April 2012 Monthly Challenge – Plant a Garden!

Gone are the days when we can trust where our food comes from.  Today, it is imperative to know who has grown, raised and prepared our food.  In order to determine this, we must read labels and ask questions.  If we want total control, no questions asked, we must grow our own food like our ancestors did.  Yes, growing your own food does take a bit of work, but only if we view it as such.  Gardening is very therapeutic and rewarding.  How cool would it be to head out to the garden at lunchtime and pick your own lunch!  A freshly picked fruit or vegetable has the most nutrients; you can almost taste the sunshine.

April is the perfect time to begin your summer garden.  Here is what I would like you to do each week:

(Week 1)  Purchase you seeds.  The best place to purchase your seeds is at your local health food store.  Most stores, including Whole Foods, already have seed packets available for sale.  Of course, you can also order your seeds online.  My favorite place is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (http://rareseeds.com/).  All of their seeds are pure, natural and Non-GMO.  What seeds should you order?  Why a rainbow of course!  In addition to purchasing your seeds, please buy seed starting kits and organic potting soil.  These items can be purchased at your local home improvement store. 

(Week2)  Read the back of each seed packet and begin indoor seeds.   Make a list so you know which seeds will sow directly into the ground and which ones need to be started indoors.  Fill all seed starting kits with soil and plant all indoor seeds such as tomatoes, cucumber, peppers etc.  Make sure you mark each plant carefully so there is no confusion later on.  Mist with spray bottle and place in a sunny warm window.  I start my seeds with the protected clear covering to keep them moist and warm.  This is a great and fun project you can do with your children.  You can ask them to check it daily and provide water if the soil gets too dry.

(Week3)  Clean out last year’s garden.  This can be a huge job depending on the size of your garden.  It is a good idea to weed, turn the soil and add fresh compost.  If you don’t have a garden, this is a time to designate a small area and make one.  There are numerous videos and articles of instruction on how to make your own garden.  If you have no space at all, please look into container gardening.  Growing pots can be purchased at your local home improvement store.  I read an article once where someone, who had absolutely no room to plant a garden, took some gutters and screwed them onto the side of their house.  They filled them with dirt and voila a garden!  There is no excuse!  You can find a way to do it!

(Week4)  This is the perfect time to begin planting outdoors.  Lettuce, kale and some herbs can be safely planted at this time.  Please look at the back of your seed packet for specific instructions.

Watch your indoor seeds grow and become miniature plants.  Once the danger of frost has passed, usually around Mother’s Day, you can safely plant your indoor plants outdoors.  In addition, this is the time to sow your remaining seed packets outdoors.  Please watch for weeds, as they can choke your plants.  Taking care of a garden is a daily activity, however, it won’t take up too much time if you get family members involved or just plain old relax and enjoy it!

Hospital Food – Don’t Eat It!

My brother John....lol

People always ask me if I miss eating sweets such as ice cream, cookies, cakes, etc.  I can honestly tell you that I don’t.  I ate my fair share in my youth.  I was lucky enough to be able to eat whatever I wanted and not gain a pound.  Just like I wouldn’t want to repeat High School, I wouldn’t want to go back to eating sweets.   “Been there, done that.”  I now look at those types of foods and many others as poison.  Why would I want to ingest poison?  I love the way I feel each day when I eat an abundance of organically grown whole foods.  This type of food is what we all need to keep our bodies strong and protect them from getting ill.  If we don’t get the protected elements (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) we can wind up sick – enough to be hospitalized. 

A hospital cafeteria

When you are sick, you need extra nutrition and good quality protein to heal.  Actually, depending on the illness, light foods such as broth may be needed to give the body the ability to heal and gain strength.  Often times we eat three meals out of habit, which is not necessary or desirable when we are ill.  The body should not be constantly digesting food when sick.  If you give digestion a rest, in conjunction with sleep, the body will concentrate on fixing itself.  Since most conventional doctors do not have nutritional education backgrounds, they lack this simple knowledge and give people the wrong advice, to “eat up.”  To make the situation even worse, the patient is stuck eating hospital foods, which are worse than our school lunches.  I particularly cannot believe when a doctor prescribes “light” foods, such as jello.  

A hospital cafeteria

My Dad spent over a month in three different hospitals last December/January.  As a consequence, I spent a lot of time there.  What an eye opener!  Hippocrates built his first hospital by a stream so he can grow watercress because he was aware of the beneficial and healing properties of the plant.  Do you know what was given to my Father?  ENSURE….AS IN ENSURE SICKNESS…

Here are the ingredients on the bottle:  water, corn maltodextrin, sugar, milk protein concentrate, canola oil, soy protein concentrate, corn oil, short chain fructooligosaccharides: Less than 0.5% of:  whey protein concentrate, natural and artificial flavors, magnesium phosphate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, soy lecithin, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt (sodium chloride) choline chloride, ascorbic acid, carrageenan sulfate, niacinamide, manganese sulfate, calcium pantothenate, cupric sulfate, vitamin A palmitate, thiamine chloride hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, folic acid, chromium chloride, biotin, sodium molybdate, sodium selenate, potassium iodide, phylloquinone, vitamin d3 and cyanocobalamin.

Seriously, have you ever looked closely at a hospital menu?  Yikes!  It’s frightening!  If you have a loved one in the hospital, do him/her a favor and BRING FOOD!  I brought my Dad fruit and salads daily and my Mom cooked and brought him most of his meals.  I’m sure it was one of the reasons why he recuperated so quickly from an illness that takes people much longer to recover from.  If the hospital has a window that opens, open it!  Fresh air will circulate oxygen to the body which is also mandatory for health.  By doing these suggestions, you will help your loved one to regain strength and heal much quicker. 

A hospital cafeteria

If you have to be in the hospital visiting a sick friend or family member, “bring your own food.”  The hospital cafeterias have nothing healthy in them!

New this week:

My video on rebounding!

I have also become Vision Board Certified!  Thank you to Joyce Schwartz for teaching me the techniques to help people reach their goals and dreams.

http://www.visionboardinstitute.com/

Food, Sex & Politics

Goddess Ariadne - I was almost named Ariadne, except my Mom was worried people would call me "Ari"

If someone tells you that what you eat has nothing to do with your sex drive or function, he/she is speaking through complete ignorance.  The connection between what you eat and sex is closely linked, however, few people realize this.  Today we are told that a simple trip to the doctor will solve all your troubles.   “Just take this pill” is the remedy for sexual dysfunction.  Sure, a pill can stimulate your circulation by pumping the blood into extraneous organs.  The doctor told you so!  Your mind then believes that a pill can solve your troubles when in fact the pill is nothing but a placebo.  It’s your mind that believes the pill will work and then it does.  If you take Viagra or some other stimulating pill, how about believing it doesn’t work and see what happens.

Now, let’s look at the cause and not the effect of the trouble.  I will discuss today one cause, which is lack of  ”NUTRIENTS.”  Foods may be said to effect sex in two main ways (1) by simulating or deadening desire and, (2) by influencing general health and vigor.  Vitamins, minerals and protein are essential for normal sexual function.  All are equally important.  This is why it is crucial to eat a balanced diet consisting of whole foods in their natural state.   Nature has provided an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables nuts and seeds each season that will keep the body in its highest form of working order.  Did you know that tomatoes, rich in Vitamins A and C were known at one point as “love apples?”   Or are you aware that artichokes and asparagus produce stimulating effects on the urinary passages of the body?

Spices also awaken sexual desire.  The ancient Phoenicians (can you believe 1500 BC – 300 BC) used saffron as a love spice.  Additionally, Cleopatra used saffron in her bath to enhance her sexuality.  (I cannot wait to try this in my next bath…lol)   Cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and peppermint are other well-known spice excitants. 

Meat is stimulating and can enhance sexual vigor.  Meat, eggs and fish (from grass-fed animals) contain first rate proteins.  Just be careful because a little bit of animal protein goes a long way.  I do not recommend eating large quantities of animal foods.   Potency and fertility depend greatly upon the amount and quality of food eaten.

Malnutrition plays a huge role in fertility.  In fact, if one wanted to decrease the population, it can easily be done by manipulating the food supply.  How many of you remember learning about the severe food restrictions imposed by the Nazi’s upon subject peoples?  These were designed in large measure to rob people of potency, among other things.  Eugenics, a movement concerned with human evolution, desires to see people with good health, high intelligence and character evolving and people with lower IQ’s and socio-economic status declining.  A way to decrease the general population is by limiting its access to quality nutrients while increasing the levels of chemicals in the body.  The effect of which is both infertility and disease.  The amount of chemicals in our foods, the decline of fertile soils, and the inability to find clean/pure water in combination with the amount of medication prescribed and consumed today has created a “diseased” society instead of a society of health and vigor, which is necessary for an evolved species.  Is the government and big business our friend or foe?  That’s not a determination I can stipulate based on subjective information and hearsay.  However, allowing carcinogens into our food supply certainly makes you go hmmmm……

I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important quality foods are to the body.  Sexual interest naturally declines with fatigue and lack of vitality.  In order to maintain peek effectiveness, please eat a balanced diet of organically grown fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds as well as small bits of protein from quality sources.  *This is especially important if you are planning on having children.*

"The World's Healthiest Foods" George Mateljan

REFERENCES

http://www.magialuna.net/goda.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariadne

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fresh-ideas/dinner-food-facts/tomato-called-a-love-apple1.htm

http://www.deepspirits.com/natural-world/herbalist-essentials/s/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia

http://www.eugenics.net/papers/caseforeugenics.html

Macfadden, Bernarr, “ Macfadden’s Encyclopedia of Physical Culture,”  Macfadden Publications, Inc., New York: 1926

IBW March 2012 Monthly Challenge

Instead of my babbling about this and that, I decided to try something new with my readers.  I am introducing a monthly challenge that you can participate in along with me.  The challenge will be fun and interactive!  I cannot wait to hear your comments and experiences.   The topic will be something I select at random in the health and wellness realm.  Here is the challenge for the rest of March….

I want you to try one new grain per week.

The wonderful world of Teff!

Grains are carbohydrates that are packed with nutrition.  Before you scream, “Not a carbohydrate!” please understand that carbohydrates have been central to cultures around the world for thousands of years.  Unrefined carbohydrates, those that have NOT been stripped of their nutritional value, are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet and are necessary for better health.  Whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, bran, wheat germ and fiber, which are necessary to keep the body full of energy as well as to sweep the digestive tract.  Please note what I mean by “Whole Grain” does NOT include the “supposed” Whole Grains in your cereals or any type of processed foods.  Here is a list of the acceptable grains that are included in the challenge: 

Amaranth

Barley

Buckwheat

Bulgur

Farro

Kamut

Kasha

Millet

Quinoa

Sorghum

Spelt

Teff

Wild Rice

Nope…this is not another language!  Are you intrigued?  First you’re probably wondering where to purchase these grains.  Most of you should have a local health food store within the vicinity of your home.  If it does not carry a particular grain, ask!  The store can probably order it for you.  When all else fails, you can always find these grains online.   Just do a search of the particular grain you would like to try.  Here is one site:   http://www.homegrownharvest.com/organicgrains-2lbs.html

My guess is that you thought I have tried all of these grains.  Well, I haven’t!  So this week I decided to try Teff.  Honestly, I absolutely loved it!  I did not expect that at all.  I made grain porridge, following the recipe on the Bob’s Red Mill Bag, for breakfast.  In addition to a piece of fruit, I have eaten this porridge every day this week.  Here’s a bit of information on Teff from “The World’s Healthiest Foods, by George Matelijan”…

“A tiny grain that plays a large role in Ethiopian cuisine, Teff is a type of millet that has a sweet flavor.  It can be used to make baked goods or cooked like oatmeal.  It is especially rich in minerals, such as iron and calcium.”  I just want to add that Teff is gluten free!

Please leave comments as to what grains you wish to try and the results.  I would love to hear your feedback.  Next on my list is Amaranth…..

REFERENCES

http://www.bobsredmill.com/

http://www.homegrownharvest.com/organicgrains-2lbs.html

Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Mateljan, George, “The World’s Healthiest Foods, George Mateljan Foundation, Seattle Washington; 2007.

For more information on my program, visit http://www.innerbeautyworkshops.com/ or email christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com.

“I’ll never stop my entire life!”

So proud of what I have accomplished....

When I was in New York City recently waiting in Penn Station for the announcement of my train track, I overheard a woman talking on her cell phone.  She was standing so close; I could hear every word.  She was conveying a story that happened to her.  Here's what she said...

There was a young Mom walking on the sidewalk with a boy around 5 years old.  The boy ran ahead of her and the Mom became distressed.  She yelled out, “STOP!” to her young child.  The boy turned around and screamed out, “I’LL NEVER STOP MY ENTIRE LIFE!”

I love those words, “I’ll never stop my entire life.”  What great insight coming from a 5 year old child.  It’s amazing what we can learn from children.  They can mutter something so innocently yet it can have a huge impact on us, as it did to the woman who was telling the story and to me, who was eavesdropping.  It got me to thinking how important it is to have goals and always be doing something that we love.  If we enjoy what we are doing from day-to-day, we would never want to stop what we were doing.  We should all be striving to be our very best, both at home and in the workplace.  Tackling life’s daily challenges with enthusiasm and spirit will propel us forward.  If we don’t take this attitude, our days will be nothing but drudgery.  

As we strive in life to obtain some goal or objective, we must always remember not to quit.  The road is definitely not going to be easy, it will have its challenges, but we must meet each and every one of them if we want to succeed.  I have had many days since I first started this business that I wanted to quit.  The reason is why most people give up, which is not seeing immediate results.  We live in a society where we thrive on immediate gratification.  If we don’t see results quick enough, we want to throw in the towel.  It usually takes years and years of hard work and effort to obtain high reaching goals.  We must persevere. 

I remember expressing my views to a friend and she said, “Don’t quit, you may be three feet from gold.” That advice helped as well as watching a video from Donald Trump.  I couldn’t find the exact video, but found this one instead.  I’m sure you’ll get the point.

Don’t worry….”I’ll never stop my entire life!”  I have big dreams and far reaching goals.  My hope is that you do as well and never use quitting as an option.  One must always remember that it’s the journey, not the destination which brings the most reward.  So as Donald Trump says, “If you’re going to think, you might as well think BIG,” and, while you’re at it, “Never stop.”



"An Aunt Christine sandwich!"



Kids say the darnest things!

For more information on my program, visit http://www.innerbeautyworkshops.com/ or email christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com.