HIGH VS LOW GI

Imagine eating a slice of ordinary white bread (high GI). Because it is refined and contains very little fibre, it will be digested very quickly. This will give you a quick boost of energy, but because all the energy is released at once, you may feel hungry and tired fairly soon after eating.

Eating a slice of seed bread (low GI) will take much longer to eat and digest as it is high in fibre. This will give you the same amount of energy as the white bread, but the energy will last for a longer period of time and will keep your energy levels constant. In other words, this will prevent mid-afternoon slump.
Interesting Fact
Only carbohydrate containing goods have a GI Value eg. breads, pasta, grains, cereals, fruit, veggies and legumes.
Examples of low GI foods
Corn, seed bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, grapes, mango, orange, strawberrries, watermelon, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, soya mince, etc
Examples of intermediate GI foods
Bran flakes, brown bread, oats, potatoes, Basmati rice, paw-paw, carrots, sugar, orange juice, etc

Glucose has the highest GI value of 100.

Vegetable Briyani (the speedy variety)
Did you know;

• there are over 26 varieties of Briyani made in India
• Briyani originated in Persia and means "fried before cooking"
  

You will need;

Basmati rice, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, lentils, olive oil, onion - chopped, garlic, ginger, tomato - chopped, garam marsala, turmeric, salt, pepper, carrots, cauliflower and peas - chopped, fresh Coriander.

What to do;

Boil rice together with cinnamon stick and cardomom pods. Drain and mix in the cooked lentils, set aside.

Heat the olive oil and cook onion until lightly browned. Mix in garlic, ginger, tomatoes and stir until tomatoes are soft. Add garam marsala, turmeric, salt and pepper and add the veggies except for the peas. Cover and simmer until veggies are tender. Add the peas and rice/lentil mixture and mix thoroughly. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Today's positive thought

Do the right thing ..... especially when no one is watching. -Cherie Carter-Scott

Message for my little Shinga, who is in puppy hospital with a broken jaw.

I never realized I would miss you this much. But, I guess you've been my best buddy for 15 years and that's a long time. Toff also misses you and keeps running around looking for you. The only time he is happy is when he gets your snack as well. So, at the moment he is getting double treats. I know you will recover and hurry home soon. Nose kisses x

Today, remember real beauty is forgetting past mistakes and letting go of grudges..........

Have a nice Monday and a swooshilicious week.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD WE EAT?

Portion control is obviously very important. It's all about calories in, calories out. So, it seems to make sense that if you eat less and exercise more, you will loose weight. But, I believe there is more to it than this - we need to develop a healthy lifestyle and not follow weird and wonderful diets.

Our bodies need regular intakes of the RIGHT foods. Counting calories is not the whole story to weight loss - do not skip meals and do not severely restrict calories.
Rather than measuring and counting calories make sure your plate contains good proportions of the right foods.

An ideal plate of food would contain;

• a variety of low carbohydrate veggies such as leafy greens and green beans
• a smaller portion of high carbohydrate veggies such as potatoes
• some protein such as avo's, olives, pulses, etc
• dressing, which should include olive oil and lemon juice

Alternatively, steam some veggies and drizzle a tablespoon of coconut oil over the veggies.

Or, a huge helping of mixed stir-fry, a bowl of soup or stew with the above-mentioned proportions.

Low carbohydrate veggies are very low in calories - so you can virtually eat as much as you like, as long as you do not smother them in cheese or other sauces.

If we follow the above rules, the calories will automatically take care of themselves.

Potato, Pumpkin (Butternut will also work) and Pea Curry

You will need,

diced potatoes, diced pumpkin, frozen peas, olive oil, garlic, chilli, coriander, fennel and mustard seeds, curry powder, tumeric powder, curry leaves, salt, pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, tomatoes, fresh coriander, lemon juice

what to do;

heat oil in a pot and add all the seeds and curry leaves, in the meantime make a paste using water, curry powder, tumeric, salt and pepper, garlic - once the seeds pop add chopped chilli and the paste - stir for a minute or two, add potatoes and water to cover the potatoes - also add bay leaf and cinnamon stick and cook for around 10minutes, add pumpkin and cook until both potatoes and pumpkin are almost done then add peas and chopped tomatoes, simmer for another 5 minutes, garnish with fresh coriander and add the juice of half a lemon.

