Yogamint Mints - Eat

Pumped for Pumpkin

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner, bringing yummy pumpkin-based foods to your table. Don’t forget to enjoy the seeds of this squash-like fruit beloved for its pulp as well as the succulent blossoms. A celebrated food of Native Americans, roasted pumpkin seeds are full of minerals like zinc and manganese, plus lots of antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and cholesterol-busting oleic acids, boasting amino acids that aid sleep and reduce anxiety.

Raw or roasted, pumpkin seeds are a great source of vitamin E, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6 and folate. After carving your Halloween jack-o-lantern, wash the pulp off the seeds and dry them overnight on a paper bag. Place on a cookie sheet and roast them in the oven at 160-170 degrees F for 15-20 minutes (slow roast to preserve healthy oils). Toss the seeds with a little salt or lime-and-chili powder for a tasty, health-filled snack that will pep up your breakfast bowl, salad or stir-fry veggies. Pick a pumpkin and power up on protein-filled health.

Pep Up With Probiotics

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT

When you hear the word “bugs” in relation to your health, it might conjure up visions of the flu or other unpleasant bacterial malaise, but probiotics are the good bugs. These “friendly” micro-organisms live in your gut naturally. To balance the effects of poor eating, antibiotic use or illness, consider introducing these good bacteria into your diet. Clinical studies have established that probiotic therapy can help treat gastric intestinal illnesses, alleviate or prevent allergies, and treat vaginal and urinary infections.

Europeans have a long tradition of eating foods fermented with nutritional bacteria like acidophilus and lactobacillus. You can find probiotics in your local health food store in liquid or capsule form (always keep refrigerated). There are many foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, as well as fermented foods like Kimchi (Korean cabbage) and sauerkraut. Include the life-enhancing benefits of these microflora in your diet to build your immune system and flourish!

Celebrate Cilantro

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT

This tasty green herb puts pizzazz in your salsa and has the power to heal and cleanse your body. With its mild peppery taste and parsley-like leaves, cilantro is a popular ingredient in Indian, Asian and Middle-Eastern dishes. Cilantro is known to be effective in curing viral and bacterial infections, especially when eaten with omega-3 enriched foods such as nuts. Cilantro also binds and eliminates heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum—making it a very powerful blood cleanser.

You can easily grow cilantro in your garden or in a window box to add some fresh flavor to your favorite recipes. Use cilantro in a bowl of miso soup, add to yogurt with tomatoes and cucumber for a fresh twist or enjoy this tasty Cilantro Pesto recipe. Mash a clove of garlic, a cup of almonds or cashews, a cup of packed cilantro leaves and two tablespoons lemon juice in a mortar and pestle. Spread on crackers or toast for a lip-smacking, healthy taste treat!

Karma Chow Veggie Burger with Cilantro

Recommended: Growing and Cooking with Herbs by Katherine Schlosser and Fresh Herb Keeper by Art and Cook

Wet Your Whistle

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT

“Agua de flor de Jamaica” or hibiscus tea—with its lovely tart flavor and deep red color—is a universal herbal beverage. In Egypt hibiscus tea was revered by the pharaohs and is used as a wedding drink to toast the bride and groom. This herb tea offers many health benefits, including reducing hypertension, aiding weight loss and supporting liver and bladder health.

Hibiscus tea boasts bioflavonoids, so it’s great for fighting winter colds. The tea is a mild diuretic, which helps expel toxins, and it may help inhibit infections. Whether you serve it hot or cold, enjoy the anti-oxidant properties of this universal herbal beverage with its wonderfully aromatic flavor. Make a batch of hibiscus tea by boiling the dried flowers for 5-10 minutes. If you like, add some ginger, lemon or fruit juice and sweetener (optional). Serve it up with ice for a thirst-quenching summer punch.

*Hibiscus tea is not recommended if you are pregnant or on hormone replacement therapy, as it may affect estrogen production.

Bravo for Brussels Sprouts

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Mom was onto something when she made you eat your Brussels sprouts. These beautiful little gems are power-packed with health benefits. Brussels sprouts contain lots of fiber to battle “bad” cholesterol and enzymes known to have beneficial effects against certain kinds of cancer. These “mini-cabbages” boast high protein, anti-inflammatory constituents, minerals and lots of vitamin C, making this vegetable a bio-chemical miracle, able to detoxify your body and protect against cancer in the bladder, breasts, colon, lungs, prostate and ovaries.

To retain flavor, texture and health benefits of Brussels sprouts, simply cut off the stem and remove any bruised outer leaves. Score the stem with an “X” with a small paring knife and place stem-side down in a saucepan in a single layer. Pour broth or water in the pan and simmer about 5 minutes, until sprouts are bright green and crisp tender when pierced with a fork. Enjoy in your favorite stir fry, in a bowl of miso soup or with side of polenta or garlic mashed potatoes!

Peppercorn Power

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

You may think of black pepper as the companion to salt, but it is so much more! Peppercorns have been cultivated since ancient times. The dried fruit of the flowering Pipa Nigram vine, native to tropical rain forests, boasts incredible therapeutic value, containing an impressive list of health-promoting essential oils, minerals, phytochemicals and anti-oxidants. These compounds remove harmful free radicals, assist in weight loss, and help fight cancer and aging by promoting a strong immune system.

A time-honored anti-arthritic remedy is a “peppercorn bath.” Place a cup of peppercorns (or a few drops of black pepper oil) in your hot-water bathtub and soak for 30 minutes to remove joint pain. Peppercorns also support your digestive system, known to be an age-old way to prevent stomach gas and indigestion when sprinkled on salads and watermelons. Grind it fresh into your recipes (adding last to retain the fragrant essential oils). Put some spice into your life with the power of the peppercorn!

Dressing Up

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Whether you enjoy a simple side plate of lettuce at dinner or a robust “all-in” kind of salad as a main dish for lunch, it’s a well-known fact that fresh, raw greens are an essential component in sustaining good health. To complement and enhance your salad you’ll find a vast variety of bottled dressings in your local market or health food store. If you’re concerned about your sodium and fat intake (and want more creative alternatives), consider making your own dressing.

You can tailor your recipes to include ingredients that make your taste buds zing and leave off those that don’t suit your palate or your nutritional restrictions. If you want to stay clear of oils or dairy, adding nuts (cashews, walnuts or almonds) is a perfect way to create a rich “creamy” flavor; for variety, try tahini, blended avocado or oil-free pesto. Miso paste also makes a tasty base for a creamy oil-free ginger dressing. Throw in your favorite herbs as well and enjoy some new flavor sensations that will have your salads dressed to impress!

Oil-Free Pesto – Blend fresh basil, spinach greens and raw pumpkin seeds with a little water and low-sodium tamari to taste. Makes a yummy dressing for salads, steamed vegetables or whole-wheat pasta.

Food & Flow video: Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing

Recommended: 100 Great Salad Dressings by Sally Griffith and The Low Fat Raw Vegan Cuisine (DVD)

Veggie Burger-licious

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 07:00:00 GMT

There’s something about a burger that says summer, backyard barbeque and a great combination of a protein-rich patty, bread, tomato, onion, lettuce, ketchup and mayo that can’t be beat. You may have grown up eating the meat version of hamburgers and fondly remember family get-togethers, sports events and picnics where burgers were an essential part of the experience. Among converts to a plant-based diet there is a desire to replicate the taste and texture of this traditional American fare.

These days, you can find many brands of frozen veggie burgers with any number of variations: Tex-Mex, Portobello, Italian Spice, Curry, etc. Commercial brands are convenient, but for a fresh take, why not make your own veggie burgers? Try out some tasty combinations, using ingredients such as black beans, lentils, mushrooms or tempeh as the base. Add lots of fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, greens), spice to suit your taste and freeze the leftover patties for later. Adding your favorite condiments, avocados and special sauce will make your burgers like no other—mmmm, good!

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Recommended: Veggie Burgers Every Which Way by Lukas Volger and Enature Agave Ketchup

Pods of Delight

Sun, 27 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

A gift from Mexico—the vanilla orchid—yields the aromatic pods that have given the world the fantastic flavor of vanilla. The mighty vanilla bean is full of good taste and has some amazing health benefits to boot. Make an anti-nausea remedy by adding a few drops of vanilla extract to water and sip slowly. Put a little vanilla extract in a glass of warm milk at night for an anti-stress drink to help you slip into restful slumber. Vanilla adds a lovely touch of aromatherapy in scented candles and oils, bringing a sensual, aphrodiasic fragrance to many products.

The most common use for vanilla is in baking and cooking. Use the paste of the vanilla bean to add a punch to your baked goods, smoothies or chai. The vanilla beans impart a rich flavor to foods, including homemade ice cream (of course!), custard and cupcakes with vanilla bean frosting. Split open the beans, then steep in scalded milk and add to your recipes. Make some magic with vanilla—it’s not a “plain old, same old” flavoring anymore!

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Recommended: Simply Vanilla—Recipes for Everyday Use by Patty Elsberry and Premium Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla Beans

Fruit of the Angels

Sun, 13 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Full of fiber, digestive enzymes and anti-oxidants for healthy cholesterol and anti-aging benefits, papayas are known as the “fruit of the angels.” This power fruit yields multiple blessings…use the flesh to get lots of potassium, plus vitamin C and A. The papaya seeds can be used to treat intestinal worms and the juice is great for alleviating infections of the colon when taken regularly. Even the papaya skin, with its lovely digestive enzyme, papain, does wonders for treating skin wounds.

Here are a couple of suggestions to put this low-calorie, high-nutrition fruit to work—make a delicious smoothie with chopped, peeled, seeded papaya (pick a ripe one that is turning from green to yellow, not too firm and not too mushy). Add some pineapple juice, milk, banana, honey, lime juice and ice cubes and whiz in a blender. For your skin, whip up a face mask with mashed papaya and honey…you’ll look years younger as papaya works its magic to remove dead skin cells. Experience the wonders of papaya!

Recommended: Phenomenal Papayas – Tasty Papaya Recipes for the Papaya Lover by Nora Tucker and Coconut & Papaya Body Lotion by Nubian Heritage

Heal with Goldenseal

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Goldenseal—a bitter root known as a healing plant and material dye for centuries by Native Americans—became popular in North America in the 1800s with European settlers who discovered its ability to treat everything from skin conditions, diarrhea, infections and digestive problems to shrinking tumors. Today, goldenseal continues to be popular as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial remedy for a wide variety of health conditions.

Available as a nutritional supplement—as well as in herbal tinctures and skin creams—goldenseal assists in healing minor wounds and fungal infections of the skin (used topically). It is also ingested as a tea, tincture or powder/pill for bladder infections, colds and flu, sinus and chest infections and for oral hygiene. Not to be used by pregnant or nursing women, goldenseal is one of the top-selling herbal supplements…proof of its lasting gift as a treasure of nature’s pharmacopeia. If you haven’t tried goldenseal yet, give its healing properties a closer look!

Open to Sesame

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Sesame seeds are steeped in mystic lore, believed to be worthy as an offering to the gods. Sesame oil was prescribed for weight gain (and loss) and for reducing body heat as well as healing gum disease. Sesame seeds are an excellent source of important minerals as well as Vitamin B1, calcium and dietary fiber. The nutrients in sesame seeds may offer cardiovascular benefits, reduce inflammation and provide protection against colon cancer and osteoporosis.

Ayurvedic teachings promote sesame seeds for virility and to increase mental and physical stamina. In ancient times, sesame seeds represented immortality and were used in Hindu sacred rituals. Sesame seeds can be hard to digest raw, but lose a significant amount of nutrition when cooked. Raw sesame seed butter (tahini) may provide the best nutrition and tastes wonderful in hummus, as a salad dressing or spread on a banana for a protein-filled snack treat. Let these tiny seeds open you up to a whole new world of nutrition!

Try this yummy Lemon-Tahini Salad Dressing by Yogi Bhajan – Blend together 1 C olive oil, ½ C lemon juice, ½ bell pepper chopped, ¼ onion, chopped, 1 C unrefined safflower oil, ½ C tahini, 1 stalk celery, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 2 T tamari and a dash of cayenne. Serve over steamed veggies or with your favorite salad greens.

Sweet Potato Hummus – Food & Flow video

Check Out Chickpeas

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Garbanzos— also known as chickpeas—are a staple food in Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. These buttery-soft beans add a one-two punch of protein and fiber to your diet. Their nutty flavor is a wonderful addition to salads, soups and specialty dishes such as hummus. Combined with rice, garbanzo beans provide an almost completely fat-free protein. Their high-fiber content also helps reduce risk of heart disease, and high levels of folates and magnesium assist in managing blood sugar levels.

Garbanzo beans also contain a significant amount of molybdenum —a trace mineral known to detoxify the body of sulfites, which can cause problems in certain individuals. So, in addition to good taste and nutrition, garbanzos can protect you from sensitivity to sulfates, manifested as allergies, asthma and celiac disease. Be good to your heart, immune and digestive systems and grab those garbanzos!

Make a delicious Chickpea and Artichoke Salad—(Food & Flow video)

Recommended: Pure and Simple – Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine by Vidhu Mittal and Forks Over Knives – The Plant-Based Way to Health by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr.

A Spear for All Ages

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:00:00 GMT

What’s all the fuss about asparagus? Roman emperors kept a special fleet of ships on hand to fetch this tasty spear. Nowadays, asparagus can be found in your local grocery store. Some of the amazing benefits of asparagus include its detoxifying properties as well as anti-aging components. This alkaline vegetable is loaded with fiber, potassium and antioxidants. High in folate, fresh asparagus is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.

Considered an aphrodisiac, this edible member of the lily family grows easily in your home garden or in the flowerbed—as a perennial plant it can be productive for 15 or more years with proper care. Delicious as a side dish with a little lemon and garlic, asparagus also makes a tasty soup and a wonderful addition to your summer salad. So do what you must and eat asparagus!

Recommended: Asparagus Steamer Cooker by Norpro and Mary Washington Asparagus – Heirloom Seeds by Sweet Garden Organics

A Grain of Salt

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Salt is one of humanity’s most precious commodities—in times past a person’s value was measured by this essential mineral, therefore, you might be “worth your salt” if you were considered a good person. It’s important to include salt in your diet, but with some modifications for the modern lifestyle. Sodium and chloride—the components of table salt—help maintain a balance of positive and negative ions in the body’s fluids and tissues. Sodium is also a vital component of nerve and muscle contractions.

We all know that too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, so it is suggested you only consume 6 grams of salt or less a day, if you are trying to keep your blood pressure under control (follow your doctor’s orders). Sea salt is a great alternative to regular table salt, offering a rich supply of ocean minerals and natural occurring iodine. Black salt (available at Indian stores) is another healthful, lower-sodium alternative. Include plenty of vegetables (like celery) in your diet to get most of your daily requirement of sodium without adding salt and whip up some some tasty, heart-healthy recipes.

Black Salt Lassi: Enjoy this traditional Ayurvedic beverage (refreshing on a hot day): Blend up 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp. black salt (more or less to taste) and four ice cubes (or cold water).

Food & Flow video: Cream of Celery Soup

Bee-Friend Your Throat

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

No one likes a sore throat, but we all get them from time to time. Throat inflammation and pain are often the result of bacterial or viral infection, hampered by seasonal allergies, swollen glands or open mouth breathing. You can help prevent a sore throat with daily tongue-scraping, as well as using a neti pot and taking Vitamin C supplements. When you do get the occasional sore throat from colds or over-use, there’s a wonderful natural home remedy to help you out...honey and lemon.

Honey’s antibacterial properties work against many kinds of bacteria and lemon’s bioflavanoids are thought to enhance the anti-microbial effects of honey. To make your sore throat remedy, boil some water and pour into a mug. Add 1-4 teaspoons of honey and the juice of half a lemon. As you sip slowly, let the steam from the hot beverage and the warmth of the honey-lemon water soothe and coat your throat. With loving care, your throat will be sore no more!

The Tao of Cacao

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Nicknamed “black gold” by the Spaniards, raw cacao powder and cacao nibs boast very high antioxidant ratings, higher than goji berries, acai berries and blueberries, which are also great sources of antioxidants. Cultivated by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, cacao was so rare it was used as currency and given as gifts on special occasions or religious ceremonies. The Aztecs blended their chocolate with chile, vanilla and honey.

For hundreds of years, cacao was used to improve digestion and stimulate kidney and bowel function, as well as a treatment for anemia, fatigue, fever, low sex drive, respiratory troubles, poor appetite and low breast milk production. Ground cacao beans were mixed with oil or butter to treat skin conditions. Today, you can find cacao in beauty aids and skin moisturizers—and of course, in the chocolate confections we all love. Enjoy raw cacao nibs for a nutritious, vegan snack to get the taste of chocolate without the sugar!

Whip up some Raw Cacao Chocolate Truffles

Recommended: Ultimate Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipes by Kristen Suzanne and Nativas Certified Organic Cacao Powder (vegan)

Quantum Quinoa

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”)—the staple food of the ancient Incas— is not a grain, but actually a seed related to the spinach family. Oh, if Popeye only knew! Quinoa sports all kinds of superfood qualities—this little seed is full of high-quality protein (containing all 9 essential amino acids) and contains more calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc than wheat, barley and corn. Studies have shown quinoa to support a healthy cardio-vascular system, enhance weight loss and help fight diabetes, breast cancer and aging.

Cooked quinoa is light, fluffy and a bit crunchy, with a subtle sweet flavor. It cooks and tastes like a grain, making it an excellent gluten-free replacement for grains that feed candida or are difficult to digest. Quinoa is versatile and makes a great breakfast cereal, a tasty protein dish with vegetables or even a cold salad with fruit. Wash quinoa well before cooking and cook some up in just minutes. Move over ordinary grains—quinoa is the new quantum, cool superfood of champions!

Bliss out with this Strawberry Quinoa Salad or Quinoa Protein Brekkie Bowl (Food & Flow video)

Recommended: Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood by Patricia Green and Organic Quinoa (10 lb. bag)

Go Wild with Oregano

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

You know the feeling—tightness in your chest, achy muscles and a tickle in your throat. It’s a cold or flu trying to work its way into your system. And, of course, it’s got to show up just when you’re heading out of town, planning a family visit or when you just want some time to catch up with your life. There are a lot of remedies out there for warding off those bugs. An herbal remedy that’s been around for ages, and is getting some popular attention lately, is oregano oil.

