Oil Dissolves Oil...Duh!

(Picture from HERE)

When I saw my niece a month ago, I couldn't believe how clean her face was. She had no makeup on, and hardly any acne spots were visible. I was amazed and couldn't help but wonder what she was using on her face. She told me: a mixture of Olive Oil and Caster Oil. I think I was stunned. I had never heard of this before. The concept is that oil dissolves oil....like dissolves like. You are basically using "good oil" to clean out and replace the "bad oil" on your face (acne, blackheads..etc)

I couldn't help but give it a try. She forwarded me the website where she got her information.

simplemom.net has all the information you need to get started. You can go to the exact post HERE

WHAT COMBINATION IS BEST?

Based on your skin type, there are different ratios of oil to use. She says the following:

* normal skin: equal ratio of caster oil (found it in the pharmacy section of walmart) and extra virgin olive oil

*extra oily skin: try three parts caster oil to one part olive oil

* dry skin: one part caster oil to three parts olive oil

David and I just started out with equal parts that we combined in a squirt bottle (found in the cooking section of walmart) and use about a quarter sized drop of our mixture each night.

Instructions:

Rub the oil in your hands and work into all parts of your face. I usually do this for about a minute.

Then take a clean wash cloth and put under the faucet and get it as hot as your hands can handle.. Hold it close to your face and let the steam soak up in your skin. I usually do this twice and then gently wipe off the oil.

If I am in a hurry, I put the oil on my face and then just use the steam in the shower to clean it.

The oil is great to clean off make up and just feels really good.

You can also add a few drops of tea tree essential oil (great antiseptic) in your hand. I just got this today so I will be trying it out this week.

We only need to do it once a day. I usually do it at night and just rinse my face off with water when I wake up.

I will be making up another bottle for my kids to help them keep their skin clean. It is great and my blackheads are slowly going away. I LOVE IT!

Give it a try. It is inexpensive and natural and great for you. Your skin will thank you.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Every Color!

I have wanted to make this post since last year when I first made my own vitamins with my friend Cody. You can find Cody HERE. I took the pictures from her blog to use for today's post.

Our friend Stefanie shared a special formula for making vitamins that she had recieved from a top herbist (is that a word???) in Utah. These are really amazing. I take three every day. I use "00" capsuls.

You can buy all the herbs, capsulator and capsuls from HERE.

You mix two tablespoons of each of the following herbs in a bowl. It is beautiful to see all the colors from different plants that are found all over the world, which God has given us to use to benefit our health. (It's not as pretty once you mix them all up, but this is what it looks

(These will last you a LONG time...so factor that in when you see the cost for all the herbs)

(all of the benefits of these herbs can be found all over the internet. These herbs are not guaranteed to do any of the following and are not intended to replace any medicine or perscriptions without consulting to a physician. I am not an expert, but do want to share what I have learned about these powerful herbs and what is helping me to consistenly feel better)

Alfalfa

can help stomach disorders, supports colon health, detoxifier

Barley

helps maintain steadier blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol due to beta glucan, high in magnesium

Wheat Grass

heavy metal detoxifyer, increases blood flow, aids in digestion

Kelp

lowers LDL cholesterol and blood sugar, lowers breast cancer risk, iodine source

Dulse

protein source, contains at least trace amounts of every dietary mineral, rich in iron and magnesium

Spirulina

complete protein source, alkalizing, blood builder, may help chronic fatigue

Irish moss

soothing effect on mucous membranes through the body and can help fight free radicals

Rose hips

rich source of vitamin C, helps protect cartilage

Beet

contains betaine which helps the liver process fat, contains potassium and cleanses the kidney and gall bladder naturally

Nutritional yeast

helps regulate blood sugar and contains a rich source of B12. also a complete protein, more than any red meat

Cayenne

improves circulation, helps prevent blood clots and lowers cholesterol

Blue violet

anti-inflammatory, blood cleansing properties, anti-cancer herb

Outstraw

increases stamina, lowers cholesterol naturally, and helps with insomnia

Parsley (root and/or leaf)

protects liver and intestines against cancer, eliminates toxins and kidney stones

Ginger

protects digestive tract and liver against toxins and parasites, lowers cholesterol and helps fight infection in the body

Dandelion root

helps liver/gal bladder problems, great herbal diuretic

Carrot (didn't see it on mountain herb today...might have to get from somewhere else)

source of beta carotene, folic acid, B vitamins and liguin, which helps to strengthen immune system

Astragalus

an adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to stress, which supports adrenal function and encourages healthy production of cortisol in the body. Treatment for diabetes and also increases T cells in the body that destroy foreign cancer cells.

soo beautiful before it is mixed up

all mixed up and in the capsules.