Serve with Basmati rice or roti's.

Potato Facts

Potatoes were first cultivated in Peru nearly 7000 years ago. The potato is the fourth most important crop in the world after wheat, rice and corn.

The potato produces more food per acre than any other crop - 39 100 pounds per acre.

Potatoes are grown in all 50 states of the USA and in about 125 countries throughout the world.

The average American eats around 140 pounds of potatoes each year.

Positive thought for today

Do something new- or at least different- everyday. Know that life is never stuck, stagnant or stale, for each moment is ever-new and fresh. - Louise L Hay

How about watching a sunset ......

Today, seeing Oscar fever is prevalent, give thanks to all the great Artists and Muso's whose work entertains us and lifts our spirits ..................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

SALAD GREENS AND OTHER GOODIES

There are now so many green leafies available for salads. It's easy to get creative with some of the following seasonal salad leaves and herbs, tossed with lemon juice and olive oil to create a delishus blend of complementary flavours and textures;

Bok Choy a Chinese type of cabbage with white stalks and deep green leaves. Lovely for salads or lightly steamed.
Butter Lettuce soft leaves with a mild flavour.
Cabbage crunchy and full of goodness when eaten raw. There are quite a few varieties such as savoy, plain green, cabbage with crinkly leaves, Chinese cabbage and the wonderful purply/red cabbage.
Cos also known as Romaine, is a large, elongated lettuce with crispy leaves.
English Spinach dark green leaves with a long thinnish stem.
Radicchio is part of the Chicory family. It has ruby red leaves and a slightly bitter flavour.
Rocket also known as Arugula or Italian Cress, has a distinct tangy and peppery taste. The more mature the leaves the stronger the flavour - my fave:)
Basil has a unique scent and flavour. There are a few varieties such as sweet basil, purple basil, bush basil and aniseed basil.
Fennel a creamy-white bulbous plant with feathery-like leaves with an aniseed flavour. Can be added to salads or cooked.
Marjoram a smallish green herb closely related to Oregano but with a less peppery flavour.
Mustard Cress use only the leaves as needed. Adds a peppery flavour to salads.
Parsley universally used as a garnish, but has so much goodness should be eated daily - Italian or curly leaf.
Watercress consists of small, round delicate leaves on edible stems. Also peppery in flavour.
Sorrel closely resembles young English spinach. Slightly sour and lemoney in flavour.
Coriander also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, has a very distinctive aroma and fresh, peppery flavour. The whole plant is edible ie root, stem and leaves.
And then there are edible flowers

these include geraniums, nasturtiums, rose petals, marigolds, chive flowers, borage flowers and pansies. Always choose unsprayed blossoms preferably from your own garden. These are a really pretty addition to salad leaves.
And of course - drum roll- sprouts

add flavour and texture to salads. Grow your own. There are loads of varieties such as alfalfa, mung bean, snow pea, bean and chickpea, etc
Asparagus and Red Pepper Salad

You will need;
Fresh asparagus, red peppers, black olives, olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped basil and pine nuts add a nice crunch, but not essential.

What to do;
Place red pepper under grill until skin blackens and blisters - be brave with this. Once cooled remove the skin and dice. Plunge asparagus into boiling water and cook for around 3 minutes, drain and plunge into a bowl of ice cold water.

Arrange the asparagus on a large serving platter, add the red pepper and olives and combine the olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice and chopped basil and drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle pine nuts and serve with lemon wedges.

Positive thought for the day
How can you eliminate three things from your lifelong 'to-do' list? Are you willing to shorten the list today? Release yourself from the obligation to do things that no longer hold any meaning for you. - Iyanla Vanzant

Today, think about why dolphins smile. The same reason you do because the things we all really want are ABSOLUTELY free - to be happy, to be loved, to be fulfilled. So, smile and be happy that you are alive in this world where the best things are free ......................


Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

HERBAL TEA REMEDIES, CHINESE CABBAGE AND ROSES

Pick-me-ups

Spearmint - use one tablespoon of fresh leaves per cup

Ginger - infuse freshly grated root ginger in tonic water for a natural energy boost

Early morning wakeners

Peppermint - use one sprig of this fresh herb per cupful

Disturbed sleep

Chamomile - make with 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile per cup and add a pinch of lavender for extra relaxation zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Headaches, anxiety and depression

Rosemary - one or two small sprigs per cup

Lemon balm - a couple of fresh leaves per cup

Borage - use a couple of flowers, fresh or dried, per cup

Coughs and colds

Thyme - one teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh per cup

Digestive troubles

Fennel Seed - crush the seeds and simmer in a pan for 10 minutes and strain. Caraway seeds can be prepared in the same way.

Cinnamon - infuse a cinnamon stick in boiling water for three to four minutes. Leave to cool and drink.

You don't have to feel ill to enjoy the benefits of herbal teas, use these herbs to make a refreshing tea at any time of the day.

Chinese Cabbage and Sugar Bean Stir Fry

You will need;

Chinese cabbage - sliced, onions - sliced, chilli, cooked sugar beans, tomatoes - chopped, red pepper - chopped, olive oil, salt and pepper

What to do;

Stir fry onions, chilli, red pepper and chinese cabbage in olive oil then add tomatoes and sugar beans and stir fry for another 2 minutes or so. This is delishus with oven baked sweet potato chips - cut sweet potatoes into chip shapes and stir in olive oil and cayenne pepper, bake until done.

Cabbage and Rose Poem - Anonymous

I wonder if the cabbage knows
he is less lovely than the rose;

or does he squat in smug content,

a source of noble nourishment;

or if he pities for her sins

the rose who has no vitamins;

or if the one thing his green heart knows ---

that self-same fire that warms the rose?

Positive Thought for Today

'Feel the pain of others. Understand their struggles and disappointments, their hardships and inadequacies, and open your heart to them. Realize that everyone is doing the best they possibly can. Judge no one. But rather, cradle all of humanity in your heart.' - Daniel Levin

Today, remember to take time out to play and make a conscious effort to diarize a fun day .....................................

Have a lovely 1st of March everyone.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

CRUNCHY CELERY GOODNESS

Do you know that Celery comes from the same family as parsley and fennel? Celery has a high content of Vitamin A, and the stems are a fab source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C with loads of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, sodium and essential amino acids - WOW!!!!! Make a point of crunching through this delish and refreshing powerhouse daily.

Celery has many health benefits, of which some are;

• weight loss - drink celery juice frequently it helps curb your cravings for sweets and rich foods


• lowers blood pressure - A certain compound helps to relax the muscle around arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow normally - drink a glass of celery juice daily


• cancer - celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds, which have been shown to stop the growth of tumour cells


• acidity - the minerals in this magical crunch-delite effectively balances the body's blood PH, neutralizing acidity


• cholesterol - has been shown to significantly lower total and bad cholesterol


• constipation - a natural laxative


• inflammation - helps to relieve problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis

Get-a-crunchin' .............

While many foods lose nutrients during cooking, most of the compounds of celery hold up well to the cooking process - Yay for winter soups!!

Celery....Cuke 'n Tomato Smoothie - a lunchtime delight



You will need;

ice cubes, cuke, tomato, celery stalks, spinach leaves, onion and salt and pepper....Whizz and glug!

A quote from George Bernard Shaw, explaining why he turned down an invite to a vegetarian gala dinner.

"The thought of 2000 people crunching celery at the same time horrified me."

A positive thought for today;

In this new age of enlightenment, you can learn to go within to find your own savior. Know that you are the power you're looking for. - Louise L Hay

Today, think of the greed-driven consumer-based culture we live in. What is this doing to our consciousness? Be an Activist today and make a pact to simplify one thing in your life ......................... enjoy a simple barefoot Sunday..............

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT : R-BST HORMONE FREE COTTAGE CHEESE!!!

Thank you Pick 'n Pay for stocking r-bst hormone free cottage cheese - this is SUCH good news for so many people who suffer from hormone related illnesses. Best news so far in 2010!

An interesting article on Dis-ease (Hazel Raven)

• Dis-ease is a state that results from physical, emotional, mental or spiritual imbalances that cause you to be ill at ease with some aspect of yourself. It is your spirit's way of communicating with you through your physical body, your thoughts, emotions and feelings.
• Dis-ease should not be viewed as a negative experience, it is just your spirit's way of attracting your attention. When we are healthy we tend to take life for granted, we become complacent and fall into the trap of deluding ourselves that we are physically immortal. This delusion is stagnating to the soul and the death of spiritual growth.
• When dis-ease happens and you are not longer able to make sense of your life, you have the opportunity to step into the magic of living holistically. Each dis-ease and the crisis it brings as the instigator of change within your live creates a sacred space for your spirit to teach you about yourself.
• Your dis-ease is unique to you. The birth of your dis-ease is your own creation. If you grasp the opportunity of working with your soul to heal your imbalance you free yourself from a place of stagnation and move towards a more spiritual and harmonious life.
  
  Two minute mixed veggie 'n bean bowl
  
  
  You can throw this healthy dish together in two minutes - great for lunch.

You will need;

• frozen mixed veggies
• beans - any kind, kidney beans, lentils, etc
• onion, chopped
• chillie, chopped
• cayenne pepper - a couple of shakes
• garlic, chopped
• fresh parsley, chopped
• flax seeds (about a tablespoon)
• lemon juice
• salt

What to do;

• boil the kettle and soak frozen veggies in boiling water for around 1 minute.
• mix all the other ingredients together and combine with the veggies.

Chow and enjoy this healthy lunch with a cup of green tea!

Congrats are in order

Kent, you look so cool riding your bike - just like a pro. Just promise me no wheelies!!! :)

Today,keep in touch with your loftiest dreams and keep your eye on 'the finish line' and remember it takes so very, very little to be happy.........

Have a lovely week everybody.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

HAPPY FRIDAY

The High Heeled Guide to Enlightenment by Alice Grist a fabulous read. This book brings an understanding of alternative spirituality to a new audience. It is spirituality for the sexy socialite, enlightenment for the lip gloss dependent and a crash course in serenity for the yummy mummy! Veering between the wildly faddish and fashionable to the freakier and less familiar. The High Heeled Guide sheds a pink and intelligent spotlight upon a diverse collection of spiritual options that well suit the modern woman. An intriguing, informative and hilarious read for any woman who knows deep in her worn down sole that there is more to life than cars, career, kids and cocktails.

Rose Quartz - this stone is linked to the hart chakra and as such works with all matters relating to love and healing of the heart. Rose Quartz replaces negative energies with love and releases emotions and pain. It will enhance unconditional love and harmony in relationships while working to heal past wounds.

It is said to strengthen the heart, chest and lungs by working with the heart and thymus gland. Rose Quartz strengthens the immune system and releases impurities from the body. It works with strengthening the kidneys and adrenals, enhances fertility and is helpful for disease of the mind. It is also good for burns and the complexion.
Colour : Pink Appearance : Generally a pink cloudy colour, all sizes

Juicing and why?

• cleansing and alkalising
• provides the best source of enzymes
• high amounts of nutrients, vitamins and minerals
• easier to digest and absorb
• true hydration
• huge amounts of antioxidants
• delivers oxygen to the cells
• disease prevention
• calms the nervous system

Using a Vitamix or other blender try the following;

Carrot Juice

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup carrot and apple
• ice

Breakfast Punch

• orange
• apple
• banana
• pineapple
• ice

Green Juice

• 2 apples
• 1/2 cuke
• 2 celery stalks
• 1/2 lemon
• 250ml water

Today I am grateful for;

• this mornings raindrops
• jojoba oil
• again, the weekend
• incense

Quote;

If you create an act, you create a habit. If you create a habit, you create character. If you create character, you create a destiny. - Andre maurois

Today, if you have a question churning in your mind and can't quite decide what to do, ask the Universe for some guidance and simply take a walk. Pay attention and be open to receiving signs. You will be surprised how quickly you will be provided with answers .........

peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx