http://www.rawlife.com/store/pages.php?pageid=3
(3) Ibid

10 Tips to Maximize Your Energy

2010-03-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Most of us live busy lives that leave us exhausted. We want more energy, but fail to develop the habits that will bring that energy to us. As Charles Nobel said: "First we make our habits, then our habits make us." Plug yourself into habits that make you energized! Here are some simple tips to a healthier and more energetic you!

1. Chew your food to liquid before you swallow
This allows you to digest your food easier (saving your body's energy for other important tasks); gives you the most nutrients out of your food for fuel; and creates a healthier alkaline internal environment (promoting increased health and vitality).

2. Drink water at least every 1-2 (waking) hours
Even when we “think” we are hydrated, we generally are not. This causes fatigue. By drinking every couple of hours we will not allow ourselves to become dehydrated. When you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated - and exhaustion is sure to follow.

3. Make health food choices
Healthy foods primarily consist of raw, plant-based foods. This means, eat fresh, raw, and organic (when possible) vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and sea veggies. This provides your body with optimal energy as well as creates a healthy environment to thrive.

4. Eat often, but don't over eat
Between meals eat a palm-full of protein and/or veggies every 2 hours. This provides the extra fuel your body needs and also keeps your blood-sugar and cravings in balance. In addition, you won't be starving when it comes to meal time and you'll be satisfied with a smaller, lighter meal. Rule of thumb, eat every 2 hours and don't skip out on meals.

5. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night
This, like many suggestions, seems like a no-brainer. But without regular sleep we are robbing ourselves of the rest and repair time our bodies need. In addition, the longer we stay up at night, the more we tend to eat to try to compensate for our fatigue, which puts on the weight (not to mention drains our energy). Try to keep your hours of sleep regular, by going to sleep and rising at the same time every night. You will get a deeper sleep this way.

6. Eat high-nutrition foods, first thing in the morning
First off, never skip breakfast. In fact, try to eat within the first hour of waking. In addition, try to include some type of high-nutrition food, like vegetables, chia seeds , goji berries, maca root, spirulina, coconut, cacao – YES Chocolate (in the raw -- great in a smoothie). Click Super Foods for more power foods. Power foods make excellent snacks too!

7. Remove sugar, simple carbohydrates, caffeine, and stimulants
Don't be fooled by these "quick energy fixes". Sugar, simple carbohydrates, caffeine and other quick stimulants only drain you in the long run. Remove them and your body will naturally find a better steady stream of energy. It generally takes about 3 weeks to feel your stamina build and the cravings cease. It's well worth the effort!!

8. Find something that inspires and excites you!
This automatically raises your energy! Remember how much you got accomplished on a project you were super jazzed about? Or remember how much extra energy you had when you first fell in love? Tap into your power and do something daily that really excites you!

9. Move your body and sweat!
Find a fun daily movement or exercise that you enjoy doing. You need to move your body to keep your energy flowing - literally! And a moving body is a slimmer body.

10. Supplement your diet
Even with the best of diets, it is still hard to obtain everything we need with our food. Find a whole food supplement (not synthetic vitamins & minerals) that is of high quality. Do your research. Also, add spirulina or chlorella to your diet. And, if you are a vegan, it is usually best to supplement vitamin B-12 into your diet.

Chew Your Way To Health

2010-03-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

We all know it's a good idea to chew our food -- frankly, because we don't want to choke on it. However, most people put food in their mouths, chew a few times and swallow -- as if seeing how quickly we can get it into our tummies. We have either unconditioned ourselves or have never developed a healthy chewing habit to begin with. Let’s take a moment to find out why it’s a good idea to liquefy your food before you bring it down the hatch!

Chewing food thoroughly can give us

Better Digestion by mechanically and chemically breaking food down, and stimulating the entire digestive process.

More Energy by allowing the nutritional value of our food to be absorbed and converted into energy more easily. Sluggish digestion creates a sluggish body.

Stronger Bones by converting acidic foods (like grains) to alkalizing foods with enzymes in our mouth (otherwise our body would have to buffer the acidic food we swallow by leeching minerals from our blood and bones).

A Clearer Mind by bathing the brain with the right nutrients and creating a higher oxygen supply in the blood (slightly alkaline blood absorbs oxygen better).

A Stronger Immune System by bringing the right size and pH of particles into our digestive tract to receive the right nutrients for health and to keep a balance of healthy bacteria in our gut (especially since 70-80% of our immune cells are found in our digestive tract).

Stronger Bones by maintaining an alkaline pH so our body doesn’t have to leech alkalizing minerals from our blood and bones to buffer the acidic foods.

A Healthier Body and Happier and More Productive Life by utilizing the power and energy from our foods, having healthy body systems, and allowing us to slow down and enjoy not only our food but life around us too.

So how many times should you chew? First remember that carbohydrates that are higher in fiber we automatically have to chew more, as they don't just dissolve in our mouths. This is good. Experts say we should chomp and chew between 30 and 100 times. (Wow, there goes dinner conversation!) But if you don’t want to count, aim to liquefy your food before you swallow. As Ghandi put it:

"Chew your drink, and drink your food".

Ch-Ch-Ch Chia! The Super Food

2010-02-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Almost all of us have heard of "chia" because of the catchy infomercial of the beloved growing Chia Pet. But did you know that the chia seed is a power food packed with lavish amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats, (great for the heart, for lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation among other things). It also has twice the amount of protein than any other seed or grain (having all 9 essential amino acids), has 5 times the amount of calcium than milk, and is chock full of fiber (making it excellent for weight loss, diabetics, and improving digestion). It also has more antioxidants and nutrients than the flax seed does and has a neutral taste. The abundant amount of soluble fiber forms a gel which slows down digestion, helping decrease the blood sugar levels (great for diabetics).

The best way to eat chia seeds is to first hydrate them into a gel. Otherwise, they can be a quite dehydrating (as they can soak up to 9 times its volume in water.) Mix 1 part dried (organic) chia seeds with 3 parts liquid (water or milk of choice) and let sit for 20-30 minutes and you have a gel you can store in the refrigerator. Water-based gel can last up to 3 weeks.

Here are some great benefits from chia seeds.

1. Digestive Aid: Use 2-3 tablespoons chia gel with each meal for better assimilation of food, increase nutrient absorption and encourage better elimination. It also prevents indigestion and heartburn without risk of harmful side effects.
2. Diabetes: The chia seed is an exceptional food for diabetics as it slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar which stabilizes blood sugar and regulates the body’s absorption of fluids, i.e. electrolyte balance, more efficiently.
3. Energy & Stamina: For centuries the Indians of the Southwest and Mexico used this tiny little seed as a staple food. Known as the running food, its use as a high-energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs.
4. Heart & Cardiovascular Health: High in the good fats (especially Omega-3's, the chia seed can aid in reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and improve elasticity of tissues.
5. Power Food: The chia is a complete protein, has high calcium, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It is an easily digestible, natural, raw, whole food that your body knows what to do with. It is a perfect food to add into your daily diet!

Uses for chia seeds:

1. Food Gel: Make foods gel, creamy, and thicker. Add hydrated gel to fruit spreads and jelly, smoothies, soups, pudding, yogurt, sauces, nut & seed milks and more.
2. Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the seeds on salads, main dishes, in nut and seed butters, and more.
3. Baking: Mix chia seeds in muffin, cookie, cake, bread batter or pancakes. You can use the egg replacer technique (below) or grind up chia seeds in a coffee grinder and replace a quarter of the flour with the ground chia seeds.
4. Egg Replacer: 1/4 cup of chia gel (1 part chia to 3 parts water) will substitute for eggs in baking (sorry, won't work for omelets!)

If you are interested in learning more about chia seeds, I would love to share more information. Please check out a few recipes below!

