Brazil Nuts

Brazil Nuts

 I continue to be amazed by the power of food on a daily basis.

With every bite we take, we are choosing the destiny of our health.

Nature has created real food just for us.  If it comes in its own packaging eat it.

If it has been created in a factory don't.  

In a recent study, it was found that just 4 Brazil nuts per month, lowered cholesterol levels better then statin drugs!  Also, after only 9 hours the levels were reduced. Compared to 4 days for statin drugs to work!  The cost of 4 Brazil nuts is about 50 cents.  Here's a quick video on that study: Four Nuts Once A Month 

They are a superfood that is high in selenium, Which not only helps in controlling cholesterol levels,

but also helps in weight management, proper digestion, improves the health and strength of bones, reduces cancer risks, nourishes our skin and regulates thyroid function. No other food (animal or plant) source has more selenium then Brazil nuts. 

By eating clean whole food, exercising, reducing stress and getting a restful sleep we will be on the road to a long and healthy life.

Let's go nuts!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

"Frickin Chickin" Waffles

"Frickin Chikin" and Waffles

After no posts for 2 weeks, we're back!  Relaxing while on vacation, and traveling on Sundays,  I 

was not able to blog.  I did however, try some new recipes.  On onegreenplanet.org, I came across

a recipe for "Jackfruit Fried Chicken".  I decided to make some "Frickin Chickin" and Waffles.  Our daughter, Bree and I first tried them. We were amazed of how really good they were.  I couldn't wait

for Kris to try them.  Upon returning from D.C., (on a small getaway with her Mom and Sister) we had breakfast for dinner one evening.  She was a little skeptical at first, not sure if it would taste like chicken.  She was amazed at its likeness.  Now she is thinking "Jackfruit" Chic-fil-a nuggets? 

"Frickin Chickin" and Waffles

Here's the recipe:

For the Jackfruit:

1-20 oz. can  Jackfruit(in water or brine, not syrup!)

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 minced garlic cloves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

 1 cup almond or soy milk mixed with 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

For the breading:

1 cup of flour

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1-2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning

Mix the "milk" and ACV in a measuring cup and set aside for 10 minutes.

Drain and rinse the jackfruit thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, cut away a small tip(1/4 in) off the triangle piece of fruit. (The whole piece of fruit is edible).  Add the fruit and spices and garlic to the milk mixture and stir well. Let it marinade for 30 minutes or so.

Mix the breading flour, spices and seasoning to a large bowl.  I just drain the jackfruit and mix it in with the flour, etc. to bread it.

In a skillet on a medium setting heat a little oil.  Place your breaded "chickin" in the pan and fry for 3-4  minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve it hot on your favorite homemade or store bought waffles, with maple syrup.

Here's an easy waffle recipe if you have your own waffle maker:

Combine

 1-3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 tbsp raw sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

pinch of salt

Add 1-1/2 cup almond milk

2 "chia eggs"(To make one chia egg-1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp of water, stir, let set for 10-15 minutes until it forms a gel.)

1-2 tbsp of  oil(optional)

Mix all ingredients together, adding more milk for right consistency.

For more recipes click here: Jackfruit Carnitas

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Switchel...switch what?

Switchel...switch what?

I love drinking Kombucha!  For those who haven't heard of it, here is a link for more info

on the benefits and origin of Kombucha.  It basically is a sweet fermented drink made from black

tea with different fruit flavors added to it.  You must be of  legal drinking age to purchase it and even has a small amount of alcohol in it because of the fermenting process.  Most, who first try it, don't like it.  Those of us who do...are hooked!  You can find it at your local health food store and even at some local grocery stores( Publix, Kroger etc..) in the refrigerated section.  Kombucha can be pretty pricey ($3.99 per bottle and up). You should give it a try.

But I have found an inexpensive alternative to get some of the same benefits.  

It's called "Switchel".  Switch what?  

Its' origin seems to date back to the "colonial-era" of the 1700's and popular thru the early 1900's. 

Some say its roots are from the Caribbean Islands because of its ginger and molasses.  Others say from the farm fields of Vermont.  Most of early farmers drank the concoction while working in the fields, pre-"Gatorade" or lemonade.  It is full of electrolytes, eases inflammation and the apple cider vinegar  balances your body's PH.

With only three ingredients, it is so easy and inexpensive to make.

Here is a recipe from Equinox for a small amount for you to try:

The new Kombucha: Switchel

1/2 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

1/4 cup pure maple syrup(opt- black strap molasses).

2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.

In a mason jar stir all together and add 1/4 cup of filtered water. 

cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours.

Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer and discard the ginger.

To serve, gently stir 1/4 cup of switchel mixture concentrate with 3/4 cup of cold filtered water or sparkling water.

This amount make 3 servings.

It's awesome! Sweet but tangy, and very refreshing.

You can experiment with different flavors, like chopped apple/cinnamon, blueberries or raspberries(remove along with the chopped ginger).

But the original blend is just fine.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

World Water Day

World Water Day

March 22nd is World Water Day. 

We can eat all the best foods for our bodies to be healthy.

But without clean water, we cannot survive. Let alone the fact that we need water 

to grow those healthy foods.

World Water Day is recognized world wide.  Since 1993, the United Nations has set themes for the message it wants to let the world know about the importance of clean water.

This year it is "Better water, Better Jobs".  Nearly 1.5 billion people work in water related sectors

and nearly all jobs depend on water and it's safety.

I am honored to be a part of an industry that our mission is to maintain, restore and preserve

our water systems.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly twice the population of the US (664 million)

live without access to clean water.  Many live  right here, like Flint, Michigan, and numerous other cities nationwide.

To help do your part check out: Raincatcher.org.

Here's a great article on one of many reasons why we should opt for a plant-based diet, compared to supporting factory farming of meat and dairy.  If you are going to eat meat products, raise them yourself using sustainable practices.

Here are two "Natures Speaking" videos from Conservation International:

Mother Nature

Water

Be thankful you have clean water next time you take a drink.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Quinoa

Quinoa

It's gluten-free!

Most people don't know how to say Quinoa (KEEN-wah), let alone what it is.

Technically it is a seed, but mostly known as a whole grain.  It is a highly nutritious,

quick cooking and gluten-free seed of the beet family. It comes in a variety of colors, but

red, black (both have a crunchy cooked texture) and white (fluffier texture) are the most common.

Although Quinoa is known for having a good deal of protein (8+ grams per cup), It's the 

type of protein, that makes it great.  It has the perfect balance of  all nine essential amino acids

needed for human nutrition. This complete protein is rarely found in plant foods. Other plant foods 

containing complete proteins are chia, hempseeds, soybeans(organic non-gmo),etc. 

The history of Quinoa is rooted in the Andes region of South America in the countries of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.  Easily surviving in many growing conditions Quinoa became a mainstay food source for the Inca Empire. Along with maize, its consumption became  widespread 

around 3000 BC.

Being nutrient rich, it provides almost half of the daily requirement of manganese(59%),

copper and phosphorus(40%), magnesium(30%).  Also it is high in zinc, folate and fiber.

It is cholesterol free and has a valuable amount of omega-3 fatty acids with monounsaturated fats like oleic  and alpha-linolinec(ALA) acids which are great for heart health.

It's great for Buddha bowls in place of rice or even cold as cereal/oatmeal with fruit for breakfast.

In a Buddha bowl served with black beans, roasted purple cauliflower, sweet potatoes and avocado.

Here's a quick article on How to cook Quinoa.

You can check out my pinterest for my Quinoa recipes.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Bee Pollen- The perfect food?

Bee Pollen-The perfect food?

One single bee can pollinate 100,000 flowers in a single day.

It would be safe to say they are "busy as a bee".

Bee pollen is made by honeybees and is the food for young bees.

It is considered to be one of natures most completely nourishing foods, as it contains

all the nutrients required by humans to survive.

Bee gathered pollen's are rich in proteins (40%), free amino acids, B complex vitamins and folic acid.

It is richer in protein than any animal source and contains more amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese

of equal weight.  Those amino acids are ready to be used by the body immediately.

The most effective way to consume bee pollen is take 1 tsp with a piece of fruit (the fruit fibers

reinforce the activity of the pollen) every morning.  Or you can mix it in your smoothies or green juice.  Then work your way up to 2-3 tsp per day for maximum effect. 

Some great reasons to add fresh pollen to your diet.

Energy enhancer- a natural energizer with carbs, protein and B vitamins keep you going all day.

Respiratory aid- contains a high quantity of antioxidants to help inflammation of the lung tissues and preventing asthma.

Treating allergies-(especially local pollen) it reduces the presence of histamines. Studies have shown that once orally treated, patients have been cleared of asthma, allergies and sinus problems.

Digestive Systems- bee pollen contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Assisting your body in getting all the nutrients from food.

Immune System Booster- its anti-bacterial properties help the gut flora and protects from our cells from oxidation and free radicals.

Weight control- it stimulates the metabolic process and contains high amounts of Lecithin (15%) which helps to dissolve and flush fat from the body.

 Cardiovascular system support- contains large amounts of Rutin, which is an antioxidant bioflavonoid that strengthens capillaries, blood vessels and corrects cholesterol levels. 

Here are two good articles:

 Bee Pollen as Superfood. 

Bee Pollen: One of Natures Perfect Foods

Get busy!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Magnificent Magnesium

Magnificent Magnesium

Magnesium, calcium and zinc are three of the most important minerals needed in our daily diet.

Magnesium aids our body in absorption of calcium obtained from the foods we eat.  The health 

benefits include transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy

production and the formation of healthy bones and teeth. It also helps in thyroid function, improves 

muscle functioning, boosts the bio-availability of B6 and cholesterol.  It helps to prevent osteoporosis(drop the dairy! Milk doesn't do a body good!), insomnia, constipation, hypertension(lowers the risk of heart disease), kidney stones and even lessen migraines.  Studies show that magnesium aids in carbohydrate metabolism and influences the activity of insulin, controlling blood sugar levels.

Magnesium, calcium and sodium are highly alkaline and keep are bodies and blood from getting to acidic.  Acidity cause inflammation which is the major cause of most chronic diseases, including cancer.  Our bodies are good at maintaining the acid-alkaline balance, even if our diets are poor!

But, the buffering of acids are meant to be an occasional backup system.  Not all the time!  Not a state of emergency draw down everyday!  We then deplete are bodies of these important minerals.

Our bodies begin to become more acidic and trouble begins.

Foods that are high in magnesium:

Asparagus(fresh)

Avocados(eat daily)

Bananas(less ripe provide (pre-biotics for your gut)

Beet Greens, (yes the greens!)

Brazil nuts(eat a couple a day)

Brown rice(Buddha Bowl)

Cashews(raw or make cashew cream for pasta)

Peas(throw them in the Buddha Bowl)

Squash(oven roasted veggies)

For a way to up your intake of magnesium and help sleep and anxiety try Natural Calm.

It is available at most health stores or online.  You will definitely feel a difference. 

For a informative and easy to understanding look at how our bodies are suppose to work, Check out: Superlife by Darin Olien a great book to have in your library.  Or listen to his interview on the Rich Roll Podcast.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd