Recipe: Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)

You don't have to be able to pronounce this to make it! Actually, it is easier to make then pronounce! Ha! This is such a flavorful soup, and it is different! A great different! So, light some candles because this tastes so so exquisite!

Tom Kha Gai

Yields 10 Servings

Ingredients:

Amount	Ingredient description
2 tbsp	Lemon grass puree
3 each	Ginger root
2 quarts	White chicken stock
1 lb	Chicken breast
8 oz	Straw mushrooms
2 tsp	Salt
6 tbsp	Fresh lime juice
6 tbsp	Fish sauce
1 tbsp	Granulated sugar
6 cups	Fat-free Coconut milk
6 each	Red bird eye chilis

Methods Of Preparation:

• There are many ways you can steam chicken, but I do that first in in a large stock pot with strainer.

• While chicken is cooking, peel ginger, small dice chilis, quarter mushrooms, and measure out ingredients.

• Pull the chicken out and let cool on cutting board.

• In a large stock pot, add stock and simmer for 20 minutes.

• Add other ingredients except chilies and coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Small dice the cooled chicken breasts and add to the soup.

• Add chilies and coconut milk and serve.

Hint: When buying stock, refer to the post, All You Need To Know About Stock!

Hint: Steam chicken about 3/4 of the way. You want to finish it in the soup simmering process.

Hint; Red bird eye chilis are a little hard to find. Just use a really hot pepper. It brings a kick not fire. I promise! The coconut milk really tones it down.

Hint: You can use button mushrooms for a cheaper mushroom option.

Hint: A great garnish for the soup is cilantro.

Nopalea Challenge: Day 5

Never in 5 days have I ever wanted to make a commitment to something or even someone! Good things are suppose to take time?... Or so I thought!

I have come to find that Nopalea can be extremely, tremendously helpful to women who suffer from the severest of menstrual symptoms! The discomfort that comes with nature's gift can sometime be enabling. Never would I have thought it would be helpful for this, but it addresses the inflammation in our body! I never put menstrual cycles in the category of inflammation, but it is!

There is a normal inflammatory response during the cycle: estrogen and progesterone build up during the cycle, arachidonic acid. This is stored with the uterine muscles. This acid is a precursor to a lot of inflammation. So an inflammatory diet including red meats, chicken, egg yolks, and some oils can increase the cramping! Our recommended daily intake of carbohydrates should account for 60% of our daily intake. Limiting the amount of these proteins could help!

And all the women screamed Hallelujah! Nopalea just made our lives easier and allowing us to be productive all the days of the month not just 28 or 29!

Nopalea Challenge: Day 3

I have been calculating my feelings/symptoms while taking the Nopalea Challenge! 

I have really been working out much harder than usual lately, taking it more serious perhaps. An obstacle that was slowing me down was how long my knees would need to recover after a moderate workout. Now, I do work to build my muscles around the knee cap due to a lack of cartilage. This is something that always been an issue for years! After 3 days on the Nopalea, I am able to kick my workout regime a notch! No soreness at all in my knees! They bring me absolutely no discomfort! It is so amazing!

I am even able to run outside on the pavement! This is something in the past would literally make me cringe at the thought of running outside! Just because, the pain is really intensified rather than running on a tread mill.

So far, I am loving the effects Nopalea is having in my life!

Nopalea Challenge: Day 1

So, if the title is a little confusing, start by reading the post titled, Nopalea: World's Only Inflammation Supplement! Now, I have decided to take the Nopalea Challenge, and update my followers with my own personal testimonial on how it effects me. There is 4 steps that is required in this challenge.

• Step 1- Complete the "Loading Dose"- The loading dose consists of taking 3-6oz. of the chilled Nopalea each day until the bottle is finished.

• Step 2- Fill the Nopalea Challenge Form- This form has a few health questions concerning the feelings/symptoms you have prior to and after taking Nopalea.

• Step 3- Read The Secret Killer Report- This is an informational brochure that explains how and why chronic inflammation is an underlying cause of all kinds of diseases and infections that can come upon us even if we are eating better and exercising often. It gives you answers and let's you know what you can do to fight the fact that, we live in a toxic world.

• Step 4- Share your story! TriVita is confident that this will aid in the recovery from so many illnesses that America fights everyday that you won't be able to hold in your excitement with natural healing you receive from this amazing liquid. Tell TriVita about your results, and receive a $25 gift card for sharing! Also, you can get a $25 gift card for every person that you recommend it to! It's so rewarding!

I will complete this challenge, and I will document every step of the way! Stay tuned for my amazing results with the Nopalea Challenge! If you would like to join me or find out more you can by visiting SonoranBloom.com/13380527.

My feelings/symptoms before consuming this supplement liquid is sore knees from anything more than walking. This has gone on for roughly five years due to lack of cartlidge in my knee caps; relief from the this pain would definitely be a God sent! Also, I have sort of weak wrists. I developed arthritis sacs in my wrists a few years when I began volunteering at a therapeutic horse ranch. These symptoms are feelings I have become accustomed too, so I will keep you updated on my relief of the pain.

Nopalea: World's Only Inflammatory Supplement

To My Readers,

I am all about bringing you the best knowledge I can find that I see can benefit you or has personally helped me be healthier and stronger! I just have one question for YOU! If  there was a cure for every illness or sickness that is caused by inflammation, would you want it? Without further ado, I bring you the world's only inflammatory supplement!

• Antioxidant Betalains

What they are 

Betalains are the pigments that give the Nopal cactus fruit its vibrant pink color. But that’s just the beginning. They’re also natural antioxidants—and they’re only found in a few of the world’s plants.

The Nopal fruit isn’t just included in this small group of special plants, it actually leads the group by containing one of the highest amounts of betalains in all of nature.

How they heal 

When you drink Nopalea, you take these betalains into your system, where they begin to restore your vitality on a cellular level. By helping the body reduce the toxins surrounding your cells and enabling essential nutrients to reach each cell, the betalains in Nopalea can reduce the inflammation in your body that leads to disease.

Scientific research shows that betalains help to:

• Reduces the risk of blood clots—betalains protect the thin lining of your blood vessels; this helps reduce the inflammation that makes your blood sticky and leads to clots.¹
• Reduces bad cholesterol—betalains strongly reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol.²
• Protects cells from toxins—betalains protect many types of cells, especially brain cells, from toxins known to trigger tumors.³
• Protects your liver—betalains provide significant protection from toxins that directly affect your liver.⁴

• Health Benefits

The power of betalains 

Harnessing the power of betalains, a rare and potent class of antioxidants that flourish in the Nopal cactus, Nopalea delivers scientifically proven health benefits.

Detoxify your body 

Every day, we’re exposed to toxins in our air, water and food—and even toxins created by our own bodies. Nopalea combines its betalains with other anti-toxic ingredients to combat these poisons where they strike us first: right inside the trillions of cells in our bodies.

By increasing the activity of CYP-2E1, a special enzyme that neutralizes daily toxins, Nopalea protects your cells and vital organs—especially your liver—against the carcinogens, hormone disruptors, respiratory toxins, developmental toxins and neurotoxins that are responsible for one-quarter of all the world’s diseases.

Reduce inflammation 

When toxins assault your system—or when injury or infection strikes—your body responds with a complex biological process commonly referred to as inflammation. If this inflammation goes unchecked, it can lead to a wide variety of disorders, from stroke to arthritis to heart disease.

Nopalea specifically targets signs of inflammation in your body and reduces them quickly.¹ Its betalains and other anti-inflammatory ingredients work directly on the fluid surrounding your cells. There, they draw off the toxins and excess water to reduce inflammation and rebalance the cellular environment.

Protect against premature aging 

Your skin is a miraculous covering that protects you from harm. Pollution, toxins, radiation and other potentially damaging influences are kept out of your body by your skin; vital organs are protected inside. One of the first signs of aging is thin, sagging, withered skin that is easily damaged.

Nopalea rushes to these damaged areas to shore up your protective layer. The betalains in Nopalea fill in the gaps of your cells (including the cells in your skin) and return them to the firm, robust nature of young cells — at any age. By providing a healthy environment for the cell, betalains keep it from withering.

More health benefits 

Want even more reasons to drink Nopalea? Scientific research shows that Nopalea also helps the body to:

• Increase energy
• Boost the immune system
• Protect against fluid retention
• Neutralize free radicals

Drink it and thrive.

• Sonoran Harvested

Low-impact harvesting 

Using sustainable wildcrafting techniques learned from native Sonoran ancestors, Nopalea takes only what’s needed from the extraordinary Nopal cactus. We leave most of the fruit on the plant to nourish the desert animals and ensure an abundant crop for future harvests. It’s our way of giving back, respecting the cycle of life and celebrating the harvest season.

High-impact wellness 

Immediately after harvesting, we transport the Nopal fruits to our state-of-the-art processing plant, where they’re juiced to a puree and blended with other all-natural ingredients to create a deliciously unique concentrated wellness drink. Using aseptic, sterile bottling techniques, we preserve the fruits’ purity and freshness—and we ensure the potency of its powerful antioxidant betalains.

• Research & Science

The Nopal cactus has been called a superfruit. That’s because its powerfulantioxidant betalains have been known to boost the health and well-being of all who drink in its powers.

But don’t just take our word for it. See what the scientific research community has to say.

Anti-Toxin activity

• “Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) protects against oxidative damage induced by the mycotoxin zearalenone in Balb/C mice.” (Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 May;46(5):1817-24.)
• “Opuntia ficus indica extract protects against chlorpyrifos-induced damage on mice liver.” (Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Feb;46(2):797-802.)
• “Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. fruit juice protects liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.” (Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):796-800.)

Anti-Inflammatory

• “An anti-inflammatory principle from cactus.” (Fitoterapia. 2001 Mar;72(3):288-90)
• “Antioxidant betalains from cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) inhibit endothelial ICAM-1 expression.” (Gentile C, Tesoriere L, Allegra M, Livrea MA, D’Alessio P. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1028:481-6.)
• “Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover.” (Wiese J, McPherson S, Odden MC, Shlipak MG. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jun 28;164(12):1334-40.)

Immune System Boost

• “Betalains a betacyanin pigment purified from fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica induces apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia Cell line-K562.” (Phytomedicine. 2007 Nov;14(11):739-46.)
• “Antioxidant betalains from cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) inhibit endothelial ICAM-1 expression.” (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1028:481-6.)
• “Modulation of intracellular calcium concentrations and T cell activation by prickly pear polyphenols.” (Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 May;260(1-2):103-10.)

Brain Protection

• “Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase expression in activated microglia and peroxynitrite scavenging activity by Opuntia ficus indica var. saboten.” (Phytother Res. 2006 Sep;20(9):742-7.)
• “Interventions for protecting against or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.” BMJ. 2005 Dec 24;331(7531):1515-8.)
• “Opuntia ficus-indica attenuates neuronal injury in in-vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia.” (J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):257-62.)
• “Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover.” (Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jun 28;164(12):1334-40.)
• “Neuroprotective effects of antioxidative flavonoids, quercetin, (+)-dihydroquercetin and quercetin 3-methyl ether, isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten.” (Brain Res. 2003 Mar 7;965(1-2):130-6.)

• Ingredients

SUPPLEMENTAL FACTS 

Serving Size 2 tbsp (1 fl oz) (30 mL) 
Servings per Container 32

Amount per Serving

%Daily Value*

Calories	11	0%
Calories from Fat	0	0%
Total Fat	<1>	0%
Cholesterol	0 g	0%
Sodium	.76 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	2.84 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	.32 g	0%
Sugars	2 g	0%
Protein	88 mg	0%
Vitamin C	2.5 mg	4%
Calcium	5.6 mg	0%
Iron	.1 mg	1%
Proprietary blend (Nopalea)	Total 907.15 g	†

Water (filtered), Opuntia concentrate (nopal concentrate), Agave Nectar, Grape Seed extract (vitis vinifera), Raspberry extract (rubus idaeus), Strawberry extract (fragaria chiloensis), Cranberry extract (vaccinium macrocarpon), Apple extract (malus omestica), Apricot extract (prunus armeniaca), Mango extract (mangifera indica) fruit, Orange concentrate (citrus aurantium) juice, Papaya concentrate (carica papaya fruit with papain), Tomato concentrate (lycopersicon esculentum) fruit, Kiwi concentrate (actinidia chinensis), Guava (psidium guajava powder), Lemon concentrate (citrus lionum juice), Opuntia concentrate (nopal concentrate) powder, Peach concentrate (prunus persica) juice, Pomegranate extract (punica granatum with ellagic acid and punocaligans), Green Tea extract (camellia sinensis), Beet (beta vulgaris) juice, Bilberry concentrate (vaccinium myrtillus), Acerola cherry extract (malphigia glabra), Amylase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Proteases [bromelain from pineapple (ananas comosus) and papain (carica papaya) from papaya, lipase, phytase], Stevia extract (stevia rebaudiana) leaf, Guar gum, Maltodextrin, Natural flavor, Cherry powder, Xanthum gum.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

† Daily Value not establised.

• Secret Killer

To view this brochure on the reasons inflammation effects us all visit The Secret Killer.

If you would like to order Sonoran Bloom Nopalea or have further questions, you can do so by visiting SonoranBloom.com/13380527

Getting Fit: Series 2

Now, let's begin addressing the exercises that will achieve maximum results and target the prime areas we collect body fat!

6. Squat

The proper way to squat is holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet hip-width apart, legs straight but not locked, chest lifted, and abs contracted. Keep the body weight toward the heels to sit back and down by lowering the thighs to as a parallel position as possible, and knees aligned with ankles. Straighten legs back up facing forward. 

Strengthens: butocks, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

7. Bent-Over Lat Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms by sides. Bend knees and flex forward from hips at about 90 degrees. Let arms hang in line with shoulders, palms facing in. Contract abs to support bacl. Draw shoulder blades down and together; maintaining body position, bend elbows up and in toward waist until upper arms are in line with torso and forearms are perpendicular to ground, knuckles pointing down. Slowly straighten arms to starting position without changing torso position.

Strengthens: middle back, rear shoulders, and biceps

8. Triceps Kickback

Hold a dumbbell in your right hand and stand to the right of the long side of a bench, feet hip-width apart or in a staggered stance. Flex forward at hips at about 90 degrees, and pace left hand on bench for support. Keeping torso stationary, bend right elbow so upper arm is parallel to ground and forearm is perpendicular to ground, palm facing in. Position elbow close to waist and contract abs. Keeping upper arm still, use triceps to straighten arm behind you until end of dumbbell points down. Slowly bend elbow to return perpendicular position.

Strengthens: triceps

9. Crunch

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on mat, hip-width apart. Place hands behind head, thumbs behind behind ears, fingers unclasped. Hold elbows out to the sides. Contracting abs, draw hips, and lower ribs together, keeping buttocks relaxed. Without pulling on neck or drawing elbows in, curl up and forward, keeping head and neck relaxed as shoulder blades lift off mat. Hold, then slowly lower back down.

Strengthens: abdominals

10. Dumbbell Bench Fly

Lie face-up on the bench, knees bent and feet on edge. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended above mid-chest, in a slight arc, lower elbows down and out to the side until they are even with or slightly below shoulders. Press dumbbells up and in to starting position, without letting them touch or allowing shoulder blades to rise off the bench.

Strengthens: chest and front shoulders

This is what you need to know to get started on your summer workouts! Happy exercising everyone! I definitely get more serious about exercising in the summer; because, let's face it, no one wants to feel uncomfortable when bathing suit season rolls around! Now, we don't have to! Get your fitness on! You know you will feel so much more confident and energized! If you have those days where ya just don't wana.... Call me up! We're doing this together, my friend!

Getting Fit: Series 1

Summer is just around the corner, and the last thing I want is one more summer feeling like I could have done more to be toned and in shape! So, I have compiled what I think is what will set you up for success! Some of us think we know what we got to do when hitting the gym; others are intimidated by the gym... All the machines, body builders, and it's all too overwhelming! For those who already have the confidence and those who may need a little help, this guide to exercising are tips you will find helpful for the rest of your fit days!

First, how do you approach your workout?! Here are 10 easy steps for approach & exercising correctly!

