If our pets could speak...

Those of us with pets know that one of their favorite pastimes is eating.  Our pets depend on us for their survival.  If we don’t provide them with the proper nourishment, they will suffer eventually. 
Pets know when it’s time to eat. In fact, if breakfast or dinner is late, they make sure to tell us. But it’s not just meals our pets look forward to. Treats are also part of their diets. They even understand our language when we speak the word, “treat.” When we say that five letter word, their ears perk up and they get excited (anyone who has a pet understands what I'm saying). It’s amazing how they actually know what a “treat” is and how they anxiously wait for it. Some pets know exactly where we “hide” their treats and some will lead you to them. Some will do tricks for a treat (I taught my cat Emma to “sit” for a treat) and some will feel entitled to it (I have one of those).

Dogs and cats were domesticated long before any of us were even born.  However, there are still wild dogs and cats.  We refer to them as feral.  These animals are born outside and are not open to having their freedom taken away.  This is not to say that they will never accept it, but from my own experience with a feral cat, you can't take the feral completely out of them.

Have you ever thought about what a “domesticed pet” actually is as opposed to a wild animal?  The term domesticated pet is a term we use for wild animals that we have domesticated.  We have taken them from their natural environment and provided them with a totally different habitat, our homes.  Over a long period of time, these wild animals have adapted to a new lifestyle.  Here's an accurate description of what a "domesticated pet" is taken from Wikipedia:  Domesticated pets are the most common types of pet. They have consistently been kept in captivity over a long enough period of time that they exhibit marked differences in behavior and appearance from their wild relatives.

So a domesticated pet will take to the comforts of a human home while a wild animal will not. Most wild animals are afraid of humans (and visa versa) and when they feel threatened, they'll even attack.  They are not trained to obey our commands and if admitted into our home, would tear it up and us in the process.  They live outside on their own and have to fend for themselves, finding their own food and shelter and protect themselves.

Domesticated pets, though they are wild by nature, have succumbed to daily living inside our homes, for the most part.  We feed them, shelter them and protect them.  Because they primarily live indoors and they look to us to take care of them, they have no reason to hunt for food.  Even so, they are not able to eat whenever they feel like it.  They can't go into the refrigerator and pull out a juicy steak.  They have been domesticated, but they have their limits.

I’m sure we would all agree that though domesticating dogs and cats has caused them to be dependent on humans, it has not caused the inside of their body structure or their instincts to change. If my cat went outside and saw a bird, instinctively he'd go after the bird as his prey (which he has). Or if a mouse entered my house, most likely my cat would chase it and try to kill it (or play with it as I’ve heard some cats will do – this could be a case of confusion if they play with toy mice). And if a dog saw a cat, his instincts would tell him to go after the cat. Of course, generally speaking, animals can be trained.

Many families have rescued pets right off the street or have adopted them from a another family or a local shelter. Pet owners have different reasons for having pets.  We can see how their roles vary.  In many instances, pets become like family.  Some pets are desired for protection, companionship, a playmate for the children or help with seeing. Whatever the reason, pets offer many benefits. So why would anyone, including their owners, want to cause them harm?

It's clear that our pets are dependent on us for their food and proper nourishment.  If they don’t have the ability to eat what they should and when they want, isn’t it our responsibility to give them what they need? It sure is! Pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians are cashing in on our pets’ ill health. Pet insurance has even been available as if to warn pet owners that there will come a day when their pet will likely get sick. It’s inevitable that they will, too, mainly because of the foods of they eat. So what can we do?

I’m not going to go into detail about what I’ve discovered about pet foods in this article because Dr. Becker, DVM has already done that. So I hope you’ll take the time to read Dr. Becker’s article and inquire about the book she’s written called, Dr. Becker's Real Food for Health Dogs and Cats Cookbook. Take a minute also to check out the Primal Pet Foods website as well as Aunt Jeni’s and EVO.

To your pet's good health and long life!

Meat Glue holds it together

Here's a new one.  Meat glue.  I've never heard of it until today and I have to say I'm not surprised.  It just goes to show how important it is for all of us to be more interested in what's not being reported on the news than what is.  From what I read, the FDA recognizes meat glue as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).  As with most everything else, just follow the money trail.

Now, I'm completely on board with those who want to be creative and use scraps so as not to waste anything.  However I'm not on board when deceit is involved.  Are you really getting what you’re paying for or are you spending your hard earned money on meats that aren’t really what you think they are?

Of course, it's no suprise that those who profit from meat glue will tell us that it's safe and has no negative side effects.  But if they weren't profitting from it, would they use it?  It's doubtful.  Why would they waste time on something that wouldn't enhance and increase profits?   

Here are some questions you should be asking yourself and your butcher:

1. Where do you buy your meats?
2. Do you know where the meat comes from?
3. Do you know how the animals live and what they’re fed, i.e. Do they live in tight spaces/cages or do they live in their natural environment where they have access to the outside with sunshine.  Are theyfed a proper diet like grass?  
4. Do you even know what they should be fed and how they should live?
5. Do you know if the animals were given hormones and antibiotics (it is unlawful in the United States for farmers to inject chickens we will eat with hormones). 

If you don’t think these are important questions to ask, think again. Just because your parents or grandparents had no need or reason to ask these questions of their butcher many years ago, the fact is, we have the need and many reasons to ask today. Managed sick care is big business and it just keeps on growing.

Advances in technology can be a good thing if used properly and for our good.  But when it has been taken beyond the scope of truth in order to deceive those who support it, that's where we, as consumers, must take a step back and question it.  I hope you will do just that.    


What is meat glue is and why is it dangerous and deceptive? Find out in this video and article.

Aspartame: A friend or foe?

While our government denies that Aspartame has any negative side effects, Victoria Inness Brown and the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, European Ramazzini Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences in Bologna, Italy, on the other hand, have concluded that Aspartame does have very negative consequences.  Aspartame is an ingedient in the very popular and widely consumed artificial sweetener, Nutrasweet. 

Victoria Inness Brown, a typical citizen, experimentor and author of an article called NEW! Self-Funded Study Found HUGE Tumors from This Everyday Food... concludes that any food or beverage made with or from Aspartame should be avoided completely.  Please read her article along with the published results on PubMed.gov. 

Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners may be disguised on the ingedient list.  Read the labels! and know the facts.  Look for these ingredients listed below and avoid anything made with or from them:

• Nutrasweet
• Equal
• Splenda
• "Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine" appears instead - diet soda ingredients
• Sweet & Safe
• Sweet One
• Acesulfame-k
• Sucralose
• Altern
• Canderel

Vermont Soap's Ingredient of the Month

TRICLOSAN

Vermont Soap's "Ingredient of the Month" is antimicrobial chemicals and in particular one called "TRICLOSAN." 

Triclosan can be found in hygiene products, cosmetics, household products, countertops, kitchenware and textiles (this includes clothing).  Oh, and stuffed animals too!  This antimicrobrial chemical is being reported and touted as safe by the FDA however animal studies concluded that triclosan is a chemical we should avoid for a number of reasons.   

Congressman Edward Markey has petitioned the government for Triclosan to be banned in the US.  It's already banned and limited in other countries.  The FDA is apparently still investigating the effects of triclosan on humans and should be coming out with a decision sometime this spring, 2011.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also conducted a triclosan study with 2517 people, seven years and older, to find out if traces of triclosan would be found.  Seventy-five (75%) of the children and adults tested had various concentration levels of triclosan in their blood.

Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, a staff scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, tells WebMD that triclosan can lead to "altered behavior, learning disabilities and infertility. "

Most of us have heard that the over use of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to them (superbugs).  It's no different with antimicobial chemicals like triclosan.  The concern is that super bugs can develop due to overuse of antimicrobial chemicals rendering triclosan and other microbial chemicals ineffective.  This means that scientists will have to develop even stronger chemicals to fight off the effects of the superbugs.  Why won't we learn from the antibiotic/bacteria/superbug debacle? 

Check out the Triclosan Fact Sheet for more details about products with triclosan.  

Be sure to read the labels before you make a purchase,

and beware of triclosan! 
__________________________________________

Vermont Soap Company sells organic and chemical-free soaps and household cleaners online.  My family has been using their household cleaner, Liquid Sunshine!  We love it!

Vitacost.com has FREE shipping in February

FREE Shipping

in February at Vitacost.com

If you've never visited Vitacost.com February is the month to try it.  Enjoy discounts on so many products like organic products, food, organic teas, vitamins/supplements including whole food supplements, body and hair care products, food, organic teas, detergents, and just about anything you can think of.

Shipping is usually $5 for any size order which is still a great deal.  Orders are usually shipped within a day or so after ordering and receipt of the order is about five days or less!  They are very efficient!

To give you an idea of what Vitacost offers, I've listed below some of the products I've ordered from them.  But check out their website and see for yourself.  Just type in a product in the "search" box to see if they have what you're looking for.  Or you can shop by category.

• MegaFoods Whole Food Supplements
• KidGreenz Vitamins
• CoQ10 Energizer supplements
• Liquid Vitamin C
• Milk Thistle capsules
• Prince of Peace organic green tea (box of 100)
• Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap
• Giovanni hair products
• Power Smile Toothpaste
• Naturally Fresh Deodorant
• Dessert Essence Lip Rescue lip balm
• Dr. Bronner's lip balm
• Organic Fiji Peppermint lip balm
• Spry Gum (100 pieces)
• Thayers Witch Hazel
• Burts Bees products
• Greenies for Cats

Take advantage of Vitacost's FREE shipping offer this month.  It's like trying it out for free!

Time to get back in shape

For many of us, the holidays have become a time of over indulgence.  We tend to make allowances for foods, drinks and treats that we might not ordinarily make.  This means weight gain, which means clothes may fit tighter and you may feel tired and sluggish.

Getting back on track isn't easy, as we all know, but it's something we need to do if we want to be healthy.  We can't eat the way we do around the holidays all year long.  If we do, we will surely be unhealthy, maybe not sick right away, but eventually.

So what motivates someone to eat well and keep their body in shape???  Someone else who is looking to do the same thing!  It's simple.  Find someone who would like to get back on track and partner up with them because, first of all, just knowing you're accountable to someone else will encouragement you to stay focused.

Take these ideas and run with them:

• Set up a chart that details your health plan for the week and follow it. Being prepared is half the battle and builds confidence.
• Share ideas and recipes with your health partner and others.
• Open up conversation about health with others.  It's so encouraging to talk to someone who speaks your language and it's a great motivator!
• Write out a weekly menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks.
• Be sure to drink at least 8-10 eight oz glasses of water each day.  Include lots of fresh sqeezed organic lemons.
• If you use sugar try something called Organic Agave Nectar instead.  Agave Nectar is sweeter and more expensive than sugar so you will want to use less.  It is said that Agave Nectar has a low glycemic index so it shouldn't spike up your sugar levels.
• Challenge your health partner and/or others
• Buy a pedometer and see who takes the most steps in one day or in a week! 
• Run your own Biggest Loser contest.

Make and take time now to get in shape, otherwise another year will go by before you know it!

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! ~