I found this QUITE interesting from Real Age Newsletter......
Cooking meat at high temperatures -- a la flame grilling -- can create cancer-causing substances. But here's a spice that counters it: rosemary.
Yep, mixing some rosemary into your burgers may make them not only tastier but safer and healthier, too. In a study, adding rosemary extract to beef patties before grilling slashed the production of harmful high-heat compounds by up to 90 percent.
Spice It Up
The cancer-causing substances created by high-heat grilling are called heterocyclic amines (HCAs). They form when amino acids and creatine react together under high temps -- and research suggests these compounds could up the risk of certain cancers, such as stomach cancer. In addition to adding rosemary to grilled meats, you can dial down the HCAs by cooking at lower temperatures and frequently turning meats on the grill. (Check out the YOU Docs' blog for five great ways to cut down on HCA production.)
Antioxidant Defense
How does rosemary extract beat back HCAs? It's high in antioxidants that may neutralize precursor compounds before they can turn into HCAs. Not a rosemary fan? Studies show that mixing ground meat with thyme, sage, or garlic or even chopped apples, pineapple, or cherries may do the trick as well. Follow these other tips for a healthier cookout:
http://www.realage.com/tips/healthy-up-your-burger-with-this-spice?eid=6141&memberid=29917674
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Quick tidbit....
Steam your veggies or eat them raw!!!
According to the new book Your Skin, Younger, eating veggies cooked at high tempts like roasting, grilling or frying can cause inflammation, increasing the rate of aging in the body!
June 2010 Health.com
According to the new book Your Skin, Younger, eating veggies cooked at high tempts like roasting, grilling or frying can cause inflammation, increasing the rate of aging in the body!
June 2010 Health.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
21 Days
Superb job to my husband. He survived....allllll 21 days. Here is his comment to my brother when questioned about it:
" I did the food portion without the supplements with the exception of the shake powder. You might be grouchy for the first couple days, but will start feeling better thereafter. I didn't eat less, I just ate different things. Yesterday was 1st day post-detox...we stopped at McD's last night because it was the only place to we could eat and be home in time for Jill to watch Lost...I was able to eat about half of my value meal. I also ordered a dr pepper...was only able to taste about 3 of the 23 flavors, none of which were very good...didn't finish it. I quit drinking pop for 13 months while in Bloomington and craved it nearly everyday throughout. I did this for 3 weeks, and it doesn't even sound real appealing.
Jill did it and went from (literal) menopause (medically verified) to pregnant.
I did it and lost 15 lbs in 21 days and lost a craving for pop."
To check out the program we followed visit:
http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi
and click on Patient Guide PDF
OH!....and I would like to add....Adam also sleeps better, more sound, doesn't toss and turn as much, and does NOT snore anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY! We're all winners on this one! ;)
Jill
" I did the food portion without the supplements with the exception of the shake powder. You might be grouchy for the first couple days, but will start feeling better thereafter. I didn't eat less, I just ate different things. Yesterday was 1st day post-detox...we stopped at McD's last night because it was the only place to we could eat and be home in time for Jill to watch Lost...I was able to eat about half of my value meal. I also ordered a dr pepper...was only able to taste about 3 of the 23 flavors, none of which were very good...didn't finish it. I quit drinking pop for 13 months while in Bloomington and craved it nearly everyday throughout. I did this for 3 weeks, and it doesn't even sound real appealing.
Jill did it and went from (literal) menopause (medically verified) to pregnant.
I did it and lost 15 lbs in 21 days and lost a craving for pop."
To check out the program we followed visit:
http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi
and click on Patient Guide PDF
OH!....and I would like to add....Adam also sleeps better, more sound, doesn't toss and turn as much, and does NOT snore anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY! We're all winners on this one! ;)
Jill
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
It time to think ahead!
