Take this to the bank.

Posted on by

0

I recently had to visit to the doctor’s. Stressors were building up in my life like an earthquake ready to rumble, and my body was paying the price; unsteady on the shifting tectonics that I had forever found stable. Life happens, things linger, and before you know it, you’re unwell. There is no shame in seeking help at all. In fact, it can sometimes be the most courageous thing you can do. But in my (brief 15 minute) visit to the doctor’s, which may or may not have helped me, it again occurred to me how hard and expensive it can be to receive healthcare when you are uninsured.

I was suffering from anxiety. Every day left me feeling like a stranger in my own body, scared and quaking when I should have been living life. It was frustrating, scary, and altogether horrible. I did what I could with natural remedies, but because my anxiety was rooted in emotional turmoil, they did little to help. In fact, it seems all I needed was time and a new fuzzy companion to get myself through it.

But my point is this: There is no substitute for Western medicine when crisis strikes and your life is on the line, BUT, with the rising costs of insurance and healthcare, it is becoming more and more necessary (as it should be) to take your health into your own hands and be proactive. My little visit to the doctor’s cost me around a hundred dollars. That may not seem like much, but in 15 minutes I spent several days work. Ouch. According to a CBS report, $2.3 trillion was spent on healthcare in 2008, much of this money going to address issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and many other lifestyle-related illnesses, all of which could be prevented by a healthy diet and outlook on life.

By now, you know what makes up health: exercise, a varied diet (preferably plant-based, but at least with less meat than the average American consumes), and limited processed foods. When imbalance happens, and it will, there are many ways you can remedy them with supplements, herbs, and even the right foods.

To start today and get your life on the right track (while saving you $$$ from repeated doctor visits) go Bold. Eat well, get moving, and get as close to nature as possible. Step away from those Cheetos (because where in nature are you going to find those growing?!) and bring your body into harmony with foods it was meant to eat and movements it was meant to do. And laugh. And share. Don’t leave emotion pent up until it manifests physically. And for when you fall (slightly) ill, or become imbalanced, pick up a book and find out how to use nature to find harmony before you call up the doctor (use common sense here…if you need to see the doc, don’t delay). Stress, obesity, anxiety, allergies, arthritis, and even certain types of infections (read: candida, etc.) can be taken care of with the use of nature.

Below is a list of books that are great to have on your shelf to learn about herbs and other natural healing remedies.

 

 

 

So please, take care of yourself. Take care of your wallet. Take care of the planet. Go Bold.

Fluoride. What for?

Posted on by

0

English: Putting toothpaste on a toothbrush. T...

Image via Wikipedia

Ah, those pearly whites. We brush, we floss, we visit the dentist. All for shimmering chompers and healthy gums. The science is clear: healthy teeth and gums are a direct reflection of the health of the rest of the body. So to stave off gingivitis and cavities, we do what we have to to maintain oral equilibrium. I would venture to bet that when you were a youngster, and you hopped into the over-sized dentist chair, mouth open wide and eyes blinded by the light looming over your head, you often received a fluoride treatment. And of course, why wouldn’t you? Fluoride builds strong teeth, right? And I bet you still brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, too? Maybe even a mouth rinse? All because we’ve been taught over and over again that it is VITAL for the health and strength of our teeth.

Perhaps its time to take a look at the lore behind fluoride and see how important it really is to supplement with it in toothpastes and rinses. You may be getting far more fluoride than you bargained for…

Let’s take a look:

Not only is fluoride found in the toothpaste you use everyday to stave off cavities, but since the 1940′s it can also be found in your drinking water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006, 61.5 percent of American’s were drinking fluoridated water. While all other additives in drinking water are present to treat and purify the water, fluoride is the only one added for medicinal purposes.

“Some people think of the glass as half full. ...

Image via Wikipedia

The problem with this is multi-fold. First, ingesting synthesized fluoride (read: lab-produced rather than naturally occurring) has minimal impact on the oral environment. Rather, it is topical application that promotes dental health. So the levels found in everyday drinking water do very little in the way of fluoride supplementation. Instead, once ingested excess fluoride consumption has been linked to depression, weight gain, lessened intellectual capacity, and heart disease. The majority of these side effects, however, tend to be the ones that effect intellectual ability. Human studies conducted in several countries, including China and India, have verified the claim that excess fluoride leads to diminished intelligence and impaired development. Ingested fluoride has also been found by the U.S. National Research Council to effect endocrine function, which can contribute to disorders of the thyroid.

