26 January 2010

Skin Care Series, Part 3

So, I hope everyone has been all the more conscience about washing their beautiful faces every night! It's like the easiest, one thing we can do! I myself am starting to get dry skin just because I feel so very convicted, and I refuse to use my petroleum lotion! My skin is something I never want to skimp on. I have been blessed with soft skin, and I intend to keep it that way! I feel like we all have great God-given features that we can appreciate about ourselves, in a healthy non-vain way. 
I have to say my body butter is costing more now because I am in the process of ordering the unscented organic body butter made by Dr. Mercola. I am excited, and I will let you know how I like it! 
Let's finish up this Skin Care Series with what we still need to know about skin care and cosmetics. You now know what to avoid. Now, I am going to tell you what to look for and why!


Nourishing Your Skin:
• Whether we are willing to opt for the organic body butter or not, we all want healthy looking skin! 
• It is ideal to use products that pride themselves on using natural ingredients. 
• Some brands to check out are: Kiss My Face, Burt's Bees (I use currently),
 Dr. Mercola's Skin Care (I am purchasing), Physicians Formula (what I use), Saffron Rouge, Just Natural, Organic Wear (what I use), and much more. These are the most budget-friendly and bang for your buck.

Reminder: Look for the natural ingredients! Look for things you can pronounce and spell. 
Alcohol is a bad example of what I just said. Although we can spell it, we don't want that. It strips your skin's natural mantle. It also makes you more susceptible to bacteria. So, other than alcohol, look for ingredients you can pronounce. 
If you've recently been making lifestyle changes to better yourself- inside and out i.e. joining the gym, choosing more fruits and vegetables then you can consider this a lifestyle change for your skin. It may take some patience. I find myself some evenings forcing myself to wash my face. It takes 5 minutes! It's just creating a habit requires a little bit of patience at first. Not to worry, a few months from now, you'll be so glad you have made this choice to work towards a better, healthier skin!


Why Is Organic Important?
• It's important to use ingredients that help maintain healthy skin whenever possible instead of harmful chemicals. You choose healthy alternatives for you and your family, and now you have healthy alternatives for your skin as well.

Defining The Terms:
• "Certified Organic"- Agriculture products that are grown and processed per the USDA's national organic standards. It also has been certified through  by USDA accredited state and private certification organizations.
This does have red tape to go through whereas all other skin care lines and cosmetics do not. So, of course there is a price tag that comes with the label.
When you see this label, it should mean to you: it has a specific set of standards set by the USDA, extensive paperwork has been filled out, agents review the paper work to oversee eligibility, inspectors conduct on-site inspections without notification, and check for compliance in organic farming. This is what you're paying for when purchasing "certified organic".
I was going to include a list of natural or certified organic ingredients that have a hundred reasons why you should choose them over the synthetics most of us use. However, this is getting a little long, and I don't want be overwhelming with information. So, Part 4 will include ingredients you want to have in your skin care and cosmetics! So, stay tuned! To be continued!

23 January 2010

Skin Care Series, Part 2

Now more than ever we have to be cautious about what we eat, come in contact with, and even what we rub onto our skin. Frankly, it can be overwhelming! That's a reason I have created a blog. A blog full of facts, facts about how to better yourself inside and out! I want to create a website that is easy to get to, easy to read, and always factual.
I can attest that our family as a whole has been making much better food choices that past 2 or 3 years. We eat salads with nearly every meal. We always have fruit and vegetables on hand. We also typically have quality juices and so on. My point is, is that we have been changing eating habits. I think it's important to make lifestyle decisions slowly and purposefully. The whole topic of skin care is a newer passionate topic. Again, I did not start washing my face with organic skin care. After years of slowly making lifestyle changes, I am to my next upcoming change, using certified organic skin care and make-up. So, as we can continue onto Part 2, please know that any improvement is success!

Why Does The Beauty Industry Use These Hazardous Chemicals?
• Harsh chemicals are cheap. (ex. alcohol, bleach)
• Readily available (made in masses)
• Easy to dilute

Hurry! Run! Get your lotion and make-up to check!


This is not suppose to be depressing. After I saw that my favorite Bath & Body Works body butter had 5 of these ingredients... It was sort of sad. I will stick to spraying the body mist on my clothes.
If you choose to keep your skin care contrary to the chart above or choose to improve your skin in other ways. Here are some tips!

Achieving Healthy Skin:
Raw foods- These have the highest nutrient value rather than cooking. When cooking, use low fat methods such as steaming, roasting, baking, sauteing.
Omega-s fatty acids(list of foods in Part 1)- Not only will this give that healthy skin glow but gives your brain those healthy fats it needs to function.
Exercise- Perspiration lets toxins exit the body leaving your body detoxed.

My hairdresser was telling me the other day how important it is to put product on your hair while it's still wet. The product holds to the hair, and so when you are coming in contact with pollution, outside grime, and poor air quality, the grime grabs onto the product, not your hair. Your skin works the same way.

Take 5 minutes in the morning and evening to wash your face and neck! This will aid in maintaining that youthful glow. Along with whatever changes you make to your skin care and cosmetics.
Again, being more health conscience does not always require you forking out money. Here are ten ways to get active about skin care!

10 Ways To Better Skin!
• Use Warm Water- Hot water may potentially age your skin faster. Tap water is chlorinated. Chlorine cause oxidative damage. When chlorine is mixed with with hot water the rate of chemical reactions increase. So avoid hot baths as soothing as it may be. Hot water is not healthy for the skin.

Use Safe & Gentle Skin Care Products- Use organic when possible. Your skin absorbs it all. Do not compromise your health or the health of your skin.

• Remove Your Make-up- Removing all the dirt and grime that you encountered will keep you glowing. By leaving the grime on your face, keeps toxins on your face longer.

• Sleep On Your Back- Gravity pulls on your face all day. At night, give your face a break. Sleeping on your stomach adds puffiness to your face.

• No Smoking- Even smokers will tell you it ages your skin and produces free radical production, sign of aging.

• Use Sunscreen- Even sunscreen should be checked against the hazardous skin care ingredients. Sunscreen has it's own harmful chemicals. Choose ocean potion or a natural sunscreen. Most have extremely harsh chemicals.

• Apply Skin Care with Warm Water- A warm face helps achieve maximum absorption to your products.

• Never Pull On Your Skin- Pulling or rubbing stretches the skin. Tapping for a few minutes to absorb is what is considered the correct way to apply products.

• Don't Expect Overnight Changes- People will probably notice before you do the changes in your skin. Do not grow weary, you are succeeding every night you choose to wash your face. Every little bit counts!

These are practical ways to improve your skin. Slowly consider if this is something you want to improve on. I encourage you to research it for yourself. Dr. Mercola has so much information. Look at other products.
Part 3 will include the nourishing botanicals that we need to look for when choosing skin care products, the benefits of organic, the beauty of keeping it natural, understanding plant oils' functions, and introduce new plants on the market that we can now get in skin care. Coming Soon!

22 January 2010

Skin Care Series, Part 1

I am beginning a mini series of posts on one of my favorite topics to learn about, our skin!
Everyone's skin looks different based on so many factors. I am a nut about using absolutely no synthetic chemicals on my face and based on the information I want to share I should be! I never really though too much about body butter, shea butter, cocoa butter all being paired with harmful chemicals as well. The labels are mis-reading and that is why I am sharing. There are some things I eat and use that are sooo good to taste, and I really would just like to turn my health-conscience head the other way! However, I feel the urge to no longer turn my head on the ingredients in my body lotion.
I receive a e-newsletter from Dr. Mercola a couple times a week. He has a health center that focuses on optimal wellness. He presents facts about everything... I mean EVERYTHING! He has lots of videos paired with about every article he posts. Check him out for yourself!

Skin Facts:
• Skin is the largest organ and the thinnest.
• Skin is only 1/10 of an inch.
• Skin is highly permeable, allowing what you apply to your skin entering into your bloodstream.
• Skin absorbs 60% of what you put on it.

Now, knowing that we can move onto what's next. I am always lathering my skin in lotion. I keep it by my bed, in the bathroom (of course), and in my purse. I also have some at work and in the car. Dry skin drives me crazy! So, here are some ways to keep us from getting the that dreaded dry skin.

Here are 5 Ways to Alleviate Dry Skin...

1. Drink more water! For those tea drinkers, drink up on your high anti-oxidant green tea! When we are cold or at least it's cold outside, we tend to drink less. Try drinking water without ice. You drink more without realizing it. I always order water without ice even in the summer. If you are willing to try green tea but do not know what to buy, look for certified organic. It has a richer flavor. This will keep you from adding extra sugar and cream.
2. Even though potato soup sounds good almost any day in the winter, adding more raw foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids will be hydrating to your skin from the inside out! These foods ar
e also anti-aging foods. Refer to the list at the bottom. Better yet ask me for recipes that include these foods as well.
3. Take time for yourself in a warm bath, not hot. A quality bath salt can soften your skin with exfoliation. When choosing bath salts, you can refer to the list that will be posted on harsh chem
icals in skin care and cosmetics.
4. Wear gloves! Hey, it's a reason to go get those you were looking at the other day! Just kidding. Bundling up will protect your skin from the climate changes getting in and out of your car.
5. Here is the biggie! Moisturize daily with a non-clogging organic body lotion such as coconut oil or body butter. These nourish without clogging, as many toxin-moisturizers do

Questions that are probably rising, why organic? My lotion doesn't clog my pores, so is it good? A list of chemicals that can be found in your non-organic moisturizers is coming up next. Stay tuned!
My thinking sometimes is if it's expensive, it must have some good stuff in it! Seriously, I think that way sometimes. I have to remember even if it has a leaf on it, says phrases I like to hear, has my favorite colors, smells nice, and so on this doesn't mean they are looking out for me! Why not?
The beauty industry answers to no one! The FDA has not rules or regulations that the beauty industry has to abide by including mandatory testing. This creates loopholes which is why we must...

Define The Terms...
• "For Professional Use Only"- This allows cosmetic companies to not post the harmful chemicals on
 the label.
• "Hypoallergenic"- No testing is necessary to claim this is safe for sensitive skin. There are no regulations to claim such a statement.
• "Harmful Chemicals"- Unless the chemicals are put there intentionally, there is no requirement to say there are harmful toxins in the skin care or cosmetics.

This is all so frustrating. Like we needed one more thing to think about, right? In order to live healthier and better, we have to take care of ourselves literally. We have to educate ourselves. We opt to put great food in our body, so why is it not important what we put on our body? Dr Mercola says, "We shouldn't put anything on our body, that we wouldn't eat." Ponder that. Taking care of ourselves takes work, it's not easy. Nothing worth having ever is easy.

Beauty Industry Facts:
• In the U.S. alone, the industry makes $50 billion a year... off of us!
• They budget $2 million for advertising.
• Women who wear make-up daily absorb 5 pound of toxins a year.

The beauty industry is motivated by their profits. Can you blame them? $50 billion!
There's more to come! We will talk about toxins, skin care/cosmetic ingredients, how to get healthy skin, and a 5 min. fix. Coming Next!

Flaxseed
Walnuts
Salmon
Soy beans
Halibut
Shrimp
Tofu
Scallops
Winter Squash







20 January 2010

Conquering Your Cravings

I am reading today. I like to read a book 2x's typically then give it away. Cookbooks and health-related book are the exception so I will not be giving this one away, Eat This and Live. I find this so amazing! Everything I read is powerful information or just mind-blowing. Some facts shock me to the point that shock alone keeps it in my memory!

HERE ARE SOME FACTS I FOUND INTERESTING:
• As an average American, you will consume 5 pounds of food today.
• Over your lifetime, that is over seventy tons of food that will pass through your intestinal tract and are assimilated by your body.
• Seventy tons of food is equivalent of about 40 mid-sized cars.
• This is all based on the average American lifespan, 77.6 years old.

I 'm sure there are some out there who's new year's resolution is to eat better and exercise more. I am one of them! I now have a gym membership and am making all the more health-conscious habits. I am asking questions, seeking answers, consulting with doctors, and wellness educators to bring you and myself the best information possible.
However, today I am feeling a little un-motivated so thus the book. Sometimes it helps for me
to read when I am feeling un-motivated. It kicks those nasty thoughts, those of french fries and ketchup.
My theory is if you don't pay for quality food now, you'll pay later in the doctor bills and high insurance rates. So, how can you afford not to take care of yourself now.
Believe me, practicing what I preach is irritating on occasion. I have days sometimes where I just want to enjoy a Boston Creme doughnut and a milkshake from Sonic. Ha I am being very real with you right now. I have to choose. I have to decide how that will make me feel afterwards. I never just eat and then think. I can't afford to eat that way. I do splurge don't get me wrong; when I do, I try to stay away from the processed foods. I opt for home-made desserts. Read with me!
Here is an excerpt from the book Eat This and Live written by Dr. Don Colbert.

CONQUER YOUR CRAVINGS page 12

1. Never go anywhere without packing a healthy snack such as fruit or nuts in single-serving -size resealable bags or containers.

2. Keep water with you at all times. Drinking water can often curb hunger pangs
and make you feel full without turning to unhealthy foods or high-sugar beverages.

3. Think of a healthier alternative. For instance, instead of a bowl of ice cream, try a scoop of frozen yogurt; instead of potato chips and French onion dip,
try baked chips and fresh salsa. While these alternatives might not be ideal, they are a step in the right direction and can help bridge the gap between where you've been and where you want to be with your diet.

4. Control your portions. If you do slip up and indulge in an unhealthy food, never eat directly from the package. Place a small portion on a plate and put the rest away. Challenge yourself to leave part of the food on the plate when you're through, or see if you can move on after only a bite or two.

5. Keep track of your cravings. This can be a key to determining the underlying emotions such
as stress that may be causing you to turn to food as certain times of the day, week, or month.

6. Distant yourself. Taking a brisk walk will not only help to get your mind off of your craving, but it will also release stress and burn off some calories in the process. Calling a friend is calorie free and fat free, and a much healthier source of comfort than a tub of Ben & Jerry's.

7. Eat three well-balanced meals a day and a healthy mid-afternoon snack. Consume high-fiber foods with each meal or snack. This will help stabilize
blood sugar and help to control hunger. I do try to do this and have for a few years. I find this book extremely helpful and encourage you to get it or at least check it out!

My new year's resolution is exercise more but also to cut coupons and save where I can. See I really enjoy these organic ingredient energy bars we get at our coffeeshop. I love, love, love them! They cost me $4; I justify it by saying to myself, they're great for me! I am right; however, I could make these at home for less.
So, today I will be experimenting/making energy bars at home. The ingredients include oats, peanut butter, agave nectar, oil, brown sugar, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, madagascar vanilla, sea salt, white chocolate chips, blueberries, and dried cranberries.

15 January 2010

Calorie Counting @ the Coffeeshop!

So, I have worked at a coffeeshop it feels as if my entire life. It's really just on and off for the past 6 years. However saying my entire life does sound more interesting! So, I have worked at a coffeeshop my entire life! I have subconsciously gained the ability to look at a customer and as they step toward the counter my mind is assessing. I want to clarify; I am no one's judge. This is not judging or stereotyping. In fact, stereotyping does not work. I am noticing and taking note. There is a science to this somehow.
My assessing is nearly fool-proof I will say with confidence. I notice everything including how they walk in, what they have on, what do they have in their hands, are they alone, how do they walk, what's their facial and body expressions. It all tells me what you drink at a coffeeshop! I promise! Now as far as specifications such as nonfat/skim milk, 1 less pump of syrup, extra espresso that is a bit harder to read. They have to speak before I can pre-determine what that will be. Also, once they order, I can tell you what they will also like.

