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

KEEPING BLOOD SUGAR STABLE

You can learn a lot about how nutrition and lifestyle actually affects the way you feel.

Look for answers to the following questions;

• is there a significant amount of sugar and/or refined foods in your diet?


• do you drink fruit juices?


• do you skip meals or are there periods where you go without eating for longer than four hours?
  
• are you shaky, irritable or weak at certain times of the day?

If you answered 'yes' to any one of the above questions, follow these suggestions for better blood sugar balance;

• do not skip meals, especially breakfast


• eat something every 3 to 4 hours (not large amounts of food, just snacks)


• it is important to have some protein at every meal


• the mineral chromium is helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels - found in nuts and wholegrains


• limit fruits in your diet and avoid dried fruit, as these are concentrated in sugar - have no more than two pieces of fruit a day
  
• include healthy fats in your diet - try coconut oil


• exercise - toned muscle is more metabolically active and enhances blood-sugar maintenance

"Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education." -Mark Twain

Grated Cauliflower with Indian spices

You will need;

Frozen peas, grated ginger 'n garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, cardamom powder, salt, garam masala, coconut oil

What to do;

Grate the cauliflower. Heat the coconut oil and add the cumin seeds. When they pop add the ginger, garlic, cauliflower, peas, turmeric, salt and garam masala. Mix well, cover and cook for around 7 minutes. Mix in the cardamom powder and serve.

Remember, spices such as turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and are also said to benefit your skin - who doesn't want to remain youthful?

Get Potting

Do you know that certain plants are helpful in removing formaldehyde, benzine and carbon monoxide from the air? SO, add some of the following plants to your home;

Peace Lilly, Boston Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Ficus Alii, Rubber Plant, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm and Areca Palm

Today I am grateful for;

Clicks cash back vouchers, the rain in the Plett area - Yay!!!! for my friends, our own raindrops last night

Today, call your best friend and gab ....life hands us many things both good and bad. One of the greatest gifts we receive is the love of a good friend......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

CHOOSING HEALTHY CARBOHYDRATES

There are loads of veggies which are good sources of carbohydrates. The most important thing is that for good health you should get your carbs from wholefoods. Refined carbs are those plant foods that have had a major part of their nutrition stripped through processing. So, remember the definition of WHOLEFOODS - even if something is wholegrain it does not necessarily mean that it is a wholefood eg boxed cereals, quick oats, etc have all been stripped of valuable nutrients through being heated and cooked under pressure. It is better to eat a bowl of brown rice or non-instant oatmeal. As far as veggies go, a general rule is that root veggies are higher in carbs.

High carb veggies

• squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, parsnips, pumpkins, turnips, beets, corn, peas, carrots, swedes

Low carb veggies

• bean sprouts, cucumbers, asparagus, leafy greens, cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, chillies, mushrooms, aubergines, radishes, celery, onions, leeks, brussels sprouts, herbs

Include these healthy carbs in your diet

• beans, legumes, leafy greens - raw and cooked, veggies of different colours every day, whole fruits instead of fruit juice, sea veggies such as wakame and kombu and naturally cultured veggies such as sauerkraut

Remember, carbs are your body's preferred source of energy so it is important to include in your daily meals.

Garden Green Soup

You will need;

• spring onions, cucumber, potato, salt, veggie broth (homemade), spinach leaves, lemon juice, maple syrup, rice milk (or cream if you eat dairy)

What to do;

• heat oil add spring onions and cook till wilted, add chopped cuke, potato and salt -cook for 5 minutes, add veggie broth and simmer until veggies are soft, add spinach, lemon juice and maple syrup.


• blend until the soup is smooth - pour the blended soup back into a pot and add rice milk (or cream), season with more salt and pepper if required.

This soup is also good served cold

Today I am grateful for;

• The Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing Book


• KFM radio playing in the background


• walking barefoot


• reading while lying on my couch


• strawberry and mango tea


• filtered water

Todays Wisdom Card reading

I have unlimited potential. Loving myself and thinking joyful, happy thoughts is the quickest way to create a wonderful life.

Remember, as per Mahatma Gandhi

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed."

Today, brew some of your fave healthy tea, take off your shoes, wear a huge floppy hat with flowers on it, find a shady spot and get grounded ......................

Have a lovely day - it's purrrrfect today.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

HEALTH BOOSTING ROOIBOS TEA

Rooibos tea was traditionally brewed by the Khoi people of the Cederberg mountains, who believed that it had health benefits.