So after deciding what to do with our weed infested landscaping (buying a house in December gives off an unpredictable illusion of the "outside"!) we decided to work hard this year on the front and hit up the back next year. Soooooo, until next year what to do, what to do....
.....plant tomatoes!
After pulling and digging, the weeds seem to be under control. I used our shovel to "till" the ground up and actually found some nice dirt underneath all the previous two years of neglect! Emma has had planted (from seed) tomatoes and pepper plants inside over the past few weeks. She has LOVED watching them grow, but it is time to get them out...out of the dining room!
After digging the holes, we put in some natural fertilizer that consisted of chopped up banana peels, egg shells, mango peels, and strawberry tops. After in the ground, we put newspaper very thick around the plants and mulch on top to hold the papers down. Hopefully this will keep weeds away - without chemicals. We have a deck that will serve as our "cages" that we can tie the plants to as they get bigger and heavy with tomatoes. Can't wait for the neighbors to see our "creative" landscaping! :) Soon to come - a zucchini plant by the spruce tree....hello baby food!
So have you got your plants out? Do you have creative landscaping, a garden, or just a simple large pot at your back door? One plant will reap many! These tomatoes will make good for salsa, spaghetti sauce, soups, and much much more throughout the winter months. I will definitely share recipes when time comes! (also share how freezing your harvest is easy and canning is easy even if you don't have a pressure cooker)
Now, if only the dog will keep out. :)
Good stuff for even the tomato haters out there,
Jill
.....plant tomatoes!
After pulling and digging, the weeds seem to be under control. I used our shovel to "till" the ground up and actually found some nice dirt underneath all the previous two years of neglect! Emma has had planted (from seed) tomatoes and pepper plants inside over the past few weeks. She has LOVED watching them grow, but it is time to get them out...out of the dining room!
After digging the holes, we put in some natural fertilizer that consisted of chopped up banana peels, egg shells, mango peels, and strawberry tops. After in the ground, we put newspaper very thick around the plants and mulch on top to hold the papers down. Hopefully this will keep weeds away - without chemicals. We have a deck that will serve as our "cages" that we can tie the plants to as they get bigger and heavy with tomatoes. Can't wait for the neighbors to see our "creative" landscaping! :) Soon to come - a zucchini plant by the spruce tree....hello baby food!
So have you got your plants out? Do you have creative landscaping, a garden, or just a simple large pot at your back door? One plant will reap many! These tomatoes will make good for salsa, spaghetti sauce, soups, and much much more throughout the winter months. I will definitely share recipes when time comes! (also share how freezing your harvest is easy and canning is easy even if you don't have a pressure cooker)
Now, if only the dog will keep out. :)
Good stuff for even the tomato haters out there,
Jill
Thursday, May 13, 2010
10 Down
Check out my husband....10 days down on the purification program, 10 pounds down.
No exercise, no vitamins, just good 'ol fresh eating with no preservatives/chemicals.
(and on a side note, just found out at the doctor's this week, my vonWillabrands factor is now 131 which a few years ago was below the range at 27. The normal range is 25-134! For those of you wondering vonWillabrands is a blood disorder that can cause you to bleed excessively if below range - very dangerous for delivery, but I'm clear now. AND my thyroid which was underactive just a mere 10 months ago is now above average range. According to my doctor that is difficult for pregnant women to achieve, regardless if there have been issues in the the past. I have taken no meds for either of these causes...just livin' off the good food God gave us. -ahhh- )
No exercise, no vitamins, just good 'ol fresh eating with no preservatives/chemicals.
(and on a side note, just found out at the doctor's this week, my vonWillabrands factor is now 131 which a few years ago was below the range at 27. The normal range is 25-134! For those of you wondering vonWillabrands is a blood disorder that can cause you to bleed excessively if below range - very dangerous for delivery, but I'm clear now. AND my thyroid which was underactive just a mere 10 months ago is now above average range. According to my doctor that is difficult for pregnant women to achieve, regardless if there have been issues in the the past. I have taken no meds for either of these causes...just livin' off the good food God gave us. -ahhh- )
In season May - August!
