tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48751818205471530812024-03-05T17:04:40.294-08:00Kitchen GreenieMy goal is to help motivate, inspire and encourage you to eat more living foods, to give you health,and lifestyle advice that will have you feeling really good again. Whether you need an energy boost or just to find a better way to manage your day, I hope the advice offered here will help you to achieve these goals.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-47079491564868110122014-12-03T06:17:00.000-08:002014-12-03T06:17:45.596-08:00I don't know what to say...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRq5ULxmoVM3AboHS38l2UV7IiZrOxA3URJN83hmoO-7edpH0slx9lVdp_V0kxBb3cOL32mzItXX48bChlZJjaldLt2R_nG2PEfUb7B52SjNbhtV7olL9QaLJC6B9UdKCwUaipFMuVtiw/s1600/Lemon+Treats+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRq5ULxmoVM3AboHS38l2UV7IiZrOxA3URJN83hmoO-7edpH0slx9lVdp_V0kxBb3cOL32mzItXX48bChlZJjaldLt2R_nG2PEfUb7B52SjNbhtV7olL9QaLJC6B9UdKCwUaipFMuVtiw/s1600/Lemon+Treats+001.JPG" height="221" title="Lovely and Light, Lemon Treats." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely and Light, Lemon Treats.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Is definitely a first for me!</span><br />
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I know it has been too long since I wrote an update, but I do have a good reason. I am in the process of changing the name of my blog and am working on this for the moment. However, I apologies for taking my eye off the KG ball and so by way of making it up to you, I hope you like the recipe below.<br />
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I will post another one for my very favourite raw fudge soon so please do check back in.<br />
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Bon appetite!<br />
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<b><u>Lemon Treats<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Makes about 28 treats. </div>
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Tart lemon, nutty walnuts and sesame seeds,
rich coconut and smooth, sweet dates come together to make these incredibly
refreshing treats.</div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 cup chopped pitted dates</div>
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1 cup raw walnuts</div>
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1 cup sesame seeds</div>
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¼ cup lemon juice</div>
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2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon
zest (organic)</div>
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<b>How to make them…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Place dates, walnuts, sesame
seeds, lemon juice and zest in a food processor. Pulse and blend until
completely combined and smooth. The
mixture will be slightly sticky. With dampened hands, roll tablespoons of the
mixture into balls. Roll in coconut and
chill until ready to serve. Super easy and super tasty!</div>
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Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-91086119988871617902014-07-12T02:43:00.000-07:002014-07-12T02:43:03.439-07:00Calling 5 Guinea Pigs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OM_eLF5qxuWUdkMdASBNz-ylsojFg8xIPDX4o3VqsYkxgQtJo0qMnLSGAUiugb9YqKdsgDs108OS1LXOiwNhELlZc-tsYBg_XLV4CnlTcQKqjNcGjuvH3QfBOYBSixbUe9sjZJcqNuAz/s1600/LavendarEssentialOils660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OM_eLF5qxuWUdkMdASBNz-ylsojFg8xIPDX4o3VqsYkxgQtJo0qMnLSGAUiugb9YqKdsgDs108OS1LXOiwNhELlZc-tsYBg_XLV4CnlTcQKqjNcGjuvH3QfBOYBSixbUe9sjZJcqNuAz/s1600/LavendarEssentialOils660.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have been using essential oils for over 20 years. They made as much sense to me then as they do now. I dabbled with different oils over the years but eventually trained as an aromatherapist in 1997. Although I have used many different brands, I still haven't settled on any one in particular. Where possible, I have used organic oils because of their purity and quality but I have also come to learn that it is really important to use oils of therapeutic grade to achieve real benefits. </div>
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I was recently approached by someone who wanted me to look at taking on a new range of essential oils. At first, I was put off because the oils are sold through an Multi Level Marketing business model (pyramid style scheme). However, the oils and their stories of success in healing a myriad of different health challenges are very compelling and this company wants to separate themselves from all the others out there in terms of how they do business. So, what I have decided to do is to put them on trial. I would like to look for 5 guinea pigs to test the oils on. I would like to be clear here and say that it will be both external and internal application. This is one of the only aromatherapy companies that are claiming that their oils are safe for internal use (I know that that comment will have some aromatherapists up in arms but I am merely quoting the company's claims here).</div>
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So, if you have a health condition that you would like some help with and you would like to try a natural health alternative, then please, contact me by any of the means outlined here.</div>
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With every good wish,</div>
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Ruth.<br />
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Ps: You will need to be in Ireland for this trial.<br />
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<br />Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-24965078613681983962014-07-01T08:41:00.001-07:002014-07-02T04:10:19.336-07:00Face Lifts and Food<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Face Lift Foods...</span></td></tr>
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I hope the title grabbed you a little. It was meant to. I feel moved to make some inroad into the sticky subject of cosmetic surgery. I can not for the life of me see why someone would want to have needles (and big needles at that) stuck into their beautiful skin to make themselves look younger. I know many people struggle with the idea of getting older and seeing the changes in the mirror that we cannot control, can be really challenging for some. However, to me, injecting fillers and using toxic chemicals to make yourself feel better, really isn't the answer. </div>
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My very first singing teacher told me that her lines and creases were hard earned and she was dammed if she was going to try and get rid of them using some cream! I also met someone recently who asked me if it was not ok to grow old anymore? I agreed with both of these ladies. The cosmetic surgery industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the Western World. I say the Western World because how you look on the outside really is a first world problem, I believe. We have become so fixated with the outside that we rarely take a look to see what is going on on the inside. Please don't get me wrong, I am all for looking well, your best even, but not at any cost. We are the first generation of Botox users and only time will tell what impact this will have on the generations that come after us. How crazy is it that 50 year olds want to look like 35 year olds? I am reminded here of a book called Mutant Message Down Under, where one American woman goes walk about in the Australian Outback with some Aboriginal indigenous tribes. For me, one of the most memorable pieces of that book was when the woman's hair dye was coming out and her hair was changing colour from who knows blonde to brown or grey or brown to grey, however, the shock of the Aborigines was so apparent. They thought she was dying. Her hair was changing colour for no reason (in their eyes). We are not allowed to grow older in our Western World and what a shame that is. We can most definitely shave years off our looks and biological age through diet and adopting certain lifestyle choices and when a person looks younger than their years done through diet and natural techniques, then absolutely wonderful. But these people are rare and have usually dedicated their lives to cleansing and detoxing, which is also not for everyone. If everybody is so afraid of growing and looking older and mums strive to look like their 21 year old daughters, then what's the point to growing old at all? If I could chose this life again, I would chose to live in a society where your gifts and talents where honoured, rather than how you look, which of course, changes naturally with time. I believe that we have lost the ability to respect our elders and listen to the wisdom that they have to offer. If we are still looking outside for our improvements, then we really are in trouble as a generation. Balance and acceptance is the key to being beautiful from the inside out.</div>
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There are lots of blogs on healthy eating, sites on nutrition and experts in the field all claiming to have the answers. However, I have always thought that there was quite a distance to cross from those that eat well and are fairly savvy about the the ins and outs of good, healthy eating to those that don't. After many years of cleansing and watching my own diet, I like to see myself now as someone who follows the 80/20 rule. The 80 is normally good (except on holidays in Italy last week!) and the 20 is bad. How bad? Chips, I love chips! They remind me of nights out when I was younger, trying to get a taxi home from Dublin City Centre and having to wait an eternity for it, so what better way to kill an hour but with a bag of chips! However, as most of you will know and I hope I won't insult anyone's intelligence, but skin is from within so, following the chip diet wouldn't do much for your luminosity and radiance. We must move towards a dose of colourful, watery fruit and veg and healthy fats if we are to truly shine from within. And so, after I have expunged some of my bug bears, I finally move on to the title of this post, Face Lifts and Food.</div>
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The best way to have great looking skin that is still firm well into the years and has good levels of elasticity is to eat the right diet for you. This will mean finding out what foods are supportive of your own personal body and what foods are irritating to it. A good book to read is Peter Dadamo's book, Eat Right for Your Blood Typ. In it he lists the foods that are best suited to each of the blood groups and there are some very eye opening facts to read and learn about. Following my own blood type diet, not too strictly of course, has made a tremendous difference to my own skin. Also, I have found great benefit in knowing your what Ayurvedic constitution you are. For example, if you are prone to overheating, and have a Pitta constitution, you might like to stay away from hot and spicy foods that will cause more heat to build up in your body, which can cause the skin to flush as a way to release this overheating from the system. Foods that support and nurture us are foods that are not overly processed, in their natural state and haven't travelled too far and so will retain many more of their anti-oxidants. Eating foods very high in anti-oxidants will help repair the damage caused by free radicals. The more are tissues are affected by free radicals, the quicker we will age. </div>
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The final point I would like to add about food and ageing is the link between a high carbohydrate, modern Western diet and the ageing of our skin. A diet packed with fizzy drinks, white breads and pastas is a diet full of simple sugars. We release the hormone insulin to deal with this amount of sugar in our bodies. The skin is most definitely affected by too much sugar in the system. When we have too much sugar in our system or a very sudden rise in the levels, a process known as a "glycation reaction" takes place. This causes a material to cross link collagen and elastic fibres. They essentially fuse together and they lose their ability to stretch. When this happens, our skin doesn't bounce back as quickly as it might have and is another reason why eating a more balanced, wholefood, healthier diet is the best way forward if you want to look bright and beautiful well into old age. </div>
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I will be teaching a workshop on this exact subject at Chrysalis this Sunday, 6th July 2014 at The Greystones Holistic Centre, Greystones. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me on any of the usual channels or see the events page on this blog.</div>
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Best wishes,</div>
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Ruth.</div>
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Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-1545141430766563192013-04-24T07:48:00.001-07:002013-04-24T07:48:23.128-07:00Spring is in the Air<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjlRUzGrEg2MeKzE1i95Mw5-5MbW62h3Cyi8CjQq0bpjRsSjEa-gW1q4Fx8FZRnu0bCFpYC87inU03iVsOZ32iynDiOnzn1F205OD_6RSOGLxptbKYqdLABm4YuJQgFtLe6KdoxYI4hyz/s1600/spring_flower_arrangement-normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjlRUzGrEg2MeKzE1i95Mw5-5MbW62h3Cyi8CjQq0bpjRsSjEa-gW1q4Fx8FZRnu0bCFpYC87inU03iVsOZ32iynDiOnzn1F205OD_6RSOGLxptbKYqdLABm4YuJQgFtLe6KdoxYI4hyz/s320/spring_flower_arrangement-normal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a very long, cold and hard Winter, Spring is beginning to show signs of life everywhere. People are coming back to life after being in slumber for what seems like an eternity. You might notice that you want to get off the couch in the evening and put on the jogging shoes or dust off the old, rusty bike at the weekend and get yourself out and about, or what about having that hair cut that you just couldn't get around to last year?? Are you singing up to courses that you have been wanting to attend, but just didn't have the energy or enthusiasm? Yes, that's Spring beginning to speak to each and every body in her own unique way. Bring it on!</div>
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If you haven't not already found yourself looking for more lighter foods like salads or fruit and less potatoes and heavy hot pot style dinners, you will. It is so natural for your body to want to graze on more nutritious, less fatty foods when Spring comes. While my own green smoothies became less and less interesting over the Winter months, and in some cases avoided all together, I can say with gusto that I am finding my love for the green stuff once again. It's like the rekindling of an old love affair...Yum.</div>
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I have also found myself planting my first herbs and edibles over the last few days, something I was not interested in doing since last year. Once again, I find myself only looking to grow plants that I can easily maintain and harvest effortlessly to become a part of my table. Pakchoy was my newest addition and was put in the ground only yesterday. It cost me €1.75 for 4 plants. Such a bargain if you consider that the fully grown ones are about €2.00 and are gone in a flash. These will keep growing until the season is finished. Talk about saving money! I will add these leaves to my smoothies with fruit or juice them on the mornings that I don't want o have too much fibre. Why don't you look for something similar to grow from your nearest garden centre too? They're highly nutritious and are a great way of getting those all important enzymes into your diet. You can use parsley, mint, carrot tops...and the list goes on.</div>
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Tonight, I'm off to mindfulness in the Greystones Holistic Centre. Talk about a challenge. I want to go salsa dancing, but the monkey brain also needs to attending to...choices, choices:-) I'm told it gets easier with practice. The proof of the pudding eh!<br />
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Here's to you knowing exactly what to eat...intuitively!</div>
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Ruth.</div>
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Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-61388921270885914112012-10-31T04:41:00.002-07:002012-10-31T04:41:24.504-07:00<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Juicing 101<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzmnzVGItqQofe1ABqovqh3SPVhvUzUbnE3t6wO1QGIVqmRgBCxeajvUCeHIWjbFYrpqFvNb9LDjtRc-dFdRrFt20Ho5oOv2ETS9xS22XQPEqVK4OPKwlrPtbZf4FpsIgIVb1Hvh7P_Ag/s1600/greenjuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzmnzVGItqQofe1ABqovqh3SPVhvUzUbnE3t6wO1QGIVqmRgBCxeajvUCeHIWjbFYrpqFvNb9LDjtRc-dFdRrFt20Ho5oOv2ETS9xS22XQPEqVK4OPKwlrPtbZf4FpsIgIVb1Hvh7P_Ag/s320/greenjuice.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">There
has been lots of interest in juicing in recent years and deservedly so. Many people replacing several meals per day
with these nutritional power-houses and are reaping the benefits of such a
change. Juicing is honestly one of the quickest ways to supercharge your
vitality. There is however, still some confusion as to what, if any there
difference is between the </span>DIY<span style="font-size: small;"> version and the shop bought ones, plus a few
other misnomers that I would like to clear up once and for all. So, without
further </span>a due<span style="font-size: small;">, here are some answers to the main questions that I am asked on a
regular basis. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fresh Versus Pasteurised.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Yes, there is a difference
between pasteurised and un-pasteurised juice. Fresh juice has active enzymes
and the pasteurised version does not. These active components of fresh juice
are the main reason why juiced fruit and veg only last a short time after being
prepared. Typically this is around 24 hours, after that, the juice will begin
to oxidise. Oxidation is the process where the active enzymes comes into
contact with oxygen and as a result begins to degrade over time. If you’ve ever
cut an apple and left it exposed to the air, you will see it turning brown.
