Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Regaining our adult imagination

The other day I was out on a walk through the nature preserve by our house with Fin and Duke and for whatever reason I looked up at the beautiful moon and was taken back to younger days when I used to imagine living in space.  No really!  I LOVED Star Wars, Earth 2 (anybody remember this show with Antonio Sabato Jr.?), Star Trek, and any other "space fantasy" book, movie or show growing up.  Science fiction is still so very attractive to me.  Which may be surprising to most due to my earthy tendency's. I used to spend hours on my roof at home looking at stars, dreaming of the universe beyond and not because of creepy looking big headed aliens but because to me the idea of other planets, uninhabited by humans, represented a beautiful array of undiscovered plants and animals.  New smells, new life, new adventure.  Daydreaming of becoming a character in one of my favorite books or movies used to be a regular occurrence.  It is no longer.  Why?  Space-travel was not my only imaginary destination of course.  I remember nap time surrounded with all my stuffed animals and my cat Wicket (Yes, she was named after an Ewok).  Since we were not allowed off the bed, we made the bed a vessel traveling through water.  We could not leave the bed because we would drown.  Me, Wicket and our crew had many great adventures during nap-time and sometimes they would even continue into the back yard, I mean "exotic island" post nap-time. 
I can't seem to recall  exactly when these imaginary adventures stopped but sometimes I wish they hadn't.  Why is it that our unbound imagination builds walls as we get older? I know that it does not happen to everyone (otherwise we would not have great books and movies) but I feel like for most people, having a vivid imagination becomes repressed and shut down for some reason. Maybe it has something to do with mainstream media being focused on "reality tv" so there are no longer shows like the X-Files, Sea Quest, Earth II.  That is unless of course you happen to have the Sci-Fi channel which we don't. Well, I am trying to work on a way to get back to my imagination.  Why not?  I would love to be able to escape whenever I want.  I think maybe I will start to write some stories myself. 

Friday, November 12, 2010

INSPIRATION STRIKES

I have always had the heart of a wanderlust but my unquenchable thirst for travel and newness seems to balanced by my "homebody" tendencies.  Last March my hubs and I were lucky enough to explore Costa Rica on our honeymoon, in January we are headed to Seattle/Glacier National Park for a city/ski trip.  For Ryan, this is "old hat", but if you recall Seattle was on my top ten list of places to visit. YAY!  While I am nervous about strapping on the skis for the first time in 10 years, I am ecstatic about seeing a new (to me) part of the country and getting to see places that Ryan spent a big part of his life.  Ryan went to the University of Washington on a rowing scholarship and spent the 8 years of his life "growing up" there.  His memories are filled with camping and skiing stories and I have always been jealous of these adventures.  The Seattle area is also where our red, furry son was born and spend the first part of his life so it is a bit sentimental.  I wish we could take him with.  Despite the cold and dreariness this time of year I can't wait to see things in person I have only read about ("Go Fish"-Pikes Place Market)or seen on TV(Grey's Anatomy) movies (Sleepless in Seattle) and to feel the Northwest vibe in general. 
The name of this post "inspiration strikes" is because a vacation on the horizon seems to enliven the spirit.  It makes every day leading up to the vaca more enjoyable.  If you have a bad day at work you can refer to your vacation countdown and realize that there are only so many more days of hard work before the newness, the fresh sights, the freedom.  Ryan and I seem to always be a little more in love when we have a vacation planned.  It may be sad but its true.    I am feeling more inspired because of our upcoming adventure and can't wait to share the experience with you!


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

SOAP-BOX of the Day!