Rooibos 'punch' facts;

• an excellent source of antioxidants


• can fight allergies


• acts as a digestive aid therefore relieving cramps and colic in babies


• soothes skin irritation when applied directly to the affected area


• boosts the immune system


• has a low tannin count, which means it does not inhibit the absorption of iron


• contains no caffeine


• is virtually kilojoule-free


• contains no colourants, additives or preservatives


• slows down the ageing process


• may assist in the fight against certain cancers

Tea is instant wisdom, just add water. -Astrid Alauda

RED PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP (RAWLICIOUS)

You will need;

• 5 tomatoes, 2 red peppers, 1/4 red onion, handful of fresh basil leaves, 1 handful of cashews, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, 1 small handful of goji berries, 1/2 cup warm water and cayenne pepper

What to do;

• Blend all ingredients together. Add more water if needed.

This is a fabulous and very healthy raw soup.

Wisdom card reading

I am at the centre of peace. It is safe for me to look within. Each time I look deeper into myself, I will find incredibly beautiful treasures within me.

Today, LUV YOUR LIFE

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

MORE THAN PRETTY COLOURS

The pigments that gives berries their gorgeous blue and red hues are also good for your health.

Berries contain phytochemicals and flavanoids that are said to assist in preventing some forms of cancer. Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections. Blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is good for healthy vision.

One cup of strawberries contains over 100mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice. Vitamin C is important for immune system function and for strong connective tissue. Strawberries also add calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium to their 'super-punch'.

Berry Smoothie




A great way to add berries to your diet is by adding them to your smoothies. You get the most amazing smoothie colours and goodness. Oh by the way - blueberries are said to boost memory.

You will need;

• banana, berries, flaxseeds, rice milk, ice blocks and blend

This makes a delish breakfast or drinky-snack during the day, both filling and a powerhouse of goodness.

Better than any argument is to rise at dawn

and pick dew-wet red berries in a cup. - Wendell Berry

Today's Magical Mermaids and Dolphins Oracle Card Reading

"Try different ventures and experiences as a way to grow and learn."

Today, SMILE and you will see loads of smiles and warmth greeting you around every corner .............

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

THE SKINNY ON GREEN BEANS

• The presence of vitamin K in green beans makes them very good for maintaining bone health.
• Green beans help the body to reduce the amount of free radicals and thus, prevents cholesterol from becoming oxidized and cause blocked arteries.
• The green bean is also good for cardiovascular health, as it is rich in folate, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin.
• The high amount of fibre found in green beans helps in lowering blood pressure.
• Green beans help to lower the risk of colon cancer as they are high in vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• Having anti-inflammatory properties, green beans are beneficial for those suffering from asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Studies have revealed that green beans help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Green beans are rich in iron and therefore serve as a good source of energy.
• Regular consumption of green beans has been associated with strengthening the immune system.

So, buy some green beans and try this easy recipe;


What you need;

Green beans, onion - chopped, sun-dried tomatoes chopped, garlic - chopped and olive oil, salt and pepper.

Simply saute onion and garlic in olive oil, add green beans, sun-dried tomatoes and salt and pepper. Add enough water (or stock) to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook until still crunchy. Delish served with boiled baby potatoes.

Quote

"Vegetarianism preserves life, health, peace, the ecology, creates more equitable distribution of resources,helps to feed the hungry, encourages non-violence for the animal and human members of the planet, and is a powerful aid for the spiritual transformation of the body, emotions, mind and spirit."
-Gabriel Cousins, Conscious Eating

Remember to

Today, celebrate all the gifts you have received from Life and the Universe and remind yourself that you would not want to be anyone else but you................

Have a fun day/evening.......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

YUMMY BASIL TRIVIA

Although basil is grown almost everywhere, Egypt is the principal source followed by the USA.

Basil is Greek for 'royal' or 'kingly'. Ancient Greek and Roman doctors believed that basil would grow only if its cultivators sowed the seeds while screaming wild curses and shouting unintelligibly.

The Greeks believed that only the sovereign himself, armed with his golden sickle, should be allowed to cut the basil.

In Italy, basil has always been seen as a token of love.

In Romania, when a boy accepts a sprig of basil from his girl, he is engaged.

In India the basil plant is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu, and is cherished in every Hindu house. Every good Hindu goes to his rest with a basil leaf on his breast - the passport to paradise!

Basil is normally used to combat;

• colds and influenza
• poor digestion
• nausea
• abdominal cramps
• migraines
• insomnia
• anxiety and
• exhaustion

Basil essential oil is used with great success for headaches and helps to reduce allergies.

Quote

'A man taking basil from a woman will love her forever.' - Sir Thomas Moor

Thai-Style Eggplant and Basil Recipe

You will need;

• olive oil, garlic, eggplant-chopped, red pepper flakes, soya sauce and loads of chopped basil

What to do;

• fry garlic, add chopped eggplant, soya sauce and red pepper flakes and cook until eggplant is almost done - add the chopped basil and cook for another minute or so. Excellent on a slice of rye.

Magical Mermaid and Dolphin Oracle Card Reading

Play time! "The dolphins know the importance of playing, as joy creates miracles and manifestation."

Today, make a point of only surrounding yourself with positive people and situations and avoid negativity ............ here's my wish for you

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx