Having a chocolate allergy, well really sucks LOL! For years I have had secret little affairs with chocolate knowing its effect on my body. As of late however, I realize the repercussions of putting something in my body that it recognizes as foreign.
Over the years I have tried Carob with less than thrilled results. However, lately I came across raw carob, which Iv'e known about for a while. I managed to track some down through the internet and much to my delight I made a cup of (cocoa) hot carob that is, and it was fabulous!!! Iv'e tried carob powder in the past (roasted) but found the taste to be too strong, but the raw carob is much more mild. I cant wait to make other chocolate- like treats with this lovely powder. I have also tried a carob bar from the health food store and it was not all bad either. I think I'm in a more accepting space knowing that chocolate has to be off limits which allows me to want to bring other alternatives that are pro health instead of anti health.
One of the positive aspects of bringing carob into my life are the health benefits it brings. It helps to improve digestion and acts as a mild analgesic, as well as adding antioxidants to the diet. Carob has no caffeine or theobromine that act as stimulants as in chocolate. Carob's also rich in vitamin E, A, D and the B vitamins. It contains calcium potassium, and iron, and has natural pectin which helps remove cholesterol.
Carob powder can replace cocoa powder in any recipe with the advantage of carob not having the addictive qualities of chocolate.
I highly recommend giving carob a try wether food allergies are present or not. Its a tasty and healthy addition for making edible and drinkable treats for everyone.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
It's the little things
Life has been challenging lately to say the least. I have met with extreme stress and events that I felt I couldn't overcome lately. I have been pulled into the 'hollow zone'. I dubbed it because it's a place where life's challenges overwhelm and draw you in like a category 5 tornado, whirling and spinning out of control leaving one feeling helpless, without shelter, even the most spiritually minded. My focus was constantly attracted to the circumstances and events in my life that I simply had no control of and I couldn't break away from it.
Fortunately, there has been a silver lining behind my storm cloud. Through much prayer and patience I am resetting my coping ability and thought processes so that I can refocus on refocusing:). I appreciate and am thankful for my breath(having asthma it's something not to be taken for granted!). I and grateful for waking up each morning with sight, and mind and strong spirit. I am ever so grateful for living in a country and a place where I can hear the music of birds singing, and natures greatest hits, instead of bombs going off. I purchased to lovely tea/cocoa mugs that add beauty and fun to my tea time. I am practicing hot yoga(more on that in my next blog), and it demands my complete attention and my body and spirit thank me for it. I love spending time with my little bulldog and being distracted by his silly ways and demands for ice cream! I focus on the love that's in my life and not on what is lost( there is a reason and lesson in all relationships).
My ability to reexamine my life and get a handle on stress is making a big difference. Do I still have stress? Yes, life wouldn't be life without it, but am I better able to manage it's effect on my health, mind and spirit yes. I am glad for the silence where I can be and listen and learn...
Fortunately, there has been a silver lining behind my storm cloud. Through much prayer and patience I am resetting my coping ability and thought processes so that I can refocus on refocusing:). I appreciate and am thankful for my breath(having asthma it's something not to be taken for granted!). I and grateful for waking up each morning with sight, and mind and strong spirit. I am ever so grateful for living in a country and a place where I can hear the music of birds singing, and natures greatest hits, instead of bombs going off. I purchased to lovely tea/cocoa mugs that add beauty and fun to my tea time. I am practicing hot yoga(more on that in my next blog), and it demands my complete attention and my body and spirit thank me for it. I love spending time with my little bulldog and being distracted by his silly ways and demands for ice cream! I focus on the love that's in my life and not on what is lost( there is a reason and lesson in all relationships).
My ability to reexamine my life and get a handle on stress is making a big difference. Do I still have stress? Yes, life wouldn't be life without it, but am I better able to manage it's effect on my health, mind and spirit yes. I am glad for the silence where I can be and listen and learn...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Checking Out....
One of my favorite bible passages talks of being in the world but not being of it. John 1 talks about not coveting the things of the world but living to please God. I always gain great comfort, from this, like a pep talk from God :)
I often more now than ever find that I have to check out of the world, that includes all media, stressful situations and people, doing frivolous things (whatever I feel that is for me). I take some time to regroup my spirit and mind, to clarify my focus, clear away the mental fog. I focus on the word and my Lord (though I'm always in communication with Him).
Checking out allows me to better hear His voice, to remember to focus on living for others and that we are all connected and here for a greater purpose than our egoic desires. I pray daily but when I check out I spend much more time in prayer and meditation. I try to spend much more time in nature and connect more with our earth and it's beauty. No matter my personal accomplishments nothing feels more satisfying than helping someone else, even in the smallest way.
When I check out I don't focus on my personal pain, the resentment I may feel towards someone, and other negative feelings that cause my body and mind stress. I need these check outs to function and live on this earth with a mind of hope and with love in my heart.
Checking out allows me to remember....
I am grateful for this...
I often more now than ever find that I have to check out of the world, that includes all media, stressful situations and people, doing frivolous things (whatever I feel that is for me). I take some time to regroup my spirit and mind, to clarify my focus, clear away the mental fog. I focus on the word and my Lord (though I'm always in communication with Him).
Checking out allows me to better hear His voice, to remember to focus on living for others and that we are all connected and here for a greater purpose than our egoic desires. I pray daily but when I check out I spend much more time in prayer and meditation. I try to spend much more time in nature and connect more with our earth and it's beauty. No matter my personal accomplishments nothing feels more satisfying than helping someone else, even in the smallest way.
When I check out I don't focus on my personal pain, the resentment I may feel towards someone, and other negative feelings that cause my body and mind stress. I need these check outs to function and live on this earth with a mind of hope and with love in my heart.
Checking out allows me to remember....
I am grateful for this...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Is Living more minimalist realistic?
I've always liked my environment sparse, as opposed to my husband who prefers the cluttered look! This spring after out basement flooded and we or he was forced to rid our home of unwanted unnecessary things, collections, otherwise stuff.
I love purging every few months my home of anything I haven't used within the last. Six months. This includes clothes, food, and household things. I feel lighter in body mind and soul after doing this. I'm able to donate and give to others, clear space within our home and really focus on how I'm living.
Society has always told us that more, and bigger are better. We are constantly bombarded with ads on how to make our lives more fulfilled through this product, that car, and heaven forbid we don't have the latest fashions(bags, shoes etc)! So many are still buying into those ideas.
I divided my life into needs and wants. All of my basic needs are currently being met thankfully. I have love of and from our Creator, and love in my life. I have a safe home, fresh food, and water, clothing, you get the point. My secondary needs are also met, being medical, and dental care, medicine and or supplements that help me to meet my health requirements, insurance and things of that nature. I'm fortunate to live where I have easy access to police and fire departments, and other community services.
Anything that falls outside of that circle of listed needs become wants. Here is where I decide that I choose to live simply, free of overstuffed closets and drawers. Free from a home full of things that only serve to gather dust and keep my spirit stifled. Free from needing everything that the outer world tells me will make me happy and my life complete. I chose a few things that I use mostly everyday, such as my bible, vita mix blender, I pad, or phone(though I've never been much of a phone person, I dislike walking around with a phone stuck to one ear)!
I'm currently working on slimming down my wardrobe to a few color coordinated outfits that can be worn together along with shoes. I'm not so far off! I do adore earrings, and when I see that I have an excess I give some away. We have an English bulldog whom we spoil with an abundance of toys, but truth be told he really only plays with a few favorites. I think it's time for him to learn to simplify too!
As I continue to simplify my life, my diet has too become more simple. Fresh vegetables fruits, raw green smoothies, and whole grains with the occasional treat (I'm really working on the occasional part!) when I need comfort I remember to seek God, and go within to listen for answers. Reading the word and learning to live in the world but not be of it keeps my head in a good space...
I broke this down to show that things outside of those types of things become wants
I love purging every few months my home of anything I haven't used within the last. Six months. This includes clothes, food, and household things. I feel lighter in body mind and soul after doing this. I'm able to donate and give to others, clear space within our home and really focus on how I'm living.
Society has always told us that more, and bigger are better. We are constantly bombarded with ads on how to make our lives more fulfilled through this product, that car, and heaven forbid we don't have the latest fashions(bags, shoes etc)! So many are still buying into those ideas.
I divided my life into needs and wants. All of my basic needs are currently being met thankfully. I have love of and from our Creator, and love in my life. I have a safe home, fresh food, and water, clothing, you get the point. My secondary needs are also met, being medical, and dental care, medicine and or supplements that help me to meet my health requirements, insurance and things of that nature. I'm fortunate to live where I have easy access to police and fire departments, and other community services.
Anything that falls outside of that circle of listed needs become wants. Here is where I decide that I choose to live simply, free of overstuffed closets and drawers. Free from a home full of things that only serve to gather dust and keep my spirit stifled. Free from needing everything that the outer world tells me will make me happy and my life complete. I chose a few things that I use mostly everyday, such as my bible, vita mix blender, I pad, or phone(though I've never been much of a phone person, I dislike walking around with a phone stuck to one ear)!
I'm currently working on slimming down my wardrobe to a few color coordinated outfits that can be worn together along with shoes. I'm not so far off! I do adore earrings, and when I see that I have an excess I give some away. We have an English bulldog whom we spoil with an abundance of toys, but truth be told he really only plays with a few favorites. I think it's time for him to learn to simplify too!
As I continue to simplify my life, my diet has too become more simple. Fresh vegetables fruits, raw green smoothies, and whole grains with the occasional treat (I'm really working on the occasional part!) when I need comfort I remember to seek God, and go within to listen for answers. Reading the word and learning to live in the world but not be of it keeps my head in a good space...
I broke this down to show that things outside of those types of things become wants
Friday, April 22, 2011
Discussing your choice to go RAW
How Do I Explain My Choices to My Family?’’
Saying that you are “going raw” or have ”gone raw” can be challenging at the best of times, but saying it to your own family – those who have seen you eat all manner of things over the years without issue – is something quite different!
As with all of the suggestions I have shared around social issues and raw food, much of it will come down to the attitude you choose to adopt. Plus it’s as much about what you don’t say as what you do. It’s also about remembering that everyone has an opinion and we all think we’re right. What matters is that you are happy with yours but don’t push it on anyone. That way they won’t push back!
Here follows my top tips for navigating those waters otherwise known as explaining your choices to your family for the first time, or even the umpteenth!
© 2011 Karen Knowler WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Karen Knowler, The Raw Food Coach publishes "Successfully Raw" - a free weekly eZine for raw food lovers everywhere. If you're ready to look good, feel great and create a raw life you love get your FREE tips, tools and recipes now atwww.TheRawFoodCoach.com.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Green Smoothie Living
Tune in to Green Smoothie Queen for fantastic green smoothie prograns, detoxing, recipes and other healthfulriffic information!
www.greensmoothiequeen.com
www.greensmoothiequeen.com
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