The use of fluoride-containing rinses and pastes in addition to the drinking water then compounds this supplementation, leading to unhealthy levels of ingestion and the risk of any of these side effects and possible fluoride poisoning. Children are especially vulnerable to this, as their smaller bodies can’t handle as much fluoride. In addition, the fundamental growth occurring at younger ages makes the risk of intellectual damage that much greater. Yikes!

But relax! There is an easy solution. Switch to rinses and toothpastes that do not contain fluoride: Tom’s of Maine has several varieties (though they are not ALL fluoride-free), VitaMyr, Jason’s, etc. And as far as tap water is concerned, a standard carbon filter (either on the tap or in a pitcher) will do the trick!

And because fluoride is a natural compound, it is often found in produce and other foods that obtain their nutrients from the ground. With a varied, healthy diet, all that is needed for healthy teeth should be supplied by your food! So eat up and be well!

Delicious Breakfast Smoothie

Posted on by

1

I have no pictures, because I didn’t plan on sharing this…because I didn’t think it would be this delicious! But it is, and so I feel I have to share this healthy and yummy smoothie I made this morning. Before I get into it, I’ll explain what makes it a great way to start the day: Young coconuts are one of the most incredible re-hydrators in the natural world. Their water is full of magnesium and has more potassium than 2 bananas. The bananas, if using, are another source of potassium and give natural sweetness to the smoothie without the use of added sweeteners (I used banana because it is what I had on hand…). If using fresh berries, you are adding antioxidants and other great stuff to the drink (I think this would be equally yummy). The yogurt (if using cream-top, farm-fresh yogurt) adds protein to the smoothie, and the flax seeds add fiber and a healthy dose of omega-3′s.

Here’s the recipe: (to be honest, I’m guessing measurements…I just dumped stuff in the blender!)

  • 1 young coconut
  • 1/3 ripe banana (or 1/4 c of berries or other fruit of choice)
  • 1/4 c fresh plain yogurt
  • 1/4 c wild berry nectar (here is the brand I use. You can find it at health food stores)
  • 2 tsp. flax seed

First, you’ll want to open the young coconut. Now, I’ve tried a ton of ways to open these bad boys, including swinging a chef’s knife like a machete in hopes to get it open. After much testing (and failing…) I’ve found this to be the best way to safely and easily open a young coconut. Save the precious water and use a spoon to scoop out the meat. Add the meat to the blender, along with the banana, yogurt, flax, and nectar. Blend, and thin to desired consistency with small amounts of coconut water. Save the rest of the water to enjoy later, especially after a workout!

And Voila! An easy, healthy, yummy breakfast right in a cup! Enjoy!

Cold Killers

Posted on by

0

It’s cold season, that’s for sure…As I sit here typing, I’m cocooned in my favorite blanket, tea and honey very close nearby, surrounded with tissues and Boiron’s Chestal cough syrup. Yup, cold season is here. And it ain’t pretty. But luckily, there are things you can do to help prevent or lessen any cold you might come in contact with.
Sure, there are supplements. You should be taking a multi, probiotics, and during the cold season, elderberry, everyday to help stay healthy. But what I’m talking about is food. What you eat plays a very important role in your immune system’s health. Eating healthy is vital, anyway, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never catch a cold. When you do in fact come down with the sniffles, there are plenty of ways that you can use food to heal you from the inside out. I could riff off a list of the most potent anti-viral and immune boosting foods to incorporate into your daily menu when you have or are catching a cold, but I think it would be far more helpful to provide you with some recipes, so when you are in the throes of sneezes and sniffles you can easily whip up good for you foods that will make you feel better, too.

The most efficient way to pack different-sized...

Image via Wikipedia

Citrus

No recipes, just eat it! Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which has been proven ins studies to reduce cold symptoms and prevent them altogether. Lemons are great blended with honey to combat a sore throat, and eating two citrus fruits a day when you feel a cold setting in can greatly diminish its effects.

Elderberries

Elderberries are amazing for immunity. They contain more than dozen antiviral compounds, as well as anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and the aches associated with a cold. Sambucol is a potent supplement of concentrated elderberry extract, but if you can get your hands onto the actual berries, you are in business for whipping up some quick, healing goodies.
When I have a cold accompanied by an awful sore throat, I love having something warm first thing in the morning to soothe it away. My favorite? Warm homemade oatmeal with dried elderberries and honey.

Ripe berries on Sambucus Ebulus (Dwarf Elder) ...

Image via Wikipedia

The recipe:

  • 1/2 c. rolled oats
  • 1 c. milk or water, depending on preference
  • 1-2 tbls dried elderberries
  • 1 tbls raw honey
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger

Combine oats, elderberries, and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat until oats are desired consistency. For me, this is about 5 minutes (I like them thicker). Remove from heat, and stir in honey, cinnamon and ginger. Enjoy!

Elderberries are also great as a quick and easy tea with raw honey. I recommend sipping at least two cups a day.

An Ikea garlic press, with pressed garlic.

Image via Wikipedia

Garlic and Onions

These two foods contain plenty of antiviral and antiseptic properties, as well as high levels of immunity boosters. In fact, allicin, a compound in garlic, is considered the most potent broad-spectrum antibiotic found in plants.

Try to include plenty of both of these foods in your diet when you are catching a cold. Here are two of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

Roasted Vegetables over brown and wild rice

  • Variety of roasting vegetables. I like to include carrots, potatoes, celery, squash, and of course, plenty of garlic and onions
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350* F. Chop veggies to uniform sizes to ensure equal roasting. Keep garlic cloves whole and in skin. Remove outer peel of onion and cut off one end, leaving root end in tact. Slice into sixths. This will ensure onion sections stay together and don’t burn. Toss all veggies on baking sheet with olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake about 40 minutes, or until veggies are tender, tossing once. Meanwhile, prepare brown rice according to directions. Serve veggies over rice, and make sure to get a good serving of onions and garlic!

Garlic and French Onion Soup

  • One large white onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Warm olive oil in a medium-large pot over medium heat. Peel, then slice onion in half and slice into thin half-circles. Add to warm pan, and move heat to low. Saute, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, mince the garlic and add to pot after 10 minutes. Continue to cook on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are fully caramelized. Add warm broth to the pot, along with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, and remove from heat. Pour into an oven-safe bowl (optional) and top with crusty bread and gruyere cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, for a true French Soup experience. Alternately, enjoy warm from the stove all alone – it’s still yummy!

A jar of honey with honey dipper

Image via Wikipedia

Ginger and Honey

I am listing these together, because the recipes I commonly use them in have already been listed in part. I add ginger  and honey both to my elderberry oatmeal, and to increase the potency of elderberry and honey tea, I like to grate fresh ginger in there as well. For a sore throat, I like to combine raw honey, the juice of one lemon, a bit of freshly grated ginger and a splash of water in a mug. Heated, it is the best sore-throat soother I have yet to come across. It is also packed with great immunity compounds.

Ginger contains sesquiterpenes, which directly fight off the rhinovirus. It can also suppress cough, and reduce inflammation. Raw honey contains antimicrobial properties which help fend off the cold, as well as being a powerful aid in lessening a sore throat.

Coconut Water

Drink as much pure coconut water you can during cold season! It is a powerful re-hydrator, as well as a great source of potassium and magnesium, which keep dehydration in check. Staying hydrated with a cold is so important because fluids help flush the system of bacteria and toxins which cause colds and all their unpleasant symptoms.

 

Stay healthy this winter season! And if you don’t, try these recipes to feel better faster and fend off even the most frightful cold!

We did it!

Posted on by

0

It has been a really great week! True to my proposed resolution, we went to the shelter and adopted a new kitty! His name is Oatmeal, and he is awesome!

He was brought in with eight other cats that lived together in a colony in a wooded neighborhood. You’d think that living that way would make him apprehensive of people, but I have never seen a bigger cuddle-monster. He took all of 12 hours to get comfortable here, and after 5 days of separation, we introduced him to Milah, and that couldn’t have gone better! He is snuggly and soft and warm (like oatmeal, perhaps?) and we absolutely love him. It was the most amazing, heartwarming way to start the new year, and I am so excited that he is here.

So what are you waiting for? It’s your turn!

Pictures to follow, I promise!

New Year, New Resolutions

Posted on by

1

I recently received an email to sign a petition urging Michael Vick, convicted operator of a dog fighting ring, not to own another dog. And I signed it. While I realize that he is now a spokesperson speaking out against animal cruelty, and dog-fighting specifically, I agree with the ASPCA that no dog should be used to test his recovery. Being such an animal lover, I find it hard to locate sympathy or compassion for Vick, though I do believe people can change. I see animals as soulful, amazing beings with the desire to live, and live well, so any cruelty and mistreatment they suffer at the hands of humans breaks my heart and deeply angers me. However wrong it may be, I feel nothing but loathing towards those that needlessly harm and hurt these innocent creatures. And there are so many of these beautiful animals being hurt every day.

In my town, a dog was recently brought into the shelter, his snout raw and furless from where his owners duct-taped his mouth shut to keep him from barking. A kitten was brought in, the only surviving cat (including the mother) in a litter that was struck by a car and left on the side of the road. Transports of dogs are being brought up each week from high-kill shelters in the south where they are destined to die unless rescued. And I could go on.

With the New Year approaching, I know people will be busy making resolutions to improve their lives, some of which will stick, but many of which will fall by the wayside by early February, if not sooner. I would like to propose another resolution, one that will improve your life greatly, and also the lives of hurting animals in your community. This year, resolve to adopt an animal at your local shelter. Resolve to provide a home for an animal that wants nothing more than a warm, safe place to thrive. Resolve to open your heart to the love of an animal who has never been shown love before. Resolve to save a life. Resolve to learn compassion from a creature that has never received any compassion of its own. If you can’t open your home to an animal, resolve to help in other ways. Donate much needed supplies to a local shelter. Donate your time and volunteer to nurture these animals brought in from the streets and unspeakable cruelty. Donate money, in any amount, to help cover the costs of the shelter that does so much for these animals. Donate your love and kind words of encouragement. Plan an event and raise money for these suffering pets. Make a resolution this year that will make a difference, and please remember to treat animals with love and respect.

This year, we will be adopting a new cat into our home shortly after the start of the new year. Recently, we had to say goodbye to our best friend Tucker, an adopted cat with Feline Leukemia. His immune-deficiency disorder caused him to develop lymphoma, and there was nothing we could do but to shorten his obvious suffering. Though we miss him every single day, we know that we did something heroic by adopting a sick cat, and that his loss opens up a spot in our home to save another life; one that may be cut short without us. Saying goodbye to  Tucker was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I know we gave him the best life imaginable, and he gave us two years of joy and laughter. He was the most amazing cat I’ve ever seen, and he taught us more than we gave him. So in memory of Tucker, we will save another life, and I urge you to do the same, in whatever way you can.

Happy New Year to All and remember to speak up for those that can’t speak for themselves

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…

Posted on by

1

On the eve of Christmas Eve, I thought it best to share with you a poem. Its a cute, feel-good poem that I hope will put a smile on your face! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…

‘Twas the night before Christmas

When down in my cellar

I heard a loud noise

Like a helicopter propeller.

I hopped out of bed

And I skipped down the stairs,

And when I looked

I saw cute little elves, standing in pairs.

Then a plump little elf stepped toward me and nodded,

And all of a sudden, the other elves applauded.

I yelled, “What’s going on here?”

And in unison they replied,

“Santa is coming with a big chocolate pie!”

“He’s been different – just not himself,”

Said one, skinny, big-eared elf.

“Instead of giving presents, he’s been throwing pies,

The problem is, we don’t know why!”

Being the detective that I am,

I said to an elf, “Does he take medication, ma’am?”

She said he took Nauseous-No-More

And he grabbed the bottle as he rushed out the door.

“That’s a clue!” I exclaimed, “He may have taken the wrong medication!

Let’s fly to his castle, and begin this investigation.”

When we got there we found his bottle still there.

He had accidentally taken Rudolph’s Red Glare!

We took to the sky,

And toward Santa we did fly.

When we found him, we cured him on the spot.

I’ll tell you, it wasn’t easy to give him that shot!

But Santa was cured, and Christmas was saved,

And to all Santa’s pie victims: Next year I assure he’ll be well-behaved.

 

A Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

Posted on by

0

O blog, how I’ve missed you. I missed you at Thanksgiving, I missed you during the busy Christmas-shopping season, and I nearly missed you on Christmas! But not to fret. I’m back!

By now, I’m sure everyone has most, if not all, of their holiday shopping done. The Christmas menu is probably receiving its final touches, and the presents are all wrapped under the tree. Perhaps you have travel plans, or instead are having family and friends over to your own house to marvel on Christmas morning. Undoubtedly, you’ve gone to Christmas gatherings already, whether with friends or with work. Busy, Busy, Busy.

So what you need now is not some updated recipe to wow your guests with. You need no gift ideas or eco-wrapping tips. Right about now, I’m guessing you need to take care of yourself. The holiday season is a time of over-indulgence and, let’s face it, stress. The food is rich and decadent, and the pressures of gift-giving and bank-breaking can wear you down. And, as it gets colder out, people move indoors for most of their day. All of this leads to wear on the body, and, if you’re not careful, a compromised immune system. The key, now, is to take care of yourself and get stressors in check so that on Christmas morning you can wake up rested and calm instead of sick and weary.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Nutrition:

  • While there is nothing wrong with indulging now and again, the holidays take indulgence to a whole new level. I’m not suggesting you forego your favorite dessert or baked goodies, but instead, balance those treats out with extra-good-for-you foods throughout the day.
  • Make a big salad this week full of dark greens, tomatoes, carrots, and any other colorful veggies you love. Whip up a homemade vinaigrette, and enjoy a big salad for lunch every day. It will supply you with much-needed nutrients that will help replace the nutrients that holiday stress can so quickly deplete.
  • Try nutritious and filling sides and snacks between gatherings to replace the nutrients you’re not getting when you snack a bit too much at the office Christmas party!

Supplements:

  • What you’re not getting through your food, you can get in a high-quality multi-vitamin. I suggest a whole food supplement such as MegaFood, which is created using organic fruits, veggies, and herbs. Think about adding D3 for added immune health (see my previous post about D3 here) and a B-complex to combat stress.
  • If you are feeling overly stressed or anxious about the holidays, I would suggest trying herbal supplements such as Lemon Balm, Kava Kava, Valerian, or Passionflower. Bach’s Rescue Remedy is also a great all-natural stress diffuser.

Exercise:

  • While it may be cold outside, you’re doing no favors to your body by staying indoors and inactive. Go to the gym, go to an exercise class, or simply get moving indoors. There’s nothing wrong with cranking your favorite songs and dancing the afternoon away!

Find an Outlet:

  • Take ten minutes and forget what has to get done. Read a book. Take a bath. Listen to your favorite Christmas songs, or take a nap. Taking care of your mental well-being helps you better tackle the tasks you have left to do, and also enjoy them more thoroughly.

Remember to enjoy the time you get to spend with friends and family, and let go of whatever idea of perfection you have in mind. A perfect holiday is one where you are surrounded by loved ones. No one will remember 5 years from now the cookies you spent hours decorating, but they will remember the quality time spent with you.

Have a healthy and happy Christmas!

 

Recipe of the Week: Black Forest Biscotti

Posted on by

1

Today was my day off from classes and work and the mess of stress that comes with it. Typically, Tuesday’s are my day to cook, clean, catch up on homework and other necessities, and take some me-time to de-stress. After a quick morning trip to campus, I was able to come home, get comfy (which in our house means immediately changing into pj’s) and get some work done. I did the dishes, made the bed, did more dishes, made some phone calls, and did some reading.

While I was curled up on the bed, a collection of essays on Robert Frost in hand, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Sure, I had my mug of tea next to me, but it was, by now, lukewarm and completely neglected. And then it hit me. I hadn’t really cooked today! Sure, I threw together a quick lunch, but it wasn’t really cooking. And I was hungry. And more than that, I was really craving something chocolate-y, but not too sweet.

The Answer?
Black Forest Biscotti, of course! Not only is this biscotti decadent and delicious, but as it bakes, it fills your home with an almost brownie-like aroma that is to die for.

And now I feel like all is right in the world. My tea is piping hot again, my book is in hand, and next to me, on my bedside table, is a small plate with perfectly dunk-able Black Forest Biscotti.

Recipe courtesy of Moosewood Restaurant New Classics

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 c dried cherries
  • 1 c water
  • 1/4 c butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 c sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp pure almond extract
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 c plus 2 tbls unbleached white flour (I actually used whole wheat pastry flour)
  • 1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350*. Lightly oil a baking sheet.

In a small saucepan, heat the cherries and water just to boiling and then remove from heat and set aside. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and well combined. Blend in the eggs and the extracts. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drain the cherries, place them on a paper towel to absorb extra moisture, and then stir them into the mixture.

In a seperate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder.  Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until the dough is uniform and holds together.

Scoop the dough into the prepared baking sheet. Form the dough unto a 12-inch x 3-inch diameter log shape; then press down on the log, flattening it to a thickness of about an inch. Sprinkle with decorating sugar, if desired.

Bake on the top rack of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dough is firm and just slightly brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, slice crosswise in 3/4 inch pieces. Lay each biscotti cut side up on the baking sheet and cook 5 minutes more on each side, turning them with tongs. Cool completely on a rack. Enjoy!