Just Good Energy

Bek Demonstrates: All Natural Baby Formula

Rebekah — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:26:48 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

High Energy Meal Planning for the Busy Work Week

Rebekah — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:55:26 +0000

The most important thing in all of our lives is our health. You can have a great family, great job, material wealth, and even what appears to be good looks on the outside, but if you don’t feel good and energetic from the inside, you will never be able to truly enjoy the fruits of your labor. The fast paced world and the polluted environment of today are wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds, and there is never a better time than now to educate and empower yourself to be the gatekeeper to your health. The key to customizing a unique meal plan is to understand which foods or combination of foods give you the energy your work schedule demands.

Leaving home without a pack of food is a risk, not only for your health, but it is just bad practice. Yes, I am taking you back to your early roots of the “Lunch Box”. The world is an unpredictable place. It is better that you are self-sufficient in case variables arise that prevents other people from feeding you. Depending on your time, it is often easiest to prepare your lunch the night before, or at least plan it out so that you are ready in the morning. This pack or lunchbox should consist of the three meals you will need every 2-4 hours from the time you leave your home to the time you return.

Our definition of a meal is not that which has multiple courses. A meal can be anything you want it to be, but it has a function. It can be as simple as an apple and a small handful of almonds, 6 whole grain crackers dipped in humus, or a handful of baby carrots. A meal’s function is not only to fulfill you, but also to energize you for the next few hours. If the meal is too big, then your body will have to expend all its energy digesting it. Too much heavy food at any given time will drain your energy and drag out the rest of your work day. The solution is to pack your lunchbox with moderate but adequate food portions that appeal to your taste buds so as to satisfy you emotionally. Your food choices should also be full of nutrients so as to continually recharge your battery until you are home. I know it may seem overwhelming to have to plan ahead for your food for the day, but it is the smartest thing you could do. This concept especially applies to the “work-aholics” that work forty to sixty hours plus, on a weekly basis. I can’t stress enough how important it is for Corporate America to have a mind shift and feel a sense of urgency about their daily diet. Food is your fuel to a successful or unsuccessful day – It is ultimately your choice.

Time saving suggestions:Think about what you need for the week and shop accordingly Make extra portions – Whether you are making soup, stew, stirfry, or pasta, always try to double the amount you need. If you can’t finish it all within one week, it can be frozen, thawed and eaten the following week.

Don’t complicate meals – Keep your meals simple and look for already chopped and veggies, meats, etc. Cook ahead – Set aside a couple of hours during your week/weekend where you can prepare quick foods ahead of time (sauces, chopped veggies for salads, chopped fruit, soups, meals in crock pots). Don’t throw out leftovers – store them appropriately (such as refrigerated or frozen) for a quick meal the next day. Or reinvent the leftovers in a creative way; for example, pasta sauce can make a tasty jaffle filling or the base for a pie filling. Prepare the night before – Cook, chop and bag whatever you can for your lunchbox meals for the next day.

Jumpstart Your Day (Imperative) Dehydrated, nutrient and energy deficient, your body is demanding a jumpstart after you first awake. This first choice of the day will set the tone. I recommend tea over coffee, and even before that, you need to get the proper energy and nutrients your body and mind need. Green Superfood blends are the answer. Green Superfoods Blend (AMAZING GRASS & Vitamineral Greens) Wheat Grass, Green grasses, Sea vegetables, Spirulina, Blue-Green AlgaeDetoxifying, cleansing, alkalizing, nutrient-richHigh in omega fatty acids, fiber, amino acids, and packed with energyAdd a scoop to a smoothie, water or juice and there is a quick Breakfast.After your green drink, you will be eager to get your day going. Move on to your tea and breakfast of choice. If there is no time for breakfast at home, just make sure to pack a few meals for the office so you can get something energetic while you’re in the car, at your desk, or traveling. Energy Meal One – Breakfast Your body has received a complete blend of nutrients to blast you off into your busy day. This is a great time to make a small meal before you leave the home, and also an ideal time to prepare your lunchbox. The green drink has given you nourishment and jumpstarted your metabolism. Now, your body needs sustenance or dense energy.

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST – PLEASE EAT BEFORE NOON!

Wait 15-30 minutes before eating a more substantial breakfast, such as:

Cooked or raw whole grains with nuts/seed
Fruit and raw honey
Whole grain cereal
Simple/complex carbohydrates such as fresh and dried fruits with raw almond
Vegetable juice Fruit smoothie with green superfoods and Matcha Green Tea added
Raw nuts
Whole grain or sprouted breads
Dehydrated energy bars
Cream of brown rice or buckwheat w/ raw honey or agave nectar, cinnamon and almond milk and a handful of walnuts or almonds
Whole grain toaster waffles (no dairy/hydrogenated oil) w/ berries and natural maple syrup
Cooked brown rice w/ raw honey, cinnamon and almond milk
Animal protein such as fish, chicken, turkey with eggs and sprouted bread
1 egg w/ 1/3 cup egg white, veggies & goat cheese
Yogurt with flaxseed meal and granola and a handful of raw almonds
Sprouted or whole grain bread with almond, cashew or peanut butter and an apple
Chopped fruit (all types) with yogurt (fruit juice sweetened)
Whole grain or fruit & nut energy bar (sweetened with fruit, fruit juice, honey, agave, stevia)

*Try adding chia seeds to your meals for extra energy and sustainability

**Avoid regular sugar, white flour, Splenda, Aspartarme, NutraSweet, and all artificial sweeteners

Those are just some ideas. Be creative and see what works best for you. Remember, if your body is trying to digest a large breakfast, energy is drawn to that function, leaving little leftover for brainpower or physical work so eat in moderate portions.There will be days when you just don’t have time to eat a breakfast meal. If you don’t have time for breakfast, then here are few quick solutions that will keep you focused mentally, and will provide energy for any type of activity:

Energy Meals Two-Four: 11am – 7pm Let’s go back to preparing your lunchbox. The following are quick and easily prepared items to toss into your bag: Late Morning and Afternoon Snack Options:

1 spelt or whole grain tortilla with 2 Tbsp humus or topping of choice
Carrots, red bell pepper & cucumber dipped in dressing/dip
1 apple and 2-3 crackers or almonds
Young Thai Coconuts
Whole grain crackers with cheese
A natural, energy bar (Amazing Grass Bar, Lara Bar, dehydrated bars, etc.)
Apple with 2 tbsp peanut butter
Piece of fruit or ½ berries with some soaked almonds
Yogurt or cottage cheese
Half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain bread
Carrot juice
Dry Granola
Raw nuts and seeds with dates

The following ideas for lunch can be made in the morning or the night before and only takes minimal time to make. These options double as recommendations for eating out at restaurants. Here are some tasty and energetic lunch ideas:

Pita bread stuffed with slices of fish or chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and dressing
Large salad with tuna salad, chopped veggies, goat feta, and vinaigrette dressing and an apple
Lettuce wraps filled with spread (humus, avocado, dressing), grilled fish strips, and veggies of choice
Lettuce wraps filled with finely chopped grilled veggies, sautéed in Asian-style marinade.
Sandwich made with whole grain or sprouted bread, natural veggie burger, or grilled fish/turkey, goat cheese, avocado, dressing, tomato and sprouts
Non-dairy soup w/ whole grain or sprouted crackers and dip
Sushi rolls, Sashimi, Miso Soup, and/or Asian Salad. *(Avoid mayonnaise and too many rolls with white rice)
Tuna Salad sandwich, topped with fresh veggies
Brown rice and lean white meat with stir fried veggies
Grilled meat with large salad, and vinaigrette
Quinoa salad (cooked quinoa with olive oil, cilantro, Celtic Sea Salt, black beans, corn, red bell pepper)

I recommend always taking at least fifteen minutes to stop and find a relaxing, comfortable space, where you can meditate, chew, and enjoy your food at an even pace. Relaxation while eating will also aid in proper digestion.

Energy Meal Five: Dinner In an ideal schedule, dinner would take place with friends or family by 7pm. For most though, the 9p – 6p is not realistic. The way to get around eating too much or too much of the wrong foods at dinner is to not think of dinner as a day ending feast, but rather a preparation for your body to go into a resting mode. Most of our energy demand occurs between 7a and 6p so you should have consumed 80-85% of your daily intake by then. Dinner should not be heavy, loaded with cooked carbohydrates. Keep it simple with lots of veggies, light protein and healthy fats. Relax, breathe, and chew as you wind down from a busy day. Dinner Options:

Fish or chicken strips stir fried with veggies in teriyaki sauce
Lg. Asian Salad (Thai tofu, sesame seeds, snow peas, red pepper, butter lettuce and/or napa cabbage, tomatoes, and Asian dressing 4 oz.
Grilled Salmon), steamed broccoli & cauliflower with Braggs Liquid Aminos and seasonings
Spelt or quinoa pasta with marinara or “Pesto” sauce with grilled veggies on top
Shrimp & veggie stir-fry w/ butternut squash
Baked butternut squash with coconut oil, cilantro, lime juice, Celtic Sea Salt and spices
Tuna Salad tortilla wraps
Non-dairy soup with a salad or cooked whole grain
Halibut, Ahi or Salmon with veggie Kabobs
Tostada/Taco Bar (corn tortillas, goat/rice cheese; black beans or tempeh, veggies, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, olives
Grilled veggie and fish in lettuce wraps
Breakfast foods: Eggs with veggies and toast
Large salad topped with protein, whole grains, veggies and light dressing
Left over stew, soup or casserole from the night before

Hot drinks to keep you going throughout the day:

Yerba Mate
Green Tea (Matcha Green Tea is the most anti-oxidant, nutrient)
Robois Tea
All herbal teas
Sweeten with Stevia, Yacon Syrup, honey, etc.

Try to avoid or eat/drink minimally regardless of the meal:

Regular sodas, diet sodas, sugar sweetened juices and sport drinks
Refined and processed foods such as sugar, white flour (white bread or pasta), white rice
Red meat (no more than one meal a day if you are going to eat it)
Processed and hydrogenated oil, canola oil, safflower oil, palm oil, or fried foods including those oils
More than 1-2 servings of dairy products
Food additives and preservatives that you can’t pronounce
Refined “table” salt – (sea salt only)
Packaged foods that have more than 10 ingredients, more than half of which you can’t even pronounce.

This transition to a high energy diet will take practice. It takes gradual change through trying new things. There is no one plan solution for everyone because we are all wired differently, and we all have our own person work schedules. Therefore, we all have our own unique energy demand dictated by that work schedule. Be patient, be open-minded, and just have fun with it. After all, food should be fun, but it should also make you feel good with pure, sustained energy so that you experience every moment you can to the fullest.

SEE RESTAURANT GUIDE BELOW

Restaurant Guide Options:

Mexican Restaurant

Request that they cook without lard and/or butter
Choose corn tortillas instead of flour
Limit sour cream and cheese
Request soft corn tortillas for tacos instead of traditional fried corn
Avoid cheese enchiladas (full of cream and cheese sauce – very heavy!)
Spanish rice is okay
Guacamole and soft corn tortillas with beans and no meat are best
Whole beans are better than refried regardless of the type
Tostadas with grilled fish, chicken, or veggies is lighter than pork or beef
Do not drink soda with meals. Choose water
My Meal of Choice: 1-2 corn tortillas with goat, sheep or rice cheese; black beans, veggies, salsa, avocado (guacamole), and lettuce or fish/veggie fajitas

Asian Restaurant

Request no butter and high sodium soy and/or teriyaki sauce
Avoid fried rice and pork, tempura, or fried egg rolls
Stick to grilled vegetables and steamed spring roles
Sushi rolls, Sashimi, Miso Soup, and/or Asian Salad. *(Avoid mayonnaise and too many rolls with white rice)
Try to choose noodles made with buckwheat or rice
Do not drink soda with meals. Choose water or herbal tea
My meal of choice: Sushi/Sashimi with Miso Soup or Grilled fish with grilled vegetables and seaweed salad

Italian Restaurant

Request no butter and whole grain noodles over white flour noodles
Choose tomato marinara sauce over cream sauces
Choose fish or chicken over pork or beef
My meal of choice: Minestrone soup with grilled fish and salad

Anyone Need a Boost of Easily Absorbed Iron?

Rebekah — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:26:50 +0000

Good news, you don’t have to eat liver and beef to raise your iron levels! When I was pregnant, one of my biggest concerns was to keep a healthy diet. I found out at 3 months pregnant that I was iron deficient, or anemic. On my own I was able to raise my iron levels to normal within a month after eating specific foods and taking an amazing whole food iron supplement. I would recommend this product to anyone low in iron or energy!

For women, hemoglobin (the iron-containing protein in our red blood cells) levels of less than 12 is considered anemic, while it is less than 13 for men. My number was 10, which is considered very low. Iron deficiency Anemia is not only very common amongst pregnant women, but also amongst women in general. Whether it is a result of pregnancy, blood loss during menstruation, or a lack of iron-rich foods in the diet, anemia is serious.

I could tell I was anemic, without the blood tests, simply because my energy was low, I felt dizzy and was short of breath. I couldn’t stomach red meat and liver, which is high in iron and always encouraged for anemia. I told my doctor that rather than taking her desired prescription of 150 milligrams of Iron daily, I would try to raise my iron holistically, in 1 month, and she agreed. Although meat is high in iron, it also can be difficult to digest and a bit too acidic for my system. My goal was to concentrate on the easily absorbed, iron-rich foods and corresponding food-based supplements.

Guess what, in 1 month, I raised my iron levels to 11.9. The doctor and I were both amazed at how quickly it turned around. Here is how I did it…

I ate one large salad daily, consisting of a mixture of greens (spinach, arugula, dark leafy greens and sprouts) and chopped up lots of red and orange vegetables. The vitamin C in vegetables and fruits (especially red and yellow ones) helps to absorb the iron in food.
I sautéed or steamed greens such as spinach, kale, chard or other greens daily.
I made a morning baby shake consisting of Catie’s Vitamin C, Green Superfoods, Blue-Green Algae, and Goat Milk Protein Powder – Extremely high in minerals, iron, B’s, omegas, amino acids and antioxidants. I highly recommend a morning drink to everyone, not just pregnant women. Hey, my husband drinks it too!
I ate salmon once a week with lemon juice
I took 2 Tbsp of Black Strap Molasses every day with lemon juice. It sounds odd, but molasses is one of the highest food sources of iron and easier to absorb than meat.
I avoided all caffeine and tea because the caffeine and tannins in coffee or tea can actually block absorption of iron and also calcium.
I always separated my calcium and iron supplements and foods because when consumed together, they actually counteract each other’s absorption.
Lastly, but most importantly, I found an amazing whole food iron supplement called “Blood Builder”, by Megafoods. Most iron supplements, or ferrous sulfate, is made from hard minerals like rock and steel. It is very difficult to absorb and causes much constipation! Megafoods’ iron product is made from Hydrilla Algae, Alfalfa, Beet Root and various other greens and algae extractions. Iron taken from natural foods, is easily recognized and utilized by the body. Each tablet contains 26 mg of Iron and all I took was 1-2 tablets daily with other greens or fruit.

Unfortunately during my pregnancy I was not aware of how rich chia seeds are in iron (1 serving gives you 30% of your daily needs). I would add to my list of recommendations to try drinking 4+ ounces of my chia milk daily or grind the seeds up in a coffee grinder and sprinkle over salads, cereal, etc.

Nutrient-Dense Foods that are Light on Digestion

Rebekah — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:52:19 +0000

The first question to ask when evaluating the quality of any food is, “How far is the food or beverage from its natural state?” The more processed a food is, the more difficult it is to digest. The digestive potential for a food is the bottom line, and far more defining than a food’s calorie count.

Simply, if a food takes longer to digest, it stores more readily as fat. Raw sprouted wheat berries are in their natural state, while white refined flour has been so processed that the body can’t even recognize it as food and has a hard time digesting it. So when shopping for functional foods (which you will learn about below) choose foods that are fresh and don’t come already packaged, in a box, bag or frozen with preservatives and unwanted additives.

Now that we have a better understanding about nutrition-deprived low calorie foods, specifically processed and refined, let’s explore these more natural, nutrient dense foods that are lighter on digestion and help to heal and cleanse the body. The more nutrient dense foods are those that are unprocessed and are raw.

Unprocessed and Raw Foods

Foods can undergo processes such as fermentation and dehydration, grinding and mixing, but a truly raw food has not been baked, broiled or cooked in any fashion. These foods are functional, clean and the most nutrient dense foods because they have retained all their natural enzymes and nutrients. A food loses most nutrients and enzymes when it is heated 115-118 degrees.

Raw foods are a perfect example of nutrient dense foods that could also be high in calories. All calories are not created equal. In the case of raw foods, the portion matters, but the calorie count really does not apply as much because a raw food has all the existing enzymes so it will digest itself. Raw foods can be high in fat, but they are good fats because they are fats that are natural to the body and the body can actually absorb and utilize these good fats. What is more is that these natural good fats such as flaxseed, chia seed, hempseed and coconut oil can actually clean out the bad fats such as saturated animal fat, dairy fats, and refined vegetable and seed oils.

Below here are examples of raw foods and foods that have undergone processes that maximize the nutrition value and retain all the digestive enzymes:

Fermented or cultured foods: Our stomach and bowels need an acidic state for easy digestion. To help restore and maintain the necessary acidity in our digestive tract, our diet should include some fermented or cultured foods. The enzymes created during the fermentation and culturing, actually break down the food, creating little to no digestive effort once consumed into our bodies. Because predigested foods require less digestive work and no extra enzyme output from your own enzyme pool, your body can assimilate the vital nutrients these foods contain. Examples: Kombucha tea, yogurt, saur kraut, probiotics, miso, sprouted breads/tortillas, raw sprouted pates, sprouted tofu / tempeh
Nuts and seeds : Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein and calcium and are very important to a healthy lifestyle. They are rich in Vitamin B, B-Complex vitamins, copper, phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They contain unsaturated fat, which means they are easy to digest–with seeds being easier to digest than nuts. Either can be eaten right out of the shell, soaked in filtered water, or sprouted. Their nutritional value is enhanced and they become less fatty if they are soaked in water. Examples: Hemp, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts and almonds are great energy and nutrient-rich choices
Dehydrated foods: The process of deyhydration dries the moisture, but retains all the live enzymes and nutrients because the food is dried under 115 degrees. Examples: crackers, cookies, bars, nuts and seeds
Fresh Fruits and vegetables
Green Superfoods (green grasses, chlorella, spirulina,)
Red Superfoods (acai & gogi berry, pomegranate, blueberries, bilberries, etc)
Whole Grains: Whole grains are best when they have been soaked in water and sprouted. They are easy to digest and provide sustained energy. They can be eaten raw or ground and baked into products such as bread, tortillas, etc.
Raw Oils: Cold Pressed oils, such as hemp, coconut and flaxseed oil that are raw and organic will not make you gain weight and help to cleanse the colon and keep you feeling satiated longer. Raw foods rich in good fats are also important and gentle on digestion including avocados, young coconut, raw nuts and seeds, etc.

Stevia: A truly natural sweetener

Rebekah — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:03:07 +0000

Stevia sweetener is a non-caloric extract or concentrate that is derived from the Stevia rebaudiana leaf. Stevia is about 250-300 times sweeter than sugar and is very nutritious. This natural alternative to sugar cane has been a popular sweetener in South America, especially Brazil, for over 1500 years.

Over the past century, its popularity has spread to Japan, China, Europe, and more recently the U.S. Unlike sugar-free artificial sweeteners, Stevia is a natural whole food that has not been converted to a toxic chemical. Stevia has been shown to have several important health benefits associated with the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and weight management. Not only is stevia non-caloric, it is also sugar-free. Stevia is also safe for diabetics, and helps regulate glucose levels.Stevia is sold in the form of a clear or golden liquid measured by the dropper; or white powder used by the teaspoonful. It can be found most natural food stores. The product is most nutritious if used in the “whole leaf concentrate” form versus the clear liquid extract. The darker brown the extract or concentrate is, the more pure the product. Also, the green powdered form is more nutritious than the white powder. Some of my favorite companies, which specialize in the dark concentrates, include Wisdom of the Ancients and Sweet Leaf (vanilla flavor).

Try Stevia in beverages, desserts, sauces or various dishes. I prefer to use Stevia in my tea and morning green drink. All you need is 4-6 drops to sweeten an entire mug of tea. Keep in mind that 1 Tablespooon of liquid Stevia equals about 1 cup brown sugar. So a little bit goes a long way!

Phase 2: The 11 Day Cleanse!