Good for You
Avocados have the heart-healthy fats called mono-and polyunsaturated fats, which, when eaten in place of saturated or trans fats, can actually help lower LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) levels and shrink your waistline!
Get the Best
Chef Daniel Humm advises choosing avocados that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. "After two days at room temperature, they'll ripen and be perfect," he says. Hass avocados, one of the most common varieties, have pebbly skin that turns from green to purplish-black when ripe and have a creamy taste. If you don't use ripe avocados right away, store them in the refrigerator to keep from spoiling.
Kitchen Simple
Guacamole is an easy way to enjoy avocado, says Humm. Mash two avocados and stir in two tablespoons diced red onion, a half cup diced tomato, half a minced jalepeno, two minced garlic cloves, a half cup chopped cilantro, three tablespoons lime juice, salt, and pepper. Serve with chips and veggies, or spread on sandwiches.
Avocados have the heart-healthy fats called mono-and polyunsaturated fats, which, when eaten in place of saturated or trans fats, can actually help lower LDL (so-called "bad" cholesterol) levels and shrink your waistline!
Get the Best
Chef Daniel Humm advises choosing avocados that are slightly soft to the touch, but not too mushy. "After two days at room temperature, they'll ripen and be perfect," he says. Hass avocados, one of the most common varieties, have pebbly skin that turns from green to purplish-black when ripe and have a creamy taste. If you don't use ripe avocados right away, store them in the refrigerator to keep from spoiling.
Kitchen Simple
Guacamole is an easy way to enjoy avocado, says Humm. Mash two avocados and stir in two tablespoons diced red onion, a half cup diced tomato, half a minced jalepeno, two minced garlic cloves, a half cup chopped cilantro, three tablespoons lime juice, salt, and pepper. Serve with chips and veggies, or spread on sandwiches.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A couple EASY summer switch-ups
Summer time is grillin' time! There was a chef on Dr. Oz a few days ago sharing how we can still enjoy our summer favorites but in a healthier way. Here are two examples:
Grilling out hamburgers - swap out half the beef and replace with ground turkey breast. (Make sure it is turkey breast and not thighs....thighs have a much higher fat count) The guest out of the audience wasn't told about the swap until after she tasted the burger - she said it tasted normal and in fact the beef flavor actually tasted like it was enhanced more. So all in all the turkey cuts the fat in half and adds much more protein, nutrition, and flavor. Perfect!
Coleslaw - gotta have this if you're grilling out! My family's weakness ingredient in cooking...mayo. MMmmmmMmmmm we love this stuff. But she suggested swapping half out with Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt is extra creamy and won't kill the taste of the mayo already added. Add some fresh lemon zest and who-la, half the fat. Dr. Oz also suggested for an even bigger punch of nutrition use broccoli slaw instead of cabbage.
There you have it....two easy and simple swaps that can make big differences in our favorite summer dishes. I love tips like this!
Now if it would just quit raining so we fire up that grill!
Jill
Grilling out hamburgers - swap out half the beef and replace with ground turkey breast. (Make sure it is turkey breast and not thighs....thighs have a much higher fat count) The guest out of the audience wasn't told about the swap until after she tasted the burger - she said it tasted normal and in fact the beef flavor actually tasted like it was enhanced more. So all in all the turkey cuts the fat in half and adds much more protein, nutrition, and flavor. Perfect!
Coleslaw - gotta have this if you're grilling out! My family's weakness ingredient in cooking...mayo. MMmmmmMmmmm we love this stuff. But she suggested swapping half out with Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt is extra creamy and won't kill the taste of the mayo already added. Add some fresh lemon zest and who-la, half the fat. Dr. Oz also suggested for an even bigger punch of nutrition use broccoli slaw instead of cabbage.
