A Heated Debate Over Strawberries

Berries, in general, are known for their antioxidant and nutritional properties. Eaten raw, they can be instrumental in improving our immune system and fighting disease, like cancer. But not all berries are equal. For example, one cup of conventional strawberries (halved) have approximately 149% of vitamin C, 29% of manganese, 3 grams of fiber and numerous pesicides! While some pesticides will wash off, not all will because many pesticide residues are found on the inside of fruits and vegetables.

Recently there has been some controversy over a new pesticide for strawberries.  Apparently methyl idodide, the new chemical pesticide in question, is causing a "bitter disagreement" between California's State Department of Pesticide Regulation and a scientific review committee.  It's true that we all want to profit from our food, though in different ways.  Those who sell it want to make as much money as they can and those who consume it want it to keep themselves healthy.  Therefore, it's not surprising that this new pesticide is causing such a stir.  Click here for the NY Times article.

By the way, strawberries are on the dirty dozen list.  What's the dirty dozen list?  It's a list of fruits and vegetables that, after being tested, have very high pesticide residues which washing will not remove.  Therefore, it is recommended to consumers that if they are going to buy items on the dirty dozen list, they should choose only those that are certified organic.

So keep on eating your fruits and vegetables and beware of those toxic pesticides!

~ Lisa

Resource:
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs24.consumer.cfm

Crispy Pumkin Seeds - Yum!

When making Pumpkin Puree don't forget to bake the pumpkin seeds! There are many ways to bake pumpkin seeds.  Click here or on the title for a recipe called, "Crispy Pumpkin Seeds".  This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks called, "NOURISHING TRADITIONS".  

The recipe calls for soaking the pumpkin seeds, something I have to admit, I've never done before.  I've always just dried mine over night.  It also mentions using a dehydrator instead of the oven so that they can bake at a lower temperature.  I haven't tried dehydrating pumpkins seeds yet but I do dehydrate apples and bananas.   They taste nothing like the store bought variety.  A dehydrator helps to preserve the enzymes which we need for proper digestion.  

So check out the website for ways to bake your pumpkins seeds and don't be afraid to experiment and create your own flavors.

Organic Pumpkin Lasagna

Making fresh pumpkin puree is so easy.  But the best part is that the finished product has a delicious smooth pumpkin flavor, one you can't get with canned pumpkin.  Canned is good in a pinch but if you want that extra special flavor, you'll have to read further.  In my opinion, the difference between fresh and canned pumpkin is too noticeable to disregard.  

Making fresh pumpkin puree is not time consuming or difficult.  It freezes very well so you can make it way ahead of time and defrost it before you use it.  Click here or on the title for You-Tube instructions on making puree.  The only part on the video I would change is the oil.  There really is no need to put oil on the flesh when you bake it with the rind up.  However, I do thinly coat the bottom of the pan with organic, extra virgin Coconut Oil.  

So besides pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, pumpkin bread and muffins, what else can you do with pumpkin puree?  Try this delicious Pumpkin Lasagna recipe for a change that your taste buds will love:

ORGANIC PUMPKIN LASAGNA

1 lb organic whole grain Lasagna noodles
Grapeseed oil, to coat pan and to sauté vegetables (organic, if possible)
1 clove organic garlic
14.5oz finely chopped, equal portions of organic celery, onion & carrot (I use a scale to weigh)
30 ozs of fresh cooked organic pureed pumkin or two 15oz cans organic pumpkin
½-cup organic whole raw milk
1 organic, free range egg
2 T chopped fresh organic sage
1 ½ cups organic raw sour cream (if possible)
2 T organic chives, chopped
8oz organic grated raw cheese combo:  Mozzarella, Asiago, Provolone and Chevre cheeses, or any combination (it's difficult to find raw Mozzarella, Asiago and Provolone; authenic Reggiano Parmegiano is a raw cheese)
Celtic sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground organic pepper, to taste

Directions:

• Grease lasagna pan with oil (use size of pan to fit noodles).
• Cook noodles until al dente.
• Sauté celery, onion and carrot in oil until golden. 
• Mix together pumpkin, egg, milk and vegetable mixture with sage.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Place layer of noodles on bottom.
• Top with a layer of pumpkin mixture, then layer of cheese.
• Repeat with remaining lasagna, pumpkin and cheese.
• End with noodles on top.
• Mix sour cream with chives and spread on the top layer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
• Eat and enjoy!  Great left over , too!

Taste tested at Trader Joe's in Media, PA about 4 years ago.

Super Bugs vs Antibiotics: What's the story?

As a child, I remember quite well that I ate plenty of junk food (that's what Mike's Market was for) knowing it wasn't healthy for me.  But I don't remember all the talk about hormones in milk and antibiotics in our food.  And pesticides were present, but they were not used to the extent they are today.

This article posted and commented on by Dr. Mercola, Deadlier Than AIDS:  Why is this Travesty Allowed to Continue in the U.S.?, examines the reasons why super bugs are gaining momentum and why antibiotic drugs can't keep up. 

More and more people are coming to the realization that diet plays a huge role in our health, though there are many who disagree including many "health professionals."  But the fact is that in order to avoid the need for drugs and antibiotics, we must keep our immune systems healthy and strong.  So get started by adding these to your diet:

• Lots of fresh, raw organic vegetables and some fruit
• Raw organic nuts and seeds (make your own trail mix)
• Lots of pure water (not tap water)

With winter coming it's important to strengthen our immune systems and stay healthy.  This is a time, as we all know, where germs spread much more quickly because of being indoors with the heat on.  In case you weren't aware, heat is a conduit for germs.  Just being in the same room with a person who is coughing or sneezing can cause havoc in someone's else life if their immune system is already compromised and not functioning properly.

Please bring this article and Dr. Mercola's article referenced above to the attention of your doctor and pass it on.  It is we, the people, who have to be educated in this area so that we no longer need others to translate or decipher for us what we should understand and know ourselves.  Our health, spiritually and physcially, is our own responsibility.  It's time we all begin treating our bodies with proper care and respect, not taking for granted that which God has created and designed.

~ Lisa

My version of Mary Ann Esposito's Roasted Potato Salad Recipe

Easy Potato Salad

Adapted from Mary Ann Esposito's Roasted Potato Salad

Serves 4

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons flaxseed oil

1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt

Fresh ground pepper to taste

½ teaspoon celery salt, optional

1 clove garlic, minced

1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons dried tarragon leaves or 2 tablespoons fresh minced tarragon leaves

4 medium Idaho potaotes, washed

1/4 - 1/2 cup thinly chopped red onion, as desired

Dressing

In a bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, flaxseed oil, the salt, pepper, celery salt, garlic, dijon mustard, vinegar, honey and tarragon. Pour the dressing into a glass rectangular Pyrex type casserole (9 x 12) Set aside. Or make the dressing ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature when you want to dress the potatoes.

Cook potatoes whole in water until fork tender but still firm (not mushy).  Let cool to warm.  Once cool enough, if desired, remove skins.  Cut into bite pieces, 1-inch cubes.  Add chopped onion.  Toss the potatoes and onion with dressing.  Serve warm or cold.

Is soy what you thought it was?

Dr. Mercola, a trusted souce when it comes to health and nutrition, wants all of us to know something about soy.  In his recent article, This "Miracle Health Food" Has Been Linked to Brain Damage and Breast Cancer, Dr. Mercola explains how soy became popular and why.  He also explains which soy products are dangerous and which are ok. 

Another post from Dr. Mercola, The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food is an interview with Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of the groundbreaking book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food. 

It's no wonder why so many children have learning disabilities and why so many adults cannot bear children, not to mention the disease rates, not that soy is the only culprit.  It's not just babies drinking soy formulas or toddlers drinking soy milk.  I know this is hardly discussed but it's also about the health of the mother and father at time of conception and about their diet.  We need to understand and realize that soy is in just about all, if not all, processed food, much like HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is.  

So click on these links to read Dr. Mercola's postings.  They will help you get familiar with what to look for when grocery shopping when you're reading those labels! 

Ezekiel 4:9a
"Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a storage jar and use them to make bread for yourself..."
Where's the soy?


Lisa

On the subject of Cancer

There are a lot of emails circulating about cancer.  I get a lot of them and sometimes I am compelled to write back.  There are so many who are misinformed about how to treat cancer and disease.  This particular email I received seemed to be a contradiction to me, so I responded.  In response I recevied an email from one of the recipients who disagreed with me.  What I said inmy response is nothing new and it's nothing I haven't said before but I want to share it again because I don't think we can hear it enough.  It hits on many points that have been misunderstood misrepresented for many years now. 

HERE IS MY RESPONSE 

First I'd like to say I did not mean to offend anyone with my email. It's just that I get so many emails about cancer that sometimes I am compelled to respond in hopes of someone seeing through all the lies. If I gave the impression that medical doctors are not human, I apologize. I don't believe that they are cold hearted people, just very misinformed. The truth is, they are only taught what they are taught in med school and that's what they know. And what they are taught is how to treat illness and disease with medicine, surgery and and medically approved treatments. They learn how to treat symptoms but not the underlying cause. Their curriculum does not include how to obtain and maintain a healthy immune system which is our only defense against illness and disease, and it only includes about 4 hours, if that, of nutrition education. Medicine, surgery and treatments are not a defense, and they usually have side effects that require more medicine, surgery and treatment. Medical doctors can seek other alternatives but many who have done this were blackballed and called a quack. It is to everyone's disadvantage that it's that way though I do see a slight rise in medical doctors who are turning to natural healing methods.

I'd also like to clarify that I'm not saying that we don't need doctors or hospitals or medication. We need them in certain instances like when we have accidents or when we're so far gone that we need treatment or surgery until or so that we can get on the right track. Medical treatment should be used as a last resort but today it's the first. It is so misused. Everyone runs to their doctor to get tests and treatments/meds instead of letting the illness run its course - allowing their immune system to do its job. And what used to be considered mainstream (natural healing) is now considered quackery. Just like with organic foods. Everything was organic before synthetic pesticides were used but now anything grown using pesticides is considered "conventional". We have it all backwards but it's this way for a reason. There is money in it. Many are capitalizing on our ill-health, this is a fact. And again, I'm not saying all doctors are doctors and are heartless just because they make a lot of money. Though many many years ago doctors hardly made any money and there weren't as many doctors. So there is something to be said for the carrot being dangled but that's in any profession.

I had breast cancer myself six years ago and as a result have done a lot of research and experimentation, talked to numerous medical doctors as well as natural doctors. Not only have I read and heard a lot on the subject but have also met medical doctors and even vets who have crossed over to natural alternative medicine who have gladly and generously shared information with me. They all have said the same things because their eyes were finally opened, too. A lot of it is simple and common sense, not complex or difficult to understand.

I also would like to say that my thinking was like Christina's before I had cancer. I saw what I wanted to see until I heard from someone else who had cancer and who was an orthopedic surgeon who finally separated the lies from the truth. It was at that point, after hearing the information from her, that I had a decision to make, too. Would I keep on believing the lies or would I recognize them for what they are turn to the truth? I am also a Christian (and was at the time I was diagnosed with cancer), and the Lord was the One who guided my steps and decisions. God took something that was meant for bad and turned it into something wonderful. I knew quickly after hearing the truth that the cancer was a blessing in disguise and that it was God who made it beautiful. I also recognized and knew (not that I ever thought it) that God didn't give me cancer.

I did not continue with medical treatment because my faith in God and in what HE could do led me to understand and realize there was so much more to be discovered and by trusting Him He would guide me in the way I was to go and open my eyes. Every step was very obviously stamped out by Him. I could not have concocted any of it myself. It was truly a miracle and continues to be.

So not only did God reinforce my faith but He also showed me the truth through all the lies we've been fed. There were a lot of layers to go through and I was anxious and excited to lift them because the truth sets us free! There IS a cure for cancer that the AMA, the ACS and those who support them will not admit to. My friend is a surg tech and of course, knows a lot of doctors and nurses. She can attest to what I'm saying and what their responses are to natural healing. I am also very good friends with a Chiropractor who I go to who has also shared things with me and confirmed what I know to be true. As I said, I've also talked to medical doctors and vets who also shared things with me and confirmed what I know to be true and yet I've also talked with medical doctors, some I know and some I contacted through email who I don't know, tell me that it's hogwash, so to speak. They believe that anything other than medical treatment will not help a cancer patient or anyone with a disease. This is also what the FDA, our gov't tells us, which is why any doctor or company that promotes natural healing must disclaim that what they have to say is only for educational purposes only and that it is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose a disease.

So what's the cure? It's very simple. To build up and strengthen your immune system and maintain it so that it gets stronger and stronger. By doing this it will be equipped to fight off illness and disease. Of course, there's a lot that goes into this and some main ingredients are what we put in and on our bodies and how we live. God's design of our bodies is flawless and He didn't make a mistake. We have by not taking proper care of them Manufacturer warranties, if not followed properly, are voided. It's the same with our bodies.

Lisa

To be or not to be...healthy. That is the question.

Being healthy takes a lot more than just eating fruits and vegetables.   But for the sake of this article, the topic is fruits and vegetables! 

It's All Relative

When someone says they eat fruit and vegetables, what exactly do they mean?  Do they mean that they eat canned or cooked, frozen, dehydrated or fresh, organic or conventional, home-grown or store bought?  As you can see, it's not black and white. 

When I talk about eating fruits and vegetables, I mean fresh, organic produce, preferrably home-grown or from a farm.  There are many reasons why I believe that organic produce is best.  Here are some of the reasons I've found to be the most important:

• They are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and sewer sludge (and who knows what else).  Not many people realize the impact that these have on our bodies and that they are cumulative.  Please note:  Pesticides etc... can run (when it rains) and blow over (from the wind) from non-organic farms which just can't be helped.
• They are more flavorful. This is not just my opinion. It's a fact.  And when food tastes good, you want to eat it.  Also, there's no need to add anything when it's flavorful, though adding fresh sqeezed lemon juice or nuts to create a new dish (just a couple of examples) adds more nutrition and taste.
• They have more nutritional value because they are picked, distributed and sold much more quickly than conventional because they are picked when they are ready to be eaten.  They have no processes to go through.  In other words, many conventional fruits and vegetables are picked long before their time and are put through a process to give it the appearance of being ripe when it's really not.  This is why it's not as flavorful as its organic counterpart.  However, it is always important to know where the produce is coming from and the time frame in which it's picked to the time it gets to the store and on your table.  This is why home-grown is best.  The less time in between picking the fruit or vegetable and eating it, the more flavor and nutrition it has.
• Eating fresh organic produce, as opposed to canned or cooked, provides necessary enzymes our bodies need to help us digest our food and absorb the nutrients.  If you eat all or mostly cooked foods your body must produce the enzymes for you.  After time and as you age, this process slows down and your body cannot produce the enzymes needed.  This can result in disease.
• Besides having a positive effect on your physical well being, they also have a physiological effect on you.  Just knowing you're feeding your body truly healthy food elevates your mood.

I know I've said this many times before, but organic produce is not a cure-all and is no guarantee for good health.  Here's another thing to consider:  If your body is not absorbing nutrients, then there's a bigger problem that should be addressed with a Naturopath who can discover the underlying problem(s).  A medical doctor, unless they also practice integrative or natural medicine or unless they are well versed on natural healing, is not equipped to help in this instance.

Here's to opening our eyes to the truth!

Lisa

EGG RECALL - Infected with Salmonella

The egg recall is big news at the moment.  So far I haven't heard of any recalls on the east coast.  But that doesn't mean infected eggs haven't made their way to our part of the country.  According to Dr. Mercola, investigations continue in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, so be careful and check your eggs before eating them.  From the FDA website: 

Shell eggs under the August 13, 2010 recall are packaged under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Shell eggs are packed in 6-egg cartons, 12-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. 

Recalled shell eggs affected by the expanded recall are packaged under the brand names: Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg, 12-egg, and18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers 1720 and 1942.

Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1720 223.