Rebekah — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:43:38 +0000

My 3-day cleanse that I posted at this website, followed two to four times a year is good for general of the digestive system and weight management (ideally done at the beginning of each season); however a deeper and more thorough cleanse is sometimes needed, especially if a body has gone through many years of neglect. So who needs to follow an eleven day cleanse…

Essentially everyone could benefit from an 11 day cleanse! Specifically though, an Eleven Day Cleanse might be a good choice for you if you are overweight, detoxing from drug, alcohol, and nicotine addiction, spent years following an unhealthy lifestyle with little to no daily cleansing foods, or recovering from a battle with a disease in which your body has been subjected to consistent foreign substances such as pain killers and other pharmaceutical medicine. First, I would advise that if you have never gone through a cleanse, it is best to start with a 3-day, and then advance to an 11-day at a later date within a month or so. You might want to start with a couple 3-day cleanses to jump start the process of toxin elimination, and then advance slowly, perhaps adding days to work your body up to an 11-day cleanse as your body’s alkalinity has begun to balance. Always check with your physician before your cleanse if you have any unique health issues such as those listed above.

The longer 11-day cleanse is different from the three-day because you start with a 3-day juice cleanse, and then you have eight days of gradually adding raw foods and broths to your juice regime. The fiber that you are adding in the raw fruits and vegetables help to further push out the toxins that have been pulled from your organs into your bloodstream. A hot bath should be taken every night during your cleanse, to aid the continual release of toxins.

The eleven-day cleanse can be used as a good general cleanser two or three times a year to reduce weight; when joints get stiff; to relieve constipation, and for elimination of toxins. Those who are weak and feeble should not follow the plan for the full eleven days without supervision. The manner in which the foods are to be taken may be adjusted to suit your needs.

11-Day Cleanse

Day 1-3

Follow the recommendation for the 3-Day Juice Cleanse .

Day 4-5

Eat Young Thai coconuts and drink the water, 1-2 per day
Drink a green superfood drink 2 times or more per day.
Eat whole raw fruits & veggies and chia seeds only. Use fruits such as grapes, melons, berries, tomatoes, avocados, pears, peaches, plums, apples, sulfur-free dried fruit such as prunes, figs and peaches. Veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.
Soak dried fruits in water overnight, making them easier to digest.
Either grind up the chia seeds and sprinkle over your food, soak them in water and eat as a porridge with coconut water & raw agave, or blend into chia milk and mix with coconut water and/or daily green drinks.

Days 6-11

Breakfast – Vegetable juice and/or green Superfood drink w/ chia milk (optional) and coconut water
Between breakfast and lunch have any kind of citrus fruits or berries or avocado
Lunch – Salad of 3-6 vegetables (use cold pressed olive/flax oil w/ lemon, celtic sea salt & spices for dressing) and 2 cups of Essential Broth (see recipe below)
Between meals, drink plenty of alkaline water, coconut water and vegetable juices as desired
Dinner – 2 or 3 lightly steamed vegetables drizzled with coconut oil and Celtic Sea Salt and 2 cups of Essential Broth
Before retiring, drink vegetable or fruit juices if desired
Eat plenty, but don’t overeat
If you feel hungry between meals, drink extra Essential Broth, Kombucha Tea, Chia Milk or Vegetable Juice

Recipe for Essential Broth

2 cups Carrot tops
2 cups Potato peelings ½” thick
2 cups Beet tops
2 cups Celery tops
3 cups Celery stalk
2 qts. Alkaline water
1 Carrot & 1 Onion
10 Whole garlic cloves
1 Tbsp Miso paste
Celtic Sea Salt to taste

Finely chop vegetables and slowly bring to a boil.
Simmer for about 60 minutes (this allows all of nutrients to leave the veggies and stay in the broth).
Strain out the vegetables, add the Miso and salt, and drink the broth.
Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Killing You Softly!

Rebekah — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:36:49 +0000

Of all genetically modified produce, corn is one of the most harmful for your body. New studies have found some disturbing results on the damages that GMO can have on your body…

According to studies published in the International Journal of Biological Science, GMO corn can damage the liver, kidneys and other organs. Hopefully these studies and reports will help to raise awareness to manufacturers and the public that GMO produced food can actually be harmful to the body and should not be allowed in the stores.

When you go grocery shopping try to buy organic and when buying already made/processed foods look for the “Non-GMO” stamp on the labels. Lundberg Farms and Nature’s Path are just a couple of the companies that are participating in the Non-GMO project. This project is not only providing foods in their more natural and state, but it is also making a statement to the public that genetically modified foods are not safe and should be avoided. To learn more about the Non-GMO project and other related issues, you can learn more at http://www.non-gmoreport.com/ .

