Italian Dream

If you have ever had the pleasure of reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, then you understand how reading about the glorious foods she experienced while in Italy caused me to salivate at the mere imagery of all the ingredients.  I do not have one ounce of Italian blood running through my veins, nor have I ever visited, but that does not mean I can't appreciate all the amazing creations coming from that, oh so important, part of Europe.  I mean, who doesn't love a meal of pasta, sauce and veggies?  Don't even get me started on all the possibilities, forgive me while I day dream about my magical trip to Italy.

Okay, back to reality.  Unfortunately for me, and many family members, eating traditional pasta comes with a price.  In how we pay, would be through bloating, headaches, rashes and severe abdominal pain.  Not much fun, I assure you.  So what to do?  If you have Celiac, gluten sensitivities, or if you just don't want traditional noodles, you can find grocery shelves stocked full of choices.  Nowaday's, it's easy to find pasta made from corn, quinoa, rice, and even legumes.  Texture and flavor preference will determine what you may want to use.  I like the bean pastas because it is one ingredient and is full of satiating protein, but we have used the others as well.  Here are some of our favorites: Jovial, Ancient Harvest, Trader Joe's (you get a big 16 oz. bag and it's super cheap, only $1.99!) and Explore Asian.  The trick with gluten free is to follow the directions exactly and, for most, rinse well so you get perfect noodles without tasting starchy or mushy.  My girls really enjoy the pasta and we all feel so much better using them, the best part is we still get to enjoy all the recipes we love.

Do you think I could stop at gluten free noodles?  Uh, no, of course not.  See, the problem was, the cleaner I ate, the more whole foods I craved.  I wanted to still have the feeling of eating pasta dishes, but wanted the fresh taste of whole ingredients.  Well, now what?  I bought a Spirooli, that's what, and I started roasting spaghetti squash.  My girls eat pretty healthy, but after doing this numerous times, they started asking for the veggie noodles or spaghetti squash themselves, in addition to their pasta.  The fun thing about the Spirooli is that is comes with different plates that you can change out to create various shapes and lengthens of "noodles".  My kiddo's get a kick out of making their own noodles, which then makes them even more inclined to want to eat them ;).  Spaghetti squash is just another bonus from nature.  Come on, the name says it all, right?  After roasting the squash, using a fork you get these perfect stringy "noodles".  Oh Mother Nature, I love you!  Does this mean I will stop buying and eating pasta?  Don't be silly, the gluten free pasta is delicious, nutritious and the kids like it. Now on to the recipes.  You didn't think I would say all this and not share a recipe or two did you?

Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 Spaghetti Squash
1/2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil (divided)
1 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt (divided)
1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper (divided)
1 tsp. Dried Thyme (divided)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash off squash and then place the entire thing on the cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool, or using oven mitts, proceed to the next step.
3.  Step 2 allows the squash to soften enough to cut it without the struggle.  Slice through the squash from stem to root base, being mindful of your fingers.  *Scoop out seeds.
4.  Lightly brush the inside of each half with oil and sprinkle each with the salt, pepper and thyme.
5.  Turn squash over and place on cookie sheet.  Bake an additional 45 minutes.
6.  Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, or using oven mitts, gently scrape the inside of squash with a fork to create the stringy "noodles".

*Save the scooped out seeds to plant so you can have a supply of spaghetti squash at your disposal.

Creamy Tomato Sauce

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
1 c. Raw Cashews
1 c. Water
28 oz. BPA free can of crushed tomatoes, with juice
1 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 Tbsp. Dried Basil or 1 c. Fresh Basil
1/2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil
heaping 1/2 c. Sweet Peppers, chopped and seeds removed
heaping 1/2 c. Sweet Onion, chopped
2 tsp. Minced Garlic

Directions:
1.  Place cashews, water, tomatoes with juice, salt, pepper and basil in a *high speed blender.  Let sit while prepping the peppers and onions.
2.  Heat a medium skillet over medium/high heat for one minute, add oil, heat an additional minute.  Add chopped peppers and onion.
3.  Reduce heat and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft.  Add garlic and cook an additional minute.  Turn off heat, leave on burner.
4.  Blend the cashew mixture until smooth.  Serve over noodles, spaghetti squash or veggie noodles and top with the sautéed mix.  Alternately, if you want the sauce hot, pour blender contents into a small pot and heat on medium until reaching desired temperature, since it is a thicker sauce, watch for scorching.

*If your blender won't blend nuts into a smooth mixture, soak the nuts for 2 hours or boil them 5-10 minutes, drain, rinse and move to step 1.

Have fun, experiment with different spices and flavors.  Don't be afraid to harness your inner Italian :)

5 Minute Lunch

It's no secret that I love food and being in the kitchen, but with all this sunshine and warmer temps, who the heck wants to be inside all day?!  We plan on spending our day outside at the Mighty Kindness Hootenanny in Louisville that happens each year around Earth Day.  It is so much fun and offers everything holistic, okay, okay, I know, focus Tiffany, back to the 5 minute lunch.

One of our favorite go-to foods is avocado's.  Why?  Well for starters, they are packed with more potassium than bananas (sorry bananas, I love you, but it is what it is), Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Fiber, B vitamins and healthy fats (which equates to a healthy heart and reduced inflammation).  Beyond all the healthy facts, they are extremely versatile.  This means you can use them for savory dishes, sweet dishes and use them to add a rich and creamy texture to anything from dips to smoothies.  For today, it gets even simpler (is that a word? oh well), we are just going to mash them right in their handy little cup they already come in.  So, what are you waiting for? Get to the kitchen, mash up some avocado, and then get your butt outside!

5 Minute Lunch
Serves 1

Ingredients:
2 slices bread of choice (sprouted, GF, whatever)
1/2 Avocado (pit removed) *see note
Coconut Butter
1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme (divided)
2 tsp. Nutritional Yeast (divided)
1/8 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt (divided)
1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper (divided)

Directions:
1.  Toast bread to your preference.
2.  After toasted, lightly spread with coconut butter.
3.  Coarsely mash avocado right in the peel.  Divide the mashed avocado between the two slices.
4.  Sprinkle each of the remaining ingredients over the avocado and enjoy.

*Note: Avocado's will brown quickly due to oxidation.  If not using the other half of the avocado within a day, keep the pit in the other half, place in a freezer proof baggie and store in the freezer.  When ready to use, remove from the freezer, place on the counter to thaw and you will have a bright green avocado as if you had just sliced it open.

Cashew Oatmeal, Yes Please!

I am definitely a fan of oatmeal, but the other day I found a way to make the most dreamy, creamy oatmeal EVER!

