Year End Quotes

"Change in the world comes from individuals,  from the inner peace in individual hearts.  Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects"  Dalai Lama

2018 is slipping away and a New Year is on the horizon.  I am striving that my actions will make meaningful changes in my life.  Those actions will become the hope of a better life and relationship with those I love.  By being a better "me", possibly I can contribute to creating a better world.

Motivational quotes are great, but we need to put those thoughts into action.  Motivation only lasts until we do something about it.   By putting those words into "action" is when they became beneficial.

Not in any given order here are some of my favorite quotes:  

Enjoy

"Remember that time complaining got you somewhere? Yeah, me neither.  Nothing beats planning, persistance and hard work.  Joe DeSena

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks"  John Muir

"Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that made him sick" Hippocrates

"Only those who risks going to far can possibly find out how far they can go" T.S.Lewis

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver" Mahatma Gandhi

"The only real stumbling block is the fear of failure.  In cooking you've got to have a what the-the-hell attitude"  Julia Child

"Just keep in mind: the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have"  Epictetus

"It's not about being perfect.  It's about being the best you at this moment."

"We're here on this planet for a short time.  Let's get some shit done while we're here."  Joe DeSena

"If it is not right, do not do it.  If it is not true, do not say it"  Marcus Aurelius

"Let each thing you would do, say or intend, be like that of a dying person"  Marcus Aurelius

"It's not what happens to somebody, it's what they do as a result of it"  John Joseph

"The mind is everything..what you think you become"  Buddha

"Obstacles don't block the path.  They are the path"  Spartan Creed

"Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already"  Marcus Aurelius

"Your mind as an obstacle is harder to overcome than any physical challenge.  It's not possible to outrun it.  But you can exhaust it into submission."  Spartan Creed

"Sure you can dream of success.  Or you can get your ass up and go make it happen."  Joe DeSena

"Since the Universe has no center, you can't be the center of it."

"We don't abandon our pursuits because we despair of ever perfecting them"  Epictetus

"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy"  Marcus Aurelius

"Looking backwards fucks with your neck" Gary Vanyerchuk

"Each morning we are born again.  What we do today is what matters most"  Buddha

"Ask yourself at every moment, Is this necessary?"  Marcus Aurelius

"Never cease to act because you fear you may fail"  Queen Lili'uokalani

"The mind is a fertile garden that will grow what you choose, weeds or flowers."  Bruce Lee 

For every stranger you see, imagine this person is carrying their own struggles, griefs, losses, triumphs and sense of adventure as a child.  

When you see them say, "just like me"  Notice what happens.

What's past is past, nothing can change that.  But the future can be different if we choose to make it so.  We have to cultivate a vision of a happier, more peaceful future and make the effort now to bring it about.  This is no time for complacency, hope lies in the actions we take.

May 2019 be a new beginning for how I can be a better "me" so we can be a better "us.

Peace

Have a Happy New Year

Judd

Take A Breath

Before the Holidays begin and we all come together to celebrate..."Take a breath"   Not all family and friends are on the same page with their beliefs and ideas.  This is a re-post from a couple of years back which may help you through the next week and gently into a positive new habit.

Peace.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Our bodies need oxygen to survive.  Healthy blood plasma is at least 90% oxygen.  Nothing happens anywhere in our bodies without oxygen.  It is required in just about every chemical reaction,  it  ignites the activity in our cells.  It is the spark of life for us. Over the next few weeks I am going be posting about the importance of oxygenation.

Breathing is an involuntary act.  We don't think much about it, until we don't have it.  Surfing for over 40 years, I have had my share of being pinned to bottom after being thrown off a wave or being held under what seemed like endless thick white water.  Clawing my way to the top to get some much needed oxygen, just to be hit by another large wave and repeating the process.  All you want is a deep breath of air.  

Our breath helps us to gauge how comfortable or uncomfortable we are at that moment.  When we are stressed, frightened or ill we tighten our bodies and breathe faster.  When relaxed calm or happy we soften our bodies and our breathing slows.  This why it is important to learn to slow our breathing and help ourselves to get as much oxygen as we can.  Ancient yoga teaches us that we are given a certain amount of breaths for our individual life span. The slower we breath, the longer we live.  This is not to say we shouldn't breathe heavy as in exercise or teaching our lungs to expand for more oxygen capacity.  This means that when we know how to work with our breath, we can change our mood, manage panic attacks and even lower our blood pressure.  Not only is breathing meditative and good for calming stress, it also improves brain and immune system function, cleanses our bodies of toxins and purifies our minds.  

A simple way to start training our mind and body to slow the breathing is a method called 5-5-5-5. Start doing this in the morning upon waking.  In a sitting position inhale slowly thru your nose on a count of 5, then hold your breath for a count of 5, slowly exhale thru your mouth, and finally count to 5 with no breathing at all(emptying your lungs). do this for 5-15 minutes per day.  You can do this in the evening also to slowly unwind from your daily routine to prepare for a restful night.

Try this for a week and see how you feel.

Happy Holidays.

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Judd

Action Brings Hope

Action brings hope.   

Those words ring true in every aspect of our lives.   We all hope to live a happier life.   We all hope to be healthy.   We all hope to be loved.  But without action there is no hope.   It all starts with me and you.  Everyday, we make the choices that will create our lives.   Make the right ones.

15 year old Greta Thunberg from Sweden is speaking truth, not only about Climate change, but about everyday choices.

"Change in the world comes from individuals and from the inner peace in individual hearts.  Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects"  Dalai Lama

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Judd

Beans,Beans Are Good For Your Heart.....

Beans, beans are good for your heart....

We all have heard that saying before, but according to an extensive study by the American Institute for Cancer Research they recommend eating whole grains and legumes(beans, chickpeas, soybeans, split peas or lentils) at EVERY meal.  Not every week or day, but every meal!  Legumes are loaded with protein, iron, and zinc as you might expect from other protein sources such as meat but legumes contain nutrients that concentrated in the vegetable kingdom, including fiber, folate and potassium.  You get the best of both worlds with beans, all the while enjoying foods that are low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol-free.  Along with rice they are very inexpensive, especially in bulk.  Consumption of beans is associated with lower blood pressure, regulation of blood sugar, and insulin levels.  They also reduce the risk of stroke, depression and colon cancer.  The phytoestrogens in soy, such as tofu and tempeh (great/easy: tempeh chicken salad recipe) help to prevent breast cancer and  breast cancer survival.  Beans can be added to any meal, snacks and the main dish.  The possibilities are endless.

Here are a few of my easy bean recipes:

Quinoa Black Bean Bowl

Kale and Chickpea Mash

For a little more effort:

Kristen's Vegan Crock Pot Chili

Black Bean/Beet Veggie Burgers

For more (27) easy recipes check out Blue Zones: Turn 1 Can of Beans Into 27 Easy Meals

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 12/02/18

The year is almost over and here is the latest list of recommendations.

Lets get started with wellness

Here's another reason to change to a plant-based diet: Superbugs Found in More Then 3/4 of Supermarkets Meat. 

If you are not a coffee lover you might want to give this a try.  (I like both!);Better than coffee? Yerba Matte

A great article from Forks Over Knives on how a woman battling MS changed her diet and her life.

For a quick healthy dessert: Berry Chocolate Chia Pudding.

We all need this: Secrets To Cultivating a Happier Life by Kris Carr.

Next up environmental news

What's going on with all the fires out west: 6 Trends to Know About Fire Season in The Western U.S.

Spread the word: protecting mangroves has never been more important: Share The Facts About Mangroves

More corporations need to follow Patagonia's example: Our Urgent Gift to the Planet

For the long reads:

Racing Across Antarctica

Explorers of The Underground,NYC

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Berry Oat Granola Smoothie Bowl

We all are probably getting tired of Thanksgiving leftovers.  I know I have had vegan sausage stuffing and fresh cranberry/apple dressing for brekkie too many times now.  It was time for a fresh smoothie bowl.  Here is quick healthy bowl recipe:

Berry/Oat Granola Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie:

In a blender combine:

Frozen organic raspberries, blueberries, cherries.

Half of a banana.

1/2 cup of non-dairy milk.

1/2 cup oats.

2 tbs plant-based protein powder.

Homemade granola:

1 cup oats.

2 tbs chia seeds.

2 tbs ground flax seeds.

2 tbs hemp seeds.

1/4 cup sunflower seeds.

1/4 cup mixed/chopped walnuts and pecans.

In a mixing bowl, combine all together by hand and sprinkle with salt, cinnamon and melted coconut oil. Drizzle with agave nectar or pure maple syrup. Bake at 350' for 15 minutes until browned and crunchy.

Fill a bowl with the smoothie mix and top with half granola and a strip of toasted coconut flakes and raisins.

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Gratitude is an Attitude

Judd

Gratitude Is An Attitude

Every year at Thanksgiving people focus on the blessings they have.  Most forget about them the next day.  Science has proven that when you practice gratitude it improves your self-esteem, makes you more empathetic, helps you to be more resilient and gives you an overall better sense of well-being.  Gratitude has a number of health benefits including; reduced inflammation, better sleep and improved heart health.  

We had an issue with our internet modem yesterday.  The service center was closed on Sunday, so I headed there first thing this morning to pick up a new one.  While waiting in line until they opened, I was surrounded by those that only had negative words to say about this provider.  It really opened my eyes and to look inward to my own actions and words.  Do I speak negativity?  Do I let the actions of the world bring me down?  Of course I do. I began to think what positive actions come from my words.  I thought about those around the world that don't even have running clean water or food to eat. A bad internet connection or their television reception skipping in and out really isn't that important. 

Gratitude is a practice, which turns into an action, which is the foundation of a happy life.

When you wake up in the morning, make a list and speak the things you are grateful for.

Consistency will change your life.

Happy Thanksgiving

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Crock Pot Bread

This has got to be the easiest bread to make.  It just might be on the Thanksgiving dinner table!

Crock Pot Bread

* 2.25 teaspoon or 1 envelope active dry yeast.

* 1 tb sugar( I used coconut palm sugar).

* 1.5 cup of lukewarm water.

*3.75 cups of all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

1 tb olive or melted coconut oil.

1 tsp sea salt.

Line a large crock pot/slow cooker with parchment paper.  Set on high temperature.

Combine yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Add water and continue to stir until combined.

Add flour, oil and salt.

Hand mix until dough begins to form.

Put dough on working surface and knead for least 5 minutes, until dough is soft and smooth.

IF dough is sticky, add a bit of flour at a time, continue to knead.

Place the dough ball in heated crock pot. 

Cover and cook for 2 hours or until golden brown.

Remove bread and parchment paper, place on baking sheet.

Put in oven on "broil" for 2 minutes for a golden brown top.

Remove from oven and let cool for 20-30 minutes.

Cut and serve.

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 11/04/18

These posts always seem to be my favorite ones.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Let's start with some wellness:

Life IS Stressful, why we are tired, cranky and overwhelmed.

6 Secrets To Live The Longest, Some surprisingly simple secrets that increases life's longevity.

 Foodscape 101, Not only are there "Food Deserts" but "Food Swamps".

Greening School Lunches, If you are a parent or grandparent you need to read this.

On the environmental side:

Weather: 2050, Our world is getting warmer, this we know.

Humanity Has Wiped Out 60% of Animal Populations Since 1970, threatening the survival of our own civilization. 

Still Think Humans Are The Most Intelligent Animals?, Maybe we aren't the brightest crayon in the box.

The Taylor Oil Spill has been spilling oil into the Gulf of Mexico since 2004, six years before Deepwater Horizon spill.

On the fitness side:

Burpees Exercise 101: Don't say you have no time to exercise.

These Office Spaces Will Actually Get You Fit: SRAM, a bicycle outfitter's office is incredible.

To help with all these issues we can start here: Why Choose Vegan

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Celery; The Unsung Hero

Celery is the unsung hero(One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them)of vegetable kingdom.

Did you know celery leaves were found in King Tut's tomb who died in 1323 B.C.?  Ancient Greeks used the celery leaves for garlands for the crowns of winners of battles and even for the first Olympians.  Today celery is known in the wellness field as a natural detox tonic.  Full of antioxidants and fiber, its hydrating properties help to rid our bodies of environmental toxins.  Celery is one of the most chemical-sprayed vegetables, so make sure you purchase only organic varieties.  Every part of the plant is edible, leaves can be used salads, stalks in stir-fries and of course with nut butter spread on them as snack.  The seeds are used in many recipes as spices.  Celery is one of the few vegetables that does not lose much nutritional value when steamed or cooked, actually it increases its value, making it a great addition to vegetable stews and soups.  Celery is high in sodium, but is a good kind: organic, natural and essential for our health.  

Here are some benefits of celery:

*Aids in weight loss: one stalk is only 10 calories and loaded with fiber.

*Reduces inflammation: high in flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants helps in reducing inflammation which often contributes to chronic disease.

*Calms you down: Celery for stress relief? YES, the minerals in celery, especially magnesium and its essential oil soothe the nervous system.

*It regulates the body's alkaline balance: protecting us from problems caused by an overly acidic diet.

*Aids in digestion: "Crunchy water", the high water content and insoluble fiber makes it great for the digestive system.

*Reduces bad cholesterol: a component called Butylphthalide reduces LDL cholesterol, only 4 stalks can reduce it by 7%

*Lowers blood pressure: an active compound called phthalides has been proven to boost circulatory health which lowers blood pressure.  Raw celery is even better. 

Combats cancer: studies show that a powerful flavonoid called luteolin inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

*Protects liver health: by reducing the amount fat buildup in the liver and improves enzyme function and blood lipid levels.

"Ants on a Log"

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Fall Super Foods

 

When we think of pumpkins we think of  carving a spooky face into one.  The hassle of scooping out the slimy flesh and seeds and getting our hands sticky comes to mind.  Usually that all goes into the trash and we are left with hollowed out shell that shrinks and collapses before Halloween even arrives.  Good times.  Unless we enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving or Christmas, its the only time most of us have ever eaten it.  

Pumpkins are more than just a "pretty face".  They are a nutritional powerhouse and moderately priced superfood.   They are full of vitamins and minerals like: 

Vitamin A and C, which promotes healthy vision and sustaining wellness.

Cancer fighting beta-carotene.

Potassium, which helps balances electrolytes (more than bananas).

Fiber, (3 grams per cup) which fills you up, slows digestion keeping blood sugar level and keeps you feeling fuller.

For a great bonus, SEEDS packed with nutrients and  phytosterols which help protect your heart and immune system.

Here's a easy way to prep a pumpkin. for roasting or mashing etc.  Don't forget to roast the seeds.  There are many ways to enjoy pumpkin, check out: How to cook with Orange Beauties.

You can even get a workout with your pumpkin before cooking it.

You can even grow one at home

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 10/07/18

Lizzie says, Its "Recommended Reading" time.

Let's get started with an article from Outside Magazine with Dan Buettner on "Life Tips from a Happiness Expert"

Spartan Race founder Joe DeSena has a new formula for success: "Happiness=Success.

Also from Spartan Race, How to Workout in 10 Minutes, you have to be gritty and determined to accomplish it. NO EXCUSES.

Forests are home to a wealth of biodiversity, here are 3 Things You Didn't Know About Trees.

There are over 660 million in the world who do not have access to clean water!  This solar powered postage sized device could change all that.

The Keto Diet is becoming more popular as a way to lose weight. Consuming low carb, high fat, moderate protein, you burn more stored fat for energy.  Mostly related to animal products, there is a vegan alternative: Vegan Keto Diet Guide.

If you haven't heard yet, Turmeric has become a popular remedy for about everything that ails you.  Its benefits are amazing and has been used in Ayurveda medicine, for over 3000 years.  One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to consume turmeric is "Golden Milk"

Everyone loves pizza!  Make your own at home with this easy recipe for whole grain, oil free and vegan pizza dough from Forks Over Knives.