What you can do:

Be aware that corn, in some form, is added to over 70% of processed foods. Whether it is corn syrup, corn flour, or even stored in meat (animals are fed GMO corn), it is almost impossible to avoid unless you are making a conscious effort.
Unfortunately the US does not require food labels to say if they contain GMO ingredients. Buying organic will greatly minimize GM food intake because legally organic food can’t be genetically modified. If you are not sure if the produce is organic, look at the 4 number code on the produce sticker…if it begins with a “9” it is organic and “4” means conventional or nonorganic and is most likely genetically modified.
To minimize all GM foods pay special attention to all foods that contain soy, corn and canola because these crops are the most commonly genetically modified foods.

There is a great video that talks about the production of food, Monsanto (the largest seed/crop controller using GM seeds), how much GM corn has invaded the food industry, etc. It is called “The Future of Food” by Deborah Koons Garcia: http://www.ironweedfilms.com/films/the-future-of-food

Why Choose Organic?

Why Choose Organic?

Rebekah — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:07:49 +0000

Your produce, grains, beans, seeds and nuts are only as nutritious as the ground they come from, so whenever you can, buy organic. This is scary… a conventional (non-organic) apple, after being washed, still contains over 30 pesticides! Fresh produce that is not organic can actually be harmful on your body…

In order for a food to be labeled “organic” the soil it came from must be free of chemicals and pesticides for 10 years, and the growers must only use organic fertilizer. The organic matter used by organic growers brings fertility back to the soil, which has been neglected by conventional farmers. While the rise of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers has increased tenfold in the last forty years, crop losses due to insects have doubled. Organic methods, on the other hand, build up the soil, creating stronger, more disease-resistant plants.

Most people would be surprised to know that while 10% of the pesticides ingested in our country come from produce, 90% are found in animal products. Produce is treated with pesticides a set number of times during its growth, while factory farm animals are fed pesticide-laden crops regularly. The pesticides eaten daily by the animals are absorbed into their tissues and stored there. When you eat these animals or the milk products they produce, you are consuming concentrated doses in uncontrolled combinations of many of the most deadly chemicals ever known.

Eating organic is the only way to guarantee that you are receiving the nutrition that nature intended, while avoiding toxic chemicals. You will find that organic produce is much more flavorful. If you are home growing, buy organic seeds, fertilizer or composts. If you choose to eat processed foods, buy organic, and if you choose to eat meat, buy free range.

According to organicfoodinfo.net the following is documented regarding organic foods:

Organic foods are richer in nutrients and fiber
Higher levels of vitamins and minerals absorbed into your body from organic foods will keep your immune system stronger and more resistant to disease and infections
Consuming less chemicals and toxins (from pesticides) which slow your body down, will give you more overall energy.
Organic Foods have much better flavor.
Organic food producers have very strict standards to meet.
The average non organic produce contains over 20 pesticides

Garbanzo Veggie Burgers for the WHOLE Family

Rebekah — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:31:05 +0000

One of my favorite ways to use up veggies, grains and any other food from the week’s shopping is to grind it all up and bake veggie burgers. This was such a morning and I needed a new food idea for my 23 month old, who seems to be bored with food these days. They turned out yummy, were super easy to make, packed with protein & veggies and even my 15 month old neighbor devoured two of them, as you can see in the pic!

You can be creative and substitute or add in veggies/grains of your choice. For example celery, mushrooms, corn, arugula and even rice would all taste yummy in these burgers. I like to use quinoa because it is gluten-free, high protein and easy to digest but you can try different grains.

You can also try different varieties of beans. I used garbanzos because that is what I had but I have made them with black beans and lentils before and they turned out just as yummy. The great thing about garbanzos is that they are extremely mild in taste and add creaminess to the batter.

Kids love to eat these burgers plain in their hand but they can be added to a sandwich, crumbled up and stir fried with veggies for tacos, or cut in half and placed in pita bread with veggies and tahini sauce which tastes like a falafel. Be creative!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked quinoa (try soaking the quinoa first for at least 4 hours if possible)
1 ½ cups cooked/canned garbanzo beans
¾ cup rolled oats
½ red bell pepper chopped
2 raw carrots, chopped
¼ -1/3 cup fresh cilantro
½ brown onion, chopped
½ cup Sunflower dip, optional (adds a creamy tangy flavor) – you can always add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 raw cloves of garlic and extra nutritional yeast instead
1/8 tsp curry powder blend
Dashes of fennel, garlic and onion powder
¼-1/2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt (start with ¼ 1^st and then you can add more if needed after grinding & tasting)
4 green or kalamata olives, optional (tried it and loved the zest they added!)
3 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
¼ cup nutritional yeast

Directions:

Cook the quinoa while preparing the veggies – takes about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to about 350 degrees.
In a bowl mix all of the chopped veggies, oats, garbanzos and quinoa as soon as it is done cooking.
In a food processor grind ½ of the batter at a time until pureed.
I like to use my ice cream scooper to scoop and shape the burgers. Take a scoop of the batter (about 1/3-1/2 cup) and place onto a baking sheet greased with coconut or grapeseed oil.
Pat the batter down to the size of burger you want, keeping them about (they don’t spread out much while baking)1/4 inch thick.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven. When you flip them the bottom should be golden brown.
Bake on the other side for another 15 minutes, possibly more. Should be golden brown on both sides and soft in the center to touch but not mushy. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before eating.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen and reheated.

Superfood Top Pick: Chia Seeds!

Rebekah — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:39:45 +0000

These tiny nutritious seeds were a staple for the Aztecs and Native American Indians. Chia seeds were their power foods that gave them strength, endurance and sustained them nutritionally on long journeys. What is it about this superfood that is so unique and essential?

On the nutritional side chia seeds are rich in protein (about 7g per serving), omega fatty acids, fiber, provides 35% calcium and 30% iron per serving! Plus the list of nutrients they provide is extensive – you could live off of them for a long period of time if necessary.

Endurance & Energy:

On the unique side, chia seeds provide long lasting energy fuel and supply of electrolytes, keeping the body hydrated for long periods of time. It seems that nature created a food that can nourish, hydrate and energize the body specifically for long durations – the ideal athlete food!

They are also the ideal workaholic food – sustained energy and nutrition without having to eat large quantities of food. I would go further to say it is ideal for toddlers who are too busy playing to stop and eat and pregnancy, the time when your body needs the best absorbable nutrients and hydration.

It might seem strange that a seed can have so much power over your endurance levels but the more I research chia seeds the more I realize how similar they are to the affects that raw complex carbohydrates have on the body. Complex carbs break down slowly, releasing small amounts of sugar to the body at a time. Chia seeds have a similar affect. When you soak chia seeds in water they create a gel-like texture which when eaten slows down the conversion of carbs into sugar, making them ideal for diabetics. This slow conversion process creates sustained energy and keeps the body from energy crashing.

Weight management:

The bonus is that soaked chia seeds help to lean out the waistline due to their ability to control carbohydrate absorption (you won’t store the carbs as fat); their ability to cleanse the colon; nourish the body, keeping it satisfied and less hungry (craving less sweets); clean out bad fats; give you more energy to exercise. Chia seeds are simply filling. Adding a few tablespoons of chia seeds or a few ounces of chia milk (see below) to smoothies or even oatmeal daily satisfies you for hours! I have been making a chia porridge daily, adding it to smoothies or eating it plain and I feel full all day while having tons of energy.

I strongly recommend buying a bag of raw chia seeds and try using them the following ways:

Grind into a powder and add to already cooked oatmeal, cereal or sprinkled over salads, sauces, etc.
Soak about 1/3 cup of chia seeds to 2 cups water and let sit for at least 1 hour (stir it a few times the first 5 minutes). Do not drain. It will create a thick gelatin-like consistency which will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (it has no flavor so don’t worry). Don’t be grossed out by the texture. I like to add fresh coconut water and raw coconut pudding to it and eat as porridge. Other days I add 3 Tbsp of the Chia Gel to a smoothie with young thai coconuts, green superfoods, fruit and blend it up. It is delicious and fills me up without weighting me down!
You can even use the Chia gel as a raw thickener for raw sauces, dressings, soups, dips, etc.
Chia Milk: Take the chia gel (2 cups water to 1/3 cup chia seeds) and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Be sure not to strain the water – you might want to add extra water to thin the milk. You can sweeten it and add cinnamon or vanilla because this milk has no flavor. I love to add 3-4 ounces of chia milk to my daily green drinks – amazing energy and very filling!

*Reference: www.integratedhealth.com