This isn’t the same dried oregano you add to your marinara sauce, but they are related. Oil of oregano comes from wild oregano plants growing in the Mediterranean. Wild oregano contains anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a power herb for a wide variety of ailments. Oregano oil comes in gel capsules or as a liquid, diluted in olive oil. This winter, consider boosting your immune system with some “wild” oregano therapy and help fight off colds and flu before they get a grip.*

*Not to be taken by pregnant women

Recommended: The Miracle of Wild Oregano by Dr. Cass Ingram and Oil of Oregano (bottled) by Wellness

Naturally Nutmeg

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Go natural with nutmeg. This once costly, rare and much fought-over spice is now a staple in most kitchens around the world. Its nutty and pungent flavor makes it a distinctive seasoning for pumpkin pies (of course!) as well as stewed fruits, soups and sauces. Lesser known are the health benefits of nutmeg oil in dealing with stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, digestion and bad breath. Its anti-inflammatory properties make nutmeg oil effective for reducing joint swelling.

Yogis are aware of nutmeg’s unique properties in lowering high blood pressure. A tasty yogic recipe for Banana-Nutmeg ice cream* takes advantage of this property. Grind a fresh whole nutmeg and blend it with 1 cup milk, 3 medium bananas, 1 fresh apple (peeled and cored) and 1/3 cup honey or agave. Set in the freezer until almost frozen. Puree in a blender, then freeze and puree again (or use an ice cream maker) for a tasty dessert with tonic properties to keep you young.

(Note: Nutmeg, taken alone, is a very intoxicating food and can make you totally disoriented. Dried powdered nutmeg can cause severe dizziness and should not be eaten except in minute quantities. Fresh whole nutmeg taken with banana, however, is a tonic, especially for men.)

Try this delicious Vegan Nog (Food & Flow video)

*From "Food for Health and Healing" based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan©

Applause for Apples

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." — Carl Sagan

What is better than the crunch of a sweet, juicy apple? You can thank the Roman horticulturists who cultivated the wild apple, without which there would be no apple pie, apple juice, applesauce or a host of wonderful treats. With over 7500 varieties to choose from, the tasty apple epitomizes the magical blend of sweet, tart, tangy and juicy that so entices the taste buds. Besides, these healthful fruits are guaranteed to keep away the doctor and impress your school teacher (and nutrition coach).

Apples are full of fiber and immune-boosting Vitamin C and contain antioxidants, minerals and cholesterol-lowering pectin, making apples a perfect source of nutrients for your body. Apples keep you hydrated in summer and can help prevent flu and colds in the winter. Pack a couple for a midday pick-me-up that fills you up without empty calories. Purchase fresh (organic is best) and enjoy them whole, or in your favorite recipe, for some palate-pleasing munching.

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Try this awesome Raw Apple Cobbler from Yogamint's Food & Flow video series

Recommended: An Apple Harvest: Recipes and Orchard Lore by Frank Browning and Haeger NaturalStone Deep Pie Dish

Some Nerve

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nerves frayed? Feeling anxious? You could take mega-doses of vitamins or get your doctor’s advice. You could turn to food…but we don’t mean chocolate cake or a tub of ice cream (even the healthy kind). Yogis have used food and herbs for thousands of years to calm the nerves, reduce stress and take away the edge of hormonal fluctuations in women.

Lots of foods make up the arsenal of self-nutrition to support your nervous system. Celery hosts wonderful minerals for your brain. Beet greens, daikon radishes and turnips are a women’s best friend when you feel argumentative or cranky. Try Golden Milk or Yogi Tea for repairing damaged nerves from stress or substance abuse. A cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or kava, can really cool your jets after a hectic day. So, just remember, when you're feeling on edge—your kitchen is your “yogic medicine cabinet” to keep your spirits up and warm your soul.

video: Calm and Collected: Vegan Cream of Celery Soup and Kriya for Nervous Balance

Recommended: Food As Medicine by Dharma Singh MD and Yogi Kava Stress Relief Tea

Go Bananas

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Don’t overlook the banana. It may be a comical fruit, but bananas pack a nutritional punch—you can scrape the stringy pulp inside the skins to get Vitamin A and balance the metals in your body. Eat bananas to gain weight and to help with irritated bowels. If you suffer from constipation, eat 3 bananas every hour with the contents of one cardamom pod until the bowels move. For diarrhea, eat one banana every 3 hours.

Bananas are a woman’s best friend because they support the nervous system while providing calcium and potassium. Drink this amazing smoothie to take advantage of the beautiful banana: Blend 15 peeled almonds, two cut apples with cores removed, two bananas with white strings, two bell peppers and raw sesame seeds. Make delicious Golden Bananas topped with homemade yogurt for a wonderful healing food. Invite bananas to your banquet…they will be a show stopper!
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Recommended: Elegant Banana Hanger (Bronze)

Feast on Yeast

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Yeast is not just for bread! Nutritional yeast (deactivated yeast) is called the “vegetarian’s protein.” Nutritional yeast contains 18 amino acids, making it a complete protein. The B-complex vitamins in nutritional yeast help manage stress levels and maintain a healthy metabolic rate. The minerals in nutritional yeast support your body in controlling diabetes, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure and fluctuating blood sugar, so it’s a bit of a wonder food.

Nutritional yeast is available in flakes or powder form in the bulk section of your local health food store or online. It’s a great addition to your morning smoothie or as a flavoring for scrambled tofu. Many vegan recipes substitute nutritional yeast for dairy cheese…give it a try! With its nutty flavor, add a spoonful to your salads, steamed vegetables, gravies or sprinkle liberally on freshly-popped popcorn. Versatile, convenient and loaded with nutritional value—what’s not to love?

All 'Choked Up

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The globe artichoke is one of the oldest known cultivated vegetables, originating in Ethiopia, with Italy and California currently being the world’s largest producers. Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium and the trace mineral, manganese.

Available seasonally in spring and fall (or year-round in California), the artichoke offers a good source of Vitamin C, folic acid and biotin. Other components of the artichoke have been shown to assist in reducing LDL, known as the “bad” cholesterol.

The artichoke is a member of the thistle family and—like milk thistle—it benefits the liver, protecting against toxins, stress and infection. A Mediterranean home recipe uses fresh artichoke leaf juice mixed with water as a liver tonic. No wonder Yogi Bhajan called the artichoke “a God-given diet for the liver, a medicine for the liver that is very, very beautiful.” Next time you see these lovely veggies, steam them up for a liver-friendly meal that’s worth getting “choked up” over!

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Recommended: The Artichoke Cookbook by Patricia Rain

Fruit of the Gods

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Fig-ure this: the fruit of the gods—fresh figs— offer up some divine benefits for both men and women. They are packed with potassium, a mineral that assists in controlling blood pressure, plus a healthy amount of fiber to help you lose weight. Did you know that figs contain calcium too, making them a powerful bone density promoter. The most popular consumer figs are the Black (California) and the Mediterranean green figs, which can usually be found fresh in the summer months or into autumn.

A yogic recipe for Golden Figs combines the health benefits of fresh figs with saffron milk to make a delicious potency food for men and women (helpful for promoting vitality and prostate function in men). Soak 1 tablespoon saffron overnight in ½ cup milk. In the morning, blend the milk and saffron until smooth. Carefully wash 10-15 fresh figs. Draw milk and saffron into a clean syringe and inject the saffron “nectar” into the figs. Eat up to three per day and store the rest in the freezer. Celebrate the fantastic fig!

Recommended: Fig Heaven: 70 Recipes for the World's Most Luscious Fruit by Marie Simmons

Simply Squash

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:00:00 GMT

If you’ve ever had a garden and planted zucchini, you know about summer squash. You’ve given as many away as you can and still are looking for fun creative ways to prepare these healthy super-squashes. All varieties of summer squash are full of good nutrients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, folic acid, protein (in the skins mainly, so don’t peel), plus Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotenoids, all of which help promote cardiovascular, immune system, musculoskeletal, brain and blood vitality.

Low in calories and fat, high-fiber squash are simple to steam, grill or stir-fry. Eat zucchini for weight loss (as a mono-diet or try Yogi Mush) or throw them into a tofu breakfast scramble. Even the squash blossoms are delicious and nutritious. When steaming, slice and cook lightly just 2-3 minutes so as not to overcook and lose the delicious, mild flavor. The overgrown zucchinis or yellow squash from your garden (the ones the size of a city bus) can be stuffed with a millet-walnut-onion stuffing or baked like eggplant parmesan. Serve up the bounty of the simple, yet versatile summer squash!

Recommended: 101 Things to Do with Zucchini by Cyndi Duncan

Up to Dates

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Looking for a healthy, fiber-filled snack to boost your energy? Get up to date with dates—the “fruit of the desert.” The date palm, considered sacred to ancient peoples, provided an amazing food source for our ancestors, as well as modern families on the go. A serving of dates provides energy-stoking carbohydrates along with potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining muscle and heart function. Dates are a great source of B-complex for regulating blood glucose levels.

Here are some more benefits: High-fiber, low-cholesterol, fat-free dates help with weight loss and work as a natural laxative.You'll find fresh dates in your produce section...select plump fruit with unbroken skins. Add dates to home-baked breads or muffins, chop them up to use in couscous or rice dishes (chill dates to make them easier to chop) or try stuffing them with whole almonds, chopped pecans or crystallized ginger. Take a few dates along to boost your energy while exercising or hiking. Don’t forget the humble date…a power-packed food of the gods!

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Recommended: Date Recipes by Rick Heetland

Packaged Sunshine

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Remember studying photosynthesis in biology class? Plants use chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants and algae, to obtain energy from light. Nature, in her brilliance, has made chlorophyll very user-friendly by supplying easily-assimilated oxygen and phytonutrients to help cleanse, heal and energize the body. In fact, the molecular structure of chlorophyll is nearly identical to the hemoglobin in your blood, so it helps rebuild your red blood cells, fights infections and can boost your energy.

Even though humans don’t graze like horses, cows or goats, you can get ample chlorophyll by eating fresh leafy greens, like Swiss chard, collards, kale, beet greens and spinach. Enjoy them in a salad, steamed, stir fried or blended into your morning smoothie. To get a more concentrated or portable form of chlorophyll, enjoy some wheat grass juice, liquid chlorophyll, powdered blue green algae or a variety of nutritional supplements. Here comes the sun!

Recommended: Chlorella, The Ultimate Green Food by Beth M. Ley and 100% Pure Liquid Chlorophyll 16 Ounces

Please in a Pod

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

This fragrant, mysterious spice from the East comes as tiny black seeds wrapped in their own protective pod. A member of the ginger family, cardamom is known for its delicate flavoring of East Indian dishes, as well as a fragrant spice in baked goods, akin to cinnamon and nutmeg. The best way to retain the potency of cardamom is to remove the seeds from the pod and grind them with a mortar and pestle. Then inhale deeply and experience euphoria.

Cardamom can be used to alleviate sore gums, sore throats and teeth infections. Place a few crushed pods in a pot of water and boil for 20 minutes, then add milk (or milk substitute) and a little sweetener to make a perfect remedy for a tummy ache. If you’re looking for a little more love in your life, cardamom essential oil has been known to be an aphrodisiac. So keep a jar of this mighty little spice in your cupboard for use in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom!

Date Recipes (PDF)

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

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Sweet Nothings

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Got the sugar blues? Low blood sugar can be a major factor in lack of energy, brain fog and moodiness. Eating refined sugars quickly raises your blood glucose, hence the “buzz” you get from munching on a candy bar or having a slice of cake with your lunch. The pancreas detects a spike of sugar and brings about a rapid drop in your blood sugar, causing tiredness or depression. Refined sugar also causes an imbalance to the chemistry in the nerve synapses to your brain. This all adds up to one thing—the Sugar Blues.

To help keep those “blues” at bay, eliminate or restrict as many sugary foods as possible from your diet and instead consume more vegetables, legumes, fresh fruits and whole grains. And when you’ve just got to satisfy that sweet tooth, there are several alternative sweeteners, such as agave, maple syrup or stevia that taste great and can reduce the negative effect on your mood. How sweet it is!

Raw Cacao Chocolate Truffles made with agave nectar
Take-Along Granola Bars made with brown rice syrup and maple syrup

Recommended: The Low Blood Sugar Handbook: You Don't Have to Suffer by Patricia Krimmel

Yogi Mush

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Thinking of “going green?” One way to green up your internal environment is to eat Yogi Mush. This healing soup is made with steamed green veggies to help your body cleanse and lose weight. Yogi Bhajan’s treasured healing recipe provides the magic of chlorophyll and the healthy nutrients of green vegetables—great for your liver, nervous system and as a fiber-filled intestinal cleanse.

Simply steam four stalks celery, 1 bunch parsley, 4-5 medium zucchini and 1 sprig mint for 15 minutes until soft. Puree with ½ tsp. ground black pepper. Serve with cottage cheese for two servings. This easy-to-make recipe can be eaten regularly to aid digestion and give your body lots of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It’s great for clearing the skin and can be eaten as a mono-diet up to three times daily for a week to ten days. So mush to it and enjoy some Yogi Mush today.

Recommended: Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko

O-Mazing Omegas

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Oh, those o-mazing Omegas. These “good fats” contain EFAs (essential fatty acids), key to nervous system and brain health. EFAs support your immune system, aid in cellular repair and help with depression. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for human health and may help lower risk of heart disease. They also help eliminate the “bad fats” that are responsible for high cholesterol by escorting them to your liver where they are broken down and excreted.

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are a great vegetarian source of EFAs; one tablespoon of flaxseed oil can provide your daily nutritional requirement. Sprinkle ground flaxseeds onto cereals, salads and use in baking (ground flax seeds with water work as a great egg replacer!). Other good sources include avocados, brazil nuts, raw coconut oil, grape seed oil, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil and black currant seeds. So, out with the bad fats and make room for the Omegas!

Recommended: Flax for Life!: 101 Delicious Recipes and Tips Featuring Fabulous Flax Oil by Jade Beautler and Omega 3 Cuisine by Alan Roettinger

Creamy and Dreamy

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Can a dessert be divinely delicious as well as nutritious, sustainable and vegan? Many folks are looking for alternatives to dairy products, unhealthy fats and refined sugar—the main ingredients in traditional ice cream. What’s a taste bud to do? Go nuts over coconuts, the fruit of the palm tree that Pacific Islanders have long regarded as both a source of food and medicine. Coconut milk provides vitamins, minerals and a source of saturated fat that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and increases your good HDL cholesterol levels. Coconut milk also aids weight loss and boosts the immune system.

For this reason (and many others), Luna and Larry have been using coconut milk in their kitchen for years. Inspiration struck Luna one day when she reached for a can of coconut milk to make a frozen treat —and Coconut Bliss was born. This yummy frozen treat is a perfect alternative to dairy ice cream for the whole family. Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss is soy, dairy and gluten free. Sweetened with agave nectar and available in over a dozen amazing flavors, Coconut Bliss is certified organic, Non-GMO, and uses Fair Trade ingredients whenever possible. So, grab a spoon and enjoy some creamy, dreamy Coconut Bliss!

Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss
The Evolution of Ice Cream

Recommended: The Spunky Coconut Cookbook: Gluten Free, Casein Free, Sugar Free

Spice Up Your Life

Sun, 29 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Pungent, fragrant and medicinally-gifted, ginger root has such character, from its gnarled look to its taste-bud popping flavor. Grate some into your stir-fry or juice it up fresh to add “zing” to a morning smoothie or fresh veggie drink. Ginger’s powerful properties as a spice, delicacy and medicinal herb helped spread its popularity from a South Asian staple to the world’s markets. This root herb works as a nourishing nerve tonic (which is why we love it in Yogi Tea). Ginger is known to relieve nausea, indigestion, heartburn, menstrual cramps and morning sickness, among other benefits.

Here’s a great way to put this wonder spice to work—if you have a persistent cough, saute fresh, peeled ginger on low heat until it’s very soft (don’t let it burn or get too brown). Add turmeric, salt and yogurt. Eat once a day for a 3-day minimum. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s time to get in the groove with ginger!

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Recommended Read: Ginger: Common Spice and Wonder Drug by Paul Schulick

Radical Radish

Sun, 15 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Do you know your radishes? Unlike the dainty red radish, the daikon radish looks like an albino carrot on steroids. In Eastern cultures the daikon is well known for its curative properties, especially for the liver. In India, the juice of the daikon was known as the “poor man’s” cure for jaundice during an epidemic when there weren’t enough hospitals for everyone. This radical vegetable definitely packs a punch!

Because they are a bit milder than the red radish, try daikon chopped or grated into your salad, sliced into “sticks” and served with hummus dip or added to your carrot or veggie juice (not too much, they’re potent). Yogi Bhajan taught that eating steamed daikon radish with beets and beet greens on the 11th day after the new moon every month is like taking out “liver insurance.” Never eaten them before? Pick a couple up next time you’re in the produce section and become a radish radical!

Recipe for Sweet & Spicy Asian Slaw w/Daikon: Get Your Metabolism Moving

Recommended: Kansha: Celebrating Japan's Vegan and Vegetarian Traditions by Elizabeth Andoh

Prepare for Take-Off

Sun, 01 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Between security checks, flight delays, germs, weather, luggage, jet lag and sitting in airline seats for hours, to say that travel is challenging these days is an understatement. Most of these things you have little or no control over. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, it helps to focus on something you can control—staying healthy. For a yogi, there are many healthy possibilities for counter-acting some of the normal stresses of travel, including what you eat.

Some basic food-related tips when traveling: Avoid spicy or oily foods, alcohol or overeating. Try a carbonated beverage and some soda crackers to settle an upset tummy. Whole grain crackers are a good source of fiber and nutrients. Bring along some fresh-cut fruits and vegetables to snack on and be sure to drink plenty of water. For long airline trips, ask ahead for vegetarian or low-sodium meals and remember to take your nutritional supplements to make sure you have a “bon voyage.”

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Recommended Read: How to Stay Healthy & Fit on the Road by Joanne (Dr. Jo) Lichten PhD RD

No Blues with Blueberries

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Blueberries probably should be called BLISSberries because they’re so healthy and beautifully blue. Here’s why they’re so blissful—they’re super loaded with antioxidants and phytosterol (like their cousin the cranberry). Blueberries are ranked the number one fruit provider of these antioxidants. Research shows these substances have been helpful in lowering cholesterol, encouraging heart health and protecting the body against certain types of cancers.

Native Americans used blueberries to treat coughs and blood disorders. In Russian folk medicine, blueberries are used as a preventive measure for abdominal problems. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots consumed blueberries to improve their night vision. Later studies showed that blueberries are high in bioflavanoids, which are used by the rods in the eye for night vision. Blueberries are also high in iron. And who can deny their tasty, burst-in-the-mouth flavor that we love to add to fruit salads, smoothies and pies? So don’t wait for summer to enjoy the blissful bounty of the humble blueberry.

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Recommended Read: Very Blueberry by Jennifer Trainer Thompson

Chipping Away

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Potato chips are a Western culture icon food. Unfortunately, they are usually loaded with hydrogenated oils, trans fats, preservatives and who knows what else! Cooked hydrogenated oils disrupt your biochemistry, thus the response capability of your brain synapses and neurotransmitters. Add that to some heavy-duty dip mixture and— as far as your body goes— “the chips are down.”

Here are a few ideas for super-healthy, super-tasty “alternative” chips: Sliced jicama, leaves of romaine hearts, the inner layers of purple cabbage, and the old standby celery and carrot sticks, cut into chip size. Make up your favorite dip—guacamole, hummus or black bean salsa—and dig right in. The firmness of the jicama, romaine and especially the cabbage, are great for dipping and they add a refreshing, but not overpowering, zing of flavor. You’ll enjoy a colorful bowl of healthy bliss with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and prana, and no trans fats, hydrogenated oils or preservatives. Enjoy some guilt-free snacking with a satisfying crunch!

Meal in a Bowl

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Mung beans and rice is a tasty and healthy way to get complete protein, nutritious veggies, and ample fiber all in one bowl. Cooked slowly and thoroughly, it is a pre-digested food. When your digestive system needs a rest, use mung beans and rice as a mono diet (eating only one food for a period of time). Eating a hearty, yet easy-to-digest food can assist your body in recuperating after an illness or a particularly stressful time in your life. It’s like “chicken soup” for the vegetarian crowd.

Preparing mung beans and rice on the stovetop is the traditional way to go, but if you’re on the move and don’t have the time to watch over and stir them (they can burn easily if left unattended), there’s a “lazy man’s” way to cook your mungers. Try this easy crock-pot version to make up a batch overnight or during the day and enjoy a lovely bowl or two for lunch and dinner.

1/2 cup mung beans  
1/2 cup basmati rice  
1 stick celery, chopped  
1 carrot, sliced  1/2 onion, chopped 
1 clove garlic, diced  
1" piece of ginger, diced 
1 medium zucchini, sliced or any other veggies  
1/2 teaspoon garam masala (Indian spice mix) 
1/2 tsp turmeric powder or paste 
1/8 tsp black pepper 
2 T ghee or olive oil (to keep it from burning) 
Dash of cayenne or red chili flakes  
Salt or tamari to taste

Put all ingredients in the crock pot with 5 cups of water. Stir well, cover and set to quick cook to be done by lunch; slow to be done by dinner. Enjoy with some homemade yogurt and a side of whole wheat or corn tortillas for a tasty yogic meal in a bowl.
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Recommended Read: The Vegetarian Slow Cooker: Over 200 Delicious Recipes by Judith Finlayson

Spring Cleaning

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As you prepare for the renewed energy of spring—and all the traditional spring-cleaning tasks—don’t forget to include your inner cleansing program. Try a mucusless diet, a very simple, yet effective cleansing regime to help your body eliminate toxins that have accumulated during the long, sedentary winter or following a bout with a winter cold.

Simply switch to eating only fruits, nuts and vegetables for one week. Allow four hours between meals and drink lots of fresh juices with the pulp left in. (You can add a little ground black pepper to the juice to aid in the elimination of intestinal gas.) If you feel weak during the first few days, try to rest and give yourself a relaxing foot massage with almond oil. As your strength returns, get some exercise and always drink lots of water. When the week is done your step will be lighter, your eyes brighter and you’ll be primed and ready for the change of season.

Recommended Read: Mucusless Diet Healing System by Arnold Ehret

Turn to Turmeric

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

When your joints are stiff and sore, it’s time to turn to turmeric—the Indian goddess of health and beauty—for some Ayurvedic support. This golden-yellow powder provides the active ingredient curcumin, traditionally used to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. Turmeric has many therapeutic properties, including aiding digestion, healing wounds and treating skin conditions, to mention just a few of its benefits. One way to enjoy this lovely spice is blended up in a foamy, hot yogic drink called Golden Milk.

To cook up a batch of golden milk, first prepare a turmeric paste.* For each serving of golden milk, heat 1 cup of dairy or non-dairy milk and 1 tsp. almond oil and bring the milk just to the boiling point. Blend hot milk mixture with 1/4 tsp. turmeric paste and honey to taste (may be whizzed up in a blender to make a sensational foamy drink). Serve with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top and enjoy daily for a “golden” glow inside and out.

*Take 1/4 cup of turmeric powder to 1/2 cup of water and boil in a saucepan until a thick paste is formed or sizzle in a little ghee or olive oil for 20-30 seconds. This takes out the bitter taste and also releases the essences of the turmeric into the oil or water. This paste should be stored in the refrigerator.

For more on Golden Milk and Turmeric see The Golden Healer.

Recommended Read: Ayurvedic Cooking for Self Healing by Usha Lad

Women's Essentials

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yoga, exercise and diet offer excellent relief for menstrual cramps, as well as other symptoms that many women experience. Some other essentials: Be sure to include foods and supplements rich in B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc (try beans, dairy or almond milk, tofu, nuts and green vegetables). Get out and walk. Do cobra pose or locust pose to reduce uterine tension and elevate your mood.

Sip some chamomile tea for cramps and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You might like to try this tasty morning drink to support that “time of the month.” Blend together 8-12 ounces of almond milk (or dairy, if you prefer), a handful of soaked and peeled almonds, two ounces of ginger juice, a banana and some raisins. Drink and enjoy the benefits.

Recommended Read: Yoga for Women by Shakta Kaur Khalsa

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Is your head hitting the desk at 2 pm? Are the kids running circles around you in the middle of the day? Get out your blender and try this nutrient-filled brain kicker, designed to lift your energy during that afternoon “slump.” The main ingredient is avocados, which have lots of potassium and vitamin E for enhancing your brain function, as well as nutrients which leave your skin and hair glowing. This tasty energy mousse also provides mono-unsaturated fat, which is thought to lower cholesterol.

Put in a blender:
3 avocados peeled
1/2 cup coconut water
3 soaked pitted dates (soak them for 1 hour prior)
4 Tbsp of honey or agave nectar
4 Tbsp of organic cocoa powder

Blend until it becomes like pudding. Freeze, if desired, or eat on the spot for a decadent, and nutritional energy boost.

Recommended Read: The Low Blood Sugar Handbook: You Don't Have to Suffer by Edward and Patricia Krimmel

Cool Celery

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Celery – cooling to your nervous system and filled with minerals and water (great for weight loss to stave off hunger). Loaded with potassium and other minerals to calm the nerves, celery is heart-healthy and colon-friendly (all those strings do a wonderful job as an intestinal “broom”). Munch on the satisfying crunch of celery to deal with nicotine cravings if you are quitting smoking.

Juice a bunch of celery for a great start to your morning – mix in a little apple juice and ginger for a sweet and zingy treat. Instead of reaching for chips, cut up some celery sticks to scoop up a healthy dip like hummus, baba ganoush or as a way to enjoy a little almond or cashew butter (the celery holds your dip or nut butter like a charm). Kids love celery with nut butter or cream cheese and celery hearts are a gift for a healthy heart. So, chill out with celery – your body’s fiber-filled friend.

Recommended Read: The Juicing Bible by Pat Crocker

Replenish Your Life

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

The holidays are coming and we all know that means… overeating. Over time, your body can become toxic due to the ingestion of "slow poisons" such as artificial sweeteners, white flour, sugar, and caffeine. These processed foods can cause digestive problems, inflammation, skin eruptions, low energy, clogged arteries and weight gain. Eating whole, unprocessed foods supports optimum health and wellness. Studies show that a plant-based diet increases your longevity and fight disease.

Cleansing gives your body a much-needed respite and allows it repair and balance. The Vital Life Cleanse isn't about deprivation or starvation; it's about changing your eating habits to discover your natural energy and give up unhealthy patterns. Never done a cleanse before? Live in New York or Australia? No problem — with the online support of Certified Wellness Coach and Karma Chow Founder, Melissa Costello and other cleanse participants, you will learn healthy eating habits and feel better than you've felt in years — just in time to jump into 2011 with a refreshed and revitalized outlook on life.

Karma Chow Vital Life Cleanse
Food is Vitality! Food is Passion! Food is Life!

Sprouts Alive

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Alfalfa sprouts—are they the poster child for the health food movement or the wonder food of the ages? New Yorker Woody Allen immortalized the 1970’s sprout fad in “Annie Hall” as he encountered the New Age dining scene (“I’ll just have the alfalfa sprouts and mashed yeast”). Well, sprouts are definitely a nutritional nirvana…perfect for any health-conscious lifestyle.

Actually, sprouts served as a highly effective food to prevent scurvy for seagoing adventurers back in the 18th century (they’re high in Vitamin C). Sprouts are even mentioned in the Bible. In ancient China, physicians prescribed sprouted seeds and legumes for curing many disorders. Modern nutritionists recommend sprouts from mung beans, seeds, peas and barley as rich sources of digestible energy, with bioavailable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and other nutrients essential for human beings. So throw some yummy sprouts in a salad and garnish your veggie burger for a health-food fad that won’t fade!

The Cran-Berry Best

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Cranberries – deep red and tart – provide a heart-healthy treat loaded with antioxidants to help prevent cardiovascular diseases and lower cholesterol. Many cultures take advantage of this superfruit’s healing properties. Cranberries support the urinary tract and may prevent urinary infections and kidney stones. Use them dried as a tasty treat in your breakfast cereal or in home-baked muffins. Sprinkle on a salad or spruce up your favorite trail mix – look for organic, unsweetened brands. In late fall and winter, fresh cranberries add their savory tartness and festive color to many holiday tables.

Try this uncooked Cranberry Orange Relish as an alternative to canned jellies, while giving your body a boost of antioxidants and Vitamin C. In a blender or food processor, place 12 oz. fresh cranberries (washed and de-stemmed), pulp from 1 peeled orange, 1/2 cup shelled walnuts, 1/2 cup honey or agave sweetener, and a dash of grated fresh ginger. At holidays (or any time) perk up your meal with the cran-berry best!

Recommended Read: Very Cranberry by Jennifer Trainer Thompson

Apples 'n Spice

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Picture an autumn morning with frost on the ground—it’s apple baking time. Baked apples are a tasty and healthy treat that will fill your home with cozy smells. There really isn’t enough room to list all of the benefits, but “an apple a day does keep the doctor away,” which is why Yogi Bhajan recommended eating two baked apples at night to relieve and prevent constipation. Apples contain vitamins A, B, C and K as well as folic acid, plus minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.

To prepare baked apples: Use organic apples if you can—Romes, Granny Smith and Galas are good for baking. Wash, but don’t peel them. Core the apples and stuff with raisins (for extra iron), a little ghee, natural sweetener of your choice (optional), plus cinnamon, ground nutmeg and cardamom (aids digestion). Place in a glass dish, cover, bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees and enjoy this easy-to-make, healthy dessert.

Recommended: Apples by Roger Yepsen

Can't Beet It

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Ever hear the phrase, “Your liver is your lover”? The liver is one of the largest organs in your body--performing over 500 separate functions-- it can even regenerate itself when damaged. So doesn’t your liver deserve a little love? Some more good reasons to support your liver: It converts vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids into useable forms for the body, supports immune function and handles production of good cholesterol. That’s just for starters…

The liver is a super organ and beets are the super food for keeping it healthy. Beets are a powerful detoxification agent known to assist the cellular regeneration of the liver. In many health systems and vitamin supplements they are the primary ingredient for liver support. The earthy taste of beets can be enjoyed raw in salads, as a soup or by steaming with the greens. Or try Yogi Bhajan’s famous beet and carrot recipe for some blissful, beautiful beets and a happier, healthier liver.

Chew Through Change

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Things change. You want it that way, otherwise life would be boring. However, taking care of your body in the midst of big changes is crucial. Your body needs time to adjust so it can support you. This is true for major life changes (such as a new job or a move), as well as foreign travel and the changing of the seasons.

There are numerous ways to deal with transitions by priming the body’s systems. One simple and effective method is to eat a raw onion a day! The anti-bacterial sulfur compounds in raw onions help to tune up your immune, digestive and glandular systems. It’s not as hard as it seems. Spice up your salad with fresh red onion, sprinkle green onions liberally on your favorite Mexican dish or add them to a savory soup to give a crunchy texture to your meal. Try it for 40 days. Chew through change with a flair!

Recommended: Onions: Condiment, Nutrient, Medicine

Hail the Humble Turnip

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:00:00 GMT

The sensitive ecology of a woman’s body sometimes gets out of balance. Then her life-quality suffers as she struggles to get her emotional and physical well-being back on track. Enter the humble turnip—a woman’s friend in the form of this unsung vegetable. Turnip roots are low in calories and high in Vitamin C, providing the first clue to their nutritional value, which also includes calcium, folic acid and magnesium, as well as lutein and anti-oxidants.

A traditional yogic recipe for the “underground apple” benefits women by helping balance the female glandular system. Steam peeled turnips, then mash them with almond oil, turmeric, salt and black pepper to make a pudding. You can eat this as a mono-diet with turnip greens, or simply enjoy as a side dish. Next time you’re in the produce section, remember the humble turnip and give your glandular system something to celebrate.

Recommended: The Best Vegetarian Recipes: From Greens to Grains, from Soups to Salads: 200 Bold Flavored Recipes

The Perfect Blend

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:00:00 GMT

What’s so “cool” about a fruit smoothie? Blender drinks provide a super-simple, healthy treat. Refreshing and delicious, smoothies make a great breakfast drink or an afternoon pick-me-up snack with healthful benefits. Here’s a favorite blend, with a special twist to spice it up a bit:

In a blender, put 2 cups of milk, non-dairy milk, yogurt, fruit juice or water. Add the following: 1 banana, 1 apple (peeled), 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup frozen raspberries. (Frozen fruit retains its nutritional value, as it is usually frozen right after picking–plus it gives a refreshing coolness to your smoothie.) Now the “twist”–add a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of cinnamon and a heaping teaspoon of fresh chopped ginger. If you like it a little sweeter, add a 1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar. Blend up a single serving or enough for the whole family. Be creative, add what you love and feel free to experiment. Enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal in a glass!

Recommended: Super Smoothies: 50 Recipes for Health and Energy

Beneath the Skins

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Stop! Don’t toss those orange and banana peels in the compost yet. That whitish layer on the inside of the skins is good stuff—rich in bioflavonoid, a key ingredient in the Vitamin C complex. These wonderful antioxidant and immune system boosters offer a very unique gift in strengthening capillary walls. That means if you bruise easily or tend toward spider veins and varicosities, bioflavonoids can help in curing or preventing these conditions.

To peel your orange or banana skins, take a spoon and scrape the insides. Enjoy as a garnish or side dish along with your fruit. You can also add the scrapings into your morning smoothie, if you’re not wild about the taste (though they’re not bad at all, really). You don’t need to dig too deep to harvest the value of these hidden and humble gems—a light scrape will bring enjoyment to your morning and improved health to your life!

What a Melon

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GMT

There’s so much to be said for watermelon’s cooling effects. On hot summer days, the water it stores, along with its natural sugars, provide hydration to the body. Besides that, watermelon is a complete food, loaded with a lot more than water: minerals, vitamins, amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, too. You can even roast the seeds for a crunchy protein-rich treat. It’s such a complete food, there are even summer mono-diet fasts that use watermelon as the only meal!

When enjoying your sweet, delicious melon, observe the old adage, “Eat it alone or leave it alone.” Melons break down in the digestive system very rapidly and if eaten along with other foods can create an uncomfortable bloating. There is a trick to help allay these potentially gaseous effects. Sprinkle your slice with black pepper before eating. Sound strange? The pepper’s heat actually makes the melon sweeter. Try it. You just might like it.

Recommended: In Season: Cooking with Vegetables and Fruits

Your Inner Air Conditioner

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:00:00 GMT

One of the most refreshing drinks of all time is iced peppermint tea. Keep this favorite in your fridge all summer long! Its delicious taste and amazing cooling effects are ideal to bring relief on those long, hot summer days.

There are a couple of ways of brewing peppermint tea. The conventional method is just to heat water to a boil, steeping the tea bags for 20-30 minutes and placing the tea in the fridge to cool. But it’s more fun to place a glass jar filled with water and tea in the sun. Leave it there for a few hours and when you return, you’ll find your deliciously brewed tea waiting. Infused with light, it’s almost as if the sun was making tea especially for you. No matter which method you use, remember there’s always the option to use fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves instead of teabags and, for a sweeter brew, you can add a bit of honey or agave. However you like it, peppermint tea brews up a cool, delicious summer!

Recommended: The Book of Herbal Teas: A Guide to Gathering, Brewing, and Drinking

Enjoy the Fruits

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT

One of the more curious facts of life on earth is buried in the crucial role of oxygen. While all animal life depends on it at the molecular level, in the process of metabolism, oxygen is highly volatile. Oxidation within cells is different from, but analogous, to the rusting of metal. Because you can exercise control of your metabolism through diet and exercise, you are in a position to stabilize the situation, insuring you’ll never get “rusty.”

This is why antioxidants are so often touted in the foods you buy. They help interrupt the oxidization process and foster healthy interactions in your metabolism. So go out and get some berries! Try a pineapple or some dark, leafy greens! Even pinto beans can help shape your metabolic process. Taking responsibility for your diet is fun and tasty, and its effects are amazing. Pretty soon you’ll be more mobile, which makes it easier to exercise. Welcome to the banquet of your well-being!

Lyte Up Your Life

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT

When it’s hot out, it’s good to know the human body is made to withstand it. Water helps, and there are all kinds of natural means to boost your body’s ability to absorb water.

First, try eating a banana. Potassium is one of the primary natural electrolytes. Add a little bit of lemon or salt (or both) to a small glass of water. Salt is an electrolyte, too and the citric acid from lemon has a similar effect. In fact, electrolytes get their name because they create the conditions for electrical conductivity in the body, which helps your muscles and body functions to function in prime condition. Try coconut water (not coconut milk), or make your own electrolyte beverage. Whatever you choose, drink lots of water afterward, so your body has something to absorb. This way you’ll stay healthy, hydrated and active all summer!

Recommended Read:LifeFood Recipe Book: Living on Life Force by Annie and Dick Jubb

Grapefruit is Great Fruit

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Besides being amazingly tasty and totally, incredibly healthy, the luscious grapefruit offers an array of extraordinary health benefits, some of which are especially helpful this time of the year!

Summer sports and pollens can increase the chances of inflammation, whether by asthma or arthritis. The high levels of Vitamin C in grapefruits help reduce these irritating effects. Grapefruit juice is also a great natural sports drink that is high in liminoids and phytochemicals that assist in making toxic compounds soluble, so the liver can detoxify the body. So running around and playing can help you cleanse! At work, grapefruit oil (available at your health-food store, along with the very different grapefruit seed extract) is especially helpful: just a whiff wards off lethargy and nervous over-exertion. Its ability to stabilize nerves can also be used to relieve migraines and even jet-lag. So go enjoy a lively, wonderful summer and bring a grapefruit or two along for that extra bit of happy, healthy, tang!