Family Party Idea!

David and I hosted our Hunt family dinner on Sunday. This included all of David's nieces and nephews at BYU, their spouses, his sister Marissa and their family, and his brother David and their family....which amounted to about 25 people, give or take.

I wanted to make something easy, but yummy and healthy at the same time that could feed a crowd! David and I ended up making a vegan chili and had cooked sweet potatoes and russet potatoes for people to pick from. I also made fresh sourdough bread for those that wanted it.

We then had a large (and I mean large) bowl of mixed green, lettuce, spinach, and broccoli slaw tossed together. We asked everyone to bring their favorite veggie toppings and ended up with: carrots, celery, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, croutons, cheese, broccoli, grated cheese, tomatoes, pasta salad, eggs, bacon bits and I cant even remember the rest. Everyone had the freedom to choose what they wanted. The amount of the meat at the party was very minimal and if you didn't want it, you didn't have to have any! Some people just had a salad bar, some people had a salad potato, some just had a baked potato with chili, and some like me had a little bit of everything. I made a balsamic dressing that fed everyone (I doubled the recipe from HERE). Next time I will try THIS dressing!

"The Best Vegetarian Chili in the World"

from Allrecipes. com....HERE

Adapted by me

(this made a ton...enough to freeze and have for leftovers for the week)

Ingredients:

1 T. olive oil

1 sweet onion, diced

4 large bay leaves

3 T. ground cumin

1 T. sea salt

4 stalks celery, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 small cans, fire-roasted chopped green chilies

3 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes, crushed in blender

2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes (I use low sodium)

1 small can tomato sauce

1/4 C.-1/3 C. chili powder

1 T. black ground pepper

2 Cans kidney beans, drained

2 Cans garbanzo beans, drained

2 Cans black beans, drained

1-2 Cans whole kernel corn, drained (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and add everything through the salt. Cook and stir until onion is getting soft.

2. Mix in everything from celery through green chilies. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes

3. Add tomato's and sauce. Add chili powder and pepper. Stir in all the beans. Bring to a boil, turn to low and let simmer for at least 45 minutes. If you add corn, add just for a few minutes at the end. YUM!

Picture from HERE

(This is what my chili looked like, minus the zucchini. I think I will try the recipe from the link above. It is a Martha Stewart recipe)

It's fun when people show up to a party, when the counter is covered with veggies, like this. Every color of the rainbow. When you ask people to bring their favorite, then they will at least have something they like!
Picture from HERE

Next time, you invite people over, offer many choices and be pleasantly surprised what people put on their plate! Offering a large variety of vegetables allows people to eat what they are comfortable with, as well as maybe getting them to try something new! It's also great for kids to feel empowered by getting to choose the veggies they want. My kids love adding their own toppings.

Do you know where your food comes from?

Whatever way you choose to eat, I do believe it is important to know where your food comes from and become educated about the food industry and some of the politics behind it (like who indorses the food pyramid we teach our kids about at school???? most likely the meat and dairy industry). Until I watched, Food, Inc I was really oblivious to a lot! Not that I didn't care, I just didn't know. I watched this almost 2 years ago which is what got David and I thinking more about what we are buying and which companies we are supporting.

I highly recommend watching Food Inc. if you get a chance. You can see it on Netflix. HERE is a list of other food documentaries you may be interested in.

My other tid bit this morning is about eggs. I do love to eat eggs. I am now buying my eggs from a local lady I found on the Internet. Doing a search on Craigs list takes a matter of minutes and you should be able to find someone fairly close to you selling free-range, organic eggs. Once you buy them, open them up and compare them to an egg from Costco! My kids and I did this and they were so amazed to see the different yoke color from a free range egg which is bright orange vs. the light pale yellow color of the Costco egg. The taste is amazing also!

Here is an article you can read about eggs. I didn't know cage-free, did not mean free range! Very interesting and it only takes a few minutes to read. You can find the article HERE!

I have enjoyed supporting my local farmers and my cute egg lady, Una! Educate yourself and figure out what is important to you and your family!

Vitamineral Green

If you haven't heard of this stuff before, it is amazing! It is concentrated green super foods! This is my key to get through the winter without getting sick. I even have one out of my three children who will take it now. For my older daughter, I will be making capsules for her, because she can swallow pills.

I have even talked with a lady I know that lived solely off of this for two weeks and she did it! For food storage purposes, she has now added this to her storage supply and feels that if we are in an extreme situation without fresh foods, this will give your body all the greens it needs to stay healthy and thrive!

From the bottle itself:

100% actual food
100% super food
Gluten-free
Yeast free
100% focused: not diluted with grains, beans, seeds, fibers, fruits, fillers

100% pure raw vegan
massive probiotics
glass bottle and oxygen absorber preserves nutrients, enzymes and probiotics

This one 5.3 oz bottle contains:
from the land:
nettle leaf, shavegrass, alfalfa leaf juice, dandelion leaf juice, barley grass juice, oat grass juice, barley grass, wheat grass, American basil, holy basil, morinca lead, yacon leaf, nopal cactus, chickweed, ginger root, broccoli juice, kale juice, spinach juice, parsley juice, carob pod and amla berry.

from the waters:
spirulina and chlorella.

from the oceans:
iceland kelp, dulse, nori, alaria, bladderwrack.

enzymes:
protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, bromelain, papain, alpha-galactosidase.

probiotics: 10 million per 2 tablespoons


This is not the best taking stuff, so if you can't handle it with water, mix it in a little of your smoothie and chug it, or put it in capsules, using a capsulator.

I started with a teaspoon and am now up to a tablespoon. For the winter, I will consume this and my apple cider vinegar concoction (found here).

Getting a cold? Try this,,,,,

I sent the following info to one of my dearest friends in the whole world and thought I would share.
After Easter, and all the candy, both of my girls started to get sick..within 48 hours of each other. The following remedies worked for both of them. My youngest took about a day to feel better and my older daughter...it only took a few hours!
I love finding amazing things that God has given us that help our bodies heal and stay healthy.
So...here you go (this info is taken from my book, Looking Younger, Living Longer):

1. Grapefruit seed extract (anti-microbial):
*It is a powerful, broad-spectrum anti-microbial that is being used to fight many types of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and other microbes.
*It is nontoxic, even to pregnant women and children.
*Kills candida, staph, salmonella, strep, and e. coli.
*great for urinary tract infections
*Does not harm beneficial bacteria in digestive tract
*can be used internally and externally
*Can be used as a disinfectant around the house (more effective than bleach)
*can gargle AND swallow it
Dosage: Adults- 5 to 15 drops in a glass of juice or water, one to three times a day. You can also gargle this for a sore throat
Children: Take 1 to 3 drops in juice or water, one to three times daily
You can buy it HERE!

2. Thymus (immune system enhancer)*the thymus gland has a lot of responsibility and is often times overwhelmed.
*taking thymus extract strengthens the thymus gland.
*the thymus gland is the "school and factory" for lymphocytes-the white blood cells responsible for the immunological reaction in the body. Lymphocytes come to the thymus from the bone marrow. Under the influence of the thymus hormones, these cells mature, then leave the thymus and settle in the lymph nodes and the spleen, where they give rise to other generations of lymphocytes called T cells. The thymus continues to secrete hormones and to train and export T cells until later in life. The thymus gland then prepares the T cells to destroy foreign cells. This role is called immunological surveillance, and is directly concerned with resistance to infections and cancers.
Dosage:
Adults: Take 3 tablets, four times a day when you first feel sick. Shouldn't need to take this for more than a day or two
Children: Take 1 tablet, opened into a glass or water, one time a day
You can buy it HERE

3. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can see my post about this powerful stuff here!
I also made my "sick-free" concoction using apple cider vinegar here!
Dosage:
Adults-Take 1 T. a day for maintenece
Children: I give my kids at least 1 t. when they are first showing signs of sickness.

4. Chlorella
I have mentioned this already HERE, but here is a quick re cap:
*highest form of chlorophyll...stronger than wheat grass
*superior nutritional support
*removes chemicals and heavy metals from the body
*provides critical nutritional support
*promotes normal blood pressure levels
*cholesterol cutting super-food, also increases blood vessel elasticity
*regulates digestion
*anti-cancer properties
Dosage:
Adults: take 1 t. a day. This stuff, in the powdered form, is NASTY! I mix 1 t. with my 1 T. of apple cider vinegar in a little of my smoothie and down it every day.
You can buy it HERE:

When my kids were sick, I gave them a little bit of smoothie and added the grapefruit seed extract, the thymus capsule and the apple cider vinegar all in one. They took it...only crying for a second.

It was amazing to see them get better so quickly! It is fun to make a difference in the lives of my children.

Day 11 of my Nutritarian Experiment

So, I haven't blogged everyday like I was hoping, but other things take priority in my life besides blogging. But on this day 11, I thought I would give you all an update. Since, last Monday, I have lost 4 pounds! Pretty awesome, if I do say so myself, but that is not what it exciting...

Last week was rough for me..I won't lie! This week....completely AMAZING!!! My body asks for for nutrient-dense foods and when I deliver...I am rewarded. Today I probably had my hardest triathalon class I can remember...and I wanted to keep going.

It is soo nice to feel strong..to feel happy..to feel relaxed...to feel energized...to feel at peace...to know that I am doing a great thing for myself and for my family!

