tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25279045274591254392024-03-19T09:01:43.041-04:00Eating Eden - Our BlogMindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-85223210920980724452014-05-13T13:44:00.000-04:002014-05-13T13:49:26.553-04:00Did You Know?.... Fluoride & Chlorine <span class="userContent"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<b>Did you know?...</b> Fluoride & chlorine (commonly found in tap water & toothpaste) block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production (ie: hypothyrodism). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH88ndOXBNM/U3Ja5WZAq0I/AAAAAAAAESM/SJ_Tm96GJGw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH88ndOXBNM/U3Ja5WZAq0I/AAAAAAAAESM/SJ_Tm96GJGw/s1600/image.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Besides all of the artificial colorings and added sugars, one of the main ingredients found in toothpastes is the poisonous substance fluoride. A report compiled by Dr. Yiamouyiannis (B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Chicago, and Ph. D. from the University o<span class="text_exposed_show">f Rhode Island), a recognized international authority on the biological effects of fluoride, highlights the following: <i>“Fluoride is more poisonous than lead, and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. It has been used as a pesticide for the control of mice, rats, and other small pests. A spokesman from a large fluoridated toothpaste company states that there is, “theoretically, at least …enough fluoride [in the toothpaste tube contents] to kill a small child.”</i> More info about flouride & the health risks here: <a href="http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/health/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/health/</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><b>The Great Flouride Myth:</b> </span>The largest U.S. study examining the effect of fluoridation on tooth decay found that fluoridation does not reduce decay in <u>permanent</u> teeth. Examination of the dental records of 39,207 school children ages 5-17 from 84 geographical areas around the U.S. showed the number of decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth per child was 2.0 in fluoridated areas, 2.0 in non-fluoridated areas, and 2.2 in partially fluoridated areas.<br /><br id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[5]" /><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[6]">Other recent large scale studies by public health dentists in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States have also reported similar tooth decay rates in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. </span><br id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[7]" /><br id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[8]" /><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_809330}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[9]">In primitive societies whose drinking water contains negligible amounts of fluoride, such as the Otomi Indians in Mexico, the Bedouins in Israel, and the Ibos in Nigeria, 80% to 90% of the people go throughout life without tooth decay - very similar to the findings of Dr. Weston Price. Looking at their diets, it was found that their consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as white sugar, is extremely low. <i>It appears that proper diet, not fluoridation, is necessary for good dental health.</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0].[0]"><b>How Do I Remove The Flouride From My Water? </b>You can install a reverse a osmosis system (a deionization filter that uses ion exchange resin), or activated alumina technology system in your home, which removes almost all flouride from water. Something we ourselves would like to do but it is costly. For now,</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3]"><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0"><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[0]"> we personally use a filter for tap water to remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metails, pharmaceuticals, industrial pollutants, microbial cysts, etc. And we try to limit our flouride exposure from other things; for example - we use <a href="http://www.radiantlyyou.com/shopping/sc_cart/sc_CatTy.asp?SectionID=1&guid=A5BE8A55-C495-479E-A5F1-0C0BF9133870&SubSectionID=29&treeUID=1040" target="_blank">flouride-free toothpaste</a>, we don't get flouride treatments at the dentist, we buy fresh foods free from pesticide use (cryolite and sulfuryl fluoride are commonly used flouride pesticides), we cook on stainless steel or cast iron, we stay away from processed foods, etc. There are naturally occurring low-levels of flouride in surface water & fresh foods. But the thing to be wary of is the flouride that is being added to our tap water, toothpaste & some medications; and flouride being used as a pesticide & even as a rodent/insect killer in some food processing plants, etc. FAN has some really good info about that on their website: </span><a href="http://www.fluoridealert.org/content/top_ten/" id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[1]" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.fluoridealert.org/content/top_ten/</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[2]" /><br id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[3]" /><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[4]"><b>The Good News!</b> Remember, as</span><span id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[3].0.[6]"> Christians we are told if we drink poisons (Mark 16:18) they will not harm us. We have an obligation to make wise, informed & mindful decisions for our health & wellness, so we can be good stewards of the bodies The Lord has entrusted us with. But, we can take comfort in knowing that when we are obedient to following Him & His ways as best we can, Go</span></span></span></span></span></span>d will always honor His promises!<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div id=".reactRoot[129].[1][2][1]{comment332604840188462_810754}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[3]">
<div class="mvm uiStreamAttachments" data-ft="{"type":10,"tn":"H"}">
</div>
</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">
</span></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"></span> </div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-91125485836526668432014-05-13T13:33:00.001-04:002014-05-13T13:33:51.024-04:00Greek Couscous With Chicken & Feta <div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06bke3L1PmI/UsWtkcOVcLI/AAAAAAAAEQc/9joesJU9Gic/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06bke3L1PmI/UsWtkcOVcLI/AAAAAAAAEQc/9joesJU9Gic/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Ingredients</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 tablespoon olive oil</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 cloves garlic, minced</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 onion, chopped</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 1/2 cups Israeli pearl couscous</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
6 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 can (13.75 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/3 cup kalamata olives, halved</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 tablespoons lemon juice</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<div>
Directions</div>
<div>
1. Heat oil in a medium-size nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook garlic 30 seconds, then stir in onion, oregano and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 4 minutes.</div>
<div>
2. Stir in couscous and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and 1 cup water to pot and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 12 minutes or until water is absorbed. Add green beans to pot for last 5 minutes of cook time.</div>
<div>
3. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, chicken, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta, olives and lemon juice and serve immediately.</div>
</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-8199549180590072962014-03-06T12:04:00.002-05:002014-03-06T12:04:50.229-05:00Banana Bread with Yogurt<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://AD43A4D9-F895-4B71-8EEA-A9C45F1EEA7A/imagejpeg" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Makes 1 loaf.<br />
<br />
Dry Ingredients<br />
1/2 cup walnuts, optional<br />
1 1/2 cups whole wheat or whole spelt flour<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 two. Salt<br />
<br />
Wet Ingredients<br />
3 large or 4 small bananas<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1/4 to 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup<br />
1 egg<br />
1/4 cup plain yogurt or kefir<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a standard loaf pan.<br />
Chop the nuts and combine with the remaining dry ingredients in a medium bowl.<br />
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. It is OK if they are bit lumpy.<br />
Add the remaining wet ingredients to the mashed bananas and combine well.<br />
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture; mix enough to moisten.<br />
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of bread comes out clean, about 45-55 minutes. Cool slightly before slicing.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-64541669102380027772014-01-14T16:11:00.000-05:002014-01-14T16:11:46.508-05:00Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZzBpv7xBXk/UsWtlzpkQKI/AAAAAAAAEQo/M9L9iKUSmqs/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZzBpv7xBXk/UsWtlzpkQKI/AAAAAAAAEQo/M9L9iKUSmqs/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Ingredients</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/4 cup milk (can use non-dairy milk such as soy or almond) </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
3 tablespoons unsalted butter</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/2 teaspoon pepper</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey, or grassfed<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"> ground beef</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 medium carrots, finely diced</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 ribs celery, finely diced</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 small onion, finely diced</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 tablespoons tomato paste</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 10 ounce package frozen peas</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<div>
Directions</div>
<div>
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Add potatoes to a large lidded pot and cover with 1 inch of cold water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot. Add milk, 2 tbsp of the butter, 1/2 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the pepper. Mash until smooth. Cover and set aside.</div>
<div>
2. Meanwhile, add remaining 1 tbsp butter to a large saute pan over medium heat. Stir in ground turkey or beef, breaking apart with a spoon, as well as carrots, celery and onion. Cook 15 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth and peas. Bring to a simmer and cook 3 minutes, until liquid is slightly thickened and peas are thawed. Stir in remaining 1/2 tsp of the salt, remaining 1/4 tsp of the pepper, the thyme and rosemary.</div>
<div>
3. Transfer meat-and-vegetable mixture to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Spread sweet potatoes over mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Swirl top with back of a spoon, if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until shepherd's pie is bubbling.</div>
</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-28905300348097653922014-01-05T21:33:00.000-05:002014-01-05T21:33:29.709-05:00Quinoa Stuffed Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7QDsqmpmZY/UsWtl8f7sbI/AAAAAAAAEQk/cNBIAX67nzA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7QDsqmpmZY/UsWtl8f7sbI/AAAAAAAAEQk/cNBIAX67nzA/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Ingredients</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
7 sweet peppers (red, orange and yellow)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 cup Bob's Red Mill whole grain quinoa</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 tablespoon olive oil</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 cup diced sweet onion</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 teaspoon ground cumin</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1 cup dried figs, roughly chopped</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/2 cup unsalted cashews, roughly chopped</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
3/4 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1/4 tablespoon pepper</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Directions</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Seed and dice 1 of the cooked peppers. Slice remaining 6 peppers from stem to bottom; seed.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
2. In a medium lidded pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Stir in quinoa; return to a boil. Cover, reduce to medium-low and cook 10 minutes. (If using another brand of quinoa, cook 2/3 time shown on package.) Drain; set aside.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
3. Return pot to stove; place over medium heat. Add olive oil. Stir in the 1 diced pepper and onion. Cook 5 minutes. Mix in cumin and cinnamon; cook 1 more minute. Stir in figs, cashews, quinoa, salt and pepper. Fill pepper halves with quinoa mixture and place cut-side up in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes or until peppers are tender.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Tip</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-height: 22px;">
Quinoa is high in magnesium, which is known to reduce headaches and regulate blood sugar.</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-22971925025265867922014-01-02T13:04:00.002-05:002014-01-02T13:21:18.901-05:00Peanut Turkey Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnFL4gKhjUQ/UsWtkZxPlVI/AAAAAAAAEQM/dfA2y5UAJRE/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnFL4gKhjUQ/UsWtkZxPlVI/AAAAAAAAEQM/dfA2y5UAJRE/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />Ingredients<br />8 ounce (1/2 box) whole wheat/grain linguine<br />8 ounces snow peas, trimmed and halved lengthwise<br />1 cup shredded carrots <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />9 ounces fully cooked carved turkey breast<br />3 scallions, trimmed and sliced<br />1 7 ounce jar Thai peanut sauce<br />1 tablespoon white vinegar<br /><br />Directions<br />1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add linguine and cook 9 minutes. Stir in snow peas and carrots and cook another minute. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool to the touch.<br />2. Transfer linguine mixture to a large bowl. Add turkey and scallions. Pour the peanut sauce over the top, then add vinegar to peanut sauce jar. Screw cap back on and shake jar. Pour contents over linguine mixture, toss to coat completely with sauce and serve.</span></span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-76457703793040960502014-01-02T10:16:00.000-05:002014-01-02T10:18:54.945-05:00Collard Greens<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://9E560FE5-8095-4F2C-A815-08A6F4B51E85/imagejpeg" /></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5JTksFK4qjhbmY-7CsWSOal1SEGZXnB5WbCVO8ouxYY8oEkU6kzfvXl4YAKs4JxDYPi4Q8mT2S67QpIrGyY9GhTbXYr47Vz7_7WZH6ZSd0X0gJDD1q5-PLUAROm97GO51mBRtBsbUgNs/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5JTksFK4qjhbmY-7CsWSOal1SEGZXnB5WbCVO8ouxYY8oEkU6kzfvXl4YAKs4JxDYPi4Q8mT2S67QpIrGyY9GhTbXYr47Vz7_7WZH6ZSd0X0gJDD1q5-PLUAROm97GO51mBRtBsbUgNs/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>On their own, collard greens have a mild, smokey taste, but they also take on other flavors beautifully. Give their versatility, it's no surprise they're featured in dishes globally. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>How To Select & Store</b><br />
Choose nice green leaves with no blemishes. Look for leaves that aren't wilted, then you know they're fresh. To store, simply place collard greens in a zip-lock bag and refrigerate. Collards should keep well for up to five days.<br />
<br />
<b>Prep Tips</b><br />
Collard greens can be sandy, so to clean, submerge them in water to loose any grit, then wash and dry. For raw preparations including salads and slaws, you'll want to use smaller, tender collard leaves, and cut them into thin ribbons. Larger, more fibrous leaves are best roasted, sautéed oar braised; slice off woody stems and cut or tear into bite-size pieces before cooking.<br />
<br />
<b>Try This</b><br />
For a vegetarian version of traditional Southern collard greens, sauté collards and garlic in olive oil, and simmer in vegetable broth; to make it a meal, add sautéed onions, carrots and celery and finish with a can of white beans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-62836684468928971222014-01-02T09:58:00.001-05:002014-01-02T09:58:17.150-05:00Carbs: Dr. Neal Bernard responds <i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went vegetarian recently, and although I feel good and am losing weight, I'm worried because I seem to be eating so many carbs. Is that bad? </span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><img src="webkit-fake-url://F32DCF9F-B268-458C-8356-DB7A64322D26/imagejpeg" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine President & author of Power Foods for the Brain, Dr. Neal D. Bernard, M.D., answers: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not at all. In fact, those carbs are a big part of the reason you're losing weight. Despite the bad rap that carbs have somehow acquired, a gram of carbohydrate has only four calories. Compare that with a gram of fat, which has almost nine. In other words, carbs are relatively low in calories. That' a one reason the majority of people in Japan and other Asian countries where they eat lots of rice and noodles have customarily been thin. But people in these countries have been gaining weight since the 1980's, when meaty Western eating habits started to replaced their rice-based diets. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if carbs are actually low in calories, how did bread, pasta, potatoes and other carb-rich foods get their reputation for being fattening? We'll think about how they're often served: mashed potatoes are drowned in butter or gravy, spaghetti is doused with meat sauce. What we fattening are the greasy toppings, not the carb-rich foods themselves, which are actually innocent bystanders. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some people have suggested that carbs ought to be fattening because of the glucose they contain. When a carbohydrate molecule breaks apart in your digestive tract, glucose enters your bloodstream; glucose stimulates the release of insulin, which escorts glucose into the body's cells. The theory is that this insulin release promotes weight gain. What the theory's proponents are forgetting is that insulin release is triggered by proteins too. Just as insulin helps glucose enter cells, it does the same for the amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. So it turns out that beef, cheese, etc. trigger as much or more insulin secretion as many high-carb foods. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's more, carbohydrates are a pretty big group. Carbohydrates are in everything from table sugar, candy, and doughnuts to whole-grain pasta, fresh blueberries and heirloom beans. You'll want to pick the healthiest representatives of the group, such as whole grains, beans, fresh fruit, and veggies. They are better choices than highly processed snack foods where healthful fiber is taken out and fatty ingredients are added. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy of Vegetarian Times, Jan/Feb 2014</span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-9579169496801815632013-12-02T14:27:00.003-05:002013-12-02T14:27:44.553-05:00Holiday Truffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is one of our favorite holiday goodie recipes... Holiday Truffles! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjoClMQhWZ-_Lw-NXgMM8p_zCrj7tZEFAQcMva32GeGamsiZqiyrHjpFD_JIArA-H398JyZAQWLcM-DYiBObl5FNMLHj_X72VOVPfCFXb70Nvo8ymv3uaIj4oKJC_mWaQOOrfzEbQkxoO/s1600/Paleo-6-ingredient-truffle-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjoClMQhWZ-_Lw-NXgMM8p_zCrj7tZEFAQcMva32GeGamsiZqiyrHjpFD_JIArA-H398JyZAQWLcM-DYiBObl5FNMLHj_X72VOVPfCFXb70Nvo8ymv3uaIj4oKJC_mWaQOOrfzEbQkxoO/s400/Paleo-6-ingredient-truffle-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No added sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No high fructose corn syrup</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No artificial anything</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just the pure sweet goodness of pitted dates combined with cocoa and vanilla! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't knock 'em until you try them...</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> they're a HUGE hit with anyone who has ever tasted them! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They are equally as yummy if you omit the coconut, or substitute walnuts for the pecans. </span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Tools You’ll Need:</span></span></span></div>
<ul class="check" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Food processor</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Measuring cups</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Measuring spoons</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Ingredients:</span></span></span></div>
<ul class="check" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> 1 cup of pecans</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> 1 ½ cup of medjol dates (pitted)</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> 1/8 teaspoon sea salt</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Instructions:</span></span></span></div>
<ol style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Plug in your food processor and place all ingredients in it.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Grab a small handful of dough and roll it into a ball (each truffle of mine was about 1″ x 1”)</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Repeat step 2 until your entire dough is gone.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Eat up or, if you want to save them for later, place truffles on a plate and refrigerate.</span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* Makes 20 truffles</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* Nutritional Information (per truffle): 106 calories; 6g fat; 15g carbohydrates; 2g protein.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 1em;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">RECIPE & PHOTO COURTESY OF <a href="http://www.amazingpaleo.com/2012/12/03/holiday-truffles/" target="_blank">AMAZING! PALEO</a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-6345651439074992162013-12-01T16:28:00.001-05:002013-12-02T14:16:19.148-05:00Starting today, I vow to be healthy.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I have avoided writing this blog post for several weeks now. It would've been too painful to write before this, as it requires me to open up myself into a very vulnerable position, but it needs to be said... God asked me to share. </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">Starting today, I vow to be healthy. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This may come as a shock to many of you. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">But you are healthy. Aren't you?</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, yes. I know how to be healthy. I know what I should and shouldn't eat. I am educated in nutrition. I have spent countless hours researching, learning, writing essays, reviewing health publications and pouring every ounce of myself into nutrition and health textbooks. I have lived, breathed, prayed and petitioned for the health of His people for over two years. When you are called into a ministry area, it becomes your identity... your life is dedicated to serving in the specific area in which the Lord has asked you to minister. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH6gbTBglWk9LQS4C1qxPw2hprOSE_WdaMDif0FL2KpHrcHyZXDJ342gEq8zKinvewsFvD75P4U79JveYsLe95xTABUvitQBXnJDCWyCx774hDXvAhPY2-m1k1xgNurI549zLx96MZu9J/s640/blogger-image-1894628237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH6gbTBglWk9LQS4C1qxPw2hprOSE_WdaMDif0FL2KpHrcHyZXDJ342gEq8zKinvewsFvD75P4U79JveYsLe95xTABUvitQBXnJDCWyCx774hDXvAhPY2-m1k1xgNurI549zLx96MZu9J/s400/blogger-image-1894628237.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And serve to the fullest extent is just what I was doing, until five months ago. On July 1st 2013 we lost another baby too soon; our seventh miscarriage when I was just over 11-weeks along. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The pain is still <b>raw</b>; the wound still <i>tender to the touch</i>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our other losses have all healed; formed their scars. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But this one... this one is still in the process of scabbing over, and it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">hurts</span></span>. It stings when I pick at it. So for the past five months I have left it alone, hoping it would heal quickly on its own - by scabbing over, then scarring, just like all the others. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This one is different. It hasn't healed as quickly as the others. It only began the process of healing just two short weeks ago... on the day I <i>finally</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">set aside myself</span></span> and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">came before Him</span></b> - admitting my pain, my sorrow & my exhaustion. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Admitting I cannot do it without Him. </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For months I had been fooling myself, causing myself to believe that I had already set me aside... But, I was lying. It's the only way I knew how to keep free of the pain - the pain of loss, the pain of jealousy, the pain that comes with healing sometimes because in order to heal, we need to open ourselves up and allow Him to work is us. And, that can be painful. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So for the past five months, I had never truly opened up, and that wound was never really exposed. I had never let it get <i>the air it so desperately needed</i>. Instead, I just kept wrapping it in a light bandage and then wondering why it was taking so long to scab over. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGthCIr_BmFEB4ERecA9VBJkieXEWoLcfW_7w1SypnHQ7kqGP4heiwvELbZxNSDc0UCI6AQsemxww2qVR2Szos8ElZW5JjAFUKIfyUtx7lMQ6qJhgsSM-VooI2gF7Nw-z1z7ui2was58I/s640/blogger-image--824987778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGthCIr_BmFEB4ERecA9VBJkieXEWoLcfW_7w1SypnHQ7kqGP4heiwvELbZxNSDc0UCI6AQsemxww2qVR2Szos8ElZW5JjAFUKIfyUtx7lMQ6qJhgsSM-VooI2gF7Nw-z1z7ui2was58I/s400/blogger-image--824987778.