You can purchase chia seeds at most local health food stores. Click the Navitas Naturals Chia Seeds to buy them online. I'm locating some "white" chia seeds to make tapioca pudding that actually looks like the real thing!

Chia Fruit Spread

Serves 2

4 T. fruit spread, jam or jelly (strawberry, blueberry, etc.)
2 T. water
1 T. chia seeds
Mix together and let stand for 30 minutes. Spread on toast or bread. If you are using strawberry jam, the chia seeds actually look like strawberry seeds! A great way to disguise this super-food to your kids. And remember the high fiber content will slow the absorption of the sugar!

Chia Pudding

This is a sweet, comforting and healthy snack, breakfast or dessert that couldn't be easier!

1 c. chia seeds
3 c. milk of choice
3 - 5 T. agave nectar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
pinch of salt

Mix ingredients in a glass bowl and stir well, removing any clumps. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate. This pudding will keep well in the refrigerator for days.

For CHOCOLATE PUDDING, omit the cinnamon and add 1 tablespoon raw cocao powder to the recipe.

(From "Living Raw Food" by Sarma Melngailis)

Surviving the Holidays

2009-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

'Tis the Season to over-indulging, blood-sugar roller coaster rides, stress, and partying with a lot of viruses! It is a sure cocktail to feeling a little blue and bulgy. The good news is there are some strategies to help get you through the holidays.

Drink plenty of water. Yes, water. Not just wine, cocktails, juice, coffee, tea, or other beverages. Water helps you to feel fuller and is the only drink that hydrates your body. This is also beneficial because winter tends to be very drying due to our heated homes. Try to drink some water at least every 2 hours.

Have a healthy light snack before going out to dinner. Eat some fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, or seeds to partially fill your tummy with some nutrient dense food so you won't over eat on things that are less healthy.

Eat Less. Watch your portion size when filling your plate. Intentionally leave some space on your plate and don't go back for seconds. Your body will thank you for this.

Eat Slow. Take your time eating and savor the flavor of each bite. It will take you as long to finish your plate as those who filled it full and went back for seconds. You'll leave the table with a smile on your face and your belt will still be on the right notch.

Go easy on the alcohol. Alcohol is loaded with calories and is taxing on your liver and immune system. Enjoy your holiday spirits, but in moderation.

Eat a lot fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with all the ingredients (phytonutrients) that you need to nourish a healthy body. By eating lot of fresh, raw fruits and veggies you are giving you immune system the boost your body needs this time of year. The research is out there that fruits and vegetables trump vitamins and even medicine for a healthy foundation... Hypocrates was so brilliant in saying, "Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food." Eat your medicine this season to stay well.

Exercise. Don't forget to exercise. Even if you have to drag yourself out for a cold walk around the neighborhood, make sure you move your body and sweat every day. Not only will it burn calories, improve your health, strengthen your muscles, but it just feels refreshing! And, it takes away the guilt of eating those holiday treats!

Have a great holiday season! Cheers!

The Protein Question

2009-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

We all need protein as it is an important building material for our cells. As parents, we are generally concerned about how much protein our children are getting and where they getting their protein from (especially if our kids eat little or no meat and dairy). Even though there is still much controversy over how much protein we need for health, experts have drastically lowered the out-dated requirements made under faulty influences and inaccurate study observations. The reality is: it is virtually impossible to not get enough protein in your diet if you are eating a diet of natural, unrefined foods.

Currently experts are saying you need 2.5 – 10% of your calories as protein, preferably plant-based. The World Health Organization recommends you get 5% of your calories as protein (and 6% for pregnant women). Coincidentally, mother’s milk is 5.5% protein.

Here are some tips to make sure you and your little ones are getting the right amount and right source of protein. Contrary to popular belief regarding protein, it is best to limit your intake of meat and dairy, as excess protein from these sources can be damaging and contribute to the development of many of our most common and serious diseases.

The best source of protein is to eat a wide variety of natural, whole, plant-based foods. Oatmeal is 15% protein, potatoes are 8%, and broccoli is 20% protein. Since cooking can deplete the assimilable protein levels in plants (as well as fiber and nutrients) try to eat some of that food in its raw form. Incidentally, there is little need to worry about food combining to receive a complete protein. The theory is out-dated, originally sourced from Frances Lappé who had misinterpreted a study done on rats. She later admitted food combining is unnecessary.

If, however, you are not eating a wide variety of foods, make sure you eat foods with the 8 essential amino acids. These are amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Some of these foods are: almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, buckwheat, peanuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, all leafy greens, carrots, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, bananas, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A good website to reference the protein and nutrient make-up of different foods is www.nutritiondata.com.

Dr. McDougall has a great article about this. For more information read: "Where do I get my protein article."

For questions or more information on this topic or others, I'd love to hear from you.

Laughter is the sound of play.

2009-03-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

I loved this article sent to me so much I had to share it. It's from the "Inner Quality Tip" Newsletter from Heartmath.com. Wow... to be a kid again!

THE LIGHTER SIDE

Someone once told me while I was in the midst of a difficult situation, if there's the slightest chance you might look back on this some day and laugh about it, start laughing now. Granted, this doesn't always work, but it sure has helped me get through some tough times.

In addition to facilitating a perceptual shift, laughter has a lot of other benefits. Studies ¹ on humor and laughter from Duke University, Loma Linda University, UCLA and others have shown:

Laughing helps relax tense muscles.
It reduces the production of stress hormones.
Laughter and a positive attitude strengthen the immune system.
It allows a person to 'forget' about aches and pains and perceive pain as less intense.
A good laugh is like an aerobic workout for the heart and lungs--increasing the body's ability to use oxygen.
It helps lower high blood pressure.
There are no known negative side effects to laughter.

Laughing is a part of the human experience. Recent research shows that "circuits" for laughter exist in very ancient regions of the human brain. Robert Provine, a psychology professor at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, tells us laughter's origin is in tickling and rough-and-tumble play. Laughter is literally the sound of play. ²

Maybe that's why young children laugh over 300 times a day. It's natural. Surprise, surprise: That number falls to 15 with adults. Unlike children who laugh unconditionally, we adults wait to find cause. ³ Which brings up another one of those which-came-first conundrums: Do we grow old because we stop laughing? Or, do we lose our ability to laugh because we grow up?

Whatever tickles your funny bone, add more laughter to your day!

Take care,
Kim Allen

1 http://www.rtpnet.org/~cahaha/wilstar-article.htm
2 (National Geographic)
3 http://www.hinduonnet.com/folio/fo0003/00030440.htm

Community Response to Peak Oil

2008-12-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

With all the negative press and emotional churning our country has been experiencing with today's headlines of a spiraling economy and peak oil looming, you'll be delighted to watch this video on the positive impact these seemingly negative events are having. This is another valuable reason to support our local producers, start your own gardens, and continue to invest in our communities. I hope you enjoy this clip as much as I did:

To check out more of their work (or buy their video), check out he Community Solution's website at: http://www.communitysolution.org/poc.html

Have a wonderful day!
Laura

Fruits and Vegetables - Getting the Most for Your Money

2008-03-07T23:58:00.001-08:00

Fruits and vegetables are good for you. We all know that. But they can be expensive. What can we do to save the cost and still get the best produce money can buy?

To get the most out of your produce and your wallet buy fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and in season. Fruits and vegetables begin to lose their nutritional value immediately after being picked. The longer they are in transit, the more nutrients are lost. Even though organic foods are more expensive, you are receiving more nutrients and less harmful toxins (herbicides & pesticides) from them. In addition, you are supporting your local farmers, which in the end can also save you money by helping their business grow!

The best way to buy local, organic produce is from local farmers and farmer’s markets. You not only get your fruits and vegetables closer to their harvest time (less time in transit and on the shelf means more nutrition and less cost), but you have less people handling your food, less transportation cost (good for your wallet and the environment), and you can make local connections.

Another way to get great organic produce from local farmers is to have an organic grocer, like Planet Organics, deliver produce right to your door! I love this, as a busy mom it definitely is a time saver!

By buying local, organic fruits and vegetables you are getting more nutrients per dollar than buying conventional , shipped-in produce – not to mention, getting more short and long-term health benefits.

If still can’t tweak your budget enough to buy organic food, try to at least buying organic fruits and vegetables that have the LEAST amount of pesticide residues on them. According to the Environmental Working Group, those foods highest in pesticides are: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, potatoes, carrots, green beans and cucumbers (in that order). Scoring low, as the cleaner and perhaps safer to buy conventionally grown produce, are; onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mangos, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and eggplant. (Get the complete list here.) Washing your foods helps but does not eliminate toxins, and peeling the skins off of them also reduces the toxins but at the cost of also losing a large amount of nutrients.

Buying frozen fruits and vegetables may be a good option for those who can’t get local, organic produce within their budget. Many times, fruits and vegetables are frozen close to their harvest time so the nutrients are preserved to a higher degree than other methods of preserving. Canned food isn’t recommended because the heat, processing, and additives all create a lesser quality of food for optimal health.

Be a comparative shopper and find the best deals in your area. It doesn’t save time, money, or the environment to drive great distances to save a few bucks, so stick to your area. Normally, buying bulk saves you money, but since fruits and vegetables are perishable you can really only do this with items like nuts, seeds and other dried foods on your list.

Reduce the amount of other foods in your grocery cart to allow for more organic produce. This is not only wise on your budget, but in your diet and health as well. We get the most active and life-giving nutrients from living foods. They will fuel your body much better than a lot of the canned, boxed, bagged and packaged foods in your cart. A rule of (green) thumb is, if your great-great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize your grocery item as ‘food’ than chances are, your body won’t either.

And while we are on the subject of reducing grocery bulk, once you get in the habit of buying mostly fruits and vegetables (this may take a while) you can even begin to reduce the quantity of the produce you buy too. As your body becomes adjusted to more live fruits and vegetables it will be receiving more nutrients per bite, therefore need less food for optimal health… experts also say eating less over-all and choosing nutrient-dense produce is the key to health and longevity.

Another reason many of us have a bulky grocery bill is that we put a lot of items in our grocery bags that are comfort foods rather than nutritional foods. So to help reduce the amount of foods we buy (for our health’s and budget’s benefit) begin to identify what you really need to feel ‘full of life’ and replace your comfort food with something even more pleasurable to you… family, sports, an outdoor activity, yoga, friends, reading, a spiritual practice, meditation, a new career, a hobby, or whatever feels right to you. Your mind, body, spirit and wallet will all be happier for it!

In our quest for the best produce, don’t forget the power and economic value of super foods and fresh, raw food concentrates. They may seem pricey at first glance, but dollar for dollar many of them are a great bargain for your budget and more importantly for your health.

Finally, when we are looking for the best bargain in our nutritional pursuits, we come to the realization that once we put a higher value on something like our health, which is fueled by high-quality living produce, we most likely can find a way to support it. What we focus on expands. Focus on health, quality nutrition, happiness and a means of receiving it… and you may surprise yourself how quickly God and the Universe respond. May your journey of good nourishment and good nurture be delicious!

Here's a summary of smart-buys for quality fruits and vegetables:

· Buy local, organic food – preferably from farmer’s markets
· Buy conventional produce that is low on the pesticide list
· Buy frozen fruits and vegetables, if needed
· Compare prices from local stores
· Reduce the amount of non-produce items on your list
· Reduce your overall grocery bulk
· Replace comfort foods with free pleasures
· Buy quality, whole food concentrates
· Put a higher value on health and be open to receive it

Transitioning Kids to Living Foods

2008-02-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

It is hard enough to get adults to eat enough fruits and vegetables, especially high-quality, raw ones. But anyone with a child knows that the task is much more challenging. Many parents worry about their toddlers who seem to eat very little. When they do eat, the foods of choice are not usually naturally colorful, fresh produce in large variety. And getting a school-aged child or teenager who is always on the go (and pressured by peers and the giant food marketing industry) to eat well seems like a very uphill battle. None-the-less, the value of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and other naturally raw, nutritional foods are vital for not only the body, but for those growing minds and spirits too.

Here are a few basic steps to begin the transition:

1. Transition Slowly. Slowly remove the more toxic & processed foods from their diet;

2. Replace processed foods with organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds;

3. Put healthy snack trays out in an accessible place for your child. Some items might include: raw nuts, raisins, broccoli trees, carrot sticks, dried fruit, sliced fruit (these can't stay out too long, however without oxidizing).

4. Be a good example yourself. All the pushing, coaxing, and words in the world won’t come close to your own action of eating healthier. One of the best steps is to be a good role model yourself.

For example, I never asked my 3-year-old to eat Kale before. She saw me munching on these big, raw, green leaves for many weeks. After a long morning of play, I was munching on one and had yet to give her a snack. She said, "Mommy, I want that!" I gave her the rest of my kale (two-thirds remaining) and she ate the entire thing! Ever since then, she likes kale. Strawberries on the other hand, I've asked her 100 times if she wants them... a big NO. We all have our tastes, but I think if we allow kids to be curious about food and give them a chance to approach it before pushing it on them, they just may be more willing to try it.

5. Supplement their diet with a high quality, whole food supplement that they will actually eat. It is best to avoid synthetic supplements.

The Vegan Child: If your child is on a vegan diet, make sure you are giving him/her a good source of B12. Dr. Gabriel Cousens' has recently said this regarding vegan and raw food diets:

"Consistent research over the last decade has shown that vegans and live food people of all ages and sexes have a much higher risk of becoming B-12 deficient. This does not mean that everyone becomes B-12 deficient. This deficiency is particularly true with newborn babies, especially babies of vegan live-food nursing mothers who are not using B-12 supplementation." Read More...

Healthy Treat Ideas For Kids

2008-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

Kids of all ages love raw vegetables when served with tasty dips. These may include hummus, veggie dips, whole milk yogurt, nut or seed butters, healthy salad dressings and more!

Apples - (wedges, diced or whole)
Asparagus – (spears, steamed)
Bananas - (peeled, whole or sliced)
Bell peppers (all colors - sliced long)
Berries (all kinds!) (fresh or frozen)
Broccoli – (florets, steamed or raw)
Carrots – (sticks or rounds, steamed or raw)
Cauliflower – (florets)
Celery – (sticks with or without nut or seed butter)
Cherry tomatoes – (whole or sliced)
Cucumber – (sticks and rounds)
Green beans – (ends removed, steamed or raw)
Jicama – (slices and sticks)
Mushrooms – (small whole, cube large)
Napa cabbage –(leaves)
Peas (raw, frozen, or steamed)
Radishes – (whole or slice sides, “petals”)
Raisins - (just they way the are)
Sugar snap/Snow peas – (whole, slivers)
Sweet Potatoes/Yams – (sticks, rounds)
Yellow squash – (sticks and rounds)
Zucchini – (sticks and rounds)

Want a fun meal with your kids!
Try healthier pizza!
Use a whole wheat pita bread for the crust. Put fresh tomatoe sauce and veggies to top. Cook like a pizza! To make them smile even more, make the veggies into a face! Olives for the eyes, brocolli hair, red bell pepper for a mouth, a mushroom for the nose. For more veggies, ground up some of their favorites and put that on top of the tomotoe base before making a face. Of course, for those who can tolerate cheese, add that too!

What Experts Are Saying About Children's Health

2008-02-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Why should we be concerned about children's health? Check out wht some experts are saying, and then know we can be a positve force in making a healthy change for our kids and ourselves!

The US Surgeon General now ranks being overweight and obesity as the #1 public health concern. The disease consequences of obesity are greater than those of any infectious disease epidemic.

Dr. William Sears: “We are eating factory processed nutrition which is genetically unknown food to our bodies.”

Experts say: Approximately 70% of disease is directly related to what we eat and drink.

Dr. David Katz: “This generation of kids growing up today will be the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents.”

Cancer kills more children than any other disease.
Gale encyclopedia of Children & adolescents, 1998.

Children at the age of 3 have fatty deposits in their arteries.
Bogalusa Heart Study

By age 12, 70% of all American children have developed beginning stages of hardening of the arteries.
Bogalusa Heart Study.

Less than 7% of children and adolescents consume the recommended 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables per day.
Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 1996.

Dr. David Katz: “Children today will experience more chronic degenerative disease as a result of their poor eating habits than from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs combined.”

Katie and the Body

2008-02-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is another great video clip regarding health and the body.

Katie & Fear

2008-02-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite "Works" of Katie. So many of us experience Fear. But is it real? And what are we putting ourselves through? Check out this amazing discovery directed by Bryon "Katie".

Bryon Katie and Cancer

2008-02-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

I love Bryon Katie! "Katie" has an amazing gift to share with us. She helps reveal a truth inside of us that brings us peace and ease. The Work is actually a logical process in which the mind can walk itself out of stress. See the clips below for examples of her work. For more on Katie's great work, visit her website directly: www.thework.com

Check out this heart-touching work dealing with "cancer".

If you like that, you probably will love her book: Loving What Is.

Don't you love it?

Raw For 30 Days Movie!

2008-02-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

Check out this Great Movie Trailer of "Raw for 30 Days". The feature movie is set to be released in Spring 2008!

Raw Food Facts

2008-02-26T15:01:00.001-08:00

Of all the species of life on earth throughout history, only one alters it from its original raw state. No wonder why our species experiences more diseases than all other species combined.

The SAD diet includes on average about 5,000 artificial additives each year.

Raw broccoli contains just about as much calcium as whole milk and is linked to lower cancer risks.

Simple, Live Food

2008-02-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Simplicity can be easily be found in food, however complex our grocery stores, restaurants, food advertisements, and kitchens have become. All we need to do is look back to nature. We remind ourselves where we and our food came from, and it wasn't a brightly colored, shrink-wrapped container.

Nature has provided humans and animals life as long as we've been here: before fire, farms, and factories. In it's raw form, food is more nutritious and life-giving than, obviously, its processed and cooked counterpart.

Why eat Live Food? Because of the laws of nature that say:

* Things produce after their own kind;
* From Life only can Life be created;
* We are what we eat

The concept is simple.

Live food creates a live body, dead food creates a dead body. Our bodies were designed to be fueled by live, organic foods. They are rich in nutrients, enzymes and life energy. When cooked, processed or altered in other ways, food nutrients, enzymes and constituents become damaged and our bodies no longer can utilized the life force food has to offer; instead, our bodies have to work harder to digest them. Void of digestive enzymes, our bodies steal metabolic enzymes just to get the food through. And a lot of it never makes it's way out. There it sits heavy, toxic, and begins to degenerate our life vitality.

Today's World

In essence, there is nothing more simple than going out in nature and picking a nutrient-rich, edible plant, consuming it, and being vitally nourished by it. However, in our current civilization, our simple pursuits may not be so quick to actualize. Concrete pastures; forests of buildings; toxic land, air, and water; little land or time to garden and prepare food leaves us with our simple hungry mouths wide open for a box of whatever-it-is we eat. And then, of course, there is the issue of what we are used to and what is 'normal'.

To Start

If you are remotely interested in health, nutrition and/or eating Live Food, please visit some of the resources on my website to learn more. I encourage you to start simple, even if it is adding a salad a day to your diet. (This is one of the BEST ways to transition to Raw/Live Food). Understand the facts (which is much too involved for the simplicity sake of my site). Educate yourself. David Wolfe's "SunFood Diet Success System" is an excellent book on how to successfully enter a Live Food lifestyle. In addition, buy a good recipe book, like "Raw Food, Real World". These two books were my first experiences with this new diet.

Preparing and eating live food can be as fun and complex as you make it. You can still have your ice-cream, pizza, burgers, chocolate, chips and more. I've found it is fun and delicious to make these treats. In fact, I am loving the taste of my food more now than I ever have. Honestly. However, in the pursuit of simplicity, when I feel overwhelmed with the process, I simplify (again), and grab a piece of fruit, kale, or nuts. Yeah, I learned to like that which I thought would never enter my mouth - kale.

Living Food (Raw Food)

2008-02-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

Living Food (Raw Food)

Why choose living foods? Live (Raw) contain more life (more enzymes your body needs to digest so it doesn't have to deplete other resources, more vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and more vital life energy to name a few). Is a Twinkie, sausage, or donut grow when you plant it in the ground? Can a cooked apple re-grow itself? Nope. But I have a whole seedling patio garden started from the seeds of the fresh, live food I eat. That is life force. (So I actually haven't tried to plant donut, but I would be amazed if a donut tree sprouted up!)

There is a wealth of information on Raw and Living foods in books and on the internet. I hope to touch base just a bit more here, but if you are at all interested check out the other links and resources on the subject.

I am not here to judge an eating, health or any lifestyle practice someone else has. I think it is important to enjoy, approve and be happy with our own individual lives. And if this lifestyle could be part of that path for you, I hope some of the information and resources I share will be of use. With that said, here is a little more information on Live Food. Bless your journey, whatever it may be.

Good Nurture

Reflexology for Insomnia and Better Sleep

Grand Opening of the Community Holistic Health Center!

I am so pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the Community Holistic Health Center in Lafayette, Colorado, and my new office space!!!

CHHC Grand Opening Events

Activating Pineal Gland

How Does Your Sunscreen Rate?

Patriotism on a Plate

Our Love-Hate Relationship with Sweets

Tame Your Sweet Tooth

New Science of Yoga Program

Self-Help Points for Allergies

Emotions on Food, Mindful Eating

Brussels Sprouts Please!

Quantum Healing Video with Gregg Braden

Natural Remedies for Radiation and Toxic Overload

Helping Japan after Earthquake & Tsunami

Ancient Cosmology: A Map of the Future?

Feeding Kids Fruits, Vegetables & Salads

Onions for Cold & Flu Viruses?

A Little Milk with your Antibiotics & Hormones?

Super Foods For Energy & Weight Loss

Airtight Containers | Life Without Plastic Boutique

Addicted to Cheese & Dairy

Starr’s ‘Scary Dairy’ Story: Do You Have These Symptoms?

Life is a blossoming...

Buying GMO Free Foods

VEGGIES vs. ACNE

Finding Peace with Unbearable People

Deepak Chopra: The Happiness Prescription

Truth & Lies About Clutter

True Healing Video by Larry Dossey

Green Leafy Vegetables Associated with a Lower Diabetes Risk

Art in the School House

Calcium Supplments a No-No?

Impact of fresh, healthy foods on learning and behavior

Neal Barnard on Chocolate, Cheese, Meat & Sugar

The Beautiful Truth

Grape Seed Extract Kills Leukemia

Chocolate: Is it Good For Us?

10 Tips to Maximize Your Energy

Chew Your Way To Health

Ch-Ch-Ch Chia! The Super Food

Surviving the Holidays

The Protein Question

Laughter is the sound of play.

Community Response to Peak Oil

Fruits and Vegetables - Getting the Most for Your Money

Transitioning Kids to Living Foods

Healthy Treat Ideas For Kids

What Experts Are Saying About Children's Health

Katie and the Body

Katie & Fear

Bryon Katie and Cancer

Raw For 30 Days Movie!

Raw Food Facts

Simple, Live Food

Living Food (Raw Food)

I am so pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the
Community Holistic Health Center in Lafayette, Colorado,
and my new office space!!!