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

Lemons, "A Great Morning Ritual"

 

Lemons

A Great Morning Ritual

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that we make regarding our daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms.  Once we begin to get into a good morning ritual and begin to see results, we start to wonder why we didn't start doing it earlier.

I start every day with Oil pulling. I use organic unrefined coconut oil and the process attracts and removes bacteria and toxins that accumulate in your mouth and throat overnight. It also pulls mucus and congestion from your sinuses. Coconut oil also helps in whitening your teeth! 

But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this...

Start your day with a cup of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.

The benefits are amazing:

1- It boosts your immune system: lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium.

Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and flu, and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function, and helps control nerve function.

2- It Balances pH: lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, although very acidic on there on, when metabolized they are alkaline. An alkaline body is the key to good health.

3- Aids in digestion: warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and the lemons (high in minerals and vitamins) help loosen toxins.

4- Gentle natural diuretic:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

5- Clears skin: Lemon water purges toxins from the blood and Vitamin C decreases winkles and blemishes.

6- Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

7- Hydrates the lymph system: This starts your day on a hydrated note. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration! (from an article by Ashley Dentino on www.mindbodygreen.com/

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

THANK YOU

Gratitude is a practice, which turns into an action,

 which is the foundation of a happy life.

On February 6, 2011, we posted our first post: Skinny Bitch.  A couple of years before, we began our journey on living a healthier life by stopping to consume any animal products. We had read a book by Jonathan Safran Foer titled: Eating Animals.  It totally changed our mindset on animal agriculture and its untold cruelty that it imposed on animals and the environment.  It set us on this journey to living a cleaner and more compassionate life.  We immediately stopped consuming meat of any kind knowing the what went on behind "closed doors" of the agriculture industry.  Our friends began asking us "What do you eat?" and of course "Where do you get your protein?".  

So, we started our blog to share recipes and information on consuming a plant-based diet.

THANK YOU!

Over the past 9 years, for wanting to share information, I have opened my mind to so much knowledge.  By researching a wide variety of information, I have gained so much insight on how what we put in our mouths to feed ourselves creates life or sickness.  We truly are "You are what you eat"

I want to say, Thank you! I have learned a wealth of knowledge by sharing this information.  The time I have spent researching the topics we post has enriched my life.  I look forward to every week anticipating what I can share with you.  The other week I noticed that we had reached over 60,000 views of this blog. WOW!  My hope is it will continue to enrich your life as it has ours.

Our world is at a tipping point.  Both socially and environmentally, we have to make a change.  We have to be the change.  Environmentally, the most profound act that we can do individually, is to change to a plant-based diet.  Animal agriculture is not a sustainable industry   Socially, "BE KIND",  For you Christians, 13 times Jesus commanded "To love one another as I have loved you"

The prophet Muhammad said "You will never enter paradise until you have faith and you will not complete your faith until you have loved one another".

In this time of social unrest and July 4th celebration of Independence, you should read or re-read the Declaration of Independence.  "We  hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

THANK YOU, for letting us be a part of your journey towards a healthy life.

Namaste

Judd

Recommended Reading 01/25/20

It's the first 2020 Recommended Reading time!

Introducing the newest addition to our family:

Miso and Mochi

The sweetest sister and brother rescues who joined our family at the end of the year.   They were just 8 weeks old and have 7 other siblings who all have been adopted.  It is quite an enjoyment to watch them play and grow.  They will never take the place of the Queen Lizzie, but they definitely are creating their own Kingdom,

The Queen

Let's get started with:

CRAZY SHIT

U.S. households throws out $240 billion dollars a year worth of food, that's crazy!  Don't go to the grocery store hungry.

This is both crazy and scary: One Nation, Tracked,  12 million phones, one dataset, zero privacy.

GM is bringing back the Hummer, thank God it's electric.

For a blast from the past, check out a new hotel at JFK airport that recently opened: TWA Hotel,  our daughter Bree spent some time there this past week while on a short business trip in Manhattan,  She was very impressed, saying it would be great to spend the night there while on a layover/early flight to Europe.

ENVIRONMENTAL

8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since introduced in the 1950's.  Most all of it is still here and 91% of it is not recycled.

New technology from RESYNERGI know just what to do with it.  They have compact mobile equipment that turns chipped plastic waste into clean fuel sources.

4 Environmental laws that athletes(and everyone) should know and fight for.

Possible BLUE/GREEN  -Green New deal proposed by Elizabeth Warren.

A short important video from Ocean Unite: #Love30x30. 

The ocean gives us life: it provides half the oxygen we breathe, has absorbed a quarter of our CO2 emissions and over 90% of the excess heat trapped by those emissions, it puts food on our plates and is home to 80% of all life on Earth.

I know there are endless issues we all face everyday.  But the most important issue the world faces right now is the climate crisis.  If we all don't work together and solve this, all else really doesn't matter.  WHAT IF WE SURVIVE?

EXERCISE, FOOD and WELLNESS

Build strength, stamina, stability and power with these 4 Essential Bodyweight Exercises.

Another reason why we should just give up sweeteners all together, Not Sweet Nothings.

Joking aside, for health reasons we need to "cut the cheese"  Nut cheeses  have come a long way and are way more healthy and earth friendly.

Here's another take on "Crazy Shit", Wasting Food: Steps You Can Take to Stop Food Waste.

How to order a healthy plant-based meal from any restaurant menu.

For a rainy afternoon video, watch Rich Roll and Dr. Zach Bush at the Nantucket Project.

For a quick and delicious meal whip up Chef Chloe's vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta and steam some fresh broccoli topped with nutritional yeast.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd 

In Memory

It saddens my heart to say but we had to say goodbye to our sweet cat Lizzie this week.  She came into our lives as a  scrappy little alley/barn kitten, infested with fleas and ear mites, but full of sass.  She blessed us with 18 years of love and companionship and did things her way.  From being on the streets to living like royalty, she lived a long wonderful life.  We have been blessed to be a part of it.  She will be truly missed. She has graced every "Recommended Reading" blog post and will continue to be the happy little face every month.

Here are  several photos in memory:

Just a little "boober"

Hanging with friends

Camping out in the living room

Usual day

Watching over her subjects

You still there?

Her last Christmas

Good Night

Be kind to your pets, YOU are everything to them.

REST IN PEACE LIZZIE

Recipe Sunday Part 1

This is part one of comfort food Recipe Sunday.

The healing powers of Congee.

I look at Congee like a vegan chicken noodle soup.  If you are feeling under the weather Congee is just what the doctor ordered.  Congee is an Eastern Medicine digestive remedy.

   In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods that are warm, easily digestible and moistening help nourish and soothe a weakened or inflamed digestive tract.  It is a healing porridge, a soupy rice mixture and is very easy on the stomach and offers an accessible source of energy for the body.  It nourishes the stomach and spleen imbalances which include bloating, sinus drainage and congestion, headaches and irregular bowel movements.  It is ideal for recovery from stomach flus/viruses and food poisoning.   This offers your body real food that truly hydrates and nourishes.  

There are many ways to make congee, but here's a plant-based version we use, which makes 4 large servings.

Plant-based Congee

Gwyneth Paltrow's egg-less version

8 cups vegetable broth (Knorr's)

6 garlic cloves

1-(3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and very finely grated or minced

3 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil

2/3 cup of jasmine rice

4 large pinches of salt

4 tablespoons of tamari or coconut amino acids

6 scallions thinly sliced

Furikake seasoning:

2 toasted nori sheets

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

2 tsp coconut sugar

1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil

pinch of salt

crumble nori sheets in a small bowl and mix all together

Combine the stock, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice and salt in a medium pan.  Bring mixture to a boil, partially cover and simmer over very low heat fore 30-40 minutes.  Stirring every 5 minutes or so to make sure rice isn't sticking. 

Garnish with scallions and furikake.

Enjoy.

Next week: Vegan Lentil Loaf

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

CBD Oil and Brain Health

Taking care of our brain health is more urgent now than ever.  Every aspect of our lives affects our brain.  The standard american diet (SAD), environmental toxins, lack of exercise, "burning both ends" and poor sleep habits can often lead to chronic illness.  According to the Alzheimer's Association, by the year 2050 the U.S. alone will have 14 million people in need of full time care for Alzheimer's disease.  Additionally, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults.

If you look at the benefits of CBD oil (see last month's post: What Exactly is CBD Oil?), you will find a very long list of health benefits.  I personally have slept better than ever before since taking it,  feeling the results the very first dose.  I wake up feeling rested and with a clear mind.  Everyone we know personally who has used CBD oil has benefited from lower blood pressure, reduction of "hot flashes", muscle spasms, less anxiety etc. This is because it activates the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which can optimize overall health.

Here are some benefits:

Studies have shown that CBD oil has the ability to prevent free radical damage, reduce inflammation and protect our brain cells.  Other studies have demonstrated the role of the cannabinoids in adult neurogenesis which is science-y way of saying "growing new brain cells".

We already know CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, so it's an all around healthy ingredient to add to your wellness routine. 

For  a must listen to podcast on the importance of healthy living and eating, listen to: Dr.'s Dean & Ayesha Sherzai on Optimizing Brain Health, "The Alzheimer's Solution".

For all your CBD oil needs, we are here to help!

Please check out our webstore: http://kristenlee.hempworx.com/

and if you have any question: kristenleehempworx@gmail.com

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS.

Have a great week.

Judd

The Importance of Nitric Oxide

I'm not talking about Nitrous Oxide or "laughing gas".

Nitric Oxide is a small molecule which is produced by every cell in our body and helps keeps blood vessels healthy and regulates blood pressure.  It also helps in the immune and nervous systems and lessens diseases such as chronic inflammation, cancer, etc.  Nitric oxide is released from the inner layers of cells (endothelium) of our blood vessels. By relaxing the vessels it  keeps them flexible, allowing them to dilate, which boosts blood flow and controls blood pressure.  As we age, our cells produce less nitric oxide, which contributes to higher risk of chronic diseases.  That's why it is important to consume foods high in nitrates.  Recent lab research has shown that nitric oxide is involved in the respiratory system by helping red blood cells to release the oxygen they carry to the body's tissues.  Because it increases blood flow, it delivers more oxygen to our muscles for increased stamina, improving work production, etc.

Here are some foods to boost Nitric Oxide;
*Arugula, This bitter, peppery green is the highest source of nitrates known!
*Beets, beetroots are loaded with nitrates.
*Spinach, want to be strong like Popeye? eat yours fresh!
*Citrus, containing high amounts of Vitamin C, they protect your nitric oxide molecules from free radicals.
*Pomegranate, the polyphenols boost nitric oxide and as a anti-inflammatory it reduces oxidative stress.
*Walnuts, being high in Vitamin E they keep the blood flowing.
*Watermelon,  loaded with the amino acid L-citrulline,  which is ultimately converted into nitric oxide.  The rind is where you find the most amount of l-citrulline.

This is a great video from Dr. Michael Greger on creating your own "V8" juice smoothie for a daily way to boost your nitric oxide production. See: Dr. Greger In The Kitchen

Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd

What Exactly is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, commonly called CBD oil, is helping to relieve many common ailments. The FDA just approved a form of cannabidiol called Epidiolex for childhood epilepsy, transforming the way the medical industry is looking at this natural alternative.  CBD oil helps with ailments such as anxiety, pain, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.  Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid compound that is found in both hemp and marijuana.  The main difference is the level of THC.  THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is associated with the "high" you get from marijuana.  CBD is derived from the hemp plant has a very low to zero amount of THC and is non-psychoactive, and is legal in all 50 states.

While there are many different positive health benefits of CBD oil, the center of its amazing abilities seems to be it is a very effective natural anti-inflammatory.  Chronic inflammation is the common thread between most of all chronic health problems we face today as a modern society.  Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, digestive issues and hormonal problems are all inflammatory in nature.  Research is showing that anxiety, depression, brain fog, ADD, ADHD and autism are influenced by inflammation.  CBD oil has been shown to calm anxiety naturally without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications.   

Here are a few of the many benefits of CBD:

I lead a very active life working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold.  At the end of the day it takes a while for my body and mind to wind down; therefore at bedtime and throughout the night my muscles twitch, which in turn keeps Kris awake and does not promote a restful sleep for neither one of us.  I began taking CBD oil on Tuesday July 3rd and I have not twitched since!  I wake up rested and with a clear mind. 

After doing some research on this incredible natural alternative, Kris and I are now associates with Hempworx and can now offer you these CBD oil products for both you and your pets.

For more information and product lineup please see our website: www.kristenlee.hempworx.com.  You can also reach out to us via email at kristenleehempworx@gmail.com.  We are excited to be able to share such a great natural alternative for a healthy lifestyle.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Power Cookies

POWER COOKIES

As we go through the work day some of us need a little pick me up.  These "cookies" are just the solution.  The date paste is perfect for a long steady energy release.  These cookies are also high in fiber keeping you full and ready to tackle any situation that comes your way.  They are actually a great "breakfast"cookie and a way to start your day.  

Date Paste Topping:

8-10 pitted dates.

1-tb ground flax seeds.

1-2 tbs almond or peanut butter.

1/8 cup pumpkin, sunflower, hemp or peanuts.

In a food processor, pulse dates into a paste. 

Add flax, nut butter and seeds.

Mix until you have a "ball" of paste.

Breakfast Cookie:

In a bowl:

1 cup of whole wheat flour.

1/2 tsp baking soda.

1/2 tsp sea salt.

1 tb. chia seed.

Blend together.

Preheat oven to 350'

In a second bowl:

1/3 cup vegan butter or melted coconut oil.

2 tbs almond butter.

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.

1/4 cup your choice:coconut palm sugar, honey, agave syrup or maple syrup.

2 tbs water.

Slowly beat with mixer.

Add dry mixture until you have a cookie batter. Add 1 tb.water if needed.

THE BEST PART: THIS COOKIE DOUGH CAN BE EATEN RAW!

Form into small thin 2" cookies and bake for 12 minutes.

Let cool.

 Top with date paste.

 ENJOY

This makes 12-14 cookies.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd