Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup Potluck: Meet Angela Cook

Attending the first Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup potluck

February 10, 2010, was a culinary explosion to the palate and a gift to the soul.

I’m the first one to dish up some amazing raw eats. Mmmm…

Check out more photos from the potluck below

and learn why Angela Cook wanted to start this Raw Food Meetup group.

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Q&A with

Angela Cook,

Organizer of the Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup

Celeste: Angela, congratulations on a successful first potluck! What inspired you to start the Central Wisconsin Raw Food Meetup group?

Angela: Thank you Celeste and I’m so glad that you were able to join me! My inspiration came from my own need. I have been interested in Raw Food for about a decade. I began by juicing and eating more fruits and veggies. Then, as I learned more about it, I decided to eat around 90% Raw, as an experiment really. I’d been reading all of these amazing stories of weight loss and healing that people had experienced. I wanted to see it for myself.

For two years I stayed between 75% and 90% Raw. It was amazing. I looked and felt my very best consuming mostly Living Foods.

Then I moved up here to the Northwoods! With limited restaurant choices and cold long winters….I slipped into ‘SAD’ as it’s called (Standard American Diet). I gained weight, suffered from seasonal depression, fatigue, and developed high blood pressure. Initially, I went along with the typical protocol ~ medication, cut out the salt, exercise etc…but it didn’t work. So, I’ve tried to eat whole and organic over the last year, but it’s just not enough for me. I knew in my heart what I needed to do and that is eat mostly LIVING FOOD! I’m inspired by others and I love the camaraderie of like minded people (accountability is good too!) So, I decided to start the Pot Luck!

Celeste: What are the steps to becoming part of your ever expanding raw food group?

Angela: Click here to sign up and RSVP to the upcoming potluck.

Note: Click on “Calendar” (left hand side) on Angela’s profile to see when the next potluck will be (March 19).

Celeste: If I know nothing about raw foods, can I still attend your potlucks and if so, how do I prepare for one?

Angela: Everything you read about health encourages you to up your intake of fruits and veggies. For some this can seem boring…same pieces of fruit….same salads etc. Joining this potluck will help you learn all of the amazing ways you can use living foods to create delicious dishes! If you know nothing about preparing raw dishes, you can google “Raw Recipes” and there are LOTS! If it seems like too much information…just bring a bowl of organic fruit, raw nuts or dates.

Celeste: How can being a part of your raw food group tremendously impact my life?

Angela: Hearing stories of how eating Raw has helped people, being inspired to think out of the box when it comes to eating and preparing foods, experiencing how good you feel after eating there, as opposed to that heavy cooked meal at your last get together! As you eat less processed food and more raw, you will see the weight come off and the brain fog lift ~ what’s not to love about that!

Celeste: Share something about yourself that would surprise us.

Angela: I just registered to become a Certified Zumba Instructor! I’m 42, mother of 6 and a Grandma of 2…what am I doing!!! I’ll tell you ~ I am finally getting off my duff and striving for those things that are in my heart to do!

Celeste: Would you like to add anything else?

Angela: Two things: 1) It’s never too late to be all that God has created you to be! 2) Thank you Celeste, you are an amazing woman and you inspire me!

Don’t miss out on the March potluck.

Be sure to sign up here to attend!

Raw Food Diet: How Many Percent Raw Do We Have to Eat to be Considered a Raw Foodist?

Author: Linda Loo

The word "percent", has been mentioned continuously in the raw food world. We hear it all the time - 100% raw, 90% raw, or 75% raw...

Sometimes its as if 100% is some kind of a destination, and once we get there, its Hooray, but its almost a shame if we ever leave.

In actual fact, raw foodism is NOT a destination. Rather, it is a process of discovery.

Discovery about ourselves, how our body works and ultimately how we affect others around us.

You may already know that eating live foods instead of processed, "dead" foods, frees the body of unnecessary burdens and feeds essential nutrients to your cells.

And so for instance, if we used to eat a breakfast of microwaved pancakes with butter, but we now switch to fresh bananas with nut butter, a number of things are going to happen:

First of all, our digestive organs do not have to deal with the complex carbohydrates, processed sugar and saturated fats from the pancakes.

Hence, the body will not feel the slight comatose (its still slight because the day just began!) which usually comes after eating a starchy/fats/processed sugar combination.

Second, we are not eating microwaved ie. chemically altered foods, anymore. The impact of chemically altered foods are at worst damaging to our cells, and at best unknown!

Yes, Science has not yet uncovered the full spectrum of detriment which DNA altered foods can do to our bodies.

Third, we are flooding our bodies with first-hand natural sugars, nutrients and live enzymes from the bananas/nut butter combo.

These require less effort to assimilate (compared to the pancakes) and nourishment is delivered straight to our cells.

As a result, we feel full, energetic, alive and happy! We are now reaping the benefits of a raw food diet.

The benefits of a raw food diet can be enjoyed by taking in as many raw foods as possible.

It doesn't mean you have to be 100%, or 90%, it doesn't even have to be a percentage. Being 100% raw may not even be an appropriate goal for you in the first place. Just go at your own pace.

A person can be a 100% raw foodist, but totally unhealthy because he is overeating only a specific type of food and thus missing out on other valuable nutrients.

Or she could be overeating nuts and oils, have digestive disorders and thus suffer more from weight issues than ever!

These examples would definitely not see those incredible health benefits often raved about in the raw food world.

And does it mean that if we ever fall off from the 100% mark, we berate ourselves and take off in the opposite direction altogether?

Absolutely not! Raw foods, remember, is an on-going journey. It is an amazing process where you discover about yourself.

And it all begins with discovering how the foods you eat can affect you physiologically, emotionally and spiritually.

As long as we are mindful to eat as much unaltered, raw and fresh organic foods as we can get our hands on, we are on the right track.

So, Raw Foodism re-defined:

A Raw Foodist can be someone who acknowledges that foods he/she eat have an impact on him/her, and strives to give him/herself the best possible nutrients out of every meal.

Relax, enjoy your food and start living your life :)

(C)Copyright 2008, Linda Loo

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/raw-food-diet-how-many-percent-raw-do-we-have-to-eat-to-be-considered-a-raw-foodist-592573.html

About the Author
Linda has always been passionate about the Science of Nutrition for beauty, weight-loss, energy & longevity. She is also a successful Raw Foodist & Certified Raw Food Chef and is ever so delighted to share this gift of knowledge with fellow health enthusiasts! Visit http://rawfoodlifestyles.com/ for more free juicy information on how you can eat your way to a flawless complexion, a sexy body, AND abundant energy now!

Hemp Seeds, One of the Ways to Rebalance and Detox Your Body

Author: Willie Jones

Unless you live in a pesticide and chemical free environment and eat only 100% organic, there is an excellent chance that your body is overburdened, nutrient deficient and headed toward obesity and long term problems. North America in particular has been lulled by the food industry to eat supposedly safe, processed, packaged and canned foods. Well you've been fooled long enough!

Almost every time you open a package to cook something, not only are you eating inferior food, you are also for the most part eating MSG. (Even some organic foods). I cover this in an earlier article and I recommend you educate your self on this subject as well.

In the last 50+ years man has changed the way we eat so much that the health our great grandparents enjoyed are difficult to obtain today. Not impossible but very difficult. Our big problem today is toxicity! Our bodies are toxic and over acidic and we need to take steps to ward off future problems. Hemp seeds can help in a big way!

No other seed or nut that I know of can match the quality and balance of nutrients that the hemp seeds contain. Flax seeds come close but the hemp seed contains the correct balance of Omega 3 and omega 6 essential oils as well as linoleic acid, vitamin E and trace minerals and is an impressive 33% protein.

Hemp seeds are an excellent solution for vegetarians.

Our diets today are often without the correct balance of nutrients, for example, if you take a calcium supplement, you may not be absorbing it into the body because calcium needs magnesium and something acidic with it like a bit of vinegar or lemon juice in water to be absorbed into the body. So it is with omega 3 and omega 6. You need both to provide the cells in the body what it needs otherwise imbalances occur.

You can take fish oils for omega 3 and 6 but if you don't like the after taste or have concerns about our polluted lakes, rivers and oceans, then eating hemp seeds or using cold pressed hemp oil in salad dressings can be a great alternative. They have a mild nutty taste and can be added to just about any meal. It is best to start your morning with hemp seeds in your breakfast, (add it to cereals, yogurt or smoothies or grind them to make a nut butter.) If you want to replace dairy you can make hemp milk a home. Here is a recipe;

2 cups of hulled hemp seeds

Very hot water

Blender

Colander

Hemp cloth or cheese cloth

Put the hemp seeds in the blender. Add hot water to about ¾ of the way. Place the lid on the blender and hold tight with your hands. Start the blender on the lowest setting so that the content doesn't explode out of the blender. (Hot liquids can do that). Once your blender is working smoothly you can increase slowly up to high and blend for a couple of minutes. Place the colander into a large bowl, then place the cheesecloth into the colander. Slowly pour the milk into the colander. When all of the liquid is in the bowl, grab all four corners and squeeze out the remaining liquid. Pour the milk into glass container with a lid and refrigerate. Use it any where you would regular milk.

The body needs healthy fats and hemp seeds have all the essential fatty acids your body wants. When your body starts getting the nutrition and the healthy fats it needs, it will start to detox and rebalance the body to the proper acid/alkaline state and this is what you want because disease only thrives in an overly acid body. Eating hemp seeds daily may restore luster to your hair, improve skin conditions and more importantly may improve cardio vascular health and who wouldn't want that!

You may want to consider the benefits of eating organic fruits and vegetables in addition to hemp seeds to improve overall health


Enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/hemp-seeds-one-of-the-ways-to-rebalance-and-detox-your-body-463284.html

About the Author:
Willie is a researcher and freelance writer whose own health problems prompted her to gain information on health and wellness and share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on detox through foot baths and foot massager

Pineapple Zucchini Bread. Delicious!

Okay, so I've given up sandwich bread but I can't resist a delicious quick bread!
I wanted to eat this whole bundt loaf at one sitting...
Feel free to share your quick bread recipes in the comment section:)

Pineapple Zucchini Bread

Original recipe from Light & Tasty June/July 2007 magazine

Yields: One bundt pan or one loaf pan

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup Jarrow Formulas Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• 1/3 cup Applesauce
  
• 2 egg whites
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat with a mixer-> the sugar, applesauce, coconut oil, egg whites, egg, and vanilla until well blended. Gradually beat into sugar mixture->flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda. Stir in the zucchini, pineapple, and walnuts.
• Transfer mixture to bundt pan.
  
• Bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  
• Let cool completely before taking out of the bundt pan.

Green Your Life with Beans!

It's never too late to incorporate beans into your daily diet.

Beans = superfood!

Health Benefits of Black Beans

Below is my recipe for the spicy bean & rice dish shown above.
Instead of a sandwich for lunch, eat beans and rice instead!

Spicy Black Beans

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (8 0z) dried black beans
• 4 oz can diced Jalapeno peppers
• 14.5 oz can Chili Ready Tomatoes
• dribble of Cayenne Hot Sauce
• 1 Onion
• 4-5 cloves of garlic
• 2 Cans Beef Broth
• Lundberg Long Grain Brown Rice Gluten Free (get $5 off when you use Code CEL445 at iherb.com)
  

How to Make:

• Wash and sort dried beans. Place beans in bowl and cover with cold water plus a few extra inches (I use a large glass canister with cover on my counter). Soak beans for 8 hours.
  
• Rinse beans again, discard water.
  
• Put beans in crockpot and cover with fresh water plus a few extra inches of water.
  
• Cook on LOW in crock for 10-11 hours or until beans are almost cooked.
• Add Jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, and hot sauce and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours longer, or until beans are tender.
• Cook Lundberg rice. I replace the water with Beef Broth and this gives it a delicious taste. I like to make 8-10 servings of rice at a time to last throughout the week. Which is=2 cups of rice PLUS 4 cups of Beef Broth. Read directions on package. This rice takes atleast 50 minutes.
  

My Liquid Breakfast. Are YOU a calorie counter?

I whip up this quick liquid breakfast almost daily. It packs a powerful punch to start the day! Normally, it's a banana blueberry smoothie but since the raspberries were ripe on our bushes in our yard, I picked them fresh and made a banana raspberry drink. YUM!

I've never been a calorie counter but I was curious to know how many calories were required to maintain my current weight. I can't believe I've never looked this up before! If you are looking to lose a few pounds OR curious how many calories it takes to maintain your current weight, look here.

My morning smoothie consists of 362 calories. Compare this with a McDonald's Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit which has 440 calories, I think I'll stick with my healthy breakfast smoothie. To maintain my current weight, I have 1,349 calories left today. OMgosh! I'm counting calories!

Ingredients:

• 1 Banana (average size, 108 calories)
  
• 1/2 Cup 100% Juice (60 calories)
  
• 1 Cup Raspberries (64 calories)
• 1/2 Cup Organic Stoneyfield Fat Free Vanilla yogurt (90 calories)
• 1 tablespoon Flax Seed (4o calories)
  
• Ice cubes

Nutrition: The Super Foods that keep you Healthy

Author: Vitanet® Health Foods

Get ready to experience a volume of information of the healthiest foods in the world. Here is a list of the top ten super foods that most health experts agree on. You should tell everyone you know about these foods and enjoy them at your next meal. From fruits and vegetables, to whole grains, nuts, beans and legumes, this power-packed nutritional inventory will take you into the best years of your life and beyond.

Fruits

1. Cantaloupe
   Only a quarter of cantaloupe provides almost all the vitamin A needed in one day. Since the beta-carotene in a cantaloupe converts to vitamin A, you get both nutrients at once. These vision-strengthening nutrients may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Like an orange, cantaloupe is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps our immune system. It is also is a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, niacin, and potassium, which helps maintain good blood sugar levels and metabolism. This pale orange power fruit may help reduce our risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

2. Blueberries
   These mildly sweet (and sometimes tangy) berries offer a high capacity to destroy free radicals that can cause cancer. Low in calories, they offer antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, which enhance the effects of vitamin C. These antioxidants may help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer.

Vegetables

3: Tomatoes

Tomatoes help us fight against heart disease and cancers such as colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and cancer of the pancreas. Tomatoes are also good sources of vitamin C, A, and K. In a 2004 study, it was found that tomato juice alone can help reduce blood clotting.

Fresh, organic tomatoes deliver three times as much of the cancer-fighting carotenoid lycopene. Even organic ketchup is better for you than regular ketchup! Look for tomato pastes and sauces that contain the whole tomato (including peels) because you will absorb 75% more lycopene and almost two times the amount of beta-carotene.

4: Sweet Potatoes

As an excellent source of vitamin A, C, and manganese, sweet potatoes are also a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron. Those who are smokers or prone to second-hand smoke may benefit greatly from this root vegetable that helps protect us against emphysema.

For a unique dessert, cube a cooked sweet potato and slice a banana. Then lightly pour maple syrup over the top and add a dash or two of cinnamon. Add chopped walnuts for an even healthier kick.

5: Spinach and Kale
A cancer-fighter and cardio-helper, spinach and kale top the list as far as green leafy vegetables are concerned. Much like broccoli, they provide an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Kale is a surprisingly good source of calcium at 25% per cup, boiled. Vitamin K is abundantly found in spinach as well, with almost 200% of the Daily Value available, to help reduce bone loss.

Whole Grains

6: Whole Grain Bread, Pasta and Brown Rice

Whether it's bread or pasta, the first thing to check for when purchasing whole grain bread and pasta is to make sure it is 100% whole grain. Remember to check the list of ingredients on the package. For example, look for the exact phrase "whole wheat flour" as one of the first ingredients listed in whole wheat bread. If it's not listed as such, then it's not whole grain. Wheat bran is a cancer-fighting grain that also helps us regulate our bowel movements.