1. Getting Married To Your Routine

If you do the same routine over and over, your muscles will simple adapt; you're likely to hit a plateau because each exercise stimulates only a limited number of muscle fibers. However, if you challenge your muscles from a variety of angles by adding and/or alternating moves periodically, you'll get significantly more fibers in the act and develop more tone and strength.

What would this look like in putting to practice? Adding 2 or 3 additional exercises, trying new angles/equipment, add more reps, and ultimately, you want to re-evaluate your routine every 6 weeks.

2. Performing Your Reps Too Quickly

If you zoom through your reps when strength training, you'll be using momentum instead of muscle power. You won't get the same stimulus for muscle building, and you won't burn as many calories. You'll also be more susceptible to exercising injuries.

How can you fix this? A good rule of thumb is to take 6 seconds for each repetition. Two seconds to lift and 4 seconds to lower the weight, you need to slow down even more on this phase in order to give your muscles a sufficient challenge!

3. Exercising Too Hard, Too Often

If you don't rest enough between strenuous cardio and strength workouts, you will hinder your progress and may lose what you've gained. You are also likely to burn out on exercising in the long run. Always leave wanting to do more and feeling refreshed!

How do you do this? Keeping your muscles fresh will keep you motivated. Alternating keeps it exciting; this reigns true in more than just your workouts! Go all-out twice a week! Other days you exercise, focus on maintaining your self! The more intensely you train, the more time needed for recovery! You shouldn't exercise the same muscles repeatedly except for the abs!

4. Too Focused On Your Cardio

If you want to see results, mix it up! Get crazy! Try new things! This is a great way to unleash the adventurous side. Whatever this means to you! If that means taking a 10 mile bike ride on a new trail, go for it! If this means running on a different street in your neighborhood, go for it! Always want to keep your body guessing! Just like working too hard, the same ole same ole can be just as damaging to you achieving a successful workout! Whatever you do, you want to feel somewhat winded and feel your heart pound!

If this is really a challenge for you then only do it 1/2 the times you workout. Start out slow with this new idea. If you run on the treadmill, try increasing speed for a few minutes or try using the incline and jogging for less time.

5. Lifting The Wrong Amount Of Weight

If lifting weights that are too light, you won't see improvements in strength, tone, or bone density. If you lift weights that are too heavy, you'll compromise proper form, increasing your risk of injury. You end up cheating the targeted muscle because your other body's muscles are having to compensate.

What to do? The most significant strength building amount is 4-6 repetitions per set; for more moderate strength building, perform 8-12 repetitions per set. Choosing weights heavy enough that your struggle on the final few, but not so heavy that your form falls apart. If after a few sets of bicep curls, you can do a few more. Next time, add 5 to 10 lbs. to the weight. You may drop fewer reps, but you are sculpting and seeing results! Not to worry, it takes a long time to be a muscle man, so I promise you won't look like you're training to be the incredible hulk!

This is 1-5 on achieving overall better results on this summer's workouts! Stay tuned for 6-11!

Food Inc. The Movie

Are you all for positive change? 

Are you willing to take the plunge in educating yourself so you make better eating habits? 

You need to at least be on the fence to watch this! This is such an incredible movie! It is so educational and is nothing like you've seen before! You may think, oh Kayla that sounds awfully extreme?! My response, No not at all. This is information you deserve to know and thank goodness it is at a discount price! $10!

Why $10?

This is limited time offer! I found out about this through the Oprah show. She is an public influence that people either love or hate. Well, today you should like her; because, Amazon and Oprah have brought you this special offer! It is only $10 until tomorrow at midnight! So, hurry and order it! Order Food Inc. The Movie Now!!

What's The Big Deal?

What is my hype with this movie? I will tell you. This movie unveils the truth in the quality of foods that are available in the grocery stores. It is such pertinent information; it is so mind-blowing you will not be able to help remember all the amazing things! If you can't tell, I am ecstatic about this! Blog readers, this is going to change your life! Here is more information on this incredible documentary!

Food Inc.: Synopsis

This movie lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food Inc. reveals surprising- and often shocking truths- about what we eat, how it's produced and who we have become as a nation. Rated PG

"EVERYONE SHOULD SEE" - Washington Post