The coolest part is...is that I feel like I am helping people. I have had a few people email me with some more specific questions, a few phone calls, and a few people knock on my door wanting to learn what I have learned...and I am happy to share. Happy to share a message of success, of longevity, a message of renewed balance and especially, ENERGY!

Have the STRENGTH to branch out and BE BRAVE...be brave to do something that others laugh at, and many don't understand...They only tease you or don't understand, because they lack the knowledge that you have...the knowledge to live a disease-free life!

WE have a huge choice to make while we are on this earth...to LIVE or DIE? You get to pick the path you are on...even if you are sick...even if you are in chronic pain and you can't see an end to your suffering...you still get to choose at this very moment if you are fighting and doing everything in your power to LIVE!

I CHOOSE TO:

If what I say isn't enough, here is what DR .FUHRMAN says about increasing your life span:

High-nutrient, low-calorie eating results in dramatic increases in life span as well as prevention of chronic illnesses. From rodents to primates, we see:

1. Resistance to experimentally induced cancers
2. Protection from spontaneous and genetically predisposed cancers
3. A delay in the onset of late-life diseases
4. Nonappearance of atherosclerosis and diabetes
5. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL
6. Improved insulin sensitivity
7. Enhancement of the energy-conservation mechanism, including reduced body temperature (i can tell mine is lower now..which is awesome for an athlete, because it gives you that extra allowance to push yourself that you competitor might not have)
8. Reduction in oxidative stress
9. Reduction in parameters of cellular again, including cellular congestion
10. Enhancement of cellular repair mechanisms, including DNA repair enzymes
11. Reduction in inflammatory response and immune cell proliferation
12. Improved defenses against environmental stress
13. Suppression of the genetic alterations associated with aging
14. Protection of genes associated with removal of oxygen radicals
15. Inhibited production of metabolites that are potent cross-linking agents
16. Slowed metabolic rate

The link between thinness and longevity, and obesity and a shorter life span, is concrete." (Eat to Live, pg. 27)

Difference between Cacao and Cocoa

(Inside a Cacao Pod)

What is the difference between these two? Some might say that it is just a spelling error...indeed it is not! Since I just posted an awesome raw chocolate milkshake using cacao, I thought I better clarify. Here is what I found from answers.com. There are explanations all over the web, but this one is pretty straight forward, so here you go:

Theobroma cacao (Cacao Tree) is the tree from which the cacao bean comes. Cacao beans are found inside the "fruit" of the tree, pods about the size of a football.

Cocoa is what the beans are called once they have been cleaned, roasted and processed. Cacao is the same bean but still in the raw state, uncooked and unprocessed.

The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbency capacity) value (basically a way to measure antioxidants) breaks down as this, per 100 grams:
1. Raw Cacao powder: 95,500
2. Raw Cacao nibs: 62, 100
3. Roasted COCOA powder: 26,000

Raw cacao is comprised of over 300 compounds including: carbs, protein, fat, fiber, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium and sulfur.

Cacao, once cooked and processed, becomes Cocoa powder and it loses much of its nutritional goodness by the heating process. Once milk is added the antioxidant levels drop dramatically. This is what you find in the popular chocolate bars and candies.

In the United States, cacao is often referred to simply as cocoa, which leads to the confusion as to the difference between the two.

Read this information HERE.

Breathe!

Paul Bragg said, " Breathing deeply, fully and completely energizes the body, calms the nerves, fills you with peace and helps keep you youthful."

What is the most important chemical in our bodies? OXYGEN! If we do not have oxygen, we will die! I love this chapter on Breathing in my book, Looking Younger& Living Longer. Here are some tips from my book about breathing, which have really helped me relax and stay calm, especially when I start feeling stressed out. Those of us with Adrenal Fatigue need to constantly remember to breathe and to keep calm our bodies, our minds and even our spirits. Here are my favorite excerpts from this chapter: * The main function of oxygen is purification. *Most people are shallow breathers. They get oxygen into the upper regions of the lungs but seldom get sufficient oxygen into the deep lower regions of the lungs. They become oxygen-starved and pale and lack energy and go-power. Good posture is important to correct breathing. Posture affects the chest and chest walls. Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 breathing exercise: Although you can do this exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. HOW TO TIPS: Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your your mouth around your tongue. Try pursing your lips if this seems awkward. (I know this seems weird, but it works...it just doesn't look pretty :)

1. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of "4"

3. Hold your breath for a count of "7"

4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of "8"

5. This is one breath.

Repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths

If you don't let it go, this is what happens...we really do start to unravel!

Four Thieves Formula

(Info taken from http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/)

The Legend of the Four Thieves Vinegar:

"One version goes that in the 1630's, when the plague was raging in France, the town of Toulouse was beset with looters. Four looters were apprehended, but rather than punish them, the judge offered them a deal. Amazed at their continued health after wandering through homes and businesses abandoned by their terrified owners, the judge offered to let the thieves go if they gave him the secret of their resistance to the plague.

What was their famous secret? It was a vinegar made from thyme, rosemary, sage and lavender. This infusion was termed thieves vinegar. Although garlic was added to the mixture later, the basic infusion became famous and was used throughout Europe for hundreds of years, both internally and externally, to provide protection from the dreaded plague.

There are a number of recipes for the Four Thieves formula.

The original probably went something like this:

equal parts thyme, rosemary, sage and lavender. Place them in a gallon of vinegar and seal and put in a dark place for 6 weeks. Afterwards, strain into a clean bottle. This can also be used as a disinfectant.

The version I made was given to me by my friend, Stefanie. Here is what we did:

Take one gallon of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. You can read more about the benefits of this vinegar HERE on a previous post. Pour off 3 cups and put in another jar.

In the gallon container, with the rest of the vinegar, add:

1 1/2 C. fresh onions, chopped

1/2 C. chopped fresh ginger

1/3-1/2 C. chopped garlic

cayenne to taste...start with a teaspoon..depending on the heat unit of your Cayenne

Let sit for a week to 10 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally.

Strain and discard solids. I put my "Thieves" solution in the above gallon glass jar.

Take 1 tablespoon a day (1 t. for kids) to enhance immune system.

(A note on onions and garlic: "They are packed with compounds called allyl sulfides that are thought to actually de-activate cancer-causing chemicals and well as slow down proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, they provide heart-disease protection by reducing cholesterol and keeping blood from clumping on artery walls, and may boost the immune system and have an antibacterial effect"-from Looking Younger and Living Longer by Mary Roberts Smith)

(A note on Cayenne: "It has antibiotic properties and is nutritional as well and medicinal. It builds up the body's resistance and since it is antibiotic and is high in Vitamin C, it is good to take at the first symptom of a cold. In can increase energy, and is the best general stimulant of the body and organs. It also helps improve the entire circulatory system." Mary Roberts Smith)

*****This stuff is very powerful! This is 100 times stronger than the vinegar by itself. I have been drinking apple cider vinegar everyday by itself..straight up. I tried to do it with this stuff...and

WOW!!! I now add it to a tiny 1/4 C. of my morning green smoothie and then drink it down!

This REALLY will help you, with everything else you are doing, to not get sick...Give it a try! Just don't let your kids think it is apple juice...cause that is what it looks like, especially in the jar I have!

What is a nutritarian?

I don't like labels and they way I am choosing to live is no exception, but as I have been doing some more research lately, I figured out that what I am trying to do with my family truly does have a name and that is Nutritarian. (I got the following information from: HERE). This website states:
What is a Nutritarian?

"A Nutritarian is a person who takes interest in the nutritional quality of their diet. A person who strives to eat a diet containing highly nutritious foods.

This person chooses foods that are high in a wide spectrum of micro nutrients per calorie. Foods that are exceptionally nutrient dense and therefore promote disease resistance and longevity are: vegetables (especially green vegetables), beans and seeds.

These foods are all rich in vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients that properly nourish the body so the body can maximize it's self-repairing abilities and combat disease.

A high-nutrient diet takes away addictions, cravings and curtails overeating behavior. It is the PERMANENT solution to weight control and great health."

A Nutritarian Food Pyramid:

Please click on "HERE" above to find out more information if you are interested. Eating and living like this, is NOT a diet. This is a way of life to help prevent disease and to live your lfe with optimal health. I think most of my recipes fit in this category.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman, I believe, is really the one that has coined the title "Nutritarian." You has been seen on Dr. OZ and various other shows and has written some amazing books. I have not read them completely, but I have browsed through them. You can watch a short Nutritarian video on his website HERE. He has written:

Eat to Live, which I just ordered on Amazon (if you order it, make sure you are getting the updated copy) and his two part series: Eat for Health.

In a nutshell, Dr. Fuhrman says (which is very similar to Original Fast Foods, my FAVORITE BOOK) to aim for:
1 pound of raw vegetables a day
1 pound of cooked vegetables a day
1 cup of beans daily
1 ounce of nuts/seeds every day
3-4 servings of fruit a day
limit starchy vegetables and grains
no fruit juices or dairy products
if you choose to eat meat, only a few ounces per week.

I believe he says to do this for 6 weeks. This can totally eliminate food addictions and cravings if you can do this. One of my good friends, Elisha Exon is trying this way of eating for eight weeks. She is documenting her experience on her website: http://www.motivatedmamas.net/. You can read about her "Nutritarian Experiment" HERE.

