Sunday, December 13, 2015

Healthy Banana Bread

Submitted by: Kelly Chief
 
 
Banana Bread with honey and applesauce instead of sugar & oil. Delicious & Healthy.
 
Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour...
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar free applesauce
3/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3 mashed overripe bananas
 
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Crisp Cucumber Salsa


Note: 1/4 cup is only 16 calories! YES!!!

2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled cucumber...
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped
4-1/2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
Tortilla chips

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin and seasoned salt. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with chips.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Lazy Eggs


I highly recommend you try these out the next time you are craving something different for your breakfast. They’d even be great for a brunch.

Here’s what you do:...
1) Spray each muffin well with nonstick spray.
2) Place a slice of ham in the bottom of each muffin well.
3) Place about a teaspoon or so of diced tomatoes on top of the ham.
4) Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the tomatoes.
5) Break one egg into each spot.
6) Sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper on each.
7) Bake at 180/350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until the yolks are as firm as you desire and the whites are cooked through.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

CLEANING YOUR OVEN - The easiest way EVER!

CLEANING YOUR OVEN - The easiest way EVER!

Begin by preheating the oven to 150 degrees (or your lowest setting available). While the oven is heating, put on a pot of water to boil. Once the oven has reached 150, turn it off and pour 1 cup of ammonia into a heat safe bowl or baking dish and place it on the top rack of the oven. Place the pot of boiling water on the bottom rack, close the oven do...or, and leave them both in the oven overnight.

The next morning, open the oven and remove both the bowl of ammonia and the pot of water, keep the ammonia – you’ll use it later. Remove the racks and leave the oven door open to air out for 15 minutes. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to the ammonia, along with 4 cups of warm water, and using a heavy-duty nylon scrubbing pad dipped in the ammonia mixture, begin to wipe away the softened grease and grime along the sides and bottom of the oven.

It should be a fairly easy job at this point. Wear some kitchen gloves, since ammonia can be caustic to skin. Rinse/wipe clean with a damp cloth.

 

Friday, November 13, 2015

Yummy Gluten Free Snack

Tomato mozzarella snack is my summer favorite. Sweet ripe tomatoes with pillowy soft mozzarella, asparagus and fresh basil. Yum!


This may look like a sandwich at first glance, but it's healthier because there's no bread. Most bread, even whole-grain wheat bread, is little more than filler, having even been found by studies to make people fat!


Ingredient's:


45 hothouse (beefsteak) tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 logs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick
Generous bunch of fresh basil leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
Balsamic vinegar


Just stack tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, asparagus. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, followed by a drizzle of balsamic reduction.Sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

Submitted by: Laura Cook
 
No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars
(recipe makes a 9x13 pan)
recipe by Carole Jones of My Kitchen Escapades
2 cups quick cooking oats (or pulse whole oats in a food processor a bit)
1 C rice crispy cereal...
1/4 C shredded coconut
1/4 C butter
1/4 C honey
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix -In variations listed below

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oats, cereal and coconut. Set a small saucepan over medium high heat and melt the butter. Add the honey, brown sugar and salt. Stir together then leave it alone as it comes to a boil. Once the boil has reached all the way around the edges of the pan, begin timing. Allow this mixture to boil for 2 minutes and 15 seconds. During this time, you may need to turn the heat down a bit so it doesn't overflow, but be sure it keeps boiling.

2. Pour the mixture over the oats, using a rubber spatula to get all the sugar mixture out of the pan. Mix the ingredients together until the oats are completely coated. Add in your desired mix-in then press very firmly into a lightly greased 9x13" pan. If you like your bars thicker, you can use a smaller pan. If you do not press firmly enough, the bars will fall apart when you eat them. Place them in the fridge for 20 minutes then cut to size.

Chocolate Chip
Add 1/2 C of mini chocolate chips to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan, allowing it cool just a bit or you will end up with melted chips. Sprinkle on a few extra chips over the top after they are pressed into the pan.

White Chocolate Cranberry
Add 1/3 C of white chocolate chips and 1/3 C of Craisins to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan, allowing it to cool just a bit first or you will end up with melted chips.

Candy Bar
Add 1/3 C of Heath bar pieces, 1/3 C of mini M&M's and 1/3 C of chopped pretzels to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan.

Peanut Butter
Add 2 Tb of peanut butter to the finished sugar mixture before pouring it over the oats. Once mixed with the oats, add 1/2 C peanut butter chips before pressing into the pan.

Raisin Nut
Add 1/3 C of chopped raisins and 1/3 C of chopped pecans to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Why You Should Hang Eucalyptus In Your Shower






Did you know?


It is common in Italy to find fresh sprigs of Eucalyptus casually tied on to shower heads. When you take a hot bath or shower, the steam will release the eucalyptus oils. Eucalyptus is a natural decongestant, taking a shower with one can help to clear up sinuses and loosen cough. Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree that’s widely used for its medicinal properties.


Eucalyptus is a powerhouse plant for relieving symptoms of respiratory issues. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help open up the airways in your nose and throat. And you can easily harness the anti-inflammatory powers of fresh eucalyptus simply by taking a shower.


Bringing a few branches of fresh eucalyptus into a steamy shower will activate and release the beneficial oils in the leaves. Your inflamed airways and congestion will be no match for the powerful combination of eucalyptus and steam.


Setting up your aromatic shower is incredibly easy. First, you’ll need few eucalyptus branches, use a length of string or baker’s twine to tie them together securely. Then, use another length of twine to tie the end of your bundle of eucalyptus to your shower head, as close to the wall as you can get it. (You want the eucalyptus to hang down along your shower wall, behind the stream of water and not in front of it.


Benefits of eucalyptus oil are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinctive taste and odor.


In addition to being used for its aroma, eucalyptus oil also has flavoring, pharmaceutical, and antiseptic uses. Eucalyptus oil may also have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties - people use eucalyptus oil to help treat a wide range of medical conditions.