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't even remember what our pastor preached on that Sunday morning two weeks ago. All I know is that God was speaking to me - He was asking me to take the bandage completely off, to approach Him at His altar, and allow Him to start treating my wound so He could heal it. And for through that entire Sunday morning service, I kept telling Him, <i>"yeah, okay..."</i> because maybe He would stop asking to treat my wound.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But, standing at the altar for prayer that morning were the exact two women in my life that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">needed</span> to pray with, and for, me. Two strong, faith-filled women who I admire, who I have been vulnerable with, who love and support me, and who have walked alongside me during previous losses. <i>The two women that God knew needed to be standing there in order for me to even consider asking for prayer.</i> And so, I approached them... I told them I had been so exhausted since the loss in July; <i>they already knew my story</i>. And the Holy Spirit knew exactly what needed to be prayed over me that morning. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The release of stress, the peace that overcame me, the start of healing that occurred that morning; it was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">incredible</span></span>. It was <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">overwhelmingly powerful</span></b> and <i>freeing</i> and felt like a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">warm soothing, healing balm all over my body</span></span>. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6sGX_T214QMrrwkxOYvOGNH1lU11WcmNqFqrMXlXc2JdSUnfbD8TtNHVDKec3i8J24KWB3uCrWC8vkPibQgTLn1ivXA5s7-piSMgjuNt3m2dwk3zw2ci_MUr-eaOLq3Lccd6PMn7kXvy/s640/blogger-image--1543718308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6sGX_T214QMrrwkxOYvOGNH1lU11WcmNqFqrMXlXc2JdSUnfbD8TtNHVDKec3i8J24KWB3uCrWC8vkPibQgTLn1ivXA5s7-piSMgjuNt3m2dwk3zw2ci_MUr-eaOLq3Lccd6PMn7kXvy/s400/blogger-image--1543718308.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I write this post, five months to the day after we lost <i>Amara Grace</i>. And my wound is just now starting to lightly scab over. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know because I can write this post while only a few tears stream down my face. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know, because even through those tears I can still find <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">peace</span></b> in writing this, knowing it will bring comfort to someone else and in doing so, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it will glorify Him</span>. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, our pastor spoke about glorifying God... </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">everything is created to glorify God</span>, </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">but how we only glorify Him when we <b>fulfill His purposes</b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, my purpose is to be healthy - <i>physically, emotionally & spiritually</i> - so that I can <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">help, encourage and teach</span></b> others as they achieve health. My purpose - our family's call into ministry - all keeps coming back to our fifth miscarriage: <i>Asher Nicholas</i>. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Read his story </span><a href="http://ashernicholasfoundation.weebly.com/about-us.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And because I can only glorify God by fulfilling His purposes, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I vow to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lay aside myself</span>, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to find <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">strength and peace only in Him</span></b>, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to <b>allow Him to treat & heal my wounds</b>, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and to continuing serving Him <b>how He has asked</b> me to... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">by being whole and healthy, in Christ</span>.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>How has He asked you to serve Him? </b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Will you vow to fulfill His purposes to bring Him glory? </b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-8037907288597876552013-04-24T10:01:00.004-04:002013-04-24T10:01:47.933-04:00Nix the burger, baby! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusbfsGYNAfsaI3Wjp2tj_lm4V04oELudV6z42x7cXauC7T8nqZhWWAMp_zRp6Kf_ZGoUlxaQpxc0TnHMFZlgDdI-8NIp3OpYeXaToq49m_VE27Wb5DV-SnPhlg83k9Aj0V3zs3cDBRPjF/s1600/2778579-hamburger-double-cheese-burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusbfsGYNAfsaI3Wjp2tj_lm4V04oELudV6z42x7cXauC7T8nqZhWWAMp_zRp6Kf_ZGoUlxaQpxc0TnHMFZlgDdI-8NIp3OpYeXaToq49m_VE27Wb5DV-SnPhlg83k9Aj0V3zs3cDBRPjF/s320/2778579-hamburger-double-cheese-burger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you're shaping up your diet before starting a family, ask your hubby to join you.<br />
<br />
New research published in the <i>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</i> suggests that <b>consuming saturated fats may reduce sperm count</b>.<br />
<br />
Men with the highest intake <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">(think hamburgers, fried foods, pizza - all things that your guy may love) </span>had a <b>41% lower sperm count</b> than those that consumed the least amount of saturated fats.<br />
<br />
Lead author Tina Jensen, professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, speculates that those eating more of these fats might have other unhealthy habits that could affect fertility.<br />
<br />
More research is needed to determine if changing a hopeful father's diet will solve the problem, but it can't hurt to bring back Meatless Mondays... and Wednesdays... and Fridays...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Article courtesy of Shape Magazine, April 2013</span></span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-16338922797835611542013-04-24T09:51:00.001-04:002013-04-24T09:51:33.026-04:00Upcoming Classes at Menne Nursery Free upcoming classes at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Menne.Nursery" target="_blank">Menne Nursery</a>, 3100 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinZXIWbnDJeq-S1W6LZtFQRbeOZRIsOnTV9fd1_97d5-ea5jgC50PhofrfTHioKaAY7DpjaWBU-f0gzG4XDeVvCkCxBoF0Xq3FGJmVO7Ng6oeKGaJ0FIiApB9lTju_giUDaimey01bHVF/s1600/mennelogo320x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinZXIWbnDJeq-S1W6LZtFQRbeOZRIsOnTV9fd1_97d5-ea5jgC50PhofrfTHioKaAY7DpjaWBU-f0gzG4XDeVvCkCxBoF0Xq3FGJmVO7Ng6oeKGaJ0FIiApB9lTju_giUDaimey01bHVF/s1600/mennelogo320x240.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sustainable Gardening Practices</b><br />
Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m.<br />
Presented By: Sharon Webber NYSCNLP<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A sustainable garden is an earth friendly garden, one that works in harmony with nature by using techniques that improve the health of your garden while minimizing its negative impact on the environment. Organic gardening, composting, using native plants and integrated pest management (IPM) all play a role in a sustainable garden and they are fun to learn & easy to practice. Sharon Webber, a locally renowned freelance garden consultant, has worked as an educator for Cornell University's Cooperative Extension Service and is currently an adjunct instructor in the horticulture program at NCCC. She will introduce you to the basic elements of earth friendly gardening practices and open your eyes to improving your garden and environment. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Reservations required. </span></b></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Edible Flowers</b><br />
Saturday, June 22nd at 10:00 a.m.<br />
Presented By: Lee Schreiner<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Strawberry Preserves</b><br />
Saturday, June 22nd at 2:00 p.m.<br />
Presented By: Joyce Gallagher<br />
<br />
<br />
Register for these classes by calling Menne Nursery at 693-4444<br />
<br />
<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-28551153992708758352013-04-23T10:06:00.003-04:002013-04-23T10:06:48.157-04:00How much sugar are you drinking per day? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 14px;">How much sugar are you drinking per day (whether in soda, sweetened iced tea, lemonade, energy drinks, in coffee, etc)? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pay attention today!! It's probably a lot more than you realize. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Check out the sugar in Coca-Cola! 1 sugar cube is equal to 1 teaspoon...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JRNo1Y0L8533XBr_q17xU7xNi81MkKm-yoCzryjMo1L1ma9FpdN7b6E4-56iuPYXWQxL2BBk04E266W6Z3utKO0xYt94By61jDQA0d9sYLNPGVQMANu37Zf1l7_T589NPSRPZIqMzsS9/s1600/539831_371186439663635_1924126757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JRNo1Y0L8533XBr_q17xU7xNi81MkKm-yoCzryjMo1L1ma9FpdN7b6E4-56iuPYXWQxL2BBk04E266W6Z3utKO0xYt94By61jDQA0d9sYLNPGVQMANu37Zf1l7_T589NPSRPZIqMzsS9/s320/539831_371186439663635_1924126757_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Watch out for the sugar in sweetened yogurt too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoUyEOyaNq2hRAKzDEqrZ4ly9Ou9wHexvORhNhh6E0Y2Wq1zySNXeV6ve7dqRcewoZI94wcSwU34yXt0rDTOsnX2VEprWC6fZ3UaZVsvfjJ-7AUdYG6pCUJR7jnCE8jMkZMfQLExbgY3E/s1600/77099_371186622996950_703486951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoUyEOyaNq2hRAKzDEqrZ4ly9Ou9wHexvORhNhh6E0Y2Wq1zySNXeV6ve7dqRcewoZI94wcSwU34yXt0rDTOsnX2VEprWC6fZ3UaZVsvfjJ-7AUdYG6pCUJR7jnCE8jMkZMfQLExbgY3E/s320/77099_371186622996950_703486951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's a lot of sugar!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl3PEtZTQ9e-PP7nO_juhAtzUJLdEcRmnZ-M-W0DCIZOoy_nVOs4S4oRL43Xc_hLAgcp8SbwbReVetOZj2DxoVc__qJvGAoXE3T4BuCcArIYm-qObw7l3gT_-yw4b3i4B-3HvMYZEyFqe/s1600/625692_371157016333244_519272308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl3PEtZTQ9e-PP7nO_juhAtzUJLdEcRmnZ-M-W0DCIZOoy_nVOs4S4oRL43Xc_hLAgcp8SbwbReVetOZj2DxoVc__qJvGAoXE3T4BuCcArIYm-qObw7l3gT_-yw4b3i4B-3HvMYZEyFqe/s320/625692_371157016333244_519272308_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The stats in blue are alarming!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl3PEtZTQ9e-PP7nO_juhAtzUJLdEcRmnZ-M-W0DCIZOoy_nVOs4S4oRL43Xc_hLAgcp8SbwbReVetOZj2DxoVc__qJvGAoXE3T4BuCcArIYm-qObw7l3gT_-yw4b3i4B-3HvMYZEyFqe/s1600/625692_371157016333244_519272308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftJregscW6XbfLtAV8kxfqjtuZmun6PUAHtzgNPSUjzZykfiELR6U_DnDVLaITXd-xRuIuAXStjrR2_Vcimq61jYJkgKV5Rr_Bb4limnpNY3NiX_ColmWTe5S-nzLLObq1wAUwTzICgAI/s1600/555673_371157676333178_1894577054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftJregscW6XbfLtAV8kxfqjtuZmun6PUAHtzgNPSUjzZykfiELR6U_DnDVLaITXd-xRuIuAXStjrR2_Vcimq61jYJkgKV5Rr_Bb4limnpNY3NiX_ColmWTe5S-nzLLObq1wAUwTzICgAI/s400/555673_371157676333178_1894577054_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep in mind that all those beverages containing sugar really add up! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwUKZsym6ONX-vwwhV8-grIk8DjFEoTQyVFBlgk23whdRWr4kvgzTv75Fk0zdmi46LqQ5xy68h0RZMz8aBCcqaOzIm2mYeDp3mtn28XwNFzwyK5OpAGZ4Iv3YI1l9BmKrdc3H9_X2RomR/s1600/559775_371895066259439_1559164838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwUKZsym6ONX-vwwhV8-grIk8DjFEoTQyVFBlgk23whdRWr4kvgzTv75Fk0zdmi46LqQ5xy68h0RZMz8aBCcqaOzIm2mYeDp3mtn28XwNFzwyK5OpAGZ4Iv3YI1l9BmKrdc3H9_X2RomR/s320/559775_371895066259439_1559164838_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-7585972123464504012013-04-23T09:59:00.003-04:002013-04-23T09:59:19.464-04:00Understanding PLU Labels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have seen these types of pictures circulating around facebook several times the past week...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_dJgZy1EHTIMpIayJ-cN7Sm0FU5e_la7TDtr9XbJEp6uDwtTXPnpoEmYSubLJR6KpVqUjVIvecpzjyMLNDvkOhSlrGD02fI16SsOsLISDqhqtUSLdavSEyV9Xr6nrbiYvCQhzd07ifVj/s1600/541662_371895636259382_470980854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_dJgZy1EHTIMpIayJ-cN7Sm0FU5e_la7TDtr9XbJEp6uDwtTXPnpoEmYSubLJR6KpVqUjVIvecpzjyMLNDvkOhSlrGD02fI16SsOsLISDqhqtUSLdavSEyV9Xr6nrbiYvCQhzd07ifVj/s320/541662_371895636259382_470980854_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• Know labeling requirements: PLU labeling is optional so not all produce will have labels <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">(however, *most* sold in grocery stores will have a PL</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">U code)</span>.<br /><br />• Understand GMO labeling: the 5-digit codes beginning with 9 are organic. The 5-digit code starting with 8 is for GMO food -BUT- manufacturers are not required to label genetically modified foods so they don't use that code & are using the 4-digit conventional code instead.<br /><br />• Know common GMO crops: corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, sugar beets <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">(ie: white table sugar)</span>, papaya, zucchini, and squash are the major GMO crops. Corn, soy & sugar beets <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">(labeled sugar) </span>are used in most all canned, boxed, bagged <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">(ie: processed)</span> foods. Also - meat, dairy & eggs from livedstock, which are fed a GMO grain diet. Buy 100% organic and/or opt for grass-fed / pastured meat, dairy & eggs. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• Read labels thoroughly: if an item on an ingredient label is listed as 100% organic, it cannot be GMO as USDA regulation prohibits GMOs from being labeled organic. Also, look for these third-party organic certification agencies whose organic standards are stricter than the USDA... look for: QAI, Oregon Tilth, and CCOF. Also, look for the Non-GMO Project verified seal on labels.<br /><br />• Shop local & grow your own: the best place to buy organically grown non-GMO produce, meat, dairy & eggs is from local farmers. Ask them questions, stop by their farm for a visit, join a produce or meat share & shop farmer's markets. Plant a small garden and grow your own food. If space is an object, you can do a considerable amount of growing on patios and/or rooftops using containers & vertical gardening practices. Get creative! Plant food in your landscaping: instead of only planting annual flowers on your beds, mix in some herbs & veggies too.<br /><br />• Research, research, research. The food industry can be confusing & overwhelming. It changes constantly & so do the regulations and requirements, or lack thereof. If something seems to good to be true in the "big agra" food industry, research it, because chances are, it probably is... like the idea that manufacturers are placing the number 8 in their PLU codes to openly admit their produce is genetically modified... when they're not required to label GMOs, let alone use a PLU code.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-19116884714149657472013-04-23T08:31:00.000-04:002013-04-23T08:31:08.731-04:00Roasted Beets with Orange & Thyme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nMCtiQhoy27yvu7Sl-h-xOUlN12DiNez6HtBVC1LjKzBgBcefITLjBM0y_v-TFW6Wl2VXISo02GK5nAhE-S5Cb8O11834haM71IpvwNJI_x85lVw68cjYJHQ4ygpz1p-3H0946lVVspt/s1600/roasted-beets-orange-thyme-med107845_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nMCtiQhoy27yvu7Sl-h-xOUlN12DiNez6HtBVC1LjKzBgBcefITLjBM0y_v-TFW6Wl2VXISo02GK5nAhE-S5Cb8O11834haM71IpvwNJI_x85lVw68cjYJHQ4ygpz1p-3H0946lVVspt/s1600/roasted-beets-orange-thyme-med107845_vert.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
1 bunch of beets, scrubbed & peeled. Cut into 1-inch pieces.<br />
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil<br />
Coarse salt & ground pepper<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
1/4 cup orange juice<br />
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves<br />
2 teaspoons orange zest<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Directions </span></b><br />
Preheat oven to 425. Place pieces of beets on large piece of foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt & pepper. Fold foil around beets and crimp ends to form a packet. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, about 45-minutes.<br />
<br />
Transfer beets to a large bowl and drizzle with honey and orange juice. Top with finely grated orange zest and thyme leaves.<br />
<br />
Serves 4.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-7599852145820751852013-04-23T08:26:00.002-04:002013-04-23T08:26:20.275-04:00Your weapon against cardiovasular disease!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb2mtShDWcLNGpuuW8lhvTffyh3TVkFXyLwj8wxqDQo26Tieoa8dzORTbN-SIaMAUn_i96h58igzDL-xS4RyUmusdAfqDEiGkDX6LYDCRoT3sQZGuNkF7wzJQS4NHxSwQhUO43ifrENqV/s1600/heart-heathy-foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIb2mtShDWcLNGpuuW8lhvTffyh3TVkFXyLwj8wxqDQo26Tieoa8dzORTbN-SIaMAUn_i96h58igzDL-xS4RyUmusdAfqDEiGkDX6LYDCRoT3sQZGuNkF7wzJQS4NHxSwQhUO43ifrENqV/s320/heart-heathy-foods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><b><i>"A healthy diet is one of the most powerful weapons against cardiovasular disease"</i></b>, says Rachel K. Johnson, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesperson for the American Heart Association. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Aim for a wide variety of <b>produce</b>, since various fruits and vegetables provide different antioxidants. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><b>Whole grains</b> like barley are also key, because they help contain soluable fiber that helps lower LDL cholesterol. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">As for protein, <b>most protein should come from plant sources</b>, and lean sources such as eggs, poultry and omega-3-rich fish.</span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-78880435271927802402013-04-23T08:21:00.003-04:002013-04-23T08:21:37.816-04:00Invest In Your Health, 1st!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIm22Zv_JOAc8Hjm7Rgefe3TA6Nl6_udnAZrZhSou1zncOUYd8nlzmC4yVK3l8lBY4gBrrJCpok9KFj8RGe75SuWHchLSikK2R0GO_EM2OoshnfLTEI-6jDIWhxIPZUFvrXIpWTIFsSv9/s1600/InvestInYourHealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIm22Zv_JOAc8Hjm7Rgefe3TA6Nl6_udnAZrZhSou1zncOUYd8nlzmC4yVK3l8lBY4gBrrJCpok9KFj8RGe75SuWHchLSikK2R0GO_EM2OoshnfLTEI-6jDIWhxIPZUFvrXIpWTIFsSv9/s320/InvestInYourHealth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_510ac3e523b099407659827">
We frequently hear "eating healthy is expensive" or "I cant afford your lifestyle" - it's very simple and it's inexpensive. <br />
<br />
Finances seem to be the #1 reason people would rather stay in their bad habits than change... and the solution (eating healthy) probably costs no more than your current spending on unhealthy foods. Our advice, INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH, first!<br />
<br />
* Eat Less. <br />
<br />
* Eat More Vegetables, fruits, whole grains & plant proteins - those are the things that keep you full!<span class="text_exposed_show"> Eat less meat & dairy.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">* Eat in season. Buy local. Shop farmer's markets. You'll pay more for foods that are not in season. Join a CSA; freeze or can the extra produce. <br /><br />* Watch Your Portion Size. Eat the serving size, not more.<br /><br />* Eat At Home. Learn to cook, if you don't know how. All you need is the ability to read and some healthy recipes. <br /><br />* Make sacrifices in other areas of your budget, if need be... do we really need 300 television stations?! Go outside for entertainment (and for your health!). <br /><br />* Don't Waste Food. According to a study conducted this past August, the average American family throws away half of their food (approximately $2,200 in food per family is thrown away annually). Would you throw $2,200 in cash in the garbage? If not, then don't throw your food away either!! Have leftover night. Freeze leftovers. Be creative in how you can use leftovers! <br /></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />More Tips Here: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/food-waste-americans-throw-away-food-study_n_1819340.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/food-waste-americans-throw-away-food-study_n_1819340.html</a> <br /><br />And Here: <br /><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/diet_health/weight_loss_diet_plans/how_to_lose_weight_on_a_budget?page=2&sssdmh=dm17.648377&esrc=nwewd012413" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.eatingwell.com/diet_health/weight_loss_diet_plans/how_to_lose_weight_on_a_budget?page=2&sssdmh=dm17.648377&esrc=nwewd012413</a></span></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-26649277735654857032013-04-23T08:19:00.002-04:002013-04-23T08:19:14.259-04:00Bulgar Salad <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvQs2thSzWX0Qz5JkBWvDs2tMuAQHNiEqivlZ2WnHwvoY73JunHvo_YlsVARYv1yAM8aRC0vXJMVGEc8Ugp3nOGXo_YSL1PG92if9OqkczcOQGJoYBdZcKc1Cuz3oovvRlGvMh-avSsQi/s1600/bulgurgrapesalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvQs2thSzWX0Qz5JkBWvDs2tMuAQHNiEqivlZ2WnHwvoY73JunHvo_YlsVARYv1yAM8aRC0vXJMVGEc8Ugp3nOGXo_YSL1PG92if9OqkczcOQGJoYBdZcKc1Cuz3oovvRlGvMh-avSsQi/s320/bulgurgrapesalad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br />
1 cup bulgar wheat<br />
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped<br />
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped<br />
1 cup halved seedless red grapes<br />
Juice of 1 lemon<br />
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Stir in the bulgar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cover and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Transfer the bulgar to a large bowl. Stir in the cucumber, grapes, lemon juice, olive oil and cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or chill and serve later.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-88847374037702699912013-02-22T15:13:00.004-05:002013-02-22T15:13:56.571-05:00Vitamin Water: Beware! <div class="userContentWrapper aboveUnitContent">
<div class="_wk mbm">
<span class="userContent"></span> <br />
<span class="userContent">Con</span><span class="userContent">sumers beware! Don't be misled by marketing. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxPyfzI-s4PWf7i6H4oS2bvoEiqACoMIIwUG4LMbz9OO8poSqRDdf0O0UUd2oBUnav3StB-u5_MBTtMOI5fXVpIjtKI8lWZFMKOeS56sF1yklZH0B5nMwEgAosE5rTTYGmnqmrwMrT8ml/s1600/vitamin-water-label_edit.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxPyfzI-s4PWf7i6H4oS2bvoEiqACoMIIwUG4LMbz9OO8poSqRDdf0O0UUd2oBUnav3StB-u5_MBTtMOI5fXVpIjtKI8lWZFMKOeS56sF1yklZH0B5nMwEgAosE5rTTYGmnqmrwMrT8ml/s400/vitamin-water-label_edit.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlHaXYFu-Hc-r9uFK9Sxa9eZnwlZbJIx34t-tAj21lkMZm1KkCtxhMaH6jpnIsNEcJIR0lFlMhY2GlL7pc-30cvd9pDQRRVoa4Nouf-7ghPPamGBv89ojgY_X0LB4sPTBE6x_7so1tJDT/s1600/imagesCA0SH7RL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlHaXYFu-Hc-r9uFK9Sxa9eZnwlZbJIx34t-tAj21lkMZm1KkCtxhMaH6jpnIsNEcJIR0lFlMhY2GlL7pc-30cvd9pDQRRVoa4Nouf-7ghPPamGBv89ojgY_X0LB4sPTBE6x_7so1tJDT/s1600/imagesCA0SH7RL.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br />"Vitaminwater's sugar content more than offsets any advertised health benefits provided by the nutrients in the drink: 33 grams of sugar and 125 calories, for every 20-ounce bottle. Vitaminwater name misleads consumers since that key third ingredient, sugar, is conveniently absent from the title."<br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2007106,00.html#ixzz2IlnCnSJ4" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2007106,00.html#ixzz2IlnCnSJ4</a></span><br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uTwSduDIZ7TemnmkqXtljYZEhxeG20QRctxpxt-zcTDP8RLfR9TWqsDwhz8rDiWzShop_eRjgGvBM4l_h6ZvL8fvMph6eTggygyuI7FeMepPukds5A9KuJXRKKjGYYCwe3aJ62b_9VNi/s1600/acaivwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uTwSduDIZ7TemnmkqXtljYZEhxeG20QRctxpxt-zcTDP8RLfR9TWqsDwhz8rDiWzShop_eRjgGvBM4l_h6ZvL8fvMph6eTggygyuI7FeMepPukds5A9KuJXRKKjGYYCwe3aJ62b_9VNi/s320/acaivwater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-86821185793250197452013-02-22T15:02:00.000-05:002013-02-22T15:02:12.712-05:00February is American Heart Month <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsWIe9K7QFWrcdi8B1KfQb9BiV4c_NZ9sTziGFLBJZrFT99SGHWVcqbDZzBK5878p94_W8LUSC5jMKaOjas2tRAnLe9toeUVDZNxgdq71sLAcDvgqZF8U6s7TVranNjd0w2zH5bBTFnz4/s1600/Healthy-Eating1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsWIe9K7QFWrcdi8B1KfQb9BiV4c_NZ9sTziGFLBJZrFT99SGHWVcqbDZzBK5878p94_W8LUSC5jMKaOjas2tRAnLe9toeUVDZNxgdq71sLAcDvgqZF8U6s7TVranNjd0w2zH5bBTFnz4/s320/Healthy-Eating1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Starting in 1963, Congress has proclaimed February "American Heart Month" to help urge Americans to join the battle against the number one killer in the United States: cardiovascular disease. Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. These diseases, the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 865,000 American lives a year.<br />
<br />
"Heart disease doesn’t just start one day in your 40's or 50's. It can be the result of not taking care of yourself over your lifetime - not being physically active, smoking, high stress levels and not eating a nutritious diet,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “What you do in your teens, 20's and 30's can impact your health as you get older. It is important that all age groups embrace a healthy lifestyle and work to lower the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.”.<br />
<br />
Nutritionally, heart health is maintained by: <br />
<ul>
<li>Saturated fat and trans fat raise bad (LDL) cholesterol, increasing risk of heart disease.</li>
<li>Mono and Poly – unsaturated fats can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, helping to lower risk of heart disease.</li>
<li>Omega-3 fatty acids not only lower bad cholesterol, they can also raisin good (HDL) cholesterol. Incorporate fish and flaxseed into your diet. </li>
<li>Increasing potassium helps to lower blood pressure, having a direct impact on the risk of heart disease.</li>
<li>Choose foods that are lower in salt by reading nutrition fact lables on food and beverage packages. </li>
<li>Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; choose whole grain, high-fiber foods; limit saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar; avoid trans fatty acids.</li>
</ul>
Heart disease and stroke are actually preventable! Eat for a healthy heart. For more information visit the American Heart Association's website at: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Nutrition-Center_UCM_001188_SubHomePage.jsp">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Nutrition-Center_UCM_001188_SubHomePage.jsp</a>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-5827947698791558932013-02-22T14:07:00.003-05:002013-02-22T14:07:47.424-05:00Overnight Crockpot "Baked" Oatmeal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoTfvgjuKNtQh_og13b4h2zRwc_sLmTICdWUsz8pR93pG0XqD9PLXL7bPjQ6GPVvdNdCUVxIHM5jrHNRxJv5eq1Kxsyc5-16NAyf9rWdqHA68DtQkRMcyekjJgorJDXIrAHzHk4MZKRgE/s1600/20091015crockpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoTfvgjuKNtQh_og13b4h2zRwc_sLmTICdWUsz8pR93pG0XqD9PLXL7bPjQ6GPVvdNdCUVxIHM5jrHNRxJv5eq1Kxsyc5-16NAyf9rWdqHA68DtQkRMcyekjJgorJDXIrAHzHk4MZKRgE/s320/20091015crockpot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal </strong><br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
2 apples - peeled, cored & cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped apples, total)<br />
1 1/2 cups fat free or non-dairy milk<br />
1 1/2 cups water<br />
1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats<br />
2 TB dark brown sugar, or honey<br />
1 1/2 TB coconut oil <br />
1/2 TSP cinnamon<br />
1 TB ground flaxseed<br />
1/4 TSP salt<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Coat inside of 3 1/2 quart (or larger) crockpot with coconut oil. Add all ingredients to crockpot. Stir, cover and cook on low for 7-hours. Spoon into oatmeal bowls; add additional toppings such as nuts or raisins, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Banana & Coconut Milk Oatmeal</strong> <br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
2 medium ripe bananas, sliced (approximately 2 cups total)<br />
2 14-ounce cans light coconut milk<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1 cup steel-cut oats<br />
2 TB dark brown sugar, or honey<br />
1 1/2 TB coconut oil <br />
1/2 TSP cinnamon<br />
1/4 TSP nutmeg<br />
1/2 TSP vanilla<br />
1 TB ground flaxseed<br />
1/4 TSP salt<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Coat inside of 3 1/2 quart (or larger) crockpot with coconut oil. Add all ingredients to crockpot. Stir, cover and cook on low for 7-hours. Spoon into oatmeal bowls; add additional toppings such as more sliced banana, chopped nuts, shredded coconut - if desired. Store leftovers in fridge. Freezes well. Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-89686837736056210272013-02-05T22:51:00.003-05:002013-02-05T22:51:58.670-05:00Heart-Healthy Baking Essentials<em>These heart-healthy baking essentials will help you trim fat and sodium, plus boost fiber, antioxidants, and whole grains in favorite recipes!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOQlRHyLBzxHGVYzbBzgAGqMqOdQEOlGP2pRbHoj8xC9UWJrkCzJeYKmIwP5v06TeubclV0rjBvU5TC01IOzxlEMNzhPe6ljGh0TunG4UVJoyC6da0nCX8vqccZkcX4IT6JLNxkkW145Q/s1600/applesauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOQlRHyLBzxHGVYzbBzgAGqMqOdQEOlGP2pRbHoj8xC9UWJrkCzJeYKmIwP5v06TeubclV0rjBvU5TC01IOzxlEMNzhPe6ljGh0TunG4UVJoyC6da0nCX8vqccZkcX4IT6JLNxkkW145Q/s320/applesauce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Unsweetened Applesauce</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baking tip: Cut fat and boost vitamin C in baked goods by using unsweetened applesauce to replace half or more of the butter, shortening, or oil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofKVicmVHRwW3ybu76Avb3JPeUEAtVnz5ZVmDTZDgueOpgLuCWP49beD48yQFa_f_abdteMpUmvSPcSTYPoNoM5DRKY9qT2wR28jO_9EDiBpOXNuFCTuswoiv8N5PQ31gIkLVSKKMbZyD/s1600/cocoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofKVicmVHRwW3ybu76Avb3JPeUEAtVnz5ZVmDTZDgueOpgLuCWP49beD48yQFa_f_abdteMpUmvSPcSTYPoNoM5DRKY9qT2wR28jO_9EDiBpOXNuFCTuswoiv8N5PQ31gIkLVSKKMbZyD/s1600/cocoa2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<strong>Cocoa, Unsweetened</strong><br />
Baking tip: Use 3 tablespoons of this antioxidant-rich cocoa plus 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to replace 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ener-G Baking Soda</strong><br />
Baking tip: This baking soda substitute saves you more than 1,200 mg of sodium per teaspoon, so it's a smart swap if you bake a lot.<br />
<br />
<strong>Oat Bran</strong> <br />
Baking tip: Add cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber to your recipes by replacing a few tablespoons of flour with oat bran. It keeps baked goods moist, too.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hain Featherweight Baking Powder</strong><br />
Baking tip: Replace your baking powder with this sodium-free version (made with potassium chloride) to save 480 mg of sodium per teaspoon. <em>Note: Hain Featherweight Baking Powder has 70 milligrams of potassium per 1/8 teaspoon serving. Ask your doctor before using this product, as potassium can pose problems for people with kidney disease.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4rqOx5OBaSO6tRrOWxJjPfOAm_AuEAupFvUFotv24b_428hy43VaTy_9YAPiU3BsZtTdfmLG6moxa83kTDtAz7jv_e1W4JarTbMPD0TpzItLlU8cnYhoCvP0UZWEhJo_xNWc3CwRDauN/s1600/OliveOilOlives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4rqOx5OBaSO6tRrOWxJjPfOAm_AuEAupFvUFotv24b_428hy43VaTy_9YAPiU3BsZtTdfmLG6moxa83kTDtAz7jv_e1W4JarTbMPD0TpzItLlU8cnYhoCvP0UZWEhJo_xNWc3CwRDauN/s320/OliveOilOlives.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Organic Cold-Pressed Olive Oil</strong><br />
Baking tip: This oil is obtained by cold-pressing rather than chemical method. It's high in good monounsaturated fat, antioxidants, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, which can promote cardiovascular health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydH6GLGfP2idoeyFdCYGlOk40nMa4Fg4TXb9UvtOl0BrsaOf7PBkFC5v3vdBbL4N-W4z7ruQLsB4q-3B8rvy-t_KtpIDoFVvwtydi3JQLgaQgcHpNlVEFKRVSHYR4sT4hGih8VDRkuQee/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydH6GLGfP2idoeyFdCYGlOk40nMa4Fg4TXb9UvtOl0BrsaOf7PBkFC5v3vdBbL4N-W4z7ruQLsB4q-3B8rvy-t_KtpIDoFVvwtydi3JQLgaQgcHpNlVEFKRVSHYR4sT4hGih8VDRkuQee/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Whole Wheat Pastry Flour</strong><br />
Baking tips: Higher in fiber and antioxidants than refined (all-purpose) flour, whole wheat flour can replace refinded flour in recipes. White whole wheat flour bakes like traditional whole wheat flour but is light in color because it's from white wheat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYduC8jK4roPPGkSLxmOq615Xv2WBFXseDzFVd5Mx8E3NIJPTLDIpSS9S5pItD-C1Q-C8PxQsdAzWCTdxaD4ShnaxocCiYqIlmK1Wf8jxvShk0XdNdb0swJD2uTx4C2zFbWQS_1TCDjY1E/s1600/95d34ff74c06a61d_coconutoil_xxxlarge_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYduC8jK4roPPGkSLxmOq615Xv2WBFXseDzFVd5Mx8E3NIJPTLDIpSS9S5pItD-C1Q-C8PxQsdAzWCTdxaD4ShnaxocCiYqIlmK1Wf8jxvShk0XdNdb0swJD2uTx4C2zFbWQS_1TCDjY1E/s320/95d34ff74c06a61d_coconutoil_xxxlarge_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Swap Margarine <span style="font-size: x-small;">[and butter]</span> for Coconut Oil</strong> <br />
The naturall occuring saturated fat in coconut oil is heart healthy. Nearly 50% of the fat in coconut oil is called lauric acid, which has unique health promoting properties. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Coconut oil is also nature's richest source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. MCTs actually boost your metabolism and help your body use fat for energy, as opposed to storing it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Add Walnuts</strong><br />
Add chopped walnuts to your baking recipes to boost your intake of heart-healthy antioxidants and omega-3 fats<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofKVicmVHRwW3ybu76Avb3JPeUEAtVnz5ZVmDTZDgueOpgLuCWP49beD48yQFa_f_abdteMpUmvSPcSTYPoNoM5DRKY9qT2wR28jO_9EDiBpOXNuFCTuswoiv8N5PQ31gIkLVSKKMbZyD/s1600/cocoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-44171446171439560952013-02-04T23:17:00.004-05:002013-02-04T23:17:54.694-05:00Tomatoes For Heart Health <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJXppT3_Up4wOBxIGZnhbfnSAC_8w_KZ9ebeSq1ZhB0YgTnuW8snECm2XLiwcfe9l0t9ksnoBnyspgTLPLl01O36PEnnUK-XhP-yetqla9suODf-v-xx37ZQnOoXu4tNF8-eizQR-VB9N/s1600/Tomato-Heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJXppT3_Up4wOBxIGZnhbfnSAC_8w_KZ9ebeSq1ZhB0YgTnuW8snECm2XLiwcfe9l0t9ksnoBnyspgTLPLl01O36PEnnUK-XhP-yetqla9suODf-v-xx37ZQnOoXu4tNF8-eizQR-VB9N/s320/Tomato-Heart1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to cut your risk of heart disease - the number one killer in America - try stocking your pantry with tomatoes! A growing body of evidence indicates that if you eat more tomato products you can protect your heart in a number of ways, including fending off oxidative stress, reducing chronic inflammation, halting platelet aggregation, improving blood lipid profiles, and lowering blood pressure levels.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Fighting Oxidative Stress</strong>. An important protective relationship from eating tomatoes is their effect on oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids found in tomato products have shown an effect of reducing both oxidative stress markers and the LDL-oxidization process. Researchers from Northern Ireland found that dietary intake of more than 40 mg/day of lycopene in a group of nonsmoking individuals significantly reduced the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in a short-term intervention study. And scientists from New Zealand found that tomato juice increased plasma lycopene levels and the resistance of LDL to oxidation almost as effectively as supplementation with a high dose of vitamin E in patients with type 2 diabetes. <br /></li>
<li><strong>Anti-inflammatory Power</strong>. Research points out that inflammation may be a significant root in the development of chronic diseases including CVD, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological degenerative disorders, and inflammatory bowel disorders. Dietary factors such as eating more tomato products can play a role in reducing inflammation. Using data from adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999 - 2004), consumption of processed tomatoes was associated with significantly lower serum C-reactive protein, a recognized biomarker of inflammation. Scientists investigated the effects of processed tomato products on vasodilatation and C-reactive protein in 56 overweight and obese adults. After consuming a low-tomato diet for three weeks, followed by either a six week high-tomato diet or low-tomato diet, the subjects’ responses were assessed after eating a high-fat meal. The high-tomato group had lower C-reactive protein levels and increased mean vessel diameter. <br /></li>
<li><strong>Inhibiting Platelet Aggregation</strong>. Tomato products contain anti-platelet compounds that appear to inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, which may aid in the primary prevention of CVD. Scottish researchers discovered that tomatoes have the highest anti-platelet activity, according to a study that tested fruits in vitro for their anti-platelet properties. The anti-platelet components in tomatoes, which are water soluble, heat stable, and concentrated in the yellow fluid around the seeds, inhibited aggregation by up to 70%. According to the results of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study in 90 healthy human subjects, tomato extract produced significant reductions in platelet aggregation three hours after supplementation. <br /></li>
<li><strong>Lipid Benefits</strong>. Another heart-health benefit of eating tomato products relates to their influence on lipid profile. A tomato-rich diet increased “good” HDL-cholesterol levels significantly by 15.2%, according to a study of the effects of a tomato-rich diet on lipid profile in 98 healthy volunteers for one month of follow-up. And in a diet intervention study, a three week low-tomato diet and a three week high-tomato diet was consumed by 21 healthy study subjects. Total cholesterol concentration was reduced by 5.9% and “bad” LDL cholesterol concentration by 12.9% with the high-tomato diet compared to the low-tomato diet. <br /></li>
<li><strong>A Role in Hypertension</strong>. It shouldn’t be a surprise that potassium-rich tomatoes also have shown benefits in treating hypertension. A single-blind, placebo-controlled study including 31 subjects found that a short-term treatment with tomato extract can reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1 hypertension, naive to drug therapy. </li>
</ul>
<br />
For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.tomatowellness.com/tomato-health-nutrition">http://www.tomatowellness.com/tomato-health-nutrition</a>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-80095673739575381722013-01-18T11:20:00.005-05:002013-01-18T11:20:45.393-05:00Kale & Kale Salad<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr_-kZTr6JAbQDWo8ZCvA6AG91Xa5nKpvR_YzFVAH11BODyhPQIWidURqRljT3ZQE62fsnztphBFGzbb1nV6UO11G9AfRyL3J3XnlTvjGx_ORlJ2M4n5Oqi4bErKFx40EIOgLCvURgXnI/s1600/Curly-kale-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr_-kZTr6JAbQDWo8ZCvA6AG91Xa5nKpvR_YzFVAH11BODyhPQIWidURqRljT3ZQE62fsnztphBFGzbb1nV6UO11G9AfRyL3J3XnlTvjGx_ORlJ2M4n5Oqi4bErKFx40EIOgLCvURgXnI/s320/Curly-kale-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Loaded with antioxidants, calcium and fiber, kale deserves to be as popular as its cousins spinach and chard. Here are some tips on how to get the most from this sometimes intimidating vegetable:</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Select:</b> There are seemingly endless varieties of kale, but some of the most common and tasty include curly, Tuscan, and Red Winter. Colors, which range from green to purple, should be as vibrant as possible. Choose a bunch that's crisp and free of tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Store:</b> Freshness makes a big difference in quality with this vegetable. New leaves are earthy and pungent, but as they age, they become more bitter. Keep wrapped in a dampened paper towel in your fridge's crisper drawer for no more than three to four days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Prepare: </b>Give the bunch a quick rinse, then rip the stems and inner veins from the leaves by hand and discard. The stalks are edible but many people don't like the chewy texture (we personally juice the stalks!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Serve:</b> Kale leaves can be treated just like spinach: sauteed in a pan with a bit of olive oil, mixed in raw salad topped with a vinaigrette, or tossed into a breakfast omelet or soup. Or, make a healthy snack by simply tearing apary the leaves with your hands and spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a little salt and work the seasoning in the leaves with your fingers. Bakes at 300F for 7 minutes, or until crisp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nutritional value: One 1-cup serving of kale has 33 calories, 1g fiber, 21mcg folate, 329mg potassium.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdVBPTUXAarbw7ABF6Av-gDOD9yAZDkoBINY4Se8elSe9ROh_y-hpXg9yXMFL1QToR9rYE7en_NlkfDABb_m3UeTV-UHTYUnp3PWl7eku-CXVZjo2K5BrifKlTteM5qOxYYNRvqgnbes/s1600/kale-salad-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdVBPTUXAarbw7ABF6Av-gDOD9yAZDkoBINY4Se8elSe9ROh_y-hpXg9yXMFL1QToR9rYE7en_NlkfDABb_m3UeTV-UHTYUnp3PWl7eku-CXVZjo2K5BrifKlTteM5qOxYYNRvqgnbes/s200/kale-salad-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kale Salad</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This raw kale salad wins over even the most skeptical of hearty-green newbies. It gets better after a night in the fridge. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cloves garlic, mashed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">pinch of red pepper flakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 bunches kale, ribs removed and leaves sliced into 1/4-inch shreds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp whole wheat bread crumbs, toasted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper flakes. Add kale and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Add grated cheese and breadcrumbs and toss. Serve.<br />Cover and refrigerate leftovers for two days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Serves 8.</span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527904527459125439.post-36909512576386534962013-01-11T12:44:00.003-05:002013-01-11T12:44:40.691-05:00Healthy Eating Tip #1<em>To help encourage you, we'll be posting healthy eating tips on a regular basis.</em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Healthy Eating Tip #1</strong></span></div>
<br />
If you have butter in your fridge, I am challenging you to throw it out & stop using it!! Instead, invest in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oi<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">l. <br /> <br /> When cooking / sauteing something that normally calls for butter, replace it equally with cold-pressed olive oil. If you are baking something that calls for butter, replace it equally with the coconut oil (you can use coconut oil on toast in place of butter!). <br /> <br /> These are very small changes but you will notice results! Why? Because Cold-pressed olive oil contains phenols & mono-unsaturated fat. Phenols suppress inflammation in the body. Mono-unsaturated fat encourages the release of fat from storage by increasing metabolism. Inflammation in the body is known to increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and many cancers. Dairy products, including butter, have been shown to increase the inflammation in our bodies. On the other hand, cold-pressed olive oil suppress & fights inflammation in our bodies :) <br /> <br /> Coconut oil is an abundant source of medium-chain fatty acids... these triglycerides work wonders for a sluggish metabolism. Coconut oil has also been shown to balance blood sugars, as it supplies the body with energy similar to blood glucose, but without having a negative impact on our blood sugar levels (ie: coconut oil prevents blood sugar highs & lows). Coconut oil also contains lauric acid and this protects against one of the hidden causes of weight gain, which is candida (yeast). Candida causes symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, sugar & carb cravings (as yeast feeds off of sugar). <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Olive oil & coconut oil that have been highly refined will not have this same benefit, so cold-pressed olive oil and unrefined coconut oil are the way to go!</span></span>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984738056687549321noreply@blogger.com0