Brown rice is also a better choice than refined grain (white rice) for the same reason as choosing whole wheat bread. Whole wheat flour or brown rice that turns into white flour or white rice actually destroys between 50-90% of vitamin B3, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids we need. Even when processed white flour or white rice is "enriched," it is not in the same form as the original unprocessed kind. In fact, 11 nutrients are actually lost and are not replaced during the "enrichment" process!

Nuts

7: Walnuts

These nuts are packed with omega-3 fats, which is one of the "good" fats. A quarter cup of walnuts would take care of about 90% of the omega-3s needed in one day. Walnuts provide many health benefits including cardiovascular protection, better cognitive function, anti-inflammatory advantages relating to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. They can even help against cancer and also support the immune system.

Beans and Legumes

8: Black Beans and Lentils

While black beans are a good source of fiber that can lower cholesterol, so are lentils. The high fiber content in both black beans and lentils helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Also a fat-free, high quality protein with additional minerals and B-vitamins, black beans and lentils fill you up and don't expand your waistline.

A complete, one-stop source of using a variety of beans and lentils comes easy when you can find a bag of 15-bean mix (includes black beans, lentils, navy, pinto, red, kidney, etc.) at the grocery store. Consider making a delicious soup with the addition of tomatoes, onions, garlic and your favorite spices with this bean mixture.

Dairy

9: Skim Milk and Yogurt

Skim milk (or low-fat) helps to promote strong bones, offering an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. These nutrients help protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals, bone loss, migraine headaches, premenstrual symptoms, and childhood obesity. Recent studies also show that overweight adults lose weight, especially around the midsection, when consuming low-fat dairy such as skim milk and yogurt.

Yogurt also includes the essential nutrients such as phosphorous and vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, zinc, potassium, and protein. Yogurt's live bacterial cultures also provide a wealth of health benefits that may help us live longer and strengthen our immune system.

Seafood

10: Salmon

Salmon is high in protein, low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fats (the essential fatty acids that are also found in those walnuts mentioned earlier). Salmon is a heart-healthy food and is recommended to eat at least twice a week. When choosing salmon, it's best to stay away from farm raised and select wild instead. Research studies show that farmed salmon may cause cancer because it may carry high levels of carcinogenic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Other

Green Tea and "Power" Water

Although not food per say, the health benefits of these beverages are worthy of mentioning.

Green tea has beneficial phytonutrients and lower levels of caffeine than all other teas. The more research studying green tea, the more health benefits are found. A cancer fighter as well, green tea has antioxidant effects that lower risks of bacterial or viral infections to cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis.

Water packed with vitamins and/or naturally sweetened fruit are also the newest trend. Some offer a full day's supply of vitamin C while others promise no artificial sweeteners with a full, fruity taste.

As you can see, the top ten super foods are worth every bite (or sip). Now that you know which foods can help save your life, what's more important than investing in your health?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/nutrition-the-super-foods-that-keep-you-healthy-25861.html

About the Author:
This article was written by VitaNet® Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/. VitaNet strives to bring you the highest quality vitamins and herbs available on the market today. Browse our wide selection of discount supplements, vitamins and herbs that are always in stock. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://vitanetonline.com/.

Beans And Their Great Health Benefits

Author: Cole D. Carson

Beans are an often-overlooked source of incredible health benefits. - They have a lot of carbs, leading people to believe they should be avoided and seen as a weight gain risk only. Nothing could be farther from the truth though, as research has shown that the carbohydrates found in most beans are of the complex variety. Complex carbohydrates are not contributors to any sort of weight gain, instead providing the brain and muscles with a lot of good, stable energy supplies.

Beans actually contain a wider variety of healthy nutrients than most foods. These include calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate, and alpha-linolenic acid. These nutrients work together on several key areas of the body promoting total health. Beans also happen to be good sources of complete proteins, which is rare in plants. Plants, while having many different nutrients, often lack complete proteins of any kind. This is unfortunate, as protein is a vital ingredient to the healthy and normal functioning of the human body, and the most readily available sources of protein have negative effects on the heart. Beans, however, are plentiful in protein.

More important than their simple nutrition, beans are generating a lot of talk because they offer protection from many illnesses found in America today. Extensive studies have shown that regularly consuming beans can help you significantly lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. How much? A study done at Michigan State University found that people eating beans regularly had as much as a 22% reduction in their likelihood to suffer from a cardiovascular disease, and the powerful energy-providing nutrients in beans can help the body more effectively manage its energy sources, aiding in weight-loss. This also can help boost your energy levels throughout the day, making you more active.

Also contributing to beans increasing popularity with the health-conscious is their high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants, of course, are nutrients that guard the body against free radicals. Free radicals are agents that attack and damage the body, causing many undesired illnesses and effects. The most extreme of these, of course, are premature aging, and cancer. This means that beans, while protecting you from the development of cancer, may also help you both look younger and feel younger with increased energy and the benefits of antioxidants.

So which beans are the best for you? Studies done at Michigan State University have concluded that "dry" beans are the best. Overall, though most all beans contain similar nutrients and benefits, some of the best are considered to be Lima beans, Navy beans, Kidney beans, and Pinto beans. Ideally, it is recommended that you get about 3 cups of beans per week in order to maximize their wonderful health benefits, but scientists have shown that as little as 1 cup of beans consumed each week will yield impressive results.