Eucalyptus oil was used in traditional Aboriginal medicines for treating fungal infections and skin wounds. Eucalyptus tea was also administered to reduce fevers.


Eucalyptus is used for a range of medical conditions in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Eucalyptus oil was used in most hospitals in England to clean urinary catheters. It is also an effective insect repellent.


Other benefits of eucalyptus:
  • Arthritis - potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • A blocked nose.
  • Wounds and burns.
  • Ulcers.
  • Cold sores - perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Bladder diseases.
  • Diabetes - eucalyptus might help lower blood sugar.
  • Fever.
How to use eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus leaves can be found online and used in a variety of ways, including:


Tea. Use tea bags made from ground eucalyptus leaves.


Aromatherapy. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser or steam bowl.


Whole leaves. Hang the leaves in your shower or add them to your bath for a relaxing spa-like experience.


Bug repellent. Purchase or make a bug repellent with lemon eucalyptus essential oil.


Topical. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, and apply it to your chest to ease congestion.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Classic French Mussels


This is a very straight-forward classic French method for serving mussels.  It takes about 25 minutes to prep and cook the mussels and this amount serves two.

When cleaning and de-bearding the mussels, inspect each one, if a mussel is partly open give it a tap or a gentle squeeze and watch that the mussel closes its shell - the mussel does not need to snap shut but it should close, if the mussel does not close then discard it.  Similarly, discard any mussels that have not opened during the cooking process.

The 'beards' are the wiry filaments that may protrude from a mussel shell, they take a little effort to pull out but do so - a properly pulled beard has a white tip of a root.

Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices for a dry white wine to cook the mussels in.



Ingredients:
  • 3 tbsps. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 shallots, chopped finely
  • 4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
  • 2 pounds of mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsps. butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 of a bunch parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt
Directions:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high.
  • Add the chopped shallots and garlic, cook until they are soft, about 5 minutes
  • Add to the pot the mussels, wine, cream, butter and the parsley and season with sea salt.
  • Cook until the mussels open and are cooked right through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Portion the broth between two bowls then divide up the mussels over the broth.
  • Serve with a crusty bread such as baguette.
Enjoy!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Banana For Breakfast Anyone???


After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again. Bananas are high in fiber, which can help keep you regular. One banana can provide nearly 10 percent of your daily fiber requirement. Vitamin B6 can also help protect against Type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss.


Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.


There's nothing like a banana at breakfast to keep those mid-morning cravings at bay. Thanks to a healthy dose of potassium, an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure naturally, bananas are a particularly good choice for people with hypertension.


Study has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


DEPRESSION:
Recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana.The vitamin B6 in bananas helps convert the tryptophan into serotonin while soothing your nervous system. Bananas also have melatonin, which aids sleep and regulates our body's natural rhythms, as well as iron, which can help fight the fatigue associated with PMS.


ANEMIA:
Bananas are particularly beneficial as they also contain besides easily assimilable iron, folic acid and B12, all of which are extremely useful in the treatment of anemia. Drizzle honey over the bananas as it is rich in copper which helps in iron absorption.


BLOOD PRESSURE:
The filling fruit is loaded with potassium yet low in salt, which is known to help with lowering blood pressure. The mineral helps balance the effects of salt on the body, and helps the kidneys function properly


BRAIN POWER:
There is a reason that bananas are often referred to as brain food. Rich in potassium and magnesium, bananas give the brain energy and help sharpen the brain's focus, increasing the ability to pay attention and learn. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.


CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation. Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract.


HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. This low-acid fruit can help those with acid reflux by coating an irritated esophageal lining and thereby helping to combat discomfort. One soluble fiber found in bananas is pectin, which helps move stomach contents through your digestive tract


MORNING SICKNESS:
Bananas provide lots of dietary fiber and potassium. Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood.


ULCERS:
The sitoindosides in dried, unripe bananas increase mucus in the digestive tract, which provides a strong protective coating to help prevent and heal ulcers. Unripe bananas also promote cell growth in the intestinal tract. The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.


WEIGHT LOSS:
About half of the fiber content in bananas is soluble. When soluble fiber reaches your digestive tract, it absorbs water and slows digestion. Food is forced to sit in your stomach for a while, making you feel full. If you have a banana before lunch, you'll be less likely to overeat when your food comes to the table.


THE BOTTOM LINE:
Bananas are a popular fruit that happens to provide numerous health benefits. A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. They may even aid weight loss, as they're relatively low-calorie and nutrient-dense. Ripe bananas are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. What’s more, both yellow and green bananas can keep you healthy and feeling full.


Bananas are delicious by themselves, you may want to consider getting creative when serving them at snack or mealtimes. Try tossing half a banana in a blender with some fresh berries, ice and a plain yogurt for a creamy smoothie. For breakfast, combine two large eggs, a ripe banana and 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder. Use this batter to make a yummy stack of pancakes. You can even use bananas to make a healthy dessert. Blend a banana, half a cup of coconut milk, two tablespoons of chia seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour into individuals serving cups and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat.


When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Easy Pesto Chicken Dinner




Ingredients:
  • 5 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 12 cup basil pesto
  • 2 -3 tomatoes, sliced
  • 12 cup mozzarella and cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place chicken and pesto in medium bowl; toss to coat.
  • Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.
  • Remove from oven; top with tomatoes and cheese.
  • Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Natural Cough Remedies for Cough

 
 
 
Coughing can be a real drag. It's annoying -- especially to those around you -- and it can really take a toll on your body. Before you reach for the cough syrup, try one of these natural remedies. There are many natural remedies for coughing that will help ease the discomfort, and (hopefully) cure it for good.


A natural remedy to soothe your nagging cough could be as close as your kitchen cupboards or refrigerator.

Natural remedies can be effective ways to treat a cough, but only if used properly and at the correct potency.