This is the same oxidative process that happens to a fresh juice. There is a
considerable reduction in the quality and enzymatic content once the juice has
been extracted. Shop bought juice, as you can imagine needs some sort of
processing done to it before it is allowed to sit on a supermarket shelve for
days and days. This processing is known as pasteurisation. Pasteurisation is the
process by which the juice or liquid is heated to a very high temperature to
kill off any rouge bacteria that might be lurking about in the liquid. And that
is exactly what it does, however, it also kills off all the enzymes and other
active components leaving it pretty much void of any nutrients. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Juice Contains
No Fibre<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b63gNZD8vXS4hQmx2TD2AHlFhyphenhyphentRXUcFMJUjJu7u9jFpSAhTIi_DTquodz36WYTVVJOGsyWezgHiRP4d8dvVa9Tljh1tXSUj-NwIdFIEbhOhpLpRs7CmB_SSiv0g6mV5u7OLJtmcURO3/s1600/08121185639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8b63gNZD8vXS4hQmx2TD2AHlFhyphenhyphentRXUcFMJUjJu7u9jFpSAhTIi_DTquodz36WYTVVJOGsyWezgHiRP4d8dvVa9Tljh1tXSUj-NwIdFIEbhOhpLpRs7CmB_SSiv0g6mV5u7OLJtmcURO3/s320/08121185639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is true. The juice is almost like the blood of the plants. Once it is once
passed through a juicer, the fibre is removed leaving only the liquid element
behind. You body can easily absorb the nutrients from fresh made juice without
having to go through the lengthy digestive process that eating the whole plant
would involve. This makes light work on the digestive tract, and is an
excellent way to up your nutritional intake, particularly if your digestive
system is functioning below par. Have you ever felt the need to sleep after a
big meal? Not exactly the result eating a meal is meant to achieve, but shows
the power of the digestive process, particularly when it is under siege, well,
juicing is an incredible way to give your body a rest. However, we do need a lot more fibre than we
think so I would not recommend you staying on only juice for a long time. We
really do need fibre and most of us are seriously lacking in the amount we take
in. It is like a magic sponge that mops up all the toxins that are stored in
our colon. The lack of fibre in our western diet is a major cause for concern
and is seriously damaging people’s health. Victoria Boutenko (one of my secret nutritional
heroes) in “Green for Life” recommends people take in at least 30 to 50 grams
per day. We are falling way short of this, with most people closer to 15 grams.
I don’t want to “dis” juicing, but feel that you need to be made aware about
its lack of fibre. More on fibre will be
covered in another post over the coming weeks so watch out for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best Time to Juice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Morning
is definitely the best time to juice. This is because the body has several
different cycles and it is in the morning when the juice will be of most benefit
to you. The body goes into its cleansing and detox cycle at 3am and does not
leave this cycle until noon the following day. During this time, the body is
cleansing and expelling the body of toxins. It is more supportive to your body
to drink fresh juice and have foods with a high water content during this time,
which means a nice, fresh veggie juice is an excellent way to start the day. Examples
of veggies that have a high water content are cucumber and celery. Fruit too
also has a high water (and sugar content too) and don’t forget your leafy
greens. You may have heard that having your biggest meal in the middle of the
day really is better for you but now you know why, it’s because your can digest
it easier. The later the hour in the day that you eat, the more taxing it will
be on your digestive system. If you are going to have a large meal and it is a
late hour and you find your digestive is not what it used to be, then take some
digestive enzymes beforehand. I find these a Godsend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Juicing is Alkalising
to the Body<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
body’s blood has a natural acid/alkaline balance. It is measured on a PH scale
that ranges from zero, with zero being the most acidic to 14, being the most
alkaline. Good health is somewhere between 6.8 and 7.6. Most of the refined foods
we eat, i.e. processed wheat based products, dairy and animal products are all
acid forming to our bodies. When our bodies are too acidic it is Disneyland for
bad bacteria and yeast to survive and thrive. Ideally we are better off
refusing entry to these little nasties. Juicing, particularly green juices are
an excellent way to readdress this balance to more alkaline surroundings. The
reason I mention green juices is that many people are under the illusion that
having mango, pineapple, pear a carrot is a good nutritious juice. It is
certainly better than the shop bought version, but for maximum nutrition, low
GL (glycemic load) and truly healthy juices, you need to get juicing those
leaves and veggies with a smaller amount of fruit. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Different
Veggies You Can Juice</span><span style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All Leafy Greens</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> – including
kale, spinach, pak choi, parsley, coriander, mint – high in vitamins A,C and E,
watercress, rocket, all types of lettuce, chock full of chlorophyll (see
separate entry on chlorophyll) and phyto-nutrients. Great for alkalising the
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qUaYbsqyoFeGqvfRKIkW4_-AqpKwhisGBDsF1ivEFcB3BADU_YTcHd4uDhrZzLXKzTgeojjrzgo-Bn3OSL22P-xLw2W2o5h8Gor3EluZhWf9uQyzaOwrPVn4Y7nLJ6rxMaJRLdzasmJf/s1600/niars-health-and-fitness-fresh-vegetable-juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qUaYbsqyoFeGqvfRKIkW4_-AqpKwhisGBDsF1ivEFcB3BADU_YTcHd4uDhrZzLXKzTgeojjrzgo-Bn3OSL22P-xLw2W2o5h8Gor3EluZhWf9uQyzaOwrPVn4Y7nLJ6rxMaJRLdzasmJf/s320/niars-health-and-fitness-fresh-vegetable-juice.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cucumber and
Celery</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
are incredible for your kidneys and for flushing out toxins from the kidneys.
Great for building hair, skin and nails. Anti-inflammatory qualities. Celery is
high in the coumarins, a phyto-chemical that may help lower blood pressure and
increase white blood cell count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beetroot </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">– great for
building strong blood and heart. They add a lovely earthy flavour to your
juice. Don’t forget to juice the leafy tops too as they contain beta-carotene,
calcium and iron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Apples</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">- are lovely and
sweet and bring a lovely taste to your juice. They are a great system cleanser
and like most fruit, have plenty of anti-oxidant properties because they have
high Vit A and C content. They are also more alkalising to the body than other
fruits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pears</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> – similar to
apples, but are the more alkalising than most other fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ginger</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> – Incredible
for your digestion and brings such a unique taste to your drink. I love this
and add it to almost all of my drinks and smoothies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A rough guide on how they taste</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rocket</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – spicy and grassy<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Basil </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– sweet and spicy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Celery</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – zesty and hydrating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chard </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– grassy and sweet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Coriander</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Sweet and fragrant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Collard greens</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – grassy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cucumber </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-Hydrating/sweet and sour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Endive</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – bitter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fennel</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – zesty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Green apples</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> -
very sweet, tart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Green grapes</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – very sweet, tart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kale</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – grassy and dark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kiwi </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">– sweet, zesty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Romaine</b> - Mildly
and grassy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Limes</b> – sour and
zesty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Parsley</b> – grassy
and zesty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mint</b> - Vibrant,
cooling</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
you can imagine, this is not an exhaustive list, of fruit and veggies that are
available. There are lots of juicing books on the market that can offer lots of
creative recipes that you and your family can enjoy, but these are readily
available in your local supermarket and that for me is a huge plus and makes is
very accessible to have my own daily glass of juice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope you enjoyed this post and if you feel that way inclined.....please do share with your friends and family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ruth.</span></div>
Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-46671552408347055862012-07-03T05:30:00.002-07:002012-07-03T05:30:44.588-07:00Seasonal Ingredients for July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoBDa6lplAbfvE7TO0YLetPaCWXsO1oNzovkbePVsD1Zu1gv5is-Qdxuq_sySwRrysUxbtuls5Dn6iUOBQpZjoxAz5utMTo3FVp1cw4S9apkOqg8I5pyAA64VxKQRmph8nE4fahvx3DGM/s1600/sausalito-springs-watercress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoBDa6lplAbfvE7TO0YLetPaCWXsO1oNzovkbePVsD1Zu1gv5is-Qdxuq_sySwRrysUxbtuls5Dn6iUOBQpZjoxAz5utMTo3FVp1cw4S9apkOqg8I5pyAA64VxKQRmph8nE4fahvx3DGM/s320/sausalito-springs-watercress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy almost 4th of July to you all! <br />
<br />
It's seems like such a long time since I sat down to write a blog post and when I looked over the date of my last one, it certainly has been a while....Almost two weeks ago! Where is the time flying to? Has anyone else noticed time speeding up or am I alone in this? I always intend to write more often, especially about the wonderful foods that I come across in my day to day life, and while I manage to take note of them, I do sometimes fail to let you know how you can get your hands on these delights. So, my apologies for the delay...I hope this list and the delicious Redcurrant and Raspberry Smoothie Recipe will go some way towards atoning:-)<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just the other day I was browsing through the BBC's Food Website and I came across this wonderful list of seasonal ingredients. Even though I manage to shop in my local farmer's market and can only avail of seasonal produce, I found it a really useful reminder. It is especially handy for those who can only manage get to shop in Tescos because of time constraints but would like to eat more food in season. As this may be a bit harder for you to know exactly what in and what's not, I have listed them below.</div>
<br />
<u><strong>What's Hot for July?</strong></u><br />
<br />
Apricot<br />
Aubergine<br />
Beetroot<br />
Cherry<br />
Chicory<br />
Courgette<br />
Crab<br />
Cucumber<br />
Fennel<br />
French Beans<br />
Globe Artichoke<br />
Kohlrabi<br />
Mackerel<br />
Nectarine<br />
Peas<br />
Peach<br />
Radish<br />
Raspberry<br />
Redcurrant<br />
Rocket<br />
Runner Beans<br />
Sardines<br />
Spring Onion<br />
Strawberry<br />
Swiss Chard<br />
Tomato<br />
Watercress<br />
<br />
And as promised, here's your recipe using two of the berries and watercress from the list above. I hope you like it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7l8BBHwIUEk7SBMwLFpHOtGk8d7ENVJT0-8sWrZxNhNun-GmHm7pPxZJKvHeRHZLveOg6Shrib7FK9l4LqhWGX3o4cAF8yvgPT8dRuivcfBO0p6spu4uJr5WbH8jqAl3poV6IIeibrfr/s1600/Redcurrant+and+Raspberry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7l8BBHwIUEk7SBMwLFpHOtGk8d7ENVJT0-8sWrZxNhNun-GmHm7pPxZJKvHeRHZLveOg6Shrib7FK9l4LqhWGX3o4cAF8yvgPT8dRuivcfBO0p6spu4uJr5WbH8jqAl3poV6IIeibrfr/s320/Redcurrant+and+Raspberry.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><strong>Raspberry-Redcurrant Surprise </strong></u><br />
<br />
<br />
1/4 Redcurrant<br />
1/4 Raspberries<br />
1 Banana<br />
Small handful of Watercress<br />
Large handful of Spinach<br />
1-2 cups of water.<br />
Stevia, honey or agave to taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
This smoothie will be sharper than some others are these berries are not known for their sweetness, this is also why I have added in the banana and left it up to you to sweeten according to you own taste buds. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Benefits of Eating Watercress</u></strong><br />
Although there are lots of conflicting nutritional information claims about eating greens in general. For the most part, they are loaded with vitamin A,C and K. Watercress in particular, also has a good supply of protein, folate, pantothenic acid and contains good amounts of calcium and magnesium. It also contains Vit E, which is along with Vit A and C which are excellent antioxidants.<br />
<br />
As always, if you have any suggestions or comments for me, I would love to hear them. Perhaps, you might even send me a photo if you're so inclined. It would certainly make my day!<br />
<br />
Until next time.....<br />
<br />
Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-38802923848677726282012-06-07T08:38:00.000-07:002012-06-07T08:49:32.343-07:00Reducing Inflammation<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iTcGwTjigk9gFKK1CI151Ze5LuBJ9hJDO_jZVZX0196-PXNGrB5Ip2lsCcqQPeh0-ZEFpdyXT0D-BRygtFupTOawVzt9jrJHGzJ0T-kxk3pm95MtpnIL3UJ3EAc1_mXsPANchuhMWXnL/s1600/inflammation_chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iTcGwTjigk9gFKK1CI151Ze5LuBJ9hJDO_jZVZX0196-PXNGrB5Ip2lsCcqQPeh0-ZEFpdyXT0D-BRygtFupTOawVzt9jrJHGzJ0T-kxk3pm95MtpnIL3UJ3EAc1_mXsPANchuhMWXnL/s320/inflammation_chart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may be surprised to learn
that inflammation has a role to play in cancer, heart disease, diabetes asthma,
Alzheimer’s disease and many more conditions that we have become very familiar
hearing about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be good or bad
news depending on which side of the fence you are sitting on. If you are
challenged with any particular condition, then it may be good news because
there is something that you can do about it, however, when you see the list below,
you may not feel so upbeat, particularly if you are eating a diet heavy in the
foods that are understood to cause inflammation in the body.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, how would you recognise inflammation in your body? Well, you may be familiar with the throbbing
feeling you get after a paper cut or when you’ve sprained a wrist or ankle.
What you are actually experiencing is your body’s immune response, sending the white
blood cells and other molecules, attacking and destroying the cells that are
causing the problem and then cleaning up the debris. This is a completely natural and normal response by your body but sometimes this process
goes a bit haywire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example this response can also
happen when you eat foods that cause the body to respond in the same way...As
if under attack by a foreign invader. These inflammatory cells may in
turn attack the healthy parts of your body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>According to Dr. Lilli B Link,www.llinkmd.com, the more time they spend
in circulation perhaps because you are eating to many inflammatory foods or living in a highly stressed state, the more opportunity
to damage your blood vessels and lead to a heart attack, or destroy cartilage
and cause rheumatoid arthritis, or alter DNA and change healthy cells into
cancerous cells. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yikes!! I find this pretty scary to be honest
and as always, I like to offer people a really helpful solution to these
challenges particularly those faced by people still eating the standard western diet. It can be difficult for people to make too many changes at once, usually resulting in no lasting changes, as overwhelm sets in, so I thought it would be helpful for you to have some idea of foods that are particularly inflammatory to your body and then provide a list of those that have anti inflammatory effects, all ending with one of many smoothie recipes that I have found particularly helpful in reducing my own inflammation. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><strong>Foods that are known to cause inflammation in the body</strong></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The <strong>No 1</strong> culprit is sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2004, a study that appeared in the journal
Metabolism, was of a group of patients with diabetes who were given a sugar drink and whose blood was tested for inflammation afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within one hour of drinking the sugar drink, the level of inflammation rose within each person's body
and the effects lasted 3 hours. While this is only one study, there have been many others conducted since, and there have been similar findings. Now don't panic when I write this, but imagine if you are snacking on sweet foods
throughout the day and not stopping to have a decent meal a few times a day? It is over time that too much sugar and other inflammatory foods will do damage and why we are asked to reduce the amount of sugar we consume. So, the best advice here is to cut it way down and pay particular attention to those hidden sugars, such as the ones found in shop bought breakfast cereals and processed foods. If you're going to have sugar then at least have it in it's obvious form such as a bar of chocolate and not to often. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No 2</strong> is refined grains. Once these
are digested, they are almost the same as the sugar in your body. So, ditch the white bread,
white rice and other foods that are highly refined and that convert to sugar very
quickly. Go for slow release such as wholegrain breads (not just the dyed white bread here) and brown rice, which although takes a lot longer to cook, will not spike your blood sugar levels in the same way and will provide a whole lot more nutrition for you and your family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No 3</strong> trans fats. I have written an
article on this blog called Fats, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, but to explain simply,
these trans fats are fats that are created when vegetable oil has been partially
hydrogenated so that they are solid at room temperature. If you really want to keep a fridge full of healthy foods then, ditching the marg is
your best bet, and go for good old butter like granny used to use. You know the one that you can't spread from the fridge unless you take it out beforehand and leave it to thaw a little? This is an excellent change for you to make and one that all the family will thank you for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No 4 </strong>heating foods are also inflammatory
to the body. So, if you can, prepare your food slower you will produce less of a response when ingested. Try not to grill, fry or
roast too often and chose the less inflammatory methods of simmer, steam, or
gently saute food over a medium to low heat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Coconut oil and Rapeseed Oil has a higher flash point so chose these great oils over your olive and sunflower oils. You will be getting the wonderful effects of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil by using it as a base for your salad dressings but please stop cooking with it. I am not a big fan of sunflower oil either, but go ahead and at least use it cold if you really want to keep it's nutritional profile in tact and don't use too much of it.</span></span></div>
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You will also help reduce inflammation in your body by reducing your stress levels. This can be achieved through meditation, yoga, a walk in the park or a taking your shoes off and going for a walk on the beach. I personally have been enjoying this later of late and also grabbing any opportunity to let my feet connect with the earth by walking barefoot at any opportunity I can get, allowing my skin come in contact with the earth. For some of us living in a colder climate, we definitely have less opportunity for this, however, the benefits are really huge. Reconnect with the earth and watch your heart rate lower and your breath steady. Bliss!</div>
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<u><strong>Foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect </strong></u></div>
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<strong>No 1</strong> here are veggies, veggies, veggies....preferably raw too! This is not about saying no to any animal products but if you really are looking to reduce the inflammation in your body, then up your veggie intake..This is another great reason why having your daily green smoothie is a brilliant idea! Veggie sprouts are excellent too. You can now buy ready made sprouts such as broccoli, alfalfa, radish, mung in a lot of supermarkets nowadays. These are such powerhouses of nutrition that you will definitely want to have them on your plate and in your lunch boxes. </div>
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<strong>No 2</strong> are fruits. We all know about the benefits of eating fruit. There are only second on the list because there are some that are really sweet, such as dates, bananas, but mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and apples are excellent. I just wanted to remind you to keep the fruit bowl full of goodies.</div>
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<strong>No 3</strong> are the incredible anti inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. I know fish is heavily promoted and it certainly does contain these fatty acids however, I would like to point out that there are a number of vegan options such as nuts, like walnuts and seeds like hemp, flax and chia that are also excellent alternatives. Don't forget those algae like marine phytoplankton either! You can find these in your local health food store and can all be added to your daily super food smoothie. Another delicious way to start you on your superfood journey. </div>
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<strong>No 4</strong> are herbs and spices. In Ireland, we have a tendency to lean towards quite a plain diet and we don't really experiment with herbs and spices. However, we could learn a lot from the Middle Eastern and Indian diets here and look at their use herbs and spices in many different recipes. I have begun to add cinnamon to both my breakfast, if I am having a porridge morning, and to my cacao in the evening. It is not only good for your immune system, but also has many anti-oxidant properties. Or, why not try spices like turmeric, ginger and hot chilly peppers and cayenne. If you could begin to add these into your daily diet, then you will be exposing yourself to their incredible anti-inflammatory effects and you health can only benefit from their many different healing properties.</div>
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And now, for a small recipe that I play around with a lot. Personally, I do not make it very sweet, but if you like you can add some sweetener to it. I suggest some raw honey, agave, stevia, xylitol or other such. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt3L436mvcCIFvt4a1HTXvCv7Tb3MCfkICC1D1F-PPC__8q4OU_3SDZzcMQif4fYaOVebzCq3Ubwxs6MeaSIXAYul-EBFI_KcC6gN1A_UHCliGSUksUYsABUrbKMXarpW09pa31Q8ZihB/s1600/Romaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt3L436mvcCIFvt4a1HTXvCv7Tb3MCfkICC1D1F-PPC__8q4OU_3SDZzcMQif4fYaOVebzCq3Ubwxs6MeaSIXAYul-EBFI_KcC6gN1A_UHCliGSUksUYsABUrbKMXarpW09pa31Q8ZihB/s320/Romaine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><u>Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie</u></strong><br />
<br />
1/2 cucumber<br />
2/3 sticks of celery<br />
Half head of romaine/cos lettuce<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
A good chunk of ginger<br />
1 - 2 cups water (or more if you prefer it more liquid)<br />
Tablespoon of vegan protein powder<br />
1 pear<br />
1-2 cups of frozen mixed berries<br />
1/4 avocado (adds a lot of creaminess) <br />
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Blend it all together in a blender and change the taste accordingly to suit your own taste buds.<br />
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There are lots of interesting ideas on the Internet about inflammation and foods that help reduce it in the body, but I make these green smoothies (that won't turn out green because of the berries) with ingredients that I have in my cupboard most of the time. <br />
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I hope you like it and find it helpful.<br />
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Best wishes,<br />
<br />
Ruth.<br />
<br /></div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-54312388011885125542012-05-18T06:34:00.002-07:002012-05-18T15:16:14.948-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsOA1ElepunVno1zzFTbFUcEI_3dGeOm5_po8WDeHK2Yl15gjrYR5D-BCLcRo-_xsR_S7tBNMSOa4D9Plv4jzq7ChY1qO3p6j5NAQ4sXMWYt-H4Rsecgfvg6PoL7ZK6akoWzfy7P1K5RN/s1600/sliced_oranges-1680x1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsOA1ElepunVno1zzFTbFUcEI_3dGeOm5_po8WDeHK2Yl15gjrYR5D-BCLcRo-_xsR_S7tBNMSOa4D9Plv4jzq7ChY1qO3p6j5NAQ4sXMWYt-H4Rsecgfvg6PoL7ZK6akoWzfy7P1K5RN/s320/sliced_oranges-1680x1050.jpg" width="320" /></a>Just the other day, I was in my local fruit and veg shop, when all of I sudden, everything was obscured from my view......everything except oranges and mangoes that is! I just could not resist them. They were plump, ripe and just had "eat me" all over them. So, that's exactly what I did. I have always maintained that listening to your body is the most important thing you can do when it comes to eating the right diet for you.</div>
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I had one orange there and then, but the next morning for brekkie I took out my blender and whipped up the following recipe. </div>
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I have also noticed that mangoes have come down a lot in price in Ireland recently so if you like this fruit, but have normally find it a little on the expensive side then now is your chance to grab them and enjoy while you can.</div>
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So, if you're feeling like a citrus, summer smoothie, but still want to throw in your greens...well, then this could just be the recipe for you.</div>
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<strong><u>Juicey Secrets</u></strong></div>
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1 cup spinach</div>
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1 cup kale (stalks removed if you don't have a powerful blender)</div>
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Handful of chard if you can get it</div>
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1 mango</div>
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1 orange</div>
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1/4 avocado (for creaminess, but y ou can leave it out)</div>
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1-2 cups water or other liquid base (coconut water, cold green tea, nut milk etc)</div>
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Simple is best.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br /></div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-89981611158250049572012-04-30T01:32:00.000-07:002012-05-05T14:16:17.852-07:00The Mother of All Grains<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWc93wbSoZ5OxheKRG0P4RfR1ULJDrvIlZzHVg-vsBZeFV9aYd1-RSFQRYlCczx5ENtAtXv_AaFx7DBcg5a9yYNJd3_bt0X51-epVpdp7avk6OqmE3VcZ8JhUnXWbysBEO-5C52y1G0ST/s1600/quinoa_topic600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWc93wbSoZ5OxheKRG0P4RfR1ULJDrvIlZzHVg-vsBZeFV9aYd1-RSFQRYlCczx5ENtAtXv_AaFx7DBcg5a9yYNJd3_bt0X51-epVpdp7avk6OqmE3VcZ8JhUnXWbysBEO-5C52y1G0ST/s320/quinoa_topic600.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong>The Mother of all Grains </strong></div>
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There is so much talk about superfoods nowadays that it can be somewhat confusing to know which ones are really worth eating and which ones are just not worth the high price. </div>
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Quinoa is one grain (actually a seed) that I've had in my cupboards for years, eat on a regular basis and in my opinion is definitely worth getting to know more about.</div>
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What I've decided to do here is transcribe a video by Truth Calkins that I was sent via an email that I am subscribed to called the Longevity Warehouse. There is so much to say about this true superfood that if I feel the transcription is running on too long, I will give you the somewhat abridged version ok? I could write this myself, but when I listened to it, I just thought it was fantastic and so I am taking the time to pass it on to you all from one of the experts in superfood.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The following 5 are
what Truth Calkins calls the High Powered Grains.....</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 19.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quinoa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Buckwheat <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Millet
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amaranth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Spelt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some people may get a
little confused about which grains contain gluten, but I can confirm that all
of the above are gluten free with the exception of Spelt, which is actually an
ancient form of wheat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In this piece we will
be focusing on The Mother of All Grains called “Quinoa”, a.k.a. the mother of
all grains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For many years people
in the west hadn’t heard of it. When they eventually did get to hear of it, via
Donna Gates and The Ecology Diet, they certainly didn’t know how to pronounce
it. Thanks to people like Donna, there is a lot of information in the world
today about this grain, which is excellent news. One of the reasons this is the
case, has to do with the grain's high alkalinity level and amount of protein. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quinoa comes from the
plant family known as Chenopodium (in Latin means “goose foot”) The people of
the Andes called it Mother, because they considered it the mother of all
grains. It was used to increase stamina of their warriors and as it was then, is today
still considered an Incan super-food. Quinoa is not really a grain as in the
typical botanical family of grains. The Chenopodium family is actually from the
same family that is similar to Swiss chard and lamb’s quarters. When you see
the plant growing, the stalks can be anywhere from 3 to 9 feet. There are all
different colours of quinoa, purple, blue, red, green, black etc. The Incan’s
used the whole plant, the stalks, seed and plant. Quinoa is a wild plant and is
quite like Ginseng in some respect because it’s a very hardy plant. It likes to
grow at 10,000 feet. It can flourish under extreme conditions, with poor soil,
hot sun, frost short growing days and still the plant will grow. This is a tell
tale sign of a true adaptogenic plant and because of this it will give the body
a lot of adaptogenic energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wild ginseng
has a similar effect on the the body also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Herbalists believe that plants that look the gnarliest, will be amongst the
strongest plant. If it had to adapt to the harshness of its environment, then
it will be a hardy plant and therefore very good and strong for our bodies too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The fact that you can
now just buy quinoa in any wholefood shop is pretty amazing actually. Because
30 years ago you couldn’t do that. It is an ancient, Peruvian wild grain that
grew only in high altitudes. There was a doctor in the late 70’s that found out
about the amazing properties of this grain and he carried approximately fifty
pounds of it back to the US for his own usage. However, when he had used it up,
he realised that the only people that were harvesting it were wild Indians.
This doctor had a friend who worked with planting some quinoa in the Luas
Valley, and they succeeded in growing it. It is also now grown in Canada and other
countries around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nutritional
Profile <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rWgALHPRjxL0as5t1rJVk8uTIQO8pqzci6A1u2vxXY-WGgrWAb_HiYUbOPttBr3zL9SAX8pUOnncdvPoLUc86fpqhmDSKKoAm3gEBJf96w0EuruxIrN_h97wre3MlidRWfYRPNI9N_CC/s1600/quinoa%252520again%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rWgALHPRjxL0as5t1rJVk8uTIQO8pqzci6A1u2vxXY-WGgrWAb_HiYUbOPttBr3zL9SAX8pUOnncdvPoLUc86fpqhmDSKKoAm3gEBJf96w0EuruxIrN_h97wre3MlidRWfYRPNI9N_CC/s320/quinoa%252520again%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It has an amino acid
profile like meat, eggs and fish, which is very unusual for a grain. It
contains less carbs and more protein in this respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also a complete protein, containing all
9 essential amino acids and is very high in lysine, which has exceptionally anti-viral
qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a PH of about 6.0, which
although closer to acid, is more alkaline than any other grain out there in the
world. It is very high in minerals too, in fact contains more calcium than
milk. Recently it has been found that quinoa is stimulating to milk production
for nursing mothers. A quarter cup serving of quinoa is about 220 calories, 60%
of the RDA of manganese, 30% of the RDA of tryptophane which is essential for
boosting serotonin levels, 30% of the RDA of magnesium, essential for over 300 enzymatic
processes in the body, great for blood flow, 30% phosphorus, 20% fibre, 20%
folate, which is great for B vitamins and 20% copper. Studies have also shown
that having 20% insoluble fibre from complex carbs in the diet can prevent
gall stones from forming. This insoluble fibre is essential for having <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>soft, fluffy stools that break down easily.
The fibre will help remove any toxins easily and effectively from the body and
is nature’s mop, so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quinoa is
also rich in phyto-nutrients and is high in vitamin E, selenium and lingans
which help remove bad oestrogen from the body, </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Phytic
Acid</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All grains are high in
phytic acid and must be soaked before use. Phytic acid, also referred to as
phytate, is a naturally-occurring substance found in grains and beans. All
grains will require different soaking times, but we are only looking at quinoa in this post<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and that must be soaked for at least 8 hours
before use. This will remove some of this phytic acid and allow the essential
nutrients be effectively absorbed into the body. Many of us in the Western
world are not used to preparing our grains in this way, but it is a good habit
to start adopting and has many long term health benefits. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cooking
Quinoa</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNUXlqQ5o5MzhkiA3uzdUYJsfO65o27Os2BpZvv6J5pAirhWz1kNnC05qAYzuEk9SCDGdygMazO9FEB9kuMviCdI_DFUMqrbW6ymVJZXwAMnf_iydCzXeAKyUXJYvPPHFTgBlQfaEtEJT/s1600/quinoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNUXlqQ5o5MzhkiA3uzdUYJsfO65o27Os2BpZvv6J5pAirhWz1kNnC05qAYzuEk9SCDGdygMazO9FEB9kuMviCdI_DFUMqrbW6ymVJZXwAMnf_iydCzXeAKyUXJYvPPHFTgBlQfaEtEJT/s200/quinoa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Quinoa cooks in about
15 minutes, and like rice, puffs up to 3 to 4 times it size upon cooking. It is
very soft and fluffy and has a mild, light, nutty taste, almost like a cross
between couscous and peanuts and is very pleasant. I turn off my gas and leave
my quinoa rest with the lid on for approximately 5 minutes of cooking and this
seems to work very well indeed. Here is a very nice recipe for millet and
vegetables that I posted on my blog some time ago. You can exchange the millet
for quinoa but I hope it helps you get started cooking these incredible grains <a href="http://bit.ly/otGkI6"><span style="color: blue;">http://bit.ly/otGkI6</span></a>. (tip: you may need to open a new window to view the link)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A final few words on
quinoa.... Many people are now being diagnosed as either celiac or gluten
intolerant so it is good news indeed to hear that quinoa is surprisingly 100%
gluten free and is very safe to eat. By eating quinoa you will also be ingesting a pre-biotic which
helps feed the beneficial bacteria acidophilus in your gut. Pre-biotics are like fertilisers
for the good bacteria in your gut and are an essential part of maintaining excellent health.
In a world gone low or no carb mad, having a healthy amount of good carbs in
the diet is going to help with the keeping your nervous system functioning well.
The fibre in quinoa will also help wash out extra oestrogen from the body that
you definitely don’t want hanging around in there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, I’ve come to the
end of writing about this great super-food, but do hope that you have found the above information helpful. If this is the case, then could I ask you to t</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hat you pay it forward</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
And help me get the good word out there about this inexpensive super-food so that everyone can reap its benefit.</span></div>
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Until next time.....</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best wishes, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ruth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-51132376041634845642012-04-05T00:59:00.001-07:002012-04-05T13:26:17.519-07:00How Your Mindset Affects You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QnkosqNx2tIJnQ-px5z5yt021sebhzi5R3y4_w7sN0o-yOB8S2iE-Wm0p_9ZRA1d_zl_DPlKZw6rtOaapg3R6iBSN258mpCiygMFznWTrQ8WKIL4YU8rOFy_Yr3Wdr_4fz8kNgEIbgMs/s1600/golden-key_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QnkosqNx2tIJnQ-px5z5yt021sebhzi5R3y4_w7sN0o-yOB8S2iE-Wm0p_9ZRA1d_zl_DPlKZw6rtOaapg3R6iBSN258mpCiygMFznWTrQ8WKIL4YU8rOFy_Yr3Wdr_4fz8kNgEIbgMs/s200/golden-key_p1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> <o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Mindset Change and NLP" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:allowoverlap="f" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 91.5pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 44pt; margin-top: 0px; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: right; mso-position-vertical-relative: line; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 3.75pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 3.75pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 3.75pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 3.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 84pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <v:imagedata o:title="Mindset Change and NLP" src="file:///C:\Users\RUTHEV~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"> <w:wrap anchory="line" type="square"> </w:wrap></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many times have you tried to make beneficial changes in your life? You may have planned on eating healthier, on releasing old relationships or on being a more positive person! Your attempts worked famously for a week and then you noticed old habits and attitudes creeping back bit by bit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are not alone in these repeated failed attempts. What most people don't realise is that for changes to last, we must change how we use our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just the other day I was chatting with my sister. She has had an ongoing battle with food (the love of it) for many years. Almost every diet she has tried has been successful for a short period of time. She slowly loses the weight she has been trying to lose and she starts feeling really good about herself. In fact she begins to feel so good about herself, that she begins to eat larger portions and more of what she loves again. Then, bam, the pounds find their way to steadily creep back on again as if out of nowhere. For her, or indeed anyone battling to lose weight and keep it off, it really can seem like a never ending one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By comparison, for me, eating well has always come naturally. From an early age, I had a really good instinct for what foods I feel good after eating and what ones I am best avoiding. This is not a battle for me at all and after many years of study and self exploration, I understand why this is, but first let me share another story with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I once attended a workshop where the facilitator asked us to write down our top three goals in life. I won’t share all of mine with you, but health was one of my top three. Having this right up there as one of the most important areas for me to have control of in my life, meant that it made choosing the healthier option much easier for me than for say my sister. I can’t honestly say what her goals in life are, but I bet pleasure or having the freedom to chose whatever she likes whenever she likes is one of them. You see, what is important to you, really important to you, will have the biggest influence over how your day proceeds and what you chose to focus your energy on in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the people attending the workshop were quite focused on making or having more money in their lives, yet, felt that this was eluding them. We were all split into smaller focus groups and we were working together in those groups to examine what we wanted to have more of in our lives and the possible reasons that we weren’t seeing them turn up. Most of us were very surprised to find out that after completing the exercise, money was right down at the bottom of what we had considered as important in our lives. This exercise helped us see what we really thought about money and showed us that most of us didn’t really think it was important enough to have it as one of our top three goals. We were then informed that until we shifted it up to become one of the areas we considered important, it would most likely elude us forever. One of the other women in the group, had lots of wonderful relationships in her life and couldn’t understand how some others in the group didn’t. The answer became very clear when we found out that she had family and relationships as one of the top three areas in life that were the most important to her. This meant, that she put a lot of effort and energy into making sure that nothing could come between her and keeping these relationships healthy and well. I hope this is making it a little easier to see how your mindset and how you view the world around you will have a large part on what is showing up in your own day to day world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I said I’d share my thoughts on why eating healthy and not putting on weight is not a battle for me and believe me it is nothing to do with denying myself any foods I want, nor indeed do I possess anything low fat or calorie counted in my cupboards. You see, because one of my top three goals has been health it's not a big challenge for me to undertake a de-tox 3 times a year and make sure my diet is filled with lots of fresh fruit and veg and not stuff myself with tubs of Ben and Jerry’s on the sofa every night. Nor indeed do I find it difficult to maintain exercising 4 times a week and always choosing to engage in activities that I love like weight training, dancing and Pilates. I am by no way blowing my own trumpet here, what I am hoping to show you is that by shifing your goals and mindset, you can really bring something closer to you that you thought was farther away. Y</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ou see you must change how you view it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In my experience, o</span>ne tool that has proven to be very successful in helping this change of mindset to occur is NLP.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP is a powerful tool that can help with making real shifts in how we view things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP gives us the tools to change our ‘mind states’ so we can become more content in our professional and personal lives. Using NLP techniques brings about lasting changes, a concept which may have seemed so elusive in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. It provides a set of psychological practical tools which teach us how to become more motivated and better communicators. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP is one of 'the most important synthesis of information available today about human communication'. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP explores how we think and how we behave<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP allows us to become effective communicators <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NLP shows us that choosing different thoughts can lead to more win/win situations in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reasons for YOU to use NLP in your life!</span></span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a tool to change something in your life that isn't working the way you would like it to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To change your current thought patterns forever!<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To become a better communicator.</span></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems that it is simple then! All you need to do is change how you see the food you are eating and it will make it a lot easier to chose the healthier option when it is presente to you. No big fuss, no denying yourself that last piece of chocolate, or the second pud but you feel totally deprived because you can't have it. Change how you view it, and your body will do the rest.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you round this post helpful and would love to know, so do get in touch if you find a free minute in your day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best wishes,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-26362463014189852522012-03-17T02:53:00.002-07:002012-03-18T01:32:44.841-07:00Leprechaun Leapin Leafy Greens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll8tlMOYSM-Rb4puhjeFFLwxGeqMfjE6DxgR05sY3py4f5Da3cXJ0Ep5DZyPQTPn23YUNfUQlNkVZUtWBjsz_WfepG6yijeS6cKbbQI3TkA4Ux-Q7hXYE0Rj2G4C3ARQwX1G4nSvwEPzD/s1600/Kiss-Me-Leprechaun-Girl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll8tlMOYSM-Rb4puhjeFFLwxGeqMfjE6DxgR05sY3py4f5Da3cXJ0Ep5DZyPQTPn23YUNfUQlNkVZUtWBjsz_WfepG6yijeS6cKbbQI3TkA4Ux-Q7hXYE0Rj2G4C3ARQwX1G4nSvwEPzD/s320/Kiss-Me-Leprechaun-Girl.gif" width="297" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! </strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I love St. Patrick's Day in Ireland because there's lots and lots of good old fashioned craic to be had. There will be parades and marching bands all over the country, with people getting out and about to join in the fun. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There will be lots and lots of green to be seen. And if it's Guinness you like, then you will probably be served one that looks nothing like your usual favourite tipple...hopefully, it will taste like it though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you know, green is a colour very dear to my own heart and if you happen to be in Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland this Paddy's Day, then you are in for a real treat. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kitchen Greenie is going to dial up her Irish magic charm and bring some of her liquid green elixirs for all of Greytones to try. She is currently rounding up the Kitchen Greenie troops, dialling up some friends from the local nymphs, fairies and leprechaun's that haven't already been selected for most urgent Irish duties, such as four leaf clover hunting or sprinkling magic charm around the country for all our visitors from afar. If you happen to be charmed enough to run into us while we work, then be prepared to be bamboozled by green! Our elixirs will pack some Irish punch. If you don't feel ready to be opened up to the world of green, then look away now! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong>It's Free from me to you!</strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GZ9EAZMkQLtTEBzYxnQtF6oy0CcJBA_yMihbWjMaghyphenhyphenEUUhZNbFOgOiz6BDdMflqMYmqDdF7xs2iGWUQnZUBADTv67JabLbNnLYJ1CY36nySv89P_GuV71syn8fZGvMtzR11rx24EQQB/s1600/berries-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GZ9EAZMkQLtTEBzYxnQtF6oy0CcJBA_yMihbWjMaghyphenhyphenEUUhZNbFOgOiz6BDdMflqMYmqDdF7xs2iGWUQnZUBADTv67JabLbNnLYJ1CY36nySv89P_GuV71syn8fZGvMtzR11rx24EQQB/s320/berries-01.jpg" width="320" /></a>For those of you who are brave enough to try one and let their magic work through you, we have been one step ahead to help you get on to the green brick road and put together a<strong> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Free 3 Day Green Smoothie Challenge.</span></strong> To get your hands on copy all you have to so is simply have to email and ask! I'll send it to you with no strings attached. You will have immediate access to 3 fabulous, tried and tested, delicious, easy to prepare green smoothie recipes, plus a whole lot more juicy information about how green smoothies can work for you. We always use ingredients that are easy to source as we don't find it particularly helpful to receive recipes with ingredients that are difficult to get your hands on. We want you to get stuck in immediately and start feeling the positive effect quickly, so send us an email and your <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>FREE 3 Day Green Smoothie Challenge</strong></span> will be winging its way to you within minutes.<br />
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Whether you celebrate St. Patricks Day or not, it is a wonderful opportunity to begin letting those greens find their way into your life. Today is a great day to begin.<br />
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Lá Fhéila Sona Duit! (Happy St. Paddy's day everyone).<br />
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Warmest wishes, <br />
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Ruth.</div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-83494239600292478022012-03-04T01:44:00.001-08:002012-03-05T12:16:57.217-08:00Fresh and Green Has Arrived for Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXIHJX6ZSHdoVERyio-BufXchz1Hxr_Jo15pIwC_pSVzrfq6qs5hHnV6VxkgJZXeZ2c9ksYxeHSgl6SSAlxX6unH5V4mF5WYc5Nwe1EPOJIfWthgQz9wPKamBeql_HpIzdGMVxkXqmgeM/s1600/Book-cover-80-recipes+(low+def).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXIHJX6ZSHdoVERyio-BufXchz1Hxr_Jo15pIwC_pSVzrfq6qs5hHnV6VxkgJZXeZ2c9ksYxeHSgl6SSAlxX6unH5V4mF5WYc5Nwe1EPOJIfWthgQz9wPKamBeql_HpIzdGMVxkXqmgeM/s320/Book-cover-80-recipes+(low+def).jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
In July 2010 I packed up shop, let my apartment in Greystones, County Wicklow (just outside Dublin) and embarked on what I can only describe as a very adventurous trip of Canada and the West Coast of the United States. This trip saw me visit Toronto, Vancouver, LA and many town and cities in California all the way down to San Diego. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the main reasons I made this trip, besides scratching the Bear Grylls side of my nature, was to see what was going on in the world of nutrition, whole and living foods in the US. I feel very fortunate to have been able to make this journey and extremely grateful for both the experience I had and the wonderful people I met, some of whom I felt I had known for many years. I am also delighted to have made some amazing contacts, both on line and in person with those leaders in the areas of holistic health and wellness. Thank you my friends. I continue to be inspired by your dedication and foresight. You continue to light my way...and you know who you are!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have personally being drinking a green drink either in the form of a juice, smoothie or wheatgrass shot almost daily for many years. On my trip, I ran into a common denominator, that I found on both the east and west coast....It was the colour green.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">People are already aware of the healing benefits of eating or drinking more fruit and vegetables however, our markets have become increasingly saturated with many sugared drinks . One of the most heavily marketed products over the last few years has been the fruit smoothie. What I can say is, fruit is good, but greens are waaayyy better. Many of the manufactures promote the health benefits of these fruit smoothies, however, they offer you frozen yogurt (which is much closer to ice cream than yoghurt) in place of live yoghurt. These claims fool the non-discerning public into thinking that these are fruit smoothies are health enhancing drinks, which of course is dependant on many variables including who makes them, what's in them and how long they are on the shelf. No wonder people like these smoothies though...mostly, they are laden with sugar and really are dynamite in a glass, but not in a good way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, what I decided to do was to put a small book together to show people how easy it is to add in those leafy greens into your daily routine. How to make delicious, tasty smoothies, without the need for dairy products or too much fruit to make it enjoyable. Only this morning, I made a smoothie from rocket blended up, with one mango and one orange. Don't knock it till you try it though, as it really was delicious! In the book I have a similar recipe using rocket using two mangoes, but as I only had one, I improvised. You see, you really can do anything with leafy greens, fruit and a blender and what this is what this book is all about. I also explain why green is so life enhancing and why you would be hard pushed to find a better healthy habit to include into your day then having a green drink.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is easier than you think to eat (or drink, as I am suggesting ) your greens. The recipes are easy to follow and I have mostly used ingredients that are easy to find in your local supermarket or farmer's market. What I wanted to do was to make it easy for you to get started and I hope I have achieved this with Fresh and Green <a href="http://kitchengreenie.blogspot.com/p/products.html">http://kitchengreenie.blogspot.com/p/products.html</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish you many healthy, happy and creative moments in your kitchen</div><br />
RuthRuth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-8072490638674935402012-02-27T02:29:00.000-08:002012-02-27T02:29:26.532-08:003 Things that Age you Faster than Anything Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNw44mQudGA-b6dhVymZdEuvdeJsYpJj-0XidK5pLOBpTmTy0SzJ1pExFw9Uv-v-Xdu4rXvIwTIAVc32VwbhhJKzU_Y3vLaeyV09l_qyCcxakayU8jbkT9SpheYk1VInJC2iRFfWZW3J_/s1600/wrinkled_skin_elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNw44mQudGA-b6dhVymZdEuvdeJsYpJj-0XidK5pLOBpTmTy0SzJ1pExFw9Uv-v-Xdu4rXvIwTIAVc32VwbhhJKzU_Y3vLaeyV09l_qyCcxakayU8jbkT9SpheYk1VInJC2iRFfWZW3J_/s320/wrinkled_skin_elephant.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sun<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Smoking<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alcohol<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you think I’d hold back and try and lead you in to some big sell on a great new product?? Wrong! I’ve been in this business for over 25 years and it is just not my style. What I have noticed over the years how things have gone from selling hope in a bottle to well, pushing hope in a bottle by any means possible, down people’s necks...And, I still say, it’s not my style. You can also decide, as most people do, how you decide to perceive this information, but the facts are facts so, here’s is the honest to goodness low down on the three things that will age you quicker than anything else.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunshine<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I know, that you enjoy sipping a margarita by the pool with friend is great fun, but it will age you after 20 minutes, unless you have pretty sallow or dark skin (these guys get all the luck when it comes to sun bathing without damaging skin). I don’t want to be a party pooper and I know lying on the lylo is the most important part of a holiday for most Brits and Irish, but seriously……think of the skin damage people! Thing is, after your skin has turned a slightly pink shade and you’ve absorbed all the Vitamin D that you need and it is more beneficial start covering up that face, hair and body if you want to glow well into your twilight years. Now, please do not think that I am any different to anyone else on the planet. When I go on holiday, I am certainly not getting out of the sun after 20 minutes. It's just a reminder to keep the sun cream on. So, it's too much that is not good for your ok? </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a_kP1EJEd5YWBR9F2yJtZUQi4IeITO_b9XeW1Vkwca1-RYQXk_TwyQccDngWYNn2TFJCXzg7GNdgGMKp8j5-IQhzGHvkMm8WzslZX4cacwcc7LCjAySBPNt24VNRuTohHPCh7wc2RtpD/s1600/kristin-kreuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1a_kP1EJEd5YWBR9F2yJtZUQi4IeITO_b9XeW1Vkwca1-RYQXk_TwyQccDngWYNn2TFJCXzg7GNdgGMKp8j5-IQhzGHvkMm8WzslZX4cacwcc7LCjAySBPNt24VNRuTohHPCh7wc2RtpD/s200/kristin-kreuk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protect Your Eyes <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is as easy as popping a pair of sunglasses on. There’s no doubt you will look a lot more sophisticated and you definitely do not want those eyes to become swollen and puffy from too much sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a good look people! </span></div><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protect Your Kissable Lips <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD-AmUwM2C2ZSDlPZL6m6NAMuT30S07mpF_TGraXkYf83yYZzVsFe0CinwmiGJbQ6nsDwxMiqrznJT30th3gkYYHzsHxS5qtUQmYNE2TIb_10U7U5LqO_cEQejzrY6RXqMUB2kbHU_pzq/s1600/how-to-get-soft-kissable-lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD-AmUwM2C2ZSDlPZL6m6NAMuT30S07mpF_TGraXkYf83yYZzVsFe0CinwmiGJbQ6nsDwxMiqrznJT30th3gkYYHzsHxS5qtUQmYNE2TIb_10U7U5LqO_cEQejzrY6RXqMUB2kbHU_pzq/s200/how-to-get-soft-kissable-lips.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You definitely want to put some some sort of chap stick on. When purchasing one, look for a natural brand that also offers some sunscreen protection. For the record, you are better off putting olive oil on (even though it has no sunscreen) than using Vaseline, which is a petroleum based product and not one you want on your lips. Even though it feels good, there's a downside to using these products laden with chemicals that you definitely don't want near your mouth. </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M4woygYfH73pVfvr9G0aeIWT-_zWznjZswRO9cTlvoliTgHcy3ewoWMlKqIU11j0iN_UIkuZic_t8X-fO7IohLAbOkA25plM0jv9wvRIhJpJp8Vf1xM6xyKfib2mh0omqHKc4uKgFXRE/s1600/how-to-get-healthy-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M4woygYfH73pVfvr9G0aeIWT-_zWznjZswRO9cTlvoliTgHcy3ewoWMlKqIU11j0iN_UIkuZic_t8X-fO7IohLAbOkA25plM0jv9wvRIhJpJp8Vf1xM6xyKfib2mh0omqHKc4uKgFXRE/s200/how-to-get-healthy-hair.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protect your Hair<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hair is another area that you most definitely want to keep under wraps when in the sun. Particularly for those with bleached hair colours. If possible, keep your tresses firmly fixed under a stylish beach hat. If the idea of a hat on the beach drives your mad then definitely consider a leave in conditioner. Paying attention to the small things will definitely save your lots of time and costly trips to the salon afterwards to put right the damage that the sun can do. </span></o:p><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protect that Beauty Face and God Given Bod<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protect Your Face and Body by applying a natural, good quality, high factor sun screen every few hours. If you’ve decided to go for dip in the pool or sea, then pop on another layer. You’d be amazed how a quickly those rays burn it off.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Smoking </strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy6RI4tt3c8xw_qOnGDlrhw56fY0zvHPjeYaTb198VLsSuYijUkhv3SCcSMiNH_wmSbMRNYQyQ7-EPomjQzaBrhz_OosNPHBkzjZiCIw7_VONG5mPQurQHdJxyTk8Xdfo5ojrQQTb3KgJ/s1600/1290125772-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy6RI4tt3c8xw_qOnGDlrhw56fY0zvHPjeYaTb198VLsSuYijUkhv3SCcSMiNH_wmSbMRNYQyQ7-EPomjQzaBrhz_OosNPHBkzjZiCIw7_VONG5mPQurQHdJxyTk8Xdfo5ojrQQTb3KgJ/s320/1290125772-13.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This one seems obvious doesn't it! Many smokers couldn't give a hoot about the ageing aspects of this bad habit. Like most things, when you are in the firm grip of an addiction, how you look is really the last thing you are thinking about. However, when it does matter, as you are getting older and you are keen to grasp at anything to wipe away the years, then it is too late. The damaging effects of the myriad of chemicals will most definitely have done the damage at this stage. If you are interested in looking your best well into your 40's, 50's and 60's then look to giving this non nourishing habit the boot. There are so may helpful sites on the Internet, including many reputable programmes run by government agencies that are there to help you kick the habit. If you are serious about letting go of the need to light up, then look around for those people who want to help you. They're not cool, it's not pretty and they definitely do not serve you in any way that is health enhancing. Let go and grow!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Alcohol</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqv2kug8XCGHDfTJH-B0SGP_XRK-ddSUVYf5-xzL0jaY2bx60eXaLyxQh34GHnsvbQRnkps4phHDW9g6MTgY4FfJDBCyoA3B3JbN4H7iK2aL6ez2m6ttZVzQLR5NuCAkhFSInt-zxLjbtL/s1600/drinking_alcohol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqv2kug8XCGHDfTJH-B0SGP_XRK-ddSUVYf5-xzL0jaY2bx60eXaLyxQh34GHnsvbQRnkps4phHDW9g6MTgY4FfJDBCyoA3B3JbN4H7iK2aL6ez2m6ttZVzQLR5NuCAkhFSInt-zxLjbtL/s320/drinking_alcohol.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ah, this is a tricky one. Being Irish and currently living in Ireland, it is definitely a toughie. When everything is based around alcohol, from christenings to funerals, it is definitely completely accepted as normal nowadays. This may seem like a harmless way to celebrate, but I can tell you one thing, there is nothing beautifying about it. I can hear all the arguments now and yes, the French do drink wine, but not normally in the volumes that some other societies do and they don't usually save up their weekly quota and get blitzed all in one go. It takes the liver about 1 to 2 hours to deal with and detoxify one standard drink measure. So, 3, 4 and even more on a regular basis, is a pretty tall ask. Alcohol will seriously dehydrate the body and while I am not becoming a total party pooper and saying "Don't Enjoy a Drink", I am saying to hydrate in between rounds. The French drink one glass of wine with many glasses of water, to rehydrate. This is one of the secrets to minimising it's effect. The best way to view alcohol is as a sponge that mops up all the moisture from your body so, if you can get to view it this way, when you are next ordering your favourite tipple, order a larger glass of water to go with what you're having yourself!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">Well, that's it from this podium. If you know anyone who would benefit from reading this post, the share the love!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">Enjoy taking care of yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">Ruth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-71302533715757931542012-02-18T02:18:00.000-08:002012-02-18T02:20:48.126-08:00Healthy Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_0pnAAsKIY_q8L9n5RA80ffWtK9Do46XIGDRkGaQDWDLa5EaExYP04ZBeS1io8N5P6W3XA9b2MaOnaK1nK2qwXMw-v0geKA76z6D4U_DIyRr3fkpBWSNm4P8obFjcwwqEcIqXh6w6_ju/s1600/Pancake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_0pnAAsKIY_q8L9n5RA80ffWtK9Do46XIGDRkGaQDWDLa5EaExYP04ZBeS1io8N5P6W3XA9b2MaOnaK1nK2qwXMw-v0geKA76z6D4U_DIyRr3fkpBWSNm4P8obFjcwwqEcIqXh6w6_ju/s320/Pancake+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Pancakes are great, aren't they? I like both the savoury and sweet varieties. I remember my mum making the pancakes on Pancake Tuesday. My heart would literally skip a beat when she would toss the pan up towards the ceiling (keeping a hold of it of course) while the now solid pancake batter rose up out of it and did a flip in the air, only to land, seconds later on the reverse side back where it had started...Phew! I seem to have some other vague recollection of one in particularly rising up just a little too far and ending up sticking to the ceiling....Or, is that a scene from some movie I've seen?? Hmmn, that one certainly is food for thought. Even today when I make pancakes, which is quite regularly, my heart still skips a beat right before I toss them in the air in order to turn them onto the other side. Even though I could quite easily use any of a number of kitchen utensils to simply turn it, that just far to boring for me. Being the dramatic type, I love the thrill I get from the flip and manage to get it right almost every time. It really is great fun though altogether, you really should try it..oh, but make sure to have some friends around to add to the thrill....Fabulous!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With Pancake Tuesday just around the corner, there will be lots of pancakes for sale in supermarkets and available on restaurant menus. If I could give you one piece of advice, particularly if you are shopping for them, it is to take moment to turn the pretty packaging over to have a look at the ingredients they've been made from before you go ahead and wolf down a few. I don't want to be a party pooper, but honestly, if you can't pronounce what's in there, put them back, but if you do recognise what's in there as real food, go right ahead and enjoy them. However, for the more adventurous of you would rather try making their own, healthier version, then here is a gluten and dairy free version that I rather like.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What you'll need...</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iHC3Cc0kNiT8mn09TVRHvE2l4LFcmCrQqPd75CcbI7kEXHTwoJFTpXEzxosHPK6FCqDpVLKGKrZKfhSR51xAY2iV5oDhesZ24qpEdnhPdvV627k9djZrhh2Vk-IfZJXbeJVe7QpLE_5h/s1600/buckwheat+flour+and+groats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iHC3Cc0kNiT8mn09TVRHvE2l4LFcmCrQqPd75CcbI7kEXHTwoJFTpXEzxosHPK6FCqDpVLKGKrZKfhSR51xAY2iV5oDhesZ24qpEdnhPdvV627k9djZrhh2Vk-IfZJXbeJVe7QpLE_5h/s1600/buckwheat+flour+and+groats.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><strong>Basic Pancake Recipe</strong></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">100g buckwheat flour </div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">12 Tbps water/milk (preferably non-dairy such as almond, rice, hazelnut, soya)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 Tbps oil (I use coconut oil for frying, but you can use olive, sunflower or rapeseed)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><strong>How to Make</strong></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Mix flour, salt and milk together and leave to stand for approximately 10 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Then give the batter a stir, add 3 large spoonfuls or more (on thickness of the pancake that you like) of batter onto a hot oiled pan. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Cook until light brown underneath, then turn and cook the other side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like a richer pancake you can add in 2 or more eggs. I prefer not to, but this is a choice you can make yourself. You can also use plain flour (which will contain gluten) or spelt (which is actually an older and easier to digest form of wheat) flour if you cannot get your hands on buckwheat flour. However, I really recommend that you do buy buckwheat flour in the you health food store and start using it. It is a brilliant substitute for ordinary plain or self raising flour in most recipes. Actually, come to think of it, I think I may have even bought mine in Tescos last time I needed it, so it's really easy to source nowadays. With over 3% of the Irish population being diagnosed as gluten intolerant, get rid of the Odlums from the kitchen and start looking at the alternatives for your and your family.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For my own pancakes (above), I've used the exact recipe provided here. No frills, no fuss. For my filling I used lemon juice and a produce called Xyitol, which is a great tasting, excellent and safe sugar alternative, which once again can be found easily in most health food stores. I may have gone a bit over board on the lemon juice, but you don't have to, I just love the taste. Yes, that is icing sugar you are seeing too. I sprinkled some on top, which although not something I usually use, it does make pancakes and sweet delights look ever so pretty and as far as I'm concerned, is perfectly fine to use now and again. If you are sensitive to sugar, diabetic or have been advised to avoid it for any reason, then I suggest you leave it out and decorate with perhaps some desiccated coconut or perhaps some of the other superfoods like mesquite.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope you enjoy this basic recipe. They are really simple to prepare and great to eat so get back into the kitchen!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please also feel free to share with friends who many not know where to begin when it comes to pancake making. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for reading and happy Pancake Tuesday everyone!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Best wishes,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ruth.</div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-53895958752037153862012-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:002012-02-11T02:26:36.783-08:00Valentine's Raw Chocolate Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DkqKc3ZtXqlAzSa_G1ascE5bzyty4llMkV4TZ9VFd_locTKXXbUBTOdrXHFlqIVBVxilAvrJ4JOaJO5tne8zy0fLfv_uPHV2KSXTHhB04wefGRv2BQVNrjR-qOsgjkrotyB9gQlPRQY6/s1600/valentines-hearts-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DkqKc3ZtXqlAzSa_G1ascE5bzyty4llMkV4TZ9VFd_locTKXXbUBTOdrXHFlqIVBVxilAvrJ4JOaJO5tne8zy0fLfv_uPHV2KSXTHhB04wefGRv2BQVNrjR-qOsgjkrotyB9gQlPRQY6/s200/valentines-hearts-7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt" Lucy Van Pelt.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>This quote speaks loudly to my heart. Perhaps some may consider it indulgent, but I choose to have a small piece of chocolate every day. In fact, I absolutely adore chocolate. It's luxurious, rich taste, and the velvety way it melts in your mouth most definitely leaves me wanting more. In fact, just this very day, I was lucky enough to be asked to judge a chocolate competition taking place in The Happy Pear, Greystones Main Street, County Wicklow and they couldn't have asked a more willing participant. If you would like to be in with a chance to win, then get your chocolate entries in, in any way shape of form, on Sunday, 19th Feb before noon. I can't be sure on the prize but I'd hazard a guess, it's something chocolaty!</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>With Valentine's Day only around the corner, I thought it might be a nice treat to make your own piece of deliciousness at home. I've made sure to give out a simple recipe so that your work in the kitchen will produce a great result in no time. Who wants to spend hours in there with little to show for it! Not me anyway. Even though, I have tried making many different varieties of chocolate, using a range of different sweetners and fillings, and while there are healthier alternatives, I do believe this is one of the nicest and easiest recipes I've come across. If you are going to make it for that someone special for Valentine's or even for yourself to have in the fridge when the nibbles hit, then I suggest you use the best ingredients possible and don't scrimp on luxury. Enough writing for now though, let's get started..... </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>Raw Chocolate Recipe </u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>125g of cacao powder (health food store)</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>125g of cacao butter (health food store)</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1/2 cup of agave (health food store or some supermarkets)</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1 pinch of salt</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1/2 tsp of powdered vanilla (make this by grinding 1/4 cup of buckwheat groats with 1 whole vanilla bean to a fine powder You can also buy it in most health food stores if you'd prefer.)</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The best way to melt your cacao butter is to pop it into a bowl and then put the bowl into a pot with warm water. The cacao butter will eventually melt from the heat of the water, reducing it to a liquid form. Then mix the salt, powdered vanilla and the sifted cacao powder together in a separate bowl. Slowly add this mix to the cacao butter and gently stir together until fully incorporated. Add agave to the cacao butter mix. If you like nuts or goji berries in your chocolate, you would add them in at this stage. I really love adding almonds (with the skin removed), walnuts, hazelnuts, macademia and goji berries to my chocolate..Not all together mind you!</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>When your mixture is all ready, pour it into moulds of your choice. Don't be put off if you don't have any individual moulds, you can always pop it into any size grease proof lined dish and let it set in the fridge for over one hour. When you are ready to indulge your taste buds, take it out and break it into uneven, broken pieces and serve. </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Because this chocolate is really pure, you won't be able to leave it for too long at room temperature before it melts, so leave it in the fridge until you are ready to indulge.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgkSg4rJpyQI2rZCdO-GrzCVEsmkGgarcuu6AWAOf529ti2K3gJE8mbEqgXmBRvfd7dIFSYOs3YlAyjYCSeNJ0Ck61rMS2Uma33WazC05Hri5RAG1EdUiqIaUtzj9piQp6F6jXrLgNwsf/s1600/585637_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgkSg4rJpyQI2rZCdO-GrzCVEsmkGgarcuu6AWAOf529ti2K3gJE8mbEqgXmBRvfd7dIFSYOs3YlAyjYCSeNJ0Ck61rMS2Uma33WazC05Hri5RAG1EdUiqIaUtzj9piQp6F6jXrLgNwsf/s1600/585637_photo.jpg" /></a><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ruth.xx.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>(If you want a truly raw recipe that will retain all nutrients of the cacao, then make sure to keep the chocolate under 42 degrees centigrade. You can do this by using a thermometer)</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-87160846909058434272012-01-29T07:58:00.000-08:002012-01-29T07:58:59.655-08:00Smoothie Blending Basics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMgTQy6YGeJmMS-bqtB4IztFVombmz364zqGtrr-loo7V5FLHziYmhxg8WtjBEAwVdvtuj9JI-HdJLJKwdW3uIhZexhz85NWfLsTEswWxBq_H69jaizzPjOTtGS4JVbrkQbkHfzJDm_UD/s1600/08121185639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMgTQy6YGeJmMS-bqtB4IztFVombmz364zqGtrr-loo7V5FLHziYmhxg8WtjBEAwVdvtuj9JI-HdJLJKwdW3uIhZexhz85NWfLsTEswWxBq_H69jaizzPjOTtGS4JVbrkQbkHfzJDm_UD/s320/08121185639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_Toc308766243"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;">Blending Basics</span></a><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Base</span></span></b><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As simple as blending sounds, when I first started I had no idea what I was doing. I blended some vegetables and ended up with a thick soup like consistency. It took me a few attempts to realise that something was missing. Some sort of liquid base! Water was the obvious liquid of choice at first and then I began to experiment with coconut water and the nut milks such as almond, hazlenut, rice or oat. Now, I have discovered that water or coconut water is the most neutral liquid medium for making green smoothies and the ones I prefer the best. The key is to listen to your taste buds and find one that works really well for you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is a good time to tell you that when I make all my smoothies, I make them dairy free and I stay away from the use of pasteurised fruit juices and I do not recommend putting any form of frozen yoghurt in to make them creamier. This can be done by simply blending the right fruits and leafy greens together with perhaps some avocado to add in those incredible fats.</span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may be reading this and thinking what's wrong with using juice as a base? And might I say what a great question that is! If you look at the previous blog entry I have written on fibre, you will understand that if we juice fruit and add it as a base, you will lose the fibre benefit of that fruit from your smoothie drink. The very nature of a smoothie is the preservation of the whole fruit. However, that said, it is vital that you understand the following statement. Some people with serious health conditions will not be able to digest the smoothies due to their high fibre content and it is in this instance, that juices are advisable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again reference this dietary change with a health practitioner for best results and safety.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blending Pointers for the Beginner.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is good to be aware that certain vegetables taste better with some fruits more than others. This will be a case of trial and error at first, but do it is good to begin blending with one fruit with one leafy green and seeing how they tastes. You can always work up to more complex blends, but go easy at the beginning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The combination of fruit and starchy vegetables are not as beneficial to health since they tend to produce the unpleasant side effect of generating gas when ingested.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is worthwhile having some evaluation of the effect foods have in your digestive system. Different foods have different transit schedules, (the time it takes from entry to exit) and because they require varying acid/alkaline conditions, starch veg require digestion in the mouth, stomach and intestines, whereas fruit sugars are best absorbed in the intestines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In relation to your green smoothie, leafy greens are not classified as a starchy vegetables, therefore combine beautifully with most other fruits.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are interested in finding out more, a very good book on the subject is Food Combining Made Easy, by Dr. Herbert Shelton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some examples of Starchy Veggies</span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aubergine <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beetroot<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broccoli <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Butternut Squash<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cabbage <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cauliflower<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrots<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corn<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Courgette<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green beans<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parsnips<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peas<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet Potato</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While these vegetables are nutritious and beneficial for our health, they do not combine well with fruit due to their high starch content and I do not recommend their use.</span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like to ask me any questions on any of the above, I would be delighted to answer them, so just drop me an email and I hope to be able to help you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always, I wish you excellent health and happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Blending!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth.</span></div><br />
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</div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-85359161253458161172012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T00:00:27.609-08:00Kicking Those Bad Food Habits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL0p4gJmDPJgAJbR_RC3bZqPAugPver3Er39w_3cLh5WvbGuI-5Zzr5S7XEyGNUsgJNCd-99flo85omu2CXmz73sBT4qJhm-oiAeEi-9EfeAsOPkaMNlJgmErTvwZSNL-rCguqQBBozYG/s1600/vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL0p4gJmDPJgAJbR_RC3bZqPAugPver3Er39w_3cLh5WvbGuI-5Zzr5S7XEyGNUsgJNCd-99flo85omu2CXmz73sBT4qJhm-oiAeEi-9EfeAsOPkaMNlJgmErTvwZSNL-rCguqQBBozYG/s320/vegetables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It may come as a surprise to some of you, but Christmas is over!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know how sad this will be for some people because it is such a fabulous time of year with food and friendly drinks abundant that many people find it a challenge to stop "treating" themselves well into January. So, I am here to tell you that without having to start a major detox (even though it's a pretty good idea too) is not always essential to help you break those habits that are no longer working in your favour. What are some of those bad habits I hear you ask? Well, dipping the hand into the tin of roses because they're nearly gone and you'd like them finished before you start, the slice of Christmas cake or pud with cream or custard after dinner because you're used to having a dessert after a meal or what about the more sugary cereal that you bought in for Christmas because you love it, but you've just been shopping and bought it again! While many of my friends consider me a person with excellent will power, even I delve in at Christmas. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned on my Facebook Page that over the last few weeks I had taken a break from having my own morning green drink, but I am certainly worse off for letting it slide and I wanted to share the effects with you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The following is a list of some of the observations I encountered by allowing my daily, morning green drink slide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. I most definitely had a dip in my own natural energy.</div>2. I started needing a coffee or other caffeinated drink to give me that pep in my step, rather than for enjoyment.<br />
3. Craving more sugar in any form..honey, chocolate, fruit, bread (which converts to glucose)<br />
4. Not sleeping as well.<br />
5. Change in my overall PH levels, which I measure regularly.<br />
6. Feeling less motivated to exercise.<br />
7. Have had a heavy cold for over the past two weeks...Weakened immune system.<br />
8. Not as many trips to the ladies! If you get my drift.<br />
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While this list is not an exhaustive one, I thought I would mention the more obvious symptoms that I experienced. I have been back on my morning green drink over the past week, and already, my sleeping patterns are returning to normal (my normal) and there has been an improvement in my energy levels. <br />
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I know it can be challenging to find leafy greens at this time of the year, but at the very least, keep the cucumber, celery, limes, an apple or pear and some spinach going. We learn by repetition which is why once we undo a good habit, it is easy to forget all the good it was doing us.<br />
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I also suggest that if you can't get yourself into the kitchen in the morning, that you at least have a shot of wheatgrass whenever you see somewhere offering them or add some greens to your drinking water using any of the organic powdered drinks available in your local health food store. This will start the green process going again and you will find yourself asking for more salad to be added to your plate and alfalfa to your sandwich.<br />
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Thankfully, I am back on track now and I won't be giving breaking that good habit up again in a hurry but I certainly felt the negative effects of not eating greens and I did not like it.<br />
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Make 2012 your year to add a good habit in and be prepared for great change!<br />
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Best wishes, <br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-37896301761921639802011-10-27T07:41:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:41:13.543-07:00Will You Help Me Be Better?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcxxsMyE16rUFh2ewtJDKaBvvTsq5s3JD-bT7CHpcV72UryMWQFsOzeGWx7i_XcDv3sgV_b1G4Agyphh_Hs2a8WZlyRlErpyeD3yzMX6ibg7maoI-_5jisXNfaJTPPtH-YeSprHN5Mx1R/s1600/Survey+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcxxsMyE16rUFh2ewtJDKaBvvTsq5s3JD-bT7CHpcV72UryMWQFsOzeGWx7i_XcDv3sgV_b1G4Agyphh_Hs2a8WZlyRlErpyeD3yzMX6ibg7maoI-_5jisXNfaJTPPtH-YeSprHN5Mx1R/s320/Survey+Image.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: large;">"We get Results in Accordance with the Real Values we Give"</span></strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">And value is what I want to give you, but while I can say with hand on heart that after 25 years of being in the natural health & beauty industry, I have leart that every one of you is unique and individual. This means that each of you will be more interested in some of the articles that I write than others. I am hoping you will help me understand what those interests are in order to help me serve you better, but also to avoid myself spending too much time writing and posting less than interesting information.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: lime;">NOTE</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As each article I write or recipe I post, takes a lot time to organise and get out to you, I need YOU to tell me what YOU would like me to be writing more about. There is no point in me pouring my guts down on paper if it is not something that you want to hear so it is my intention to focus a lot more on what you want to hear and not only what I want to write about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I know what works for me when it comes to feeling good, colours that work for me, the people I like to be surrounded with, styles that support me well, foods that give me energy, help me sleep well and keep me healthy but what about you? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What are you struggling with?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What way do you like to learn?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What would you like to learn more of from me?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have put together a small survey that I hope won't take you any longer than 5 minutes to answer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>So, with all that said please find below.........</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: x-large;"><strong>The quickest survey ever...</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A) What is your greatest challenge when it comes to eating well?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Money.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Knowledge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Commitment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. All of the above.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. None of the above.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>B) How much time in any given week do you spend in the kitchen preparing meals?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
1. 2 hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. 4 hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. 6 hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 All of the above.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. None of the above.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>C) What is your preferred method of learning new information that you are interested in?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Going to a class.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Reading a book</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Downloading an ebook followed up by a seminar or class</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Getting a coach</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. All of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. None of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>D) Please select from the following, the topics that are of most interest to you?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Natural Beauty - including, essential oils information, skin care, chemical free products</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Kitchen aids, blenders, juicers, food processors - essential equipment for a healthy kitchen</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Living foods info, vegetarian recipes, green smoothies healthy holiday foods </div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Green glamour, bringing the glamour into green, including green gifts, unique style ideas, helping you find your stylish green side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. All of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 None of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>E) Would any of the following be beneficial to your life?</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Coaching, both off line, on line and tele-seminars.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. On line daily support programme</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Home visits</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. On line courses in living a green lifestyle</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5 All of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 None of the above</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">I am always delighted to hear any comments that you have or if there is anything that you have not seen here that you would definitely like me to write more on, then please let me know.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your own comments here: ----------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You're done! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I really am ever so grateful to you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Best wishes,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ruth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ps: I will be posting up the results over the next few days...can't wait to see what you all say.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-57169892695678312142011-10-22T08:38:00.000-07:002011-10-22T08:38:13.240-07:00Tasty Turmeric Veggies with Millet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxlzwweTSIY13YkuRFd1JeleVVNUiKugVA7iV9ah6IYFlxcS4m7Halyxl6zH_9B4n_NLMJFkt_9neDGNM2SzGZ6qI7jRGDuul6Mb4RJnoghzDxCNMpeYtDXNFBco29Q5FenOQO8hTye7b/s1600/IMG_8249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxlzwweTSIY13YkuRFd1JeleVVNUiKugVA7iV9ah6IYFlxcS4m7Halyxl6zH_9B4n_NLMJFkt_9neDGNM2SzGZ6qI7jRGDuul6Mb4RJnoghzDxCNMpeYtDXNFBco29Q5FenOQO8hTye7b/s320/IMG_8249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Hello fellow yummy, healthy foodies,<br />
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It's been too long since I posted a recipe or indeed wrote my blog, but I hope the attached will go some way towards letting you know how sorry I am. It's been all go here getting my book ready for publication and it really is taking up oodles of time. But, things are beginning to calm down now, so it will be all systems go with my blog over the coming months and I am really looking forward to sharing what I know with all of you.<br />
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While this millet and veggie recipe wouldn't win any prizes in Master Chef, is still delicious, incredibly good for you because it's sooo alkalising and easy peasy to make which I think more than makes up for the lack of creativity.<br />
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Change the veggies around to ones that work for you if these don't float your boat. You can add chicken if you are that way inclined but I think it would be great if you could leave it out and see how you get on without it. How about making it your veggie meal of the week? Just a thought! <br />
I love it and I hope you do too!<br />
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Well, here it is...<br />
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<b>Turmeric Tasty Veggies with Millet (serves 2 and a bit for the pot!)</b><br />
3 cups water<br />
1 cup of millet<br />
1 Tbs coconut oil (it won't taste of coconut, don't worry)<br />
1/2 an onion, diced<br />
Handful of peas<br />
1/4 squash (optional)<br />
3/4 tsp good quality sea salt, Himalayan or Celtic<br />
1/2 Tbs ground cumin<br />
1/4 tsp turmeric<br />
1 pepper (I like red), but yellow is good too<br />
1 cup broccoli florets<br />
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<strong>To make</strong><br />
If you soak the millet over night, it will be much easier to digest and will be easier for your body to extract the available nutrients within.<br />
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Add the soaked millet to a pan of boiling water and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside. In a pan heat the coconut oil and add the onions. Cook for a few minutes until they are a translucent quality. Then add salt and your spices. Cook for several minutes. Finally add all the vegetables except the peas which will be added later. Cook for about 8 minutes. Add peas and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, add the cooked millet to the pan and stir everything together. If you would like to add more spices, you can add to adjust the flavouring to suit your taste buds. That's it! <br />
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This dish can be served with a nice green salad if you find you would like something on the side. <br />
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As always, I'd love to know what you think!<br />
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Get the Glow,<br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-81778219449117337272011-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T07:02:42.406-07:00Fats-The Good, The Bad & The Downright Ugly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnsGgPF1jLSVPHQfVLd_FElIWnz_wxETNHT667La4yw9oyAY-lTu45jwAATZqZdJQBta59OyyofO-X7hDablU7P0YhSiqs2jxPre1d9IT1YG5dVSBXv4npNoo7V8Gc_qDvSo38ddeUxK7/s1600/Fat_parents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnsGgPF1jLSVPHQfVLd_FElIWnz_wxETNHT667La4yw9oyAY-lTu45jwAATZqZdJQBta59OyyofO-X7hDablU7P0YhSiqs2jxPre1d9IT1YG5dVSBXv4npNoo7V8Gc_qDvSo38ddeUxK7/s200/Fat_parents.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
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I just couldn't resist it the photo:) But there is some element of truth behind it. There are so many people in the world for whom the battle of saying no to the goodies is a really tough one. Tackling your mindset around why these are so tempting to you in the first place, is the most important area to get clear on (and will be covered in another blog), but it is equally as important that people know why saying no is a whole lot better for you in the long run.<br />
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When I was growing up my mum was a brilliant cook and in particular, a brilliant baker. I loved and still do love the delights that she can produce when she gets into the kitchen. Although, nowadays her idea of a dessert (living on her own) is a nice M&S, mixed berry crumble, or heaven's forbid, one from Lidyl or Aldi! Still, she gave myself and my sisters a taste for the sweet things in life and we are beyond fussy, when it comes to getting it right in the goodies department. Lucky for me though, I had a host of food sensitivities, so I began to uncover the world of guilt free baking! And discover it was exactly what I did. To this day, I cannot and will not eat the stuff that some people pass off as a "replacement" for brownies or flapjacks, which I love!! These baking faux pas can be truly horrific and would put anyone off wanting to chose the "healthy" option. Honestly, I would prefer to eat an amazingly good product once a week than one a day of these poor, desperate imitations (unless it's me making it that is...such modesty!) But I digress......<br />
