Recommended Reading 08/16/20

 

What a mug...

Mochi says it's reading time!

There is no better way to occupy your down time then by reading.  Instead of mindless scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc. read a book.  Exercise your mind, gain knowledge, learn something new and travel the world without leaving your couch.  Just remember to get up and move!  There has to be a balance.

Let's get started with the environment:

From Patagonia: Remember the Original Tree Huggers  

Stop making sense: Why it's time to get emotional about climate change.

What's up Facebook? when will it end? Abandoning drilling equipment?

Costa Rica Set to Eliminate all Single Use Plastic

In my field of work we utilize Lidar, travel to Honduras with Chris Fischer on the importance of why we should Lidar the whole Earth.

This is an image of Lidar scan of 500kv transmission line showing trees and brush which might impede power distribution.

Food and Recipes

How to make 2 ingredients oil-free Tortillas, from The Minimalist Baker.

Epic vegan BBQ tofu wings  from One Green Planet.

Ethiopian Spiced "Meat" Hummus Bowls from MBG

Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Ikarian-style Sourdough Bread from Blue Zones.

Wellness and Exercise

10 Signs Your Liver Needs Some Love from Food Matters.

How Hydration Can Support Immunity from MBG.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Training in Hot Weather may enhance fitness and performance from Trailrunner Magazine

Just Crazy

Do we really need this? Coffee infused Coca-cola.

Coca-cola secrets you never knew.

Is this how they are spending their time addressing climate change? U.S. .Energy Department

Stay Strong.

Have a great week.

Keep washing your hands.

Judd

IT IS TIME TO REBEL

Thank you Greta Thunberg for speaking the truth.

Wake up humanity, the universe is crying out.  With all that is going on in the world, we CANNOT go back to normal.  We must change the way we progress forward with a new beginning.   

IT"S TIME TO REBEL

We are right now, in the beginning of a climate and ecological crisis. And we need to call it what it is. An emergency. We must acknowledge that we do not have the situation under control, and that we don’t have all the solutions, yet. Unless those solutions mean that we simply stop doing certain things. We must admit that we are losing this battle. We have to acknowledge that the older generations, have failed. All the political movements in their present form, have failed. But homo sapiens have not yet failed. Yes we are failing, but there is still time to turn everything around. We can still fix this. We still have everything in our own hands. But unless we recognize that the overall failures of our current systems, we most probably don’t stand a chance. We are facing a disaster of unspoken sufferings for enormous amounts of people. And now is not the time for speaking politely, or focusing on what we can or cannot say. Now is the time to speak clearly. Solving the climate crisis is the greatest and most complex challenge that homo sapiens have ever faced. The main solution, however, is so simple that even a small child can understand it. We have to stop our emissions of greenhouse gases. And either we do that, or we don’t. You say that nothing in life is black or white. But that is a lie. A very dangerous lie. Either we prevent a 1.5 degree of warming, or we don’t. Either we avoid setting off that irreversible chain reaction beyond human control, or we don’t. Either we choose to go on as a civilization, or we don’t. That is as black or white as it gets. Because there are no grey areas when it comes to survival. Now we all have a choice. We can create transformational action that will safeguard the living conditions for future generations, or we can continue with our business as usual, and fail—that is up to you and me. And yes, we need a system change rather than individual change, but you cannot have one without the other. If you look through history, all the big changes in society have been started by people at the grassroots level, people like you and me. So I ask you to please wake up and make the changes required possible. To do your best is no longer good enough. We must all do the seemingly impossible. Today, we use about 100 million barrels of oil every single day. There are no politics to change that. There are no rules to keep that oil in the ground. So we can no longer save the world by playing by the rules because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change, and it has to start today. So everyone out there, it is now time for civil disobedience. It is time to rebel.

Greta Thunberg

If you have Netflix, please watch a new series with Zac Efron and my health "Guru" Darin Olien called "Down to Earth". Excellent.

PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS!

Have a great week.

Judd

2 Super Simple Sunday Recipes

I usually eat avocados 5 out of 7 days per week.  If I was stranded on a desert island, there had better be an avocado tree!  Most everyone has had avocado toast and if you haven't, why the hell not!  There are so many different ways to create avocado toast, you can let your creativity flow.  Our daughter Bree makes an awesome avo toast:

Avocado Toast

Toast 2 Slices whole grain bread.

Mash 1 ripe avocado in a bowl.

Season with ground pepper or we use:

Trader Joe's "Everything but the Bagel Sesame" seasoning blend which is: white and black sesame seeds, sea salt, dried minced garlic, onion and poppy seeds

Spread mixture on toast.

Top it with a Free-range organic egg.

I mostly adhere to a plant-based diet, but occasionally I will have an egg for an additional dose of B12. I guess I am a "veggan".😊

Add a bowl of mixed fresh organic berries.

