ch ch ch CHIA!!!!

Chia Seeds!!! They are becoming more and more popular and customers have been asking me about them at the store! I put them on my salads, in my smoothies, on my oatmeal, and love to sprinkle them on my steamed veggies!!

Chia seeds are an ancient seed which was a major part of the diet of the Aztecs and the Mayans. The Chia seed is a whole grain so you are getting the goodness of the whole seed. They come in black and white and there is no difference in smell and taste, only a very small difference in the nutrition. It is more a personal choice as to what you find more appealing.

Chia seeds are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. And it has another advantage over flax: chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And, unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

Another advantage: when added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.

Because of its nutritional value and stability, chia is already being added to a range of foods. Research has shown that adding it to chicken feed makes for eggs rich in omega-3s. Feeding chia to chickens enriches their meat with omega-3s; fed to cattle chia enriches milk with omega-3s.

Here, Right Now, in this Moment is My Special Day Occassion

I entered the Hallmark {blank} is a Special Occasion Contest. Thought I would share my entry with you-

Here, Right Now, in this Moment is My Special Day Occassion

We shouldn't just wait for special occasions to use the fine China, wear that sexy red dress, new shoes, or wait to tell that special someone we love them! Every day, every hour, every second of every day should be cherished as a special occasion! Every moment should be full of gratitude and joyfulness that we are able to live and breath each day! Take the time to stop, look, listen and marvel at all the beauty that surrounds us! It's the little things in life I appreciate and never take for granted: the warm embrace of a hug, the aroma of my tea in the morning, the sunshine hitting my face on a long run around the lake, the smell of the lilacs, nature, the sound of my family laughing, hitting all the green lights, dancing, singing, smiles, a call from an old friend, my health, cuddling, second chances, opportunities, and the ability to live each day as a new day to become the person I believe I was meant to be!!

Garlic-Great for Your Health, Bad for Your Breath

I am a huge fan of GARLIC!! I probably eat it every day! I put cloves into my green smoothies, eat it with eggs, veggies, fish, quinoa, and more! I feel sorry for my family, friends, and coworkers! hahah

Garlic is one of the oldest medicinal foods on the planet. It is an agent for lowering cholesterol, reduces plaque, is chemo-protective, helps with weight control, has a positive effect on blood pressure, treats worms and other parasites, and decreases the risk of cancer. Garlic neutralizes dozens of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It fends off aging through its antioxidant properties, and contains strong antibacterial and antiviral compounds that boost your resistance to stress-induced colds and infections. The sulfur found in garlic promotes the elimination of toxins from the blood, lymph, and body. It helps purify the body, has immune-enhancing properties, and contains many phytonutrients.

Garlic Quinoa

Ingredients

1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped organic onions
1 teaspoon minced organic garlic
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
2 cups water or 2 cups broth
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions
Sauté onion in olive oil for 2-3 minutes; add garlic and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds or so.
Add quinoa, water and salt to pan; bring to boil then reduce heat then cover and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

You can also add vegatables and beans of your choosing!


Bowden, J. (2007). The 150 healthiest foods on earth. Massachusetts: Fair Winds Press.

Hemp: Vegan Plant Protein at its Finest!

I have been consuming alot more hemp products lately so wanted to share the wonders of this nut with you!! I purchased some hemp seed butter at the Wedge today. It looks rather unappealing (bright green in color) but tastes phenomenal!

I have been using hemp protein in my smoothies for a few years now. I buy a 3 pound bag online and keep a little in a canister in the refrigerator and store the rest in my freezer until I need to refill. I also buy shelled hemp seeds and put them on salads, veggies, in my homemade granola bars, energy bars and etc!

Hemp nut is the most nutritious and easily digestible food on the planet, the only complete source of all the following: protein, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids.

The Good Fats

While hemp seed is an excellent source of protein that also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, its most important feature is that it provides both essential fatty acids (EFAs) needed in the human diet-Omega 6 and Omega 3. These fats are "essential" because they cannot be manufactured in the body and so must be consumed as food. Hemp has an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 3:1 which is closest to the optimum 4.0 average recommended by the World Health Organization for the human diet. They are 10-15% fiber and contain a rich array of minerals, particularly phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.

Hemp Compared to Other Foods

•Contains more required amino acids (proteins) than milk, meat or eggs.
•Is a complete protein source--much more balanced & digestible than Soy products.
•Contains about 47% oil, 78% of which is omega 3 & 6--the essential fats.
•Contains all the essential or omega fats required for human health.
•Contains several times more omega 3 essential fat than any fish.
•Provides more energy than energy bars--without their sugar and with less saturated fat.
•Is suitable for those unable to eat gluten, sugar, milk, nuts & meat. Is perfect for those troubled with constipation and for those avoiding carbohydrates.

Benefits of Consuming Hemp

•Lower blood LDL cholesterol levels
•Lower blood pressure
•Improve cardiovascular circulation & function
•Improve organ function
•Improve immunity levels
•Increased energy levels & metabolic rate
•Reduce symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps
•Reduce inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis
•Improve recovery of muscles after exercise
•Reduce & treat dry skin and hair conditions
•Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures

Like any other oil, hemp oil products can go rancid so be sure to store them in a dark, sealed container in the refrigerator!