Eating for the Good Life

I just love it when inspiration hits that you just know is heaven sent. It happened to me again last month. During yet another sleepless night that prompting came to watch “Paid Programming.” This is the second time I was inspired to watch “Paid Programming.” The first is a great story but for a different time.

It fascinates me when this feeling comes because I am quite adverse to watching any “Paid Programming.” I sort of have a code against the programming for many reasons but four quickly jump to my mind:

1. They’re trying desperately to make a sale.
2. The products are overpriced.
3. They say whatever they must to make said sale.
4. The majority of programming is for weight loss or exercise showing bodies that are for the most part, beyond reach.

So after the prompting (it only took one), like a dutiful child, I turned to the channel. Imagine my delight when the discussion lead by Hugh Downs was on The World’s Greatest Treasury of Health Secrets by Bottom Line Publications.

This newly expanded volume boasts 563 pages with notable authors such as Dr. Joyce Brothers, Nobel Prize winners such as Louis J. Ignarro, distinguished professors and doctors, medical directors, Pulitzer Prize winners, psychiatrists, authors—you get the idea.

I KNEW I was to get this volume in my home. I was concerned about the price. Would it be over $80? Imagine my happy surprise when I found it would be HALF that–$39.95. And to sweeten the deal, they throw in two 62-page booklets for free: Why Doctors DON’T Get Sick and 100 Most Common Medical Blunders…and How to Avoid Them All!

At checkout I chose to purchase Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments (304 pages) for—hold on to your hats—the amazing price of $4.95. Concern #2 above was completely obliterated!

They arrived at my home this very day and I am completely enthralled with them! Finally, resources that empower each of us for healthy living!

I quickly dove into my Common Cures copy. Just look what you find in the introduction alone:

Acupressure
Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Chiropractic Care
Craniosacral Therapy
Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Naturopathy
Oriental Medicine
The Pilates Method
Reflexology
Rolfing Therapy
Therapeutic Touch
Visualization and Guided Imagery
Yoga
A Note About Alternative Treatments

Chapter One discusses “Staying Young, Staying Fit” with topics from Alzheimer’s Disease, Hearing Loss, Immunity, Memory Loss, Sexual Matters to Skin Problems with dozens in between.

Chapter Two talks about “Treatments for Everyday Ailments” such as abscesses and sores, back pain, constipation, fevers to insomnia, sexual concerns, snoring to warts and whiplash.

Chapter Three is “Especially for Women” addressing asthma to yeast infections.

Chapter Four is focused “Especially for Men” with topics starting with baldness to testicular cancer.

Chapter Five is “Money-Wise Ways to Wellness” discussing among others, Insurance, Health Care, Medical Records and Medical Supplies.

There are several pages devoted to Online Resources as well.

I love this easy reference guide!

My two teenagers have been complaining lately about dandruff. Listen to this common and practical advice:

Homemade Hot-Oil Treatment

This hot-oil treatment for parched hair also softens dry, cracked nails and cuticles.

1. Fill a one-ounce dropper bottle with avocado and jojoba oils.
2. Add 10 to 15 drops of any of the following essential oils: Lavender, rosemary, lemon, juniper, rosewood, sandalwood, geranium, orange or ylang-ylang.
3. Close the bottle and place it in a mug of freshly boiled water for several minutes.
4. Apply 2 to 3 dropperfuls of the hot oil to the hair and massage into scalp.

Leave the treatment in for 20 minutes, then shampoo out. For nails, massage one drop into each cuticle and over the nail bed.

And another suggestion:

Simply combine 1 part standard mouthwash with 10 parts tap water, and apply the mixture after shampooing. Massage it into your scalp, then leave it on. Your scalp will improve—and your hair won’t be left sticky.

Isn’t that great? That’s something we can all do with ingredients we probably have already and no harsh chemicals. (I’ll have to purchase jojoba oil but it’s something I’ve wanted anyway.)

Here’s the URL for these Bottom Line Health Books:

https://tvz.healthsecrets.com/index.cfm

Or you may reach them by phone:

Orders: 1-800-685-9371

Let me know what you think of your copy!

I have transcribed this fantastic recipe from the YouTube video for your convenience. (The video is fun to watch, however, but you can skip the first 40 seconds if desired.) This recipe is healthy, delicious, quick and easy. I highly recommend this treat!

Fast Easy Raw Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

What you will need:

Food processer
Blender

Ingredients:

20-30 strawberries
3 handfulls of your favorite nuts
One handful of dates
Two tablespoons honey (or agave)
Two dashes of sea salt
A dash of olive oil

Put nuts in a DRY blender.
Add a dash of salt and grind to a powder.
Pit dates and put in the processor. Process until mushy.
Add ground nuts to processor and dates. Process a bit.
Add a spoonful of honey (or agave). Process until soft and doughy.

Transfer “cake” into a large bowl.
Put a big handful of strawberries into food processor.
Process until chunky.

Put the rest of the strawberries in blender.
Add a spoonful of honey (or agave).
Add dash of olive oil.
Blend until creamy.

Add processed strawberries (the chunky ones). (Do NOT blend.)
Pour strawberries over the cake and mix together.
Serves 4-6 (maybe!)
ENJOY!

I love smoothies in the morning, in the evening, any old time! They are quick, delicious, healthy and easy. They’re good for a treat, for sensitive tummies, for times when you want something to eat but don’t know quite what.

This is my favorite smoothie. I’m known to take my blender to Girl’s Camp just so I can have it!

Breakfast Lunch Anytime Vegan Protein Smoothie

1 banana (fresh or frozen)
4-6 frozen strawberries
1-1 ½ c. Rice Milk (soy milk or nut milk may be substituted)
2 tablespoons Coconut Milk if desired
Dash of Agave (skip if using coconut milk)
1 scoop NutriBiotic Vegan Rice Protein Powder (chocolate, vanilla, plain, berry)

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

My choice for protein powder is NutriBiotic Vegan Rice Powder. It is made of whole brown rice, natural enzymes and pure filtered water. No chemicals are used. It is highly soluble and can be mixed in water or juice.

My favorite source for the protein powder is All Health Trends. They have the cheapest prices I’ve found plus they charge $2 shipping no matter how much is ordered. I usually receive my order within 2-3 working days.

They can be found on eBay at:

http://stores.ebay.com/AllHealthTrends

I made this vegan/vegetarian recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner for my extended family. It was a big hit with my non-vegan relatives. Many thanked me for bringing such a delicious and healthy salad! (The cauliflower takes on a very slight green tint from the avocado but it is still pleasing to the eye.)

Fresh Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad

1 bunch broccoli
1 head cauliflower
1 pkg. frozen peas
1 bunch green onions
2/3 c. guacamole dressing mixed with 1/3 c. water

Wash and cut or break broccoli and cauliflower in very small pieces into a large salad bowl. Clean green onions and cut into small pieces. Toss together. Add thinned guacamole dressing. Yields: 20-1/2 c. servings

Dressing:

2 ripe avocados
1 t. lemon juice
1/2 t. salt
1/3 fresh tomato
2 t. chopped onion

Blend all ingredients until smooth; or mash avocado with seasonings and finely chopped tomato and onion. Add a dash garlic salt if desired. Chill, covered. Great as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, chip dip, or on veggies! Yields: 2-cups dressing.

Disclaimer—Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but the information herein contained is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. The reader is encouraged to take full responsibility to be educated on the usage of Essential Oils. This is a guide only is not meant to dispense medical advice or treatment for any medical problem.

Warning—The information herein has NOT been approved or evaluated by the F.D.A., the A.M.A. or any Federal Agency. If you are suffering from any disease or illness, it is recommended that you contact your health care professional.

The information contained in this Guide is intended for educational purposes only.

(GRAS–Generally Regarded As Safe)

Ajowan Seed- for tummy troubles (gas, diarrhea, nausea)

Angelica Root – for lungs and bronchial tubes

Anise Seed (GRAS) – has estrogen-like properties. May be beneficial to induce menstruation, ease painful periods and menopausal problems. Avoid in pregnancy until delivery.

Artemesia – uteran tonic

Balsam (wild from Peru) – Dilute in carrier oil and use on skin for eczema, chapping, dryness, ringworm, diaper rash, cracked nipples, or scabies.

Basil (GRAS) – use for memory, concentration, and mental fatigue. Also may be helpful for migraines.

Bay Leaf (GRAS) – good for general aches and pains (sprains, rheumatism, toothache)

Bergamot – Restores feelings of joy and love to heal emotional wounds.

Birch Bark – for inflammation and pain reduction. Important: Cleanse the liver often when using this oil because toxic build-up in the liver.

Blue Tansy – Thymus stimulant. Avoid during pregnancy.

Cajeput (GRAS) – for sore and aching muscles.

Calamus – helps the brain and nervous system. May be helpful for memory loss and epilepsy.

Cardamom (GRAS) - for urinary problems such as urinary retention.

Carrot Seed (GRAS) - for skin care (toning, revitalizing, wrinkles and mature skin.) Also good for rashes and psoriasis.

Cedarwood – good for hair and skin. Helps control dandruff, acne, psoriasis, oily skin, and boils.

Celery Seed (GRAS) – For hemorrhoids. Wonderful in soups, sauces and salads. Avoid during pregnancy.

Chamomile – for allergies and stress relief.

Cinnamon Bark (GRAS) - for circulation and strengthening the heart.

Citronella – This insect repellant is said to be 500 times more powerful than DEET.

Clary Sage – May help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Clove Bud (GRAS) – Infectious diseases

Coriander (GRAS) – helps to curb drug addiction

Cumin (GRAS) – Thyroid stimulant

Cypress – may improve circulation in the lungs and body

Dill Seed (GRAS) – may help lower glucose levels

Elemi – for fungal growth

Eucalyptus Radiata (GRAS) – Best immune-boosting oil

Fennel Seed (GRAS) – Supports digestive system (May assist with constipation, gas, vomiting, and intestinal spasms.)

Fir Needle – Muscular aches and pains

Frankincense (Wild) (GRAS) – This oil was brought to the Christ child. Frankincense is best known for its skin-healing properties, but it may also heal emotional wounds and aid with depression. This soothing oil is a meditation aid, which increases spiritual awareness.

GRAS–Generally Regarded as Safe

Geranium (GRAS) – This oil “sutures” both physical and emotional wounds.

Ginger Root (GRAS) – May help regulate blood pressure. May help with bruising.

Grapefruit (Pink and White) (GRAS) – Stimulates gall bladder.

I hope you have found this information useful. There are many resources devoted to detailed education on essential oils. I recommend further study for many more uses of these oils.