Everywhere you go it's all about organic. Organic fruit, vegetables, even clothing! Our society has become obsessed with buying organic and has made organic foods the new icon...the new celebrity. So what's all the hoopla about?
Organic foods have become very popular in the last 5-10 years. This industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Why? Because we have become more focused on the foods we eat and the effect they have on our bodies. We have become more focused on how foods nourish and heal our bodies and we've learned that organic foods do that best.
I've read that organic foods do not contain nearly as much or any toxins (pesticides, growth-hormones, etc) as conventional foods. With organic foods, farmers do not utilize chemicals to grow and maintain them and this allows for these foods to be healthier and safer. Organic meats especially, are more beneficial because chemicals that are used to fatten up and enlarge cows and chickens are not used.
I have become more conscious myself of organic foods and continue to read more about them. Now the thing about organic foods is that it is costly and these days folks are watching their pockets a lot more closely. However, what's more important? Saving a few extra dollars or living a healthy life? Can't really put a price on the latter so buy organic when you can. I do and I don't ever regret making that choice each time I go into the supermarket.
Also when you buy organic know that not everything is 'true' organic food. There are companies that will put one natural ingredient into their product and slap an organic label on it. How companies are regulated is still a work in progress; the government still has a way to go with stricter regulations when it comes to calling something organic. But for the most part your fruits, veggies and meats labeled organic, are truly organic.
So choose organic and be well!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Food Spotlight: Bananas
I thought it'd be a great and cool idea to post spotlights on foods that are good for you. For the most part, we all are aware of what healthy and not so healthy foods are but, it's also great to know WHY the healthy foods are good for you. I have found that knowing more about the foods I eat - how they help the body - makes it more of a priority for me to eat them and incorporate into my diet.
So my first Food Spotlight is on bananas. I really don't know of anyone who doesn't like them. You can eat them as is or mix them into a smoothie or add them to your cereal in the morning. Bananas are chock full of potassium, which is a very important nutrient for us. One banana has about 400mg of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure, maintain proper heart function and helps our muscles contract and relax properly. Bananas are also loaded with Vitamin C, B6 and has lots of fiber...all good nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet! They contain three (3) natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose, which can give instant and a sustained boost of energy.
Bananas help to boost memory, protects our kidneys and assists with helping us maintain a healthy heart.
Other benefits:
HELPS RESTORE + MAINTAIN NORMAL BOWEL MOVEMENT. Since they are high in fiber, bananas can help with constipation or any other digestive issues.
HELPS EASE HEARTBURN. Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body.
HELPS WITH ANEMIA HEALTH ISSUES. Since bananas are high in iron, they stimulate production of hemoglobin in the blood.
GREAT BRAIN FOOD. The potassium helps with keeping the mind alert and ready for learning!
They don't contain any fat, sodium or cholesterol and you can always get a banana, any time of the year.
So, if you don't already incorporate bananas into your diet, consider doing so. Every morning I eat two (2) bananas (along with oatmeal or cereal) and that sustains me until lunch time. They do give me a great boost of energy and it does help with curbing my sugar cravings.
Here's a quick recipe for a banana smoothie...try it out!
BANANA SMOOTHIE
1 c. milk (you can substitute w/soy milk if you don't do dairy)
1 ripe banana, cut into halves
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-3 ice cubes
Place milk, banana, vanilla and ice cubes in blender container; cover. Process for 20 seconds. Pour into glass. Serve and enjoy. Yields: one smoothie.
Enjoy and Be well!
So my first Food Spotlight is on bananas. I really don't know of anyone who doesn't like them. You can eat them as is or mix them into a smoothie or add them to your cereal in the morning. Bananas are chock full of potassium, which is a very important nutrient for us. One banana has about 400mg of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure, maintain proper heart function and helps our muscles contract and relax properly. Bananas are also loaded with Vitamin C, B6 and has lots of fiber...all good nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet! They contain three (3) natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose, which can give instant and a sustained boost of energy.
Bananas help to boost memory, protects our kidneys and assists with helping us maintain a healthy heart.
Other benefits:
HELPS RESTORE + MAINTAIN NORMAL BOWEL MOVEMENT. Since they are high in fiber, bananas can help with constipation or any other digestive issues.
HELPS EASE HEARTBURN. Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body.
HELPS WITH ANEMIA HEALTH ISSUES. Since bananas are high in iron, they stimulate production of hemoglobin in the blood.
GREAT BRAIN FOOD. The potassium helps with keeping the mind alert and ready for learning!
They don't contain any fat, sodium or cholesterol and you can always get a banana, any time of the year.
So, if you don't already incorporate bananas into your diet, consider doing so. Every morning I eat two (2) bananas (along with oatmeal or cereal) and that sustains me until lunch time. They do give me a great boost of energy and it does help with curbing my sugar cravings.
Here's a quick recipe for a banana smoothie...try it out!
BANANA SMOOTHIE
1 c. milk (you can substitute w/soy milk if you don't do dairy)
1 ripe banana, cut into halves
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-3 ice cubes
Place milk, banana, vanilla and ice cubes in blender container; cover. Process for 20 seconds. Pour into glass. Serve and enjoy. Yields: one smoothie.
Enjoy and Be well!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Life's "Pop Quiz" Tests
Remember when you were in school (or maybe you're still in school), there was always that one teacher who would randomly give you pop quizzes every week? You never knew what day they'd be giving the quiz, so you had to be prepared. You might have thought how mean that teacher was to be surprising you that way, but I realized that the teacher was just teaching you to be always prepared. To be ready for whatever they may 'throw' you way. And Life is pretty much the same as those teachers with the pop quizzes.
In Life, we experience many tests...some are little tests and most are big tests. Life is our Great Teacher...you are learning as you go along and these tests are designed to teach you to be prepared by strengthening your mind and spirit to be able to handle and pass these tests.
Most always, the test is a test of Faith. How patient are you while you let God/Allah/Jehovah/The Universe or whatever you call it, work it all out? Patience as they say is a virtue but it is often a challenge, at least for me it is, to just let go and let God.
Just like the pop quiz you'd get in school, Life's pop quizzes get your mindset prepared for what may come your way. It helps you to build a spiritual (and mental) foundation that can withstand any test. At least, that's what is suppose to happen when you are tested. But often, these tests come frequently and are more challenging. It's like you don't get any peace of mind in between. For me, these past few months I have been getting a lot of pop quizzes, testing my mind and especially my spirit. I have to admit, this past week alone, I have been quite frustrated because it seems that these tests are happening more frequently. I can't seem to get a break or a period of time where everything just is. As I said, it can be very challenging and frustrating at the same time however working your way through the test, is really what the lesson is all about.
One thing I do to help with these tests is bring my mind back to it's natural pure awareness with meditation. As I've stated in previous postings, meditation is such an integral part of my life and for many other people as well. It allows me to be in the moment, be present and know that I am equipped with everything I need to 'pass this test'. No need for panic or worry. Another thing I do is I pray...all day and every day. That connection alone keeps me strong in mind and spirit. I also schedule time just for myself...twice a week I engage in some ME time: no phones, no emails, just me. This helps me to re-energize my mind and spirit so I can be ready for the next pop quiz.
What are some things you do to prepare for Life's Pop Quizzes? If you can't think of anything, I suggest taking time to work on making sure you do things that can prepare you or keep you ready for what Life brings your way. If you do have some things you do to keep your mind and spirit ready, share what those things are and let others know how they can prepare as well.
The 'quizzes' I've been receiving lately have been really tough. I have to be honest and say that if I were to grade myself, I'd have to give myself a "C". Why? Because I have been allowing for these tests to mentally and emotionally wear me down...I am not focusing on what I know which is I am equipped with everything I need to pass these tests. God made sure of that when He allowed my mother to bring me into this world. And just knowing that, lets me keep it moving!
Be well!
In Life, we experience many tests...some are little tests and most are big tests. Life is our Great Teacher...you are learning as you go along and these tests are designed to teach you to be prepared by strengthening your mind and spirit to be able to handle and pass these tests.
Most always, the test is a test of Faith. How patient are you while you let God/Allah/Jehovah/The Universe or whatever you call it, work it all out? Patience as they say is a virtue but it is often a challenge, at least for me it is, to just let go and let God.
Just like the pop quiz you'd get in school, Life's pop quizzes get your mindset prepared for what may come your way. It helps you to build a spiritual (and mental) foundation that can withstand any test. At least, that's what is suppose to happen when you are tested. But often, these tests come frequently and are more challenging. It's like you don't get any peace of mind in between. For me, these past few months I have been getting a lot of pop quizzes, testing my mind and especially my spirit. I have to admit, this past week alone, I have been quite frustrated because it seems that these tests are happening more frequently. I can't seem to get a break or a period of time where everything just is. As I said, it can be very challenging and frustrating at the same time however working your way through the test, is really what the lesson is all about.
One thing I do to help with these tests is bring my mind back to it's natural pure awareness with meditation. As I've stated in previous postings, meditation is such an integral part of my life and for many other people as well. It allows me to be in the moment, be present and know that I am equipped with everything I need to 'pass this test'. No need for panic or worry. Another thing I do is I pray...all day and every day. That connection alone keeps me strong in mind and spirit. I also schedule time just for myself...twice a week I engage in some ME time: no phones, no emails, just me. This helps me to re-energize my mind and spirit so I can be ready for the next pop quiz.
What are some things you do to prepare for Life's Pop Quizzes? If you can't think of anything, I suggest taking time to work on making sure you do things that can prepare you or keep you ready for what Life brings your way. If you do have some things you do to keep your mind and spirit ready, share what those things are and let others know how they can prepare as well.
The 'quizzes' I've been receiving lately have been really tough. I have to be honest and say that if I were to grade myself, I'd have to give myself a "C". Why? Because I have been allowing for these tests to mentally and emotionally wear me down...I am not focusing on what I know which is I am equipped with everything I need to pass these tests. God made sure of that when He allowed my mother to bring me into this world. And just knowing that, lets me keep it moving!
Be well!
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