Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 Ears of Corn
- 2 Tbsp Natures Balance Butter
- 3 Scallions - chopped
- 1 Poblano Pepper – seeded and chopped
- 6 Sprigs Cilantro – leaves only, chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/4 Lime
Friday, July 16, 2010
Chili-Lime Corn saute
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lyme thought for today.....
Yesterday I had to go for my bi-monthly blood draw. While I was checking in the person answering the phone had multiple calls and every single one was regarding Lyme tests….so obviously my little antennas shot up and my curiosity got the best of me. I asked if they have seen an increase in Lyme tests. The response I got was…”You have no idea…I think that’s all we are testing for anymore.”
The door then opened and I was greeted by a man who has done my blood draws a number of times over the course of the last 3 years. He is a person who stands out in my memory of my worst moments because of his kindness and understanding. He held my hand through some rough moments. His face lit up and he said “Well look at you!! You look so strong and healthy and amazing!”….and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It felt so good to have someone acknowledge how far I had come.
As we went through the process of finding a vein that would cooperate (easier said than done anymore) we chatted about Lyme and he mentioned he no longer goes outside. He has seen too much and while he is not a doctor he has been deeply affected by many of us that have been affected by this awful disease. He looked me in the eyes and said “You are lucky…You are alive…not everyone has been so fortunate.” His friend died last year. They diagnosed him with ALS but was later diagnosed with Lyme…at that point it was too late and treatment wasn’t an option because insurance wouldn’t pay for it and the family ran out of funds. His friend was 37 years old and left behind a wife and a his young daughter.
I couldn’t help but cry sitting in that chair with him…because you see…that man was my IV buddy for several months. We had identical symptoms and almost identical treatments….so every week we would sit together at the doctors office for hours on end receiving our medications and IV. I held his baby daughter…my mother bonded with his wife…they would take turns getting us our lunches and taking care of us while at the doctors so the other could get something done. He became my friend in that moment in time….when we were both trapped and couldn’t verbalize what was happening to us. He was someone I could sit next to and look at and know….He understood my pain and fear.
I am still struggling with this…I have thought of him often. Why did I respond to treatment? Why didn’t he? I hate that money is what makes treatment available…why should only those with a large bank account survive this nightmare? I feel guilty…and often wonder why me?? How do I make this into a positive change in my life? How do I honor my IV buddy?? Was his cause of death really ALS or was it really Lyme??
Last night I said a prayer for him and his family…and the only comfort I take from this is knowing he is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. If there is a God…I pray that he was accepted with warm loving arms on the other side. He deserves nothing less.
The door then opened and I was greeted by a man who has done my blood draws a number of times over the course of the last 3 years. He is a person who stands out in my memory of my worst moments because of his kindness and understanding. He held my hand through some rough moments. His face lit up and he said “Well look at you!! You look so strong and healthy and amazing!”….and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It felt so good to have someone acknowledge how far I had come.
As we went through the process of finding a vein that would cooperate (easier said than done anymore) we chatted about Lyme and he mentioned he no longer goes outside. He has seen too much and while he is not a doctor he has been deeply affected by many of us that have been affected by this awful disease. He looked me in the eyes and said “You are lucky…You are alive…not everyone has been so fortunate.” His friend died last year. They diagnosed him with ALS but was later diagnosed with Lyme…at that point it was too late and treatment wasn’t an option because insurance wouldn’t pay for it and the family ran out of funds. His friend was 37 years old and left behind a wife and a his young daughter.
I couldn’t help but cry sitting in that chair with him…because you see…that man was my IV buddy for several months. We had identical symptoms and almost identical treatments….so every week we would sit together at the doctors office for hours on end receiving our medications and IV. I held his baby daughter…my mother bonded with his wife…they would take turns getting us our lunches and taking care of us while at the doctors so the other could get something done. He became my friend in that moment in time….when we were both trapped and couldn’t verbalize what was happening to us. He was someone I could sit next to and look at and know….He understood my pain and fear.
I am still struggling with this…I have thought of him often. Why did I respond to treatment? Why didn’t he? I hate that money is what makes treatment available…why should only those with a large bank account survive this nightmare? I feel guilty…and often wonder why me?? How do I make this into a positive change in my life? How do I honor my IV buddy?? Was his cause of death really ALS or was it really Lyme??
Last night I said a prayer for him and his family…and the only comfort I take from this is knowing he is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. If there is a God…I pray that he was accepted with warm loving arms on the other side. He deserves nothing less.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Farmer's Market tips
If you are new to visiting your local Farmer’s Market….I have a few tips and ideas that will make your trip a little smoother….
1. Try to go early. It usually means less crowds and more options. If you opt to go later in the day you may find that farmer’s have either run out of items or the produce has already been picked over.
2. BYOB - Please remember to bring your own bags! Most of the farmers do have some on hand but bringing your own is easier for everyone and is the most eco-friendly way to go!
3. Be adventurous. Of course you should buy your staple items but don’t be afraid to try something new. In season fruits and veggies are the way to go…so take advantage of the new and unusual. If you are unsure of what something is or how to prepare, just ask. The folks who grow usually have tons of ideas for cooking!
4. Bring Cash. I have never been to a farmers market that has accepts check or credit cards…so make sure to hit up the ATM machine prior to you market visit. It will make your life much easier in the long run!
5 .Buy your eggs, fish, milk, cheese and meat products. When you purchase the items from local markets you are cutting down on environmental impact. Plus…these items taste so much better when they go from farm to table.
6. Leave your pets home. Most markets have laws they need to follow to maintain operation. This includes no animals. As much fun as it is to bring your dog out for the morning…they usually are not allowed into markets which leaves the poor pooches sitting in very hot and uncomfortable cars.
7. Don’t haggle. I know it’s fun to go to a market and haggle over prices but leave it for the flea markets. The farmers set their prices for a reason…they have costs and overhead and not a lot of room left to negotiate. Sorry hagglers!
8. Samples. Everyone loves samples…so don’t be afraid to try them. You never know what sort of item may inspire you…so try the samples. If you like it…buy it!
9. Shop around first. I always do a lap of the market before making my purchase. I see what’s there…what looks the best….who has the best prices…..then go back and make my purchase. I’m usually on some kind of budget so and in the past have spent my budget to only get to the end of the market and realize I am out of cash but desperately want something. What a disappointment!!
1. Try to go early. It usually means less crowds and more options. If you opt to go later in the day you may find that farmer’s have either run out of items or the produce has already been picked over.
2. BYOB - Please remember to bring your own bags! Most of the farmers do have some on hand but bringing your own is easier for everyone and is the most eco-friendly way to go!
3. Be adventurous. Of course you should buy your staple items but don’t be afraid to try something new. In season fruits and veggies are the way to go…so take advantage of the new and unusual. If you are unsure of what something is or how to prepare, just ask. The folks who grow usually have tons of ideas for cooking!
4. Bring Cash. I have never been to a farmers market that has accepts check or credit cards…so make sure to hit up the ATM machine prior to you market visit. It will make your life much easier in the long run!
5 .Buy your eggs, fish, milk, cheese and meat products. When you purchase the items from local markets you are cutting down on environmental impact. Plus…these items taste so much better when they go from farm to table.
6. Leave your pets home. Most markets have laws they need to follow to maintain operation. This includes no animals. As much fun as it is to bring your dog out for the morning…they usually are not allowed into markets which leaves the poor pooches sitting in very hot and uncomfortable cars.
7. Don’t haggle. I know it’s fun to go to a market and haggle over prices but leave it for the flea markets. The farmers set their prices for a reason…they have costs and overhead and not a lot of room left to negotiate. Sorry hagglers!
8. Samples. Everyone loves samples…so don’t be afraid to try them. You never know what sort of item may inspire you…so try the samples. If you like it…buy it!
9. Shop around first. I always do a lap of the market before making my purchase. I see what’s there…what looks the best….who has the best prices…..then go back and make my purchase. I’m usually on some kind of budget so and in the past have spent my budget to only get to the end of the market and realize I am out of cash but desperately want something. What a disappointment!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wonderful Watermelon
It has some pretty good health benefits too! It is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Potassium and Magnesium….whew….that’s a whole lot of goodness! Watermelon has no cholesterol, and virtually no fat….and did I mention it has concentrated sources of carotenoid lycopene? Studies have shown that watermelon has the highest sources of lycopene over any other fruit or vegetable. The Vitamin C and Vitamin A are powerful antioxidants that travel through your body neutralizing free-radicals. We all know Lymies want nothing more than to ditch those free-radicals!! Out with the bad I say and if it tastes good in the process…even better!
Ok….so if that doesn’t entice you to grab a fresh chilled slice of watermelon….I don’t know what will!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Herb list - Contain Natural Antibiotic Properties
Herbs that Contain Natural Antibiotic Qualities/Properties
The University of Colorado has uncovered certain herbs which exhibit traits and qualities that mimic antibiotic actions in the human body, which include the following:
• Allspice
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Tarragon
• Cloves
• Bay leaf
• Chili peppers
• Rosemary
• Marjoram
• Caraway seed
• Coriander
• Dill
• Basil
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Pepper
• Ginger
• Anise
• Fennel
• Mint sage
• Mustard
• Parsley
• Basil
• Coriander
The University of Colorado has uncovered certain herbs which exhibit traits and qualities that mimic antibiotic actions in the human body, which include the following:
• Allspice
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Tarragon
• Cloves
• Bay leaf
• Chili peppers
• Rosemary
• Marjoram
• Caraway seed
• Coriander
• Dill
• Basil
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Pepper
• Ginger
• Anise
• Fennel
• Mint sage
• Mustard
• Parsley
• Basil
• Coriander
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Fava Bean with Fennel Salad
Ingredients
2-3 lbs fresh fava beans (also called broad beans), yielding about 1 1/2 to 2 cups shelled beans
Salt
1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced )
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, thinly sliced
10 fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
2 scallions (green onions), sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Fava beans need to be shelled twice, first before cooking to remove the outer pod, then after cooking, to remove the tough membrane around the bean. To remove the outer pod, work over a large bowl and squeeze the bean with your fingers, bending the pod so that when it snaps, the bean inside shoots out into the bowl. Remove all the beans from their pods.
2 Add the beans to 2 quarts of boiling, salted water. Simmer the beans for a few minutes, until just tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beans from the pan and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, and to shock the beans into a bright green color. Let the beans sit in the ice water for a minute or two, then drain them and remove the outer peel.
3 In a bowl combine the freshly peeled and cooked fava beans, the sliced fennel, and onions. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Squeeze some lemon juice over the the salad (about a tablespoon), add the Parmesan and mint, and toss to mix. Garnish with fennel fronds and/or mint sprigs.
2-3 lbs fresh fava beans (also called broad beans), yielding about 1 1/2 to 2 cups shelled beans
Salt
1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced )
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, thinly sliced
10 fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
2 scallions (green onions), sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Fava beans need to be shelled twice, first before cooking to remove the outer pod, then after cooking, to remove the tough membrane around the bean. To remove the outer pod, work over a large bowl and squeeze the bean with your fingers, bending the pod so that when it snaps, the bean inside shoots out into the bowl. Remove all the beans from their pods.
2 Add the beans to 2 quarts of boiling, salted water. Simmer the beans for a few minutes, until just tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beans from the pan and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, and to shock the beans into a bright green color. Let the beans sit in the ice water for a minute or two, then drain them and remove the outer peel.
3 In a bowl combine the freshly peeled and cooked fava beans, the sliced fennel, and onions. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Squeeze some lemon juice over the the salad (about a tablespoon), add the Parmesan and mint, and toss to mix. Garnish with fennel fronds and/or mint sprigs.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Broad Spectrum
Grapefruit seed extracts main advantage is it's extraordinary ability to perform both (internally and externally) against a wide variety of known or unknown infections caused by viruses, bacteria, funguses and parasites.
Grapefruit seed extract is alkalizing.
Grapefruit seed extract helps alkalize the body. It is considered one of the most alkaline forming foods and of all fruits it is the most alkalizing. Alkalizing the body (raising pH) is one of the single most important health regeneration benefits available.
Disease cannot live in an alkaline environment within the body. It is claimed that cancer dies in a pH of 8.0. Countless other conditions are caused by an acid environment within the body. These same conditions are effectively treated by restoring the proper pH.
Grapefruit seed extracts pH is a low 2.0. Don't let this fool you as acid foods have alkaline effects on the body. The problem comes when you eat food that is acid forming such as meat, sugar and most grains. This food creates and acid environment within the body.
Most degenerative diseases are associated with your body pH. Your body pH is one of the most important aspects to consider when trying to overcome a serious illness and to maintain good health. The list of diseases caused from improper pH is a mile long. Cancer and most other diseases cannot exist in an alkaline environment. The pH of the non-deficient and healthy person is in the 7.5.
Beneficial Bacteria
Grapefruit seed extract stimulates the immune system. (According to Doctors and Veterinarians) grapefruit seed extract (at normal doses) is gentle yet preserves the integrity of your intestinal bacteria. Without these beneficial bacteria life could not be sustained.
Drug Resistant Bacteria
To date there is no evidence that any type of pathogenic microorganism has ever built up a resistance to grapefruit seed extracts active ingredient. Due to the mode of its activity it is believed that this resistance is impossible as grapefruit seed extract disrupts the organisms cytoplasmic membrane.
Grapefruit seed extracts main advantage is it's extraordinary ability to perform both (internally and externally) against a wide variety of known or unknown infections caused by viruses, bacteria, funguses and parasites.
Grapefruit seed extract is alkalizing.
Grapefruit seed extract helps alkalize the body. It is considered one of the most alkaline forming foods and of all fruits it is the most alkalizing. Alkalizing the body (raising pH) is one of the single most important health regeneration benefits available.
Disease cannot live in an alkaline environment within the body. It is claimed that cancer dies in a pH of 8.0. Countless other conditions are caused by an acid environment within the body. These same conditions are effectively treated by restoring the proper pH.
Grapefruit seed extracts pH is a low 2.0. Don't let this fool you as acid foods have alkaline effects on the body. The problem comes when you eat food that is acid forming such as meat, sugar and most grains. This food creates and acid environment within the body.
Most degenerative diseases are associated with your body pH. Your body pH is one of the most important aspects to consider when trying to overcome a serious illness and to maintain good health. The list of diseases caused from improper pH is a mile long. Cancer and most other diseases cannot exist in an alkaline environment. The pH of the non-deficient and healthy person is in the 7.5.
Beneficial Bacteria
Grapefruit seed extract stimulates the immune system. (According to Doctors and Veterinarians) grapefruit seed extract (at normal doses) is gentle yet preserves the integrity of your intestinal bacteria. Without these beneficial bacteria life could not be sustained.
Drug Resistant Bacteria
To date there is no evidence that any type of pathogenic microorganism has ever built up a resistance to grapefruit seed extracts active ingredient. Due to the mode of its activity it is believed that this resistance is impossible as grapefruit seed extract disrupts the organisms cytoplasmic membrane.
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