Recommended: The Grapefruit Solution: Lower Your Cholesterol, Lose Weight and Achieve Optimal Health with Nature's Wonder Fruit and Aura Cacia Grapefruit, Essential Oil, .5-Ounce Bottle

D All You Can D

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Vitamin D is amazing. In the 1930’s, it helped cure Rickets and forty years later it was re-classified as a hormone, because it was found to control calcium levels in the blood. Today, research reveals Vitamin D receptors in many organs and tissues, which implies that many biological activities, and almost all aspects of well being, depend in some way upon Vitamin D's availability. And that doesn't even count all the uses dermatologists have found to use it in protecting your skin.

The FDA's recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is 400 IU, but research has shown that this amount is woefully inadequate. Ideally, you would take at least 4000, plus get 20 minutes of sun exposure per day! There are an amazing range of factors that contribute to your own requirements, so check with your doctor for tests to observe Vitamin D levels in your blood. Your optimal health D-pends on it!

For more on this fascinating health breakthrough: www.vitamindrevolution.com

P is for Power

Thu, 27 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

This time of year there is an abundance of healthy, delicious options among the precious P fruits. So much so, that it worth considering a spring cleaning fast of eating only P fruits for 1-2 weeks.

Papayas and pineapples—with their digestive, anti-inflammatory cleansing enzymes; peaches, plums, and pomegranates are alkaline and loaded with antioxidants. Then there are pears! What a lovely shape! Among the types of pears, the possibilities seem endless: Asian or Bosch or Bartlett, oh my! Pears also have the greatest edible material to core-seed ratio. That is, except for papaya, yet another potent P!

So, P is for pure, P is for pleasant and pleasing, and P is for "Please give it a try!" In short, give P’s a chance!

P…P.S. A great P fruit salad: Chop small and medium pieces of any combo of the above fruits and place in bowl. Put approximately ½ cup of the chopped fruit in the blender and using 2 tablespoons of water or papaya juice, blend and pour on your fruit as a dressing!

Recommended: The "I Can't Believe This Has No Sugar" Cookbook

Tighten Your Belt

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT

A very interesting study done years ago found that rats who were fed the minimal requirement of calories lived twice as long as those fed twice as much, as well as those who were allowed to eat as much as they wanted. It has long been observed that cultures whose populations generally eat a simple, basic diet with minimal calories live longer and healthier. For example, the Hunza people (before McDonald’s moved in), certain Japanese and Indian populations, and villages in the Andes of South America have healthy centenarians eating less!

So next time you go out to eat with that special someone, choose a single main course and split it, getting your own separate soup or salad. This way you'll keep calories down and save money! At home, gradually cut your portions down and see how it works. The rule of thumb for yogis is: don’t put any more in your stomach than two fistfuls, or about 2/3 full. Your belly will appreciate it, and so will your pocketbook!

Recommended: Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life

Adore Those Adrenals

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Probably the most abused part of the American body are the adrenal glands. Sitting atop the kidneys, the adrenals are intended to kick on in times of trouble, giving you the extra oomph you need to get out of stressful, life-or-death situations. Today, the adrenals are rarely allowed to rest, turning on when you drink a soda or eat complex carbohydrates, and then again in order to overcome the energy lag afterward.

Adjusting the diet and reducing stress are both essential to good adrenal health. One way to massage those glands into relaxation is a quick breathing exercise. Make an “O” of your mouth and fire your exhale out like a cannon. Quickly inhale and fire out again, drawing the navel toward the spine as you exhale. Repeat this process for 3 minutes. Your mouth will get dry and the taste may become unpleasant, but that’s just evidence of a cleansing. Allow a rhythm to take over and pretty soon the breath will be a lullaby, singing your adrenal glands to a much-needed sleep.

Recommended DVD: Breathe: Kundalini Yoga with Harijiwan by Harijiwan Singh Khalsa

Raisin Your Spirits

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT

It can’t be helped. On those days when you’re giving it your all, there’s an inevitable lull in the afternoon. You’ve had a healthy breakfast and a sensibly sized lunch, so what’s with the drowsies? How to push through and max the day out at 100%?

The answer is Iron. Not only is it a staple nutrient, but as one of nature’s essential elements, it has incredible qualities that can help minimize your sleepiness. Iron is a constituent part of every blood cell, which means there’s material that can conduct electricity pretty much everywhere in your body. Raisins are exceptionally high in iron and are probably the easiest snack to keep around the office. So scoop up a handful or two and put on an energetic a mantra. You’ll feel the melody coursing through your veins and your energy levels holding steady. Get it done with a kiss from the sun!

Recommended: Minerals: What Your Body Really Needs and Why

First Drink of the Day

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Let there be water! Most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. You get too busy, forget, it’s not convenient, or it doesn’t taste good. But a great way to start out right is by pouring yourself a nice tall one (12 ounces or more) first thing in the morning and drink it down, so it’s the first thing in your stomach.

If there are acids and residue from yesterday’s meals still in your system, this rinse neutralizes your pH and gets your intestines (whose main function is absorption) a chance to hydrate and get ready for action. If constipation is an issue, 12-16 ounces of water first thing will help keep you regular. It’s a good idea to have your glass of water waiting for you on your nightstand, by placing it there before bed. Why not put two full glasses, just in case you wake up in the middle of the night thirsty. Drink up!

Recommended: Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!

In the Fasting Lane

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Rains come, flowers bloom, birds fly north and the bees get back to their busy, buzzing business. As the seasons change and the sun goes on the ascent, you begin to change your own habits, acclimating to the new weather and the new possibilities. This year, as you hang that winter coat back up and pull out your shorts and tank tops, consider the changes going on in your inner climate as well.

Winter is the time for hibernation, a time when the body slows its processes and stores extra energy as the temperatures drop. When the temps begin to rise again, the body has to get rid of the extra stores to become more efficient for the hot summer months. The best way to help this process along is to cleanse or fast. There are numerous healthy ways of cleansing, but what is certain is that once completed, you’ll be in rhythm with your body and will be better suited to make the most of your food, energy, and your whole summer!

Recommended: Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life: Unleash the Healing Power of Fresh Juices and Cleansing Diets

Pepper Doctor

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Ay Chihuahua! For some, jalapenos are just too hot, even though they’re considered low on the scales of spicy. Here are a few facts that may warm you up to these precious peppers. Jalapenos contain capsaicin, which provides their hot flavor. This miracle ingredient is tied to the prevention of sinus conditions and headaches. As a general anti-inflammatory, it can help soothe arthritis. As a thermogenic agent in the body capsaicin increases metabolism, boosting immune function, helping burn excess fat and improving digestive efficiency.

For a great morning jump-start, blend a single jalapeno in 8-12 ounces of your favorite milk and enjoy. The milk will help soothe your throat as you drink. If jalapenos are just too hot for you, remove the seeds, start with a half portion or try the milder poblano chili. With all these benefits going for you, you’ll be hot stuff!

(Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers. The oils they produce can burn!)

Video & Recipe: Jalepeno Soup

Recommended: The Great Chile Book

A is for Alkaline

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Stress is a fact of life. It literally pressurizes you, increasing the body’s acidity. Diet can either help or hurt the situation. Coffee and sugar, the staples of the go-go-go lifestyle, increase that pressure by raising acidity - which can make you irritable, provoke acid reflux or heartburn, and in the long term, negatively impact your kidney, liver and gall bladder function. It is also known that most arthritic conditions in the joints are a result of an acidic ph.

Luckily, your diet can effectively reduce the impact of these acids, too, by balancing acids with alkaline foods. So just remember the A’s. Almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, artichokes, and asparagus – all help the body regulate its pH levels, which protects you from deteriorating effects of acid intake. There are plenty of other alkaline foods, too. So, go out and get some! By encouraging calm in your digestive system you’ll soon see the world as less caustic and a more amicable place to work and play. And you’ll be able to more fully enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Recommended: The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet, Second Edition: An Innovative Program that Detoxifies Your Body's Acidic Waste to Prevent Disease and Restore Overall Health

Snacks for Success

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT

When you make decisions on the serious matters in your personal, family, or professional life, you’re not going to allow the winds of emotion to blow you astray. So why let whims, fantasies, and mental and emotional outpourings affect your communications at all?

Oftentimes, when your mood swings, the culprit is blood sugar. When it drops, you can become despondent and unmotivated. When it rises, you can get ornery, riding roughshod over other people’s feelings and communications. Luckily a couple of simple finger foods are the yogis’ solution. Just keep some fresh cut carrots and celery on hand and the next time you feel yourself getting a little sulky, pop a carrot stick. It will boost your blood sugar. If you start feeling agitated, crunch a stick or two of celery. It suppresses blood sugar. These hors d’ oeuvres are made to order in these cases. Support yourself with these snacks, and you’ll find yourself thinking and speaking more clearly. Snack your way to success!

Recommended: Raw Food Quick & Easy: Over 100 Healthy Recipes Including Smoothies, Seasonal Salads, Dressings, Pates, Soups, Hearty Creations, Snacks, and Desserts

Drink Away Dis-ease

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Super charge your system and clean out your organs with this powerful combo of beets, carrots, apple and ginger juice. Your taste buds will be happy, too!

Beets have long been known as a strong liver detoxifier and carrots for their B6, vitamin A, antioxidant and detox characteristics. Apples need no introduction – their wonderful enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber and a most delightfully alkaline pH speak for themselves. Then, to an already Herculean Mega Drink, we add ginger root. Famous for its blood cleansing quality, ginger also cuts through layers of mucous and build-up in the lining of the lungs and intestines. Clogged organs can ultimately lead to nutritional mal-absorption, toxin build-up and a compromised immune system.

An 8-10 ounce glass of this delicious juice a couple of times a week is a gift of bountiful and vital health to your organs, your cells and yourself - a gift that keeps on giving!

Super Juice:
1/2 small beet (a little beet juice goes a long way, so go easy on it)
4 carrots
1 apple
1-inch of ginger root
(Peels on or off, your preference.)

For more juicing info & recipes watch: Here's the Juice

Recommended: Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life: Unleash the Healing Power of Fresh Juices and Cleansing Diets and Omega J8003 Nutrition Center Single-Gear Commercial Masticating Juicer, White

Beat the Bug

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Swine Flu, Avian Flu, Human Flu—Oh My! What to do when the flu arrives? The most important thing is to build and maintain a strong immune system by eating, moving and thinking in healthful ways on a daily basis. That said, there are times when we could all use a boost to our system to ward off the latest circulating bug. One of those immune boosters is a yogic tonic dubbed “Flu Tea” and marries two unlikely partners: peppercorns and pomegranate.

Place 2-3 tablespoons of whole black peppercorns in a pot, along with 4-5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. This is your “peppercorn extract.” You can then store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator to have on hand for your daily drink. In a glass, mix together 1/2 cup of the peppercorn extract with 1/2 cup of pomegranate juice. Drink it hot, cold or room temperature for a super-boost to your immune system and beat whatever flu that comes flying in.

Recommended: Simply Organic Peppercorns, Black Whole Certified Organic and Pomegranates: 70 Celebratory Recipes

Each Morsel is a Moment

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT

At your next meal, even if it’s just a quick lunch on the go, take a moment to act as if you are having a feast. Treat yourself like the guest of honor. The results will astound you.

First, take the time to give thanks. The sense of gratitude will have amazing effects. After that single moment of reflection, your food will taste better. Your surroundings will take on a new tone, as if the birds had come out just to sing for you. You’ll fully appreciate the value of your time. You’ll chew more thoroughly, savoring each bite. That will lead to better digestion and a less groggy afternoon. In short, your gratitude will attune you to the abundance you’re actually experiencing. When you wrap up, you’ll have another opportunity to give thanks. Do it, and you’ll see that everything has gone down easy.

Recommended: Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food--includes CD

The Skinny on Milk

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

They say the gods live in a land of milk and honey. But what kind of milk? We are the only species that drinks the milk of other species. Milk is defined as "a fluid secreted by the mammary glands of females for the nourishment of their young." So cow's milk is an excellent food for the growth of bones… in calves, not humans.

Casein, the protein found in milk, is extremely hard for most people to digest. In fact, the white, chalky, paste-like material is used as a major ingredient in making Elmer’s Glue. Casein is also very acidic and to neutralize the amount of acid produced by drinking milk, the body actually draws calcium away from its own bones to restore pH balance. So the truth is cow's milk actually makes your bones weaker! So let Bossie off the hook and enjoy almond, rice, or soy milk. Your bones will thank you!

For more specifics, go to: EarthSave.org

Recommended: The China Study and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Milk, Unsweetened Original, 32-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)

Totally Tuber

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

The truth is there's really no way to improve a sweet potato or yam. Whether you prefer one or the other, both are a super healthy sweet treat that eats like a meal. You can add toppings, like you might on a baked potato. But instead of relying on the old standards, like sugar and marshmallows, try a new method. Choose ingredients that not only alter the taste, but also significantly increase your health benefits. Bake your tubers in a straightforward manner and set out a tray of these delicious, nutritious toppings. For best results, try all three!

Cinnamon: You know what it can do for toast, but this time there’s no need to add sugar!

Clarified butter (ghee): Not just for lobster anymore, you can buy this product pre-made, or make your own from butter in your fridge. Simply bring to a low boil and skim the white floaters from the top. This process removes much of the fat and significantly lowers the cholesterol in your spread.

Ginger: Great for the heart, immune and digestive systems. Spice up your potato with some finely minced ginger root. It’s the perfect balance to the sweet and will help you digest your meal!

Recommended: The Health-Promoting Cookbook: Simple, Guilt-Free, Vegetarian Recipes

Wheat Watchers

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The staff of life—bread! Not so long ago, there wasn't much else to eat. Now wheat is everywhere. It is so pervasive it shows up in nearly all processed foods, not just bread and pasta. Too much of anything can be unhealthy, and in the case of wheat, can lead to many health problems. The most common is an undiagnosed allergy brought on by the frequency and volume of wheat intake. The symptoms include frequent upper-respiratory infections, sinus congestion and a general achiness or lethargy. The most serious wheat-induced condition is Celiac Disease, which manifests in a number of unpleasant ways, from abdominal pain and nausea to seizures and anemia. If Celiac Disease goes untreated it can be fatal.

The problem ingredient is gluten. Remember those papier mache art projects in school, cutting newspaper strips and dipping them into paste? That glue was made from wheat flour! The effect is similar on your insides. So don't clog up your intestines and sinuses with goop. Reduce or eliminate your wheat intake. Substitute quinoa, millet or other gluten-free grains and feel yourself getting lighter and lighter!

Recommended: The Gluten-Free Vegetarian Kitchen: Delicious and Nutritious Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free Dishes

Those Amazing Almonds

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Almonds are not only loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and important phyto-chemicals, they actually enact incredible changes in the body's chemistry. For example, eating a handful of almonds helps lower cholesterol by reducing homeocystein, the amino acid that leads to plaque build up in the arteries.

Here's a fantastic recipe for home-made almond milk, so nutritious it is often used to replace mother's milk. It's perfect whenever, but especially for children with upper respiratory problems or ear infections. To make approximately 1/2 gallon, simply soak 4 cups of almonds overnight. In the morning, blend the almonds, the water they were soaked in, and four more cups of water. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and refrigerate. Warm it up before a meal or add a touch of agave nectar and pure vanilla for a little more flavor. Use it in smoothies, in baking, or as a refreshing pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Try it for yourself!

Recommended: Almonds to zoybeans: A cookbook of delicious varied & high protein recipes for vegetarians

The Ultimate Cough Drop

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

If it’s not already chilly where you live, it will be soon! The standard routine for dealing with the shift in temperature is drinking orange juice, because the vitamin C helps keep the bugs at bay. But if you really want to juice your system, the next time you feel that tickle in your throat, try something new: the ultimate immune-boosting, cough-suppressing, delicious, nutritious wonder-drop.

At the first sign of a cold, grab a spoon. Dig out a healthy portion of almond, peanut or cashew butter from its jar. Peel a clove of garlic and place it into the nutty spoonful. Chew thoroughly and enjoy.

Don’t be afraid! This sweet and spicy treat’s consistency prevents any garlic burn, and it’s surprisingly super-tasty. In fact, why wait for when you’re getting a cold? Have one anytime. Or more than one! Each time, you will give your immune system, your glands and your heart a loving kick-start.

Recommended: Garlic: Nature's Original Remedy

Well Meant for Leather

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT

You've probably bought those packaged fruit leathers at the health food store. They're super healthy and a great in-between meal snack with a long shelf life and, of course, very yummy. Here's a simple way you can make your own at home. It's also a great way to use up all those almost-going-south apples, bananas, etc in your fruit basket.

Combine one piece of any of the following four fruits: Apple, plum, banana, peach, pear. You can also throw in a few strawberries or a fresh fig or two, if you're in the mood.

Place in a blender with:

¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon sesame seeds (raw)
½ teaspoon sliced raw almonds
½ cup fresh juice or water

Blend to a smooth paste and pour on slightly oiled baking sheets to dehydrate at 105 degrees for 36-48 hours. (This preserves enzymes, vitamins and minerals.) When dry, eat and enjoy!

Recommended: Making & Using Dried Foods

No Teeth Down There

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The pace of life these days rarely affords the time to stop, breathe and be mindful of this precious moment - especially, it seems, when you're about to eat. Next time, make time. Pause and take 2-3 deep breaths before you begin. Become fully present and grateful for the precious nutrition in front of you.

Even the healthiest, most vibrant foods are largely unusable if not chewed properly. So embrace the process! Chewing eliminates large food particles and stimulates the salivary glands to secrete. This simple act begins the assimilation of nutrients, maximizing the nutritive value of what you eat. Take time to taste. There are neurons in the brain's limbic system that are put there to provide satisfaction and contentment. That means, if you don't experience this when you eat your food, you'll feel unfulfilled and start scanning the fridge for more. So chew, taste, enjoy - it's a lot more fun and it's better for you!

Recommended: Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food--includes CD

Cool as a Cucumber

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

When the summer sun pushes the temperature outside your body up to or even beyond the temperature within it, you only do what's natural—reach for something cool to drink. It only seems right to pick up that soda pop or iced coffee to get some relief as you start to droop in the middle of the day. But there's a better solution.

The incredible cucumber is among nature's most cooling foods. It's great on a salad, of course. But a glass of cucumber juice has a wealth of other benefits. While coffee is highly acidic and corrosive to the lining of your stomach, cucumber juice soothes the digestive tract. Cuke juice also helps the body manage water retention; reducing bloating so you look and feel your best. Just peel and juice or blend for instantly crisp, healthy refreshment!

Recommended: Raw Vegetable Juices: What's Missing in Your Body