Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Beating seasonal affective disorder naturally is possible. As I write this, the weather is cold and gloomy and a steady rain is falling. Don’t even get me started on the fact that it gets dark at 4:30 p.m. now.  I just want to curl up and nap on the couch with my blanket and my puppy dog. Do you find yourself struggling as the days are shorter and you are exposed to less and less sunlight? It is not unusual to experience some changes in energy levels as we move into fall and winter. However if you find that your symptoms are pronounced and you are having trouble…

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How to Prevent Seasonal Mood Changes

As I write this, the weather is cold and gloomy. A steady rain is falling. Don’t even get me started on the fact that it gets dark here at 4:30 p.m., now.  I just want to hunker down and nap on the couch with my blanket and my pets.  What about you?  Do you find yourself struggling as the days are shorter and you are exposed to less and less sunlight? It is not unusual to experience some changes in energy levels as we get into wintertime. However if you find that your symptoms are pronounced and you are having trouble functioning, you might be suffering from seasonal mood imbalances. One plausible cause…

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Benefits of an Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are an integral part of the holistic home or office. I have used diffusers for years and have one in almost every room of my home and office. A diffuser will add mist and/or essential oil molecules into the air to serve your daily emotional and physical needs.  For example, if you require focus on a task, you can use Rosemary Oil, Peppermint Oil or a blend of oils such as Focus Oil Blend. Eucalyptus oil is beneficial for respiratory support and Melaleuca is a purifying oil. Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot as well as Calming Aromatherapy Blend are wonderful essential oils to calm emotions. Diffusers are a valuable…

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Asian Sautéed Vegetables with Red Palm Oil

A delicious combination of Asian-style vegetables sautéed with the taste and nutritional benefits of organic red palm oil. Ingredients: ½ cup of carrots, peeled and julienned ½ cup of red onions, medium diced ½ cup of green peppers, medium diced ½ cup of red bell peppers, medium diced ½ cup of broccoli 1 cup of mushrooms, small diced 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons of red palm oil ¼ cup of non-gmo soy sauce (or Bragg's Aminos) 1 teaspoon of ginger, finely chopped ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons of brown sugar Salt and black pepper to taste Preparation: Heat a large pan or wok over…

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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Fall is here and when we think fall flavors, pumpkin is at the top of the ingredient list.   It is a low calorie vegetable rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins. Pumpkin is one of the food items recommended by dietitians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.   It's full of vitamin A, and flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as leutein, xanthin, and carotenes.  We recently made these flavorful muffins for a breakfast event and they were a big hit.  The muffins are gluten free and will sure to become a favorite recipe.  You're family and friends won't believe they are good for them! Find the recipe at Clean Eating Gluten…

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Worried About the Mystery Virus? Don’t Panic…Prepare!

Chances are you have heard about the mystery virus that is now in at least 18 states and has prompted the hospitalization of thousands of young children with respiratory symptoms, including asthma-like breathing problems. Today, I will shed some light on what this “mystery” is, and what you can do to prepare yourself and your family for this and other viruses (e.g. colds and flu) that take hold this time of year. According to Web MD, the “mystery virus” virus is known as Enterovirus D68. It was first identified in this country in 1962. Several sources like Web MD and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), report that…

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Comforting Chicken Soup

Comforting Chicken Soup

Comforting Chicken Soup Serves  4 Prepare the Broth: 1 free-range, organic chicken 3 large organic carrots, cut into chunks 2 large organic celery stalks, cut into chunks 1 large organic yellow onion, quartered 1 clove of organic garlic, diced 2-3 teaspoons Celtic or Himalayan sea salt 1 ½ -2 teaspoons whole peppercorns   Place the chicken in a large stock pot with a good amount of purified, cold water (about 8-10 cups).  Add in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a rolling boil.  Reduce to a simmer and watch for foam to rise. Skim off as needed. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30…

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Oatmeal Pancakes or Waffles

Oatmeal Pancakes or Waffles

Many of you asked - so here's the recipe for our favorite pancakes. As a bonus, they are gluten-free as well.  My son and I LOVE them.  1/3 cup each:  cornmeal, millet flour and coconut flour 1 cup rolled oats (quick) 1 tbsp basking powder 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp salt 2 farm-raised eggs, slightly beaten 1 1/2 cup organic soy or almond milk 4 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp brown sugar In large mixing bowl, stir together cornmeal, millet flour, coconut flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside.  In small mixing bowl, stir stir together eggs, milk, butter, and brown sugar.  Add to dry mixture.  Stir until well blended.  Pour…

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I have cancer

It's the three most dreaded words that you pray you'll never have to hear or say, "I have cancer." I had to read the Facebook post again to be sure I was reading it correctly.  Those three dreaded words were written on her post. I will call her Jean to protect her identity. As Jean expressed further in her post with frustration and anger, "I was doing everything right." She eats organic, exercises, uses a whole home water filter and thermography versus mammography to reduce her exposure to radiation among many other preventative measures.  So how can you do everything right and still end up with this horrible…

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Black Bean Quinoa

We served this at our Grand Opening this week and it was a huge hit. 1 medium sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup quinoa (uncooked), rinsed (red or white) 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Kosher salt or sea salt to taste 1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chilis 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro 1 3/4 cup vegetable broth, low sodium In a large skillet saute diced onions until tender about 4 minutes,…

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