Beans are wonderful sources of nutrition that haven't truly been recognized until now. Once thought of as a fattening food that gives you gas, beans are now being correctly hailed as nutritional giants that pack a lot of benefits in a tiny package. New science and extensive research has done a lot to increase our understanding of the bean, and fortunately for us, beans come in limitless varieties. This makes it easy to get them in your diet, and you can find them anywhere.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/beans-and-their-great-health-benefits-290576.html

About the Author:
Cole Carson is a successful entrepreneur and internet marketer. Why drink Goji Berry Juice? It tastes great and is good for you! Check out our Goji Health Juice resources!

What are you eating? Processed or Whole?

My breakfast.

• 1/2 cup 100% Natural Rolled Oats.
• 1 Banana
• Sprinkle of flaxseeds

Health Benefits of Oats
Why flaxseeds?

Are you eating whole foods?
Processed foods?

Processed Food vs. Whole Foods

Incorporate Organic Beans Into Your Diet!

I've never been a bean eater. Until today!

I'm trying to incorporate more staples of the Mediterranean diet into my own diet.

Canned or dried? I'll experiment with both. When I use canned beans, I'll stick with organic beans by Eden Foods which are packed in bisphenol-A free cans and don't use dyes, refined salt or sugar, or chemical preservatives in their beans. Eden Foods also carries organic dried beans. Stock up on Eden Food beans @ your local health food store.

Did you know:
Many canned foods are lined with a plastic coating made from BPA which can leach into the food? YES! Read about the dangers of BPA from canned foods.

Health Benefits of Beans & Legumes
Beans 101: Types & Cooking Tips
Dried Beans Vs. Canned Beans
Basic Dried Beans Tutorial

Eco-Friendly Flour Sack Kitchen Towels and Napkins

This vintage tractor embroidery design was featured on a flour sack dish towel that was made by Vicki Adamski, local artisan at the Antigo, Wisconsin, Farmers' Market. The towel is extra large and super absorbent, my #1 piece for drying dishes.

To cut down on paper disposal, replace your paper towel and paper napkins with flour sack napkins. OR check out the fun Fabkins, cloth napkins for kids. I'm no kid but I like these Garden Friends fabkins!

Paper Towels & Napkins vs. Cloth

Going Green With Salt--Replaced Table Salt With Himalayan Salt

After learning about the unhealthy consequences of consuming table salt, I recently replaced my conventional table salt with Himalayan Crystal Salt. I'm using the pink Himalayan Crystal Salt and Miracle Krystal Salt.

*************************************
Learn about Krystal salt
Learn about Himalayan Crystal Salt

Benefits of Himalayan Salts

Author: Juliet Cohen

Himalayan Salt is condensated by hand from the deepest and farthest levels of the mines, located in the biggest salt range of the world. The salt range is located at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Himalayan salt contains all the minerals and trace elements of which our bodies are made. The Himalayan Salt comes in transparent, whitish, reddish or pinkish color and can be found on Salt Mountain and comes together where there is adequate pressure for it to form into a perfect crystalline constitution.Natural salt is crucial for maintaining vital functions in the body. Himalayan salt has no preservatives or additives.

Himalayan salt is the cleanest salt accessible on the planet to present extraordinary health benefits. Himalayan stone salt is pristine and normal. It consists of the almost ideal geometric system potential in stone crystals. The outcome of millions of years of compression under the Earth’s surface. Its has exact mesh with our system's inner workings. Himalayan stone salt can be consumed as a mineral water by dissolving in water, dissolved in a warm tub for a robust drench and detox, or it can be place it on your nutrient or in cooking, instead of the basic board salt. All of these things assist to preserve the bodies normal equilibrium.

Table salt however is primarily sodium chloride with accumulative and consumed in excess which is very easy to do with today's lifestyle, when used in excess is detrimental to health and generally not recommended by doctors to be added to food.As most foods contain enough salt. Himalayan crystal salt is suitable for those who require a low sodium diet or those who want to enhance their health with a healthier alternative rich in minerals. Himalayan salt and water (sole) will help detox the body and balance the bodies pH. Eating common table salt results in the formation of edema, or excess fluid in the body tissue, which is also the cause of cellulite.

It allows for best food concentration in the intestinal parcel and it promotes respiratory and sinus health. It is too used to comfort menstrual cramps, strengthens our bones, helps heal insomnia, boosts libido, and encourages vascular health. In combination with water, it regulates our blood force. Himalayan Salt is however pre-pollution and without environmental influence. It is indistinguishable in minerals to the old primordial sea with all the minerals and retrace elements our system needs. These normal minerals are indistinguishable to the minerals, which our bodies have evolved with and are too earlier establish existing in the primordial sea.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/benefits-of-himalayan-salts-376024.html

About the Author:
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Health Problems. She also writes articles for Blackheads and Melasma.

Slowcooker Recipes for Easy, Tasty, and Economical Meals

Author: Linda Wilson

Busy lives! Aren't we all busy, busy, busy? Bring out the crockpot or slow cooker and you can
make some tasty, economical meals for your family and cut down your kitchen time too. For these recipes, all you have to do is add a salad, perhaps a bread, and you've got dinner. Dessert can be elaborate or as simple as sugar-free cookies or a bowl of sugar-free ice cream.

PORK ROAST WITH ONIONS AND POTATOES

This recipe requires a 4-quart slowcooker for best results.

