Cucumber and Lime Drink

Being that it was so hot today by English standards, I decided to make a nice cold refreshing drink. Pretty much like the same as the lemon drink except this time just cucumbers and lime. Its a very refreshing drink when served very cold. Really simple to make as well. I know you will enjoy this one just like the lemon drink.

Ingredient: 


1 Pitcher of Water
Half a cucumber
2 limes
1/2 tbsp of sugar

Directions:

Fill a pitcher of water, slice the cucumber, slice the lime add sugar. Chill and serve.

Enjoy :)

Spaghetti Bolognese

I know I have been made a lot of recipes that don't have a meat ingredient so I decided to change that a bit. I went ahead and made my spaghetti bolognese for you all to try. Really easy to make and taste great. Its probably one of the easiest spaghetti's to make. I would like to expand on this recipe a bit more when I have more time to experiment. There are a lot of things your can do with spaghetti that taste great. But for now here is mine to try. 

This is a great dinner you and your kids will enjoy.

Ingredients: 

500g of Pasta
1lb of Hamburger Meat (500g UK)
28oz can of crushed tomatoes (800g UK)
1tsp of Oregano
1tbsp of Basil
1 Onion, Diced
4 Garlic Cloves, Crushed
Olive Oil
2tsp Salt
1tsp Pepper

Directions: 


Begin with filling a pot with water. Add 1tsp of salt and about a tsp of olive oil. Bring the water to a boil. While that is happening, dice your onion and mince the garlic. Add 2 tsp of olive oil to the pan you are going to cook the sauce in. Warm your pan on medium-high heat. Once warm enough add the onion and garlic. You want to saute the garlic and onion for about 2-3 mins but be careful not to burn it. Once sauteed, add the meat and brown. Then add your crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer, stirring occasionally. Your water for the pasta should almost be boiling by now. Once boiling add your pasta and cook for about 10mins. Once your pasta is done, drain and put back into the pan or bowl, add some olive oil so the pasta doesn't stick together. Once done with the pasta your sauce will be ready to eat. Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and serve with garlic bread or salad.

Serves 4-6

Herb of the week/HCG

What is hCG? 

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a natural hormone produced in large quantities during pregnancy to ensure proper nutrition for the developing baby. hCG triggers the hypothalamus to move stored fat into the bloodstream to be burned as energy. It is believed to reset the metabolism and to protect the body's good fat and keep muscle tissue from breaking down, which occurs in other low calorie diets without the use of hCG.  hCG ezTrim drops are a premium grade homeopathic hCG weight loss product that is made in the USA in an FDA GMP Certified Pharmaceutical Facility.

hCG is a great and natural way to lose weight. It's a healthy way to go as well. There are cleanses you do with it as well that are really beneficial. Not only for losing weight but for cleansing your body which most of us could probably/should do even if you are dieting.

My wife and I tried it for a couple of weeks just to see what it would do. We wanted to see if what was being said about it worked. It did work to our surprise. I guess if we did the cleanse and the meal plan it would have worked better. We just gave it a go on our normal diet and we still lose over 5 pounds in two weeks.

For more information, meal plans, directions and  how to order check out

http://www.herbsfirst.com/descriptionsmisc/hCGProtocol.html

or go to http://www.herbsfirst.com/ and search hCG

Summer Pasta

Looking for some yummy pasta to try? Can't figure out what to make? Try my Summer Pasta. It has a great mix of flavors and its simple to make. Doesn't take long at all. It will be a pasta you love and will want again. I haven't made this in awhile and I decided to put a twist on it. I usually use Sun Dried Tomatoes but this time I decided to roast everything and give it a go. It came out quite nice I must say. Let me know how yours goes.

Ingredients: 

500g of Pasta
1 Garlic Bulb
4 garlic cloves
4 Small Tomatoes
2 bunches of Cherry Tomatoes
1 Container of fresh olives (Mixed)
8 White Mushrooms
Fresh Mozzarella
Salt
Pepper

Directions: Pre-Heat Oven to 375F (180C) also start your water for your pasta.


First what you want to do is prep your veg for roasting. Take your garlic bulb, tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cut about 1/4 inch of the top of the bulb, slice into fours your tomatoes but don't go all the way through. Nothing needs to be done to your cherry tomatoes. Next take about 4 garlic cloves from another garlic bulb, peel and place into tomatoes. Drizzle all veg in olive oil. Wrap tightly in foil. Place in oven for about 25mins. Also your pot with water should be being brought to a boil at this point. This will take a good 10 mins or so. You can start your water before you prep your veg.

Once everything is in the oven and you are still waiting for the pot of water to boil. De-stem and peel your mushrooms and slice. Put into a heated frying pan with some olive oil and saute for about 3mins.  Place into bowl with olives till everything is ready.

By this point your veg will have about 10 mins or so left and your water should be boiling. Add pasta and cook for remaining 10mins. Everything will be done together by this point. Take veg out of the oven, drain your pasta, place back into pan and drizzle with olive oil so the pasta doesn't stick together. Add your mushrooms and olives. Next you want to chop the whole tomatoes (WATCH OUT THOUGH BECAUSE YOUR VEG WILL BE HOT), chop your garlic from the tomatoes, peel your garlic bulb and chop your garlic, leave your cherry tomatoes whole. Mix in the pasta your garlic, chopped tomatoes and mozzarella. Mix really well while adding some more olive oil, pepper and salt.

Serve with some cherry tomatoes on top.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Really quick and easy lunch today. I just made some grilled cheese with fresh sour dough bread and a side of cream of tomato soup. The grilled cheese I made in the oven while the soup was being heated up. This is just a quick and easy lunch for those of you with busy lives. I used fresh from the baker sour dough and an organic cream of tomato soup. If you don't want to make your own you can find a lot of different kinds of course esp you all in the US. Pacific Organic Cream of Tomato is the one I like the best and is pretty easy to find. You can find it at Whole Foods and probably most top end grocery stores.

http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/creamy-soups/organic-creamy-tomato-all-natural-soup This is another favorite of mine as well if you don't want to have cream of tomato http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/creamy-soups/organic-roasted-red-pepper-and-tomato

Ingredients: 

1 Can of Cream of Tomato Soup
Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese
Sour Dough
Butter

Directions:

Heat oven to about 350F (175C). Slice your bread, butter both pieces. Add some cheddar. Once the oven is heated put into oven for about 5-7 mins. Do not put both slices together. Empty soup into pan and warm.

Serve :)

Chicken and Black Bean Burrito

What to make for lunch today?? I decided to make a quick chicken and black bean burrito. This is a great quick and easy meal to make. It's healthy as well with a great source of protein. Black beans have some of the highest protein found in food esp in beans, chicken as well. It's great to eat before or after a workout or just for some great "Mexican".

Main Ingredients:

1 Can of Black Beans 

2 Chicken Breast

1-2 cups of Organic Brown Rice

Seasoning for chicken:

1 tablespoon chili powder

• 4 crushed garlic cloves
• 1/2 white onion (diced or chopped)
• Small bunch of cilantro or corriander (UK)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

2-3 Chicken Breast (cut into small chunks)

Seasoning for black beans:
Small bunch of chopped Cilantro (Coriander)
Half of a Jalapeno de-seeded (or just some jarred Jalapenos)
Salt
Pepper


Directions:
Put your rice in a pan and cover with about an inch of water. Bring to a boil. Once boiling stir once, cover and turn on low for about 20mins. When there is about 15 mins left start to make your chicken. Once there is about 5 mins left on the rice and the chicken start the beans. 


I used 2 Chicken breast, diced. Warm a deep frying pan with about a tablespoon of sunflower or veg oil. Put in the chicken, cook for about 2-3 mins of medium-high heat. Then add your spice mix. Cook for about another 10 mins on a low heat. You don't want to cook to long on a high heat because you will burn the spice and garlic. 


