Ode To Clean Eatin'!

Clean Eating makes me feel so sweet
Gives me natural energy from my head to my feet
My plate looks so simple yet delectable
I'm always excited to be at my table
I'm glad to give my gratitude
Because clean foods improve my attitude
I marvel with joy and delight
Clean eating brings to my entire life!


Clean eating; whole unprocessed foods in their closest natural state as possible.
Any food with an ingredient list more that two or three ingredients long is probably man made and not a clean food source.

Processed foods include white sugar, and flour, breads and pasta, and foods with any added colorings, chemicals and artificial flavorings.

Whole grains contain the whole grain and complex carbs that the body recognizes as a real food source.

Foods that contain saturated fats and high amounts of sugars are also not on the clean foods menu.

Eating seasonally and locally if possible is a great way to not only support your local farmers but to get food that hasn't traveled in and out of other countries to get to its destination.
Don't stress yourself over the organic to or not to. Shop based on Your budget and availability. Non organic produce can be washed using plain old white or apple cider vinegar and lemon or a natural fruit wash carried in most stores these days. See www.mindbodygreen.com for a list of the 12 fruits and veggies that contain the highest amounts of pesticides.

As for meat, dairy, and eggs (organic eggs are plentiful) many markets now carry grass fed and or organic brands, however if not purchase what's available for you and again your budget. It's been only recently for me to be able to purchase some grass fed meats from my local grocery. Change may be slow but it is approaching.

Clean eating is simple and your body will thank you for it.

The Lord's Prayer...

We're Not Heavy; We're God's Children

Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

My drawing says it all, these frustrations and difficulties we all experience in our lives however, require believing in the trustworthiness of The Lord and allows us to stop focusing on just our circumstances which produce these feelings, but to lean on depend on and have faith in God. We have to remember that Satan will keep trying to reinforce those insecure feelings and magnify them in our minds, but we can remember that in the end God completes His promises and in the end it is Him who will win!

Gluten Free Naturally

Many people are choosing to eliminate wheat and gluten from their diet these days whether or not they have allergies or sensitivities. Many believe that they feel better and have less stomach bloating as well as other allergy symptoms.

It's always to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before eliminating a food group from your diet, however, today's wheat isn't the same wheat of the past. It's clear that modern wheat is making us sick.

Almost everything about wheat is different now, one might even call our modern wheat Frakne-wheat! For thousands of years, wheat was cultivated, milled and consumed. It was a nourishing whole grain. Since the industrialization of our nation began technological revolutions, the first being milling gave us white flour; instead of crushing the entire wheat kernel together. This new processed flour stored and shipped better and pest problems were eliminated because they wouldn't eat it. ( That should tell us something!) Processed wheat keeps so well because it's been stripped of most all vital nutrients, the bugs are smart enough to know this!

The second techie process added was genetic modification of the wheat itself. In the 1950's Norman Borlaug was the inventor of this changing of natural wheat. Borlaug was the leader of the development of high yielding grains, distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers. He also pioneered an "improved" species of dwarf wheat that produced increased yields, made it pest resistant, draught resistant, and easier to harvest, as well as producing a fluffier baking result. This new technology spread around the world by companies like Dupont and Monsanto.

This new fangled farming was accepted without any knowledge or regard to the effects on nutrition and human health. The Green Revolution as it was called was about solving world hunger but the unforetold consequences weren't taken into consideration. Now we have mutant seeds grown in synthetic soil, bathed in chemicals bleached then treated with nutrients that were already there in the first place. No wonder it's making us sick!

Now the food industry has responded with multitudes of 'Gluten and Wheat Free' products to fill this new need. However, most gluten free products are just that gluten free versions of highly processed wheat based foods, in essence junk food. Most of the ingredients in these products contain white rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and gums as a white flour substitute. People who take on this gluten free endeavor for health reasons end up gaining weight and feeling poorly in other ways because they are consuming processed white's and loads of sugar.