Approximately 3 lb boneless pork loin roast, trim off fat

1 large garlic clove, sliced

5 medium potatoes, washed, cubed, unpeeled

1 large onion, sliced

3/4 cup water (or tomato juice, if desired)

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp cold water

Make slits in roast in insert slices of garlic. Place roast under broiler to brown. Put potatoes in slow cooker. Add 1/2 the onion slices. Place roast atop vegetables and cover with remaining onions. Combine water or juice with soy sauce and pour over roast. Place lid on slowcooker and cook on low about 8 hours. When ready to serve, remove roast and vegetables from cooker. Combine cornstarch and cold water. Add to the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn cooker to high until liquid is thickened. Slice meat and serve thickened liquid over the meat and vegetables.

This recipe has a few more protein grams than carbs so it is excellent for diabetics who want to enjoy some good old "meat and potatoes".

COWBOY CASSEROLE

1 medium onion, chopped

1 1/4 lbs 90% lean ground beef

6 medium potatoes, unpeeled, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

16 oz can kidney beans

15 oz can diced tomatoes

2 tbsp flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, rinse with hot water and drain. Mix flour into diced tomatoes, stir until flour is smooth.

Layer into slow cooker in the following order; onion, beef, potatoes, garlic and beans. Pour tomatoes over all and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crockpot-recipes-articles/slowcooker-recipes-for-easy-tasty-and-economical-meals-528172.html

About the Author:
A grandmother with diabetes along with other autoimmune diseases, Linda likes to share with others what she has learned about dealing with her health issues. For more of her writings and recipes, go to her website at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

Lisa Ackel Judge forwarded this recipe to me for a 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake. I had to try it immediately! I didn't have chocolate chips so I added some Hershey's chocolate syrup in the cake batter and drizzled it on top of the cake & ice cream. Yum! This can easily serve 2 people.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE recipe

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds – Get Rid of Health Problems

Author: peterhutch

Pumpkin seeds are one of nature's almost perfect foods. They are a natural source of beneficial constituents such as carbohydrates, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. They contain most of the B vitamins, along with C, D, E, and K. They also have the minerals calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorous. Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat prostate and bladder problems, but they have also been known to help with depression and learning disabilities.

Pumpkins are very high in potassium, and have good amounts of beta carotene and vitamin C. They are also a good source of calcium and fibre, and as well as other vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids (good fats).

Fresh and cooked pumpkin is chock full of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein. It’s easy to add pumpkin to your favorite baked goods and dishes during the colder months, and the vitamins and minerals can help keep your health in tip-top shape during the winter. Pumpkin is rich, satisfying, and can be used in a number of recipes as a meal or in dessert; if you cook it in a healthy way, it might also give you an excuse to indulge in an extra slice of pumpkin pie this year! Still, eating pumpkin isn’t the only way to enjoy its natural benefits.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds

Snacking on ¼-1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds can deliver the nutrients mentioned at the outset of this article, as well as calcium, vitamin K, protein and important omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, baked, roasted or toasted.

Because pumpkin seeds and good health share such an important relationship, plan to make pumpkin seeds a regular part of your diet. Keep a supply on hand and store the seeds in a tightly sealed container in your fridge.

Pumpkin seeds and onions mixed together with a little soy milk make a great remedy for parasitic worms in the digestive tract. To make this remedy, liquefy three tablespoons of pumpkin seeds that have been soaked three hours, one-half of a small onion, one-half cup soy milk, and one teaspoon honey. Take this amount three times daily, three days in a row.

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are flat, dark green seeds. Some are encased in a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Like cantaloupe, cucumber, and squash, pumpkins and pumpkin seeds belong to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family.

Nutty and salty with a crisp-chewy texture, pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and flavorful snack. Boiled, baked, or even raw, pumpkin seeds are packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Just one serving (about 1/4 cup) gives you almost half the recommended daily amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, vitamin K, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats.

Pumpkin seed oil has an excellent ratio of those Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Often flax and hemp oils are rated as the best with pumpkin seed also offering a great source of these valuable plant fats important for cellular function and many of the systems in the body. Basically keeps your coat glossy, skin clear and a puts a spring in your step.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds-get-rid-of-health-problems-395992.html

About the Author:
Read about Home Remedies, Natural Home Remedy . Also read about Body Building Tips Guide Body Building Supplements and Hair Loss Treatment

Healthy Cooking- Starting With Organic Ingredients

Author: Craig Stanford

These days there are stories almost every day on the TV news and in the newspapers about food that has been recalled because of E. coli or some other contamination. This has spurred many of us to shop and cook more carefully for our families. If you want to take a step beyond buying just safe ingredients for your family's cooking, then you'll investigate truly healthy cooking with organics.

When I talk about organics, some people think that I'm just talking just about produce. That's not true; there are now organic versions of many animal products available also.

I advocate switching to organic ingredients for your cooking because most produce is sprayed with pesticides and grown with chemical fertilizers, Animal foods can contain growth hormones and antibiotics.

The hormones can cause premature maturing of children. Also, it's a fact that bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. Scientists say that one of the reasons that bacteriia have become so resistant to antibiotics is because of all the antibiotics in our food.

Before buying organic ingredients, it's normal for people to ask one or more of the following questions;

1) How can I replace my whole menu with organic ingredients overnight?

2) Won't I pay a premium for organic ingredients?

3) How can I determine that an ingredient that I'm looking at is a genuine organic?

The short answer to question #1 is, "you don't have to". I recently read a book by Kevin Trudeau called," Natural Cures (they don't want you to know about)". In it, Kevin recommends changing one ingredient in your meals at a time to organic until eventually all of your cooking is with organic ingredients. I experimented with this technique and discovered that the my family made the transition to organics a lot more easily then I expected. So far, everything that I eat for breakfast is organic and my other meals are made up of more than half organic ingredients.

The answer to question #2 is that unfortunately, organic ingredients usually will cost more. The number of people that buy organic products has increased, but the numbers haven't increased enough to cause economies of scale in the production and sale of of organic ingredients.

Even though organic ingredients cost more, there are ways to bring these costs down.

A good way to save money is to do as much shopping as possible at a farmer's market. Almost every town has a seasonal farmer's market. Some big cities even have a year round farmer's market. Prices are lower because you are buying directly from the farmer. Usually, you can only buy fruits, vegetables, spices and eggs at these markets, but you should be able to beat the non- organic prices in the supermarkets.

Another way to get your costs down is to shop at discount chains because many of them now have organic departments. Even the big guys like Wal-Mart have jumped on the organic bandwagon.

Another sure way to cut costs of your healthy cooking is to scratch cook more often. A good example is soup. Canned soup in the store usually has a lot of salt and other non- organic ingredients. Don't buy the package of chicken thighs. Buy an organic bird and cut it up yourself. Don't buy the salad in the bag. Whenever possible, don't cook your vegebles, instead steam them if you have a recipe that says that they should be cooked. Steaming them will leave in more of the vitamins and minerals than high heat cooking.

Remember, every time someone touches your food, it will cost more.

The answer to question #3 is simple. To know if an ingredient you're looking at is organic look for the label that says, " USDA Organic ". This means that the food has been certified by the USDA as being organic in origin.

This article has been meant to show you the logical starting point in your quest to provide healthy cooking for yourself and your family. In follow up articles I shall talk about such things as more reasons why you should buy organic ingredients and how to get refined sugar out of your cooking.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/healthy-cooking-starting-with-organic-ingredients-230788.html

About the Author:
Craig Stanford suffered a stroke in 1994. This event has caused him to research how he can achieve better health. He has put some of his research into the Healthy Cooking Guide. To read the Guide and read about other kinds of cooking, check out his website at:http://cooking-party.com/healthy

Changing Your Fridge to a Healthy Fridge

Author: Jude Simons

You don't have to give up all the foods you're used to eating to become more healthy and to start eating raw, organic and live foods. You know the best place to start changing your life and your diet? It's at the grocery store, of course. Even if you're at a good weight and pretty healthy, take a tip from dieters. Go shopping with a list and don't go to the grocery store hungry. Make sure this shopping trip you can resist those Oreos and potato chips.

Clean out your refrigerator and your cabinets. Throw out the half-empty bags of snack foods. Put any microwaveable foods in a dark bag and stash them somewhere in the back of the freezer. Out of sight, out of mind.

Do stock up on dried fruits and nuts for snacking. Transform your kitchen from a processed food haven to a healthy kitchen. Invest in a good juicer. Clean out those crisper drawers to get them ready for an influx of new organic and raw foods.

Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you can't give up meat and fish, consider getting super fresh tuna that you can just sear and serve with sesame seeds and a small amount of soy sauce. (I'm getting hungry just thinking about this!)

Make eating this way fun. Invest in those big, white square dishes that are good for serving sushi. It's easier to arrange small portions of different foods that way. And getting new white dishes will be symbolic of this new, purer way of eating. Get some good chopsticks so you can take your time eating. This is really fun!

Go to a bookstore and get a cookbook or a food book so you can learn about eating raw foods. Buy a big vase and a bunch of sunflowers to symbolize letting the sun into your diet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/changing-your-fridge-to-a-healthy-fridge-642841.html

About the Author:
Read about alphonso mango and mango tea at the Mango Fruit website.

The Health Benefits of Seeds, Nuts, Fish and Oils

Author: Scott Meyers

Sunflower seeds are not just fun to eat; they are also very nutritious to the body. While sunflower seeds contain approximately the same amount of polyunsaturated fats as their counterpart nuts, they are much richer in antioxidants that ward off cancer, cataracts and heart disease. Sunflower seeds are also high in vitamin E content. It has been shown by research studies that consuming high amounts, which is to say in the area of 100 IU (the RDA is presently at 15 IU on a daily basis) of vitamin E on a daily basis helps to cut the risk of developing heart disease by approximately 40 percent.

Fish and fish oils contain the very important omega 3 fatty acids that the body requires to help lower the blood fats, and in particular triglycerides. It is believed that high amounts of triglycerides in the blood are more dangerous for females than they are for males. Eating regular portions of fish is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure and for easing many of the discomforts that arthritis brings with it. The fish highest in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, blue fish, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring and lake trout. It is recommended that an individual eat two to three servings of fish per week. It is not recommended that you start taking fish oil supplements unless you first discuss it with your physician.

Nuts are very good for the heart. In particular, walnuts have been found to lower levels of bad cholesterol a great deal. By getting rid of saturated fats in the diet and instead substituting polyunsaturated fats that are contained in nuts you can do a great deal of good for your heart. Nuts, listed in order of those containing the highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acids to the least include macadamias, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts, peanuts, pine nuts and walnuts.

Olive oil is very rich monounsaturated fat, which helps to decrease the level of cholesterol in the blood. Olive oil is a mainstay of those living in the Mediterranean region. Oliver oil can be purchased in regular, light tasting, virgin and extra virgin. If you do not particularly like the taste of olive oil then reach for canola oil as it contains plenty of monounsaturated fats and is low in saturated fat content. Other types of oils that are healthiest because of their monounsaturated fats include flaxseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil and walnut oil. If you want to decrease your bad cholesterol (LDL) by anywhere from seven to ten percent then substitute either olive oil or canola oil fro butter or margarine (more so if you are replacing butter which contains more fat than margarine). Be aware however that all oils have at least 144 grams of fat, not to mention 120 calories for every tablespoon.

Flaxseed oil is another oil that is beneficial for health. This type of oil comes the flax plant and is an "oilseed." Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as lignans. Eating a diet rich in lignans helps to decrease the risk of developing many different kinds of cancers, not to mention osteoporosis and circulatory disease.

Seeds, nuts, fish and oils have many health benefits and if you are looking to live a healthier life they should become a staple in your diet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-health-benefits-of-seeds-nuts-fish-and-oils-394628.html

About the Author:
Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

Tips to Eat Sugar-free

Author: Brian Jenkins

If you have decided to eat a sugar-free diet, whether due to medical reasons or personal preferences, you probably need some help getting started. Most foods contain either processed or natural sugars, even if they do not taste particularly sweet. You can use the following tips to make your transition to a sugar-free diet much easier:

Tip #1: Cut back slowly on your sugar consumption - If you currently eat a lot of sugar, it can be hard to stop eating it all of a sudden. Not only is it more of a challenge to find good, healthy foods to eat, but it can also have a negative effect on your body. Someone who goes from eating a lot of sugar to no sugar at all can feel irritable, drowsy, and nauseated. So, step down your sugar consumption slowly. In general, quitting anything cold turkey can have very unpleasant side effects. There are healthier ways to go about things.

Tip #2: Learn to read food labels - It might seem easy enough to choose healthy foods, but did you know that most no-fat and low-fat items are loaded with sugar? That is how they get flavor without fat! Do not assume that “health food” is healthy. Instead, get into the habit of looking at the label and making a healthy choice that way. Keep in mind that comparable food items labeled as “sugar free” may be surprisingly high in fat. By law, the labels have to be correct, and although they are confusing to read at first, learning to look at the nutritional value can really help you cut back on the sugar in your diet.

Tip #3: Watch what you drink, not just what you eat - Drinks, even those that sound healthy like apple juice, are often loaded with sugar. Most people know to avoid soft drinks, but you should be mindful of the amount of sugar in your tea, coffee, and juice as well. Keep in mind that sugar can be found even in “diet” drinks and some kinds of flavored waters. Read the labels of everything you are ingesting, not just your foods. Finally, keep in mind that wine, beer, and mixed alcoholic drinks all typically contain sugar, and usually in high amounts. Cutting back on the amount of alcohol you consume can really reduce the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis.

Tip #4: Make your own foods - Cooking and baking are not as hard as you may think, even if you are a beginner. The problem with processed foods is that they contain preservatives and massive amounts of sugar to prolong the shelf life and make them taste good. Buying fresh ingredients to prepare snacks and meals does not take that much more time and it is typically a lot healthier for you than buying food in a box or can. You can control the amount of sugar you use, and you can even find recipes that use sugar substitutes instead of granulated, powdered, or brown sugar.

Tip #5: Learn how to decode the word “sugar” - Just because something is labeled as sugar-free does not mean that it does not have some form of sugar in it. This is where things get tricky. The following terms are all words to describe various forms of sugar: honey, lactose, fructose, corn syrup, glucose, dextrose, and galactose. Fruits (and their juices) also are a source of sugar. While some options, like honey, might be slightly healthier for you than other alternatives, if you are trying to avoid sugar altogether, make sure you learn the terminology. Products are legally allowed to be labeled as sugar-free if no sugar has been added, but that does not mean that the foods do not naturally contain sugar.

Tip #6: Cut the carbs - Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, and as such, carb-heavy foods contain sugar. White breads, pastas, and so forth might not taste sweet, but they are full of sugar. Choose healthy carbohydrates instead, like whole grains, potatoes, and other foods high in fiber. Remember that your diet should be full of proteins and green vegetables if you want to cut as much sugar as possible from your diet.

Tip #7: Talk to your doctor - Simply put, even if you are diabetic or have another medical reason for wanting to cut the sugar out of your life, you should not suddenly switch to a drastic diet to avoid all sugars. This is unhealthy for your body and, in the long run, the body does need sugar – just not in the forms so prevalent in our everyday lives. Instead, choose healthy carbohydrates, natural forms of sugar, and other healthy foods to fill your meals. Your doctor or a professional nutritionist can help you come up with a great sugar-free plan that will fit your lifestyle.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/drinks-articles/tips-to-eat-sugarfree-694736.html

About the Author:
tBrian Jenkins is a freelance writer and blogger who offers tips about health, diet and fitness. Mr. Jenkins also writes about specific issues and products such as sugar-free cooking and" target="_blank">www.splendidlife.com/ancillary/samplingprogram.do"> Splenda