Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. We have had lots going on. I have been playing around with tofu recently. I like it but my husband isn't a huge fan. He will eat it though. Here are 2 tofu scrambles that I have made recently and was happy with. They are pretty simple which is why I like them. It is true that not everyone can have soy products so please be knowledgeable of whether or not you are one of those people.
1 package firm herb infused tofu....I like Central Soy brand b/c it is local to Kansas and nonGMO... cut into chunks
2 medium sized chard leaves...torn into pieces
6 cloves garlic..chopped
1/4 cup yellow onion... chopped
1 carrot...chopped
4-5 cherry or grape tomato...sliced in half
olive oil
paprika & black pepper to taste
2 purple potatoes...sliced...these are usually small
Add enough olive oil to a sauce pan to coat the bottom. Set burner to medium heat. Throw in the purple potatoes and let them fry or cook until tender then add the onions, garlic, carrot & tomato cook for a couple of minutes and add tofu chunks paprika to taste and black pepper to taste. Saute all for about 15 minutes and serve. You can also use hickory smoked tofu which is nice or plain tofu but I like the flavored ones b/c that is less you have to do to give it flavor. Mushrooms would also be a nice addition. Serving with brown rice or quinoa is also great.
We love purple potatoes. We try to avoid potatoes mostly except sweet potatoes but these are so very appealing. I think kids would like them mixed in with other veggies because they are purple and that is something different and more interesting than a white potato. But we don't have kids so I have not tested the theory. Although my husband can be like one with food so if it appeals to him it is safe to say it will appeal to the kiddos too.
I want to recommend 2 other blogs that I have fairly recently found and really like for recipes,etc. vegandad.blogspot.com & nutritioncoachkaren.blogspot.com.
Have a positive day!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72D3M7VNABU Our Children will accuse Us video clip.
This ia a powerful video clip. It addresses an issue that is most important in the world today about conventional farming practices with the mass use of chemicals and the reprocutions that has on all of us. It reminds me of a story from a girl that I used to work a 2nd job with. She met a guy from Minnesota and moved to his hometown which was a small farming community to be with him on his family's farm. He now farmed it. She came back here for a visit and over lunch I asked her what it was like on the farm and in the small town. She enjoyed it very much and liked the small farming community but she was concerned about a couple of things. The family farm was now being farmed with chemicals and her boyfriend had to dress in Hazmat- like gear on the days that these chemicals were sprayed in order to go out into the fields. She worried about his health and said that his response to that is that his father farmed this way and he was ok so far. She also said that the surronding farming communities and the one she lived in all coordinated the days that they sprayed because those chemicals become airborne and it is easier for the communities to know which days the windows have to stay shut, the kids can't play outside and in general everyone including the animals stays inside if it is all done on the same day. I remember being shocked by this info. It is scarey!! That is the food that is sold to us in markets,grocery stores and resturants. Wow! right? Imagine that just for a minute. The days of grandma & grandpa's natural farm is almost long gone. There are those farmer's that use organic farming methods successfully and provide food that is not laced with chemicals that make us sick & kill us. These farmers are the Rock Stars and they deserve to be recognized and our deep appriciation for their hardwork, efforts & caring. We need to be educated on these topics and we need to encourage these organic practices. So many people worry about the cost of organic food but let me tell you that a hospital,doctor and meds will cost a hell of a lot more than a shopping cart of organic food. Plus organic foods in a conventional grocery store,in my experience, cost almost double the price of the same thing from a health food store. An example...I buy a sprouted grain organic bread at my local Whole Foods for $2.99 and that same bread at another popular Kansas City conventional grocery store that has a larger than most organic food department costs $4.79 as of this week. It is no wonder to me that people freak out about organics being expensive. Whole Foods gets the bad rep of being overly pricey but if you shop there and look in other stores you will soon find that it is not really true. And if more people would do there shopping in the healthfood stores organic foods would become the preference. It is the choice between real clean foods or chemical laced & unnatural nutritionally void foods.
This ia a powerful video clip. It addresses an issue that is most important in the world today about conventional farming practices with the mass use of chemicals and the reprocutions that has on all of us. It reminds me of a story from a girl that I used to work a 2nd job with. She met a guy from Minnesota and moved to his hometown which was a small farming community to be with him on his family's farm. He now farmed it. She came back here for a visit and over lunch I asked her what it was like on the farm and in the small town. She enjoyed it very much and liked the small farming community but she was concerned about a couple of things. The family farm was now being farmed with chemicals and her boyfriend had to dress in Hazmat- like gear on the days that these chemicals were sprayed in order to go out into the fields. She worried about his health and said that his response to that is that his father farmed this way and he was ok so far. She also said that the surronding farming communities and the one she lived in all coordinated the days that they sprayed because those chemicals become airborne and it is easier for the communities to know which days the windows have to stay shut, the kids can't play outside and in general everyone including the animals stays inside if it is all done on the same day. I remember being shocked by this info. It is scarey!! That is the food that is sold to us in markets,grocery stores and resturants. Wow! right? Imagine that just for a minute. The days of grandma & grandpa's natural farm is almost long gone. There are those farmer's that use organic farming methods successfully and provide food that is not laced with chemicals that make us sick & kill us. These farmers are the Rock Stars and they deserve to be recognized and our deep appriciation for their hardwork, efforts & caring. We need to be educated on these topics and we need to encourage these organic practices. So many people worry about the cost of organic food but let me tell you that a hospital,doctor and meds will cost a hell of a lot more than a shopping cart of organic food. Plus organic foods in a conventional grocery store,in my experience, cost almost double the price of the same thing from a health food store. An example...I buy a sprouted grain organic bread at my local Whole Foods for $2.99 and that same bread at another popular Kansas City conventional grocery store that has a larger than most organic food department costs $4.79 as of this week. It is no wonder to me that people freak out about organics being expensive. Whole Foods gets the bad rep of being overly pricey but if you shop there and look in other stores you will soon find that it is not really true. And if more people would do there shopping in the healthfood stores organic foods would become the preference. It is the choice between real clean foods or chemical laced & unnatural nutritionally void foods.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Beer & Wine Pros & Cons
Alcohol is one of those confusing things for most when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Should I or shouldn't I. It is a matter of choice in my opinion but it should be an informed choice.
I am not preaching against it because for many years I indulged generously. I was a beer loving girl. I have not had a drink of anything alcoholic since 2/07 and I do not miss it. Here is what I have learned about wine & beer from the Nutrition Almanac by John Kirschmann.....
Alcohol is nothing but pure carbohydrates topped off by lots of calories.
Wine is something we are told is good for us one day and bad the next. In moderation wine might have some benefits to the cardiovascular system at about 2 glasses per day. White & red wine raise HDL cholesterol which is the good cholesterol. Red wine seems to offer more effective benefits because the skins contain polyphenols. Polyphenols fight cancer,heart disease, bacteria and thin the blood to prevent clots. White wine does not contain the skins of the grape thus it does not provide these benefits. Wine boosts estrogen levels,kills bacteria, discourages gallstones and inhibits viruses. Red wine is known to trigger migraine headaches and any wine in excess can cause liver,brain and heart problems.
Beer contains magnesium. It might also prevent blockages of arteries in the heart and raise HDL cholesterol. It also causes elevated blood pressure,gout,and cancer of the urinary tract,lung,rectum and breast. The amount consumed increases these risks. Even moderate amounts increase the chance of heart attack. Those beerbellies that we usually talk about with affection and laughter are the result of damage done to the walls of the stomach taking away its' firmness. Beer in excess causes a malabsorption of protein which is needed to keep the stomach firm. In those with beerbellies the stomach structure is weak and the digestive system has expanded. Pretty gross if you ask me.
So do the pros get outweighed by the cons? That of course is a personal choice. Paraphrasing a quote I like moderation kills. Moderation to me is an excuse but that is me. I used to drink...alot. Not saying that I was an alcoholic but enough to have a good time. Now I know I don't need it to have a good time or to relax. There are better ways that do not pose a health risk. I enjoyed it socially. I am not against alcohol but I do think that having the proper information about what we are consuming is important.
I am not preaching against it because for many years I indulged generously. I was a beer loving girl. I have not had a drink of anything alcoholic since 2/07 and I do not miss it. Here is what I have learned about wine & beer from the Nutrition Almanac by John Kirschmann.....
Alcohol is nothing but pure carbohydrates topped off by lots of calories.
Wine is something we are told is good for us one day and bad the next. In moderation wine might have some benefits to the cardiovascular system at about 2 glasses per day. White & red wine raise HDL cholesterol which is the good cholesterol. Red wine seems to offer more effective benefits because the skins contain polyphenols. Polyphenols fight cancer,heart disease, bacteria and thin the blood to prevent clots. White wine does not contain the skins of the grape thus it does not provide these benefits. Wine boosts estrogen levels,kills bacteria, discourages gallstones and inhibits viruses. Red wine is known to trigger migraine headaches and any wine in excess can cause liver,brain and heart problems.
Beer contains magnesium. It might also prevent blockages of arteries in the heart and raise HDL cholesterol. It also causes elevated blood pressure,gout,and cancer of the urinary tract,lung,rectum and breast. The amount consumed increases these risks. Even moderate amounts increase the chance of heart attack. Those beerbellies that we usually talk about with affection and laughter are the result of damage done to the walls of the stomach taking away its' firmness. Beer in excess causes a malabsorption of protein which is needed to keep the stomach firm. In those with beerbellies the stomach structure is weak and the digestive system has expanded. Pretty gross if you ask me.
So do the pros get outweighed by the cons? That of course is a personal choice. Paraphrasing a quote I like moderation kills. Moderation to me is an excuse but that is me. I used to drink...alot. Not saying that I was an alcoholic but enough to have a good time. Now I know I don't need it to have a good time or to relax. There are better ways that do not pose a health risk. I enjoyed it socially. I am not against alcohol but I do think that having the proper information about what we are consuming is important.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hope every second
Today has been wonderful. Dare I say perfect! It was finally sunny and dry outside..great Fall weather. We had a fun brunch with my mother-in-law and ran a few errands then went to the arboritum which was beautiful and one of our favorite nieghborhood parks. Right now I am listening to Paul play guitar and sing one of his songs. I looove days like these. Life is wonderful and I am often reminded of that even in the midst of craziness. I was telling Paul this morning that the past 3 years have been crazy. It amazes me to think back on them. I got sick with the brain abcess and almost clocked out. Made it out of the hospital after 1 month and spent 1 year in rehab therapies relearning how to walk,talk normally,etc. then the cancer bomb hit Paul. Chemo, diet changes, retraining our thoughts, lots of learning, finding Kris Carr and her books. Our great friend Melecia passed from her 2nd battle with cancer,my daddy passed from cardiac arrest 2 days after my birthday and Paul's dear grandpa passed. Wow! That's CRAZY but we have moved forward stronger with each event and positive. It brings tears to my eyes but they are tears of joy and gratefulness at all of the things we have endured and continuously deal with in a positive manner. I am so proud of us. Hope fills our lives every second. I am so proud of my husband it is overwhelming and listening to him right now doing what he loves just reassures me that he is healing. :}
Great quote
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
More on beneficial properties of common fruits
Continuing on with fruit talk...
Cherries both sweet & tart may be beneficial in protecting the arterial walls of the heart and may also be protective against cancer as part of a cancer prevention diet. The red tart variety contains anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Blueberries rank high in antioxidant activity. They also have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. The phytonutients possessed block damage to blood vessels including those in the brain. They also prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder thus fighting urinary tract infections. They control diarrhea also. Blueberries are an antiviral and contain natural aspirin. Raw is more beneficial than cooked.
Cranberries prevent bacteria from clinging to tissue thus prevent urinary & kidney infections. They also prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and forming plaque. The anthocyanin in them protect cholesterol from oxidation and thins the blood. They can also prevent kidney stones.
Melons are the most alkaline fruits. They contain potassium,calcium, iron,etc. Cantaloupe contains betacarotene, glutathione and vitamin C which protect the heart and prevent cancer.
Watermelons contain the powerful antioxidants lycopene & glutathione which fight bacteria and prevent blood clots.
Even though these fruits have several great benefits remember that fruits are naturally high in sugar which for some is an issue so just be smart about how much you consume. Mix them up too.
Cherries both sweet & tart may be beneficial in protecting the arterial walls of the heart and may also be protective against cancer as part of a cancer prevention diet. The red tart variety contains anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Blueberries rank high in antioxidant activity. They also have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. The phytonutients possessed block damage to blood vessels including those in the brain. They also prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder thus fighting urinary tract infections. They control diarrhea also. Blueberries are an antiviral and contain natural aspirin. Raw is more beneficial than cooked.
Cranberries prevent bacteria from clinging to tissue thus prevent urinary & kidney infections. They also prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and forming plaque. The anthocyanin in them protect cholesterol from oxidation and thins the blood. They can also prevent kidney stones.
Melons are the most alkaline fruits. They contain potassium,calcium, iron,etc. Cantaloupe contains betacarotene, glutathione and vitamin C which protect the heart and prevent cancer.
Watermelons contain the powerful antioxidants lycopene & glutathione which fight bacteria and prevent blood clots.
Even though these fruits have several great benefits remember that fruits are naturally high in sugar which for some is an issue so just be smart about how much you consume. Mix them up too.
Monday, October 12, 2009
a few beneficial friuts
I was reading my Nutrition Almanac by John Kirschmann tonight and thought I would share some helpful info. of fruits.
Pineapple is an antiviral and antibacterial. It contains manganese which is good for the bones and a natural enzyme called bromelain that aids in digestion and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Apples reduce cholesterol and are anti-inflammatory. They also fight bacteria and viruses including colds, stabilize blood sugars, help prevent cancer and aid the cardiovascular system. They also contain boron boosting the action of estrogen and contain bulk fiber. Two or three apples a day offer benefits.One won't get the job done.
Figs have iron,magnesium,potassium and calcium as well as significant amounts of fiber. It is said that they can shrink tumors.
Dates contain calcium & boron and a high amount of natural aspirin. They are also linked to lower pancreatic cancer rates.
Oranges are high in vitamin C and protect against respiratory infections,viruses and gum disease. They are also associated with lowering the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Grapefruits lower blood cholesterol and can reverse clogged arteries. It is also high in vitamin C. and antiviral. They retard tumor growth and fight pancreatic & stomach cancers
lemon and lime contain antioxidants that block cancer. Also high in vitamin C. Lemon is an astringent, diuretic and good for sore throats sunburn and hiccoughs.
Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C and in traditional Chinese medicine is used to fight breast and stomach cancers.
Grapes only the red ones have a great cancer fighting property. They are high in the antioxident Quercetine. The skins inhibit blood clotting and raise good HDL cholesterol levels as does grapeseed oil. In studies they also act as antiviral and antibiotic agents.
Raspberries are antiviral and anticancer containing natural aspirin.
Strawberries are antiviral and block cancer forming substances. They also benefit the cardiovascular system and are high in fiber.
That is all for now. It is a great time of year to stock up on the antiviral and antibacterial fruits.
Pineapple is an antiviral and antibacterial. It contains manganese which is good for the bones and a natural enzyme called bromelain that aids in digestion and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Apples reduce cholesterol and are anti-inflammatory. They also fight bacteria and viruses including colds, stabilize blood sugars, help prevent cancer and aid the cardiovascular system. They also contain boron boosting the action of estrogen and contain bulk fiber. Two or three apples a day offer benefits.One won't get the job done.
Figs have iron,magnesium,potassium and calcium as well as significant amounts of fiber. It is said that they can shrink tumors.
Dates contain calcium & boron and a high amount of natural aspirin. They are also linked to lower pancreatic cancer rates.
Oranges are high in vitamin C and protect against respiratory infections,viruses and gum disease. They are also associated with lowering the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Grapefruits lower blood cholesterol and can reverse clogged arteries. It is also high in vitamin C. and antiviral. They retard tumor growth and fight pancreatic & stomach cancers
lemon and lime contain antioxidants that block cancer. Also high in vitamin C. Lemon is an astringent, diuretic and good for sore throats sunburn and hiccoughs.
Kiwi fruit is high in vitamin C and in traditional Chinese medicine is used to fight breast and stomach cancers.
Grapes only the red ones have a great cancer fighting property. They are high in the antioxident Quercetine. The skins inhibit blood clotting and raise good HDL cholesterol levels as does grapeseed oil. In studies they also act as antiviral and antibiotic agents.
Raspberries are antiviral and anticancer containing natural aspirin.
Strawberries are antiviral and block cancer forming substances. They also benefit the cardiovascular system and are high in fiber.
That is all for now. It is a great time of year to stock up on the antiviral and antibacterial fruits.
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