I think I might join her on his experiment. Even though I eat really well, there is always room for improvement and its really helpful to your body to be able to limit any form of sugar, even agave and honey, for a while to help your body (and your brain) overcome and dependance it thinks it has and to, in a sense, cleanse itself.

If anyone is serious about this, or has more questions, please send me a message. You can also email me: leannahunt@gmail.com. I really suggest getting Dr. Fuhrman's book Eat to Live to give you the complete guide...which will start you on your Nutritarian Journey...which will hopefully last a lifetime.

What is Nutritional Yeast?

"Nutritional Yeast" is different from baker's yeast. N.Y. is non-active (meaning it doesn't react to sugar, like normal yeast does). It has a cool flavor..kind of cheesy and a little nutty.

Nutritional Yeast contains 18 amino acids, making it a complete protein. It also has over 15 essential minerals. It is great for vegetarians because it is one of the only food sources that contains a good amount of vitamin B12. (It is also rich in other B-complex vitamins).

If you are diabetic, or borderline, nutritional yeast may be helpful. N.Y. contains chromium, a trace mineral known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). It may also help those with low blood pressure.

I sprinkle it on my kids popcorn, have used it in THIS pasta and in this dish.

Sucanat

The following information is from http://www.wisegeek.com/

"Sucanat is a minimally refined form of cane sugar. The process for making Sucanat starts out like that used for other forms of cane sugar, with the harvesting of the sugar canes. The canes are cut, leaving the roots behind so that they will sprout new canes in the coming year, and then they are crushed in a mangler which extracts their naturally sweet juice. If the sugar was going to be refined, the juice would be run through an evaporation process which included measures for purification, and in this process, much of the natural molasses would be extracted..

Sucanat is simply heated and them allowed to cool, forming granular crystals of what is basically dried sugar cane juice. Hence the name Su (sugar) Ca (cane) Nat (natural).

Because it does retain the molasses, it can have a very strong distinct flavor. It is grainy, rather than crystalline. It also contains less sucrose, because it has not been purified...white sugar contains the most sucrose....and is mostly ALL sucrose."

It has been fun to experiment with. Some suggest that it doesn't work well with citrus and chocolate flavors. I haven't gone there yet, but I do know that it is awesome with natural peanut butter. My family adores these simple, delicious, gluten-free cookies:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

from: http://www.deliciouslyorganic.net/

In bowl, mix:

1 C. natural salted peanut butter (if not salted, add a little sea salt)

3/4 C. sucanat

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 C. fruit-sweetened chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together with a hand mixer. Should make about 15 cookies. I like to use a scooper to put them on my cookie sheet and then make a criss-cross on them with my fork, to kind of flatten them out.

Bake for 9 minutes. Let them cool before you take them off the cookie sheet. Enjoy!

I want to be healthier, but where do I start?

The first book I read about improving myself through nutrition since being diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue was Looking Younger and Living Longer by Mary Robert Smith, N.D. I love her list for overall improved health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, this is a great place to start...a great place to refer to and it is manageable.
It is important to add one new thing at a time, or you will feel frustrated and more likely to give up, then if you are slow and steady. If you are in a hurry, print out this list and read it and reread it! I am still working on this and feel like I can almost do everything on the list without ever thinking twice, but it was been 3 months. The following info has really been life-changing.

Here is what she recommends to rebuild your body-the anti-aging program:

1. Unprocessed foods. Eat fruit and veggies and raw nuts, organically grown (or local) as much as possibly. Highly-refined and processed foods are robbed of the essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes necessary for good health. Many contain MSG or other harmful chemicals.

2. Protein. Protein intake is important, but animal protein has been linked to cancer. Plant proteins are healthier and safer. If you have a protein deficiency, your ability to metabolize toxins is diminished. Complete proteins are necessary for muscle building:
a. Meat: Eat meat sparingly, if at all. When you do eat meat, make it grass-fed beef, with no hormones or antibiotics. Cook meat on low heat, as protein is injured by prolonged, high heat.

b. Dairy: Commercial dairy contains more "casein" then we should ever consume. My idea: Try using raw milk and raw cheese, which means it is unprocessed and from grass-fed, healthy cows. Cage free hens are healthier chickens and will produce healthier eggs. If possible, buy eggs from hens fed on flax seed. They are full of the omega 3 fatty acids. Get fermented yogurt with lactobacillus acidophilus and other friendly bacteria that aid in your digestion and improve your immune function.

c. Legumes: Beans, including soy, are the best source of protein with no bad fast or bacteria to worry about. Plant based proteins are "safe" proteins. You can combine beans with any of the following to make a complete protein: cheese, corn, nuts, rice, seeds, or wheat. You can combine rice with any of the following to make a complete protein: beans, cheese, nuts, sesame seeds or wheat.

d. Nuts and seeds: Raw and unsalted are best. Keep in the freezer and bring out in small amounts, if left out, they can become rancid.