To make the beans just empty the can of beans in a pan on medium heat, add your cilantro (coriander), jalapenos, salt and pepper. I also added some chili powder (optional) 


Garnish with some home made salsa http://owenshealthouse.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/delicious-simple-salsa.html and sour cream


If you have any questions let me know. Enjoy :) 

Herb of the week/Bilberry Eye Support

This week herb of the week is what I call "Eye Bright". Its actual name is Bilberry Eye Support. I have heard great things about this and will start to try it soon. I will let you all know how it goes.

Bilberry Eye Support Formula is a synergistic blend of herbs to help with the healthy circulation to the eye. This formula helps promote blood circulation to the eyes helping to repair damaged vessels, improve night vision, cleanse the tissues and bring antioxidants to the eye. Bilberries a close relative of blueberries, are high in a bioflavonoid complex known as anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides speed the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment that is used by the rods in the eye for night vision. This makes bilberry a possible first line of defense for those with poor night vision.


Description:
Bilberry Eye Support Formula Contains: Bilberry, Eyebright, Ginkgo Biloba Leaves & Cayenne Pepper. All encapsulated products are in a pure 100% vegetable based capsule.


Ailments historically treated:

• Blepharitis
• Blindness (Night)
• Cataracts
• Conjunctivitis
• Eye Health (General)
• Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
• Night Blindness
• Nyctalopia
• Retinopathy
• Sty

For more information check out http://www.herbsfirst.com/

DISCLAIMER 

Remember I'm not a doctor or professional herbalist. I'm just getting the info out there for people to know there is an alternative to everyday medicine. For more info you should check out http://www.herbsfirst.com to have a professional speak with you about what this herb can do, dosage etc..

Chicken Curry

So tonight I made Chicken Curry. As you know I have already posted a recipe on here but I just wanted to add a new picture of the one I made tonight. It was great. You should try it and let me know how it goes.

Here is the link to the link to the recipe http://owenshealthouse.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/smooth-spice-curry.html

Ham and Avocado Sandwich

Craving a sandwich for lunch? Why not try a simple ham and avocado sandwich or pass on the ham for just tomato and avocado on sour dough. If you haven't noticed I like using sour dough bread haha. Sour Dough to me is one of the best breads to use for many things. Its taste is great thrown into a mix of other flavors. This sandwich turned out great after toasting it for a bit in the oven.

Ingredients:

Organic/Fresh Ham

Light Mayo or just plain old Mayo
Mustard
Tomato
Mature Cheese
Avocado
Sour Dough (or bread of your choosing)

Directions: Build how you want. I also toasted mine on 350F (180C) for about 5-10mins. They came out great.

Health Tip

No matter how much great food you eat or supplements you take, you can still be depleted if you are doing any of these three things:

- Ingesting raw cacao or other toxin-loaded substances like alcohol, pot, caffeine, MSG, junk food, etc...as these deplete your adrenal glands causing fatigue. 

- Overeating. When you overeat you turn all the good nutrients in your system in to toxic sludge.

- Not exercising. Eat all the wonderful, nutrient-dense raw vegan organic fruits and vegetables you like, but you won't absorb and utilize the nutrients effectively unless you exercise daily.


Find out how to eat a balanced raw vegan diet and thrive at http://28daysraw.com/

Herb of the week/Liver and Gall Bladder Formula

This weeks herb of the week is Liver and Gall Bladder Formula. Its great for cleansing your liver when needed. I have known some people that have taken this for a year or more to cleanse their liver because of liver problems. It helped them and can help you as well.

Liver & Gall Bladder Formula: Barberry or Oregon Grape Root, Wild Yam, Cramp Bark, Fennel Seed, Ginger, Catnip and Peppermint. All encapsulated products are in a pure 100% vegetable based capsule.

Extract: a base of Pure vegetable Glycerine, Distilled Water, & Ethyl Alcohol (less than 5%).

