Hey ladies.
My blogging is taking a long break and slowly coming to an end. It has been a great ride and I have learned so much.
However, I remember one of my friends (whom is one of the healthiest and happiest people I know) told me not to far into my journey last year, "It's a lonely world out there when it comes to this stuff." And she is right.
Day in and day out, I constantly educate myself with healthy information. There is no secret the power and importance this has had on my life and the life I am about ready to bring into this world. That itself has been my driving energy. But I'm getting tired my friends. Very.very.tired. I am mentally worn out of the resistance life puts in front of us daily....of the resistance our own families put in front of us. Trying to encourage and educate over that has simply exhausted me. Many times the encourager is the one who seeks the encouragement...and in this case I feel I have pushed too far.
Mel was right, it is a lonely world out there. So dear friends, please keep up the journey. As for me, I just need to rest. Rest from it all. Rethink. Refuel. Re-evaluate. Falling into Satan's work - I hope not...he had me wrapped a year ago and it sucked. Going to pray he keeps his distance this time, although I'm just not running as fast as I did.
Weinbach Girls - Love Love. Keep in touch with all the baby news.
Ali - Thanks for the encouragement and support. I treasure the friendship "cyberspace" as allowed us to have.
The closet readers out there - Thanks for reading. Education is the first step. Action is second.
It's been a great run, my friends.
Signing off,
Jill
ps - a couple hours later, I am glancing back at old entries just for an emotional ride through history....ironic, the very first entry was June 26....and now my last on June 27. Oh what a year. Ironic.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Must read....good info.
This article was one of my daily newsletters from Prevention Magazine. A little longer blog that normal, but I decided to cut and paste the whole article instead of just the link....making sure you really read it instead of just intend to read it. ;)
Make Every Meal Healthier
Use these simple strategies to boost the health benefits of your produce
While we've been dutifully eating our fruits and vegetables all these years, a strange thing has been happening to our produce. It's losing its nutrients. That's right: Today's conventionally grown produce isn't as healthful as it was 30 years ago—and it's only getting worse.
In 2004, Donald Davis, PhD, a former researcher with the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas, Austin, led a team that analyzed 43 fruits and vegetables from 1950 to 1999 and reported reductions in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Using USDA data, he found that broccoli, for example, had 130 mg of calcium in 1950. Today, that number is only 48 mg.
What's going on? Davis believes it's due to the farming industry's desire to grow bigger vegetables faster. The very things that speed growth—selective breeding and synthetic fertilizers—decrease produce's ability to synthesize nutrients or absorb them from the soil.
A different story is playing out with organic produce. "By avoiding synthetic fertilizers, organic farmers put more stress on plants, and when plants experience stress, they protect themselves by producing phytochemicals," explains Alyson Mitchell, PhD, a professor of nutrition science at the University of California, Davis. Her 10-year study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that organic tomatoes can have as much as 30% more phytochemicals than conventional ones.
But even if organic is not in your budget, you can buck the trend. Here, 9 expert tips to put the nutrient punch back in your produce.
1. Sleuth Out Strong Colors
"Look for bold or brightly hued produce," says Sherry Tanumihardjo, PhD, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A richly colored skin (think red leaf versus iceberg lettuce) indicates a higher count of healthy phytochemicals. Tanumihardjo recently published a study showing that darker orange carrots contain more beta-carotene.
2. Pair Your Produce
"When eaten together, some produce contains compounds that can affect how we absorb their nutrients," explains Steve Schwartz, PhD, a professor of food science at Ohio State University. His 2004 study of tomato-based salsa and avocado found this food pairing significantly upped the body's absorption of the tomato's cancer-fighting lycopene. Check out Healthy Power Pairs for more examples.
3. Buy Smaller Items
Bigger isn't better, so skip the huge tomatoes and giant peppers. "Plants have a finite amount of nutrients they can pass on to their fruit, so if the produce is smaller, then its level of nutrients will be more concentrated," Davis says.
