I recently found this remarkable blog that I am all for! It is all about eating real, healthy, whole foods and eliminating sugar and processed food. Here’s the link for the 100 day pledge.
They also have mini pledges you can go on for a not-so-daunting of a change. Here’s the link for the mini pledges.
Go check it out. It will change your life.
Two years ago I had a little fling with raw food. I went to the library and found some great raw food recipe books, got a food processor and whatnot. I was all Gung Ho about the whole thing. Yeah…. It lasted about a week. I’ll have you know, it was a great week… we felt amazing, but I decided I needed some variety in my diet.
Since then I haven’t made many of the raw food recipes of that fun-filled week…. except………. this incredible soup. I loved it then and still love it to this day. I’ve been making it quite often, especially while I’ve been on this 30 day sugar cleanse.
It not only tastes really good, but it makes your whole body feel amazingly ALIVE! It’ll give you enough energy to feel like you could go save the world. Try it and you will see.
This is seriously one of the most densely packed, nutrient-rich soups ever made, and quite easily the yummiest way to eat your veggies!
Enjoy.
Raw Garden Veggie Soup
1 zucchini
1 cup water
1 tomato
1 celery stalk
2 green onions
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp mellow white miso
3 garlic cloves
dash cayenne pepper
dash salt
1 cup chopped chard, spinach, or kale
small handful of chopped parsley
6 fresh basil leaves
1 ripe avocado
Directions: Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth. You can serve room temperature, or you can gently warm this soup on the stove, making sure you do not boil.
(adapted recipe from jennifer cornbleet)
So you all know that I threw out my antiperspirants last week after reading this, and ever since, I’ve been desperately somewhat in need of a deodorant. Who knew, right? I feel like I’ve tried 5 different kinds of natural deodorants, and none of them work so well.
Thankfully one of my friends came to the rescue this time and saved me with this homemade natural deodorant. I made this a few days ago and love it.
First of all, so easy to make, and secondly and most importantly, it actually works! So, a great big thank-you to my friend for passing along this recipe…it works wonders! I finally smell like a lady again. Give it a try!
Here’s what you’ll need:
5 tablespoons organic, virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil (whatever you prefer, I used tangerine, but lavender would be nice as well.)
Mix all together and put in a container with a lid. Use a pea size drop on each underarm when needed.
DIY Natural Homemade Deodorant
Directions:
Original recipe by Joanna Albrecht
And for anyone looking for a DIY homemade lip gloss… I have three amazing recipes…check out this post here.
I once heard that 30 was the magic number to form a habit… do something consecutively for 30 days and bada-boom: a habit is created. I’m putting the theory to the test.
I eat pretty clean for the most part… organic, whole, unprocessed, real food, 95% of the time. I’ve rid my pantry of almost all GMOs, MSG, and artificial. But I’ll be honest, there is something I eat a lot of that is potentially just as bad. That thing is SUGAR. In all sorts of forms, but mainly chocolate and my homemade baked goodies. I do love me some homemade desserts, what can I say? (I blame it on Pinterest) And I really don’t think a day goes by that I don’t indulge in chocolate (a’hem, hi, my name is Rebecca and I’m a chocoholic). Mind you, it’s usually organic dark chocolate, but still, laden with sugar. And when I bake, I use organic unrefined sugarcane, but still… it’s sugar.
So I need a change… I want a change. My body needs a boost.
So here it is, this is what I am about to embark on: drum roll please………
30 days, NO SUGAR!
Yep… all of it. No white, brown, refined, unrefined, powered, organic, pure cane, you name it… none. I’m ridding my life of sugar!
This isn’t just about throwing out my chocolate chips though. I went through my pantry this morning and looked at all the labels. If sugar is in the ingredient list, I’m not eating it.
Even the tiny little bit of sugar found in bread, in crackers, in my balsamic dressing is all being eliminated! Everything. No sugar. That means the chili packet I used last night for dinner, the canned salsa in the fridge, the yogurt, the chips, and everything else with sugar in the mix. 30 days. No sugar.
At the end of the 30 days I hope to have developed a nice habit and I’ll re-evaluate and tweak where needed. For now, it’s all going.
But don’t worry… I’ve done my research on some “sweets” that I can eat. For now I’ll be substituting with honey, stevia, agave, real maple syrup, dates and fruit. Really…this won’t be so bad, right??? HA! This better work is all I have to say!
Seriously though, this might be a bit difficult, but I am so up for the challenge and I am ready to make this change in my lifestyle. Why, you ask? Well, I want to have more energy, more glow in my face, more ease in my insides, and more clarity in my mind. I want to look and feel REALLY good. To sum it up… I want to rid my life of tired, flabby, and addicted! The biggest thing keeping me from that is sugar.
So, if you’ll take a moment of silence with me, I’d like to say farewell to a few favorites:
Goodbye Green and Black’s dark chocolate bar with little bits of orange peel in it, goodbye dark chocolate Acai balls from Costco, goodbye chocolate dipped macaroons, goodbye peanut butter and chocolate covered malt balls, goodbye chocolate dipped goji berries…. and mostly, goodbye reeses peanut butter cup milkshakes. My taste buds will miss every bite. (sniffle, sniffle)
Ok, I’ll dry my eyes… on to better and brighter food ahead! And on to an amazingly glowing, feeling really great body!
I am ready! On my mark, get set, go.
30 days and counting…
Anyone else up for the challenge? If you want to join with me on this sugar adventure, let me know by commenting below. I’d love some people to join with me! Are you up for the challenge?
This article really made me think twice about using my antiperspirant. I knew antiperspirants weren’t good for you, I just didn’t know the extent. Who knew that something so universally used could be so harmful. You may be throwing your antiperspirant in the garbage after reading this (I did):
Below is a section of an article by Dr. Mercola about the link between antiperspirants and breast cancer. Full article here.
New research examining parabens found in cancerous human breast tissue points the finger at antiperspirants and other cosmetics for increasing your risk of breast canceri.
The research, which is also reviewed in an editorial published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, looked at where breast tumors were appearing, and determined that higher concentrations of parabens were found in the upper quadrants of the breast and axillary area, where antiperspirants are usually appliedii.
Parabens are chemicals that serve as preservatives in antiperspirants and many cosmetics, as well as sun lotions. Previous studies have shown that all parabens have estrogenic activity in human breast cancer cells.
Another component of antiperspirants, aluminum chloride, has been found to act similarly to the way oncogenes work to provide molecular transformations in cancer cells. According to the authors of the editorial review, the research shows “signals of concern that such compounds are not as safe as previously generally considered, and further research is warranted.” Furthermore:
“The data from this latest study, the most extensive examination of parabens in human breast so far published, confirms previous work and raises a number of questions on the entire parabens, personal care product and human health debate, particularly relating to the source and toxicological significance of the paraben esters.”
Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms—with the active ingredient being aluminum. (If you are using a deodorant-only product it is unlikely to contain aluminum but might contain other chemicals that could be a concern, such as parabens.) Not only does this block one of your body’s routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on.
Like parabens, aluminum salts can also mimic estrogen, and, just like the featured study, previous research has shown that aluminum is also absorbed and deposited into breast tissueiv. The researchers suggested raised levels of aluminum could even be used as a biomarker for identification of women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants, and a review of the common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to the review, after a single underarm application of antiperspirant, about .012 percent of the aluminum may be absorbedv. This may not sound like much until you multiply it by one or more times a day for a lifetime, which adds up to massive exposure to aluminum—a poison that is not supposed to be in your body, and may be more toxic than mercury. Aside from vaccinations, your antiperspirant may be your largest source of exposure to this poisonous metal!
Be Cautious with Natural Deodorants, Too
There are many brands of chemical-free, aluminum-free deodorants on the market, and many of these are safe alternatives. “Crystal” deodorant stones, which are a popular natural deodorant alternative often used by health-conscious shoppers looking to avoid aluminum, often claim to be aluminum-free, but some actually contain a different type of compound known as an alum, the most common form being potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.
Potassium Alum or Ammonium Alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers, but while this may be a better alternative to most antiperspirants and deodorants on the market, it is not completely aluminum-free. Also remember to check the remaining ingredients, keeping a watchful eye out for parabens.
For the last few decades I have not used antiperspirants or deodorants–even natural ones. I noticed that they would cause a yellow stain in the armpit of my shirts. At first I thought the stain was due to my sweat but I quickly realized it was the chemicals in the antiperspirants. I routinely substitute soap and water in my armpits and that seems to work. Although last year I noticed that if I sunbathe my axilla regularly, the UV light actually sterilized my armpits in addition to raising my levels of vitamin D. There is no odor even without using soap and water. Essentially you tan your armpits. The effect is not long-lasting and the bacteria repopulate in a day or so unless you expose your armpits to sunlight.
This was such an inspiring article. Like I said in the beginning, I threw out my deodorant after reading this. And I’m never going back. Here’s to healthy, cancer and toxin-free bodies!
What do you think about this article? Do you want to change the deodorant you’re using?
And if you use a natural deodorant, what brands have you found that work well?
My family has been making this salsa since I was a wee little thing. And the stories and memories made into it are very fond. Growing up I loved this salsa so much that one year I asked for a salsa cake for my birthday. So that’s what I got… a big bowl of salsa with a cute little candle in it. I loved every bite. And yes, I did share, (a little.) It is that good.
The secret to getting the best flavor of this salsa is using all FRESH ingredients… from the garlic to the freshly squeezed lime juice.
Enjoy.
Better-Than-Birthday-Cake Salsa
big bunch of cilantro
1/4-1/2 medium-sized jalapeno
half of a tomatia
1 big basil leaf
1 anaheim pepper
salt to taste (about a tablespoon, or more)
juice from 1/2 lime
2-3 garlic cloves
1/4 white onion
8-10 Roma tomatoes
Blend all ingredients, except tomatoes, together in food processor. Put blended green ingredients in a bowl. Lightly chop tomatoes in food processor about 2-3 at a time so they are chunky. Add tomatoes to the bowl with the green ingredients. Lightly mix. Taste, and add more salt if desired.
And some great healthy tid-bits about cilantro: info below found here
Amazing! I love cilantro even more now!
This dish will have you wanting seconds and thirds. It has the perfect infusion of garlic, beautifully paired with green veggies and has just the right amount of creamy. You’ll be in love with this dish in no time. It is also packed with healthy greens and the “super-spice,” turmeric. Easy, delicious, and oh so good!
Enjoy!
Garlic Cheddar Ziti Pasta with Summer Veggies
1 pound dry organic ziti pasta
2 TBSP organic butter or safflower oil
4 cloves garlic
1 pint organic heavy cream*
1 cup organic chicken broth
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 TBSP flour
1 medium organic zucchini, sliced*
2 cups organic baby spinach, roughly cut
1/2 TBSP organic turmeric
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water
1 organic chicken breast, sliced and cooked
Directions:
In a large pot, cook pasta according to pkg. instructions. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in butter (or oil) over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Add flour. Simmer altogether for about 15 min.
While sauce is cooking, saute zucchini in 1 tsp. oil until soft. Once sauce is cooked and thickens, add zucchini, spinach, turmeric, and artichoke hearts. Stir all together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once sauce is done, put cooked ziti pasta in a large bowl. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat and mix. Then add cooked chicken and mix all together. Serve. Enjoy!
*You can substitute steamed broccoli for the zucchini, also delicious! And half and half can be substituted for the heavy cream to make it low-fat. The sauce will not be as thick though.
This recipe uses the “super-spice,” Turmeric… to see some AMAZING facts about this spice, check out this post here.
Ok, this might seem a bit silly, and perhaps it is, but there’s something to this. Really.
First of all, let me clarify, I do not diet. Nor do I believe they work or are even good for you. I am one of those firm believers in “don’t diet, just change your lifestyle” kinda thinking. So that said, this is not a “diet.” This is actually a simple lifestyle change ANYONE can do. I am absolutely certain it will work to help you look and feel better about your body, and also give you an overall feeling of health, joy, and contentment.
I recently read about “Mindful Eating,” and I was completely inspired to do it! Here’s the bottom line…
Your mind is incredible. The roll and power your emotions and feelings have on your physical body is undeniable and remarkable. (Just go look up the effects stress can have on your physical body!) So, the emotion and energy you cook and eat your food with plays a huge role in how your body accepts and uses the food. You’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat,” right? So, if you are eating with love, your body will use that nutrition with love, creating, at an energetic level, contentment, peace, and love. If you cook and eat out of anxiety, rush, anger, or sorrow your food will also take on that energy and your body with not utilize the nutrition of the food in its best way.
Want to know more? Ok, keep reading, here it is:
Mindful Eating and Cooking by the Wholehearted Mind: (full article here)
For starts, let’s assume everyone reading this is a nutrition expert. We know What to eat, for the most part.
The function of food is simple and as follows:
Good, clean food ->improves assimilation -> increases energy -> improves digestion ->eliminates constipation – > makes you sexy. In that order.
Now, picture this:
Licking Nutella off the spoon, exiting out the door, shoving an energy bar, bursting with antioxidant and all… busy, no? Picking out leftovers from a child’s plate, after ranting at them for not eating. Loud bossing in general, instant opinion about how horrible the food’s going to taste. Watching TV, reading email. Getting up for seconds, thirds, or fourths? Still hungry? Looking at the ice cream tub at midnight?
When my energy sags, skin flakes (or worse), or weight see-saws, I agonize over my “healthy” eating plan, haul the best of the weight-loss books, visit websites, re-analyze, make plans, create lists, buy more “organic” food and agonize all over again. What was amiss? Then I recalled this:
When my spiritual teacher visited us in 2010, I ate ravenously, fully and completely. The meals were prepared at home, with much love and affection. We shared a meal and a prayer. We talked, we laughed, we appreciated the delectable setting on the table. Five days of merriment, good meals, and loads of energy. When he left, I found that I had dropped five pounds, my skin glowed and I had forgotten to wear make-up.
Was it how I ate that made all the difference?
Picture this:
Pancakes at breakfast : 1 egg, a scoop of whole whey concentrate, 1 tablespoon of organic gluten-free pancake mix, a tablespoon of chia seeds, fresh organic blueberries. Perfect. Yes? Aha..
Now picture this:
Me: shouting loudly at the kids: “Come down your breakfast’s getting cold”- Adrenaline rush, cortisol rising, adipose forming – where’s the lion*? Then, flipping a pancake and stuffing a piece in my mouth, wondering if I can down another cup of coffee before dropping off the kids to school. Liver imbalance, bile thickened, sluggish intestine – where’s the sexy?
*The body has just moved into a flight-or-fight response. In that instant. If there was a lion in the kitchen, I would have attempted to run away, and perhaps not added on adipose (fat).
(Ok, me again… I’ll be interjecting my own thoughts through this). Being a mom, I can totally relate to this. How many times do I finish my meal and realize I haven’t tasted any of it. You know what I’m talking about!
So here’s the things she lists to help you achieve a more mindful meal:
SIT and SET
1) Find a place to sit down. Even if I’m licking jelly off a spoon.
2) Use a bowl, plate and cup combo. Place the entire meal within this three-piece setting.
3) Sit comfortably. Don’t read further. STOP – Do this now..Relax your shoulders, gently release the tension in your neck by moving it. Breathe calmly and soften your belly. Relax your jaw. Ok – good. Continue reading. You have just set the hormones in the right mood to assist your digestion.
LOOK and FEEL
4) While seated, survey the food with all five senses. Will this be enough? Take a super-educated guess without using your brain. Feel it. Yes, No? Will I need seconds? Of which item? Do not say, “Maybe.” This is so, so important. Maybe means you are thinking too much and not listening to the signals from your body.
5) Nix distractions.
PRAY, EAT, LOVE
6) Place my hands around the food. Thank and bless the food. A simple affirmation, “May this be meal be satisfying and nourishing.” “May this food be healing.”
7) Eat happily. Need a second helping? Yes? Love yourself anyway.
Do just this, and nothing else, without worrying about what to eat. (for now; this is working counter to the norm. Become skillful in the ”how” and then the “what”)
If you are trying this out for the first time, start with just one meal, whether it is a huge dinner or a small orange, and do all steps for a whole week, slowly extending it to all you eat. Create your own special routine.
So I would like to add something else I’ve incorporated into it. I have been more conscience about COOKING with LOVE. And by that I mean I’ve done everything from thinking how beautiful the food is, to giving little prayers of gratitude for the food I’m preparing, and also smiling while I’m stirring. I’ve even started saying good things to my food I’m making. Sound silly? Yes, it probably is. But I feel good and happy as I am sending good energy into the food and creating an atmosphere for my body to accept the food the best way.
So does it work you ask? Actually, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’ve been doing this “mindful eating and cooking with love” thing for about two weeks now. I haven’t changed what I eat or how much even. I just changed the way I eat and cook the food by being more conscience, mindful and happy. And the good news is… my body is definitely trimming down. I now fit into my pre-pregnancy pants that I haven’t fit in in over a year. Kinda amazing stuff this mindful eating is… I’m thinking I’m going to keep going with it.
Do something new and different. Try it out. Let me know how it works for you and how you feel.
Most of us have been there… the dreaded night our child wakes up with an ear ache… crying, feverish, in pain, etc. It makes for a long night, or day! So, when a friend asked me one day if I knew of any natural remedies for ear infections/aches I was at a loss… I didn’t know. Since then I have done some in-depth research to find the answer to that very important question.
I think this will come in handy to a lot of you mothers and fathers out there who want natural, safe options instead of using harsh antibiotics and pain killers.
So here is what I’ve found, in all it’s wonderfulness… some great alternative solutions to the dreaded ear ache/infection!
(This info comes from an article by Cindy L. Jones, “Healing Ear Infections: Why antibiotics are not the best treatment,” Mothering Issue 104, January/February 2001, courtesy of my midwife Sena Johnson.)
Healing Ear Infections Naturally
For pain relief use a warm compress on the ear. A hot water bottle or a sock filled with rice (warm in microwave for a few minutes) works well.
Herbs for Ear Pain:
Mullein (verbascum thapsus): This herb can relieve congestion and inflammation. It is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and has great pain relieving properties. You can buy ear drops containing mullein, or make it yourself. (Personally, I think it seems a bit easier to just buy this at a heath food store…. but here’s the directions anyway:)
Garlic (Allium sativum): This has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is often used in combination with mullein in ear drops. You can buy the oil at any health food store, or make it yourself. Directions are similar to the mullein. Just crush a garlic clove and cook it on low with the oil. Strain, cool, and place a few drops in the ear canal.
St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This herb is also antibacterial, antiviral and has soothing qualities. You can purchase the oil at a health food store and place a few drops in the ear canal.
Lavender Essential Oil: Antiseptic and soothing. Dilute lavender oil in coconut oil, almond, or olive oil. Warm gently. Use a few drops in the ear canal. You can also rub this diluted oil behind the ear. It will sooth nerves and also help the toddler sleep.
Peppermint Tea: Drinking peppermint tea can sooth the child. It also has antiseptic and decongestant qualities that can help relieve the pain of the ear inflammation. You can also mix peppermint tea with some chamomile tea, which can help with the inflammation as well. It also has slight sedative properties to help the child sleep.
Things to help recurrent ear infections:
If your child has a lot of ear infections, you might consider boosting the child’s immune system to help. Echinacea, vitamin C, vitamin D, oregano essential oil, and a few other great immune boosters you can find in this post, and in this post can benefit!
I hope this helps all you mothers, fathers, or future mothers and fathers out there. I sure am happy I know some other options now! Hope you are too… happy healthy bodies to you all!
Question: Does anyone have any other natural remedies they have used to help ear infections? Essential oil blends? Herbs, etc? Please share if you do! Go ahead and comment below…
Have you seen the documentary, “Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead?” If not, go watch it, and if you have, than you know that nothing starts a healthy morning out better than juicing some fresh veggies and fruits.(Especially from chocolate Easter overload!)
My hubby, son and I love to juice! We found this 30 lbs. bag of carrots at Whole Foods yesterday and my son immediately says, “look mommy, carrots to juice!” Not only is fresh juice just about the most healthy thing around, it is also quite delicious and makes it easy getting more veggies into your diet!
I found this great recipe from Epic Creations. It is tasty and tangy and has a pick-me-up kinda feel to it. I added some kale and parsley too… just because I had some in the fridge. Here’s the recipe from Epic Creations:
1 Medium cucumber
1 handful of fresh cilantro
1 inch piece of ginger
2 apples
1 lemon
1 carrot, no top
Put it all through the juicer… and drink to your health!
Do you drink green juice? What’s your favorite juicing combinations?
And just in case you didn’t read this post on ginger…. 1 tsp of ginger has similar antioxidant levels as one cup of spinach! Bring on the ginger!