So many close friends have labeled me as "the healthy one." Is this the case?  Maybe.  I certainly know that by comparison I am more conscience of what goes in my body than most.  I am less like to "splurge" than the majority of people I surround myself with (including my husband) and I tend to picture how my food is processed and what nutrients may be absorbed as I am planning a meal and sometimes even eating it.  A little nutty? Quite possibly. The funny part is I am bombarded with comments such as "you are so lucky to be skinny" or "you just have good genes" or "I could never wear that."  NEWS FLASH PEOPLE: I eat butter, I don't exercise as much as I should and yes, I do have good genes, but ultimately it comes down to me making what goes into (and out) of my body a top priority EVERY day.  FOOD IS FUEL.  Why does our society not get that?  Nutrition has the ability to both prevent and cure disease, control hormones and moods, give you energy and and a better quality of life.  Yet every day people all over this country consciencly make the decision to consume and worse-feed their children machine processed, high fructose corn syrup filled, hormone injected foods.  Yes, I know.  It's more work to care what you eat and most of us "just don't have the time or money". That is HONKY-TONK.  If a little more insight and thought into your food decision keeps you healthy and happy throughout the additional years (thanks to modern medicine) why not make it an investment like any other.  This is my soapbox, I know.  It came about when my 8 month pregnant sister (whom I love dearly) jokingly said "Emma (future niece) is not gonna want to come to Aunt Randi's House because she won't have a candy drawer." We both laughed (cause its kind of funny) but then I thought about it a little more.  And after a little girl literally turned down my healthy Halloween treat I realized sadly it makes so much sense.  Kids want what they see their parents and other kids eating. The flip side of my niece potentially thinking of her aunt as a hippie-granola, health freak is-What is a future whole food nutrition influenced mom to do when she sends her child over to others homes?  I can feed my future children everything whole and healthy as possible and hope that they adopt healthy habits but what happens when you release them into the world? What happens the first time they spend the night at a friends house who does have a candy drawer?  Why is candy, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut considered a "treat" during sleepovers? And why is it that I would be considered controlling and unrealistic by expecting my child not to be exposed to things that are so detrimental to their growth and health? Let's face it, children are influenced by what their parents teach them first, then by what their teachers and classmates teach them, next by what they are exposed to in the media and on TV.  That little girl at Halloween was not even willing to try a sweet, nutty flavored sesame stick that in many other cultures would be an indulgent piece of candy? Why?  Because her other options were Sweet Tarts, M&M's, and Bottle Caps.  Those items are "candy" to her because that is what she has been given and exposed to from the time she could even utter the words "candy".  What if she had been given a sesame stick or freshly made smoothie first? 
My soapbox point is this:
We cannot expect our children to develop healthy habits if we don't set healthy standards at home and in society. I am not talking about feeding them a low fat, sugar free, tasteless diet with no education behind why.  I say we take the opposite approach.
"Mom, why can't I have that McDonald's hamburger?"
"Well Son, you CAN have that, you are physically able to eat it, however it offers your body no fuel for your football practice, quite possibly could give you a tummy ache, and eventually could add extra fat to your body that won't be attractive to the ladies later in life. How about tomorrow night I make you a burger made from a grass fed cow, topped with home grown onion that you can grab from the garden yourself, creamy organic cheese on a home made bun, and we can even throw in a side of those fresh crispy rosemary olive oil potatoes that you love all of which will give you a turbo boost for your game the next day?!"

UNREALISTIC?- Maybe, but a "healthy" girl can dream right?

FUN FACT: The history of candy dates back to ancient peoples who must have snacked on sweet honey straight from bee hives. The first candy confections were fruits and nuts rolled in honey.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Should we all strive for this title? I think I might.

FROM: http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/are-you-a-nutritarian.aspx
What IS a Nutritarian?

Simply put, a nutritarian is a person who strives for more micronutrients per calorie in their diet-style. A nutritarian understands that food has powerful disease-protecting and therapeutic effects and seeks to consume a broad array of micronutrients via their food choices. It is not sufficient to merely avoid fats, consume foods with a low glycemic index, lower the intake of animal products, or eat a diet of mostly raw foods. A truly healthy diet must be micronutrient rich and the micronutrient richness must be adjusted to meet individual needs. The foods with the highest micronutrient per calorie scores are green vegetables, colorful vegetables, and fresh fruits. For optimal health and to combat disease, it is necessary to consume enough of these foods that deliver the highest concentration of nutrients.

A nutritarian is a person whose food choices are influenced by nutritional quality.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Lack of inspiration

Sorry regular readers. I have officially hit an inspiration lull!  I did however read a great article that I want o share:

http://www.ethicurean.com/2010/11/01/life-as-a-give-a-shit-atarian-on-loving-peas-beets-and-tom-robbins/

Hoping to be back with you soon!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Everyone has a story!

I have written about my love of CBS News Sunday Morning before.  No surprise there.  But just when I think the show can do no better...THEY DO.  This past Sunday, Correspondent Steve Hartman, brought us a wonderful three part segment.  The name- "Everybody in the World has a Story."  He spun a globe and whatever city he landed on in whatever country in the world he flew to, picked up the phone book and randomly picked a person to talk to.  Each time he found an amazing story out of a seemingly ordinary person's life.  The segments were raw, unprovoked or scripted and extremely heartfelt each time. 
The neatest part of the segment was not elements within the individual person's story.  It was my own reaction to the idea that I am not the only person in the world. It was overwhelming to realize how selfish humans can be. Being selfish is not necessarily a bad thing.  It gives us the ability sustain life on Earth.  It only becomes toxic when a person is unable to take "self-less" breaks to love and care for another or when we consistently deny through words and actions that we co-exist with billions of other selfish creatures every second of our selfish lives. We tend to forget that there are others out there.  Not just in our office, our home, our community, our state, our country, but in the world! There could be ten other women in ten other countries dealing with the same issues as me right this very second.  There ARE hundreds of thousands of people less fortunate than me and at least a couple thousand :) that may be a tad bit more fortunate than me.  I am one person. Thanks to that segment, I am walking around this week with a little more perspective.  While the segment put me in my tiny little place in this vast world, it did one other important thing as well.  It made me realize that I have a story too! To me my story may be mundane and typical but to someone, somewhere else in the world, maybe it could be considered raw, unprovoked and heartfelt as well.  Thanks Sunday Morning!  I will continue to watch you in awe of your creativity and brilliant journalism!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Hangover Friday!

Today I have been fighting a really bad hangover. Honestly, I did not think that I would make it until lunch time at work but its almost 2 and I am still here (Ryan would be proud). Hangovers are a nasty way to experience a day. Headache, cloudy brain, inability to focus, tummy ache, constant hunger. Though payment is due upon waking, I still say it was worth it! Last night I got to spend time with friends, family and even some strangers.We were all brought together to raise money for a great cause and we all got to know each other a little better. It was awesome. 
Today started out really bad but I am blessed to work with family and therefore could admit my payment for last night was in full affect without repercussions. My Mom, sister and I were all able to laugh about me not having to reapply makeup this morning (and about the kid that sings "Teenage Dream" on YouTube). Sorry Dad, I got some stuff done but not much! I'll make up for it on Monday. 

Lesson Learned:  Sometimes the experience is worth the hangover oh and laughter really helps cure a hangover!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Carambola Fruit

Florida is the number one producer of the carambola fruit a.k.a the star fruit.  Seeing as we have a carambola tree in the garden with blooms on it, I figured it would be fun for me to get to know my near future harvest a little better.
The Star Fruit originated in South East Asia and India and made it to the United States by way of Hawaii.  South Florida's tropical climate makes it the perfect place for a carambola to thrive. The star fruit has both a distinct shape and flavor.  In totality its shape is oval with ridges and it has a yellow-green color.  When sliced diagonally the fruit chunks become a star making it a fun and whimsical addition to salads, cocktails and even a glass of ice water. The flavor is light and tangy.  I can't imagine it would be disagreeable to anyone's pallate.  The skin on the fruit is thin and can be eaten. There are seeds in the star fruit but they are minimal and easily removed prior to consumption. 
Although the Florida orange typically gets the kudos in the Vitamin C department, Carambola's are chalked full of the vitamin and contain a large amount of water which counts for hydration points. In my opinion a star fruit is the "low maintenance" version of an orange.  It's easier to grow and prepare than an orange and I guarantee given the choice, a child would pick a unique shape fruit over a boring round one :) I do love oranges though so don't get me wrong.
So far our carambola tree has needed little love other than a warm sunny spot to love and ample amounts of water during the dry season.  These trees tell you they are not happy when the leaves turn yellow.  Generally this indicates too much water or not enough.  We purchased two of the trees ($25 each which is amazing for such a productive fruit tree) and gave one to our friends in Miami as a housewarming gift.  Their's instantly started producing and has ever since (Zone 11).  Ours was a little stunted due to the amount of freeze temperatures we had this past winter (Zone 9/10 border) but since we moved it to a sunny location and gave it some drip irrigation is is blooming like crazy. Do yourself a favor and if you are located in Florida get yourself a Carambola!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A Healthy Halloween

I have always loved Halloween even if I do nothing remotely close to dressing up. I can say we don't by any means go all out in our household (not motivated until we have a little squirt to scare).  Maybe it's just that it seems like the defining holiday of Fall in Florida.  Or the start of the Holiday Season in general. The last two years in a row Ryan and I created a tiny tradition of ordering our favorite pizza from a shared childhood pizza joint, putting on our only scary sounds CD and answering the door to pass out candy to the neighborhood kids.  This year Halloween is on a Sunday and I am not sure what that means for our little tricker-treaters but I will be prepared.  I don't, however, want to contribute to the massive amounts of refined sugars that no doubt send these children's bodies into a major sugar shock.  Yes, I know, it's once a year but still it just does not make to much sense (not to mention, once a year turns into a couple months worth of food bargaining between parent and child "You can have 5 pieces of candy once you eat a little of your veggies").  So with that in mind I have been racking my brain about a good replacement for the current over priced  preservative filled "Halloween Candy"offered. Turns out it wasn't that hard. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't dare deprive them of the fun and sugar-ish treats of Halloween, after all I don't want to get "tricked" next year.
I thought of making dark chocolate dipped fruit and nuts and  individually packaging them in baggies but let's face it...when their parents are sorting through the candy bag that night looking for needles and unwrapped items one of the 1st things that will go is the unlabeled, homemade, chocolate dipped fruit for fear that it has been laced with something(I wouldn't dare..or would I....mehaha!)
I did not give up there though.  So far I have come up with a couple some great alternatives, two of which involve honey.  Honey happens to be a natural energy booster, helps the immune system (perfect time of year for that) and has been known to heal many other ailments or centuries.  "Yes, Timmy you can have a Halloween treat before school! In fact I encourage it if it is made of honey."

Honey Sticks




HONEY STIX: These are a great alternative.  They come in many different flavors and ironically resemble those dyed sugar "pixie stix". 








Sesame Sticks: These are super tasty and again so much better for children.  They come individually wrapped and are typically easy to find and inexpensive.  They have them at our local Granary in bulk. 







Sugar free. Gluten Free.  Made from natural ingredients.  The kiddies would never know.  These are a bit on the pricey side. I took this picture from Amazon.com where you can order packs of 6 at a discounted rate.











Fruit leathers are also a good sweet treat to pass out.  I found this picture with a quick search on the Internet but most "green" sections of the grocery have their own brand.  Do not mistake these for "fruit roll ups" that can be packed with preservatives and unnatural sweeteners like HFCS. READ THAT LABEL!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Women's Health Month

October is women’s health month.  What are you doing to honor your health ladies?
I currently:
·         Eat a diet of whole foods and unrefined sugars (with a very occasional splurge)
·         Exercise on a regular basis and have incorporated a regular yoga practice into my life
·         Am working on regulating my hormones and family planning (sans synthetics) using herbs and nutrition
·         Spend as much time as possible outdoors, honoring my womanly connection with Mother Nature
·         Pay my yearly visit to the doctor for female diagnostic tests
I pledge to:
·         Conduct my monthly breast exams
·         Be more confident about the things I want to accomplish
·         Not be so hard on myself for the mistakes I make and my perceived flaws
·         Be a fabulous wife by honoring my husband’s strengths, appreciating his goodwill, and ignoring any little nuisances

Monday, October 18, 2010

I dreamed a dream...

The Mast Farm Inn, NC
Smell the remnants of fresh baked bread in the air, the free range chicken roasting in the oven alongside turnips, potatoes,carrots and onions from the garden.  Observe the vibrant colors of home grown lettuce, tomato, corn mixed together in one pleasure filled bowl tossed with fresh lemon juice, high quality olive oil and pungent garlic. Feel the anticipation in the air of a gathering of friends and family.  Taste the aromatic bouquet of the wine created from organically grown grapes.  Soon Ryan and Randi's 6 guests will savor every bite of the fresh, home cooked dinner and anticipate the freshly churned basil balsamic ice cream.  All 8 people are happy, healthy and filling their bodies with fuel for life. Ryan and Randi host these dinners 1 night a week on a weekend for the cost of the food only. They start out inviting just friends and family but word gets out and they not only host these dinner parties at their home but for a small fee and the cost of the food go to others homes and cook the meal, explaining what each course contains, how it is prepared and what benefits it has for your body.  The home host/ess determines their level of commitment and sometimes will even help prepare and present the meal for their guests. 
Flash forward to a quaint home redesigned to be a restaurant each room filled with local artwork, hand sewn linens and table cloths, comfy handmade wood chairs. There are tables of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 filled with eager customers who have waited for months to try the featured menu of the evening. These guests might not have known each other before tonight.  As they taste the freshly baked baguette topped with Ryan's tuna bruscetta special made with freshly caught tuna their eyes sing with pleasure.  They know where their food came from and that makes it taste better, gives it more life and makes it healthier for their bodies.  Next up on the menu is a roasted veggie platter.  Filled with vegetables organically grown in Randi and Ryan's garden and topped with fresh herbs and an amazing vinaigrette made from champagne vinegar and fine olive oil. Ryan is behind the bar making "old fashioneds" using Florida oranges, bantering with a patron about the upcoming growing and cooking courses they will be holding for both adults and children. Randi is in the back putting the baby to bed,  he/she has just finished his/her mashed butternut squash and scrambled egg dinner.  Randi will soon join her and Ryan's guests before retiring once again to the back with a glass of wine, ready to work on the lesson plan for the organic gardening course this weekend and make a shopping list for tomorrow's client shop-a-long.
Ryan and Randi spend most mornings together planning menus for nights to come, shopping for the restaurant, working on the business, tending to the garden and spend early afternoons with the baby outdoors reading and playing before they take turns on the early shift at the restaurant preparing for their guests. Randi continues to teach the value of good nutrition to the local community a couple of days a week and loves to do it. Ryan has a passion for making furniture and spends time in his workshop doing so. Two months of the year the restaurant closes for repairs, renovations and travel time for the family.  These two months are never the same for the first few years but when the family purchases property in the mountains of North Carolina, the months of closure become more and more consistent.
Flash forward again. Inspired on their honeymoon by a place in Costa Rica, Ryan and Randi have turned their North Carolina property into a self sufficient "Food and Farm resort.".  Part of the property is used for rustic, yet cozy guests quarters decorated with handmade local artisan furniture and fresh linens.  The other portions are used for growing produce, making cheeses, canning, fishing, livestock, a vineyard, a micro brewery and of course, Ryan and Randi's private 1 acre residence. The restaurant in Florida is still open but has been taken over by a young couple who share Ryan and Randi's vision for health and happiness through food and hard work.
The resort could run itself due to its amazing young and empowered staff, but Ryan and Randi are still very much present in its every day going ons. Every year they host Thanksgiving for their friends and familes at the resort. When they are not at the resort they are traveling and learning more about other cuisines and cultures of the world or visiting friends and family all around the country. The children are in college but spend summer with friends helping on the resort, excited about the promise of a full time career running the Farm after College.