4. Cook Smarter
Certain vegetables release more nutrients when cooked. Broccoli and carrots, for example, are more nutritious when steamed than when raw or boiled—the gentle heat softens cell walls, making nutrients more accessible. Tomatoes release more lycopene when lightly sauteed or roasted, says Johnny Bowden, PhD, nutritionist and author of The Healthiest Meals on Earth.
5. Eat Within a Week
"The nutrients in most fruits and vegetables start to diminish as soon as they're picked, so for optimal nutrition, eat all produce within 1 week of buying," says Preston Andrews, PhD, a plant researcher and associate professor of horticulture at Washington State University. "If you can, plan your meals in advance and buy only fresh ingredients you can use that week."
6. Skip Time-Savers
Precut produce and bagged salads are time-savers. But peeling and chopping carrots, for example, can sap nutrients. Plus, tossing peels deprives you of good-for-you compounds. If possible, prep produce just before eating, says Bowden: "When sliced and peeled or shredded, then shipped to stores, their nutrients are significantly reduced."
7. Mix Them Up
If you're used to munching on red tomatoes, try orange or yellow, or serve purple cauliflower along with your usual white. "Many of us buy the same kinds of fruits and vegetables each week," Andrews says. "But there are hundreds of varieties besides your usual mainstays—and their nutrient levels can differ dramatically. In general, the more varied your diet is, the more vitamins and minerals you'll get."
8. Opt for Old-TimersSeek out heirloom varieties like Brandywine tomatoes, Early Jersey Wakefield cabbage, Golden Bantam corn, or Jenny Lind melon. Plants that were bred prior to World War II are naturally hardier because they were established—and thrived—before the development of modern fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Find a Farmers' Market
Unlike prematurely picked supermarket produce, which typically travels hundreds of miles before landing on store shelves, a farmers' market or pick-your-own venue offers local, freshly harvested, in-season fare that's had a chance to ripen naturally—a process that amplifies its amount of phytonutrients, says Andrews: "As a crop gets closer to full ripeness, it converts its phytonutrients to the most readily absorbable forms, so you'll get a higher concentration of healthful compounds."
Learn how to be a budget organic! Find out what’s worth the cost, what’s not, plus other ways to save.
http://online.prevention.com/budgetorganic/index.shtml
Make Every Meal Healthier
Use these simple strategies to boost the health benefits of your produce
While we've been dutifully eating our fruits and vegetables all these years, a strange thing has been happening to our produce. It's losing its nutrients. That's right: Today's conventionally grown produce isn't as healthful as it was 30 years ago—and it's only getting worse.
In 2004, Donald Davis, PhD, a former researcher with the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas, Austin, led a team that analyzed 43 fruits and vegetables from 1950 to 1999 and reported reductions in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Using USDA data, he found that broccoli, for example, had 130 mg of calcium in 1950. Today, that number is only 48 mg.
What's going on? Davis believes it's due to the farming industry's desire to grow bigger vegetables faster. The very things that speed growth—selective breeding and synthetic fertilizers—decrease produce's ability to synthesize nutrients or absorb them from the soil.
A different story is playing out with organic produce. "By avoiding synthetic fertilizers, organic farmers put more stress on plants, and when plants experience stress, they protect themselves by producing phytochemicals," explains Alyson Mitchell, PhD, a professor of nutrition science at the University of California, Davis. Her 10-year study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that organic tomatoes can have as much as 30% more phytochemicals than conventional ones.
But even if organic is not in your budget, you can buck the trend. Here, 9 expert tips to put the nutrient punch back in your produce.
1. Sleuth Out Strong Colors
"Look for bold or brightly hued produce," says Sherry Tanumihardjo, PhD, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A richly colored skin (think red leaf versus iceberg lettuce) indicates a higher count of healthy phytochemicals. Tanumihardjo recently published a study showing that darker orange carrots contain more beta-carotene.
2. Pair Your Produce
"When eaten together, some produce contains compounds that can affect how we absorb their nutrients," explains Steve Schwartz, PhD, a professor of food science at Ohio State University. His 2004 study of tomato-based salsa and avocado found this food pairing significantly upped the body's absorption of the tomato's cancer-fighting lycopene. Check out Healthy Power Pairs for more examples.
3. Buy Smaller Items
Bigger isn't better, so skip the huge tomatoes and giant peppers. "Plants have a finite amount of nutrients they can pass on to their fruit, so if the produce is smaller, then its level of nutrients will be more concentrated," Davis says.
4. Cook Smarter
Certain vegetables release more nutrients when cooked. Broccoli and carrots, for example, are more nutritious when steamed than when raw or boiled—the gentle heat softens cell walls, making nutrients more accessible. Tomatoes release more lycopene when lightly sauteed or roasted, says Johnny Bowden, PhD, nutritionist and author of The Healthiest Meals on Earth.
5. Eat Within a Week
"The nutrients in most fruits and vegetables start to diminish as soon as they're picked, so for optimal nutrition, eat all produce within 1 week of buying," says Preston Andrews, PhD, a plant researcher and associate professor of horticulture at Washington State University. "If you can, plan your meals in advance and buy only fresh ingredients you can use that week."
6. Skip Time-Savers
Precut produce and bagged salads are time-savers. But peeling and chopping carrots, for example, can sap nutrients. Plus, tossing peels deprives you of good-for-you compounds. If possible, prep produce just before eating, says Bowden: "When sliced and peeled or shredded, then shipped to stores, their nutrients are significantly reduced."
7. Mix Them Up
If you're used to munching on red tomatoes, try orange or yellow, or serve purple cauliflower along with your usual white. "Many of us buy the same kinds of fruits and vegetables each week," Andrews says. "But there are hundreds of varieties besides your usual mainstays—and their nutrient levels can differ dramatically. In general, the more varied your diet is, the more vitamins and minerals you'll get."
8. Opt for Old-TimersSeek out heirloom varieties like Brandywine tomatoes, Early Jersey Wakefield cabbage, Golden Bantam corn, or Jenny Lind melon. Plants that were bred prior to World War II are naturally hardier because they were established—and thrived—before the development of modern fertilizers and pesticides.
9. Find a Farmers' Market
Unlike prematurely picked supermarket produce, which typically travels hundreds of miles before landing on store shelves, a farmers' market or pick-your-own venue offers local, freshly harvested, in-season fare that's had a chance to ripen naturally—a process that amplifies its amount of phytonutrients, says Andrews: "As a crop gets closer to full ripeness, it converts its phytonutrients to the most readily absorbable forms, so you'll get a higher concentration of healthful compounds."
Learn how to be a budget organic! Find out what’s worth the cost, what’s not, plus other ways to save.
http://online.prevention.com/budgetorganic/index.shtml
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Today could not get any better.
36 weeks. We've made it baby. You will never know how anxious I am to see you.
Also, here is the conversation Emma and I just had....
(Emma comes up and hugs me)
"Mom, do you know how much I love you?"
"How much, Emma Lillie?"
"More than God. (pause) and you know what Mom? ...that is A LOT"
wow. WOW. Who could ask for anything more?
Also, here is the conversation Emma and I just had....
(Emma comes up and hugs me)
"Mom, do you know how much I love you?"
"How much, Emma Lillie?"
"More than God. (pause) and you know what Mom? ...that is A LOT"
wow. WOW. Who could ask for anything more?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
$1,712....
....is how much the average amount a pack-a-day smoker in the US spends on cigarettes annually, according to a 2009 study by Ozerechowski and Walker, an economics consulting firm.
Praise God no one in my immediate family smokes, but if you know someone this may be an eye-opening fact to pass on.
With that same amount of money 11,900 meals could be provided for the nation's hungry through feedingamerica.org - doesn't that sound like a much better way to use that money?
I thought about a few other things with this data. According to the figures above that is approximately $4.69 spent a day. Even though there are no smokers in this family, I began thinking of how many times we spend $4.69 on a Value Meal at any fast food chain....or how few boxes of goldfish snacks it take get to that number, or cans of soda. I know there are family members of mine that easily spend $2-$3 a day on "polar pops" from the gas station, or from the fast food drive through. What if we quite the junk and take that money for the good of other things?
Help our bodies live healthier and glorify the Lord all at once??!!?!.....now we're talking! Just think about it.
Praise God no one in my immediate family smokes, but if you know someone this may be an eye-opening fact to pass on.
With that same amount of money 11,900 meals could be provided for the nation's hungry through feedingamerica.org - doesn't that sound like a much better way to use that money?
I thought about a few other things with this data. According to the figures above that is approximately $4.69 spent a day. Even though there are no smokers in this family, I began thinking of how many times we spend $4.69 on a Value Meal at any fast food chain....or how few boxes of goldfish snacks it take get to that number, or cans of soda. I know there are family members of mine that easily spend $2-$3 a day on "polar pops" from the gas station, or from the fast food drive through. What if we quite the junk and take that money for the good of other things?
Help our bodies live healthier and glorify the Lord all at once??!!?!.....now we're talking! Just think about it.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Something to ponder...
What's Really In …
NACHO CHEESE DORITOS (11 chips)
150 calories
8 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
180 mg sodium
The concept is, well, sort of brilliant: Nachos and cheese without the hassle of a microwave. Or even a plate, for that matter. You just tear open the bag and start snarfing. And as a parting gift, Dorito's leave your fingers sticky with something that looks like radioactive bee pollen. Now here's the question: Do you have any clue what's in that stuff? Here you go:
To create each Dorito, the Frito-Lay food scientists draw from a well of 39 different ingredients. How many does it take to make a regular tortilla chip? About three. That means some 36 ingredients wind up in that weird cheese fuzz. Of those 36, only two are ingredients you'd use to make nachos at home: Romano and cheddar cheeses. Alongside those are a cache of empty carbohydrate fillers like dextrin, maltodextrin, dextrose, flour, and corn syrup solids. Then come a rotating cast of oils. Depending on what bag you get, you might find any combination of corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil. Some of those will be partially hydrogenated, meaning they give the chip a longer shelf life and spike your heart with a little shot of trans fat. (The reason you won't see this on the nutrition label is that FDA guidelines allow food manufacturers to "round down" to zero.)
And then, after the fats and nutritionally empty starches, there's a seasoning blend, which includes things like sugar, "artificial flavoring," and a rather worrisome compound called monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the flavor enhancer largely responsible for the chip's addicting quality. The drawback is that it interferes with the production of an appetite-regulating hormone called leptin. A study of middle-aged Chinese people found a strong correlation between MSG consumption and body fat. What's more, the FDA receives new complaints every year from people who react violently to MSG, suffering symptoms like nausea, headaches, burning sensation, numbness, chest pains, dizziness, and so on. Talk about radioactive bee pollen.
Read the whole article(and surprising facts about Subway bread!)at:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/truth-about-your-food
NACHO CHEESE DORITOS (11 chips)
150 calories
8 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
180 mg sodium
The concept is, well, sort of brilliant: Nachos and cheese without the hassle of a microwave. Or even a plate, for that matter. You just tear open the bag and start snarfing. And as a parting gift, Dorito's leave your fingers sticky with something that looks like radioactive bee pollen. Now here's the question: Do you have any clue what's in that stuff? Here you go:
To create each Dorito, the Frito-Lay food scientists draw from a well of 39 different ingredients. How many does it take to make a regular tortilla chip? About three. That means some 36 ingredients wind up in that weird cheese fuzz. Of those 36, only two are ingredients you'd use to make nachos at home: Romano and cheddar cheeses. Alongside those are a cache of empty carbohydrate fillers like dextrin, maltodextrin, dextrose, flour, and corn syrup solids. Then come a rotating cast of oils. Depending on what bag you get, you might find any combination of corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil. Some of those will be partially hydrogenated, meaning they give the chip a longer shelf life and spike your heart with a little shot of trans fat. (The reason you won't see this on the nutrition label is that FDA guidelines allow food manufacturers to "round down" to zero.)
And then, after the fats and nutritionally empty starches, there's a seasoning blend, which includes things like sugar, "artificial flavoring," and a rather worrisome compound called monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the flavor enhancer largely responsible for the chip's addicting quality. The drawback is that it interferes with the production of an appetite-regulating hormone called leptin. A study of middle-aged Chinese people found a strong correlation between MSG consumption and body fat. What's more, the FDA receives new complaints every year from people who react violently to MSG, suffering symptoms like nausea, headaches, burning sensation, numbness, chest pains, dizziness, and so on. Talk about radioactive bee pollen.
Read the whole article(and surprising facts about Subway bread!)at:
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/truth-about-your-food
OPEN WIDE...
This has absolutely nothing to do with health or exercise, but is way to amusing to keep to myself.
So we are running in between stores after church on Sunday, so I just decide after snapping Emma in her car seat I would just sit beside for the quick trips. All the sudden I get a request from her to "open my mouth." Curious as to what she was thinking next, I complied.
Nose to nose with me and looking in my mouth she bellers out, "HEY BABY THIS IS YOUR BIG SISTER, WE CAN"T WAIT TO SEE YOU!"
I about died of laughter. The silent laughter though - ya know....when you don't want your kids to know you're laughing because you don't want them to think you are making fun of them laugh.
She did it again...this time, "HEY BABY, ITS YOUR BIG SISTER AGAIN. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I LUUUUUUUUUUUVVVVVVVVV YOU SO COME OUT THROUGH MOMS MOUTH SOON!"
Too freakin' cute. Absolutely love that Emma. And just think double the love in just a few weeks.....is that possible?!?!?!
So we are running in between stores after church on Sunday, so I just decide after snapping Emma in her car seat I would just sit beside for the quick trips. All the sudden I get a request from her to "open my mouth." Curious as to what she was thinking next, I complied.
Nose to nose with me and looking in my mouth she bellers out, "HEY BABY THIS IS YOUR BIG SISTER, WE CAN"T WAIT TO SEE YOU!"
I about died of laughter. The silent laughter though - ya know....when you don't want your kids to know you're laughing because you don't want them to think you are making fun of them laugh.
She did it again...this time, "HEY BABY, ITS YOUR BIG SISTER AGAIN. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I LUUUUUUUUUUUVVVVVVVVV YOU SO COME OUT THROUGH MOMS MOUTH SOON!"
Too freakin' cute. Absolutely love that Emma. And just think double the love in just a few weeks.....is that possible?!?!?!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Praying for a dear friend....
I have just heard of a good childhood friend of mine that her doctor has mentioned the "h" word....yes, hysterectomy. She is only six day older than I am. Her and her husband have been blessed with one child, but I know more would joyous for them.
Ironically she goes to the same doctor that I went to in IN during all of my 5 D&C's and fertility treatments. He is a well know doctor when it comes to women's specialty health and is extremely smart. However, he is very much a medical doctor and "micro manager" of the uterus. Exactly one year ago this month, he sat down with Adam and I and shared with us that our 1.7% of having more children was even lower with my new test results showing positive for menopause (and I had the hot flashes to concur!) He spoke with us gently, however bottom line was "it was time to throw in the towel".
I'm not sure how God does it, but his plans are so much bigger. It is a weird and long story how we oddly enough ended up in Powell, OH. But I am so glad we did. There I stumbled (literally stumbled) into the office of a Chiropractor for a back adjustment. From there, one thing lead to another and I found this natural and pure lifestyle of synthetic free health. And the rest is history. One year later I sit here pregnant - 34 weeks. So much for "throwing in the towel" aye?!?! And believe you me, so glad hysterectomy wasn't pursed farther than the doors of the doctor's office.
Praying for my friend. I know she is hurting, bummed, mixed emotions. Praying for God to open doors. Praying for healing.
Ironically she goes to the same doctor that I went to in IN during all of my 5 D&C's and fertility treatments. He is a well know doctor when it comes to women's specialty health and is extremely smart. However, he is very much a medical doctor and "micro manager" of the uterus. Exactly one year ago this month, he sat down with Adam and I and shared with us that our 1.7% of having more children was even lower with my new test results showing positive for menopause (and I had the hot flashes to concur!) He spoke with us gently, however bottom line was "it was time to throw in the towel".
I'm not sure how God does it, but his plans are so much bigger. It is a weird and long story how we oddly enough ended up in Powell, OH. But I am so glad we did. There I stumbled (literally stumbled) into the office of a Chiropractor for a back adjustment. From there, one thing lead to another and I found this natural and pure lifestyle of synthetic free health. And the rest is history. One year later I sit here pregnant - 34 weeks. So much for "throwing in the towel" aye?!?! And believe you me, so glad hysterectomy wasn't pursed farther than the doors of the doctor's office.
Praying for my friend. I know she is hurting, bummed, mixed emotions. Praying for God to open doors. Praying for healing.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The fridge door...
don't know what you have in your fridge door but I have taken the next step in our quest to be healthy and really examined ours. Wow - was I surprised! Did you know in a jar of pickles is a ton of processed chemicals AND artificial coloring just to make it look more green?!?!?! Relish = sodium benzoate, corn syrup, alum, calcium chloride, and artificial color.....YAK!
Well, still conquering how to keep our budge yet go organic, I found quickly that I can't quite fit into our monthly envelope exchanging all our condiments for organic right away. So here goes my baby steps.
Step one: Don't use it. Simple and easy. Believe it or not we actually had corn on the cob the other night without butter - no complaints and it was still good!
Step two: Start swapping out the conventional condiments for organic. Whole Food carries their own brand that is relatively cheaper than most. This month I paid a mere 13 more cents for a jar of organic relish than the Kroger brand. Whole Foods carry absolutely nothing in their store with harmful ingredients or additive.
Because there is a price increase, this month was just swapping out the relish and grape jelly. Two favorites in our house - however we have limited the use of them tremendously over the past year! Next month will be something else and so on until we get the whole kitchen up to par.
Kinda funny to know that organic grape jelly doesn't add artificial coloring like the Kroger conventional brand does....yet it is still purple.
So friends - WHY are we putting these artificial ingredients into our bodies if we don't have too? Kinda eye opening once you start reading labels.
Take a moment to see what you are eating, what you are putting on your kids foods, and can you really live without it....go for it, I dare you. ;)
Love, love,
Jill
Well, still conquering how to keep our budge yet go organic, I found quickly that I can't quite fit into our monthly envelope exchanging all our condiments for organic right away. So here goes my baby steps.
Step one: Don't use it. Simple and easy. Believe it or not we actually had corn on the cob the other night without butter - no complaints and it was still good!
Step two: Start swapping out the conventional condiments for organic. Whole Food carries their own brand that is relatively cheaper than most. This month I paid a mere 13 more cents for a jar of organic relish than the Kroger brand. Whole Foods carry absolutely nothing in their store with harmful ingredients or additive.
Because there is a price increase, this month was just swapping out the relish and grape jelly. Two favorites in our house - however we have limited the use of them tremendously over the past year! Next month will be something else and so on until we get the whole kitchen up to par.
Kinda funny to know that organic grape jelly doesn't add artificial coloring like the Kroger conventional brand does....yet it is still purple.
So friends - WHY are we putting these artificial ingredients into our bodies if we don't have too? Kinda eye opening once you start reading labels.
Take a moment to see what you are eating, what you are putting on your kids foods, and can you really live without it....go for it, I dare you. ;)
Love, love,
Jill
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Rockin' it.
My sister-in-law, Jen is detoxing!
Vitamins, diet, exercise and all....two days in and six - count them ladies - SIX pounds down. You go girl!
Vitamins, diet, exercise and all....two days in and six - count them ladies - SIX pounds down. You go girl!
Happy Birthday Adam!
Well, happy birthday...yesterday! I always like the 29 days between his birthday and mine where I can say he is the "old one"!
Here's the family....even including our first baby, Hank. When thanking God for my blessings, it's a tough call which ranks higher....my husband, or the family I have because of my husband.
Here's the family....even including our first baby, Hank. When thanking God for my blessings, it's a tough call which ranks higher....my husband, or the family I have because of my husband.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
PLEASE READ
A recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarksers and Prevention found that individuals who consume two or more soft drinks a week had nearly twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared with those who don't drink sodas. Pancreatic cancer is rare, but LETHAL, because it is seldom detected in early stages, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Natural Awakenings: June 2010
Natural Awakenings: June 2010
Eating healthy = Expensive????
NO WAY! Ok friends, this one really gets to me.....even though I use to say the exact same thing two years ago. Since then I have learned the TRUTH. Eating Healthy can actually SAVE you money!!!!! Here are some short facts I have learned over the year:
1. Produce can be more expensive if bought organic. But organic is not always necessary if the research is done.
2. Eating healthy means not only adding fresh produce to your grocery cart (which is where most see the expensive part), BUT it means NOT putting junk in your cart!!! Junk like preservatives, things containing artificial colors, artificial flavors, and chemicals. HELLO!! In other words don't buy mac n cheese, frozen pizzas, ice cream, pop, Little Debbies, etc....take the money and get healthy items!
3. It's ALL about choices when going out to eat.
4. Lets see.....compare this friends:
$100 pair of running shoes, $200 detox kit, eating healthy = $300 and no hormone issues, no polyps, no endometrious AND pregnant
OR
$8000+ in fertility treatments, 5 surgeries in 6 years for polyps/endometrious where insurance covered very little because of "specialty doctor", $!!! spent on trying to treat hormone issues over and over and over = TONS of money and NOT pregnant.
5. A quote from my fav, Jamie Oliver on American health:
"I've never worked with a family of four that live on junk food that don't end up spending less eating fresh. They save an average $100-$150 a week!"
6. We are a hard core Dave Ramsey family - my wallet even has the envelopes inside it! For the past several months our grocery/food/eating out envelope has been $420 for this family. In the transition to eating healthy, I have NEVER ran out of money except for the one month Adam did his detox which is an extreme case of speciality meals. Never. Never go over. We now drink only organic milk, eat only organic chicken, and buy fresh produce every week...majority organic.
So eating healthy expensive...NOPE, sorry friends that is just another excuse. Come on, this is your life, your child's life, your grandkid's life. Go ahead try to put a price on that. You'll never win that argument with me.
Just a little fired up,
Jill
Oh, and by the way...When pregnant with Emma five years ago I was on progesterone shots once a week. Insurance did not cover the med or all the needles and syringes. This pregnancy, absolutely ZERO drugs needed. Love it.
1. Produce can be more expensive if bought organic. But organic is not always necessary if the research is done.
2. Eating healthy means not only adding fresh produce to your grocery cart (which is where most see the expensive part), BUT it means NOT putting junk in your cart!!! Junk like preservatives, things containing artificial colors, artificial flavors, and chemicals. HELLO!! In other words don't buy mac n cheese, frozen pizzas, ice cream, pop, Little Debbies, etc....take the money and get healthy items!
3. It's ALL about choices when going out to eat.
4. Lets see.....compare this friends:
$100 pair of running shoes, $200 detox kit, eating healthy = $300 and no hormone issues, no polyps, no endometrious AND pregnant
OR
$8000+ in fertility treatments, 5 surgeries in 6 years for polyps/endometrious where insurance covered very little because of "specialty doctor", $!!! spent on trying to treat hormone issues over and over and over = TONS of money and NOT pregnant.
5. A quote from my fav, Jamie Oliver on American health:
"I've never worked with a family of four that live on junk food that don't end up spending less eating fresh. They save an average $100-$150 a week!"
6. We are a hard core Dave Ramsey family - my wallet even has the envelopes inside it! For the past several months our grocery/food/eating out envelope has been $420 for this family. In the transition to eating healthy, I have NEVER ran out of money except for the one month Adam did his detox which is an extreme case of speciality meals. Never. Never go over. We now drink only organic milk, eat only organic chicken, and buy fresh produce every week...majority organic.
So eating healthy expensive...NOPE, sorry friends that is just another excuse. Come on, this is your life, your child's life, your grandkid's life. Go ahead try to put a price on that. You'll never win that argument with me.
Just a little fired up,
Jill
Oh, and by the way...When pregnant with Emma five years ago I was on progesterone shots once a week. Insurance did not cover the med or all the needles and syringes. This pregnancy, absolutely ZERO drugs needed. Love it.
Monday, June 7, 2010
11:00 am, just came in from outside....
....my four year old daughter asks for a snack. I ask her what she wants. Jumping and clapping she says, "A PLUM A PLUM!".....keep in mind, there is a whole sack of candy from a birthday party sitting on the table.
I LOVE THAT GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE THAT GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Loving my children.
EAT NUTRIENTS, NOT TOXINS
Organic foods are a healthier choice—and in more than one way. Studies show some organic foods are higher in antioxidants and cancer-fighting nutrients, such as conjugated linoleic acid. They're also healthier because they contain fewer chemicals. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers analyzed urine samples of children who ate a chemical food diet and then samples from the same children after eating an organic diet. They found far fewer chemicals in the children's urine the same day they switched to an organic diet—and a return to high levels when they went back to a chemical diet.
read the rest of this VERY interesting article at
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-300--13505-1-1-2,00.html
Organic foods are a healthier choice—and in more than one way. Studies show some organic foods are higher in antioxidants and cancer-fighting nutrients, such as conjugated linoleic acid. They're also healthier because they contain fewer chemicals. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers analyzed urine samples of children who ate a chemical food diet and then samples from the same children after eating an organic diet. They found far fewer chemicals in the children's urine the same day they switched to an organic diet—and a return to high levels when they went back to a chemical diet.
read the rest of this VERY interesting article at
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-300--13505-1-1-2,00.html
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
If you can't run, just paddle.
Some people run for four hours....I paddled. That's right my friends, a four hour canoe trip up the Wildcat River. My brother just bought a new canoe and borrowed a couple extra from friends so the whole family could share in the excitement. All in all, a fun trip and the kids were absolutely lovin' it...however was glad to have my feet on land at the finish line too! .....and yes, I'm wearing pigtails. ;)
Check out my crew...we make a good team. :)
And here is the cutest river rat of them all.....she had a blast, that crazy gal.
Check out my crew...we make a good team. :)
And here is the cutest river rat of them all.....she had a blast, that crazy gal.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I . AM . STOKED .
Just ordered from Amerihealth Chiropractic in Powell OH, not one...but TWO purification kits!!! One for my brother and the other for his wife. They are starting Monday....oh man, this is goin' be good. -ahh-
FYI - Amerihealth will drop ship anywhere for just $5! Just tell them Jill sent ya! :)
Thanks Dr. Moore!!!!
FYI - Amerihealth will drop ship anywhere for just $5! Just tell them Jill sent ya! :)
Thanks Dr. Moore!!!!
ANYONE can run.....ANYone.
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/find-a-workout/yes-you-can-run/article/bed915051df58210VgnVCM10000030281eac____?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-06012010-_-fitness-_-Yes,%20YOU%20Can%20Run
Friday, May 28, 2010
Summer Grilling getting Safer!
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
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
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
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