Recommended Reading 03/26/22

 

Miso says it's time for Recommended Reading!

Some housekeeping first. A while back, Blogspot changed its format, resulting in not being able to edit the "Menu Sidebar".  I am no longer able to add new posts to the sidebar. My last post on July 31, 2021 is on the sidebar. After that, you will have to scroll back from new posts. It is what it is.

Let's get started with:

Health and Food

The Superfoods You Should Be Eating

Regenerative Farms: This dramatically increases the nutrient density of your food.

The Amazing Benefits of Arugla

Oven Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower Steaks

Environment

Wildfires Continue to Increase and Spread

What is Really Going On With Gas Prices?

Geothermal Plants Could Solve The Lithium Problem

Human Role in Climate Change is Nothing New

Crazy Shit

What Happened to Starbucks?, maybe this will help: EV charging stations?

 Too "Baaad", this isn't happening more often.

This is just "CRAZY SHIT": God help us, what planet is he from?

Stay The Course

Actions ripple out, both good and bad.

So let's just take a minute to remind ourselves of the importance of spreading love.

Thank you for reading, Judd

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. 

Jimi Hendrix

Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A

Pre-formed vitamin A exists only in animal products.  What does a plant-based eater need to do?  There are about 50 carotenoids from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A, the most common being beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant which fights free radicals, especially in the brain which is mostly fat.  Studies have shown that anti-oxidants through diet helps people's immune systems protect against free radicals and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin A deficiency begins with night blindness and can progress to more serious complications.  I guess that is why our parents wanted us to eat those carrots!   Also this deficiency reduces the ability to fight off infections and why it is important in building good red blood cell formation.   Animal products like beef, lamb and goose liver are very high in Vitamin A.  The problem is Vitamin A is fat-soluble and is stored in our liver which can be toxic.  The body limits the amount of beta-carotene converted to Vitamin A and only uses what is needed.  So, if  the body has too much beta-carotene in its system and doesn't need it as A, it will store it as beta-carotene until needed.  This will help keep the liver from becoming toxic.  Plants to the rescue!  Our body needs approximately 700-900 RAE(retinol activity equivalent) each day for optimal nutrition.  

Some Plants High in Beta-carotene:

Sweet potato...1/2 cup baked...961  RAE

Pumpkin...1/2 cup canned...953 RAE

Carrots...1/2 cup boiled...665 RAE

Butternut Squash...1/2 cup baked cubes...572 RAE

Carrot juice...1/4 cup...564 RAE

Spinach...1/2 cup cooked...472 RAE

Collard greens...1/2 cup cooked...386 RAE

Broccoli... 1/2 cup boiled...120 RAE

By adding a source of healthy fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds with these foods help your body to absorb the beta-carotene.   Try blending carrot juice with full-fat coconut milk(canned) and ginger!

Have  great week.

Be kind.

WEAR YOUR MASK!

Judd

Fall Harvest Bowl

 

This week we have another great nutritious "Fall Bowl" recipe.

This one is inspired by "Sweetgreen", 

Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

3 Servings

Serve on a bed of  prepared wild or brown rice, (for an easy rice recipe)

Sweet Potatoes

Slice 3 small sweet potatoes (or 2 normal) into rounds

Coat with olive oil, cinnamon, and sea salt

Roast at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

'Chicken' Tofu

Cube 1/2 block of tofu

Mix together cumin, nutmeg, cayenne, and pinch of salt

Coat tofu cubes in spice mix and spoonful of cornstarch

Saute in pan with olive oil on medium heat until crispy

Balsamic Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 tbsp dijon mustard

Salt & Pepper to taste

Other Toppings

 1 apple, cubed

Toast almonds with olive oil 

Roasted cauliflower with nutritional yeast 

To assemble:

Massage kale with olive or coconut oil until softened

Add cooked rice, tofu, and sweet potatoes

Top with almonds, apple, cauliflower and balsamic dressing

Have a great week.

Wear your mask please.

VOTE!!!

Judd

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

 

It is almost Fall and root vegetables are the key to a healthy plant-based diet.  They are a great source of carbohydrates, gut friendly fiber and antioxidants.  Root vegetables contain anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals and nutrients all in the form that which we can absorb them the best. These vitamins and minerals help the body's immune system to fight inflammation, which reduces the risks of cancer and heart disease.

Here is a delicious recipe:

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

Preheat oven to 425'

Cube and dice:

2-3 Yukon Gold potatoes

1-2 Small Sweet potatoes

2 medium carrots(peeled)

In a medium pan cover veggies with cold water and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes.

While simmering prepare fresh herbs, preferably from your own garden.

Roughly chop 3-4 sage leaves, 3-4 small sprigs rosemary and leave 3-4 sprigs of thyme whole.

 Roughly chop 1/4 sweet onion and 2 cloves garlic.

In a medium cast iron skillet add 2 tbs olive oil and heat on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.  Add potatoes etc. and toss to cover with the olive oil, adding 2 -3 tbs.

Put skillet in oven baking for 25-30 minutes.

To serve on a bed of rice, try this easy Baked Rice recipe:

Bring 3 cups cold water and salt to a boil.

In a med sized baking dish add 1-1/2 cup jasmine rice.  When water is boiling, add to baking dish and cover with aluminum foil tightly. Bake at the same time in oven when 20 minutes are left on timer.

If baking separately, bake at 350' for 25 minutes(brown rice will take longer, appr. 40 minutes) let stand for 5 minutes when done. 

Enjoy!

Have a great week.

Wear your mask.

Judd

Recommended Reading 04/05/20

It's April Recommended Reading time.

With most people staying at home now, there is plenty of time to spend time with family. to be creative, catch up on reading and exercise.  Hopefully you will be able to continue working while at home.  Please make time for yourself and take care to keep up with your mental, physical and spiritual habits.  Also, don't get caught up eating a crapload of processed junk food.  Eating a healthy, whole foods plant-based diet will keep your immune system strong, which is even more critical now.  One thing I have noticed, is with this crisis, people have been connecting to their creativity and kindness for one another.  Let's not forget that when we get back to the "new"normal.

Let's get started:

WELLNESS

I know the media is bombarding us with Coronavirus information, but this from Food Revolution is useful info on overall wellness, Staying Healthy

Here are 7 Tips on Staying Healthy from Spartan Life.  Also from Spartan Life: Your Guide to Eating Smart and Healthy when you're stuck at home.

How to Boost Your Immunity During Coronavirus Outbreak from FoodmattersTV. FMTV is like Netflix but all about total wellness, food, yoga, meditation etc. Check it out!

FOOD/RECIPES

Here in Florida we are blessed with a year-long growing season.  With everyone needing to practice social distancing the local farmers are having their own drive up farmers markets and some plant-based restaurants are having "virtual" farmers markets where you can order many different types of produce, local coffees, honey and even prepared foods weekly and then a curbside pick up!

To keep a healthy immune system you need a healthy gut biome.  Fermented foods are one of the best ways to do this.  Here is a very easy recipe for Beetroot Sauerkraut 

Roasted radishes will become your new favorite veggie with this flavorful recipe.

Roasted Veggies:

We take a variety of cubed root veggies like potatoes, onions, heirloom carrots, zucchini and squash. Mix with a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Roast in oven at 450' until potatoes are tender(40-45 min)

Serve on a bed of prepared whole grain or rice spaghetti noodles which has been "fried" in an oiled skillet until it is a little crispy.

For the sweet tooth in us, try these Jammin' Almond Thumbprint Cookies

ENVIRONMENT

Wild For Life is an awesome learning site about our oceans health. Children(and adults) will like Reef Rider Journey, by learning how coral reefs work.

This company in Switzerland is sucking carbon out of the air and making soda.

Why's There's Never Been a Better Time to Combat Climate Change

3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

10 Surprising Dolphin Superpowers

VIDEOS

Broccoli- The DNA whisperer

"Home" Is A Poem by IN-Q

Have a great week.

Please be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Judd

The Power of Cumin

 Cumin is an age-old seed and spice which originated in India but is used in culinaries around the world.  It is mentioned in the Bible, the Koran and in Sanskrit.  In ancient Egypt, it was used medicinally in the process of preserving mummies.  Cumin is a low-growing leafy plant in the same family as carrots and parsley. Commonly grown in China and India, it is found in Egypt, Eastern Mediterranean and Mexico.  You can find it in many colors in ground and whole seed form at most all grocery stores.  Besides being a very strong flavoring in foods, it has many healthy benefits including:

*May improve digestion: by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes, speeding the digestion process, it increases the releasing of bile in the gut.  By just adding a half teaspoon of ground cumin to organic yogurt helps the gut biome.

*Blood sugar management: supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps in decreasing glucose for diabetics.

*Lowers risk of Iron-deficiency Anemia: 1 tsp has 1.4 mg of iron, a great way to help acquiring your RDA of 17-20 mg.

*Lowers cholesterol: Cumin has lipid lowering agents which maintains healthy levels of cholesterol.  To achieve better results add cumin with lime to supercharge it(homemade Guacamole) 

*Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral: food borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent and the properties of cumin help in fighting infections, acting as a disinfectant.

*Boosts immunity: high in Vitamin C and A, (antioxidants)it stimulates the function of and activity of white blood cells.  All of which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Cumin is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals:

Iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium and phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, A,C,E,K and B6.

For a healthy drink and a great way to flush out toxins, start your day with a glass of Jeera water.

Bring a quart of filtered water and 2 tsps of whole organic cumin seeds to a boil, let boil for 15-20 minutes.  Strain seeds and let set to room temperature. Enjoy.

Don't Medicate! HYDRATE

You probably already know that 70% of the human body is made up of water, and it's absolutely essential to human life.  Water is a liquid shuttle bus that transports elements like nutrients, proteins, hormones and other chemicals to where they are needed the most.  The problem is most everyone is dehydrated.  How much water do we need?  A good rule of thumb is half of your body weight in ounces (140lbs= 70 ounces of water - this should the bare minimum).  Not many of us revel over the neutral flavor of plain water.  There are many ways to not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutrient value of plain H2O.  In our household we mostly drink naturally infused water or Zinger tea (both pictured above).  Celestial Seasonings offers many different flavors of hibiscus tea, which are very high in antioxidants according to studies.  A glass of cold filtered water with a Zinger tea bag and a half pack of stevia, (if you prefer sweetened) will definitely do your body good. It is a much better alternative to sweetened flavored water drinks like Dasani, Nestle or Sparkling Ice brands which are sweetened with sucralose .  Sucralose, aspartame and saccharin is very disruptive to our gut microbiome. To learn more about how important a strong microbiome is please check out my series on Gut Health.   

When infusing your water, there is only two requirement: a glass container of filtered water and creativity!  The combination of fruits, veggies, herbs and spices are endless.  It can be tailored to your own tastes and health benefits you hope to achieve.   

*Berries and fruit- loaded with antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals they help in:

*Balancing free radicals

*Decrease inflammation

*Prevents cancer

*Prevents DNA damage

*Helps to regulate insulin levels

*Citrus- lemons ,limes, oranges and grapefruits all help with:

 *Iron absorption

*Shortens durations of colds

*Helps with detoxing the body

*Inhibits bacteria strain growth

*Ginger and Herbs-

*Helps in digestion

*Reduces inflammation

*Decreases fatigue

*Veggies- Aids in replenishing electrolytes and transferring minerals and nutrients into the water. 

  Use those that have a high water content like:

*Cucumbers

*Cantaloupe

*Celery

*Pomegranate

*Watermelon

Benefits of Drinking Water

*Increases energy & relieves fatigue

*Promotes weight loss

*Flushes out toxins

*Improves skin complexion

*Maintains regularity 

*Boosts immunity

*Natural headache remedy

*Prevents cramps and sprains

*Mood booster

*Saves you money! STOP BUYING CRAP DRINKS

Here are a few blend ideas:

*Lemon, Lime and Orange

*Raspberry and Lime

*Strawberry and Basil

*Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

*Blackberry and Ginger

*Peach, Lemon and Thyme

You will feel the difference once you're properly hydrated.

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Homemade Oat Milk

Oat milk is a plant-based alternative that's vegan and naturally dairy, lactose, soy and nut free.  It is also gluten free!  It contains beta-glucans, which is a soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol and is very heart healthy.  This milk DOES do a body good.  For more information on the dangers of dairy milk please read "Got Milk".  Plant-based milks generally have good nutritional value making them a healthy alternative to dairy.  Nut milks are definitely more eco-friendly and sustainable than dairy products, which is very important in this climate emergency we are facing.  

I have been making my own oat milk for the last month and wanted to share this with you.  It is ridiculously inexpensive and easy to make yourself.  For comparison: a 1/2 gallon of Blue Diamond almond milk is approximately $3.  Although much better than dairy, there is a lot of additives, some of which you could use without.  I make a 1/2 gallon of oat milk for 35 cents!

1 qt. Homemade Oat Milk

Soak 1/2 cup organic oats in filtered water for an hour to overnight(I do overnight, it makes the milk creamier)

Drain the oats into a high speed blender.

For sweet milk add 1-2 packs stevia.

Pour 32 oz of cold filtered water and blend on high for several minutes.

Slowly strain milk thru a piece of cheesecloth into a 32 oz glass jar.

Enjoy.

It will last in the refrigerator for 5-6 days, ours lasts 2 days because it's time to make a new batch by then.

HELP SAVE THE PLANET

DITCH THE DAIRY!

For some quick 5 minute, easy and plant-based recipes check out The Happy Pear

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 09/03/19

It's Recommended Reading time!!

This weeks post is a few days late thanks to Hurricane Dorian.  We have been prepping for the storm, and heading inland to some gracious friends home to spend a few days from the coast.  Our hearts go out to those in the Bahamas who have been hit the hardest so far.  Elbow Key, Abaco which took the initial hit is a beautiful serene little island where I have been surfing and I know those residents are hurting.  I hope the whole East Coast of the U.S. stays strong and be strong.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Unfortunately with the climate emergency storms like Dorian are going to be commonplace.

Bill Nye gives us 3 things we can do to combat climate change.

FOOD

We all know carbs give us energy, but too many carbs?, 4 easily-missed signs you are eating too many.

As much as 75% of cancer can be linked to our food choices, here are 5 food choices to help fight cancer.

Stock your pantry with these 10 ingredients every plant-based pantry needs.

If you haven't heard Burger King is now offering the Impossible Whopper, I must say they are very good but I feel very weird going into Burger King! At least now while on the road you have more plant-based options to choose from.  Just don't give in to the temptation and get the greasy fries and soda.  

Here's a easy and healthy recipe for Avocado & White Bean Salad Wrap.

For any newcomers to a plant-based lifestyle here's a plant-based primer guide.

 WELLNESS

How emotional stress can ruin your life.

44 Ways to practice gratitude.

Beat "monkey mind" with these breathing techniques.

  

 STUFF

Blue Zones Project Hawaii: Street Art Makes Pedestrians Safer.

Principality of Sealand 

Oceans Disconnected:

"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, you can always turn back."

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

The Power of Peas

EAT YOUR PEAS!!

Children cry at the sight of them, while mom's try to hide them in mashed potatoes.  I remember it well, I begged my mom not to make me eat them,  I could not swallow a spoon full of peas, my throat just wouldn't open.  But now, I love peas, especially with vegan butter, salt and pepper mixed with home-made mashed potatoes.  Peas just weren't getting any respect.

There is a "pea revolution" going on.  Pea protein is high in muscle building in BCAA, branch chain amino acids, but is considered an "incomplete" protein because it is low in methionine and tryptophan.  Luckily "incomplete" proteins can compliment each other to provide all the necessary amino acids.  Research has shown that if you are eating a variety of sources throughout the day, it all evens out.  Also pea protein is naturally free of dairy, nuts and gluten, making it perfect for those with allergy or dietary restrictions.  And it is easier on the digestive system than dairy-based proteins.  Plant-based proteins are more sustainable than animal-derived ones, making it another great reason to chose pea protein.  They use less water, fortify the soil and use less energy resources to produce.

These sweet little orbs are packed with vitamin K and soluble fiber which can lower cholesterol and help you lose weight by making you feel full and satisfied longer.

Beyond Meat's Beast Burger  has 20 grams of protein derived from pea isolates per burger.  If you haven't grilled one of these, you simply must.  You will be totally surprised and your carnivore friends might look at 'veggie' burgers in a new light.

Animal agriculture is not sustainable and we must switch to a plant-based food system.  Want to help reverse global warming?  Try adding this food group to your diet.

We all know how expensive protein powders cost, mostly because of the process to obtain the protein isolates.  But here is a way to save money by making your own powder:

From Scratch Powder

3/4 cup chia seeds

3/4 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds

3/4 cup hemp seeds

3/4 cup flax seeds

Grind all seeds in a food processor until a fine powder is formed.

Store in a airtight glass container.

This makes 8-1/4 cup servings. Use it in baked goods, soups, sauces or smoothies.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 02/03/19

Lizzie says;  It's recommended reading time!

I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do.

The first recommendation reminds me of when were living in Lexington, Ky.  We had a mobile auto detailing service which meant in the cold winter(salt and slush on the roads) months we still worked, outside in the elements.  I was known around town as the crazy guy that wore shorts all winter long, as far being interviewed on a local television station.  We Salute You Guy Wearing Shorts All Winter

While we are on the subject of extreme weather, here's a short video from Jimmy Kimmel show where two young kids "break down climate change for Donald Trump"   One more from Outside Online: The Difference Between Weather and Climate.  Sixteen year old Swede GretaThunberg tells it like it is in this TEDx talk,

On to nutrition:

 the FDA is having an issue with what exactly is milk. The Smithsonian has a great article on: Nut Milks are Milk, Says Almost Every Culture Across The Globe,  also here's my take on Milk DOESN'T Do A Body Good.  Call it "dairy crack", dairy producers have found a way to keep you coming back for more: Why Its So Hard To Give Up Cheese.  If you are plant-based, here is a healthier alternative to bone broth: Vegetable Mineral Broth.  Animal food production is not sustainable,  The Way We Eat Could Doom Us As Species.

On to exercise:

Training starts when you throw your laziness in the trash.  David Goggins: The Cure To Laziness

You don't need to go to the gym to get strong: Seven Underrated Body Moves.

Or at least get a Kettlebell: Master The Turkish Get-Up

"Forget everything else. Keep hold of this alone and remember it;  Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see"  Marcus Aurelius

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

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

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