Update! Inspirational Book Contest - Date extended to 12/31/2010 11:59PM

I'm extending my "Inspirational Book Contest" to Friday, December 31st 11:59 P.M. E.S.T.  Just comment on what your favorite inspirational book is and why, and you're entered. Prize is a  $20 Amazon.com gift certificate!  Bonne chance!

Holiday Quinoa Breakfast

 Holiday Quinoa Breakfast



Holiday Quinoa Breakfast



Here's a quick and healthy Holiday breakfast in less than 5 minutes. 

Step 1.  Microwave Quinoa. 

Step 2.  Add organic honey, whole ground flaxseed meal, sunflower seeds, natural raw almonds.

             Accent with a  homemade gingerbread man. Enjoy!

Health Benefits:

• Gluten Free Organic Quinoa - Best source of complete protein. Provides all the neccessary building blocks for age-defying skin, bone and brain regeneration.

• Raw Honey- Contains propolis, which helps reduce inflammation and premature againg. Good quality honey has probiotic beneficial bacteria to improve your immune system.  

• Gluten Free Whole Ground Flaxseed meal - Rich in fiber, lignans and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fats.

• Sunflower Seeds- Heart smart fats, high Vitamin E content.

• Natural raw almonds- Perfect anti-aging food. Regulates blood sugar levels and metabolism, lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol. Has high protein, fiber and Omega -6 fatty acids that keep the body young.

• Gingerbread Man cookie - Ginger calms your digestive system (and cookies make you smile.)

**** NOTE: This recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free. Foe this recipe, I used "Ancient Harvest" gluten free quinoa and "Bob's Red Mill" gluten-free whole ground flaxseed meal.  

Contest: What's Your Favorite Inspirational Book? The Prize: $20 Amazon.com Gift Certificate!

Since I'm in the Holiday spirit, and to celebrate my blog,  I've decided to have a contest: "What's Your Favorite Inspirational/Personal Growth  Book (and Why)?" Just put your answer in the comments and you're officially entered. I'll randomly pick one of entries and that person will win a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate.

Contest will last for 3 days only. Begins now and ENDS Tuesday, December 28th at 12:01 AM. E.S.T.  Good Luck! :)

Treat Colds Just Like Unexpected Guests

                                                            
A loud thunderous knock on your front door resonates through your home. Who's there? An unexpected visitor? No, it's not It's not your nosy neighbor, but TFCOTS (The First Cold Of The Season).  You've been expecting this and you're prepared - with homemade chicken soup ready to sooth your achy, sniffly, self. 

Dont wait until you're sick to make homemade chicken soup - do it ahead of time. Freeze an extra batch - the next time you're coming down with a cold, just defrost and enjoy. Your busy self will thank you. 


Ingredients:

++ (Use organic ingredients if possible)

• 2 quarts  chicken broth
• 1 quart water
• 1 store-bought  roast chicken
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large  onions, cut into medium dice
• 2 large  carrots, peeled and cut into rounds or half rounds, depending on size
• 2 large stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a large soup kettle. Meanwhile, separate chicken meat from skin and bones; reserve meat. Add skin and bones to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer until bones release their flavor, 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Strain broth through a colander into a large container; reserve broth and discard skin and bones. Return kettle to burner set on medium-high.
3. Add oil, then onions, carrots and celery. Saute until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken, broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer. Before adding the extras of your choice, bring to a simmer. (Yields 3 1/2 quarts). Can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. 

The Multiple Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Bath

 Himalayan salts are known to be the purest and cleanest salts on the planet. They are usually off-white, pinkish, red or transparent. The rock salt is from Pakistan, and is mined in the world's second largest salt mine, the Khewra Salt Mines. It contains many elements that naturally occur in our bodies, and are easily absorbed and utilized by our cells when used as an ingredient in food or when added to warm bath water.  These elements include Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Iron.

 Benefits Of The 5 Minerals in Himalayan Salts

Calcium is crucial for the formation of strong bones and teeth, and the benefits are particularly marked in women and children. As we get older, our bones become brittle, as do our nails and our hair. Calcium helps us build bone strength and mass, warding off common conditions such as osteoporosis, the weakening of the skeletal system. Bones and ligaments become stronger and less prone to fractures and sprains that often occur when our calcium levels decrease.

Magnesium is essential to the healthy functioning of all living cells and is the 11th most abundant element in the human body. Magnesium has been used in anesthetics, sports medicine for relief of tired muscles, and antacids for the soothing of the stomach.

Potassium is crucial to heart function and has been used to treat hypertension and heart conditions. During physical activity, our body utilizes and then loses large amounts of potassium, which must be replenished to avoid soreness and tightness in the muscles. Potassium is found in foods such as bananas, broccoli, and many other fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful diuretic as well.

Copper and Iron both aide in the formation of red blood cells, and support the nervous system, improve immune system response, and promote healthy bone structure and blood vessel function.


Promotes Healthy Skin and Dental Health  

Himalayan salts are highly beneficial for combating skin allergies. Skin allergies are caused by a many  factors, from stress and chemicals to age and illness. Himalayan salts have high bromine and magnesium levels, both of which are great for fighting allergies due to their detoxification and cleansing of the skin. It also can make the skin smoother and soothe rough skin as well. These salts are also known to help with skin conditions like psoriasis, dry skin, acne, insect bites and blisters.

Undiluted Himalayan salt brine is excellent for promoting dental hygiene. You can brush your teeth with the brine, and you can even use it as a mouthwash. The brine solution stops halitosis (bad breath) as well as bleeding of the gums.

Low Cost Alternative for Healthy Skin

 Bathing in natural Himalayan sea salt is a low-cost skin care alternative that is not only pleasant, it’s also quite effective. The salt is readily absorbed into your skin, cleaning and purifying your pores from the inside out, leaving you with a healthy, youthful glow. Bathing in sea salt also plumps up the skin, filling out fine lines and wrinkles. The powerful detoxification properties of natural sea salt breaks down harmful deposits and toxins that lead to a dull, lifeless complexion and uneven coloration. After bathing in Himalayan salt water, you will emerge with skin that is soft, smooth, and supple to the touch

Where Can You Buy Himalayan Bath Salts?

I'm a bargain shopper, so I look for the best product at the best price. I've had success with these 2 companies: San Francisco Bath Salt Company http://www.sfbsc.com/himalayan-salts or SaltWorks http://www.saltworks.us/shop/product.asp?idProduct=373

Here's to a blissful, soothing bath!
Feel free to e-mail me your comments, suggestions or complaints.

When To Buy Organic vs. Conventional Fruits & Vegetables

Wondering if organic produce is really worth the extra cost? It depends, because fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of pesticide. The Environmental Working Group The Environmental Working Group recently updated it's guide as to when it's healthier to choose organic produce.

 Buy Organic When You Can (since these are more likely to contain pesticides):

1.  Celery
2.  Peaches
3.  Strawberries
4.  Apples
5.  Blueberries (domestic)
6.  Nectarines
7.  Sweet bell peppers
8.  Spinach
9.  Cherries
10. Kale/Collard Greens
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (imported)

Go Conventional With These Low In Pesticides Fruits and Veggies:

1.   Onions
2.   Avocado
3.   Sweet corn (frozen)
4.   Pineapple
5.   Mangoes
6.   Peas (frozen)
7.   Asparagus
8.   Kiwi
9    Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe (domestic)
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potatoes
15. Honeydew Melon

Although organic produce is more expensive than conventional,  it's a smart investment towards preventative health. Be proactive in your food choices to achieve a healthy body!  

Aioli: A Yummy Healthy Dipping Sauce

Aioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil, hails from the provence region of France. It's name is a composite of the word for "garlic" (ail) and "oil" (oli). This is a great to use as a dippping sauce for fresh vegetables,  as a spread for sandwiches, in chicken or potato sald in place of mayonnaise, or a sauce for fish.

Ingredients:
             3 pasteurized shell egg yolks
             1 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
             3 garlic cloves
             1 tsp Dijon mustard
             1 tsp lemon juice
             1/2 tsp salt
             Coarsely ground pepper
             2 lbs fresh raw vegetables (asparagus, carrots, broccoli)
Place egg yolks in a blender; process until smooth. Gradually add olive oil, processing until thick and smooth. Add garlic, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper; pulse until well blended. Chill and serve with vegetables. Serves 16. Enjoy!