In order to avoid falling into the junk/gluten free trap when shopping stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. Here is where you will find fresh foods, naturally gluten free and nutrient rich. Such foods include fresh produce (fruits and veggies), fresh meat, poultry and seafood, and dairy and egg products.

Here are some foods that naturally contain no gluten:

Corn, Flax Potatoes, Quinoa, Rice, Soy (beware of allergic), Fruits/Veg, ( Dried fruit/ver with no additives) Fresh Meat, Seafood, Poultry, Eggs, Milk, Butter, Cream, Yogurt, Cheese (except American), Honey, Nut and Seed Butters (make sure they have no other added ingredients), Nuts and Seeds.

Sticking to a diet that is clean void of processed foods and ingredients like additives and colorants and chemicals, flavorings, msg will most likely assist in a healthy body. You will be consuming full nutrients without the junk and your body will recognize it as real energy and know just how to process it through your cells as cellular energy for the health and well being of the body.

Line Art Doodling For Release

Most everyone has doodled at one time or another, it's something that just comes naturally wether we're bored, distracted or making a concentrated effort. Doodling once thought of as just a way to pass the time actually has some positive health benefits.

In one study it has been shown that people who doodle during other activities (meetings, class) remember and retain more than non doodlers, that doodling helps the brain to focus.

Spontaneous doodling can also be a stress reliever forcing the mind to slow down and focus on being creative, and explore random thoughts and feelings that don't surface during busy daily lives.

I love all forms of doodling but especially line doodles. It's simply drawing lines or shapes over and over to create an overall picture, real or abstract. Doodling this way has a meditative effect on me. As I focus on keeping my lines close together and straight I get lost in the smoothness of the pen on paper, the flow of the lines and the quiet time that I allow this to occur. I find that I sometimes will workout a problem, though it's not my original intention. It's an great mood booster, after all we were created to be creative beings.

And he has filled him with the Spirit Of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and sliver and bronze,
Exodus 35:31-32

Target's Right On Target!

The weather's getting colder and sometimes it just feels like a morning for piping hot whole grain cereal! Target carries a double whammy called Simply Balanced Organic hot cereal, a blend of oats and quinoa.

Oats lend themselves as we all know to be a super healthy grain, from it's ability to lower cholesterol levels, to the unique antioxidant compound called Avenathramides. This particular antioxidant prevents free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Oats have also been shown to stabilize blood sugar in diabetes as well. Oats are high in fiber to boot!

Quinoa is a versatile little grain that's Gluten free, antioxidant rich containing flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol and is packed with phytonutrients as well as calcium. Quinoa is a dense powerful little grain that packs a big punch for your health.

Simply Balanced Hot Cereal combines these two super grains into one hot cereal for a powerful nutrient rich breakfast that can't be beat. It can also be served like rice with a meal or layered with berries and yogurt in a parfait. It's a great way to get something very good for the body into kids topped with an all natural jam, coconut sugar(it's low glycemic), their favorite fruit or even chocolate chips!

God's Wisdom Over Ours

It's hard when life's challenges feel like they're overcoming us. It's usually when we are relying on our own knowledge instead of God's that we get confused and lost and veer from the path that God sets us on.

It takes time away from the world in order to be able to focus and listen for instruction on how to live our lives, we have to learn to be dependent ( the opposite from what the world tells us to do) on our father and to trust in His ways even if we do not fully understand the why or what in them.

It begins with getting to know God as our ultimate parent, creator and Lord. We can't learn and grow in someone whom we have no idea who they are or what they are about. God's word provides us a direct link of who he is and how he operates. Its our life How To Manual. When we learn to function by this manual and not a false man made one ( Worldly culture), we can begin deciphering our fallen ways from His ways and begin to bring about transformation.

Traveling God's narrow path isn't an easy road but in the end it's the only road to bring us into God's light.

What A Date!

A fun food find for the sweet tooth in us all! If you love carmel but not all of the processed white sugar and dairy that usually accompanies it you may want to try a caramel sauce made from organic dates.

Date Lady caramel sauce is Organic, Gluten Free and Kosher. It contains no dairy or processed sugar and has the goodness of dates which means you get the vitamins and minerals that comes with eating dates.

This sauce can be used just as any other caramel sauce, on top of ice cream, in lattes as a dipping sauce for those crisp fall apples, blended into smoothies the possibilities are endless!

I was excited to find this as searching for an allergy safe natural caramel sauce wasn't an easy task, especially one that wasn't labeled sugar free leaving it loaded with artificial sweeteners as the ones in the supermarket are.

Date Lady Caramel Sauce can be purchased at
www.ILOVEDATELADY.COM
Enjoy!

Minimalist Living Journey Update

As of recent I continue to make attempts at downsizing my life. It becomes simpler to wade my way through what I want, what I need, and what's important. Some areas in my life do still overflow at times and now I feel it both

in energy and space.

To collect or not; this is an area where I sometimes stumble. I do not have one particular collection per se but I do accumulate a few things that I tell myself I want and will get enjoyment from. However; now I'm better able to reevaluate why I feel an attachment to certain things and if these actions are truly enriching my life in a fulfilling way. Most times the answer is no. An example would be I used to collect some Barbie dolls and Polly Pockets, and yes they bring on fond memories and yes they are still fun to dress, but realistically they just take up space on my shelves that I'd prefer to be clear of things anyway.  I also think of so many kids who are in need of toys and for me to have them just because changes what I thought I was getting out of collecting them.  

Being able to give back to the human collective and having the space that allows free flowing uncluttered energy allows me to make better decisions for my living space and life.

Diet is another area that has vastly improved eating simply, and clean. I consider this too minimal because we don't keep a lot of food 'clutter' like extra junk that we'd eat because it's there. We've become accustomed to purchasing quality foods in smaller amounts so we really enjoy what we're consuming over low quality foods to fill up on. The results of eating this way are better health and we're able to keep specific track on where we're spending our food budget.

As time moves on I will continue to minimize in every way I can. Each improvement proves to be enlightening and at learning experience in my journey here. I can say yes I am enjoying and embracing Minimalist living and I'm looking forward to where it takes me in the future.

Our Culture or God's: The Choice Is Ours

Titus 3: 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this preset age.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at our world, it's culture today to witness it's moral decline. People not God are deciding what's good and right and attempting to over run people who refuse to follow their ways.

2 Timothy 3: 1-5 But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the god, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying it's power. Have nothing to do with such people.

In Touch Ministries: The Choices We Make
On a six lane freeway, it is easy to crowd lots of cars onto the road. Entering the highway is pretty easy since ramps feed into the right lane every few miles. Conversely, trying to stay on a narrow sheep path from the pasture to the barn forces you to walk slowly with one foot directly in front of the other.

The sheep path is a picture of the narrow way-God's way-while the wide, six lane thoroughfare illustrates the broad way-that is Satan's road to destruction.

The broad way is as crowded as an expressway at rush hour. The majority of people choose this road because they love what it has to offer: no restraints on anything they want to try. Whatever brings pleasure, power, pr prosperity is welcomed and practiced. God, the Bible and church may be tolerated for a while, but will eventually be supplanted in the heart of the traveler on the broad road. That's to be expected, since everything is embraced here-all philosophies, all belief systems, all the passions of men and women, and all habits promoting the idea of free choice.

As wonderful as all that tolerance and license may sound, however, the broad road is also the way of disappointment. No matter what the world promises, it will not ultimately satisfy, because the broad way is an illusion. The flesh may be appeased temporarily, but the human heart cannot find peace on that road.

Nothing the world thinks up or creates can fill the place in our hearts that God made only for Himself. True fulfillment through The Lord is found only on the narrow path.

So many times I have felt that I don't measure up to the world and it's expectations. It is only because God rescued me and continues to do so again and again that I know that only His expectations are of any real importance. It doesn't matter what others think or their opinions on me or my life and choices I make, because I'm not living to impress other humans. I feel this would be like pigs living in their barn, yet one pig feels compelled to gain acceptance and approval from the other pigs. They are All pigs, so what does it matter, just as we are All humans. This shows how ridiculous the need is to try and live for others. Our lives should be to live for God and not seek to fit into anyone's culture or ideals of living. Whenever I feel that I've fallen off the narrow path as stated above I remind myself of my pig analogy and it snaps me back to reality. I am ever grateful for God and the strength he gives me even when I feel like all of mine has evaporated.

Deb's Book Nook: Madame Chic by Jennifer L Scott

Madame Chic is a delightful little book that allows one to experience a greater depth of life through the adoption of French culture. The author Jennifer lived as an exchange student with a french family and over her time spent with Madame Chic and her family she learned that being presentable, participating in rich culture and cultivating an appreciation of life can be done without the ideals of over consumption and mass materialism. Jennifer learned how to cultivate a life she desires and to bring richness into it through every day living.

Each chapter is divided into a life subject such as Exercise is a part of Life Not a Chore, Deprive Yourself Not, Find Your True Style, Reject the New Materialism. There are many simple suggestions to enrich and improve your life and live it to the fullest.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the emphasis on not conforming to societies' idea of materialism. Living a minimalist life myself as of late I can appreciate her suggestions on being happy with less, and learning or re learning to embrace cultural activities that enrich the mind as well as the soul like attending the theater, reading, seeking out different kinds of movies such as alternative, or foreign films that have a deeper message than hero's saving the world. ( not knocking those movies, just creating more of a balance ).

Another favorite suggestion of mine was incorporating more high quality foods into the diet instead of endless amounts of lower quality or junk foods. She talks about how the French have always enjoyed their food and don't obsess over carbs or calories or body size. Its definitely a cultural one up France and other countries have over the U.S. Our shelves are filled with tasteless lower calorie meals loaded with salt or sugar to make up for lack of flavor. Our citizens continually think about if a certain food will go to their waist or how much they have to workout because of what was eaten.

There are many more golden nuggets to take from this book. Not all suggestions will work for every lifestyle, one should take what is doable and adaptable to one's lifestyle. Living a minimalist lifestyle I fell this book goes hand in hand with the concepts of living a more purposeful life. I highly recommend tis book if you're looking for an overhaul or improvement of life in general.

Embracing Minimalism Quality over Quanity

In recent years I have begun creating a lifestyle that's cohesive with my beliefs and needs. I'd stumbled and backslid into former old habits numerous times in the process. It's ok that I made repeated mistakes for a lesson will continually repeat itself until learned. Life is a journey not just a destination.

As of late my as my spiritual growth expands so does the quality of life I choose to lead. My road leads me back to incorporating minimalism throughout my world. I now approach this lifestyle with a deeper purpose, a physical and spiritual space clearing. I aim to create space within my space so I am more effectively able to connect with a higher power to guide me through my life.

A minimalist lifestyle allows me to acquire and utilize less in order to better focus and become available to my greater purpose. By embracing God's culture instead of worldly culture I'm gaining a greater sense of self and peace.

One of the best things about a minimalist lifestyle is the joyful avoidance of gross consumerism and overt materialism. As we all are aware our society encourages consumerism leading one to believe that living a certain lifestyle in the right area, with the right clothes, car, job etc... will gain acceptance and and approval, and make one very happy.

In fact, quite the opposite is true for me.While I didn't have a keeping up with the Joneses mentality I had my fair share of unused unworn clothes, video games, gadgets and stuff that I thought I enjoyed having. However, most of this stuff only served to collect dust and create a heavy heavy household, not to mention combined with my husband's stuff!

Clearing our space has been cathartic and euphoric! I had no trouble hanging on to things I seldom used. I craved a lighter space a lighter simpler life. I let go of believing that I would acquire a lifestyle to match the clothes I never wore. I let go of fantasies and I'm now working on creating a life that matches who I am growing to be. It's great not to look out for the next coolest video games, over abundance of books, ( Shout out to my Kindle! ) unused beauty items and such. The monetary gain that comes from this is well worth the changes, and it can be put to a much greater use, or saved. I realize that our space won't be completely cleared to the extent I'd like because I live with a husband who has lots of stuff and lots of trouble letting go. He has agreed to declutter rooms like the basement and garage, but I know it will be a timely process as he too is on his journey and has to go through his own learning experiences and I must embrace patience and not force this on him at my pace...part of my journey...

As I sign off I leave hoping to inspire others who feel weighed down by life and life's stuff. It's possible to start where you are and at your chosen pace begin to be the change you want to live.

Next blog I'll be discussing how minimizing spills over into my diet effectively.

Deb's Book Nook: Marbles by Ellen Forney A Graphic Novel

Marbles is a memoir about a woman's struggle with mental illness, Bipolar Disorder. This story is told in graphic novel form which adds a whole new and fresh dimension to reading a memoir.

Marbles is refreshingly funny, yet allows you grasp the many struggles of living with this disorder. I loved the comic panel cartoon drawing format! The facial expressions in this story are everything! I many times found myself laughing out loud reading this.

The character is an artist who grapples with taking or not taking medication to manage her condition because of her fears that she will loose her natural creativity, and her eventual acceptance of this as a part of who she is instead of just a condition.

I highly recommend this book. It's an easy read because of the format. This story helps me to deal with any physical conditions, or even stressful life conditions with a little more gratitude and an ability to approach my reactions to them with humility and patience.

I give this book ***** 5 Stars!!!
Get it Read it!

Deb's Book Nook: Chicken Hare by Chris Grine

Chicken Hare is a hilarious little graphic novel that chronicles the adventures of a part rabbit part chicken ( funny on it's own ), and his buddy a bearded turtle. Now, one might think this is for kids but books are meant to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age. I really liked this story and at times it had me laughing out loud.

I find that often times people become regimented or judgmental of others by their choices in books, movies, music, clothes... Reading should be a joyful experience and who is to say what someone's joy consists of. If your'e an adult and enjoy reading young adult fiction play on, if you feel you only want to read classics or cheesy romance novels by all means do so. There are no barriers on one's choices in reading material. I felt the need to say this because I've heard of others who like a certain genre of books but won't read them in public or around family or friends for fear of judgement or embarrassment. No one has the right to judge anyone for their choices in books. It's also great to stretch your reading genre past what your used to you might be surprised what you find, I know I am!

Back to Chicken Hare, and his pal turtle are captured by an evil taxidermist and must find a way to escape while helping two other captured animals before they're turned into stuffed animals. Their adventures are fast paced and so chuckle worthy and will leave you wanting to continue to hang out with Chicken Hare and his buddies for more adventures.

If you want a quick stress reducing read that brings a smile to your face, one that both you and your kids can enjoy grab one or all three graphic novels of the adventures of Chicken Hare, you won't be sorry! I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because I wish it were longer!

Deb's Book Nook: Review of All My Friends Are Dead

If your'e looking for a very fast read that will give you outward chuckles this little gem is a good one to add to your book shelf. It's a very short read, but quirky and cartoony for older kids and adults. All My Friends Are Dead would make a humorous addition to the coffee table for a good laugh when family or friends visit, or to put in the office break room for an afternoon chuckle.

This book is basically about death, in a way that everyone and in this story everything even talking trees, dinosaurs and zombies can relate to it. I don't want to give away the spoiler! This book would make a great gift in a basket for someone who's been ill and needs a laugh.

All My Friends Are Dead by Avery Monsen and Jory John

Deb's Book Nook: A Wild Sheep Chase: A Novel by Haruko Murakami

This was my first forray into the world of Murakami. A Wild Sheep Chase did live up to Murakami's reputation of very unusual stories. This one was no different.

I wouldn't say this was one of the most enjoyable reads for me, this story did cause me to contemplate the significance of life and how I live it. All of the characters in this story are rather dull, wooden, however they each play an important role in their interaction with the books main character.

The gist of the story being the main character, a man receives a postcard from a friend and he chooses to use an image of an unusual sheep with a star on his back from the postcard in an insurance ad. The narrator is then lead on a quest to find the sheep or face dire consequences.
The story leads the reader on the quest to find the true meaning of the mysterious sheep.

One reason I found this book more of a chore to read is that the characters were mostly one dimensional and I couldn't find myself caring about any of them. I love reading, but reading it became a chore to finish the story because I kept losing interest. When I finished the book I felt relief rather than feeling I'd left a good story with characters I really liked or related to.

One redeeming quality of this story for me was that the main character's realization of his life not adding up to much, having no real significance in his world and his acceptance of that. All life has meaning and purpose and it made me think of how I choose to qualify my own life. I was able to reference God because he gives me significance and purpose. I may not live up the the world's culture but it's Gods culture that matters most to me. The fact that this book enabled me to contemplate or re evaluate my purpose, even without a mysterious quest LOL, is what leads me to give this book 3 stars ***

Great Market Finds

I went to a local market, its similar to Whole Foods Market and came upon an antioxidant nutrient packed product. These packages contain ground (fine like flour) superfoods and nuts that have multiple uses.

The product's called Linwoods and there are two different options. One produce contains nuts the other doesn't which is terrific for the nut allergy folks out there. The nut free version contains ground flax, sunflower, pumpkin, and seasme seed with added goji berries also ground. The other product contains flaxseed, almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts.

These products are an excellent source of Co-Q-10 an antioxidant that helps with cellular energy production. These products are rich in vitamin E, all three of the omegas as well as magnesium, dietary fiber, B12 and iron. These products are also low glycemic.

There are as many uses for these ground powders as you can think of. It can be put into hot cereal, over yoghurt, into salads, mixed into smoothies, bread mixes the list stretches as far as your imagination can go! I plan on using some of the goji berry mix combined with dates to make a dehydrated raw cookie! Sounds tasty and I can wait to try it. I will let you all know how that turns out.

These are a great find if you can locate them at a local health food store.

I Love God So Much...

When I'm down and troubled, he is there
When I feel like I can't go on, he is there
When I forget and slip into worldly actions, he is there
When I have something to celebrate, he is there
When I need to be corrected or disciplined, he is there

The more I exist in this world, the more I do not choose to be a part of its culture. I can see things much more clearly from my teachings with God and through prayer. So many things I once coveted aren't desirable, and goals I thought were the most important have fallen to the bottom of my list or completely off of it.

What I crave is the peace God offers. Im doing my best to cleanse my life of actions ( such as yucky language that occasionally slips out :} ), and other things that do not support his glory. I've recently done a house cleaning of my I Tunes library, books and things that really are so opposite God's truth and ways that I no longer enjoyed them without feeling that it just didn't feel right any longer. My actions are all a part of my spiritual cleansing that I feel is vitally necessary in order to keep growing in God the way he expects me to.

Forgiveness is a huge issue in my life and a big one for God. Its an area I'm constantly struggling with. So many times I was sure I've let go only to have the same issues and feelings about a person or situation re surface over and over. The frustration I feel from this gets to be overwhelming because it's affecting my life negatively and I realize that I'm Not really forgiving in my heart. I've claimed forgiveness because I know God wants and requires me to do so, but thats only part of forgiveness. I know I'm supposed to forgive whole heartedly in my heart just the way God continuously forgives us. I'm supposed to extend that grace to others... I continually pray and seek God's help to allow the Holy Spirit open my heart and allow me to fully forgive. I'm ever so grateful that God has patience, much more than I have and that I'm being allowed to learn humility and grow into a state of forgiveness through Him...

All of life's trappings won't keep me from keeping my eye on the prize so to speak. My main goal is to live and become the person God created me to be, to share and spread his word and to live to honor him. I love him enough to do exactly that!

The Goodness of Adding More Beans and Whole Grains toYour Diet

It will serve to your benefit to cook up a batch of both beans and grains for use in weekday meals.

For a hearty and filling morning meal top warmed grains with berries or fruit of choice a favorite spice like cardamom or cinnamon and a non dairy milk.

Grain cakes make a healthy alternative to traditional flapjacks. Mix cooked grains with a beaten egg berries or for savory pallets herbs and onion. Add a little flour, a wheat/gluten free flour can be used also such as coconut or quinoa flour. Make a batter and sauté in an oiled skillet till golden

Add 1/2 cup cooked grains to your favorite soup to make it heartier and keep you fuller longer.

Alternate whole grains with any dairy or non dairy yogurt and fruit for a tasty parfait.

Stuff a pita with beans veggies and tahini sauce.

Add beans to that baked potato, white or sweet then add a favorite sauce like salsa or pesto. A shredded dairy or non dairy cheese can be added for that Zing appeal!

Make a pudding out of your grain of choice prepared with milk, or non dairy milk, raisins, cinnamon and your sweetener of choice. Simmer till thick and enjoy hot or cold.

Warmed beans or grains paired with eggs prepared to your preference (scrambled, poached..) top with fresh tomatoes, salsa, pepper sauce or what you prefer.

Grains and beans can be frozen in portions to be available for any quick and healthy and nutrition packed meal.

Super Finds and Savings at Costco

Anyone who's been to Whole Foods or some other health store to purchase Coconut oil or Hemp seeds know that the prices aren't always budget friendly. I went shopping at Costco and happened upon a few great finds.

The first find was a 54 oz, that's right 54, of pure unrefined cold pressed 100% coconut oil! Ris container is almost as big as my head I was thrilled so I immediately stocked up. Next I found a 24 oz one pound bag of raw shelled Hemp seed. This is nearly three times the size and amount I was paying for at Whole Foods!

Another great find was a six pack of organic Quinoa & Brown Rice mixture. I can't wait to make this accompanied with steamed greens!

I found double packs of pomegranate seeds, and a multi pack of organic romaine lettuce. Shopping at Costco has allowed be to provide my family with more organic fresh food and made it easier to make fresh juices with high quality ingredients.

Costco has really stepped up their game with providing customers with a large variety of organic produce and super foods. I for one really appreciate this because after every penny saved is a penny earned!

Just Another God Doodle

A little doodle to remind us to stay connected to God...

The Healthy White Foods

We all know its just smart to stay away from most white foods such as sugar, bread, pasta and such. However, there are some white foods I call the Good Whites. White plants can produce healthy and healing foods that benefit out well being.

Horseradish is high in potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C

Potatoes, the white ones do contain some nutritional value such as potassium, they're high in vitamin C and have phytochemicals like carotenoids that help us fight free radicals.

Macadamia Nuts contain protein, minerals such as calcium and iron. These nuts are also high in the good mono saturated fat.

Mushrooms, not only are they low in calories but they contain minerals such as potassium and selenium and vitamins B riboflavin and niacin.

White Onions contain quercetin which is a flavanol that is anti inflammatory, anti viral, and antioxidant.

White Beans are a great source of fiber and may aid in reducing LDL known as bad cholesterol.

Grab some of these tasty whites and whip up a healthful body friendly treat!

Fruits of the Spirit pt. 3. Kindness

Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in our thought and behavior of Kindness brings us into the joy of God. Not joy based on our circumstances. Kindness is learning to extend it to our enemies and those who mistreat us. This is a life long learning process based on letting God lead not our human emotions. Life will continue to challenge us in ways that test our behavior and its how we learn to respond that reflects our growth.