On the post workout or race recovery soreness here is a great article from Athlinks on the benefits of  CBD Oil.  Remember you can get all your CBD oil needs from us at: kristenlee.hempworx.com

That's all for this week. Hope you enjoy my recommendations.

There was no post last week, as Kris and I were enjoying are 27th wedding anniversary in Asheville, NC.  

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Is It Time For A Detox?

With our world growing increasingly toxic, the question is not if you should do a detox; its when.  It's true our bodies are built to naturally eliminate toxins.  The problem, however, is that the effects of modern life: pollution, poor dietary choices, contaminates in our food and water, stress and even a sedentary lifestyle will compromise the body's ability to effectively detox the way it supposed to.  The tragic result of this toxic internal congestion is that we develop diseases, gain weight and lose our natural energy and vitality.

While its true our livers are constantly detoxing our bloodstreams, they are not necessarily coping as well as they could be.  From pesticides and fertilizers in our food, to heavy metals in the skincare products we use and the over-eager medicine prescribing, our wonderful modern world is a bit of a minefield waiting to explode.

Here are a few signs you need a 'detox', even when you think you are healthy and can't figure out why you are:

*Constantly Fatigued. 

This could be a sign your body is working too hard to get rid of the toxins you're pouring into it. If your answer is more coffee or something sweet, you're only making the problem worse.

*Constipation.

The intestines get rid of a lot of toxins everyday.  When that is compromised we store up all those toxins.  Allowing them to negatively affect our bodies.  This is related to consuming a lot of processed foods filled with chemicals, pesticides and preservatives.

*Skin Reactions.

Acne, rashes and skin problems may signal a toxic overload.  The skin is our largest organ responsible for detoxification. Get out there and sweat!

*Muscle aches and pains.

Chronic inflammation can be influenced by the environmental toxins we come into contact each and every day. Use only natural skin care products that are free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens and any other potentially toxic ingredients.

*Bad Breath.

Bad breath is often related to digestive issues and can also mean your liver is struggling to get rid of the toxins.

Here is a great article from Dr. Will Cole: 16 Signs its Time For a Detox

Here are some suggestions for healthy detoxing:

*Support your liver with  warm lemon water, dandelion tea, eat more parsley and cilantro.

*Drink more water(I Need a Drink   Thirsty?)

*SWEAT! Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. It gets the circulation going, helping move toxins along.

*Get a good daily dose of probiotics (Gut Bomb) like non-dairy yogurts,kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso soup.

*Always brush your teeth, even better use a tongue scrapper while brushing.

*Practice deep breathing.

*Choose clean organic whole foods.  Start with these: FoodsTo Naturally Detox Our Body.

CBD Oil has been shown to help in detoxing the liver along with many other benefits: 4 Natural Remedies to Detox and Heal The Liver.  We offer high quality CBD Oil products at www.kristenlee.hempworx.com Please check them out.

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week

Judd

The Power of Potatoes

September is National Potato Month.

Potatoes are one of the most beloved and most produced foods on the planet.  The humble healthful potato is popular for a number of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive to grow, available year round and are rich in nutrients.  You can easily grow them at home!   Potatoes are tubers that belong to the nightshade family which strangely include tomatoes, eggplants and bell peppers.  With over a hundred edible varieties, they come in an array of colors, sizes, shapes and flavors.  Potatoes are classified as either 'mature' or 'new'.  New potatoes are harvested before fully grown, obviously smaller in size.( New Red potatoes or Purple potatoes)

The History of the Potato

Potatoes originated in the Andean Mountain area of South America where historians believe they have been cultivated for over 7000 years.  They were one of the few crops that could survive the harsh climate.  The Spanish brought them to Europe in the 16th century, but were not widely consumed until farmers discovered they were much easier to grow than wheat and oats.  They also found them to be vitamin-rich and produced more yield per acre.  Potatoes' popularity was greatly aided by Antoine-Augustin Paramentier, a pharmacist by training was imprisoned during the Seven Years War.  He was forced to eat only potatoes and was surprised how he emerged with excellent  health.  He launched a public relations campaign on their benefits, organizing an all-potato dinner for some high society guests, which included Thomas Jefferson.  He was so excited, he brought the "French Fry" back to America.  Now you know!  

Paramentier also persuaded Marie Antoinette and husband Louis XVI to wear potato flowers in her hair and him to adorn his suits.  Finally, he planted acres of potatoes outside Paris so that starving peasants would steal them.

By the 18th century potatoes had become a staple around the world, but in 1845 a potato blight virtually wiped out the entire crop overnight.  The Potato Famine in Ireland was the worst, where 40% of the Irish ate only ate potatoes as their solid food.  Millions died and millions more migrated to America to escape the famine.  America was the last country to adopt it to its cuisine.  We now grow more then 17.1 million pounds per year and consume as much as 126 pounds per person.  

Potatoes are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, high in fiber,low in sodium and packed full of vitamins and nutrients.  Andrew "Spud" Taylor  lost 114 lbs eating only potatoes for a year. 

Here's an easy recipe any time of the day:

Fall Breakfast Bowl

1 sweet potato

1 white potato

Cube in 1/2" bite-size pieces.

Lightly cook-until tender- in olive oil with fresh rosemary and sage.

Top with pepitas and dried cranberries or raisins.

The affordable potato(even organic) should always be on your list of healthy food choices.

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

It's Whats For Lunch!

This week's post is two easy healthy recipes.

Creamy Tomato Soup

In a large saucepan heat:

1-28 oz. Trader Joe's Tuscano Marinara Sauce.

3 cups Vegetable broth.

1/2 cup raw cashews.

A handful of fresh basil leaves(10-12).

Divide mixture in half.  Blend half in a high speed blender(Vitamix) along with the raw cashews (this is what will make the soup very creamy) until smooth. Return to saucepan and blend the remaining half in blender. Return to saucepan and keep warm until ready to serve. Chiffonade the fresh basil and sprinkle on top of soup.

Homemade Croutons

Use your day old hard French bread or baguettes to make delicious croutons! 

just cut them into bite size cubes, toss with olive oil and garlic salt. Bake at 350' until brown, approximately 10 minutes flipping once or twice.

Tempeh Vegan "Chicken" Salad

1 package Organic Tempeh.

2 tbsp. olive oil.

3 tbsp. vegan mayonnaise

2 tsp lemon juice.

3 tbsp minced onion.

2 stalks minced organic celery.

1 tbsp dried or fresh parsley.

1/2 tsp curry powder.

A dash of cayenne pepper.

Cut the tempeh into 1/2 inch cubes. Bring a few inches of water(enough to cover tempeh) to a boil in a pot.  Add the cubed tempeh and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.  Drain all the water.  Heat two tbsp of  olive or coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet and brown the tempeh on all sides.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Combine the cooled tempeh in a large bowl with the vegan mayonnaise and all other ingredients making sure it is evenly coated.  taste and adjust seasonings to taste.  Enjoy on a bed of lettuce or multi grain toasted bread. 

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 09/03/18

It's recommended reading time!

First up is some environmental news..we all know that plastic is everywhere, "How much is there?"

Studies show its possible that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish.   Invasive species also ride the plastic flotilla across the oceans creating havoc on native habitats.  Did you know that even flushing used contact lens are adding to the micro plastic problem we are facing?  On the bright side researchers have found a giant deep-sea coral reef 160 miles off the coast of South Carolina.  Named the "Richardson Ridge" it is almost 80 miles long and full of healthy coral. 

For anyone who thinks vegan/plant-based diet followers are weak and have no strength, think again, 34 year old Strongman Patrik Baboumian broke the world yoke carry record: 1214 lbs carried for 32 feet!  You can an interview with Rich Roll here:"Why compassion is his strength"

We've been told we should take an aspirin a day for preventing heart disease, Should we?