We make our own milk and are generally well stocked with almond, cashew and, occasionally, coconut milk.  I tend to gravitate towards the almond, but for whatever reason on this particular day I reached for the cashew and, oh my god, am I glad I did!  Not only is oatmeal a versatile, nutrient rich meal, but it has staying power, which translates to less chance of unnecessary snacking for me.  You know, the good ole' stick to your ribs kinda food.  As if oatmeal wasn't powerful enough, I like to add in super hero foods and spices such as fresh fruits, dried fruits (no sugar added), nut or seed butters, raw pepitas, raw hemp seeds, ginger, cinnamon or cardamom.    There is no reason to have the same thing every time, changing it up keeps things interesting, making eating more enjoyable, rewarding and satisfying.  Some days I want things a little sweeter, so I'll add a touch of pure maple syrup, coconut nectar, yacon powder or coconut sugar. See, what did I tell you?  The options are endless.  Okay, okay, on to the dreamy, creamy recipe, but be sure to prepare things quietly so you don't wake the kiddos or fur babies.  I promise, you want to eat this is peace and quiet, enjoying a little moment of delectation for your tastebuds.


Dreamy, Creamy Oatmeal
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 c. cashew milk (see below for recipe)
1/2 c. old fashioned gluten free oats
1 Tbsp. natural or organic crunchy nut butter
1 Tbsp. coconut nectar or pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. dried unsweetened cherries
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1-2 Tbsp. raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Directions:
1.  Place small pan over medium high heat, add milk.  Watch and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
2.  Bring milk to a slow boil, add oats and reduce heat to medium or medium low.  Still stirring.  Allow oats to cook according to package directions (I used Better Oats, Raw Pure and Simple Old Fashioned Oats which took about 5 minutes). Add a tablespoon or two of water if it gets too thick.
3.  Once oats are softened, leave pot on burner, but turn off heat.  Add all other ingredients, the residual heat will allow the ingredients (especially if using nut or seed butter) to become fully incorporated.
4.  Additional milk can be added to suite consistency preference.  Sprinkle with a few extra dried cherries, pepitas and serve.

Cashew Milk
Serves 8-9

Ingredients:
2 c. raw cashews
6 c. filtered water
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
1-2 Tbsp. raw agave (or 10-12 pitted dates)

Directions:
1.  Place cashews in a glass bowl and cover with water.  Allow water to cover by 2 inches as nuts will absorb water while soaking (if using dates, soak them as well).  Allow to soak overnight or during the day and have breakfast for dinner :)
2.  Drain and rinse.  Add 6 cups fresh water to a high speed blender (I use a Vitamix).
3.  Add remaining ingredients and blend until well blended and smooth.
4.  No need to strain cashew milk, just pour it right into an airtight glass container and store in the fridge.  Will last 3-4 days.

*Note that homemade milk will separate while stored, just give it a swift shake or stir with a spoon prior to each use.

Making your own milk not only guarantees that you know exactly what is in it, but it also gives you the opportunity to make it as rich and creamy as you prefer.  Now get those ingredients soaking and maybe take a little soak of your own too!

My Parental Memoir

Being a parent has been the most beautiful, stressful, amazing, anxiety ridden, wondrous job I have ever had.  I'm sure any parent can tell you that the moment your child is born, your life changes completely.  Everything you do or don't do affects your children.  I almost think there should be someone to preside over a wedding for you and your child on the day they enter this world.  This way you get to go through all the vows of how, for their entire lives, you will you love, care and respect this little being, with the added caveat of "for better or for worse".  That last line is oh so important for parents to realize from the get go.

Moving through parenthood, I have found things that benefited us as a family and things that I have changed as each one grew.  Parenting is a life of trial and error, but the most important thing is that you are acting from a place of love.  Although my husband's and my techniques may not always have the results we intended, we acted with pure intention.  Parenting isn't about manipulating your children into behaving a certain way, it isn't about putting on a face so that others think you're the best, it isn't about being their friend (that comes later in life).  As we have realized, parenting is about teaching, but it is also about learning.  Part of that learning comes from your children.  Letting go of the ego that wants to always be right we have come to understand that at times we, as parents, are the students and the children are our teachers.

My husband and I have been on quite the roller coaster ride, but it is one that we do not intend to get off of, even through the "for worse" times.   For us, open parenting has been one thing that has benefited us and our children.  With this, I mean that we do not hover over every little thing they do.  Children will, and should, learn to make their own choices.  Even though there have been, and will be, plenty of times that we could foresee the train wreck in the distance, they need to learn there are consequences to their choices.  Would I like to keep each of our children in this safe little bubble I created in my mind?  Absolutely, but then what would be the point?  What kind of life would this be for them, or us, without experience as the guide for future choices.  Our children know that they can tell us anything, and believe me, some things we really wish they would have kept to themselves.  Nevertheless, they need to know there is someone there that will not judge them, because there will be plenty of other children and their parents who have mastered the art of judging.  

We have learned that there is no sense in pretending our children are angels 100% of the time.  We know, and they know we know, that they are not perfect little angels.  Expecting perfection is a tragic mistake parents make.  In wanting perfection, you are only setting yourself and your child up for failure.  Perfection is an unattainable word that exists in a magical land.  In my humblest opinion, get rid of it!  Our children have made mistakes, just as we have.

When children put on the Eddie Haskell effect, as I call it, they are not being themselves, instead they are putting on a false perception to deceive.  Don't get me wrong, children should be taught manners and common courtesy (which, by the way, is lacking for many, including their parents).  What I am talking about it the over the top, fake, huge smile and high octave voice that many use to hide the not so great behavior they really do when not around their parents and other adults.  This is where I believe my husband and I have made positive connections with our children in that they do not feel they need to put on a mask, which then results in poor behavior and choices behind our backs.  If your child is a teen and seems to be this super sweet angel all the time, you might want to reevaluate the situation and be honest with yourself.  In my opinion, this is a disservice to them as they will grow up to be unhappy adults who wear a mask and pretend to be something they are not.  When, in reality, they are extremely miserable inside and this will create all kinds of health and relationship issues.