3. Fruits and Vegetables, organically grown. Fruits are vegetables are full of antioxidants, which are an important key to living longer. They should be the basis of your diet. (I try to eat now at least 1 pound of raw vegetables..usually more.)

4. Use 100% wholegrain cereals, breads, flours, and brown rice. They contain important B complex vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and the important unsaturated fatty acids. Whole grains will increase your intake of chromium and other trace minerals essential for immune function and blood sugar regulation.

5. Use cold-pressed virgin olive oil and coconut oil. These are an excellent source or the healthy, essential, unsaturated fatty acids, which are absolutely essential to good health. Replace butter or shortening with coconut oil in your baking and frying. It is great tasting, does not burn at high heat.

6. Juice. Get a juicer, and use it. You can get such a high concentration of vitamins and minerals in a glass of juice. Be sure to have at least one glass every day, preferably a green drink. Whenever you are ill, it would be wise to drink only juices until you feel better.

7. Drink at least 8 glasses or pure filtered water daily, preferably ten. Dehydration is a major cause of disease. Water delivers nutrients around the body, regulates body temp and transports waste

8. Drink a honey vinegary drink daily. This is made with 8 oz. pure water with 1-2 t. pure apple cider vinegar (Braggs), 1-2 t. honey. This drink will give your body the potassium it needs, keep your pH balance where it should be, and keep your arteries clean.

9. Take a natural whole food supplement. And make sure you are getting at least 1,100 IU vitamin D and 1200 mgs of Calcium to prevent the risk of cancer.

10. Drink Aloe Vera Juice every day. Aloe juice will help your digestion, and is also very healing to your body. 2 ox. or juice once or twice daily. Make sure it is whole leaf aloe with no fillers in it!

11. Take a chlorella supplement. This will increase your energy noticeable. Most nutritionists recommend taking a green supplement. Chlorella is superior to all of them (meaning wheat grass juice, barley grass, spirulina or chlorella).

12. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise makes your brain grow, helps prevent cancer and heart disease

13. Deep breathe. Take cleansing breaths every day, in fresh air, while you walk and before going to sleep to relax and induce sleep.

Email me with any questions: leannahunt@gmail.com. I would love to talk to you about any thing!

Share What You Learn With Others

I have found that ever since I have started learning more about "whole food" eating, at times I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information I have. Part of the reason why I started this blog, is not only to journal my thoughts, recipes and write down info I learn, but to share with others the knowledge I am gaining every day. I have learned that it is important to share your information with others...whether it is a blog, sending an email to your loved ones with a great recipe you like, trying to convince your significant other to read a great part of your book (not very likely with a busy hubby like me) or getting together with other people that are on the same journey you are. I have found a few other women who are also on their own quest and we have decided to get together a few times each month to share what we are learning, to talk about the things that work and the things that don't, to laugh, to eat beautiful whole foods, and to give each other encouragement along the way..

Last week, Cody and Marie (both girls that are doing the half-ironman with me in June) came over to talk about our little adventure, to talk about our week, and to of course, eat yummy food.

Cody, finishing our fabulous meal...thanks for the menu ideas!

Here is what we made:

Spinach Soup
(from Cooking Light..fresh, fast food: weeknight meals)

2 t. olive oil

1 1/2 C. chopped onion

2 C. organic veggie broth

1 C. diced Yukon Gold potato

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach

1/2 C. real sour cream

1 t. grated lemon rind

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in pan and saute onion. Add broth and next three ingredients.

2. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer 8 minutes until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add spinach; cover and cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts

3. Place soup in high powered blender (if not high powered, divide it up). Add sour cream and blend.

4. Pour soup into four bowls. Top with grated lemon rind and a sprinkle of some raw cheese!

5. Smile and savor every delicious bite

(119 Calories per bowl, 4.7 grams fat)

Orange and Bulgar Salad (Didn't have beets so we used a different root vegetable)

1 3/4 C. water
1 C. uncooked Bulgar
1 Medium beet, peeled
2 navel oranges
parsley vinaigrette:

2 T. chopped parsley, 2 T. red wine vinegar, 2 T. olive oil, 1/2 t. salt, 1/4 t. pepper

Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil; stir in Bulgar. Cover, remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes.