Foodie Rant...It makes a great deal of sense

http://flavormagazinevirginia.com/foodie-elitism/

This article was written back in June by a man named Joel Salatin.  I have been spending so much money on good food lately and always able to justify it to myself, I tend to have a hard time explaining it to others that always have an excuse on why cooking good food for themseleves gets thrown out the window.  This guy does a good job of explaining why we foodies are okay with being considered Elitists. -Randi

Rebel with a Cause: Foodie Elitism

June 14, 2010 by Joel Salatin
Filed under Articles
How should we respond when we’re called elitists because we buy more expensive, local food?
By Joel Salatin • Photographs by Molly McDonald Peterson




© Molly McDonald Peterson
Because high-quality local food often carries a higher price tag than food generated by the industrial system, the charge of elitism coming from industrial foodists is often vitriolic, and embarrassed foodies agonize over the label. For all their positive energy surrounding food, I’ve found latent guilt among this group—guilt for paying more for local food when others are starving, guilt for caring about taste when others would happily eat anything. Instead of cowering in self-guilt, let’s confront the issue of prices head on.
Why It’s Worth It
First, it’s better food. It tastes better. It handles better. And it’s safer: Anyone buying chemicalized, drug-infused food is engaging in risky behavior.
It’s also nutritionally superior. For those willing to see, scientific data shows fresh foods’ conjugated linoleic acid, vitamins, minerals, brix readings, omega 3–omega 6 ratios, and polyunsaturated fat profiles are empirically superior.
Better stuff is worth more.
Second, economies of scale will continue to progress as more people patronize local food, which will bring prices down. The collaborative aggregation and distribution networks that have been fine-tuned by mega-food companies can and will be duplicated locally as volume increases and regional food systems get more creative.
Third, eating unprocessed foods is the best way to bring down your grocery bill, regardless of where the food originated. A 10-pound bag of potatoes costs the same as a 1-pound bag of potato chips. Cultivating domestic culinary arts and actually reinhabiting our kitchens—which we’ve remodeled and gadgetized at great cost—can wean all of us away from expensive processed food. A whole pound of our farm’s grass-finished ground beef, which can feed four adults, costs about the same as a Happy Meal. (And guess which one is more healthful?)
Fourth, non-scalable government regulations—which are designed to protect eaters from the dangers inherent in the industrial food complex but are not relevant in a transparent, regional food system—inordinately discriminate against smaller processing businesses like abattoirs, kitchens, and canneries, because the costs of complying with the (inappropriate) paperwork and infrastructure requirements cannot be spread out over a large volume of product. These regulations lead to price prejudice at the community-based scale: Small processors are at a disadvantage because they must pass those costs on to consumers, making their products more expensive than the mass-produced ones. These burdensome regulations also discourage entrepreneurs from entering local food commerce.
Fifth, unlike huge, single-crop or single-animal farms, diversified farms like ours do not receive government subsidies. Nor do the production, processing, and marketing of our food create collateral damage like that caused by factory farming—damage left for taxpayers to fix. Subsidies and government clean-up measures are not included in the price you pay for processed food at the grocery store, but if they were, local food would not seem so expensive in comparison.
Consider the Rhode Island–sized area in the Gulf of Mexico now known as a “dead zone” because nothing can survive in the oxygen-starved water, a result of manure and pesticide runoff. Who pays for the clean up and the reversal efforts? Who pays to address antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria like MRSA, caused by the overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations)? Who pays to treat people with Type II diabetes, which they get from consuming processed food that is sold cheaply because the corporations making it have received subsidies? Who pays to clean up stinky rural neighborhoods with densely populated poultry and livestock compounds? And what is the value of the land irreversibly damaged by bad farming practices?
Sixth—and this is where I wanted to head with this discussion—plenty of money already exists in our economic system to pay for good food. Can you think of anything people buy that they don’t need? Tobacco products, $100 designer jeans with holes already in the knees, KFC, soft drinks made with high fructose corn syrup, Disney vacations, large-screen TVs, jarred baby food? America spends more on veterinary care for pets than the entire continent of Africa spends on medical care for humans.
I won’t belabor the point, but if you took all the money people spend on unnecessary baubles and junk food, it would be enough for everyone to eat like kings. We could all be elitists.
With that money, we could create a suburb of Lake Wobegon, where all the people eat food that is above average. Almost everyone I know who owns a community supported agriculture (CSA) share could afford to purchase an extra one for an impoverished family. And if you had to give up a few $4 lattes to do it? What a pity.
Spare Change?
This winter, the Front Range Permaculture Institute invited me to come to Fort Collins, Colorado, and give a speech at a fundraising event. They filled a huge community theater with people, and ticket sales were enough to pay my travel and honorarium—with enough left over to buy 40 CSA shares for poor families in their community. What a wonderfully empowering local effort. (They didn’t wait for a government program.) Perhaps nothing would reduce perceptions of elitism faster than foodies buying CSA shares for impoverished families.
At the risk of sounding uncharitable, I think we need to quit being victims and bring about change ourselves. Don’t complain about being unable to afford high-quality local food when your grocery cart is full of beer, cigarettes, and People magazine. Most people are more connected to the celebrities in People than the food that will become flesh of their flesh and bone of their bones at the next meal.
The other day I saw precooked bacon in a box at the supermarket—for $30 a pound. Do we really have to buy precooked bacon? If you took the average shopping cart in the checkout line and tossed out all the processed food—everything with an ingredient you can’t pronounce, everything you can’t re-create in your kitchen, and everything that won’t rot—and substituted instead locally sourced, fresh items, you would be dollars ahead and immensely healthier.
We can all do better. If we can find money for movies, ski trips, and recreational cruises, surely we can find the money to purchase integrity food. The fact is that most of us scrounge together enough pennies to fund the passion of our hearts. If we would cultivate a passion for food like the one we’ve cultivated for clothes, cars, and entertainment, perhaps we would ultimately live healthier, happier lives.
Embracing Elitism
To suggest that advocating for such a change makes me an elitist is to disparage positive decision making and behavior. Indeed, if that’s elitism, I want it. The victim mentality our culture encourages actually induces guilt among people making progress. That’s crazy. We should applaud positive behavior and encourage others to follow suit, not demonize and discourage it. Would it be better to applaud people who buy amalgamated, reconstituted, fumigated, irradiated, genetically modified industrial garbage?
The charge of elitism is both unfair and silly. We foodies are cultural change agents, positive innovators, integrity seekers. So hold your head high and don’t apologize for making noble decisions.
Internationally acclaimed farmer, conference speaker, and author Joel Salatin and his family operate Polyface Farms in Augusta County near Staunton, Virginia, producing and direct marketing “salad bar” beef, “pigaerator” pork, and pastured poultry. He is also co-owner of T&E Meats in Harrisonburg.

Friday, October 15, 2010

SO CUTE!


Body and Soul Maintenance: Base Stress Management


From a very young age we are taught about stress and stress management techniques.  But let's be realistic.  Contemporary human lives hardly allow time for the "breaks" we need to manage our stress properly. In countries like America, taking a break is equated to a "break in productivity" not a resting point for our hard working brains and bodies.  That seems backwards to me.  If taking a break and managing your stress was promoted in our workplaces and busy lives then don't you think people would in turn be more focused therefore turning out more productivity for our schools, our communities, our workplaces?  I was a very intense student and I LOVED school.  So intense, in fact, that it would make me sick sometimes both physically and mentally.  That is when my Mom stepped in and developed "mental health days" as she would call them.  A chance for me to stay home and recharge my battery.  Man were they helpful and a secondary benefit was getting to spend time with her and sometimes my sister too.  What is the point of my babble?  The point my friends is that the first step in stress management is recognizing the benefits of it and making it a priority.  This way when you are asked to do something that may just push you over your limit you can have the confidence to say NO and truly know that that one NO now means multiple yeses in the future.
Step two in my stress management plan would be to get getting your body to a good base level to handle stress.  This means finding your optimal weight, developing an exercise routine, getting the proper nutrition and ensuring a good nights sleep.  Now I understand that "optimal weight" probably made many of you sigh.  Of course we all want to look our best but who has the time?!  We all do. And this does not mean six pack abs and a killer hiney.  It's about time we put aside our vanity and figure out what weight is prime for our structure and think about cardio, weight lifting, stretching etc. in terms of head,  heart and bone health.  If you can reteach your self to that about this way than exercising should be as natural as eating 3 (or more) meals a day. Not to go off on a tangent about this but if you have time to watch your favorite TV show then you have time for 20 minutes of exercise.  It doesn't have to involve a gym either.  Take your cell and go for a walk while catching up with a long distance friend.  Ride your bike to the store to get those last minute dinner items.  Do some laps in the pool.  Okay I think you get the point. 
Focusing on your nutrition (or body fuel as I like to call it) means getting as many whole foods as possible and eliminating processed foods and refined sugars.  This ensures that the vitamins and minerals are present for your body to utilize.  While I do believe in "everything in moderation" there is a line.  Processed foods even in moderation are still processed and therefore lack nutrient value and add to your bodies stress level.  My best advice is keep it simple.  Stick to good quality lean meats and fresh produce.  Add in some whole grains and LOTS of spices.  Pre-pare or put together as many meals as you can so you don't find yourself in a "my stomach is eating itself so give me anything" situation. Change your mindset about food by asking every time you eat something...What is this doing for my body? How am I helping my machine run? Not how many calories or fat or sugar.  Make your treats really worth it and pick the better option.  Chocolate is a good example.  If its a choice between real dark chocolate and milk chocolate go for the dark and if you find it too bitter get one that has dried fruit in it.
SLEEP! This is where I need to take my own advice.  That's because I really don't care for sleep.  As a child I was up with the sunrise and had a hard time falling asleep.  I dread sleep.  It's so boring.  But recently through my research I am learning how absolutely key sleep is to keeping the machine running at optimal performance.  Lack of sleep can lead to memory loss, depression, hormonal imbalance, slow healing and sickness recovery, body inflammation, high blood pressure, weight gain, I could go on and on.  It is recommended that we get at least 7 hours a night to achieve results. 

Mindset, exercise, nutrition and sleep!  Put these things first on your priority list and you are setting yourself for success in handling stress. 

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Body and Soul Maintenance: Stress and our Bodies

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses-WebMD

That doesn't sound so bad, right? Well in most cases "stress" is not bad for us.  In fact, the human body is designed to handle stress and react to it.  Think of our very distant ancestors.  Their body's reaction to stress saved them on multiple occasions from wild animal attacks and dangerous situations.  Here is why:

When your body is exposed to a stressor your nervous system releases specific stress hormones. Your hypothalamus signals your adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol.  Your heart rate speeds, your breathing gets heavier, your blood pressure rises and your metabolism kicks in.  More blood is sent to your muscles in preparation to react.  Your pupils dilate making your vision more acute. Your liver releases stored glucose for energy and sweat helps to cool your body. You are ready to GO and at your peak performance level!

Again, not so bad right?  Stress becomes a problem for our bodies when it is constant.  When our body doesn't take breaks from this process it gets worn down leaving us vulnerable to many other issues.

Below is a list of possible symptoms and reactions to chronic constant stress on a human body:
 (taken from the American Institute of Stress's Website)
  • frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
  • gritting, grinding teeth
  • stuttering or stammering
  • tremors, trembling of lips, hands
  • neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
  • light headedness, faintness, dizziness
  • ringing, buzzing, or popping sounds
  • frequent blushing, sweating
  • cold or sweaty hands and feet
  • dry mouth, problems swallowing
  • frequent colds, infections, herpes
  • rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps"
  • unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks
  • heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
  • excessive belching, gas
  • constipation,diarrhea
  • difficulty breathing, sighing
  • sudden panic attacks
  • frequent urination
  • poor sexual desire or performance
  • excessive anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
  • increased anger, frustration, hostility
  • depression, frequent, or wild mood swings
  • increased or decreased appetite
  • insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
  • difficulty concentrating,racing thoughts
  • trouble learning new information
  • forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
  • difficulty in making decisions
  • feeling overloaded or overwhelmed
  • frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
  • feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
  • little interest in appearance or punctuality
  • nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
  • increased frustration, irritability, edginess
  • over-reaction to petty annoyances
  • increased number of minor accidents
  • obsessive or compulsive behavior
  • reduced work efficiency or productivity
  • lies or excuses to cover up poor work
  • rapid or mumbled speech
  • excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
  • problems with communication or sharing
  • social withdraw and isolation
  • constant tiredness, weakness,fatigue
  • frequent use of over the counter drugs
  • weight gain or loss without dieting
  • increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
  • excessive gambling or impulse buying
AGHHH!  Did you get as sick of reading those as I did typing them?  And that list is in no way a comprehensive list. Think about it how many of those symptoms also fit the bill for major physical and mental illness that people are medically treated for on a daily basis.
NOTE: Women are twice as susceptible to stress overload then men.  That is why it is essential for women to care for their bodies on a REGULAR basis.  Come on ladies...stress management is just as important (more in my opinion) as beauty management so maybe next time you head out for that toxic mani-pedi you can get a relaxing essential oil massage instead.

Stay tuned for stress management advice, tips and techniques!


Body and Soul Maintenance: Intro

Doctors. Dentists. Dermatologists oh my! Our bodies are complicated!  When can you treat your own body and when should you look to an outside source/expert for help?  What things can you do on a daily basis to keep your body running at 110% without the threat of a complete breakdown (or even mini-breakdowns)?
I have always been hyper in-tune to my body.  The slightest bump or itch or tummy ache sends me into a diagnostic frenzy. When I was growing up, I thought that every abnormality or body function needed to be monitored and treated by a doctor.  And every time I felt sick I hoped there was a pill or shot that would instantly make me feel better.  As I have gotten older and have gotten to know my body better, I am realizing that while serious chronic or odd illnesses and pain should warrant a professional and sometime medicines, there are many preventative methods and natural treatments out there for us to take advantage of. NOTE:  I am not recommending you avoid the doctor in any way shape or form. Everyone's body is different and you need to do what makes you feel safe and healthy.  In fact here are some of the doctor visits I absolutely think you should keep on the yearly calender. 
For one, you may be an expert flosser and brush 5 times a day but when it boils down to it, a one/two time a year professional cleaning is a necessity for your health and longevity.  Think about it, the nourishment process starts here and this part of our body needs to be in tip-top shape in order to ensure a properly functioning immune system among other vital systemic functions. A dentist has the ability to see areas of concern that no matter how wide you open your mouth in the mirror you would not be able to see. 
Second, when it comes to dermatology appointments, in my opinion,  it depends on how familiar you are with the map of your body.  If your are regularly exposed to the sun (as we are in sunny FLA) and do not wear protective covering of some sort or if you know you just don't have the patience to do regular FULL body checks (taking advantage of a partner to help to look at the areas you cant get a good view of) then by all means keep that regular appointment.  If you are familiar with your own body and any abnormal patch of skin you see sets off an alarm to go ahead and get it checked out, then you could skip the regular visit have the dermatologists number at the ready when needed.
The gynecologist.  Yes, all women dread this yearly date we have with the pap smear but if there is one thing that women can do as a preventative and sometimes fearfully diagnostic...THIS IS IT!  Cervical cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women worldwide with approximately 471,000 new cases diagnosed each year.  There are about 6 million new cases of HPV in the United States each year. A simple 5 minute test can lead to early detection of both of these diseases.  Not to mention a yearly visit to the GYN includes a thorough breast exam which women SHOULD be doing monthly (shamfully, I forget most of the time) until they enter in the mammogram stage of life.  Plus, we as women have an obligation to our children to give them the best possible start to life that we can.  The health of the reproduction system is key to doing this.
Men-I am at a loss here?  What systems and body parts should be monitored and/or tested on a regular basis? I would venture to say the prostate would be one.  I will have to research this some more. 
There are other professional tests that are a wise decision as our body ages and we become more susceptible to disease and debilitation such as colonoscopies and heart testing. But the point of this series of posts is not to recommend or deter you from going to the docs but more to inform you on how to AVOID the type of ailments that send us running to the doc in the first place.  How is this possible?  I would say for me it starts with optimal body and soul balance.  Everything from nutrition to stress management to knowing your family history and what symptoms may send up the red flag. My goal is to cover many topics related to the maintenance of our complicated machines including the motherboard: our brains.  Also, I would love to talk about the many other types of health and healing that are being practiced and widely available now.  Because we, as humans have the right and ability to control how our body's function just as much as we do over how our cars or computers run.  And let's face it, it takes constant maintainence to do most things that give us joy and value in life.   I think a little bit of body and soul maintenance on a regular basis yields major results in achieving a happy, healthy, meaningful life!

Monday, October 11, 2010

kale chips...YUM!

Over the weekend I made a delicious treat with some really great health benefits.  Kale Chips.  Despite a little over indulgence with the Celtic Sea Salt (could be worse) the texture and flavor of these shocked me in very good way. Not to mention what a cheap easy potato chip alternative(I LOVE CHIPS).  These are sure to become a staple in our house.
What makes kale so healthy?
Kale is a member of the brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage). It has an expected  "earthy" (it's green people!) flavor that ranges from bitter to sweet in nature. Although you can find it year-round its prime season is mid winter to early spring.  This is when its leaves are the sweetest.  To my dismay that means I have planted mine too early.  I have chosen to leave it in the ground for now but will most have to replant in December/January.  Kale is full of Vitamin K, A, and C and has been said to highly preventive with regards to bladder, breast, colon, ovary and prostate cancers. It claims to lower cholesterol, has detoxifying properties and contains 45 different flavonoids, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. It contains quercitin, which is great for managing allergies and asthma. The recommended way to prepare kale in order to reap the most benefits is to steam it for 5-10 minutes. There are three common varieties:
1. Dinosaur Kale (what a great name...I am thinking you could call the chips above "Dinosaur Chips" to get the kids excited about them. ) Dinosaur kale got its name from the look and feel it presents.  It has an almost reptilian skin texture but ironically is known to be the most sweet and delicate of the varieties.
2. Curly Kale-this is more common in stores, at least in my area.  It looks just as it sounds, like an amped up version of curly leaf parsley. Curly Kale is typically bitter and peppery.  I am excited to try the above chips with this variety as well.
3. Ornamental Kale--through the research done with this post I realized for the first time that Ornamental Kale does not mean its its not edible as well.  In all fairness it did get its name while being used as a decorative landscape feature but is now cultivated for eating and has been said to have a tender and mellow flavor.
While veggies such as kale can be intimidating, I would encourage you to give it a shot.  The benefits far out way the risk and when you are creative in the preparation it becomes a celebrated part of the household.  Here is my method for making kale chips:

Sea Salt and Sesame Kale Chips:

1 bunch of kale (I used dinosaur this time but curly is fine too)
A pinch of course sea salt
Olive oil (I never measure this I just use what I need)
Toasted sesame seeds

Turn your oven to 300 degrees.  Chop the kale into chip-like sizes.  I removed the stem in the center as it got closer to the base because it can be tough and woody.  Toss raw pieces in a bowl with salt olive oil and sesame seeds.  Lay out on cookie sheet in single layer.  Bake for 20/25 minutes.  TaDA!  Done.  Happy Healthy Cooking with indulgent results!


Monday, October 4, 2010

Duke and Fin


 When we brought Fin home Duke wanted nothing to do with her.  Now they are best friends.
 Duke's new favorite way to watch the garden.



 Isn't she purtty!

Always fun to share pics of your "kids"

Garden Progress

Swiss Chard Seedlings
Beans



musk melon

Carambola







broccoli sprouts

sunflowers and mushrooms

Kale

 

Asian Greens




Irrigation

Herb Garden