Eating pineapple helps to break down mucus congestion as it contains an ingredient called bromelain, which is an anti-inflammatory.

Drinking a warm glass of water with lemon juice and Manuka honey added to it is a great way of increasing your intake of fluid and bioflavonoids. Manuka honey is also a natural antibiotic.

Drinking herbal teas including fenugreek, rosehip, licorice root, echinacea, lemon with ginger and Manuka honey may help to ease congestion and also provides the body with vitamin C.

Steam inhalations of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water may temporarily alleviate the nasal congestion associated with the common cold. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and spend 10 minutes inhaling the vapours.

Keep hydrated by drinking at least two liters of fluid per day. Dehydration will slow down your recovery time and reduce the amount of metabolic wastes excreted via the kidneys.

Include plenty of garlic, ginger, chili peppers and horseradish in your diet, as these ingredients will act as decongestants and open up the sinus cavities.

A supplement of vitamin C powder added to water and gargled will help to provide antioxidants to the respiratory system and help reduce inflammation in the throat. Add some echinacea or olive leaf liquid for an even better throat gargle.
Get plenty of rest and sleep so that your body recovers properly.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Easy & Healthy Shrimp

 
Easy & Healthy Shrimp....No Butter (uses chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice)
Ingredients

4 tsp olive oil
1 1/4 pounds med raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on)...
6-8 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup + 1 T minced parsley
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
4 lemon wedges
 
Preparation"

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Saute the shrimp until just pink, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon transfer the shrimp to a platter and keep them warm.
In the skillet, combine the broth, wine, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the salt and pepper; and bring it to a boil. Boil uncovered, until the sauce is reduced by half.
Spoon the sauce over the shrimp. Serve garnished with the lemon wedges and sprinkled with the remaining tablespoon of parsley. Enjoy!

Friday, September 25, 2015

Halloween Pizza Mummies

Submitted by: Rosy Cromb

Ingredients:

English muffins
Pizza sauce
Black olives...
Scallions
Red or green pepper
Cheese sticks or slices
 

Directions: 

Heat the oven to 350º F. For each mummy, spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto half of an English muffin (toast it first, if you like).

Set olive slices in place for eyes and add round slices of green onion or bits of red or green pepper for pupils.

Lay strips of cheese (we used a pulled-apart cheese stick) across the muffin for the mummy's wrappings.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the muffin is toasty.


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Easy No Bake Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies

 
Submitted by: Tina Lee
 
Ingredients:

1 C Quick Oats
⅓ C canned pumpkin
¼ C raisins...
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 Tbsp oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp honey

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl. Scoop out with cookie scoop onto wax paper. let them set. Enjoy!

 

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Cheese Witch’s Brooms

 
Witch brooms out of pretzels and string cheese. a non-super sugar Halloween treat! love this!!!!

Cheese Witch’s Brooms
For 12 brooms.
Ingredients:
 
- 12 Slices of Cheese
- 12 Pretzel sticks
- 12 Fresh Chive

Directions:
1.- Fold each cheese slice and cut the fringes of the broom using a pair of scissors.
2.- Roll the slice of cheese around a snack stick having the fringes looking down.
3.- Finally to keep the cheese around the stick, use some chive and knot it around.

Vitamin D Deficiency Signs And Symptoms

 
Summer's not even officially over and my vitamin D levels are already too low!

Despite a few walks and runs in the sun and on the beach several times this summer it seems this was still not enough.

Many people are vitamin D deficient and they don’t even know it. It's one of the most common deficiencies. Get your levels checked to be sure its Vitamin D you’re lacking.

There are several signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency which you should look out for. Just because you have some of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you are deficient. However, it is always best to consult your doctor to be on the safe side!

Serotonin, the hormone which controls your mood, rises when exposes to bright light, and falls with decreased exposure. Scientists have concluded the feeling ‘down’ may be a symptom that you are vitamin D deficient, since you may not get enough natural sunlight [5].

According to Dr. Holick, many patients with aching bones are misdiagnosed by their doctors, and told they suffer from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
“Many of these symptoms are classic signs of vitamin D deficiency osteomalacia, which is different from the vitamin D deficiency that causes osteoporosis in adults,” he says. “What’s happening is that the vitamin D deficiency causes a defect in putting calcium into the collagen matrix into your skeleton. As a result, you have throbbing, aching bone pain.”

Since vitamin D is fat soluble, body fat can ‘collect it’. The more body fat you have, the more vitamin D is absorbed, meaning less can be properly utilised. The same can be said for people with large amounts of muscle mass, or those with a larger frame. The larger you are, the more vitamin D you require.

According to Dr. Holick, head sweating may be one of the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency [6]. It can be common in new-born babies.

Those with a darker skin tone are at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, since they need more sun exposure in order to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

Sunlight is the biggest sources of vitamin D. However, the best source of vitamin D naturally is from oily fish, such as herring, sardines, tuna and salmon. Other sources include fortified foods such as cereals, milk and other dairy produce.

These foods do contain moderate amounts of vitamin D, however if you are deficient, then the most convenient, cheapest way is to invest in a supplement.

There are a few different kinds of supplements available. One is vitamin tablets, such as Vitamin D3.

These are a great direct source of vitamin D, and are easy to consume, so you can instantly hit your daily goals!

Another great option is cod liver oil, which is a great source of vitamin D, as well as vitamin A and essential fatty acids. These too are easy to take, and are very popular.

Finally, you can opt to take a multivitamin. These do not contain as much vitamin D as the others, so are best for those who do not need to increase their daily vitamin D intake by as much, and those who would like to reap the benefits of other and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, as well as vitamin A, E, B, K, and C.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Signs And Symptoms For An Underactive Thyroid

                                        Symptoms-of-Underactive-Thyroid-in-Women

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid disease, is a common disorder. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. It's estimated that as many as 25 million Americans have a thyroid problem, and half of them have no idea that they do. Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid, accounts for 90% of all thyroid imbalances.

It's not clear what causes Hashimoto’s disease, but it runs in families. It's also common in people with another immune system disorder, such as type 1 diabetes and vitiligo.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the center of your neck, is the master gland of metabolism.
The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck. Hormones released by the gland travel through your bloodstream and affect nearly every part of your body, from your heart and brain, to your muscles and skin.

Women, particularly older women, are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men. You are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism if you have a close family member with an autoimmune disease

How well your thyroid is functioning is inter-related with every system in your body. If your thyroid is not running optimally, then neither are you.

Fatigue after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night or needing to take a nap daily.
Weight gain or the inability to lose weight.
Mood issues such as mood swings, anxiety or depression.
Hormone imbalances such as PMS, irregular periods, infertility and low sex drive.
Muscle pain, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.
Cold hands and feet, feeling cold when others are not, or having a body temperature consistently below 98.5.
Dry or cracking skin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss.
Constipation.
Mind issues such as brain fog, poor concentration or poor memory.
Neck swelling, snoring or hoarse voice.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Spinach Dip Stuffed Chicken Breast

Submitted by: Coach Taryn

Ingredients

1 lbs. chicken breast, skinless, organic, free-range
1 c. cheese, colby or pepper jack, raw, grass-fed or pastured, organic
8 c. spinach, fresh, organic
1/2 c. yogurt, greek, plain, full-fat, plain, organic
2 tbs. almond flour, organic
2 tbs. seasoning, cajun, organic

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Wilt spinach in a big pan on the stovetop. Mix together pepper jack cheese, cooked spinach, and Greek yogurt. (If you just cooked the spinach, the cheese should melt nicely and make a delicious dip!) In a small bowl, combine almond flour and Cajun seasoning (see recipe below). Dip both sides of chicken breast in the mixture. Place a spoonful of the spinach dip in the middle of each chicken breast. Fold the ends up and use a toothpick to hold them in place. (Feel free to roll the finished product in the almond flour/Cajun seasoning mixture again at this time.) Bake for 18-22 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Cajun Seasoning 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon sea salt

Turkey Avocado Spinach Sandwich


Submitted by: Heath

Ingredients

2 slc. sprouted whole grain bread, from organic grains
1 oz. spinach, fresh, organic
1 tsp. olive oil, extra virgin, unrefined and unfiltered, organic
1/4 tsp. vinegar, apple cider, organic, unfiltered, raw
1 pinch sea salt, unrefined and pure
2 oz. turkey breast, skinless, free-range, organic
1/4 avocado, fresh, organic
1 slc. onion, yellow, organic

Directions

Lightly toast 2 slices of Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted grain bread. In a bowl, toss the fresh spinach leaves with the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Layer the bread with the spinach leaves and lightly season with sea salt. Top with turkey, sliced avocado, and onion. Cut sandwich in half and enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Muffins


Submitted by: Pam

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. almond flour, organic
1/4 tsp. sea salt, unrefined and pure
1/2 tsp. baking soda, pure
1 tsp. cinnamon, ground, organic
1/4 tsp. nutmeg, organic
1/4 tsp. ginger, ground, organic
1 pinch clove, ground, organic
2 tbs. coconut oil, raw, extra-virgin, organic
1/2 c. maple syrup, pure, organic
2 egg, omega-3, cage-free, organic
1 c. pumpkin puree, 100% pure, canned, organic

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8 cups of a muffin pan with liners. In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. With a mixer blend coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and pumpkin until smooth. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Spoon batter into paper liners, dividing evenly between 8 cups. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Honey Lime Shrimp

Submitted by: Linda Funk

Ingredients:

1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
2 T honey
juice of one small lime
zest of one small lime, or half a large lime
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes


Directions:
1.) In a large ziploc bag, combine all the marinade ingredients. When everything is well-combined, add the shrimp, squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag, and close it up. Place it in the fridge.

2.) Let the shrimp marinate for 30-60 minutes, flipping the bag around once or twice during that time, so that all the shrimp stay evenly covered in the marinade.

3.) When you’re ready to cook, take the shrimp out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; there is no need to add any oil or butter to the pan, as the marinade has enough oil in it to keep the shrimp from sticking to the pan. (If you would prefer to use the grill for these, you can thread them onto skewers and toss them on the grill at this point.)

4.) Add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not too crowded; you can always cook them in more than one batch. Let them cook on one side for about a minute, until they curl up and start to turn pink. Flip them over, and cook for another 30 seconds or so, until the shrimp are opaque. Remove from the pan, and serve immediately!


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Power Breakfast

In your blender:
1 pc banana
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal...
1/3 cup yoghurt
1/3 cup almonds
1 cup ice cubes

Yogurt's got power-boosting protein and bone-building calcium. It can also help you lose weight and fend off a cold.

Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium which aid in maintaining normal blood pressure and are heart protective.

Banana is a food most appropriate when small but nutrient dense food has to be given in situations of extreme weight loss or extreme fever where the body becomes weak and there is food aversion.

Bananas have an antacid effect and are said to protect against stomach ulcers.

Oatmeal is loaded with fibers...lowers cholesterol and helps lower weight.

Oatmeal reduces heart attack risk.

  Oatmeal lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Oatmeal protects artery walls from damage.

Almonds help build strong bones and teeth.
The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible.

Almonds provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:

Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.

Almonds help provide good brain function and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Almonds nourish the nervous system.

Almond alkalizes the body...good for hyper acidic people.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Parmesan Shrimp


Submitted by Linda Funk

Ingredients:

 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon pure olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped...
1 1/2 cups white wine, I use chardonnay
1/2 fresh lemon, Juice only
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup softened butter
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Heat cast iron skillet and add olive oil.

Add shrimp and cook until tender and no longer translucent, reduce heat. Remove Shrimp and set aside.

Add garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Do not allow garlic to brown - it will make it bitter.