2. Roast beet in over (or microwave if you are short on time. You can do this by covering beet with three damp paper towels and put in on a plate. Microwave for 6 minutes or until tender)

3. While beet cooks, peel oranges, cutting crosswise to make wagon wheel slices. Cut beet into moon shaped sliced.

4. Place Bulgar on four plates, top with oranges, beets, crumbled cheese and parsley vinaigrette

(301 Calories, 13.6 g. fat for salad. 63 Calories for salad, 7 g. healthy fat!)

Marie, Me and Cody

To keep on your "healthy" path:

1. share something you learned with someone else

2. tell youself it is worth the journey, even when it is hard

3. write down your impressions about what you read and learn from others

4. share something yummy you make with a friend and laugh throughout your meal

5. realize you are doing something amazing for yourself and your family

6. become an expert about one thing at a time...take it slow

7. if you get frustrated, don't go buy a costco pizza, take a break, pick yourself up and try again

8. remember you aren't alone....EVER!

9. smile everytime you try something new that works

10. accept the statement "I AM WORTH IT!" and more importantly live like you are!

Rotating Your Greens

I just learned that it is important to rotate the greens you are using, not only in your salads, but in your smoothies as well. When we eat the same greens all the time (like I was used to only lettuce and spinach), your body will get the same nutrients and more importantly, each different green has certain amount of alkaloids built in, that when eaten at too high of quantities, acts like a poison.

This makes so much sense to me. No wonder that animals grazing are always moving around to different plants...they know that they can not eat too much of one type of green. Our bodies are the same way. I believe this is God's way of allowing the greens to replenish. If a certain type of greens were consumed depleted, they wouldn't be able to regenerate.

If you are like me, and just used to putting spinach in your smoothie, here are a few other greens to try. Some are certainly stronger than others, but usually taste fine when mixed with fruit and a little stevia. Here are some other greens to try!

Kale

Collard Greens

Swiss Chard

Mustard Greens

Sunflower Sprouts

Dandelion Greens

What is the difference between Chlorella and Chlorophyll?

You may be thinking to yourself, I don't even know what those are...let alone the difference.

Well, here it is:

By definition, Chlorophyll is: any of a group of green pigments that are found in the chloroplasts of plants and in other photosynthetic organisms.

I have been reading about Chlorella, but wasn't sure how this differs from Chlorophyll...
Well...after doing some research, I have added Chlorella to my top list of things to feed my body for optimal health and nutrition. (I will be posting Leanna's Longevity List later this week).

I did a little research and found out:

*Chlorella is the highest natural source of chlorophyll (even more than wheat grass and alfalfa)
*Chlorella is a whole food (no other vitamin or mineral can ever replace the value of a whole food. definition of a whole food: a whole entire organism in it's entirety)
*contains up to 10 more times Chlorophyll than spirulina
*Chlorella is effective in dextoxifying the body
*it is used to cleanse the body of metals and chemical pollutants
*is a single cell, fresh water green micro-algae
*can bring balance to your body
* has the ability to absorb pesticides as they enter your body
After reading and researching, with the advise of others I trust, I will be trying Sun Chlorella. You can read about this amazing substance and purchase it HERE!

You can find answers to some common questions about Chlorella HERE.

Stevia

When I first heard about STEVIA, I really don't know much about it or why I would want to use it. I went to the health food store to try to find it and realized it was NOT by the other sugars...I was confused, because I was told I could find it in a store that sold "healthy" products. I asked someone to help me, and the lady said, "Oh, you won't find it over here...you have to get it from the supplement section." I was confused, but bought it anyway. Now I know why. Here is an excerpt from Raw Food, Real World about stevia:

"Stevia is a native South American herb that is cousin to the chrysanthemum, contains no sucrose. Instead, it has glycosides, which burst on the palate like an Olympic runner hits the track. The flavor of stevia is approx. 300 percent sweeter than conventional sugar; so the proverb "a little goes a long way" definitely applies here...

Because it has NO effect on the blood sugar, stevia is a wonderful addition to the pantry of the raw foodist as well as anyone suffering from diabetes, yeast diseases like candidiasis, or gum disease...

Unlike saccharine and aspartame, all natural stevia (go figure) is not approved for commercial use as a sweetener, as it's not yet very widely distributed."

This is why you have to find it in the supplement section. David and I enjoy a tiny drop (remember it's CRAZY sweet) in our tea at night and I add a full droperful to my SMOOTHIE!

It's funny, because I am now adding less fruit to my smoothie and more vegetables. I now add an entire zucchini, 2 cups of spinach, at least one cup of kale, some frozen fruit, all the other goodies (click on SMOOTHIE up above to see what I am talking about) and some stevia. This keeps me full all morning and gives me great natural energy!

So...when you go to your health food store, make sure to ask someone in the supplement section where the Stevia is.