There you have it....two easy and simple swaps that can make big differences in our favorite summer dishes. I love tips like this!
Now if it would just quit raining so we fire up that grill!
Jill
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Simple Tip...
When shopping for frozen veggies, make sure the veggies haven't got a "frozen lump" in the bag - this is a sign they have been thawed and refrozen. This means they retain fewer vitimins.
-Sarah Krieger,registered dietitian and spokemsman for the American Dietetic Association
-Sarah Krieger,registered dietitian and spokemsman for the American Dietetic Association
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Happy Mother's Day and a Purple Shirt
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mom's that read from this blog. Hope your day was as splended as mine.
It started off last night when my beautiful daughter got very giggly about the present she got for me for Mother's Day. She is very good at keeping secrets...never peeped, even when I offered her a dollar. (In fact she said "how about I don't tell you AND you give me the dollar!) She was so excited, that after tucking her in bed she told me to tell Daddy that she might sleep in and not to give mommy her present until she woke up. The fact that she was about to jump out of her princess jammies with excitement was enough present for me right there.
So Sunday morning I was awaken to this very joyous four year old jumping on my bed with a hot pink bag. Inside the best homemade card saying "Happy Mother's Day" across it with a picture of our family...I absolutely melt at all her drawings. And there it was at the bottom of the bag - a beautiful purple necklace picked out by the blond bombshell herself. Love it. Love it more that my husband took the time to share a shopping experience with his daughter. Precious.
"Mommy, you are going to wear this church aren't you?" OF COURSE! How could I not wear this gift hand picked for me by the sole person that actually MADE me a mom! Oh, but wait....In the back of my head, I was thinking....purple??? With a belly full of Baby, what do I have that will fit...and is purple??? (Not to mention the weather is c.h.c.h.c.h.i.l.l.y.) Desperately digging in the closet, I was down to the last few hangers. There it was. A purple shirt. A purple shirt I wore over a year and half ago. It was fitted through the mid drift and I thought to myself, is this even worth a shot? But I had to wear that necklace, so on the purple shirt went. Holy Cow. It worked, it fit, YES! The necklace matched perfect. Perfect.
As I continue to get ready it dawns on me that this purple shirt is just that. A purple shirt I wore to church a year ago. It had been hanging in my closest unworn do to the weight I had lost. Here I am wearing it 29 weeks pregnant. Pregnant? Holy Cow. First off, it always is blessing to remember I am pregnant given the odds form the doctors. But second, how crazy is it that I can wear the normal (not maternity!) clothes that I wore just a mere year and half ago. In one way I am ashamed to have let things go back then, but on the other hand I can not be more excited that I can wear it now as a 29 week pregnant lady.
Wow...God is good, all the time.
Happy Mother's Day, my friends.....from Emma, Baby, and the lady in the purple shirt.
It started off last night when my beautiful daughter got very giggly about the present she got for me for Mother's Day. She is very good at keeping secrets...never peeped, even when I offered her a dollar. (In fact she said "how about I don't tell you AND you give me the dollar!) She was so excited, that after tucking her in bed she told me to tell Daddy that she might sleep in and not to give mommy her present until she woke up. The fact that she was about to jump out of her princess jammies with excitement was enough present for me right there.
So Sunday morning I was awaken to this very joyous four year old jumping on my bed with a hot pink bag. Inside the best homemade card saying "Happy Mother's Day" across it with a picture of our family...I absolutely melt at all her drawings. And there it was at the bottom of the bag - a beautiful purple necklace picked out by the blond bombshell herself. Love it. Love it more that my husband took the time to share a shopping experience with his daughter. Precious.
"Mommy, you are going to wear this church aren't you?" OF COURSE! How could I not wear this gift hand picked for me by the sole person that actually MADE me a mom! Oh, but wait....In the back of my head, I was thinking....purple??? With a belly full of Baby, what do I have that will fit...and is purple??? (Not to mention the weather is c.h.c.h.c.h.i.l.l.y.) Desperately digging in the closet, I was down to the last few hangers. There it was. A purple shirt. A purple shirt I wore over a year and half ago. It was fitted through the mid drift and I thought to myself, is this even worth a shot? But I had to wear that necklace, so on the purple shirt went. Holy Cow. It worked, it fit, YES! The necklace matched perfect. Perfect.
As I continue to get ready it dawns on me that this purple shirt is just that. A purple shirt I wore to church a year ago. It had been hanging in my closest unworn do to the weight I had lost. Here I am wearing it 29 weeks pregnant. Pregnant? Holy Cow. First off, it always is blessing to remember I am pregnant given the odds form the doctors. But second, how crazy is it that I can wear the normal (not maternity!) clothes that I wore just a mere year and half ago. In one way I am ashamed to have let things go back then, but on the other hand I can not be more excited that I can wear it now as a 29 week pregnant lady.
Wow...God is good, all the time.
Happy Mother's Day, my friends.....from Emma, Baby, and the lady in the purple shirt.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Results
Repeat of yesterday: If the majority of you answers are "yes", then it is likely that you diet/lifestyle contributes significantly to your toxic load. Beyond diet, many external toxins, such as perfumes, cleaners, and pollution add to your load.
Soooooo....whats this all mean? It means we are contaminating the very body that God gave us.
Our bodies are uniquely design to internally produce waste byproducts designed to rid itself these toxins BUT as you can see many of us have our bodies on "toxin overload"! This can contribute to a wide range of health issues including:
Stuffy head
Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Digestion and other gastrointestinal problems
Food craving and weight gain
Reduced mental clarity
Low libido
Disruption in our immune, endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems
Folks, I believe every word of this whole-hardily. My husband and I have seen first hand the above list of conditions do a complete 180 in my own body. How? I decided to do a 21 day purification program. It was a.w.e.s.o.m.e. results. It cleaned my body out, but more importantly made me open my eyes to how "messed up inside" we make ourselves and kids. Through this I heave learned how to make simple everyday changes for myself and family.
AND....proud to say, my husband has started his 21 purification program last Sunday. We are using the same Standard Process program I used minus the nutritional vitiamins. (In other words he is simply eating off the recommended list of foods.) In four days he lost FIVE pounds. I am so excited for him and the changes he is making towards his future health.
To see more (and site the source of my information) go to: http://www.standardprocess.com/display/displayFile.aspx?docid=369&filename=/Public/Lit/Miscellaneous/purificationguideL2605.pdf
Takin' life by the goodness God gave us,
Jill
Soooooo....whats this all mean? It means we are contaminating the very body that God gave us.
Our bodies are uniquely design to internally produce waste byproducts designed to rid itself these toxins BUT as you can see many of us have our bodies on "toxin overload"! This can contribute to a wide range of health issues including:
Stuffy head
Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Digestion and other gastrointestinal problems
Food craving and weight gain
Reduced mental clarity
Low libido
Disruption in our immune, endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems
Folks, I believe every word of this whole-hardily. My husband and I have seen first hand the above list of conditions do a complete 180 in my own body. How? I decided to do a 21 day purification program. It was a.w.e.s.o.m.e. results. It cleaned my body out, but more importantly made me open my eyes to how "messed up inside" we make ourselves and kids. Through this I heave learned how to make simple everyday changes for myself and family.
AND....proud to say, my husband has started his 21 purification program last Sunday. We are using the same Standard Process program I used minus the nutritional vitiamins. (In other words he is simply eating off the recommended list of foods.) In four days he lost FIVE pounds. I am so excited for him and the changes he is making towards his future health.
To see more (and site the source of my information) go to: http://www.standardprocess.com/display/displayFile.aspx?docid=369&filename=/Public/Lit/Miscellaneous/purificationguideL2605.pdf
Takin' life by the goodness God gave us,
Jill
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Take this 30 Second test....
How do I determine my toxic load?
Your toxic load is the amount of toxins that your body has to process. By answering the following question, you may gain some insight as to your current toxic load.
Y/N Do you or have you eaten processed foods?
Y/N Do you eat non-organic fruits and vegetables?
Y/N Do you eat meat and poultry that are not free-range?
Y/N Do you consume genetically altered food?
Y/N Do you or have you ever used artificial sweeteners?
Y/N Do you drink soda or diet soda?
Y/N Do the foods you eat have preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners added?
Y/N Do you eat fast foods and/or eat out regularly?
Y/N Do you charbroil or grill foods?
Y/N Do you drink coffee regularly?
Y/N Do you drink alcohol?
Y/N Do you drink tap water?
If the majority of you answers are "yes", then it is likely that you diet/lifestyle contributes significantly to your toxic load. Beyond diet, many external toxins, such as perfumes, cleaners, and pollution add to your load.
After your whole family has taken the test, hang on to the results for tomorrow's blog!
Jill
Your toxic load is the amount of toxins that your body has to process. By answering the following question, you may gain some insight as to your current toxic load.
Y/N Do you or have you eaten processed foods?
Y/N Do you eat non-organic fruits and vegetables?
Y/N Do you eat meat and poultry that are not free-range?
Y/N Do you consume genetically altered food?
Y/N Do you or have you ever used artificial sweeteners?
Y/N Do you drink soda or diet soda?
Y/N Do the foods you eat have preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners added?
Y/N Do you eat fast foods and/or eat out regularly?
Y/N Do you charbroil or grill foods?
Y/N Do you drink coffee regularly?
Y/N Do you drink alcohol?
Y/N Do you drink tap water?
If the majority of you answers are "yes", then it is likely that you diet/lifestyle contributes significantly to your toxic load. Beyond diet, many external toxins, such as perfumes, cleaners, and pollution add to your load.
After your whole family has taken the test, hang on to the results for tomorrow's blog!
Jill
Monday, May 3, 2010
Braggin' Rights.
Everyone read Monday's (today, May 3) post at http://www.blessedtreehouse.com/!
Just another reason I dearly miss OH. (Don't tell my anti-buckeye husband I miss OH. wink wink)
CONGRATS ALI - YOU ARE AWESOME.
I remember posting on November 21 that you had started running...and now look at it just a mere 5 months later - WOW A HALF MARATHON!
Making Monday morning rock so hard that it makes me want to dance,
Jill
Just another reason I dearly miss OH. (Don't tell my anti-buckeye husband I miss OH. wink wink)
CONGRATS ALI - YOU ARE AWESOME.
I remember posting on November 21 that you had started running...and now look at it just a mere 5 months later - WOW A HALF MARATHON!
Making Monday morning rock so hard that it makes me want to dance,
Jill
Another confirmation regarding pesticides..
Your food is covered with pesticides
Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater than normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. Other research hints that pesticides can trigger weight gain. Always choose organic when buying peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, and pears; non-organic versions tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.
http://online.prevention.com/boostmetabolism/list/5.shtml
Spent two hours this past Saturday at Whole Foods. A great experience...I will be blogging about it throughout the week. But just a quick side note - the produce is EXCELLENT. It looks better, seems more fresh, and last night the whole family confirmed it even taste better - full of flavor.
Pesticides piss me off. ;)
Jill
Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater than normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. Other research hints that pesticides can trigger weight gain. Always choose organic when buying peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, and pears; non-organic versions tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.
http://online.prevention.com/boostmetabolism/list/5.shtml
Spent two hours this past Saturday at Whole Foods. A great experience...I will be blogging about it throughout the week. But just a quick side note - the produce is EXCELLENT. It looks better, seems more fresh, and last night the whole family confirmed it even taste better - full of flavor.
Pesticides piss me off. ;)
Jill
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