Add white wine, and lemon juice.

Cook until wine is reduced by half. After it is reduced, add Italian seasoning.

Reduce heat to low, and add butter. If pan is too hot, the butter will separate.

Add shrimp back into sauce, add parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy!

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Submitted by Linda Funk

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Ingredients:

1 medium avocado
1 small jalapeno*
1/4 cup cilantro
1 lime, juice
1 green onion
1 clove garlic
3/4 cup buttermilk**
1/4 cup mayonnaise (completely optional)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
salt and pepper to taste
 

Directions
Puree everything in a blender until smooth. Store in fridge and finish within a few days.

* Leave the seeds in for more heat or remove them for less.
** Use more buttermilk to make it thinner or less to make it thicker. Enjoy!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Acorn Squash Breakfast

 




Ingredients:

1 large acorn squash
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon fresh green onions

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425° and trim off about 1/2 inch from each end of squash; discard. Slice remaining midsection of squash crosswise into 4 (3/4-inch-thick) rounds. Remove seeds and membrane with a spoon.

Brush both sides of squash with oil, and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and crushed red pepper. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until squash is just fork tender.

Remove baking sheet from oven. Crack an egg into the center of each acorn slice; sprinkle eggs with remaining salt. Return pan to oven, reduce oven temperature to 325° and bake for 12 minutes or until eggs are cooked. Sprinkle with green onions before serving. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Inexpensive Sources of Protein



Protein is expensive and you need a lot to be able to build muscle or sustain a healthy lifestyle. List of these foods proves just how resourceful you can be when you're on a budget. It also proves that the excuse "I can't afford to eat healthy" just doesn't cut it. Creating a meal from this list is much cheaper than buying a ready meal or a takeaway. I use all of these and amazing how resourceful you can be when you're on a budget.

Peanut Butter

Who doesn’t like peanut butter? It tastes great, but be careful not to eat too much. You could go through a jar in no time. Stick to all natural peanut butter. The ingredients should say peanuts and possibly salt, but that’s it. I like to throw a tablespoon or two into my oatmeal and milk and then mix it with some frozen blueberries, honey, and cinnamon. It’s a tasty meal that’s easy to make.

Whey Protein

Whey protein powder is likely the cheapest way to get protein without adding any extra calories from carbs or fat. Whey can be added to many things including smoothies and protein pancakes. The possibilities are endless.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most nutritionally packed foods out there. Unfortunately, many people get scared off from eating them because of their cholesterol content. The good news is that dietary cholesterol intake does not directly influence blood cholesterol levels. So eat up – yolk and all.

Milk

Milk took the #1 spot for the cheapest protein source. It is a combination of whey and casein protein (fast and slow digesting). For those on a tight budget who are not lactose intolerant, milk is a great way to get in extra protein.

Beans

Beans are the vegetarian’s choice for cheap protein. They are packed with fiber and protein, and they are low glycemic – which will keep insulin levels under control so that fat can be mobilized and burned. Try mixing some garbanzo beans with olive oil and spices for a healthy hummus snack. If you’re willing to try something new, I’m a huge fan of this cookie dough dip made with garbanzo beans.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt contains bacteria called acidophillus. These living bacteria have many benefits, including the health of the digestive tract. Try mixing some frozen blueberries into your yogurt for a high protein snack. Greek yogurt can also be used in place of sour cream in just about any recipe. This can help lower the calorie content and boost the protein.

Chicken

Frozen chicken tends to be cheaper than its fresh counterpart, but if you look hard enough, you can find fresh chicken for nearly the same price when it’s on sale. Buy it in bulk and freeze it yourself for an even bigger discount.

Ground Beef

This is the high fat stuff – 20% fat 80% lean. Although if the lean ground beef goes on sale, you can get it for the same price as the high fat stuff. Have no fear though, rinse your beef, and you could remove up to 50% of the fat content.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a popular snack/meal for people to eat right before bed. It contains casein protein, which is a slow digesting protein for a long night’s sleep. Need a snack idea? Try adding some cinnamon to cottage cheese and use it as a dip for some sliced apples.

Canned Tuna

Any college kid trying to scrape by has probably eaten canned tuna before. The meats don’t get much cheaper or more convenient than this. Throw a can on top of a salad for a quick, cheap, protein rich meal.

Quinoa.

I know what you’re thinking, but it’s good as a side. So if you want a good, low GL side to go with your meat, try quinoa. It’s about 14% protein.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Weight Loss Apple Cinnamon Water


Boost your metabolism naturally with this ZERO CALORIE Detox Drink. Put down the diet sodas and crystal light and try this out for a week. You will drop weight and have
TONS ON ENERGY! Sounds yummy!

 Makes one big pitcher, re-fill water 3-4 times before replacing apples and cinnamon.

1 Apple thinly sliced (whatever your favorite is)
1 Cinnamon Stick
Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher and then the cinnamon sticks, cover with ice about 1/2 way up then add water.


Cinnamon is metabolism booster and apples are proven to stabilize blood sugar so no spikes causing cravings and the ice water requires your body to heat it before it can be absorbed so it burns calories

Monday, August 10, 2015

Find Out What Miracles Baking Soda Does To Your Skin, Hair And Body.


Baking soda is made from soda ash, and is slightly alkaline and neutralizes acid-based odors in water, and absorbs odors from the air. As baking soda contacts another substance, it naturally neutralizes the pH of the substance and prevents further imbalance or buffers the pH. With this effect, baking soda is able to neutralize odors, remove stains, detox the body and eliminate infection.