If I will be working locally the following week, on Sundays I will do a little lunch meal prepping.  

One of my favorite recipes is;

Coconut Ginger Beans and Rice

Prepare one cup rice of your choice.

Prepare beans of your choice and season with spices you like.( cumin, smoked paprika, garlic salt, etc., get creative.

Dice and saute sweet onions in coconut oil.

When rice is done, add 1 tb. each coconut oil, ground ginger and ground turmeric.

Stir in beans and onions.

Cube a small pack of cooked seasoned tofu or "Tossables"

This makes around 4-5 lunches, including bowls or wraps with fresh greens.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS
Judd

Recommended Reading 03/08/20

Let's get started with the:

Environment

These articles are all from Globalcitizen.org:

Why the heck is Los Angeles dumping 96 million black balls into a reservoir?  Sounds pretty interesting.

This article is a couple of years old, but still relevant today as it is very important.  We seriously need to do something about our plastic problem:  10 Plastic Pollution Facts 

Ditch the plastic bottles and Save the Environment and drink tap water.  Tap water may not be the healthiest choice, but tap water is 3500 times less expensive than bottled water.  My choice is 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt , 1 "Zinger" tea bag added to 1 gallon of distilled water.

On the environmental technology side introducing "Tidal" , from the "X" Company.  Humanity is pushing the ocean past its breaking point and soon there will more plastic than fish.

Health and Wellness

Our liver is critical for healthy functioning of our body.  Do you need a liver cleanse?

For your health and the world's: 9 Reasons to Eat More Plant-based Foods in 2020.

This is the only type of seafood I consume, Kelp:The Oceanic Plant with Skin, Health & Thyroid Benefits

Beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat...the longer you live! From Blue Zones: A Cup of Beans Every Day.

The foods you choose for breakfast are crucial for giving your muscles and brain what they need to perform at optimal level:  2 Perfect Breakfasts for Blood Sugar Balance.

From the Center for Nutrition Studies: Living a Whole Food Plant-Based Life

Videos

The Amazing Way Bicycles Can Change You

Vegan Bacon Double Cheeseburger!!

LIVE LIKE A PLANT

Fresh air & sunshine

Strong Support Systems

Minimize Weeds & Toxins

Keep Moving & Reaching

You Don't Have To Get There Fast

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

Recommended Reading 08/04/19

I have been on a social media  "cutback" over the past few weeks.  I haven't posted anything on the blog for 3 weeks, but I am back with my favorite type of post.  Let us get started with:

ENVIRONMENT

Being one that works outside, I have definitely noticed a change in the environment; 

IT IS GETTING HOTTER.  I have noticed small changes in nature.  One example: Podocarpus is ornamental shrub used in Florida as a hedge or a specimen bush.  They produce a small purple berry which ripens in July- August which birds quickly consume.  They are edible and can be made into a native jelly.  The concern, is last year and this year I have not found very many.  Another example is the Smilax vine, just this year I have noticed a large decline in new growth (which is delicious raw and better saute'd in vegan butter and garlic). In the natural areas that I work it grows in abundance.   Not sure why this is but it is puzzling.  Nothing like the looks I get when I break off  a fresh tender shoot and eat it.  No, it doesn't taste like chicken, more like fresh asparagus!  Non-native invasive species are on the move from the southern warm areas in Florida towards the north.  Ex:Melaleuca trees (predominantly found in southern Florida) have now moved into northern central Florida.  I have even found a lone small Melaleuca on the Fl-Ga. border!

Climate Change is happening right now and we have the knowledge to stop the madness.

Climate Change Basics: 

*It's warming.

*It's us.

*We're sure.

*It's bad.

*We CAN fix it.

Bees and other pollinators are crucial for our food production:
The Netherlands  have turned 316 bus stops into homes for bees.

The Florida Everglades is changing daily. The Snakes That Ate Florida: Python Invasion.

Since Shark Week wraps up today on Discovery Channel here are some crucial points on sharks:
100 Million Sharks are killed every year.

Watch "Saving Jaws"  on tubitv.com for free.

HEALTH
Niacin (B3)helps our bodies turn food into fuel. Studies have also shown it raises good HDL and lowers triglycerides as well or better then prescription drugs. Her are 30 foods high in niacin.

How can you can consume iron rich foods to get the right amount your body needs? What is iron? and why is it important. 

From the No Meat Athlete: The Only Plant Power Bowl You Will Ever Need.

9 High Protein Breakfasts without eggs.

Everyone needs a daily mindfulness practice.  Here's a some simple techniques.

Start each day with gratitude and see how your outlook will change.

 Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd

Recommended Reading 07/07/2019

It's reading time!  These are my favorite posts to do.  Knowledge is power.  Being able to share the articles and videos I come across is fulfilling and I hope you enjoy.  I hope they open your minds to new ideas and solutions to any issues you personally might be encountering.

ENVIRONMENT

We should all know by now that we are in a climate emergency.  The world is changing and we need to drastically change the way we are living our lives.

Climate crisis: Europe's cities dangerously unprepared for heat wave hell

June was the hottest ever recorded on Earth.

 Alaska Heat Wave  It was 90' in Anchorage, Alaska on July 4th.

The youth will show the way: Greta Thunberg on igniting an Environmental Movement.

Even the world's investors are demanding action: $34 Trillion

Fresh water discovered under the North Atlantic.

The hype around hemp: Hemp is Back

HEALTH

New study shows risks from highly processed foods.

Foggy, Anxious, Irritable? here's what toxins can do to your brain health.

You know it's hot outside: Your Body in Extreme Heat

While you are outside, try these 5 Natural Ingredients you can use as DEET-Free mosquito repellent.

Most of What You Know About Protein is Wrong

Want to live longer? Welcome to The Blue Zones Life

CRAZY

Your next uber?

Competitive Tag

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 04/07/19

If you are new to our blog, Lizzie our reading mascot turned 18 this week!  She spends most of her day sleeping, laying in the sun, cuddling up on a blanket and occasionally attacking one of her "pet" mice toys. Mostly telling her "servants" what she wants. God bless the Queen.

Let's get started on this month's recommendations,

WELLNESS:

Eastern Medicine vs Western Medicine:Creation vs Chemicals

The Great Oil Debate: Everything You Need To Know

Top 8 Myths About Eating Vegan, Busted

What are the health benefits of beetroot juice?

3 Ways to Use Magnesium That You Haven't Heard Of 

What's the Best Mouthwash?

BOOKS I"M READING:

Born To Run by Christopher McDougall

SuperLife by Darin Olien (the 5th time)

RECIPES:

Beyond Meat's Tuscan Style Sausage Pasta

Tarahumara Pinole and Chia

EXERCISE:

The Surprising Reason We Don't Fall When We Run

Yoga Poses When You Are Short on Time

Get the Core of Your Dreams

ENVIRONMENT 

Meet the Poop-Sniffing Dog Helping Map a Giant Wildlife Sanctuary

It Was 70' degrees in Alaska This Week

It's Time to Talk Dog Poop

CRAZY

Slacklining Through the Waves of Nazare

The Roof of The Car: Where We Tempt Fate

Note the date:

Have a great week.

Be kind.

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

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

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 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

Don't Get Cheesy!

"Some foods are fattening, others are addictive.  Cheese is both...loaded with calories, high in sodium, packing more cholesterol than steak and sprinkled with hormones.  If cheese were any worse it would be Vaseline." 

Neal Barnard, MD. PCRM

The average American consumes 33 lbs. of cheese per year.  The U.S. produces more cheese and dairy products than any other country in the world.

Most everyone LOVES cheese.  

It is the hardest food to give up when going to a plant-based diet. Cheese and dairy contain casein protein which turns into casomorphin in our stomachs when digested.  These are morphine like compounds that attach to the brain receptors the same way heroin and other narcotics do.  We become addicted to the pleasure our body receives when eating that big slice of cheese pizza.

You can check out an earlier post on "Got Milk". 

For an even more interesting and informative listen, check out "Neal Barnard MD." on the Rich Roll podcast. His ground-breaking research on "Breaking The Cheese addiction" is very enlightening.

There are many dairy-free cheese on the market now to help you break the addiction.  Just remember, they can be highly processed with a lot oils, keep them to a minimum.  But they are helpful in removing dairy from your diet. 

 Here are a few brands:

*Daiya: makes great shredded products for homemade pizza, etc.

*Kite Hill: makes a cream cheese that is awesome on a sweet potato, sprout sandwich.

*Follow Your Heart: Everything from cheeses to Mayonnaise.

*Miyoko's Kitchen: Some of the finest plant-based butters and cheeses.

You can also make your own cheese at home. The time investment is well worth the health benefits from lack of dairy in these delicious cheeses.  Recently, Kris and I purchased "This Cheese is Nuts" by Julie Piatt. We invested in a Breville Smart Oven Air which also has a dehydrator, which is needed in producing most "cheeses" in her book. The Breville is a great investment, almost eliminating the kitchen oven.  We've made "air baked" fries, pizza (there is one baking right now!) and its a beautiful kitchen appliance.

We created are first batch of  Ahimsa Goat Cheese out of soaked sprouted almonds.  You have to get the cookbook for the recipe.

Creating and cooking foods together as a family is very rewarding and therapeutic.  If you have young children, get them involved, not only will it produce great foods, but lasting memories and bonds.  It will help them live a self-productive and healthy lifestyle.

I have to go, pizza is done.

Have a great week.

BE KIND.

Judd