I have always enjoyed working at a coffeeshop! People go out to restaurants and tip 15%-20%. They go to a coffeeshop and tip 54%-68% on average. That part never fails to astound me, but it's not about the money! It's about how awesome it is to get up in the morning and have a hot cup of coffee/tea, the low-stress but high adrenaline you get pumping out drinks and everyone is so happy to receive that cup of goodness, the ability to make an art out of it such as creating leaves, flowers, trees on top of lattes, the appreciation and satisfaction of others in what you do is hard to find! Must be why I keep coming back! The downside would be not being able to go just anywhere for coffee. I do not appreciate paying a premium for burnt hot water... it's very disappointing! I do however support locals in any way I can. Local coffeeshops in this case. Dilworth Coffeehouse is my favorite coffeeshop!

COFFEE FACTS:
• Coffee is a bright, red berry! Location of where it's grown is everything!
• Coffee is rich in anti-oxidants and helping fight those free radicals.
• Coffee is naturally zero calories even flavored coffee!
• Coffee is 2nd largest traded commodity of the world. The 1st is oil.
•Espresso-based drinks are pressurized shots of finely ground coffee we put in the bottom of fru-fru coffee drinks.

This is a cool website I found! 15 Things To Know About Coffee

HOW ESPRESSO-BASED DRINKS ARE MADE:
First, we put the syrup/sauce of choice. The espresso shot is a little more invasive. First, we grind, shuffle out the grinds into the portafilter, pack the grinds with a tamp, smooth the edges, lock on the portafilter holding your grinds into the machine, press sm/med/large then place the cup underneath. While that is extracting the espresso into your cup. We pull a milk pitcher and milk of choice. Place steam wand into milk filled pitcher, and turn it on. This adds steam and air into the milk creating froth or foam and heat of course. So, thus why those are more expensive. There's a lot into making it, so it can taste different depending on barista. This should finish at the same time as the shot, so pour milk into cup and typically gets topped with whip cream.

I asked via a facebook status what are some of your favorites to order at a coffee. I did the drinks calories according to a size medium.

Top Results:

White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha
Calories-305, Carbs-48.25g, Fat-1g, Protein-10g
Ingredients: 1.5 Pumps of White Chocolate Sauce, 3 Pumps of Raspberry Syrup, 2 oz. of Espresso, 10 oz. of Frothed Skim Milk, and Whip Cream

Peppermint Mocha
Calories- 305, Carbs- 48.25g, Fat- 1g, Protein-10g
Ingredients: 1.5 Pumps of Chocolate Sauce, 3 Pumps of Peppermint Syrup, 2 oz. of Espresso, 10 oz. of Frothed Skim Milk, and Whip Cream

White Mocha
Calories-225, Carbs-28.25g,Fat-.75g, Protein-10g
Ingredients: 1.5 Pumps of White Chocolate Sauce, 2 oz. of Espresso, 10 oz. of Frothed Skim Milk, and Whip Cream

Spiced Chai Latte
Calories-259, Carbs-36g, Protein-11g
Ingredients: 1.5 Scoops of Spiced Chai Powder, 3 oz. of Steeping Water, 7 oz. of Frothed Skim Milk

Caramel Macchiato
Calories-239, Carbs-35g, Protein-9g
Ingredients: 4 Pumps of Vanilla Syrup, 2 oz. of Espresso, 10 oz. Frothed Skim Milk, and Whip Cream

Hints When Ordering:

• Ask for 1 pump less and reduce by 27 calories.
• Ask for no whip and reduce by 15 calories.
• Ask for whole milk and add 90 calories.
• Ask for Sugar Free and add 15g of sodium.

Choose coffee. Not drugs. Same effect only it's legal.

12 January 2010

Defining The Terms for the Meat-Eaters

I all the time get asked what's the difference in organic, natural, cage-free? It's so awesome that everyone is asking questions! Why would you want to pay more for a label that doesn't even make sense to you? Cage-free for example: Well, I thought the cute baby chickens are on a field with hills where the sun always shines brightest and Belle from Beauty & The Beast sings and feeds them! Well, at least that's what I have always pictured when I purchased eggs. Turns out, only 35% of the land in the United States is used for animal grazing. Then that raises my next question..... How is the U.S. #1 in the top 6 of biggest cattle production? The answer is America has the capabilities to get things done fast! The faster you can get it to the consumers the better! This is the American way. Since 2002, there has been a health-conscious rise. People now want to know what were eating, and the more you know, the more you're all of a sudden not that hungry!

I wanted to compile a lot of the grocery store terms that have you leaving with a warm fuzzy feeling and an extra $2 out of your wallet or maybe just the contrary, you don't see the hype of paying extra for something that is "organic".

FREE-RANGE & FREE- ROAMING-regulated by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
• This is not regulated for cows, pigs, sheep or goats. So, if you see this label on any of those then it is at the farmer's discretion.
• This is only regulated for birds.
• This means that the birds will be confinement however they are allowed access to the outdoors. This doesn't mean they will everyday.
• This can include having thousands of livestock in a single-warehouse like structure, a "grow-out shed" leaving the animals to stand on fecal matter and breathe in toxic fumes to kill the bacteria being produced.

CAGE-FREE
• This is not regulated. Again, this is at the farming company's discretion.
• This title can include livestock being severely crowded.
• This does not protect newborn male chicks. Farming company's who specialize in egg-laying hens often do away with the newborn male chicks; because, there is no use for them in their production. The methods of killing are not regulated. Thus, whatever is convenient to the industry which includes suffocating, gassing, grinding, as well as other procedures. This infuriates animal rights activists.

GRASS-FED-regulated by the USDA
• Cattle must be fed grass instead of grains and soybeans
• Cattle can be confined.
• Label does not equate grazing in a pasture.
• Look for small print on the package "grain finished". This tells you it spent time in confinement.

NO ANTIBIOTICS-regulated by the USDA
• Does not permit the use of any kind of antibiotics

NO HORMONES-regulated by the USDA
• USDA does not permit any use of hormone use in any birds or pigs. So, all birds and pigs are hormone free.
• Any other kinds of meat with this label is at the farming company's discretion.

ALL NATURAL-regulated by the USDA
• There are no artificial ingredients or colorings.
• This is minimally processed.
• This definition can be used for every all natural product not just meats.

FARM-RAISED-regulated by the USDA
• There are use of hormones, anitbiotics, and cages.
• There are no strict regulations for proper fish handling.

WILD-CAUGHT
• Regulations are being implemented and details are being voted upon.
• The National Organic Standard Board label wild-caught as organic. They are working to set strict regulations on fisheries amounts and procedures.
• Also, the NOSB are working on using wild-caught to be used for fish meal for the farm-raised fish.

These terms are defined by a Johnson & Wales lecture by Chef Bolinger in January 2008 in my class, Skills of Meatcutting.

I hope this helps with reading labels next time you are at the meat counter! I realize it is much easier just not to think about it. I understand it is sometimes costly. My personal standard is if I cannot afford the quality meats, I opt for beans, legumes, nuts for my protein. Also, I have began using coupons as much as possible! I am getting a lot of my coupons from the Grocery Game. Choose wisely!

11 January 2010

The Daniel Fast

So, this blog was a request from our good friends in Kansas City who are challenged to the Daniel Fast! Hey, thanks for following the blog! I heard that meats & chocolate is what you miss the most! I reviewed the diet, and it's similar to the food I eat on a regular basis. However, I do eat chocolate on occasion.
There is a chocolate substitution called carob. It's native to the Mediterranean and a flowering evergreen shrub from the pea family.

A source of recipes you may find helpful if you are venturing out to be like Daniel is Hallelujah Acres website. There are some recipes that will suit your needs. Hallelujah Acres is a vegetarian diet & lifestyle so there are some natural sweeteners used. Here are some I found that may satisfy that crave for chocolate!

Almond Butter Carob Crunchies
Carob Peppermint Hedgehog Balls

I realize what I am about to suggest is no Medium Rare Porterhouse Steak with a Brown Savory Mushroom Sauce... However, this is suppose to stretch you and about making sacrifices. Kudos to you for making yourself a stronger, better you!
I realize meat is part of most people in America's daily consumption. I personally choose not to eat meat which has no political or spiritual ties, simply a preference. So, I do have some vegetarian meat alternatives!!

Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Paired With
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Also, another thought I had is tofu or tvp. I know, I know that sounds so non-meat! I totally agree. It has taken me a long time to work up the nerve to try it! Tofu is a odd texture when raw and a bit intimidating to cook (at least for me). The best ways I've had it is in a Vegetarian Chili or Asian style.
Marinate the tofu in some soy with chili peppers. Give it a spice to kick it up! Sesame or Peanut oil would work well with it too! Sear it on high for a couple minutes to give it a crisp edge. If you cook on low, it will fall apart.

Put it with a Spinach Salad & making a Ginger Dressing to go on it is super easy! I used a Carrot Ginger Dressing from Epicurious that was super easy and delicious!
Also, here is what I did for my new year's dinner. I cooked some veggies in the wok!

Veggie Lo Mein-serves 4

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
4 Handfuls of Fresh Snow Peas
1 sm. Red Bell Pepper, Matchsticks
1 Handful Thin Sliced Carrots
4 Scallions, Thinly Sliced (These are usually sold in bunches so fix baked potatoes the next day and dress the potato with scallions. So, these don't go bad.)
2 Handfuls of Bean Sprouts (optional)
1 in. Peeled Gingerroot, Grated
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1/2 to 3/4 lbs. Thin Spagetti Noodles, al dente
1/2 cup of Aged Tamari soy sauce
2 Tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil

M.O.P.:
• First, bring a large pot to a boil. Shock your veggies- snow peas, pepper and carrots. Quickly run cold water over so they do not continue to cook.
• Next, Boil pasta till al dente then set aside.
• Prepare your ginger and garlic.
• Heat wok/large skillet on high. When pan is hot, add oil (It will smoke a bit). Immediately add garlic and ginger.
• Stir continuously so the garlic doesn't burn. Add veggies. When veggies are warm, add noodles. Combine.
• Pull the lo mein off the stove and drizzle sesame oil over to season.
• Plate it and top with scallions.

Now, doesn't this make tofu sound a little better?!

As far as a vegetarian chili, I do not have a recipe that fits the Daniel Fast requirements. I will keep searching. I do have many vegetarian recipes so leave a comment if you are interested in more!

07 January 2010

Recipe: Winter Salad

This is a great winter salad! I created this when I was doing my ex-ternship at the Greenbrier Sporting Club. Part of schooling at Johnson & Wales includes a 3-month internship  and you must create a dish that is suitable for the menu at the place you are working. This was my dish I introduced to the resort.
It consists of grilled Grannysmith apples with apple cider caramel sauce & the salad has Earthbound mixed organic greens, dry roasted walnuts, dried cranberries, cranberry tuille cookie (optional), thin slices of butternut squash, and a wedge of Humboldt Fog cheese. The greens are dressed in bacon and apple cider vinaigrette.
Variations could include substituting the squash for sweet potato and/or the Humboldt Fog to a cheese that is more popular like a chevre. To purchase, I would get my ingredients at Trader Joe's simply because I always am impressed with their dried fruit, produce, and artisanal cheeses, and nuts.

05 January 2010

Earthbound Farms


This is one of my favorite grocery store brands! This may be something you walk past due to it's cost when compared to other brands or maybe you just scan for the cheapest price. I challenge you to carefully consider what you're indeed paying for. I wanted to feature Earthbound Farms due to their commendable job in producing quality produce & certified organic produce!

To Bring Benefits Of Organic Food To As Many People As Possible And Serve As A Catalyst For Positive Change.

EarthBound not only is about their produce but about Earth as well. Their focuses include:
• 100% Post-Consumer Recycled PET
• 99% Post-Consumer Recycled Corrugate
• Uses biodiesel for farming equipment-drastically reduces ozone depleting carbon emissions and uses fewer non-reuseable sources

There Are 3 Areas Of Producing Their Products:

In the Field: Tests seeds for pathogens before planting
Tests water for harmful bacteria
Tests soil & compost for pathogens
Monitors environmental changes around the farms
Un-announced inspections/audits of fields, farming equipment and even produce transport vehicles
From 1 hr. of being picked the greens are refrigerated
In the Facility: Machines inspect, wash, sanitize and dry
Weigh belts ensure system is not overloaded
Optical sorters use lazer lights to remove twigs and roots
Sanitized in chlorinated waters
Before packaging, produce is tested one last time for pathogens
In the Transportation Process: This company uses refrigerated trucks so the produce is as crisp as when they picked it.

Earthbound Farms have gone through the necessary steps to be and remain certified through the USDA for certified organic and are a signatory to the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement.

So, all this may sound great, but your wallet still screams when you see the lower prices on other brands. I'm making it easier. I'm also looking for ways to save this year which leads to my new year's resolution. Get to the point of purchasing all the essentials with coupons. So, after reading this blog you can test your knowledge for a $1 OFF coupon for Earthbound Farms products.

04 January 2010

Celebrating The New Year!

It was a year ago Jan. 3rd that Jon asked me to be his girlfriend so we celebrated with a nice home-made dinner by candle light! We have expensive taste so making dinner is always fun and a little bit of a stretch!

The Anniversary Menu:
• Tomato & Avocado salad with Carrot Ginger dressing
• Yellowfin Spicy Tuna Roll with a Wasabi Soy sauce
• Seared Wild Caught Tilapia with a Ginger Teriyaki sauce
• Fresh Vegetables sauteed in a wok with garlic, ginger, lemon grass, and sesame oil
• Fat-Free Frozen Yogurt with a warm Maine Blueberry sauce and Crushed Ginger Snaps






I wanted to show the new followers what yummy items can be prepared when using fresh ingredients and living a nutritious lifestyle. This is not our usual dinner; however this was a splurge offering spicy, sweet, salty- incorporating our favorite flavors! The dinner was satisfying without leaving us with guilt.

Sushi is emphasized more in Japanese cooking techniques. I learned to prepare sushi during my internship at the Greenbrier Sporting Club, an premier luxury resort located in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

You can either use a rice cooker or cook it on the stove. On the stove, you first rinse your rice until the water remains clear. By rinsing, you are removing the talc or glucose. Shake your pan to spread the rice evenly. Add enough water so that it covers the rice and comes to your first knuckle when finger is pointing down and touching the pan or an inch. Cook for 10 minutes or so. No science just watch it. You want the water to be dissolved and stir frequently. After it is cooked, remove from stove and fold in rice vinegar. Then transfer to a wet towel and cover with a wet towel. You want it to stay moist.

Here is another recipe for cooking sushi rice for those who feel more comfortable following a recipe.
Rolling Your Own Sushi Rice

Nutritional Facts about Rice

Side note: The U.S. processes rice differently than in Asia, Middle East, Latin America and the West Indies. Since you can lose some nutrients from the rice during the milling process; America has the grains enriched with a powder coating. There will be a warning on the label advising you to not wash the rice if this is so.

In addition to unique cuisines from Asia, western cultures were also introduced to the unique tools used to prepare Asian foods. The wok is the most important piece of cooking equipment in southeast Asia and China. Because traditional Asian households did not have resources to make or buy several different pans for different types of cooking, the traditional wok was developed with a unique rounded bottom that provides a range of cooking temperatures in one pan, thereby becoming a nearly universal staple of Asian households. I got a wok with wok spoon for Christmas from beloved IKEA. It works great! It really just needs to be heavy, not expensive.