This formula can greatly increase the vitality of the body. To speed up the blood purifying process, it is good to have a clean liver and gall bladder area. When the liver does not function properly, the bile does not excrete freely into the intestinal tract, and so it passes off into the blood stream and throughout the rest of the system, causing a toxic condition, causing indigestion, sluggishness, fatigue, constipation, upset stomach, chills, vomiting and fever.

Ailments historically treated: Cholecystisis, Gallstones, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Liver (General), Osteomalacia, Rickets, Vomiting.


For more information check out http://www.herbsfirst.com/

DISCLAIMER 

Remember I'm not a doctor or professional herbalist. I'm just getting the info out there for people to know there is an alternative to everyday medicine. For more info you should check out http://www.herbsfirst.com to have a professional speak with you about what this herb can do, dosage etc..

Roasted Garlic and Tomato Linguine

Tonight for dinner I decided to go with a pasta. I haven't made a pasta in a very long time (trying to cut back on the carbs). My brother was over and hungry. It was a very quick meal to prepare and goes a long way esp for leftovers. I decided to make some roasted garlic and tomatoes again because they add so much flavor to a meal.

I roasted garlic, tomatoes and cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients:

1 tub of fresh sundried tomato or normal pesto, homemade or store bought. Tonight I used store bought freshly made
1pkt of linguine
Fresh Parmesan
1 Pkt of Cherry Tomatoes
2 Whole Tomatoes
1 whole garlic bulb
Olive Oil
Pepper

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375F (180C)

Take the garlic bulb and cut about 1/2in or so off the top. Use about 1tbsp of olive oil and cover the top of the garlic bulb, letting the oil seep down into the garlic cloves. Next drizzle olive oil over the cherry tomatoes. Wrap both the garlic bulb and cherry tomatoes together tightly in foil. Then take the 2 whole tomatoes and slice about half way down from the top of the tomato. Make sure to not cut it in half completely. Do this so you have about 6-8 what would be slices. Then pour olive oil over the top letting it go down inside the tomato. Wrap the tomatoes together tightly in foil. Put into oven for about 20-25mins.

While those are roasting take your pasta pan and add enough water so its a few inches from the top of the pan. Add some salt and some oil. Salt for making the water come to a boil more quickly and oil to help your pasta to not stick together. Bring to a boil. Once boiling add your pasta. By this time you will have about 10mins left on the timer for the roasted veg which is perfect because pasta will take about 10mins to cook.

Everything will then be done together. Take out your veg but leave wrapped in foil for now. Drain your pasta and put back into the pan adding some olive oil and mix so your pasta does not stick together. Put the lid on it to keep it warm. Next take your veg and dice or slice (however you want it). I diced my roasted garlic (remember roasted garlic is not as strong as just eating garlic. You can add a lot and it will taste fantastic). Leave the cherry tomatoes whole because when you bite into them they will burst in your mouth with all sorts of flavor. Add all to pasta including pesto, mix, shred some fresh Parmesan cheese on top and serve.

Serves: about 6

Serve with garlic bread and salad. Enjoy :)

Lemon, Cucumber and Mint Drink

Sorry I have been gone for awhile. I was gone all weekend at a really once in a lifetime concert. Thinking of what to drink lately my wife and I came up with this one. This drink taste so great you will probably just drink it all really quick. Its simple to do and taste really well. My wife says "it helps in slimming" so you all will have to let me know what you think as well.

Ingredients:

2 ltrs of Water

1 Medium Cucumber (Peeled and Sliced)
1 Lemon (whole sliced)
10 Fresh mint leaves

Directions:

Simple really. Jug, Water, Slice your veg, add to water add mint leaves. Chill in fridge for a bit before you drink unless you like luk-warm drinks haha..no need to add sugar unless you really want to.

Enjoy :)

Eggs on Toast

Want a really simple breakfast, then try my eggs on toast.

Really simple to do.

Ingredients

2 Eggs

2 Pieces of Sourdough bread Toasted
1 Tomato
Salt
Pepper

Directions

Turn on oven and heat to about 350F (175C) slice your tomato, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and put into oven for about 10mins

Once there is about 5mins left on the tomatoes

Heat pan on medium-medium high heat adding some butter. Make sure the butter is melted but not burning. Crack open your eggs and into the pan they go. Put your bread in the toaster. What I did was I kept the eggs just on the one side for about 2-3 mins. No flipping necessary. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Once eggs are done, toast will be done. Butter toast, place eggs on toast and done..Enjoy :)

The Switch

Switching from white foods to brown would make a lot of difference for yourself. There really isn't any nutritional value in white foods and you get less energy when consumed. The process is another big difference between the two.

Flour is made from wheat berries. The wheat berry is made up of
the bran, the germ and the endosperm. All parts are filled with
nutrients and are used in whole wheat flour.

White bread on the other hand, uses only the endosperm - the
starchy inner layer. There is a total of 30 nutrients missing in
white bread. The nutritional difference is immense and has
measurable impact on our health. 

The fiber content of whole wheat bread has several health benefits. Fiber helps the digestive system and it is shown that men and women who eat high fiber foods have less risk of having a heart attack and stroke. There is a risk of children getting diabetes for those that eat refined white flour.

Look out for words like 'wheat flour' or 'enriched wheat flour'
as they can be mostly made from white flour with just a small
amount of whole wheat added in.

Look for 'whole wheat' or other whole grains, like oat. And don't
be mislead by the name of the product. Names like wheat, whole
bran, stoned wheat, 12 grain and others are still mostly white
flour. The only way to know for sure is to read the label.

Brown Rice is similar.

Here is some information about brown and white rice. 

The process that produces brown rice removes only the outermost layer, the hull, of the rice kernel and is the least damaging to its nutritional value. 

The complete milling and polishing that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids. Fully milled and polished white rice is required to be "enriched" with vitamins B1, B3 and iron.  

Nutrients in
Brown Rice
1.00 cup (195.00 grams)

Nutrient%Daily Value

manganese88%

selenium27.3%

magnesium20.9%

tryptophan18.7%

Calories (216)12%

Some other benefits of brown rice include 

• Manganese—Energy Production Plus Antioxidant Protection - Just one cup of brown rice will provide you with 88.0% of the daily value of manganese. 
• Women Who Eat Whole Grains Weigh Less - gain less weight from eating whole grains. 
• Brown Rice is Rich in Fiber and Selenium
• Lower Cholesterol with Whole Brown Rice
• Significant Cardiovascular Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
• Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

and many more

for more info about white and brown rice check out http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=128

White and Brown Sugar

When it comes to white sugar and brown sugar there isn't much of a difference from what I can find. Nutritional value is almost the same. White sugar is bleached white in the refining process and brown sugar is naturally brown but companies tend to add molasses to give it a "more" brown color. Basically personal preference is the case. Now if you are talking pure Raw Sugar this tends to be more beneficial and has more nutrients. Avoid Sweeteners at all cost as these are load with chemicals that are extremely harmful. 


More info about Raw sugar here is a link -  http://www.naturalorganiclifestyle.com/unrefined-raw-sugar.html

So why not make the switch?? It will be worth it. 

Sauteed Spinach

Tonight for dinner I decided to make some sauteed spinach and hummus bruschetta. The flavors of these two mix very well. Its a real simple dinner to make when wanting something light to eat for dinner or just want a snack. The bruschetta will go really well at a dinner party, small get together, potluck etc. These are two simple recipes that I know you will enjoy.

Sauteed Spinach


Ingredients

1 bag of baby leaf spinach
3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp of olive oil
pepper
salt

Directions

Peel and dice or crush your garlic. Put the 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan. Heat frying pan on medium-high heat. Add garlic then empty bag of spinach into a deep frying pan. (The garlic will cook really fast once the pan is warm so be sure not to burn it). Saute the garlic for about 30secs then add the spinach. Cook for about 2-3 mins till the spinach is wilted but not slimy. Serve adding pepper and salt to taste.

Serves 2 (Depending on bag size)

Hummus Bruschetta

This bruschetta was really easy to make. What I decided to use was some organic sour dough bread as this adds to the flavor. I think you get a really nice crunch out of it as well.

Ingredients 

6-8 Slices of Sour Dough (more of less depending on how much you want)
Olive oil
1 Tomato
1 Garlic Clove or 6-8 Roasted Garlic cloves (Refer to my Roasted Pepper Bruschetta for directions on Roasted Garlic. If you don't have time use just a normal garlic clove)
Hummus (Refer to my Hummus Recipe)
Paprika
Pepper

Directions 

Toast the sour dough slices to desired texture. Once done, take your tomato and slice. Take one of the slices and rub slice of toast. The slice of tomato should do about 2 slices of toast. Then rub with a garlic clove (or spread with roasted garlic clove). Spread hummus over bruschetta, drizzle with olive oil then sprinkle with paprika and pepper. Serve

Serves 3-4 if using 2 slices per person

The Benefits of Spinach

Tonight for dinner I decided to make some sauteed spinach. The reason I made spinach was because I just felt like something light and easy. Spinach is really great to eat when wanting some veg. I know some of you are probably thinking "nasty, spinach". The way I make it you will probably enjoy. It goes well with some grilled chicken or some Asian dishes. For those of you who don't know spinach has really great benefits. Once you read about them you will probably start considering it in your normal diet/food consumption.

Benefits of spinach are - It’s low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. When you consume this healthy food, you don’t need to worry about your weight-loss diet as you take in abundant, good-for-you nutrients.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Spinach is loaded with flavonoids which act as antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals. Researchers have discovered at least 13 different flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer substances. The various nutrients offer much in the way of disease protection.

The mineral iron is particularly important for menstruating women and growing children and adolescents. In comparison to red meat, spinach provides a lot less calories, is fat and cholesterol free, and an excellent source of iron. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells, it’s needed for good energy.

Another of the benefits of spinach is that this is a heart-healthy food. It’s an outstanding source of vitamins C and A which are antioxidants that help reduce free radical amounts in the body. The antioxidants work to keep cholesterol from oxidizing. In addition, folate is good for a healthy cardiovascular system, as well as magnesium, a mineral that helps to lower high blood pressure.

Gastrointestinal health can be guarded by eating more of this food. The beta-carotene and vitamin C work to protect the cells of the body’s colon from the harmful effects of free radicals. Also, DNA damage and mutations in colon cells may be prevented by the folate that’s present in this green leafy vegetable. Some conditions that are identified as inflammatory, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine headaches, and asthma, may be helped because of the anti-inflammatory properties of some of the nutrients found in spinach. Studies have shown that consumption of green leafy vegetables such as spinach may slow the age-related decline in brain function. 

Whats the outcome..eat spinach :)

The Benefits of Juicing

If you are looking for an easy and effective way to do something good for you body, consider the health benefits of juicing. Juicing is preparing and drinking fruit and vegetable juices, and the many health benefits of juicing far exceed those of eating solid fruits and vegetables.

For one thing, the body can quickly absorb larger amounts of nutrients from juices than from solid foods because the process of digestion that is necessary when you eat whole foods is bypassed. Raw fruits and vegetables contain many substances that enhance health, and juicing benefits the body by providing the most concentrated and readily absorbed source of these substances.

Another one of the major health benefits of juicing is that it is an easy way to get beneficial enzymes, which are primarily found in raw foods, into the body. Enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables have the vital role of converting food into body tissue and energy. Enzymes are also involved in metabolism, so one of the more valuable health benefits of juicing is that it can increase metabolic rate. Juicing also ensures that the body is getting sufficient amounts of phytochemicals, substances in plants that are considered among the most powerful ways to fight disease. While most people do not eat enough raw fruits and vegetables to obtain the amount of phytochemicals that would make a difference, it is relatively easy to drink enough juice to obtain sufficient amounts of these powerful nutrients. In addition, antioxidants and other immune enhancing properties are concentrated in juices.

Juicing can therefore help to accelerate recovery from illness. In fact, juicing with specific combinations of fruits or vegetables can target particular conditions and improve or alleviate symptoms.

More Health Benefits of Juicing 

Among the most interesting health benefits of juicing are its anti-aging benefits and its potential for alleviating symptoms of depression. The effects of juicing on depression are accomplished by providing a concentrated source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and folic acid. Deficiencies of these nutrients are associated with symptoms of depression.

Further, the concentration of antioxidants in juices combats the damaging effects that free radicals have on skin and muscle. Juicing can help keep skin free from wrinkles and muscles well toned. In addition, increasing the intake of antioxidants by juicing can slow the onset of age-related illnesses

In conjunction with its positive effects on health, the benefits of juicing also include the fact that it is relatively cost effective and convenient, especially if you prepare your own juices. By staying healthy as a result of increasing your intake of fresh juices, you can also reduce the need for expensive medications. Since there are no side effects associated with juicing, you can drink as much juice as you are able to tolerate, thereby maximizing health benefits. There are many combinations of fruits and vegetables, and the variety of juices that can be prepared are likely to keep you in the habit of juicing once you realize the many health benefits that doing so can provide.

Herb of the week/MindTrac

Are you feeling stressed, depressed or have anxiety? Here is a herb that is a great alternative to ant-depression drugs etc. This also will help you have clarity of mind and to focus. Its called MindTrac.

MindTrac™ contains: Skullcap, Valerian, Oregon Grape root, Barley grass, Alfalfa, Kamut, St. John's wort, Mullein leaf, Lobelia, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo biloba, Sarsaparilla and Dandelion. All encapsulated products are in a pure 100% vegetable based capsule.

Mindtrac™ is an Emotional Clarity Herbal Formula

MindTrac™ is an Alternative to drugs for Depression, Anxiety, Stress & Hyperactivity

MindTrac™ will benefit: Adults, Adolescents/Children, Seniors

MindTrac™ contains properties similar to its drug counterparts without harmful chemicals.

Psychiatric drugs are far more dangerous to take than people realize. They have negative side effects including addiction, and they can produce withdrawal symptoms that are emotionally and physically distressing or even life-threatening. The herbs in MindTrac are formulated to support and heal the body naturally in response to stress. Drugs are used to treat the symptoms, NOT to cure the problem.

Cleanses - Science continues to show that the mind and the body are connected. Stress creates biochemicals which circulate along with the blood. Because the liver is already burdened by pollutants, these "stressful" by-products are less likely to be eliminated quickly. To reduce the burden on the liver, MindTrac contains three herbs - Sarsaparilla, Dandelion and Oregon Grape Root - to cleanse the blood and to stimulate liver detoxification.

Nourishes: A food base of Jurassic Green (flash dried Alfalfa, Barley, and Kamut) supplies the body with essential vitamins and minerals in an all natural form. B vitamins, Chlorophyll, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium help regulate nerve transmission and muscle response.

Stimulates: St. John's Wort has been proven in scientific studies to mimic the effects of antidepressant drugs. It is so effective that we strongly advise against combining this herb with any antidepressant drug. To transition safely from prescription medicine to natural healing, check out our product called Liver Formula™.
MindTrac contains two additional stimulants, Gotu Kola and Gingko Biloba, to synergize the St. John's Wort herb! By improving the blood flow and oxygen circulation to the head, these herbs have been used traditionally to improve memory, nerve response and mental alertness.

Calms: Scullcap and Valerian root are both nervine sedatives and antispasmodics. Besides their calming nature on the nerves and muscles, these herbs promote regular and restful sleep. Mullein and Lobelia are antispasmodics as well as cleansers. They help cleanse the blood by assisting the lymph and the glandular systems.



For more information check out http://www.herbsfirst.com/

DISCLAIMER 

Remember I'm not a doctor or professional herbalist. I'm just getting the info out there for people to know there is an alternative to everyday medicine. For more info you should check out http://www.herbsfirst.com to have a professional speak with you about what this herb can do, dosage etc..

You by definition

People have been asking me lately what exactly is the definition of raw vegan, vegan and vegetarian. I myself actually haven't researched all that much to fully understand what each is. I decided to do some research and find the definitions for myself and you all. Once you read this you will then know what you are or what you would like to be. Everyone is different, everyone's bodies are different and everyone can handle or not handle certain foods or certain amounts of certain foods i.e meats and dairy. Some people actually need red meat every now and then for their bodies to get what it needs. Some people don't need any meat at all. Some people are fine just with eating fruit and veg. You need to figure out what your body needs and then feed it the right food. Once you do that I know without a doubt your body will function at its fullest capacity and you will feel a lot better in many ways.

So here you go....

Vegan - A vegan will not eat any animal products, for example:

• No meat, fish nor other products that come directly from killing an animal, such as animal fats and gelatine.
• No dairy products such as cows milk, cheese and yoghurt; nor goats milk.
• No eggs nor foods containing eggs such as Quorn.
• No honey.

Link to find out more http://www.vegansociety.com/caterers/vcfa/definition.aspx

Raw Vegan - a diet that combines the concepts of veganism and raw foodism. It excludes all food of animal origin, as well as food cooked at a temperature above 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit).^{[citation needed]} A raw vegan diet includes raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and nut pastes, grain and legume sprouts, seeds, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs, and fresh juices. There are many different versions of the diet, including fruitarianism, juicearianism, and sproutarianism. The definition of a raw vegan diet can be loosened to include vegan diets with at least 75 - 80% raw foods.

Link to find out more - http://www.vegansociety.com/caterers/vcfa/definition.aspx and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_vegan

Vegetarian - A vegetarian is someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. OR

• A vegetarian does not eat meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, or by-products of slaughter.

There are different degrees of vegetarianism which may be what causes confusion with caterers. The four most common forms of vegetarianism are:

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Eats both dairy products and eggs. This is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
• Lacto-vegetarian. Eats dairy products but not eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarian. Eats eggs but not dairy products.
• Vegan. Does not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other animal product.

Eggs: Many lacto-ovo vegetarians will only eat free-range eggs. This is because of welfare objections to the intensive farming of hens. Through its Vegetarian Society Approved trade mark, the Vegetarian Society only endorses products containing free-range eggs.

Link to find out more - http://www.vegsoc.org/page.aspx?pid=508

Now that you have the info you can ask yourself what you are or what you would like to be. You will also understand someone when they say "I'm Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw etc..

Spinach Dip

Today I had the great opportunity to attend my younger brother's baby blessing (christening). Of course this was an opportunity to have food afterwards so why wouldn't I go. While thinking about what to make for probably what was going to be a pretty big gathering it occurred to me that I never made a spinach dip before. Weird that I was craving one all of a sudden. So I decided to make a Spinach Dip. I knew I had to make quite a bit, at least enough for 20 people. Of course you can adjust accordingly depending of size of party or if you want left overs. I decided to go ahead a use organic frozen spinach because it came in a bigger bag for me to use. Use light ingredients for less fat of course. In my opinion though using "light or fat free" ingredients usually means more crap that's put into the products to make it less fat...I decided to use whole but of course that's up to you. So this is what I came up with ..

Ingredients:

1 kilo (2lbs) of chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out

1 cup mayo (light or not)
1 cup sour cream (light or not)
1/3 cup spring onions finely chopped
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan Reggiano
3 garlic cloves crushed (optional)
pepper
salt to taste

Directions:


Spinach thawed, rinsed and drained of excess liquid. You then want to dice your spring onions (salad onions). Mix all ingredients together. Put in the fridge for about 30mins or serve immediately.

Now what I made served literally about 10-12 people. Probably depending how much everyone takes. I say to be safe 8-10 easily.

I like this recipe because you cannot taste so much of the spinach like you can in some other recipes. It has a great sweet creamy flavor to it that I know you will enjoy.  Enjoy :)