While baking soda is a particularly effective health treatment, it should also be noted that the substance can deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, folic acid and chromium. Baking soda is best used for short periods of time in conjunction with other nutritional supports to prevent nutritional imbalances
  • Drain cleaner: Pour one cup down the drain followed by three cups of boiling water.
  • Use it as an antacid.
  • Chemical smells out of clothes: Soak clothes for two to three hours or overnight, in one cup of baking soda.
  • Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.
  • Agitate the machine occasionally. Repeat if necessary. Wash as usual. (This method is great for removing the new smell out of clothes)
  • Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide into a paste and use it as toothpaste.
  • Dog odors and urine: Sprinkle with baking soda. Let set for a few hours before sweeping up
  • Use it as a face and body scrub.
  • Silver polish: Make a paste of baking soda and water, scoop some onto a clean, soft rag, and polish the silver. Rinse and polish dry.
  • Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
  • Soft scrubber: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl and add enough liquid soap or detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop onto a sponge and clean the bathtub or tiles. Rinse.
  • Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn: Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
  • Scouring powder: Simply sprinkle baking soda into a sink and scrub.
  • Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and p>oison ivy irritations.
  • Oven cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Squirt with enough water that the baking soda is damp. Let set overnight, making sure the baking soda is damp before you go to bed. In the morning, simply scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Garlic Broccoli


Submitted by: Linda Funk

This recipe should be illegal!

Ingredients:

Head of Broccoli
Olive oil
Fresh garlic
Direction:

Preheat oven to 375°
Chop a head of broccoli (do not rinse, immediately prior to preparing!)
Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic...
Put broccoli, garlic, 2 tbsp. olive oil, and a few shakes of salt and pepper in a Ziploc bag.
Shake it up!!
Spread out on baking sheet, place on top rack, and bake for about 30 minutes.


Broccoli will be crunchy and delicious! I make this at least 3 times a week and have to control myself once I take it out of the oven, I could eat this alone for dinner!

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Watermelon Pineapple Smoothie



Submitted by: Lorraine Bowring

Ingredients

1 c. watermelon, fresh, organic
2/3 c. pineapple, fresh, organic
1 c. yogurt, Greek, plain, full-fat, plain, organic
1 c. ice, pure & filtered
1 tsp. vanilla extract, organic
3 tbs. water, purified

Directions

Cut the fruit into chunks. Add all ingredients to blender except the water and blend until smooth. Add 1-3 tablespoons of water, one at a time, until consistency is thick enough to flow through a straw. Be careful not to add too much water; if you desire a thicker consistency, do not add any water. Pour into two glasses, add straw and enjoy!


Sunday, August 2, 2015

Kale Quinoa Mango Salad

 
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of chopped baby kale
  • 6 cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
  • 1 mango (cut into small chunks)
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup - cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup - cooked chickpeas
  • Half an avocado (again cut into small pieces)
  • 1 or 2 tablespoons of feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted almonds (sliced)
Directions:
  • In a small bowl combine and whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine and mix kale, cherry tomatoes, mango, and add dressing (mix well).
  • Add quinoa, chickpeas and mix into salad.
  • Top salad with feta cheese, toasted almonds and avocado. Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Secret For Fat Loss





If you are trying to loss weight, you must of heard this before "Eat less, exercise more". That’s the simple solution to anyone’s weight-loss questions. But if it were really that easy, more people would be in great shape.
The real secret to targeting fat loss in a specific area is through proper diet. I’m really sorry to let you down. You were probably expecting some mind blowing revelation on how to get six pack abs through some amazing 10 minute abs workout. If you were, then I guess this really is a revelation for you.

You cannot target fat loss through exercise. Read it again and again

 You cannot target fat loss through exercise. Doing situps is not going to give you six pack abs. You aren’t going to get “toned” arms or legs simply by doing leg or arm workouts.

The secret to “targeting” fat loss in the stomach area – DIET
The secret to “targeting” fat loss in the inner thigh area – DIET

The secret to getting a firm butt – DIET
The secret to getting toned arms – DIET
The secret to great looking legs – DIET

Do you see a pattern here? Sorry to say that, but no amount of exercise is going to make that body part look good if there is a layer of fat covering it up! Healthy eating combined with a calorie deficit is the only way to target fat loss. Fat loss is systemic – not localized.

To build muscle & lose fat, you need a variety of proteins, veggies, fruits, carbs, and healthy fats. Eating protein helps building & maintaining muscles.
To better explain this, take your typical arm workout. Maybe you are doing some curls in the hope to have “toned” arms. As you are lifting the weight, your bicep sends out a signal that it needs energy – fat and glycogen. This energy is used both for lifting the weight, and used to repair muscle tissue.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, the fastest way to burn fat faster is by lifting heavy weights. Not only do heavier weights activate more muscle fibers, they also increase your resting metabolism. In other words, when you lift heavy weights, you continue to burn calories at a higher rate, even when you’re doing nothing.

When your muscles send out this “I need fat” signal, your body releases all sorts of fat-burning hormones and chemicals into the blood stream. Within seconds and a couple of heart beats, these fat burning chemicals are dispersed throughout the entire body.

They start pulling fat from all over the place – from the fat in your midsection, to the fat on your fingers. It would be great if your muscles would just use the fat from the surrounding muscle, but that’s just not how it works.

I really despise the word “tone”. It’s another one of those misunderstood words used by the fitness industry. It was created to target women who didn’t want to get big and bulky through strength training.

Being toned means nothing more than having muscle and having low body fat. There is no exercise that accomplishes this by itself. Your goal should be to build muscle in the most efficient way possible, and then use proper nutrition to remove the fat covering it.
Stop wasting your time with crunches, leg lifts, or any other isolation exercise that doesn’t challenge you. Get in the gym and start lifting some weights, or do your strength training at home – just do it. Build that fat-burning muscle, and then focus on your diet.

If you don’t want to get bulky, then you have to watch what you eat. If you put on muscle but do nothing to decrease your body fat (diet), you are going to look bigger. However, if you get in the gym and do squats and other highly effective compound movements, and couple that with a great diet and a calorie deficit, you are going to start seeing the true potential of your body.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Parmesan Quinoa Bites


Submitted by: Marilyn Wilkie

Ingredients

1/2 c. quinoa, white, organic
1 c. water, purified
2 egg, omega-3, cage-free, organic
1 green onion, fresh, organic
1 clove garlic, fresh, organic
1/2 c. cheese, parmesan, raw, organic
3 tbs. cilantro, fresh, organic
2 tbs. almond flour, organic
1/4 tsp. sea salt, unrefined and pure
1/8 tsp. black pepper, ground, organic
1/2 tsp. lemon juice, pure, organic
1 tsp. olive oil, extra virgin, unrefined and unfiltered, organic

Directions

Cook the quinoa: combine quinoa and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer (covered) for about 10 minutes, until all liquid has been absorbed. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a mini muffin pan with coconut oil. Combine cooked quinoa, eggs, diced green onion, minced garlic, shredded Parmesan, chopped cilantro, almond flour, sea salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each mini muffin spot. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve hot.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Health Benefits Of Flaxseed


 
Flaxseeds (which are also referred to as linseeds) are a seed from flax. Flax is one of the world’s oldest fiber crops, and it is known to have been grown in ancient China and Egypt. Flaxseeds are considered to be a superfood because they are a great source of dietary fiber, micronutrients, manganese, alpha-linolenic acid, and vitamin B1. Flaxseed is also a source of antioxidants and healthy fats.

Although flaxseed contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them:
  • Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
  • Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
  • Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.
Health Benefits Of Flaxseed
As reported in Medical News Today, there are many health benefits associated with flaxseed use. One of them is protection against cancer. Consuming flaxseed is believed to guard against breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Flaxseed is linked to cancer cell growth prevention because the omega-3 fatty acids in the seed can prevent the malignant cells from latching onto other cells in the body. Additionally, the lignans found in flaxseed are believed to contain antiangiogenic properties that prevent tumors from creating new blood vessels.

Eating flaxseed daily may also help your cholesterol levels. The level of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Preliminary research also suggests that daily intake of the lignans in flaxseed may modestly improve blood sugar (as measured by hemoglobin A1c blood tests in adults with type 2 diabetes).

One study of menopausal women, published in 2007, reported that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed into cereal, juice, or yogurt twice a day cut their hot flashes in half. The intensity of their hot flashes also dropped by 57%. The women noticed a difference after taking the daily flaxseed for just one week and achieved the maximum benefit within two weeks.

Two components in flaxseed, ALA and lignans, may reduce the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses (such as Parkinson's disease and asthma) by helping block the release of certain pro-inflammatory agents, Fitzpatrick says.
ALA has been shown to decrease inflammatory reactions in humans. And studies in animals have found that lignans can decrease levels of several pro-inflammatory agents.
Reducing inflammation associated with plaque buildup in the arteries may be another way flaxseed helps prevent heart attack and strokes.

Many experts believe it's better to consume flaxseed than flax oil (which contains just part of the seed) so you get all the components.

As noted in WebMD, flaxseed is linked to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In fact, research indicates that the omega-3s in flaxseed help normalize the heartbeat while also promoting anti-inflammatory action within the body. The amino acids found in flaxseeds are also thought to play a role in promoting cardiovascular health.


Homemade Mosquito Free Yard Spray


Ingredients:

Big bottle Blue cheap mouthwash
3 cups of Epsom salt,
3 stale 12 oz cheap beer


Directions:

Mix those three ingredients together until salt is dissolved... ...
Spray anywhere you sit outside , around pools , will not harm plants or flowers...
Mosquitoes gone from that area immediately.


I spray my deck all around my sitting areas twice a summer. They leave that area you spray and will not come back.. Been using this mixture for last 2 years.. It works. The stronger you mix the longer it last.. Mosquitoes and bugs hate it.. Nice mint smell..

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Easy Cucumber Salad


Submitted by: Isha Khan

Be careful as these are addictive!

Cucumbers are packed with vitamins, dietary fiber, and water, cucumber helps in indigestion. Having a cucumber daily can solve issues related to bowel movements and hence help you combat constipation.

Loaded with only 45 calories, cucumbers are great for a flat stomach. This is because cucumber contains as much as 96 percent water content, which does not give you a bloating stomach and helps your body to cool down.

Cucumber juice is extremely good for your hair. It contains silicon and sulphur which collectively stop hair fall, and promote healthy hairCucumber water helps in supporting brain health as it contains an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that helps in keeping the brain healthier and younger.

Ingredients:

1 Baby cucumber
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili powder to taste

Instructions:

Chop a baby cucumber and add lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and Chili powder on top. Mix them well and enjoy.




 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Clean Your Colon With 2 Simple Ingredients



Doctors who do autopsies find a surprising number of things in the colon. Years worth of hardened, rotted food and feces, colons twice the size they should be and caked full so only a small passage appears, and even worms up to 6 inches long. The walls of the colon fill with hardened waste and block the passage of the nutrition that the colon absorbs. Honey and apple cider vinegar are excellent natural remedy for many. This powerful combination will help you to clean your colon as well.

Honey and apple cider vinegar alone are great for your health, but together are the one-two-knockout punch for high blood pressure. Both ingredients are high in potassium, which regulates the amount of sodium in your blood and normalizes blood pressure. They also contain magnesium, which reduces pressure on the walls of your blood vessels. Aside from cleansing your colon and lowering blood pressure, this also serves as an anti-aging elixir.

I have been having a 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey in a tall glass of hot water twice a day for about a year. My uncontrollable blood pressure is back to normal and my meds have been reduced. Also noticed that my sinus congestion has cleared up a lot.

Ingredients:

8 ounces of warm purified water – don’t use bottled water!
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of raw organic honey

Mix the ingredients together. Wait until your honey completely dissolves then slowly drink. You might not like the taste at first but you get used to it. Consume 1 to 2 glasses daily.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

5 Homemade Juice Which Help You in Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals


Homemade juices are one of the best and easiest ways to avoid consuming extra calories. They are healthy and provide the body its necessary dose of nutrients for they are naturally sweet and devoid of artificial sweeteners. 

Lot of people starting on a juice fast and losing weight, while others juice to add healthy nutrients to their diet, which aids in weight loss. Here is list of my healthiest juices that can help you in losing weight.

Watermelon Juice:

Watermelon juice is ideal for weight loss for it is packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. It makes sure you lose weight without making you feel tired and weak. . A watermelon juice definitely is the perfect piece to beat the summer heat, considering that it contains 97% water and sugar. It should be noted as well that a watermelon helps you get rid of those extra pounds off, contrary to fears that eating the fruit or drinking a watermelon juice could result to gaining weight due to its sugar content. Actually, it’s not the same sugar that could aggravate diabetes; a watermelon contains natural sugar good for the body.

Aloe Vera Juice:

Even though this is not the best tasting juice, it helps in boosting your metabolism instantly. Regular consumption of it not only helps in weight loss, it also makes your hair and skin look healthy. Aloe vera juice is the ultimate healthy habit, as it seemingly aids in weight loss, digestion, immune function, and even ‘easing general discomfort’.

Lemon Juice:

There’s no denying that lemon juice is one of the first things that strikes us when it comes to weight loss. Having lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning helps you in expediting the process of weighting for it cleanses and detoxifies the body and keeps you refreshed throughout the day. Lemon juice sourness is due mainly to the presence of organic acids such as citric and ascorbic acids. These acids along with the various vitamins and minerals in lemon juice provide numerous benefits for your body.

Carrot Juice:

It is loaded with calcium, potassium, magnesium, carotenes, and vitamins A, B1, B3, B6, C and K. Along with this, it is also packed with antioxidants that help in boosting your metabolism and enhancing your immune system. Drinking carrot juice can help you get rid of dermatitis and eczema.
Vitamin C acts as a protector of the nervous and immune systems.

Beetroot Juice:

It is definitely one of the healthiest juices for it is rich in vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K along with calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and fiber. The vitamins and fibers aid in the process of detoxifying the body by flushing out toxins from it. This in turn helps in weight loss. Beetroot juice is one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidants and naturally occurring nitrates. Nitrates are compounds which improve blood flow throughout the body – including the brain, heart, and muscles.

Homemade OxyClean Stain Remover Mixture


Commercial stain-removing products are often hazardous to humans, wildlife and the environment. Product labeling can be deceptive and often include a combination of chemicals and solvents that are nerve-damaging, severe skin and eye irritants and may have adverse reproductive effects.

Consider switching to stain removers made from plant oils or the home remedy solutions posted below.

This works on every stain I've tried ...it on !!!
 

The ultimate stain remover that actually works on a seriously set in stain! Never buy oxyclean again!
 

Ingredients:

1 tsp. Dawn dish washing detergent...
3-4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
2 tablespoons of baking soda.
    

Directions:

Combine all ingredients as needed to use.  Scrub on with a scrubbing brush.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Morning Weight Loss Drink


 
Combing honey with warm water can be a great way to lose weight because it can help with proper breakdown of foods, especially when drinking in the morning. This mixture also serves as a cleanser, which washes away unwanted toxins from our body.

Weight loss is not something that can happen instantaneously and can take time. However, we cannot expect to lose weight without working towards it. Be it going for walks, working out in the morning, or following a healthy diet – you need to do something or the other to see your weight go down. Now nothing can miraculously make you lose your weight, but there are a few things that you can do to expedite this process.

One of them is definitely the usage of honey. Honey is of the most amazing ingredients that lies in every kitchen. It is packed with loads of health benefits and works like wonders when added to your food and drink. Just by having a spoonful of it every day can help you in achieving that body which you have been craving for.

The best way of consuming honey is by mixing it warm water. This combination can amazingly make you shed those extra pounds and make you fit into your old pair of skinny jeans. Not only this, it also helps in maintaining the calorie content of your body by flushing out harmful toxins from your body.

Honey with hot water and lemon can help get rid of toxins in your body. The citric acid in the lemon helps enhance enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and helps with detoxification. Besides, lemon and honey in hot water helps increase the frequency of urination and keep the urinary tract healthy.

Honey contains vitamins and minerals that help combat bacteria. Being a strong antioxidant, honey is also great for fighting free radicals in the body. A regular dose of honey will definitely give your immunity a boost.

The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of honey that can help relieve the cough. A concoction of lemon and honey with hot water can help loosen mucus causing the irritation and calm the throat. 

Here’s how you can easily make a mixture of honey and warm water that you can drink every morning after waking up.
  • Take water in a pan and boil it for a few minutes
  • Make sure the water doesn’t become too hot making it difficult to handle
  • Strain the water into the glass so that all its impurities are removed
  • Add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to the warm water
  • Stir the honey well so that it forms a homogeneous solution
  • Drink it on an empty stomach
Remember, the more water you add to this mixture, the faster you will lose weight. It will simultaneously ensure proper functioning of your kidneys by helping your body remove excess water.

  • You can opt for having a glass of honey with warm water right before and during your meals for it will make you feel satiated for a longer period of time. This also means it will keep you from binging or overeating which in the long run will aid in the process of weight loss. Needless to say, having a glass of honey and warm water early in the morning will help you losing weight a lot faster.
  • Rather than having a plain glass of honey with warm water, you can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the concoction to increase its benefits. The combination of sweet honey and citrusy lemon juice makes for a refreshing morning drink that is packed with loads of health benefits. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and its antioxidant properties will help you in your weight loss goal and keep you energised for the day.
  • You can also consume a cup of hot tea with a teaspoon of honey before having your breakfast in the morning. This mixture will balance out your appetite by ensuring you do not suffer from sugar cravings throughout the day.
  • Adding a bit of cinnamon to the mixture can also aid in weight loss along with rendering a fresh aroma to the concoction.