Marvellous Matcha

Marvellous Matcha

Matcha powder originated in China and has been around for a thousand years.

It is produced by stone-grinding green tea leaves.  So you are actually eating your green tea.

The powder is used in smoothies etc., but also you can just add it to water or even juice.

One serving of powder is equivalent to ten cups of brewed green tea!  By brewing the leaves in hot water, you are only getting 10% of its nutrients.

Espresso coffee= 60mg caffeine

Matcha powder= 34mg caffeine

The caffeine in Matcha has a longer effect because of amino acids and L theanine.

L theanine has a calming effect and slow releases the caffeine.  Which gives a clear mental 

alertness, clarity, immune defense and detoxification.

Matcha tea contains the unique potent class of anti-oxidants called Catechins.

These anti-oxidants are only found in plants and provide potent cancer fighting properties

and many other health benefits.

They have the highest levels of anti-oxidants than other foods, including dark chocolate, acai berries,

blueberries etc.

The next time you need a healthy lift during the day have a Matcha drink.

When at Starbucks, ask for a Venti ice water with 3 scoops of matcha powder, 

with shot of coconut milk. You will be pleasantly surprised.

It's on there secret menu and should only cost 84 cents-to $2.50, depending on where you're at.

You can find Matcha at Whole Foods, etc or order it online.

Here's a short video from Nutritionfacts.org.

A recipe from mindbodygreen.com

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Snowboarding in NYC

Snowboarding in NYC

I first learned of Casey Neistat in 2012. 

I watched a video he created for Nike "Make it Count" and I was hooked.

His work ethics are nonstop controlled chaos and even has "do more" tattooed 

on his forearm.

He started to do a daily "vlog" about ten months ago. He wanted to keep his motivation and 

film making fresh and is now on day # 305.

Today's vlog was epic and had over 2.5 million views in the first 7 hours.

If you haven't already seen, here it is:

Snowboarding in NYC 

You can watch the "behind the scenes" at:

Behind the Scenes 

His outlooks on life, work and family are contagious and makes you want go out and be creative.

So check it out.

 But be careful, you might get pulled in and end up watching all 300+

vlogs from the beginning.

Kris and I look forward to viewing the vlog everyday. 

Especially if his daughter "Francine" makes an appearance. 

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Super Green Lemonade

Super Green Lemonade

This is a great nourishing drink to enjoy anytime of the day.

First thing in the morning: 

*The lemons get your metabolism started.

*The apples (high in fiber) get your digestive systems moving.

and are high in antioxidants.

* The spinach is full of protein, minerals and nutrients.

Enjoy mid-afternoon for a quick energy boost.

Easy to make and store in small containers to take on the go.

Great for weight loss (fiber) and total wellness.

The spinach is high in niacin, zinc, protein, fiber,vitamins, calcium,

magnesium, manganese, potassium etc.

It's super green!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Pickled Banana Peppers

Pickled Banana Peppers(and Pickles!)

Here's a quick easy recipe for pickled sliced banana peppers, with no Sodium Benzoate.

1 cup of Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar

1 cup of filtered water

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

6-9 banana peppers, stems removed and sliced thinly into rounds

Combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt in small pan,

 Bring to a boil, stirring in sugar and salt to dissolve.

Remove from heat and add sliced peppers.

Stir until peppers soften and should be mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cool to room temperature.

Store in an airtight glass container, making sure peppers are covered with the liquid.

They are great by themselves or on sandwiches.

They stay fresh for about 2 months, but you will have eaten them by then!

You can make your own pickles this way!

Add the spices of your choice: dill, red pepper flakes etc.

Judd

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2015 is gone.  All the joys, accomplishments, sorrows and mistakes!

2016 is here.  It is time to start fresh.

We can not change the past and we can not predict the future.

We can only learn from our past  victories and mistakes.

We can also prepare our goals for the future and set into motion the plans

to obtain them.

Of the many goals I have this year, I believe most of them can be obtained thru 

"being present in the moment".  It changes your frame of reference entirely.

In the big picture, it really is all that we have: "The Present Moment" 

Focus on where you are, who you are with and what needs are to be met at that moment.

Here are two great articles on that subject:

How to live fully in the present.

The amazing power of being present.

Now is the time. 

Set your goals.

Set the course to accomplish them.

Give it 100%.

I love this video from; The 431 Project

Watch: Nothing will stop me!

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Treating High Blood Pressure

Treating High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for death in the world.

It is beneficial to have your blood pressure down around 110/70.

Those eating a plant-based diet naturally have a  reading in this range.

According to a study by the Seventh Day Adventists' of 89,000 people, those who ate a 

vegetarian diet (eggs and dairy were included) cut their risk of high blood pressure by 55%.

Those who ate a strictly plant-based diet cut their risk by 75%.

Foods that are high in potassium, like bananas, ground flax seeds (a few tablespoons possess one of the strongest anti-hypertensive effects of plant-based foods) and watermelon offer the greatest protection against high blood pressure.   

Here is a great article from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

8 Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure 

Also 2 videos from Nutrition Facts.org 

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure with Diet part 1

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure with Diet part 2

You know I am obsessed with Rich Roll's Podcast, so here's two of the best from Cardiologists'
 

Dr Joel Kahn 

Dr Robert Oustfeld 

And Darin Olien, Superfoods for Superlife   

I have linked this video before, but I believe everyone needs to watch this more then once.

Food as Medicine 

It is a little over an hour long, but its well worth it!

This should give you plenty of great information to enjoy during the Holidays.

Have great week.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Be kind.

Judd

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

The aroma of the holidays to me is cinnamon.

Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

In ancient Egypt, it's value was worth more than gold and was primarily a 

gift for the kings.

There are two types of cinnamon:

Ceylon, known as true cinnamon and of higher quality.

Cassia, the more common variety of today, found in the majority of products.

It is made by cutting the bark of the Cinnamomum Tree, then when it dries it forms 

strips that can ground into powder.

The distinct smell and flavor comes from the compound called Cinnamaldehyde.

This compound is responsible for most of it's powerful effects on our health and metabolism.

* It is loaded with antioxidants which protect us from free-radicals.

* It is highly anti-inflammatory and helps to fight body infections and repair tissue damage.

*It may cut the risks of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

*It helps to improve "insulin sensitivity", by helping insulin to transporting blood sugar into the bloodstream. Which helps in controlling Diabetes.

*It helps to inhibit buildup of a protein called Tau, which is contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

* Cinnamaldehyde has anti-fungal and  antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.

All cinnamon has great health benefits, but the "Cassia" variety also has a compound called

coumarin. You should to try to limit your use of this common variety and get "Ceylon"

It is available in powder, sticks and oils at your local health food store or online at cinnamonvogue.

Don't worry unless you are using it on everything you should be fine.  

Here's a great way to start or end the day.

In a medium sauce pan combine;

1 tablespoon of turmeric powder or paste

1 teaspoon  coconut oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey

4-6 ounces coconut or almond milk

Stir over medium heat

Before mixture boils pour into mug

Enjoy

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Coming in 2016: Essential Oils