When we buy food from a supermarket or restaurant do we really know where it's coming from?  When my mom was young in season food, such as fruits and vegetables, was purchased from farmers who would drive through their neighborhood.  Yes, they bought directly from the farmer, no middleman involved.  Of course, they also had stores but not supermarkets like we have today where you can buy all your food in one place.  Back then, there were no factory farms and no big conglomerates who monopolized the food industry.  Food was much more pure and less processed, not that they didn't have processed foods then.  But even the prepared foods in restaurants were much healthier than they are today because pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones and antibiotics were not readily available.  Today food manufacturers who have no qualms in using the harmful items listed above are making major profits as are the pharmaceutical companies.  One produces foods that are easy, convenient and artificially tantalizing to our pallets while the other capitalizes on our ill health due to all processed and unhealthy foods being produced, purchased and consumed.  It's no wonder our immune systems are so weak that they succumb to the effects of things like salmonella poisoning.

The important thing to understand about Salmonella is that it can be fatal to young children, those who are elderly and those with weakened immune systems.  So what does that tell us?  That it's not as much of a threat to those whose immune systems are strong and functioning properly.  Children are more susceptible because their immune systems are not fully matured.  Many elderly people have weakened immune systems due to the natural aging process however, it's obvious many have much weaker immune systems than they should.  Keeping your immune system strong at any age is the key to good physical, emotional and spiritual health.  Without it, you'll be subject to all sorts of diseases and illnesses.  Isn't that reason enough to be committed to making sure you and your family have healthy immune systems?

For more information about the egg recall visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO5gnZplJt8&NR=1
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/organic-eggs-easy-greening.html

The Benefits of Juicing

Juicing is the BEST medicine, it gives you a lot of energy and elevates your mood.  It's true!

ABSORPTION: Essential nutrients in fresh vegetable juice are absorbed in your body within minutes because the fiber is removed. Fiber takes longer to digest.

ENZYMES: These are the door to which our bodies get nourished. They are present in live food, such as raw produce and sprouts. Enzymes enable us to digest our food and absorb it into our blood. They are also catalysts for many essential life functions, such as separating the nitrogen from the air we breathe, so we absorb the oxygen. When cooked or heated to temperatures above 118 degrees, enzymes become sluggish and above 130 degrees they are completely destroyed. Microwave cooking completely destroys enzymes in our food.

PHYTOCHEMICALS: These are substances in plants that studies show aid in the prevention of specific diseases. They are only found in fruits and vegetables. Juicing is a great way to get them.

PROTEIN: Fruits and vegetables do contain a small amount of protein but not enough to nourish us alone so protein foods must be eaten. Instead of getting all your protein from meats though, try adding some brewer’s yeast, wheat germ or whole grains to your fresh vegetable juice and also substitute some of your meat dishes with bean and legume dishes.

AS A SUPPLEMENT: Fresh vegetable juice is an excellent way to get the nutrients you need daily. As Jack LaLanne says, “If man made it, don’t eat it.”

TO PREVENT DISEASE: Juicing and eating lots of fresh organic fruits and vegetables actually reduces the incidents of disease, as many studies reveal.

PLEASE NOTE:  Some people have lost their ability to absorb nutrients. This means that even though a person may be eating all the right things, they can still be malnourished and be at risk for developing serious illness and disease.
 
If you think you may be experiencing this problem, the best way to find out for sure is to see a Naturopath doctor because Naturopaths get to the root problem, they do not treat symptoms, and they will know what tests you’ll need.  Usually these tests are covered through your medical insurance.
 
Keep in mind that most medicals doctors, except for those practicing integrative medicine, are not trained, equipped or knowledgable enough in the area of wellness and nutrition and therefore would not be the best candidates to seek after for help.

Update

It's been a while since I've posted on this blog.  That's because life has added some extra twists and turns that has caused us to change directions a bit.  We have a beautiful new grandson, Benjamin Thomas who arrived on July 7th who is already a month old.  So we're navigating our way through, however it's taking time.  We still have a ways to go.  With that said, I've had to put Not Just Cooking on hold.  But it's only on hold until things settle down and I can catch my breath.

My goal right now is to post various articles, recipes, How To's etc...on a weekly basis or at least every other week.  There's a lot to write, a lot to read and a lot to learn.  If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, or anything that pertains to their particular situation, please let me know.

Thank you and enjoy another wonderful weekend that God has given us!

Lisa

Green paper towels and napkins really aren't green

It's not just about saving trees...when I think about eco-friendly paper towels and napkins, you know, the brown ones, it's what were they're processed with, too that's disturbing.  I read in a book (also a cookbook), I think it was Recipes for Life from God's Garden by Rhonda J. Malkmus (her husband, George H. Malkmus, wrote the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing) that we shouldn't dry fruits and vegetables with towels, paper or cloth, that have been bleached or chemically treated.  Makes sense to me. 

Here's an article called Greenest Paper Towels and Napkins.  It really makes you think, and thinking is a good thing!

Leave a comment if you like...

Wendell Potter, a Cigna former VP, speaks out

The insurance industry has quickly become a necessity for most people and now they have control.  Why have we allowed it to come to that?  Have we been asleep in the light?

Watch this video of former Cigna VP, Wendell Potter as he describes what is really going behind closed doors.

Visit my Pampered Chef website!

My personal Pampered Chef website is now up and running! At this time, you can browse my personal website to make purchases only as a host/hostess or guest of a show. You will find the Pampered Chef catalog and monthly specials. Pampered Chef will deliver directly to a recipient or to the host/hostess of a show.  If you'd like to send a gift, we'll set you up.  And Gift Certificates are available starting at $20 and then in increments of $5.

View our Host/Hostess specials and Guest specials for the month of May! Want to host a Pampered Chef catalog show and be Host/Hostess of the month? Earn free and discounted Pampered Chef products? Email me for details!

If you would like to order an item and you're not a host/hostess or a guest, just let me know.  Unfortunately, until I reach a certain amount of sales, I will not be able to take individual orders on my website but again, you can always contact me to place an individual order.

~ Thanks for reading our blog.  We'll continue to bring you truthful and healthy information! ~

Interesting facts about MOTHER'S DAY

It is interesting to note: Most holidays start out innocent and usually for a good reason. The only problem is when man creates something it’s usually corrupt or at least becomes corrupt. We’re so conditioned and used to the idea of celebrating holidays in our own traditional man-made ways.

Anna Jarvis, the woman who founded Mother’s Day to honor her own mother, after founding Mother’s Day, wound up spending the rest of her life fighting against the commercialism and political exploitation of it! Obviously, she lost that battle which is why Mother’s Day is what it is today. I wonder how she’d feel today if she saw how it’s celebrated 100 years later.

A connection between Mother’s Day and Raw Dairy?

What caught my eye while reading about Ann Reeves Jarvis, the mother of Anna Jarvis, was that a mother’s heart was determined to put an end to the rapidly growing infant mortality rate of her day. The disastrous effects of poor hygiene and sanitation was what led Ann in her West Virginia community to put an end to this simple but fatal problem.  And so she organized Mother's Day Work Clubs.  Ann, being personally affected by this deadly epidemic, lost nine of her own babies seeing only four out of her thirteen children grow up to adulthood. As a mother, I can’t imagine the terrible pain she endured losing nine children to a simple but very serious problem that could have been corrected and solved without using the measures they took!

In an effort to solve their sanitation problem at that time, pasteurization was popularized and advocated. People were being convinced it was raw dairy that was the cause of the many deaths. So instead of fixing the sanitation problem, they made matters worse. They started the ball rolling towards many of the diseases and so-called treatments we now have today. Heart disease is just one of them. Someone saw $$$ signs!

Raw dairy is available and is very safe despite what our government tells us and what people may believe.  Like with any food and beverage product, it's important to know where it's coming from.  And not only is raw dairy safe, it's full of nutrition that can't be beat!

If you'd like to learn more about raw dairy, the Weston Price Foundation is a great source of information.  Or, you can always contact me.

~ Lisa

Not Just Cooking News

Some very exciting news for us at

Not Just  Cooking!!! 

                                  
Some of you may know I started a job through a temp agency and was just hired as a permanent employee. Well, the company has a new Wellness Coordinator. Her name is Michele, a/k/a Well Michele. With over 5000 employees, Michele quickly realized she needed some help so she formed a Wellness Advisory Committee - right up my alley! We had a brainstorming meeting just this week.  During the meeting someone mentioned they do healthy food demos on the weekends so I followed up by mentioning Not Just Cooking. As a result, and to make a long story short, we received approval to do food demos during lunch time beginning in June! Michele will also push for more healthy foods and beverages in the cafeteria. One suggestion I had was a Trail Mix bar. I am so grateful that this company is interested in the health and wellness of its employees.  I know there are ulterior motives, but these ulterior motives are worthwhile and healthy ones!  What a great way to have more focused and effective employees while reducing the cost of insurance (as long as employees start taking responsibility for their health and life)!  Pass the word - this could be contagious! Jamie Oliver - we might have to team up!

We regret to say that our Not Just Cooking event at All About Vitamins for People and Pets on May 1st has been postponed. The owner needs to reschedule. It looks like it may be some time in June now. We will update our blog with the new day and time, post it on Face Book and send out an email.

We are in the process of finalizing our Not Just Cooking distribution list and would like to include all who are interested. If you would like to remain on the list there's no need to do anything. If you don't want to, then please respond to me via email, otherwise if you're on the list, you'll continue to be on it we receive further notice from you. The last thing we want to do is bother anyone so please let us know if you're not interested at this time. No hard feelings, we understand. We'd love to add anyone who is interested in Not Just Cooking, so if you know anyone who would be interested in being on our distribution list, please have them email me.

We'd like to find out who is interested in receiving our Not Just Cooking newsletter. Because they do take time to prepare, we'd like to get an idea of who would be interested before we continue with them. Our first newsletter came out last winter and we were thinking of doing one each quarter. However, we'd first like to know if this is worthwhile to all of you. So please email me and let us know.

Even before we started Not Just Cooking it was not unlikely for me to receive phone calls and emails from people who need help with diet due to weight problems, disease or just because they want to be healthier. I meet and talk to so many people who don't know where or who to turn to.  They go to their doctors and ask for help but they are either given wrong information or are given none at all.

If anyone is suffering or isn't sure where to turn, please don't hesitate to contact me. I don't give medical advice but I can give advice on how to strengthen a compromised immune system and how to maintain it.  I also have many resources including names and phone numbers of Naturopaths, Chirpractors and Integrative Medical Doctors, including one who is a cardiologist.  Also, Martindales Natural Food Market in Springfield, PA and Fran at All About Vitamins for People and Pets in Cinnaminson, NJ are also great resources.  If you have a question about health, diet and nutrition, they either have an answer for you or can point you in the right direction.

We are also in the process of preparing a presentation to Martindale's Natural Market in Springfield, PA so that we can book an event there in very near future. More on that when it's confirmed though we know it will be on a Saturday. This, too, will be posted on our blog, on Face Book and an email will be sent out.
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Pampered Chef
As you may already know, Pampered Chef products are available through me without hosting a party.  However, if you host a Not Just Cooking class, you not only get your class for free but you also will get 10% off Pampered Chef products for as long as I am a consultant, as do those who attend the class!  Please contact me for our Pampered Chef Spring catalog or visit the main Pampered Chef website.  Then just give me call at (610) 764-1371 or send me an email.

April Specials:

Cranberry Microfiber Towel FREE with $60 purchase! Item # GU30
Mother's Day Special Trifle Bowl - $29.00  Item #GU31

We apologize that we don't have the Pampered Chef website up yet...time is a luxury these days but it's on Things To Do list! So if you would like to place an order, just contact me.
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Planting a Vegetable Garden this summer?  
Here are some Gardening Tips:

• May is the month to begin planting most vegetables outside here on the East Coast. Plant carrots, lettuce, potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. Start with either a seed or a plant. 
• In mid to late May (some people use Mother's Day as a time line) you can plant in the ground tomatoes, squash, cucumber, pumpkins and peppers. These are warmer weather plants.
• Grow an organic garden. Martindale's Natural Foods sells organic seeds. Home Depot does as well. You can find organic vegetable and herb plants at Whole Foods Market, Home Depot and maybe even Trader Joe's.
• It's important not to use pesticides, herbicides and pesticides or chemicals of any kind on your fruit and vegetable plants, even believe it or not, on your lawn (think about walking on it in bare feet, babies and animals). As popular and as great as Miracle-Gro seems, it is a fertilizer laden with chemicals. It's unhealthy for us to eat foods grown with chemicals. Not only that, but these chemicals will spoil your soil. 
• If you've used pesticides or chemicals on your garden, it takes three years without using them to get your soil healthy again and considered organic.
• When planting vegetables, create rows of hills or mounds and plant in the hill or mound so that there's a slight valley between rows. Planting this way is good for drainage and keeps roots from getting saturated in case of heavy rainfall or watering. You can also plant on flat ground creating a well around each plant.
• If at all possble, water your vegetable garden with filtered water.  Click here and here for websites that offer garden hose water filters for sale.  And check out this gardening website for tips, ideas and products.   Ooooh - here's wonderful Kitchen Garden Planner.     
• Don't water your plants after the sun has gone down or during mid-day when the sun is at it's hottest. Watering in the hot sun can cause your plants to burn. Watering after the sun has gone down can cause mold. Watering early in the morning or after dinner is best.

I love the idea of going out back to pick fresh vegetables and herbs for our meals. So here's to growing a healthy garden this summer and eating the fruit (and vegetables) of our labor!

We are grateful and so appreciative of the support and encouragement we recieve. 

Thank you so much from all of us at Not Just Cooking!

Healthy blessings to you and your loved ones,

Lisa
(Rich and Janelle, too)

Jamie Oliver's Sneak Preview - In the school cafe

Take a look at this short video...french fries count as a vege?  Did I hear that right?

Genetically modified soy or Extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil?

Soy has been the craze for many years in the health food industry and in health food stores.  Now it's become much more mainstream.  Genetically modified soy, which is mass produced and accounts for almost all of the soy used in food products, has entered the markets and many of us weren't even aware of it. 

Coconut oil, which is an extremely healthy food had it's reputation ripped apart by those who wanted to find a cheaper way to produce processed foods and make higher profits.  Not based on any truth, coconut oil was said to cause heart disease and high cholesterol, which is untrue and unfounded.  

In order for food manufacturers to provide us with foods that bring in high profits, they had to find ways to not only produce the products at low cost but also to smear the reputations of foods that have been proven for centuries to promote good health and strong immune systems, and coconut oil is one of them.  

I learned my lesson well!  After being on Synthroid for 11 years for hypothyroidism, I was led to find out about coconut oil.  Coincidence?  No way!  This was the path that God led me on so that He could show me that I was accepting lies.  It took some time and it took breast cancer to make me to listen and to believe the opposite of what I was conditioned to believe.    After changing my eating habits and consuming coconut oil (2 Tbsp per day) my thyroid was healed.  I no longer need Synthroid, which by the way is a synthetic hormone, or any thyroid drugs or therapy.  It has now been 4 1/2 years since I've been off of it! 

It is truly by God's grace and His love that I found out about coconut oil and that He has healed me with what He created to be beneficial to our bodies which are His temples!  All the more reason we should be mindful of taking care of the bodies He has designed for us, don't you think?

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5

Blessings,
Lisa

From the TODAY SHOW: Food for Thought - Understanding Labels

What's behind common food labels? 


This is a great video from the Today Show.  Their guest, Urvashi Rangan, the director of technical policy at the Consumers Union, is right on.  Two things she explains is the difference between "All Natural" and "Organic" and the truth about trans fat labeling. 

Sewer Sludge?  Find out how this is used in non-organic food.


Watch this quick and very informative video.

Jamie Oliver, The Naked Chef, goes to school

Is your child being properly nourished at the school cafeteria?

There are Many Uses for Pampered Chef's Twixit Clips - Here's one of them!

Watch this video clip and see how one mom used her Pampered Chef Twixit Clips!

Not Just Cooking Open House and Classes

Thank you to all of you who attended our Not Just Cooking open house. It turned out to be a great time and a beautiful day, although to do all that we planned really required a weekend stay! It was obvious that there was just too much to do and talk about in four hours. But, our goal was to prove to you how very delicious healthier foods are and how beneficial it is to put into our bodies foods that will nourish and strengthen our immune system instead of foods that cause it to break down. We believe we accomplished that.


NOT JUST COOKING Classes are here!

So, now that we’ve had our open house to kick off Not Just Cooking, we are ready and at your service to offer a wide variety of classes. If you don’t see one that fits your needs, one can be tailored to suit them.

Pampered Chef products will be featured during our food demos and will be available for purchase at a 10% discount for all those who attend a class. This 10% discount will even be extended to you after you’ve attended a class as well (as long as Lisa continues to be a consultant).

Not only do all of our classes include food and beverages but everything will be fresh and organic including our skin care products (though non organic may be subsituted when organic is unavailable). In addition, all of our classes stress the importance of building a strong healthy immune system through a permanent healthy diet, a new mindset and life style changes. Below is a brief description of our classes so far:

1. THE SAMPLER Class: This class underpins the theme for all of our other classes.  It offers a brief summary on the classes we offer and explains how diet alone is not the end-all.  Though dietary changes are necessary it's the mindset and lifestyle changes that are most important and most difficult.  And how will you stay focused and encouraged to keep going?  This is an area we found to be difficult.  It's not easy to continue on when people are discouraging you or encouraging you to go back to your old ways, patterns and habits, or when they minimize the benefits of organic and healthy foods.  They may mean well and even think they are helping you (and some do it for worse reasons) but as Rich put it, "You may sometimes feel like a frog in a bucket trying to get out while all the other frogs are grabbing at your legs trying to pull you back in".  We're not going to lie to you.  It's not easy.  But we will be there support you through those rough spots and encourage you to keep move forward; one reason we are offering these classes. 

Blind taste testing will be part of this class to show you the vast difference between organic and "real" food versus non-organic and processed food.  Will you be able to tell the difference?

2. FOOD PREP Class: As in most of our classes, this is a hands-on but more in-depth as far as food preparation.  In this Food Prep class you will learn how to prepare some healthy recipes while we demonstrate some excellent Pampered Chef products.

Whether we prepare a full meal or an array of snack foods and treats, this class will be sure to please all palates.

3. JUICING Class: In our Juicing class you will learn how to make fresh juice, learn the basics of using a juicer and get an idea of what the benefits of juicing are. This is an ideal class for everyone, especially for those who have compromised immune systems and get sick often or are currently dealing with illness and disease.

Juicing is better than medicine and works to strengthen your immune system.  Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to replace your daily supplement.  When we drink fresh juice, we are truly nourishing our bodies and giving it the fuel it needs to fight off and ward off infections and disease before they take over your whole body.

4. ELIMINATION Class: Our Elimination class points out the importance of waste elimination and goes into some details about cleansing our insides.

5. DIGESTION Class: The Digestion class outlines the basics of why enzymes are so important and how digestion plays a key role in our health.  You will gain an understanding as to why proper digestion is so important to your immune system.  We can assist our bodies to properly digest our food.  There's more to the digestion proces besides consuming a healthy diet.  Digestion is also affected by the speed in which we eat, how well we chew our food and what our emotional state is while we're eating and even afterwards.  Years ago this was not an issue because eating and having a meal together with family and friends took priority.  Today with our fast paced lives, we are faced with eating and running or eating on the run.  Though we may feel and believe we are accomplishing more, we are actually causing more harm in the long run.   

6. SHOPPING Class: Our Shopping class takes you on a field trip to a typical supermarket and then to Martindale’s Natural Food Market in Springfield if you live in the Delco area or a natural food store in your area outside of Delco.  For this class, our meeting point will be a local supermarket.  Once there, you will be given a list items that you must gather in your cart.  You will also be given a list of ingredients that are not allowed to be in the items you put in your cart.  This will be quite an experience and open your eyes to what's really in the food you're buying and eating.  Understanding how to read labels will also be included in this class.  Even if you think you already know how to read labels you may surprised to find there's more to it.  Or maybe you'll share something with us that we aren't aware of.  Then after the field trip, it's back to he home of the host and/or hostess for discussion while we munch on some healthy refreshments.  Mmmmm.

7. NATURAL PANTRY Class: This class is for the strong willed people who are ready to make some changes.  The class will help you to understand what staples you will want to have in your pantry and which ones you need to toss, never to buy again.  Remember:  What you may think is healthy may be not so please don't be offended.  you may need to toss some items and forget about them for good!  It's really not that difficult once you make up your mind.

8. BODY CARE Class: Our Body Care class stresses the importance of using products on your body (including hair and nails) that will nourish and replenish. Most products sold in stores contain harsh chemicals , preservatives and dyes that seep into our skin.  Whatever you put on your skin will penetrate through it. Our skin is our largest organ.

This class will show you (and be hands-on) how to make your own skin care products using organic ingredients as they are available such as fruit, nuts (and other foods), oils, herbs, plants and supplements such as vitamin E.  These skin care products are healthy and nourishing and because there are no preservatives, colorings or additives that you can't pronounce, you can be assured that it's good for your skin.  We are also making skin care products available for purchase and we’ll take orders, too. If you buy a product and return the jar/bottle it originally came in, you can have it refilled at $1.00 discount (not including tins)!

9. NATURAL HOUSE CLEANING Class: Our Natural Cleaning Products class focuses on the toxicity of chemicals in your everyday cleaning products and even the effects the have on plant and animals, not to mention humans.

10. KIDS Classes: Kids classes will not only be enjoyable but also educational.  Because children are like sponges, it will be beneficial for them to learn at a young age, the importance of properly taking care of their bodis and how to go about it.  Kids ages 4-16 will learn the basics of how our immune systems work (age appropriate) and have the opportunity to ask questions and share their own stories about food.  This class will teach them things they won't learn in school.

In each class we will make healthy snacks and drinks they will want to eat and drink, and show them alternatives to preservative, dye and chemical laden snack foods.


We will also make a natural craft.  Some ideas includes homemade play dough with vegetable juice coloring, bird and squirrel food perches, and gardening, a rewarding experience and one that is truly amazing when you think about food coming from a tiny little seed and how it produces its own seed to be dried and saved for next year's garden! 

11. SEASONAL Classes: Our seasonal class of Vegetable & Herb Organic Gardening is right around the corner. We use organic soil and seeds. This is also a great class for kids!

Now that you get the idea of what our classes are about, here’s how it works:

1. Ask 5 family members and/or friends to attend the class.
2. Have the class at your house or ours.
3. The host/hostess is always free. Attendees pay a fee. Hosts/hostesses are free since they are the ones inviting the guests and following up with them to make sure they show up.
4. Everything is included in the per person fee (prices start at $25 per adult and $15.00 per child ages 4-16).
5. Classes will be held on Saturday afternoons and if necessary Sunday afternoons and will run for approximately 3 hours, children's classes may run a bit shorter.

We are looking forward to getting started and seeing you more often!

Have a wonderful week and prepare yourself for something new!

Contact us:
Phone: (610) 532-6594
Email:  LisaSmall@rcn.com

What's Really in your Food?

An article from MSN.  Any thoughts about this?  Email me to let me know.

Lisa

Enzymes from Raw Foods & Green Smoothie Recipe

Just about every morning for breakfast my husand makes our Green Smoothies thanks to my cousin, Cheryl, who introduced us to them. 

Green Smoothies are quick and easy to make and they really do taste great!  We primarily use baby spinach as our leafy green ingredient and it's not even detectable amongst the sweet fruit. 

Green Smoothies pack a lot of nutrition and because the ingredients are raw and liquified, they are easily digested.  This means less wear and tear on your organs and body.  It's quite simple:  Enzymes in raw foods help our bodies digest our food so that our bodies don't have to make them for the digestion process.  You'll notice a difference in your steady energy and your ability to make it to lunchtime without snacking or nibbling beforehand.  

Try a Green Smoothie and see for yourself how delicious they are but more importantly, you'll just feel better knowing you're nourishing your body from the inside out!

GREEN SMOOTHIE

1 frozen banana, cut in chunks*
1/2 of an apple, cut in chunks or slices
2 soft dates, pitted
Large handful of greens (baby spinach seems to blend the best and have the mildest flavor)
1 cup water or more depending on how thick you like it

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Enjoy!

TIPS

• Use organic ingredients.
• *BANANA: 
• If banana is fresh, you can add 2-3 ice cubes in the water to equal one cup or add frozen berries or frozen pineapple instead of ice.
• When freezing bananas, cut them in chunks before freezing.  Just remember how many chunks equals one banana.  :)
• DATES
• Dates do not need to be refrigerated but I recommend using them up within a month.  If you plan on keeping them longer than a month you can store them covered in the refrigerater.  Refrigerated dates should be at room temperature when using them in smoothies.   
• GREENS
• You can add a smaller amount of greens and then gradually increase them each time if you have a hard time tolerated them at first.
• To get more nutrition, add 2 Tbsp Barlean's Flaxseed Oil (read about the benefits of Flaxseed Oil - Omega 3 fatty acid is one of them).
• Can add other liquid supplements

Not Just Cooking Open House Rescheduled

Our first

"Not Just Cooking" 

Open House

has been reschuleded for

Sunday, March 7th 2010 from 1-5pm   

We realize from our own experience and through conversing with many people that change isn't always easy. And for many, it’s downright scary. But fear is easily eliminated when a factor called "knowledge" comes into play.  That's where Not Just Cooking comes in.  We're here to help relieve the fear of the unknown by educating you about what we've come to learn and by assisting and encouraging you in making some necessary changes that will not only make your taste buds jump for joy but also revitalize you, inside and out!

There's more than just the physical wellness aspect of eating a true healthy diet.  You will also experience clarity of mind, better concentration and more energy.  You won't need that caffeine fix to keep you going - tried and really true!  And just knowing that you're consuming fresh, healthy whole foods and drinks will lift your spirits!

At our Open House, you will have the opportunity to sample not only organic, homemade food and drinks, but also homemade, organic and natural face, hand and foot products, which will also be available for purchase. 

We have you in mind for the Open House and have come up with ways to make your experience more than just taste testing.  For instance, you may be the next contestant at "The Price is Right" game hosted by Rich.  Guess which products are "higher" or "lower".  If you guess right, that item is yours!  Stop by Janelle's "Better Snack Corner" and munch on some snacks that you and your children will enjoy, and that you will feel better about serving.  Participate in Lisa's "Blind Taste Test" and see if your taste buds can differentiate between conventional and organic foods.  Of course, information about Not Just Cooking classes will be available as well as Pampered Chef products set at special prices for that day and other surprises and give-aways that are in the works!

So, come to our unique and informative Open House and learn how you can build a strong and healthy immune system.  There's more to it than you might imagine.

For the skeptics out there (and we know you're out there):  If you're a skeptic, that's all the more reason why you should join us at the Open House.  Come, see and taste for yourself.  We'll count on your feedback, which will be very much appreciated.

Feel free to bring a friend - just add them when you

RSVP by Saturday, February 27th 2010. 

We're looking forward to this day.  We hope you are, too!

Very truly yours,

Lisa & Janelle