I am not a psychologist or relationship expert, all I know is what works and does not work for myself and my family.  What I do know is that we have raised strong, intelligent, honest and compassionate beings.  To elaborate on the last point, in teaching our children compassion for others, they have learned to have compassion for themselves as well.  Having compassion for themselves is a critical step in their well being.  They know that there will be choices they make that may bring positive or negative results, but they also know with that comes experience and lessons, leading them to continue growing into the exquisite beings they are, inside and out.  xoxoxo

7 Days of, Why Yoga?

In case you missed it, here are all of the 7 Days of, Why Yoga? in one location.  Yoga, meditation and breathing have done wonders for myself and my family.  The benefits are so numerous I could do 30 Days of, Why Yoga? and not run out of topics.  As with anything, yoga should be done for yourself, no one else.  Once you let go of all the external reasons and focus on YOU, your practice becomes even more beneficial and the results in the mind and body are, dare I say, miraculous.  So, without further ado, we are off to Day 1.

7 Days of, Why Yoga?

Okay, we all know, or have at least heard, the usual benefits of yoga like increased flexibility, balance, focus, but what if I told you there are other benefits outside that view. Over the next 7 days, I will share with you reasons that may surprise or intrigue you as to how and why you should consider adding yoga to your weekly, or even daily, routine.

Day 1: The Journal of the American Dietetic Association found a strong association between yoga practice and weight control. Why? Researchers attribute it to eating mindfully. Practicing yoga teaches us how to stay calm when faced with discomfort. This connection carries over into other areas of our lives, making it easier to incorporate healthier choices. What's more, the study found no such link between mindful eating and other types of physical activity.

Day 2: Depression can overtake our lives, leaving us feeling out of control. We all have down days and cloudy, rainy weather does not help to brighten our mood. When depression is trying to take hold, a study in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, found those practicing yoga had decreased levels of depression after class. Yoga relieves stress from the body and mind by raising endorphin levels. This leaves a feeling of calm, happy centeredness. To truly kick depression to the curb, try incorporating yoga at least twice per week for 30 days and see how you feel.  

Day 3: Bye Bye digestive woes. Yoga activates the part of your nervous system responsible for relaxation. This, in turn, helps to reduce stress in the body which wreaks havoc on our bellies. No more spending countless hours in the bathroom. Studies show that regularly practicing yoga balances the nervous system, allowing you to maintain digestive health.

Day 4: Metabolism a little sluggish? Practicing yoga at least twice per week can give your metabolism just the boost it needs to get back in the game. Certain postures, such as inversions (downward dog) and those that bring the chin to the chest (bridge) help to stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck. Coming out of the postures brings a release and, therefore, sends more blood flow to the region in the neck which improves circulation and regulates metabolism.

Day 5: The National Sleep Foundation states 48% of Americans struggle with insomnia, 22% facing this struggle on a daily basis. Lack of sleep results in more than just leaving us feeling tired. The effects can create issues with safety on the job, at home, on the road, it can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, weight gain and it destroys grey matter in the brain. So what are we to do? Various studies, including one from Harvard Medical School, found that having a regular yoga practice, combined with some form of meditation, greatly reduces sleepless nights. Participants in the studies reported that it took less time to fall asleep, they slept longer and they felt more rested upon waking up. Even better, these results were noticed almost immediately after incorporating yoga and meditation into their routine.

Day 6: Clear, Radiant, Glowing skin is an added perk to practicing yoga regularly. You don't have to practice Hot Yoga to create heat and warm up the muscles, tendons and ligaments. By flowing through any series of postures or breathing techniques you allow the body to rid itself of toxins, balance hormones and reduce stress, all of which leaves you with smooth, toned, supple skin. For the face in particular, inverted postures such as downward dog, forward folds or dolphin brings the blood flow towards the face resulting in a healthy, less wrinkled, complexion.  

Day 7: Although this area has lots of amazing things to offer, I think we can all agree that one of those things is not so great. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million American's suffer from Allergies, with Louisville, KY. always ranking in the top 5 for the worst. Allergies can appear as breathing issues, skin rashes, Asthma, eye conditions and more. They can cause auto-immune disorders to flare up, make us tired and just down right miserable. Stress increases the allergy response, but don't despair, there is hope! Research shows yoga poses that invert the upper body (downward facing dog), backbends (bridge) and chest openers (cobra), combined with breathing techniques (alternate nostril breathing) help in alleviating allergy symptoms. Yoga calms the individual and gets lymphatic fluids moving and draining, all of which can prevent allergy symptoms from becoming worse. So on your way home from yoga practice go ahead, "stop and smell the roses".

Our Snow Day

Do I wish I lived in Hawaii?  Why, yes, yes I do, but I don't.  So, when the weather decides that everyone needs a timeout, and the town is pretty much shutdown, we make the best of it.  Since the girls are home-schooled, it's business as usual with the schooling side of things.  Then it's game on to make things feel warm and sunny.

*All recipes will follow the blog post, so be sure to continue reading for some deliciousness!

The day starts with taking the fur babies out to play, run around and tackle each other in the snow, they are extremely entertaining!  Then we all trample back inside and I begin preparing the *dogs breakfast (check out my post from May 26th and June 12th, 2014).  Knowing their bellies are full, I proceed to filling my belly with a warm cup of herbal coffee.  Taking a break from the caffeine for the last few weeks and I feel great, but still get the comfort of my morning cup with this awesome brand called Teeccino.  Along with the "coffee", I make some stovetop *oatmeal.  The girls were still sleeping, and I love being with them, but the morning's are my time to mindfully prepare myself and enjoy my breakfast in silence; no electronics, no talking, no TV, it truly is heaven, you should try it.  Then off to the home office to begin posting cancellation notices for class, sending emails, updating sites.

Once the girls wake up it's cereal made from beans, Power O's by Love Grown Foods, with our *homemade almond milk.  Okay, I know how that sounds completely unappetizing, but seeing as we limit the processed stuff, this product is a perfect compromise and only has a few whole ingredients.  The girls love it!  On to a few hours of school and then break time as the girls and dogs go out to play.  My youngest comes back in out of breath and red faced.  After changing into dry clothes and applying some unrefined coconut oil to her cheeks, we head to the kitchen for our lunch.

With all the extreme weather they were predicting a day earlier, I figured I might as well purchase some sunflowers to have our own sunshine inside.  Using the flowers as inspiration, the *juice for today was a bright and sunny creation.  That was good for me, but the girls also had *open face cracker sandwiches.

After lunch we decided to relax, but awhile later we needed to move our bodies with some yoga, which felt really good and was much needed.  Finally, it was about time to get dinner going.  So, what do you have for dinner on a snowed in day?  Breakfast of course!  *French toast with *maple cinnamon whipped cream.  I ended up making four batches because the girls couldn't get enough.  It seriously is so dang good!  Finished eating and on to preparing the *pups dinner, believe me, they have built in alarms in their stomachs when it's dinner time.  Now it's time for some chamomile tea and whoppin' the girls in Monopoly (my little one destroyed us the last time we played, so tonight's come back time :).

Sweet Potato Surprise (Dogs Breakfast)

Ingredients:
approx. 3 1/2 c. pureed sweet potatoes
9 c. old fashioned oatmeal (cooked)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. natural peanut butter
Ground flax meal (my big girl gets 3 Tbsp., the other three each get 2 Tbsp.)
Probiotic (my big girl gets 3/4 tsp., the other three each get 1/4 tsp.)

Directions:
1.  Place probiotic and flax meal into each dogs individual bowl.
2.  Combine remaining ingredients into large bowl, mix well and divide accordingly (depends on weight.  Mya is 80 lbs. so she gets 4 rounded cups, Janie and Chevy are 36 lbs. so they get 2 3/4 c. each and Pugsley is 30 lbs. so he gets 2 1/4 c.)

Morning Oatmeal
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. old fashioned oats
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. dried cherries
1 Tbsp. raw almond butter
1/2 Tbsp. agave or raw honey
2 Tbsp. raw pumpkin seeds
Homemade almond milk

Directions:
1.  Bring water to a boil, add oats, turn down to simmer cook according to package directions (time may vary depending on brand).
2.  Once cooked, add remaining ingredients, stir and enjoy.

Homemade Almond Milk
Makes about 2 liters

Ingredients:

2 c. raw almonds
6 c. filtered water
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
10-12 pitted dates* or 1-2 Tbsp. agave (depends on how sweet you like)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1.  Soak almonds in water overnight (make sure water covers them well as they will absorb some and puff up).
2.  In the morning, drain water, rinse and fill high speed blender with fresh water (6 cups) and almonds.  Process until well blended, 30 seconds - 1 minutes depending on blender strength.
3.  Place milk nut bag in bowl, pour blender contents through bag.  Squeeze bag to get all the milk out.
4.  Rinse blender, pour milk back in, add remaining ingredients and blend again.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.  Store almond pulp in a freezer proof bag in the freezer until ready to use in a recipe.

*You are straining, so if the amount of dates bothers you, you are not truly consuming the full amount at once because it's mostly in the pulp, which you'll use in another recipe to make multiple servings of muffins, cookies, pancakes, etc.

Sunshine Juice
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1/2 c. coconut water
2 large oranges (peeled, use peels for cleaning and deodorizing sink and garbage disposal)
1/2 c. papaya
1 organic cucumber
1/2 c. pineapple (optional if you want it sweeter)
2 large carrots

Directions:
1.  Place coconut water in a large glass.
2.  Send ingredients through juicer in order listed.

Open Face Sandwiches
Serves 1

Ingredients:
6 round crackers (the less processed and artificial ingredients the better)
6 pieces nondairy cheese of choice
2 pieces Tofurkey, cut into 6 pieces (optional, contains gluten so avoid if gluten allergy)
2 cherry tomatoes (optional), sliced into 6 pieces

Directions:
1.  Place one of each item on top of a cracker, repeat until all sandwiches are created.

Best French Toast Ever
Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients:
6 slices bread of choice (thicker drier bread works best when making french toast, we like The Little Northern Bakehouse or sprouted by Silver Hills)
1 ripe banana
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. coconut sugar
2/3 c. homemade almond milk
Coconut spray for griddle

Directions:
1.  Heat griddle over medium high heat for several minutes.
2.  Mash banana in a shallow bowl.
3.  Add remaining ingredients, whisk well.
4.  Dip each piece of bread in mixture, coating both sides, allow excess to drip off.
5.  Spray griddle with coconut spray, reduce heat to medium and place coated bread on griddle.  Cook 3-4 minutes each side or until golden brown.
6.  Serve with any toppings you choose.

Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:
1 can coconut cream (not light)
1/4 c. pure maple syrup (please no Aunt Jemima or Mrs. Butterworth :))
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions:
1. Place can in fridge for several hours to firm contents (although the Trader Joe brand is pretty thick so you don't really need to with that one).
2.  Scoop out cream and place in a bowl, there will be about 1/4 cup worth of water, drain water off and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for another recipe (like a smoothie).
3.  Add remaining ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until fluffy and well combined.  Store in the fridge until ready to use and to keep it from softening too much.

Protein Packed Dinner (Pups Dinner)

5 c. rice, cooked
4 1/2 c. great northern beans (made from dried to reduce gas and make it easier for them to digest, see March 16th, 2012 post for cooking dried beans)
1 lb. drained organic tofu
Nutritional Yeast (Mya gets 1-2 Tbsp., the others get 1/2-1 Tbsp.)
Unrefined Coconut Oil (Mya gets 1 heaping Tbsp., the other 1 Tbsp.)
Diatomaceous Earth (Mya gets 1 Tbsp., the others 3/4 Tbsp.)
Green Mush (Mya gets 1 Tbsp., the others 2 tsp.)

Directions:
1.  Place single ingredients into individuals bowls (nutritional yeast, coconut oil, DE, Green Mush).
2.  Place all other ingredients into large bowl, mix well.  Divide accordingly (for us it goes like this… Mya gets 4 rounded cups, Janie and & Chevy get 2 rounded cups, Pugsley gets 1 rounded plus 1/2 c.)

I hope you all enjoy our recipes as much as we, and the pups, do and please post your version or any comments you may have, I love to get the feedback!

Perception, Is The Glass 1/2 Full or 1/2 Empty?

My journey towards health and wellness has not always been a blissful experience.  At times, it has been downright shitty!  So why would I continue?  Not even trying to sound cliche, but the times that it has been blissful far outweigh the not so great times.  I've learned that the times I have felt there were negative moments, have really been blessings in disguise.

Recently, my oldest daughter and I were discussing how, through experiences and interactions with others, we all react to situations and people differently depending on our perception of the situation.  It is because of this belief that I am able to appreciate each moment, experience and interaction, even the not so positive ones.

In being honest with myself, each time that I hit a road block or was frustrated, I got to the point where I stopped blaming myself or others and allowed for time to just sit with the thoughts.  Asking myself serious question anytime negativity, despair or anger would arise has been the most therapeutic tool to healing and continuing on my journey.  At times my despair or anger would stem from a reaction to a food that was supposed to be healthy or from a person who questioned how and why my family and I live the way we do.  After my blood pressure calmed, I realized how silly a reaction that was and then began to dig deeper into what was really bothering me.  The answers to my questions are not always easily answered.  Often, it takes weeks or months for me to realize the answer, and sometimes, I find it in the most unlikely of places.  However, in allowing myself time, instead of reacting,  it has taught me that the way I perceive something is not always the way others perceive it or intended it.

For instance, take a text message or email.  The tone someone writes with is not necessarily looked at the same by the receiver.  Many times, it is the difference in perception that ignites serious conflict (in ourselves and others).  Responding immediately to comments that are not made with the best of intentions has also led to avoidable issues.  With this in mind, I am now able to press the pause button, take a breath and assess the situation.  This is where I start the internal dialog of questioning as to why I am feeling the way I do.  Is the person truly intending ill will, or is it that they are curious, have a different perspective altogether, or maybe they are just having a bad day and needed to lash out?

Whatever the reason, when and if I decide to respond, it will be from a more peaceful place.  This in turn generally elicits calm in myself and the other person.  Once in awhile the total opposite occurs.  If that happens, the conversation is done because I have also learned that some people just are not ready to reflect themselves.  Sometimes in staying calm it stirs up feelings that create a negative perception for them.  Ultimately this has nothing to do with me, rather, it is due to unresolved matter from their past or present. This too has been extremely therapeutic because in the past I would have taken blame or have been made to feel smaller by their reaction.  Now, I can actually feel compassion for their pain that is producing their response.  Opening my heart and mind to this form of thinking has been healing for me and it allows me to send healing thoughts and energy to them.  They do not need to know that I am doing that, just the fact that I am creates even more positivity within myself.

Through my growth, I now realize that I need to take in each moment and interaction as a lesson.  It is in this that my journey has blossomed.  I know I have much more to learn, but now I am ready to receive and I look forward with opportunities instead of glancing over my shoulder with fear.

WTF?

It recently occurred to me that, since the opening of the second studio, I have totally neglected my blog posts!  Although I am beyond ecstatic for the opportunity to share more yoga and other wellness options, I also enjoy putting my thoughts, ideas and projects onto paper (so-to-speak :)

Since the timing of getting back into posting is smack dab in the heart of freezing cold temperatures, I thought it only appropriate to share a recipe.  Drum roll please… Winter Salad.  WTF you may be saying, how it that a recipe for making us feel better about freezing cold temperatures!?  Allow me to explain my insanity.

I absolutely love fresh fruits and vegetables, but I find it especially difficult to add in cold dishes or drinks during this time of year.  So, I play a sort of mind game by tricking the body into getting fresh veggies by incorporating warm veggies at the same time.  What is this sorcery I speak of?  Well it starts by preparing roasted vegetables of some sort. This can be any mixture, with any number of spices to change up the flavor.  I prepare a big batch each time so that I can use them for sides at dinner during the week and as my secret weapon when creating a winter salad.  I also like to cook up dried beans (*see post from March 16, 2012 for dried bean prep), lentils or quinoa.  Again, prepare a large batch and store leftovers in 1 cup freezer proof baggies.  Preparing large batches at once saves time and ensure you have them on hand, after a quick defrost and warm up you are good to go.  Methods of defrosting and warming are numerous so I will save that for another post ;)  Once you have your veggies, beans, lentils, quinoa or whatever you decided, continue on with your Winter Salad creation.

Make your salad interesting and colorful.  By using colors and lots of options you will again "trick" the mind into actually wanting a salad in the winter.  There is no reason to settle for boring salads since that will not make eating enjoyable.  Food sustains us, can either heal or kill us, so I personally believe food should taste great and be something you look forward to.

Roasted Veggies
Serves 6-8 (or one several times throughout the week)

Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
1 head of cauliflower, chopped
2 organic red bell peppers, seeds removed and chopped
1 bag of small purple potatoes, washed and cut in half
2 tsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. unrefined olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 Tbsp. dried thyme

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 400.
2.  Coat a large baking dish with 1Tbsp. oil, add all ingredients, toss to mix well.
3.  Drizzle remaining oil over top, mix.
4.  Roast veggies for 45-60 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

While veggies are roasting begin preparing the rest of your salad.

Smashed Avocado/Balsamic Dressing
Serves 1

This dressing is loaded with healthy fats which help to boost metabolism, increase carotenoid absorption, decrease inflammation, fight heart disease, regulate blood sugar and if that's not enough, it adds fiber, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper and folate.  Wow, all this in one little piece of fruit!

Ingredients:
1/2 avocado, room temperature (pit removed, squeeze or scoop the inside into a small bowl)
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (it is best to splurge here on a high end vinegar, the flavor is sooo worth it)

Directions:
1.  Smash avocado in bowl, add vinegar, mix well.
2.  Place the other half of the avocado in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain optimum freshness and delay browning.

That's it.  Were you expecting more?  If this is just too easy you could always add some spices if you want :)

Winter Salad
Serves 1

Ingredients:
2 c. greens of choice, chopped (the greener the better)
1/4 c. organic red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
1/4 c. garbanzo beans, cooked
1/4 c. carrots, chopped
1/4 c. organic cucumber, chopped
1/4 c. tomato, chopped
1/2 c. warm roasted veggies
1 serving Smashed Avocado/Balsamic Dressing

Directions:
1.  Using a large plate or bowl, add all fresh ingredients, toss to mix.
2.  Add roasted veggies and dressing, toss to mix well so all ingredients are incorporated and the roasted veggies warm the fresh veggies.

Now, go sit by the fireplace and enjoy your warmed Winter Salad!

Puppy Love Recipes

Continuing from my last post "Puppy Love", I thought I would share some recipes.  Even if you do not want to switch your fur babies to home cooked meals, these recipes offer a nice treat for them that is quick and easy for you to prepare.

With it being summer, and the fact that dogs body temperature runs hotter than ours, what better way to keep them cooled off then with smoothies or pupsicles?  Keep in mind, if you have just had them working out and they are panting profusely, I do not suggest giving them ice cold items.  Instead, give them cool to room temperature water so you do not shock their system.  Once they've cooled down enough, then you can cool them off even more with an icy cold treat :)

Banana Smoothie & Pupsicles

As a smoothie, give 1/3 cup serving at a time.

Ingredients:
8 oz. coconut water
1 frozen banana (peeled and broken into smaller pieces)
1 tsp. spirulina powder
1 Tbsp. peanut butter or sunflower butter
1 Tbsp. raw, shelled hemp seeds

Directions:
1.  Place all ingredients into high speed blender in order listed.
2.  Blend until smooth and no banana pieces are visible.
3.  Pour into dish and serve immediately or pour into ice cube trays, cover and freeze for an icy treat later.


Watermelon Smoothie & Pupsicles

As a smoothie, give 1/3 cup serving at a time.

Ingredients:
8 oz. coconut water
1 c. previously frozen water melon pieces (smaller chunks)
1/2 c. frozen strawberries
1 Tbsp. raw, shelled hemp seeds

Directions:
1.  Place all ingredients into high speed blender in order listed.
2.  Blend until smooth and large pieces of fruit are visible.
3.  Pour into dish and serve immediately or pour into ice cube tray, cover and freeze.

As always, if you are not sure about which foods are safe for your pets, visit PetMD or ask your vet.  I hope your babies enjoy these as much as ours do.  Having four pups, these treats do not last long in our house!

Puppy Love

For a few years now I have been researching and experimenting with making the switch to healthier foods for my fur babies.  Being a plant-based family I just could not shake the thought, if it's good for us, can it be good for all of my "other" babies?  I knew giving them raw meats was not going to happen.  Not only would it make me regurgitate, but I did not want to introduce pathogens, harmful bacteria/virus or worms into our home and bodies.  I also realized that giving them dry food was not a natural thing to do either, not to mention how boring it must be to eat the same food every single day for your whole life.  Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not see any dry dog food trees growing in the wild.  So my search for the best product to give my babies was underway.

Exploring various high quality brands, three years ago we finally landed on Natural Balance® due to finding out Mya, our Mastiff/Great Dane mix, had food allergies (with the main culprit being gluten).  Making the switch to a grain free brand seemed to do the trick.  Mya was no longer bringing her meals back up, the inside of her ears were no longer bright pink and the acne on her chin had vanished.  

Having Mya diagnosed with food allergies was my first wake up call that what we put in and on our fur babies matters for them just as much as it matters for us.  I felt like, DUH! It still amazes me how we, myself included, accept things as normal just because we have been doing them for decades.  I won't go all political by giving examples of things in the past, that were deemed "normal" for the time, but are now against the law.  The point I am making is that it is okay to question and educate oneself on things, even if that means going against norm.

I started questioning more and more if what we were doing for our babies was the best thing for them.  After moving to grain free, the next step was to get rid of the packaged treats, so I started making their treats.  I learned to tweak our recipes to make them muffins, pupcakes, cookies and dehydrated sweet potato chews.  This was not only healthier than the processed treats, but it was fun and actually a cost saver.  After this, I began investigating vegan and vegetarian options for dogs and cats.

I decided the next move would be to switch to a plant based dog food.  This led me to find V-Dog™, a plant-based dry kibble made in California by a family owned business.  I made sure to make the switch gradually, mixing the new with the old to avoid any upset stomachs.  They took to the new right away and seemed to actually prefer it over their old.  The problem I ran into was that none of our local stores carry V-Dog so I had to order it online.  It was free shipping and the cost was pretty close to their previous brand, but my orders were ending up on back order.  Good news that more people were trying to feed their pups a healthier choice, but bad news for me because then I ended up having to buy a different brand which led to some upset stomachs due to switching them on the fly.  I knew this arrangement of ordering their food on-line was not working for us so I went back to Natural Balance (who, by the way, does carry a vegan option, but it is not grain free).

One of our pups, Chevy, has an extremely weak stomach so if anything is different he gets sick.  We are very strict about what they get and the only processed thing they were eating was their dog food.  I still could not stop wondering if this was the healthiest, so I kept digging.  With Chevy having such a weak stomach, I wanted to find foods that would be gentle for him, especially when he would get into something outside that wreaked havoc on his body.  I knew, from experience, that bananas, oatmeal, rice, and probiotics helped to calm his body so this made me even more curious.  If whole foods could heal him when he is sick, then it should stand to reason that they would keep him healthy and sustained if given all the time.

For me, switching the cats over to plant-based is not an option at this time due to them being predominately carnivorous.  I have lots more to learn before, and if, I decide to switch the kitties.  Cats are highly sensitive in that if their bodies do not have specific minerals or too much of something they become sick quickly, which can be fatal.  For this same reason, I only use a limited number of essential oils that are highly diluted for the cats (but that is a post for another day :)

Dogs are actually omnivorous by nature, so I knew switching them to a predominately plant-based diet would not be life threatening.  As long as they were getting a varied and balanced diet, I knew they could thrive on whole foods similar to us.  There are a number of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that they require, but I found that reading too much into this was making things more confusing.  Just as we need certain nutrients, they do as well and those can be found in all the whole foods we eat.  Most people do not make it their mission to track every gram of each nutrient needed on a daily basis so why was I getting so concerned over knowing it for my babies?  To feel at ease in making the switch from processed to whole, I knew I had to learn the basics of what they needed and did not need instead of getting caught up in how much of each nutrient.

Knowing the basics…

They need a varied diet full of rich protein sources (peas, beans, lentils), dark leafy greens, red/orange/yellow veggies (bell peppers, carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes), whole grains (rice, oats, quinoa), nutritional yeast, high quality oil (unrefined coconut oil or flax seed oil), a daily probiotic, know-the-source eggs, a handful of unsalted seeds and some fruits.

They do not need and should never have chocolate (the darker, the worse), xylitol (nasty little sweetener added to many products), avocados, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic, these can all be life threatening, causing diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, eventual kidney/liver failure and/or death.

So now that I knew the basics, the next part would be switching them gradually from dry to whole foods.  I do not even need to tell you how much they are loving the whole foods. Janie and Chevy will eat just about anything, so the real test was my picky eater, Mya. She was eating the whole foods, but turning her nose to the dry.  I was putting the whole food on top of the dry, but ended up having to mix it to get her to eat up the dry.  I knew this was the right thing to do.  Even if it meant spending a little more time preparing meals, they are worth it.  They get breakfast and dinner, with snacks/treats in between.  Having so many options with whole foods, and the fact that it is cleaner eating, it's hard to pinpoint an exact amount to give them per body weight.  To start, I increased the amount I was giving them by one half.  For example, Mya was getting 4 cups a day of dry (2 in the morning, 2 in the evening) so I switched her to 6 cups whole foods.  She seems to be thriving and not hungry.  Of course, I will still take them to their checkups and ask for blood work to ensure they are healthy and safe, and I will post results as to their progress.  Some recipes for homemade treats can be found in the back of my book, I'm The Chef Of This Kitchen.

More posts to follow regarding natural pet health so check back soon!

*Disclaimer - This information is not meant to replace your veterinarian. I cannot be held responsible for any results to recommendations contained in this information so I suggest each person seek a veterinarian (preferably holistic) for specific conditions that might warrant expert treatment.

I'm The Chef Of This Kitchen

It's no secret that I love food and everything related to it.  I mean, who in their right mind gets excited about a new cookbook?  Once home, I head to a comfy and quiet spot, crack open my latest purchase, and literally read it like a novel.  I make notes throughout the pages and begin my grocery list of the recipes I want to try first.  I am happy and content for the time being.

After returning from the grocery store I am armed and ready to get started on the newest recipes.  For me, each cookbook is like a present with more layers of gifts inside.  Each time I try a new recipe I am eager to see how the "present" will unfold.  Even for the most experienced cooks and bakers, each new recipe brings about trial and error.  There are so many factors that play into how the recipe may, or may not, turn out.  That's the joy of being in the kitchen for me.  As much as I may enjoy this, the realization that there are many people who do not feel the same hit me.  Whether it be an adult who wants to be healthy, but cannot stand the kitchen, or a child just learning the basics of how to prepare themselves a snack, I knew that there needed to be something for them to turn to.

Although I have always had my kiddos in the kitchen at an early age to "help", they did not know how to create their own masterpieces of health.  I wanted them to have something more than just going to the cupboard for a snack.  Yes, grabbing a piece of fruit or veggie from the fridge is easy and healthy enough, but let's face it, who wants that same thing everyday?  Throughout the years I have kept track of my own creations and so I started with that notebook to see which recipes they could do on their own or with little supervision.  What I found was they were truly eager to be in charge in the kitchen and to see, and taste, the end result.  Not only were my children learning how to fend for themselves in a healthy way, but they were also learning kitchen safety, math concepts and the rewarding feeling of accomplishment.

Besides having quick and easy recipes, another component of the book that I wanted to incorporate was a resource for those with dietary restrictions.  I have become extremely adept at making the necessary substitutions to accommodate a plant based, gluten free lifestyle for my family.  Making substitutions really has become second nature for me, however, my oldest would get frustrated because she would want to try a recipe but would be overwhelmed as to all the adjustments she needed to make.  Knowing how she felt, I knew that there must be other people feeling the same way.  So often I hear people say they want to eat healthier, but that it is just too hard.   This only encouraged me to keep creating my book.  I understand that not everyone may agree with my views when it comes to what foods to eat, but I also understand that even those who disagree want accessible healthy options when they feel the need.  

My journey over the past two years of creating an allergy friendly cookbook has only reaffirmed my belief that healthy does not have to be difficult, frustrating or boring.   I do still try elaborate recipes when I am in the mood, but I find myself turning to my quick and easy recipes more.  With this book being my first attempt at publishing, I must say that I am quite pleased with the end product, and the fact that now my children can get creative in the kitchen on their own, without feeling frustrated.

Being an amateur, I have learned many things regarding publishing my own book and know that I definitely want to start on the next one in the near future.  So first things first, for my birthday I will be requesting a professional camera ;)

I'm The Chef Of This Kitchen, An Allergy Friendly Cookbook For Kids and Adults will be available in a few days through Amazon.com, Amazon Europe and CreateSpace eStore.

Bon Appetit!

You're Fired!!!

Hopefully those resolutions have become less of a resolution and more a part of your daily routine.  Living healthier doesn't have to be boring, bland or torturous.  However, stacking the odds in your favor of maintaining this healthy streak will make the transition that much smoother.  You've taken the first step already by deciding on a healthier you. The next step is to take roll call of what assists you in this endeavor and what you need to give the pink slip.

This brings us to the most important room of the entire home, the kitchen.  Whether you are a gourmet chef or a drive through style cuisinier, taking inventory of what is in your fridge and cupboards is a much needed and empowering move.  You are the boss, everything in your kitchen either works for you or it doesn't (pun intended).

Entering the kitchen can feel like entering the abyss.  What are you looking for?  What assists me and what doesn't?  Here are some ground rules to makes things less painful.  

Ground Rules for those new to the healthy highway:

On a budget...

1.  Make changes gradually.  For instance, once you use up the cholesterol laden butter and milk, replace it with a healthier choice like coconut spread and a nondairy milk instead.  There are many nondairy choices out there, so if you don't like one you can use it up in baking/cooking and then try another, that way you won't feel as if you're wasting money.  

2.  Even on a budget, you can add in more produce and less processed or fast foods.  Bananas, kiwi, watermelon, oranges, carrots (peel them prior to eating), avocados, pineapple, tomatoes, asparagus and eggplant are all good options that don't necessarily need to be organic. 

3.  Start a savings for necessary equipment such as a juicer, food processor and a good blender that can grind frozen fruits and ice easily.  Ask family and friends for their Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons to get added savings on these items.   

4.  Once you run out of the boxed, frozen dinners and other processed items, do not replace them with more.  Instead, stock the kitchen with whole foods such as rice, quinoa, lentils, beans and fresh or frozen produce.  

5.  Also read below regarding replacing oils and sugar.  

Budget not a factor...

1.  Start by pitching or composting items.  For items that are unopened you can donate them to local charities or shelters.  

2.  Replace oils that are the most damaging to the body.  These would be any refined oils, read the labels to find out.  Replace these with unrefined oils, such as extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.  Another way to reduce damage from oils is to use less and cook at lower temperatures.  For example, in baking, if a recipe calls for 1/2 c. of canola oil use 1/4 c. of melted coconut oil and 1/4 c. of applesauce or some kind of pureed fruit or veggie.  

3.  Next, toss the refined sugars.  White sugar, brown sugar and corn syrup definitely need to get fired!  Seriously, don't listen to the commercials.  Sugar is not sugar, it damages the body.  Although organic sugar does not have the added chemicals, it is still garbage to your body.  Instead, opt for coconut sugar, you can use it 1:1 in recipes. Coconut sugar looks a lot like brown sugar, actually contains small amounts of minerals and won't leave you feeling sluggish.  Being the eco conscious god or goddess that you are, make sure you purchase sustainably grown and produced coconut sugar.  If you're not addicted to sugar, try eliminating or using less sugar than the recipe calls for.  For example, if the recipe calls for 1 c. of sugar, use 1/2 c. coconut sugar and 1/2 c.  of mashed very ripe bananas.  

4.  Get rid of all the processed junk and then stock up with more whole foods such as rice, quinoa, lentils, beans and fresh or frozen produce. 

5.  Purchase necessary equipment such as a juicer, food processor and a good blender that can grind frozen fruits and ice easily.  Bed, Bath & Beyond, Costco and Target carry a wide variety of each. 

Now that you are armed with what to look for, get in there, take charge and fire all those slackers!    

I Resolve To...

Wow! It's been awhile since my last post.  Taking time off from blogging to focus on my cookbook was a difficult, but much needed decision.  The book is in the final stages of editing and adding photos, so I am back and ready to share ideas, goals and recipes.

With a New Year upon us, many people experience different feelings.  Some feel relieved, energized, renewed, while others feel stressed or depressed.  The cause of such feelings are often linked to the long standing tradition of New Year resolutions. Many view the resolutions as a fresh start, but for some, those same resolutions create anxiety.  Resolutions can be fun and jump start people in the right direction, but all to often this is a short lived "high", and this is where the anxiety comes in.  No one wants to think of themselves as quitters or failures.   Not completing or sticking to a resolution can lead to these negative views of ones self and this does not do anyone any good.

The problem I find is that people usually make unrealistic resolutions.  Their intention is all well and good, but they are setting themselves up for potentially disappointing results. Now I agree that if you don't try something you'll never know if you can accomplish it or not.  However, I also agree that when setting a challenging resolution you also need to prepare your mind for that challenge.  In preparing mentally, you increase your chance of completion and maintenance of the resolution and also strengthen the psyche to accept when we fall short of that same resolution.  In this instance, we also increase the chance of getting back on our feet to try again.  Preparing mentally can happen in a number of ways.  For me, the best way is by practicing meditation.  Meditation can be challenging in and of itself.  If you find it challenging, or are new to the concept, start out with just a few minutes every day.  Here are some tips to get you started…

1.  Pick a time and quite place to practice.
2.  Be comfortable. This may mean wearing comfy clothing, sitting on a mediation cushion or folded blanket.
3.  Allow yourself fresh oxygen simply by sitting up nice and tall, no slouching :)
4.  Decide if soft playing music or instrumentals will help, test it out.
5.  Determine if having your eyes closed or having them open and focusing on an object is better, test it out.  Some people like to focus on the flame of a burning candle.
6.  Set a meditative goal.  Start with just 2 minutes.
7.  Use a soft, peaceful timer so that you're not constantly looking at the clock.  There are a number of free apps on the phone or computer you can use.
8.  Some people like to empty the mind of all thoughts, while others like to focus on a single idea.  In the case of the latter, focus on your resolution and envision yourself completing and maintaining that resolution.
9.  Once you're comfortable with your meditative goal, try increasing the time little by little.

In addition to mentally preparing yourself for your resolution there are a number of other things you can do in setting yourself up for success.  DO NOT attempt more than one resolution at a time.  If you want to quit smoking and change your eating habits, pick one to start with and then, more likely than not, the other will naturally fall into place due to your new healthy habit.  Also, reinvent the labeling of your resolution.  The word itself can conjure up all sorts of negative images and doubt.  Empower yourself by stating "I resolve to…" instead of "my resolution is…".  By changing how you refer to the resolution may seem silly, but go ahead and try the two scenario's and see which one makes you feel empowered to the change and which one makes you feel like your just hoping. Finally, look at the resolution as a goal in your life style adjustment, rather than a temporary aim that, upon completion, is forgotten.  For instance, if you want to change your eating habits, don't think that once you drop a few pounds you can immediately go back to the way you used to eat.  When this happens, we initially feel elated, but then the weight comes back and we feel defeated.   By viewing this type of resolution as a lifestyle adjustment you are more likely to reach and maintain that goal.

At the top of most peoples resolution list is health and that typically has to do with our eating habits.  So, stay tuned for my next post, "Kitchen Revamped", where I'll discuss some helpful ways to accomplish this goal.

Cigarette Anyone?

What kind of title is that you may be wondering, I will get to that momentarily.  My passion for food is well known.  Not only do I love eating it and cooking it, but I also enjoy sharing with people of all ages why we eat the way we do.  I still get the "what do you eat?" or "you need meat and dairy to be healthy."  Weeellll, let's just say I most definitely disagree.  It all began when my yoga mentor, Shelli Carpenter, opened my eyes and taught me so much during my yoga teacher training.  Things that once seemed normal I now had reason to question.  Like the fact that humans are the only ones who consume another species milk.  I never thought twice about it because it was the "norm" or so I thought.  Seriously, think about how ridiculous it is.  That milk is designed to grow a 70-100 lb. baby calf into a 500-600 pound young cow in a matter of months.  Gee, I wonder why we suffer from chronic disease that is, without a doubt, connected to what we eat and drink.  As for trying to convince myself that buying organic was any better, using my brain, it didn't take long for me to realize just as humans have hormones, so do other beings.  No matter how organic you think you're getting, you cannot avoid the animals natural hormones.  So if I were only taking the health route, this should have been enough to convince me to rethink mine and my kiddos diet.  In the meantime, I have also achieved my certification in vegan nutrition and am currently completing certification in Nutritional Counseling so I can be available to educate others on the health benefits of following a plant based diet.

Okay, so what does all this have to do with cigarettes?  It is basically to prove a point.  In educating myself on the reasons for eating plant based, I felt is was necessary for my children to also understand why we were making these lifestyle changes.  I obviously would not recommend allowing a child to watch Earthlings, but I do recommend it for adults who want to know the far reaching impact of consuming animals.  However, teaching my children the compassionate and health based reasons for a plant based diet, in an age appropriate manner, was extremely important to me.  If you feel you need to lie or shield your children from the truth regarding their food, drinks, toiletries or clothing, shouldn't that make you think there is something wrong with the whole picture of what society considers normal?  Many people feel that my children miss out on things.  I couldn't agree more, that is my intent.  I want my children to miss out on diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, etc, etc.  When I decided years ago to make the diet changes I've made, if I would have continued to allow my children to eat the SAD way (standard American diet, I did not make that up), then what message am I sending to them.  Mommy is making changes to be healthier, but I don't want to force you to do it too because you may throw a fit or society may question my parenting.  Parents in general have rules.  Why do we allow our kids certain things but not others?  The answer... to keep them safe and healthy.  We all know, now, how harmful cigarettes are so we don't buy them for our kids and when they get older, we don't encourage them to buy them for themselves.  Why?  Because it is harmful to their health and well being.

The viewpoint of comparing animal products to cigarettes may seem extreme or even ludicrous, but so is the view on what we as a society have deemed normal or even important in our daily lives.  I guarantee most people have heard about the studies, from reputable sources and universities, regarding the negative effects of consuming animal protein.  Yet billions still insist on giving their families animal protein not only once a day, but multiple times a day.  Most people, whether they admit it or not, know that along with any vitamins or minerals animal products may contain, there are even more damaging things that come with them.  So my connection between giving your children cigarettes and animal products is quite justified.  As my oldest so eloquently put it "just as smoking one cigarette won't kill you right away, having them over the course of years will and that is exactly what consuming animals does".  Yes, my children are brilliant!