What about the information on "hidden dangers of beans, legumes and whole grains because of lectins. Listen to Dr Gregers' take on "The Plant Paradox is Wrong"

For more video pleasure: 5 Nutrition Myths You Might Believe

Way to go California: Hospitals may soon have to offer plant-based meal options.

Food for Thought: Does Sugar Cause Diabetes?

For some real motivation: 31 in 31, transform yourself to be a high performer in life.

Check out "Macka B" on "Health is Wealth"

To end this, something pretty freaky: AI-"bring the dead BACK to life"

Don't forget for all your CBD Oil needs: kristenlee.hempworx.com

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Ginger Benefits

This week's post is all about "Ginger root".   For centuries, ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, stomachaches, nausea and indigestion.   It is treasured in Asian cuisine with its tangy, lemony and spicy taste.  It is a favored go-to herbal remedy for those who believe in natural healing.  Some who are older may remember our Grandmothers giving us ginger-ale when we had a stomachache.   Back then it actually had ginger in it!  In 1982 it beat out Dramamine in a head-to-head test when blindfolded volunteers were spun in a tilted rotating chair.  It is now considered a nontoxic broad-spectrum anti-vomiting agent in countering nausea, vomiting, motion sickness.  It helps to calm the effects of nausea in pregnancy, chemo, radiation and after surgery.  Ginger has its most effects in late winter.  On cold damp days, a steaming hot cup of ginger tea warms your bones and burns up congestion and mucus.  For congestion in the back of your throat, make a syrup of 1/4 tsp each of dry ginger, turmeric and black pepper mixed into 1 tsp of raw honey.  Slowly lick over 15 minutes, repeating up to three times per day.  When you combine ginger with black pepper and dried pippali it forms an Ayuredic formula called "trikatu".   This formula is excellent for eliminating mucus and congestion in the lungs.

Other benefits include;

*Anti-inflammatory.

*Anti-aging.

*Reduces pain from exercise.

*Assists in weight loss.

*Treats anemia (stimulates production of blood cells).

*Helps manages diabetes (combining honey and ginger reduces oxidative stress).

*Helps to prevent liver disease (gingerols helps improves insulin resistance).

You can find fresh ginger in the produce aisle of most all grocery stores.  Make sure it is firm to touch, not dried out or wilted. For a quick pick me up, peel the skin (if not organic), finely chop about a tbsp and steep in hot water for 2-3 minutes, add some honey and enjoy!

For more information on ginger:11 Proven Benefits of Ginger

I recently came across a new YouTube channel that has great health content by a vegan science writer named Mike.  Check out his latest video here: Vegans are Awesome

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

"It's Whats For Dinner" Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world — one fruit can weigh between 10 and 100 pounds and contain hundreds of seeds that are rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.

The fruit known as a jackfruit is being hailed as a "miracle" crop that could save millions from starvation.  You can follow this link for more information. 

Here's my favorite recipe using jackfruit.  With the right seasonings, you will think you are eating pulled pork!  You can find canned jackfruit at your local Asian Market.

JACKFRUIT CARNITAS

1-2 tbs coconut oil

1 small onion diced

2-- cloves crushed garlic

Homemade spice blend:

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chipotle seasoning

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp lime juice

1 tbs maple syrup

1 tsp Bragg's or Coconut Amino acids

In a large skillet, on medium heat saute onions and crushed garlic.

Stir until onions are clear. Add lime juice, maple syrup and Bragg's.

Drain and rinse jackfruit, break apart and shred fruit ( like pulled pork)

Add spice mix and fruit, stirring to completely for good coverage.

The fruit will start to brown and liquid will dissolve.

Ready to roll into a burrito with black beans and salsa or guacamole. 

Serves well with sweet potato fries.

For a Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" variation:

Wet sauce:

3 tbs tomato paste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp tamarind paste or sweet chili sauce 

1/4 cup water

2 tsp maple syrup

Add sauce to cooking fruit and spices and simmer until ready to eat.

Serves well on toasted buns, with coleslaw made with "Vegenaise or Just Mayo".

 For nutritional information see: Jackfruit

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd