Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading

 It's been almost a year since my last recommended reading post!  It's amazing how times passes by so fast. We should definitely enjoy and be present in each moment.

Let's start off with some Health

You can boost your anticancer immunity by visiting a forest or a walk in nature with a "Forest Bath"

What's all the fuss about inflammation?  Chronic inflammation is the root cause of most disease. Is olive oil better than ibuprofen?

All of us have cancer cells and most people develop some type of cancer but a strong immune system can keep them in check. How to slow cancer growth.

It's never too late to turn back the clock, How to increase your life expectancy by 12 to 14 years!

How many Jumping Jacks can you do in 60 seconds? How about the dreaded "Burpees", personally, I love burpees!

On to the Environment

In the Netherlands, to help fight climate change, sidewalks are being turned into gardens

The UK is pressing on for Solar panels to be on all new build homes by 2027

It's easy to assume our world is in a bleak direction, but there is hope...What the Earth could look like in 2125

A "hidden" source of clean energy that could power Earth for 170,000 years?

Great Recipes 

The best easiest Fluffy Vegan Protein Pancakes

For breakfast try these 4-ingredient Banana oatmeal Nut Butter "Cookies"

This recipe is from the new "Blue Zones Kitchen" cookbook,

Tomato Pasta Soup

4 cups water

2 cups veg broth

1 15oz can diced or chopped fire-roasted tomatoes

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tbs olive oil

1lb orzo pasta

1 tsp salt

In a large soup pot bring water and broth to boil.

Add tomato sauce, olive oil, orzo and salt, stir to combine.

Reduce heat to low and bring to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. stir so orzo doesn't stick to the bottom.

Enjoy with warmed baguette!

Finally some "crazy shit"

This guy really loves the NY Mets, he outruns the subway to the Mets ballpark!

Are you old enough to remember the Ford maverick? No, not the new small pickup. The 1970's compact car that didn't sell very well is still around, just not where you would think.

Premier League Champions Liverpool fans literally "moved the Earth" It was an incredible game!

Approximately 2000 shipping containers fall overboard every year! What happens when the burst open?

Someone needs to create a development with these affordable homes

That's all I got this time!

Be kind

Judd

Natural Allergy Relief

Spring is here! Along with new growth comes the dreaded allergies. Most over the counter relief comes with help but makes you drowsy. There is a better alternative with Stinging Nettle  You can find it growing in the wild (don't consume when flowering) or much easier is at a health store or online. Amazon has many to choose from, but always buy organic please.

Natural Allergy Relief

Anyone who has been hiking before or even working in the garden has probably encountered "stinging nettle".  You never forget the stinging pain on your leg or hands that comes with brushing up against this wonderful weed.  But the natural benefits outweigh the sting of Nettle.  The first recorded use of it was by Roman soldiers battling the harsh cold by rubbing leaves on their arms to induce inflammation just to warm their skin!  Its leaves have long stinging hairs that inject chemicals into the skin of unlucky persons or animals who cross its path.  It is its natural defense mechanism.

Some of the great benefits when consuming nettle are:

*Helps to detox the body, it is a natural diuretic, flushing out harmful chemicals and 

excess liquids. especially useful in urinary tract infections.

*Promotes healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular health, with high amounts of

iron and vitamin c its helps to alleviate anemia and fatigue.  Also with high amounts of potassium it lowers your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

*Reduces arthritis pain, the antioxidant properties minimize the swelling related with arthritis and used topically can relieve some pain also.  

*Alleviates allergic reactions, even though the physical contact of nettle causes inflammation, the ingestion of it does the opposite by dampening the body's response to allergens.  It binds with the body's histamine receptors to lessen the effects of allergy symptoms. 

One of the most effective ways to consume Nettle is drinking a tea blend of  nettle, peppermint tea  and honey.  Nettle by itself has a very strong earthy taste, the honey and peppermint smooth it out a little.  You can find a variety of different brands to purchase online or at your local health food store,  Some even sell it in bulk so you can make your blend.

Making Nettle Leaf Tea Using Dried Nettles

• Place about two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves in a tea strainer and place the strainer in a mug.
• Pour in boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add honey or sweetener of choice, stir to dissolve.
• Strain out and discard leaves.
• Sip and enjoy!

The next time you have the sniffles from pollen, brew  a cup of Nettle tea!  During heavy allergy season drink it daily you will definitely see a difference.  

It is always better to find a natural remedy from nature than bombarding your immune system with a man-made alternative.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Vegan Turkey Bacon Club Sandwich

This is a tasty and easy sandwich to make. You will have to make some Coconut Bacon ahead of time though.  We use an extra firm tofu and Field Roast Chao Cheese and Goya Adobo All purpose Seasoning both available at Walmart, etc.

To make a couple of sandwiches:

In a small amount oil fry 1/4" slices of extra firm tofu, seasoning with the Adobo seasoning and sprinkle with dried thyme (for the turkey flavor). Toast your choice bread. Using vegan mayo, sliced tomatoes, coconut bacon and a slice of Chao cheese topped with some Romaine lettuce, you have created a double deck yummy vegan Club sandwich!

Enjoy!

Here's another quick easy meal:

Tofu Ramen

Crumble extra firm tofu into large chunks and fry in a small amount oil, seasoning with Adobo seasoning.

we use Momofuku Soy and Scallion Noodles, prep the noodles(appr 4-5 minutes) while cooking the tofu.

When tofu is browned (4-5 minutes) use Kinder's Teriyaki Glaze and cover the tofu to taste.

Combine in a medium bowl and enjoy!

Be kind

Judd

Easy Cold Brew Coffee and Snickerdoodle Protein Balls 

Here's an easy and inexpensive way to make your own cold brew coffee;

Using your favorite coarse ground bean,  add 1/4 cup to a large "Mason Jar".

Fill with filtered water, stir a few times and place in the refrigerator.  12-18 hours later, your ready to drain through a screen or coffee filter into a clean glass container. Simple.  Mix to your desired richness with water, non-dairy milk or drink it straight!

You can add another 1/8 cup of ground and start over for your next batch.

For a Snickerdoodle treat:

In a large mixing bowl mix:

1-1/2 cup of almond flour(GF) or general purpose flour

1/4 cup vanilla plant-based protein powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup almond butter(or any nut butter)

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tbs non-dairy milk (or water)

In a separate bowl mix 1 tbs of each, cinnamon and sugar for rolling.

Once well mixed, portion approximately 1-1/2 tbs mixture into a ball.

Roll each ball in the cinnamon/sugar mixture and place in the freezer to set.

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks( not likely they will last that long!

 

Enjoy with your Cold Brew!

Be kind

Judd

Recommended Reading

 Recommended Reading

Miso says, "hey it's reading time"

Let's start with some environmental news..

Last year was the best year on record for new wind installations.

EPA's new PFAS  regulation sets enforceable limits around a half-dozen PFAS compounds which will have an effect on municipal water supplies(like Flint, Michigan)

Trees in Cities keep us healthy

Why not make them fruit trees?

On every roof something is possible, how "sponge cities" could change the way we handle rain.

Some believe autonomous trucks are the answer to a shortage of truck drivers 

Health news...

You should know by now milk DOES NOT do a body good. 

Bloated on a vegan diet?  Here's how to improve your digestion.

6 plant-based diet myths that are completely untrue.

When it comes to your digestive system, this tea is a game changer

Do as wild animals do, this orangutan used a medicinal plant to treat itself. watch here

Finally some crazy shit...

Totally insane at 152 mph Wingsuiters at 152mph

Just what everyone needs 😨, a flame throwing robot dog, have you ever watched "Once upon a time in Hollywood"?

WTF..The 25 largest yachts in the world

This is what is needed more than crazy yachts...material exchange centers 

2 very cool new camper trailers Pebble and Barefoot  by NuCamp

Be kind

Judd

 Let's do fika!

According to many worldwide studies Sweden is one of the happiest countries to live. Fika, the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat with friends is as Swedish as ABBA. 

Surely it's just a coffee break?  Fika is much more than that, to Swedes, fika is something of a ritual. It typically consists of coffee and a sweet treat shared with friends on a regular basis.  It is a deliberate way to share a social connection with friends and colleagues during work times.  More importantly, a way to enjoy time with those you love and just connect, especially in nature.  Our daughter Briana spent time in Sweden and recently came back with fika as a daily ritual. Kristen and I have made it a weekly connection to spend quality time together.  That is what fika is all about. 

Let's do fika!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd 

Quick and Easy

Quick and Easy

Here are two easy recipes:

Pickled Red Onions

This simple recipe comes from Earthy Andy.

 Red onions promote healthy digestion, fight inflammation, boosts your immune system and tastes delicious!

1 large red onion sliced very thin

1 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbs sugar

1 tbs salt

2 cups water

In a small bowl mix ingredients and bring to a simmer.

Load up a medium Mason jar with the sliced onions; pack it in!

Pour liquid mix over the onions and let rest.

They're ready to eat now, but better if left a few days to absorb the flavor.

English Crumpet Pizza

We use Trader Joes English Crumpets for the base, but any English Muffin will work.

Place your "crumpets" on a baking sheet.

Layer on  pizza sauce or pesto sauce of your choice.

I use Vegan Kale Cashew Basil Pesto or Pizza Sauce, both available at Trader Joe's.

Top with your choice of cheese.

I use Dairy free Cashew Mozzarella Style Shreds from Trader Joe's.

Top with a sliced red bell pepper or topping of your choice.

Bake at 350' for 12-15 minutes.

Top with fresh basil.

I just realized this whole recipe came from Trader Joe's!

Be kind,

Judd