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The baking tray is not the only place where we can find these fats that we find so hard to say no to, but it is one of the more challenging, particularly if you like to go for cup of coffee in Starbucks or some of the other coffee houses that have popped up all over the place in recent years. You may even have told yourself that having that muffin or scone every day with your cup of coffee is ok because it's your little "treat" for being so good (good for what I'm not quite sure), and because they are packaged so invitingly, you might be fooled into to thinking that they're are actually not as bad for you as you thought! Well, I will be the bearer of bad news..... these products are laden with the types of fats that you definitely do not want to eat on a regular basis. Remembering that there's so much more to fats than meets the immediate eye. Let me give you the low down on some of the important things you should now about fats, especially if you are going to move from zero to hero in their world.<br />
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First though, let's get some facts about fats out of the way. ALL fats are completely, totally and utterly essential for us to live healthy lives. Fats help you body absorb many essential vitamins (A,D,E and K), they maintain the structure and function of cell membranes and preserve the integrity of your immune system (helpful don't you think!). Your brain is composed of 60% fat and one third of this should come from essential fats if you want to achieve optimal health and wellness. So next time you hear of someone on a fat free diet, worry, really worry!<br />
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<u>Fats break down into the following categories:</u><br />
1. Saturated fats - which are solid at room temperature e.g. butter, meat, lard, coconut oil/butter<br />
2. Unsaturated fats - which are liquid at room temperature e.g. vegetable oils<br />
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<u>Unsaturated fats break down further into:</u><br />
Monounsaturated fatty acids (avocado oil and olive oil) <br />
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (sunflower, corn or hemp oil )<br />
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Some of these fats are essential fatty acids and the others are non-essential. In short, we need to take in essential fatty acids (also known as the polyunsaturated ones) because they cannot be made by the body. The primary function of EFA's is the production of prostaglandins which regulate body functions <span style="background-color: yellow;">such </span>as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation by encouraging the body to fight infection. The non-essential can be manufactured by the body in small amounts and therefore it is not essential that we get them from our diet.<br />
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<u>Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids - The Really Good Guys</u><br />
Just to keep things simple, I will only look at omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats can be found in sources such as flax (also known as linseed), pumpkin and hemp, plus fish oils like krill. The omega 6 fats are found in sunflower, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds). In the body, the omega 3 fats are converted to alpha-linolenic acid, which then converts to EPA and DHA, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. Omega 3 fatty acids are easily damaged though (which is why you should not heat these oils) and is also why they are usually omitted from many processed foods. We are much less deficient in omega 6 than omega 3 because many food manufactures add these omega 6 oils to our food. This happens for many different reasons, but one of these reasons is because fats make our food taste better. However, this leads to a over supply of omega 6 and an under supply of omega 3 for many of us and therefore provides another reason to reduce the amount of processed food in your shopping basket. The omega 6 fatty acids are broken down by the body to linolenic acid, which is then coverted to to GLA (think evening primrose ladies) and a not so good acid called arachidonic acid. To avoid too much arachidonic acid, the recommendation again is to lessen the amount of processed foods you eat plus reduce the amount of animal based products you consume. As mentioned above, because all essential fats are so easily damaged by heat, please avoid using these oils for cooking and do consume cold for best results. <br />
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<u>Saturated Fat - The Bad Guy or Is It??</u><br />
Not all saturated fat is bad for you, which may come as a shock to many of you.We actually need saturated fat in our diet. It is the saturated fat that is found animal based products, which we need to reduce, which is also the saturated fat that found in large amounts in or current Western diet. But did you know that coconut oil is also very high in saturated fat too? But it a different type of saturated fat which contains medium chain triglycerides rather than long chain triglycerides and our bodies LOVE these MCT's. They are actually incredibly beneficial for our health and can be brokendown and utilised quickly by the body and are a really excellent source of energy. In South East Asia and the Pacific Island where coconut is revered, they enjoy high levels of cardiovascular health and super strong immune systems and it is their consumption of coconuts that are largely responsible for these findings. Coconuts also contain lauric and capric acids, which are incredible antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agents to so excellent for maintaining a healthy gut. <br />
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<u>Transfats - The Downright Ugly and what's it doing on our plates anyway Guy!!</u><br />
A lot of the polyunsaturated fats we eat are damaged and become trans fats or processed fats. These are also known as hydrogenated fats. To turn a vegetable oil into a hard fat (e.g. margarine) it goes through a process called hydrogenation. This is where hydrogen is added to a vegetable oil to make it solid.You know the type that you can take out of the fridge and spread immediately? This hydrogenation process blocks the body's ability to use the good fats and is something that we really want to avoid. Could this mean that you are reducing the effectivness of your essential fatty acid supplements?? Having too many of these transfats in your diet will also increase your bad cholesterol (LDL) and also lower your good cholesterol levels (HDL). Transfats are not something you want in your food so next time you go shopping, please read that label for the word "hydrogenated or partially hydrodgenated" If it contains either, don't buy it. Transfats are not even recognised by our bodies and will immediately store it as a toxin. And back to my baking scenario above, most of the shop bought cakes, muffins and scones are make by using these hyrdogenated vegetable oils, so this is another good reason to avoid them or at least reduce the amount you purchase and consume. <br />
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As with anything I do, my aim is not to scare you senseless into making changes or to confuse you so much that you do not know what to eat anymore. My only aim is to educate and inform you and to help you feel better and live a healthier and longer life. So, the next time someone puts one of those pretty looking cup cakes in front of you and your feel obliged to eat it, be aware of what they contain and make your choices based on the facts. I also LOVE cupcakes and scones too, but when I chose to bake them, I will make make sure that my body at least knows what to do with it when it goes in by using real identifiable butter or fat that my body will recognise. I suggest you do this too.<br />
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I hope this has helped you and would love you to share it with as many people as possible if it has. This is the best way to pass on the good word.<br />
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I would also be thrilled to receive your comments and if you have any pressing concerns about what you've read, please feel free to email me (see contact me area).<br />
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Finally, if you are currently challenged by any health concerns i suggested you consult your doctor before embarking on any major change to your diet, particularly if you are currently taking doctor prescribed medication. <br />
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Other than that.....I wish you incredible health and happiness!<br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-5939303880609282202011-08-31T15:32:00.000-07:002011-09-01T00:32:53.080-07:00Get Your Giggle On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmcTg4sovtuiDtOlSqsdpNxMicF4WbPUzdNgTh90L9p8_LJY5Qg8nKt_MkZUso3mLwG2QoFyiTLTj-8h7OHWtK0aLEucKPUg5bXq1lNIE8PNJCecERFf7vf4bpKrXYH7CiFJIob00l35/s1600/imagesCA3VS531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmcTg4sovtuiDtOlSqsdpNxMicF4WbPUzdNgTh90L9p8_LJY5Qg8nKt_MkZUso3mLwG2QoFyiTLTj-8h7OHWtK0aLEucKPUg5bXq1lNIE8PNJCecERFf7vf4bpKrXYH7CiFJIob00l35/s320/imagesCA3VS531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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These are challenging times we are living in. It may sound strange, but I gave up listening to the news quite some months ago. But somehow, I have always managed to keep abreast of everthing that's going on in the world through other people and glimpses of headlines here and there without having to actually sit and watch or listen to any news channel. <br />
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For some people the very idea of this may be too much to handle, but for me, it just makes sense. Especially if you could be watching something really funny instead. Anyway, for the last few years, there has been very little good news to report, and I don't particularly want to be remided of it daily. Especially, if I am having a day that things are not going as well as I would like them to. Some people find knowing what to eat stressful, for me this is simple, for others, it is chosing something to wear, again, for me this is something I love doing. However, the area I fall down on most is making sure I am not overgiving, and keeping my stress levels well managed. This is an area of my life that I like to keep in check and one of the best ways I have found to do this and that works for me to have a good old giggle. Oh, you just feel brilliant afterwards! Like going to see a good comedian and having to hold your sides from the pain because your waist muscles are getting such a good workout. In my opinion, nothing is a good at changing your mood as much as laughing. So how are you going to get your giggle on?<br />
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For me it was last Sunday afternoon when I met with an old and very good friend of mine. We had not seen each other for a long time (way too long in my opinion). We spent a wonderful day together and what resulted from this meeting was a completely fresh look at life.We laughed and giggled for hours and I came home completely refreshed and invigorated. It reminded me of when I was young, carefree and unaware of the world around me. I felt fantastic and could barely remember what had been causing me concern in the first place. However, some days later I did remember what it was, plus several creative solutions to achieve resolutions, without having to sit down and "figure" them out.<br />
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Some people naturally gravitate towards having lots and lots of fun and making sure that it is an integral part of their lives. For me, I have a tendency to work a lot and keep seeing where I can be better. This means that I can sometimes forget to "pencil in" (that's a joke!) to have a good old giggle.<br />
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It may sound too silly for you (and if it does, then perhaps, then it is good to be reminded), but I am wondering, have you had a giggle today? What did you do? If you didn't, could you find a way to have one tomorrow? Life is a journey, not a destination and it will be much more fun and enjoyable if you can make room for giggling. So, what are you waiting for?...get your giggle on! A really belly laugh is irresistible and if you still want to be technical about it, having a giggle will do your immune system the world of good. Studies have shown, that people who laugh more, have stronger resistance to stress and build healthier and more white blood cells. They're the little critters that go out and work hard protecting you from getting sick.<br />
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I would love to hear what makes you have a belly laugh and if you happen to be facing challenges right now, what creative ways you have found to help you deal with some of those challenges, particularly if they involve laughing or having a giggle.<br />
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If you have any comments, I would be delighted if you would post them in the comments box below and look forward to reading them all.<br />
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Yours in good health and giggleness,<br />
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Ruth.<br />
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Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-40726825082015067762011-08-03T11:57:00.000-07:002012-02-16T00:45:53.658-08:00Get in Touch with Your Inner Cow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7FYyUkBeivjR8dJCY8JW8Q7oDxJuWxb6g5CyPO95wrMWwu26AhyphenhyphenEDV4yP6k6HrdMWsGnxA20T2IylJIKDnsNJxsv92kOLvrXXbUARyBDLnULRdKAsPiOBNes6_KTUvB5uTJzvWlaUw67/s1600/wheatgrass_L+johnstowngardencentre.ie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7FYyUkBeivjR8dJCY8JW8Q7oDxJuWxb6g5CyPO95wrMWwu26AhyphenhyphenEDV4yP6k6HrdMWsGnxA20T2IylJIKDnsNJxsv92kOLvrXXbUARyBDLnULRdKAsPiOBNes6_KTUvB5uTJzvWlaUw67/s320/wheatgrass_L+johnstowngardencentre.ie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Don't judge it until you've tried it! You know that most things in life that are incredibly good for you, don't always taste the best....in the beginning anyway. If I told you that you might actually get to like this substance, would you believe me? Alright, like might be too strong a word, but how about tolerate? Better? Wheatgrass was one of these little substances that took me a while to get used to. I found it bitter and just way to grassy for my liking. Even today when I take wheatgrass, and I do regularly, I think it's the closest I will ever feel to understanding what a cow's life must be like....without needing the 4 stomachs to digest it.<br />
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<strong><u>What is Wheatgrass?</u></strong><br />
A little information about this berry. It is grown from the wheat berry, which is the whole kernel of the wheat grain, so while it might have a similar appearance to lawn grass (see daisy above), in truth it is far from it. Wheatgrass is the young shoots from the berry that has been watered and nurtured for approximately a 10 day period. In order to extract the nutrients, the wheatgrass will need to be run through a juicer called a masticating or auger juicer to get all the available nutrients out and to make these nutrients available for the human body. Wheatgrass, can be tolerated by those with wheat allergies because the gluten, which is the protein in wheat that causes the allergic reaction, changes during the sprouting process and the protein that was in the original seed is no longer in the grass blade and therefore can be tolerated by people with wheat/gluten sensitivities. Some people people who have been diagnosed as coeliacs are not prepared to try it just in case, but research points to the fact that it is safe to drink because it does not contain gluten.<br />
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Wheatgrass has been around for a long time, but it was through Dr. Ann Wigmore in the 1940's a health pioneer, who uncovered it's benefits when using it to help people with serious health challenges. Dr. Wigmore passed away in 1994 but if you would like to find out more about Dr. Wigmore and her legacy you can visit <a href="http://www.annwigmore.org/">http://www.annwigmore.org</a> or http://www.annwigmore.com . Suffice to say that almost anyone who is interested in the benefits of wheatgrass or sprouting, has come across the name Dr. Ann Wigmore. Her legacy is wide and far reaching. <br />
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<strong><u>The Benefits of Wheatgrass</u></strong><br />
Looking at the following list if might seem obvious that everyone should be consuming wheatgrass daily to their get their dose of vitamins and mineral, but they are not. I hope that the following will go some way to helping you understand a little about why it would be incredibly beneficial for you to start taking this green drink.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">W</span>heatgrass is reported to have the following benefits:<br />
<ul><li>Be one of the richest sources of Vitamins A and C</li>
<li>Contains a full spectrum of B vitamins including B17, which has been accredited to destroying cancer cells but without affecting normal cells</li>
<li>Provides organic iron to the blood which helps improve circulation</li>
<li>Contains 92 of 102 trace minerals </li>
<li>Very rich in chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifying agent</li>
<li>Helps to purify the liver</li>
<li>Improves blood sugar problems</li>
<li>Is considered a complete food by many authorities</li>
<li>Helps wound and sores heal more quickly</li>
<li>Is very similar to the molecular structure of your red blood cells, enhances the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to every cell of your body</li>
</ul>And I know that this list is not complete! But I wanted to give you some understanding of what those little green shots that you have heard are good for you are actually doing. <br />
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Another point that I would like to mention about wheatgrass is that it can be very strong. It also contains alkaloids, which are like nature's chemicals that can strengthen the immune system, but if taken in too large quantities are not supportive to the body. At times, I can down 3oz shots (approx 90mls), but then I wouldn't give you tuppence for even a 1oz shot. Like always, my advice is to see how you go. Try a 1oz first and then work up to more if you can tolerate it. Sometime, I add a shot to my green smoothie because I don't want to take it on it's own. This way I can still get the benefits, but without having to take it on it's own.<br />
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One final note, wheatgrass is best taken on an empty stomach even though I personally add it to my smoothies at times. I mostly have it on it's own to get maximum bang for my buck.<br />
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Well, that's it from this meadow. <br />
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As always, I wish you good health and empowerment!<br />
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Green, grassy wishes.<br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-71937939459882493932011-07-26T02:00:00.000-07:002011-07-26T02:17:40.894-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzkJLTB6SmOZrLEnVULJpR4xET67723emTIDcXZh2GbpkeKz8egTcP5aqcF9OmihpSdl29Xie-RgP7RFOPkIY0D6IKoZrjOdMOi_F3wQa7-eY6nEW3qsv5CfEvXtWnDMgLh5pEIWv7-Zr/s1600/00915-funny-cartoons-ibs-245x300.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzkJLTB6SmOZrLEnVULJpR4xET67723emTIDcXZh2GbpkeKz8egTcP5aqcF9OmihpSdl29Xie-RgP7RFOPkIY0D6IKoZrjOdMOi_F3wQa7-eY6nEW3qsv5CfEvXtWnDMgLh5pEIWv7-Zr/s320/00915-funny-cartoons-ibs-245x300.gif" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Fibre…itis!</span></strong><br />
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There is a new epidemic sweeping our lands and it’s coming to a house near you....I call it<strong> Fibre...itis</strong>! When I look at a plate of food I see nutrient content, you know, fibre, enzymes, phyto-nutrients. I think to myself, what am I going to get out of it? Will it feed me or just fill me? I know I am in the minority here and perhaps it’s a crazy concept for a lot of people, but one that I would ask you to be open to. You see, what you are eating will determine quite of lot of how you are feeling. When you eat something, it will be broken down into smaller parts. These smaller parts, will then go on to become even smaller parts and smaller etc….Eventually, these parts need to become energy for your cells. If you put diesel into a petrol engine, you wouldn’t get very far right? Well, that’s what has happens with your body too. Junk food in, junk energy out.<br />
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However, no matter what you take in, it is through all of these incredibly complex metabolic processes, that we produce waste products that will need to be eliminated from the body. If these waste products are not eliminated correctly, and efficiently, the body almost begins to poison itself from within...sounds yuck eh! These waste products will look for alternative way of elimination e.g. spilling onto the skin and causing eruptions and problems and like just slowing us down in general sometimes to the point of stopping us in our tracks with a major illness until we do get the "junk" out. There is a better way than letting these waste products build and build and cause damage to our bodies and this is by taking in sufficient fibre. Fibre is the magic sponge that will safely eliminate these waste producs from our bodies. So, exactly is fibre and where do I get it from? <br />
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<strong>Soluble Fibre</strong><br />
There are two main types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. The soluble is the kind found in fruit, beans peas, oat bran, rye, barley, certain veggies such as broccoli and carrots, psyllium (that you can buy in shops) and especially chia seeds. Soluble fibre has a jelly like substance that improves bowel movements. If you’ve ever soaked chia seeds in water, you will get a very good example of this jelly like substance. Soluble fibre also mops up or binds with cholesterol found in the small intestine and brings it out of the body. Soluble fibre can slow down the release of sugars into the system, and is therefore an excellent way of reducing the risk of diabetes.<br />
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<strong>Insoluble Fibre</strong><br />
Insoluble is the type found primarily in greens, peels, nuts, seeds wholegrains and beans. Think of the husks of grains, and you’ll get the picture of what insoluble fibre looks like. Insoluble fibre is like a sponge and indeed plays a similar role. If you’ve ever put a sponge over water and allow it soak it up, then you will have a good visual of how the insoluble fibre works in the intestine. It can absorb many times its own body weight in toxic residue and then releases it from the body. <br />
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<strong>Other than metabolic waste where do these toxins come from?</strong><br />
From inhaling the air around us, to undigested foods, taking in heavy metals from the food chain e.g. tuna fish is very high in mercury, and from other pesticides/herbicides that have been used to bring the food to our table. Skin care products, household products that are not environmentall friendly, shampoos and conditioners that are usually bought in chemists and supermarkets, mobile phones, laptops, medication,, alcohol, coffee etc. We live surrounded by them and there is nothing you can do to avoid some of them. However, the one good way to make sure that you are fighting them in the best way possible is to up your fibre intake.<br />
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<strong>What is the best way to up my fibre intake?</strong><br />
For me, this has to be by taking a green smoothie daily. The fruit and leafy green combination works perfectly. You can also do as I do and add chia seeds for even more soluble fibre. I soak mine before hand. If you do manage to get some chia seeds and put them in water, you will see exactly how this works. You could also up your legumes (peas, beans and lentils), seeds, nuts and veggies intake. Fruit is also an excellent source of fibre, but I would not encourage you to take in too much as it still does contain a lot of fruit sugar. About two pieces per day is best. Also, please don't get too bogged down in whether or not you have eaten soluble or insoluble fibre, just increase your intake of veggie foods and you will be really helping your gut. For the record, animal products are not sources of fibre, so do not be fooled, you will get neither soluble or insoluble fibre from eating them. Plant based foods are the way to increase your overall fibre intake.<br />
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If you would like some green smoothie recipes, please visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kitchengreenie">www.facebook.com/kitchengreenie</a>. There are plenty of recipes there to get you started. <br />
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I hope you found this article helpful and if you did, then please so pass it on to someone who might benefit from reading it.<br />
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To your good health!<br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-19531422964985355362011-07-22T05:25:00.000-07:002011-07-26T00:53:50.297-07:00Juicy Secrets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj6FLiHlw2sz8c1EW3ZRBfaVFR1h7tMQlT_oHAqGp7xxY_we6TqkUFlyZd7Z9mQrfOIa1prh8rnZgQ2LnivWHrgzqTeRgGyjiuLh-11xI-rKiyajhFNctH5AMN5mwi21GNdihHzPjGNTV/s1600/greenjuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj6FLiHlw2sz8c1EW3ZRBfaVFR1h7tMQlT_oHAqGp7xxY_we6TqkUFlyZd7Z9mQrfOIa1prh8rnZgQ2LnivWHrgzqTeRgGyjiuLh-11xI-rKiyajhFNctH5AMN5mwi21GNdihHzPjGNTV/s200/greenjuice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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There has been lots of interest in juicing in recent years and deservedly so. Many people now replace several of their daily meals with these nutritional power-houses and are reaping the benefits of such a change. Juicing remains one of the quickest ways to supercharge your health and vitality that is available to date. The following is a short guide on juicing that I hope will help clear up any questions that you might have had but were afraid to ask. <br />
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<strong>Fresh Versus Pasteurised</strong><br />
The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between pasteurised and un-pasteurised juice. Fresh juice has active enzymes and the pasteurised version does not. These active components of fresh juice are the main reason why juiced fruit and veg only last a short time after being prepared. Typically this is around 24 hours, after that, the juice will have oxidised quite considerably. Oxidation is the process where the active enzymes comes into contact with oxygen and as a result, begins to degrade over time. If you’ve ever cut an apple and left it exposed to the air, you will see it turning brown. This is the same oxidative process that happens to a fresh juice. There is a considerable reduction in the quality and enzymatic content once the juice has been extracted, which is why it is better to drink it soon after it has been made.<br />
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<strong>Juice Contains No Fibre</strong><br />
This is true. The juice is almost like the blood of the plants. Once it is passed through a juicer, the fibre is removed leaving only the liquid element behind. You body can easily absorb the nutrients from this liquid without having to go through the lengthy digestive process that eating the whole plant involves. This makes light work on the digestive tract, and is an excellent way to up your nutritional intake, particularly if your digestive system is functioning below par. Have you ever felt the need to sleep after a big meal? Not exactly the result eating a meal is meant to achieve, but shows the power of the digestive process, particularly when it is under siege, well, juicing is an incredible way to give your body a break, while feeding it at the same time. <br />
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However, even though juice does not contain any fibre, we do still need to eat it and in fact, we need a lot more than we would imagine, so I would not recommend you staying on only juice for a long time, unless you are treating a serious health condition. Fibre is like a magic sponge that mops up all the toxins that are stored in our colon. The lack of fibre in our western diet is a major cause for concern and is seriously damaging people’s health. Victoria Butenkyo (one of my secret nutritional heroes) in “Green for Life” recommends people take in at least 30 to 50 grams per day. It is sad, but most of us are falling way short of this figure, with most people closer to 15 grams per day. I most certainly do not want to “dis” juicing, or its increcible role in reversing many illness and nutritional deficiencies, but feel that people need to be made aware of its lack of fibre. I will be covering more on fibre in another post over the coming weeks so watch out for it. <br />
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<strong>Best Time to Juice</strong><br />
Morning is definitely the best time to juice. This is because the body has several different cycles and it is in the morning when the juice will be of most benefit to you. The body goes into its cleansing and detox cycle at 3am and does not leave this cycle until noon the following day. During this time, the inner organs are cleansing and expelling the body of unwanted toxins. It is more supportive to your body to drink fresh juice and have foods with a high water content during this time, which means a nice, fresh veggie juice is an excellent way to start the day. Examples of veggies that have a high water content are cucumber and celery. Fruit too also has a high water (and sugar content too) and don’t forget your leafy greens. You may have heard that having your biggest meal in the middle of the day really is better for you but now you know why, it’s because your can digest it easier. The later the hour in the day that you eat, the more taxing it will be on your digestive system. If you are going to have a large meal and it is a late hour and you find your digestive system is not what it used to be, then I suggest you try taking some digestive enzymes before you eat. I find these little things a Godsend!<br />
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<strong>Juicing is Alkalising to the Body</strong><br />
Our body’s blood has a natural acid/alkaline balance. It is measured on a PH scale that ranges from zero, with zero being the most acidic to 14, being the most alkaline. Good health is somewhere between 6.8 and 7.6. Most of the refined foods we eat, i.e. all processed and packaged food, wheat based products, dairy and animal products are acid forming to our bodies. When our PH is too acidic it is Disneyland for bad bacteria and yeast to survive and thrive. Ideally we are better off refusing entry to these little nasties and juicing, particularly green juices are an excellent way to redress this balance to more alkaline surroundings. The reason I mention green juices is that many people are under the illusion that having mango, pineapple, pear a carrot is a good nutritious juice. It is certainly better than the shop bought version, but for maximum nutrition, low GL (glycaemia load) and truly healthy juices, you need to get juicing those leaves and veggies with a smaller amount of fruit. I will be putting up a Useful Links Index shortly so, do please keep checking back to see if I’ve been organised enough to get write and jog my memory if I haven't.<br />
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<div><strong>Different Veggies You Can Juice</strong></div><ul><li>All Leafy Greens – including kale, spinach, pak choi, parsley, coriander, mint – high in vitamins A,C and E, watercress, rocket, all types of lettuce, chock full of chlorophyll (see separate entry on chlorophyll) and phyto-nutrients. Great for alkalising the body.</li>
<li>Cucumber and Celery are incredible for flushing out toxins from the kidneys. Great for building hair, skin and nails. Anti-inflammatory qualities. Celery is high in the coumarins, a phyto-chemical that may help lower blood pressure and increase white blood cell count.</li>
<li>Beetroot – great for building strong blood and heart. They add a lovely earthy flavour to your juice. Don’t forget to juice the leafy tops too as they contain beta-carotene, calcium and iron.</li>
<li>Apples- are lovely and sweet and bring a lovely taste to your juice. They are a great system cleanser and like most fruit, have plenty of anti-oxidant properties because they have high Vit A and C content. They are also more alkalising to the body than other fruits. </li>
<li>Pears – similar to apples, but are the more alkalising than most other fruit. </li>
<li>Ginger – Incredible for your digestion and brings such a unique taste to your drink. I love this and add it to almost all of my drinks and smoothies. </li>
<li>Lemons and Lime - Full of Vitamin c, but their real benefit is in the alkalising effect they have on the blood. This makes them excellent for taking the edge off some of the more bitter leafy greens and a great combination with lots of other fruit.</li>
</ul>As you can imagine, this is not an exhaustive list, of fruit and veggies that are available. There are lots of juicing books on the market that can offer lots of creative recipes that you and your family can enjoy. For juicing, the higher the water content, the more juice you will get. The above list are some of the fruit and veggies that I juice regularly.<br />
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Enjoy getting to know what works for you and I look forward to hearing all about your amazing, healthy, juicy concoctions.<br />
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To you good health!<br />
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Ruth.Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875181820547153081.post-89032480668399460972011-07-04T02:37:00.000-07:002011-07-04T02:37:55.989-07:00Alkalising Your Body<img height="225" id="il_fi" src="http://www.skinnyurl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/7da3c_alkaline_diet_recipes_5721481297_d8835d1ff9_m.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /><br />
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My friend Kate from Alkalkine By Design is a whizz kid when it comes to alkalising the body correctly. It is my view that there is a lot of misinformation about the best way to alkalise the body. It is something that I myself, pay close attention to in my own life. I do this by measuring my body's PH levels (more on this towards the end of this piece). I've asked Kate to write a small piece to explain exactly what alkalising is and to highlight some of its benefits. Not only has she offered the following for my blog, there is a <strong>free</strong> alkalising ebook to all those who would like to know more.<br />
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<div><strong>Here's what Kate has to say on the subject of Alkalising</strong><br />
</div><div>Alkalising is a natural hygiene (natural eating) term applied to the practice of eating raw salads and vegetables, with the inclusion of nuts and seeds, and some fruits. Alkaline foods are considered all vegetables (with the exception of root vegetables) and only a handful of fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, avocadoes and tomatoes. Your blood is slightly alkaline, and in order for the blood to maintain its proper form and correct function, it too needs alkaline foods. Without it the blood then starts to steal nutrients from other organs and tissues creating pain and disease from such lack. When you 'alkalise' you give your body correct nutrition for creating blood, tissues and maintaining proper organ function. The benefits of which give you clear skin, much more energy, proper working function of every organ in your body and reversal of aging. Even better is an abundance of digestive enzymes, and good bacteria without the need for supplementation. People who alkalise rarely have pain in any area of their body and are known to reverse painful conditions. Under supervision, alkalising is also known to reverse serious health problems where Western Medicine offers no hope or progress. You lose your taste for sweet sugary foods, your taste changes considerably and your mouth will freshen with the renewal of tastebuds - you literally start tasting your food for the first time as it should be, and will desire salt and other dressings and food additives much less. Your body wakes up and receives the goodnesss for use and blood creation, giving you a glint in your eye, a spring in your step and a return of your sex drive. An 80/20 approach (80% of your daily intake being veges, salads and oils/nuts etc) and 20% being acidic (such as rice, salmon or other fish fillet, millet, quinoa, sweet potato and also any protein or animal based foods) is a very strong long term strategy for living a healthy and socially inclusive life. To find out more about what kinds of foods you could enjoy in this transition please visit my website at <a href="http://www.alkalinebydesign.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.alkalinebydesign.co.uk</a> and download Alkalising Made Easy for free.</div><div><br />
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<img height="165" id="il_fi" src="http://klimades.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/acid-alkaline.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
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<strong>My words on your PH</strong><br />
</div><div>I've been checking my own PH levels for a while now. When I first started, I was amazed at how easy it was to affect it, particularly by the foods we eat. The PH scale is a measure of the degree of aciditity or alkalinity as measured on a PH scale. PH stands for potential of hydrogen and in effect is the amount of hydrogen in any particular substance. If you look at the diagram above, you will see that the PH scale runs from 0 to 14 with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. Neutral is around the 7 mark. The scale is a good indicator of good health with the body being more healthy and disease free in an alkaline environment. It is thought that anywhere from 7.2 to 7.4 is the best alkaline environment for our bodies to live in. There are many other elements that affect your PH and while diet is a very important element, it is not the only one. Drinking pure, clean water will do wonders for keeping your PH alkaline. However, our water supply chain is not pure and clean, so if you can get access to either spring water or get a good water filter fit into you home, this will go a long way towards keeping your body balanced. Keeping your stress levels in check will also help. I have known some people who had the optimum PH levels and did not eat a particularly alkaline diet. However, what they did have was a super attitude to life and oozed happiness and contentment. Being stressed creates acid in the system, which in turn will alter your acid/alkaline levels, so do keep those negative thoughts and emotions to a minimum if possible or at least get help with clearing them out altogether. <br />
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Kate and I will be running a series of talks and workshops in September 2011 in Ireland and the UK. The schedule has yet to be confirmed, but we are we are really excited to share this information with you. I will be showing you how to clean up your diet and Kate will be taking you through best way to improve your PH safely. If you would like to be put on the mailing list, please feel free to contact me on <a href="mailto:kitchengreenie@gmail.com">kitchengreenie@gmail.com</a>. <br />
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Kate will also be running life blood analysis clinics at that time and I will be posting up information on these over the coming days. <br />
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For now, I will wish you a super, healthy, happy and empowered day!<br />
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Best wishes,<br />
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Ruth.<br />
</div><div></div>Ruth Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599228309306895861noreply@blogger.com0