Cocoa Tomatoes

I just discovered the cocoa tomato.  I was shopping at my local Food Lion and saw some small round things near some vine tomatoes.  I walked over and saw that they were cocoa tomatoes.  I had never heard of them before or seen them.  I bought 4 to start with just to try with my salad on Saturday.  When I got home I bit into one.  It was so sweet and juicy.  I added a little sea salt and I was hooked. 

Well I went back and got about 12 more.  They are juicy, hearty and just so good.  I have not put one in the salad yet.  So far I have eaten them like apples.  So good!  These at my grocery store and being shopped from Canada.  After doing a little research they are a European tomato eaten mainly in Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland and the Mediterranean.  It is a very earthy tomato and the color goes from green to brown as it ripens. 

These cocoa tomatoes have definitely been a treat!  My daughter the picky eater won't try one because of the color. This is the same child who will not eat purple lettuce.  It must be green and her tomatoes must be red.  She does not know what she is missing out on.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

An Afternoon Away

Yesterday was my birthday so I took off today and tomorrow from work.  I was tired and wanted some ME time.  I hardly get any of that....just to lay on the sofa and do nothing..resting is good for the tired body.  Sometimes it is not even rest I want.  I just want to be able to do something I consider fun or rewarding...like posting on my blogs.  They have been sadly neglected but I am catching up.  Today I woke up before the alarm went off.  That is an everyday occurrence.  I did manage to go back to sleep.  Now that never happens.  I woke up again at 9 and that is a rare occurrence for me when it if normally 5AM everyday!

After coffee with my daughter at Starbucks, I headed to the DMV to do the one thing I had to do today....get the car tags renewed.  It was painless and unbelievably fast!  I was in and out I 10 minutes.  After that a quick stop at the grocery store to get a few things. I did get some tart cherry juice and chili ingredients.  I read about the tart cherry juice and I tried it just on a whim because I had been having leg pain.  I first went to the doctor and after checking my blood she said I was very vitamin deficient in potassium and D.  So she added those supplements to my pill regime. This was a few months ago.  I saw little change with the added supplements.....just a little better.  I felt tremendously better with drinking tart cherry juice twice daily.  It really makes a difference.



The benefits of tart cherry juice are many but for me it reduces the leg pain caused by my statin drugs.  It may even be reducing the cause of many illnesses...inflammation. Whatever it is doing, it works and it has made me almost pain free.  It is hell to feel achy and sore with every step.

After getting home I watched  a movie, ate lunch and just took it easy. I feel a nap coming in my very near future.  Lazy days! They do a body good!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Dinner: Wilted Kale and Asian Chicken

Deciding what to cook day in and out can be a chore but I have decided to really let the spices do the talking.  Simple meals with lots of flavor are what I am trying to make now.  Quick, easy with lots of flavor.  Today I will be making this exact meal except for the meat.  Pictured here is shark steak seasoned with Asian spices.  Today I am making it with baked, Asian chicken instead. 

My most favorite thing on this plate is the wilted kale.  I use the same recipe whether it is for kale or chard.  It always turns out great and my child loves it!  She even asks for seconds when it comes to the vegetables. 

To make wilted greens all I do is first sauté onions and sweet peppers until they begin to sweat. I use either olive or coconut oil.  Then I put in the greens and strip as needed until they are wilted and they shrink down.  It is amazing how a large bag wilts down to just a few cups.  If there are a lot of stems which sometimes occurs with the plastic bags of kale, I may even add about 1/2 of water and let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they get tender.  I do let the water all simmer away because I want the wilted flavor of the greens to be there.  About 25 minutes later, a great wilted green dish. 

The rice is the jade pearl rice.  It is green because it is infused with bamboo juice.  So, the rice, wilted greens and Asian chicken....it's what's for dinner today! Happy eating!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Detox Drink

I have been trying the detox drink for the past 2 mornings.  I must say it works. The recipe is:

• 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of raw honey
• 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

I mix all in a cup then fill to the rim with water and then heat in the microwave and drink it like tea.  It does taste good.  It really does clean out the insides at it works it way through.  I do believe the claims that it will help clean out the colon of undigested debri and food. 

If you try this, stay close to the bathroom.  It the end it will make you feel better, your stomach will be flatter and it had benefits of  stabilizing blood sugar, lowering blood pressure and a few others.  I drank it for 3 days in a row so far.  I'm taking a break for the next 2 days.  I will then enjoy it again after that.  I think you have to work up to it being a daily drink. It is strong but it clearly works.



You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Sweat is Fat Crying!

Hello blog!  It has been a while.  I am back.  I have found my muse and a little motivation too.  I plan to get back on track with the exercise and getting more active.  That is my issue.  Not enough motion in my day.  I need to get up and get moving and I plan to make an effort to do that.  Right now I think that my weight is getting the best of me.  Weight on a bad knee is not good.  So I think I will have to fight thru the pain to better rewards! 

The time to fight fat is now.  What is it that I hear people at the gym saying?  SWEAT IS FAT CRYING!  So get ready to cry FAT!  It is on!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

The Blahs!

In the past three weeks, I have been just totally exhausted by 8pm each night and ready to go to bed.  I know I have just begun a new routine and I thought that was it but now I am not so sure.  I have been going to bed extra early to try to get extra sleep.  That has helped some.  Trying to slip in a nap on the weekends has also been a good thing.

I decided that I needed some vitamins.  Maybe that would give me a little vim and vigor.  I have not been taking vitamins for many years.  So I saw some vitamins on sale at the grocery store and I got three different bottles.  I got some Omega 3 fish oil vitamins for heart health.  I also got a good multivitamin that I can take everyday and last but not least, I got some biotin for hair and nails.  It has been three days and so far I have felt like I have had a little more energy.

I guess I am getting old and maybe feeling my age.  Normally I have felt like I was 21 for most of my life with no aches, pains or things to complain about.  In this past year that all has changed.  Aches and pains have followed me and my energy level seems to be lower.  Right now, I am missing feeling like I am 21.  Add 30 years to that and that is my real age.  I do not want to feel THAT in age.  I would be happy with 25.

Time passes and waits for no one.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. ~~Unknown~~

Nice Gestures

At work on yesterday we had a small office cookout. We normally know about things like that in advance but yesterday was a surprise. I was good with it because it was an office lunch. I did not have to buy my own that day. Well...knowing how the boss is at times, he will pass on not so good things to other people. We had hamburgers and hotdogs. It was all good and we all ate...even him and his wife.

At the end of the day when I was in the kitchen, there was an odor of "bad"meat filling the kitchen. I looked in the trash and the hamburger container was in there. I bet that meat was just about bad so he brought it in and cooked it up on the grill for us to eat. I guess the heat would kill any bad germs.. like echoli....you would hope.

Normally if you put the container the meat is on in the trash, there would not be a horrible smell like that on the first day of it being in the trash. When he called me to come eat...I had a feeling that this was food he wanted to get rid of. Why I had that feeling I do not know, but I did.

Echoli burgers at the office! What next!?

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.~~Unknown~~

Itching When Walking

I had not been walking in about 10 days and began again today. In about 10 minutes into it I was in itch misery! I have had this happen before from time to time, but I really wanted to find out why it happens. This morning was the worst it has ever been. Here are some of the reasons why this happens. I guess I just got out of the routine.

It usually occurs during exercise performed after a long period of inactivity. The itching is not on the skin, it's inside the actual limbs. There are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch.

According to Prevention Magazine:

Believe it or not, itchy legs is a common complaint, particularly among new walkers. Some experts believe that it may be due to poor circulation. If sluggish blood flow is to blame, the itching should subside as your body gets acclimated to your new activity.

So the cure: Keep walking. The better your circulation the less itching. The more you excersize, the itching will eventually stop altogether. The key that I have found is not to touch it. When the itching begins resist that urge to scratch. It only makes it worst. What happens to me is that the skin will stop itching and begin to feel really warm. From circulation, I think. Then I will just have really warm legs and eventually once I walk about 20 -30 minutes no more itching.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Acai Berries

I have just heard about the acai berries and had a chance to try some in ice cream form. It was good. I just did not realize all the benefits. Nor did I know very much about the berrry in general. Here is what I now know.

Acai is a Brazilian berry original from the Amazon Region that is considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. They are loaded with antioxidants, anthocyanins (approximately 20 times the amount in red wine), amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein. Some recent studies from the University of Florida indicate that Acai may even fight cancer cells.

Research has shown that it works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, contains loads of anti-oxidants, and helps counter the affects of aging. The best thing about this fruit is the taste though. Some describe it as a combination of chocolate and raspberries but even that description fall short of the mark. The acai berrys taste is even more exotic, mysterious, and addictive.

39 Reasons to Drink Acai Juice Every Day

GOOD FOR THE BODY

1. Helps build a strong body by providing protein

2. Cleanses and detoxifies the body

3. May improve muscle contractions and regeneration

4. Increases energy and stamina by supplying high amounts of B vitamins (Anti-stress / water soluble vitamins) needed everyday for greater iron, manganese, potassium, chromium and vanadium absorption

5. Relieves stress

6. Improves sexual health

7. Aids body synergy

8. Serves as a potent anti-aging food

FOR MEN

9. May help prevent prostrate enlargement

FOR WOMEN

10. Helps prevent osteoporosis

11. Can reduce pain and inflammation during menstrual cycles

HEART HEALTH & DIABETES

12. May help prevent causes of heart disease

13. Reduces bad cholesterol

14. Provides sterols which may lower blood pressure (BP)

15. Protects blood vessels

16. May help prevent diabetic related retinopathy and blindness by helping to protect against weak capillaries

17. Offers diabetes relief through its low glycemic index improving glucose and lipid levels

18. Curbs appetites through its low glycemic index helping with weight control

GALVANIXES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

19. Improves resistance to disease

20. Improves function of immune cells

21. Prevents free-radical damage to the immune system

22. Is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal

23. Acts as an antimutagenic by helping to prevent DNA damage and lowering the risks associated with carcinogens and mutagens

AID FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

24. Improves digestion

25. May help overcome acid-reflux disease (GERD) through it’s ability to suppress acid, reduce acidosis and reflux, protect and repair against lower esophagus damage

26. Heals ulcers

27. Helps relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease

SKIN CARE

28. Improves skin tone

29. Defends against premature wrinkles

DESEASE FIGHTER

31. May thwart cancer by neutralizing free radicals before they can damage cells

32. Reduces arthritis pain through anti-inflammatory properties

33. Relieves symptoms of asthma

34. May reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease by naturally providing increased amounts of vitamins C and E (Archives of Neurology in 2004 and a study published in the April 24, 1997, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, vitamin E can slow the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease by 25%)

OTHER HEALTH ADVANTAGES OF ACAI

35. Aids vision by providing high amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin C

36. Helps maintain healthy teeth and gums through its highly absorbable supply of calcium

37. Improves mental clarity associated with intakes of omega3, 6, 9 found in acai

38. Helps induce better sleep by supplying high amounts of B vitamins (anti-stress vitamins) needed everyday as they are not produced In the body.

39. Promotes overall wellness by providing the highest source of antioxidants available

The good thing about it is that you do not have to go all the way to the Amazon to get it. You can order it and enjoy it in the states. I plan to get some.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

The B's

I have just begun taking some "B" vitamins. I went to my local GNC and got B1, B6 and B12. I think that I do feel better when I take them. It is all in my head? I am not sure. I don't think so. I think it does make a difference in how I feel. I got the B1 for the mosquito repelling power that it is supposed to have. So far it is not working. I went outside on yesterday and was attacked! I looked down at my legs and 6 were on me at one time! I only taking one pill a day. I need to step up the dosage to three a day. It is supposed to make you smell bad to them.

The B6 and B12 just make me feel better somehow. My mind seems clearer if that makes any sense. B12 promotes healthy nerves and red blood cells. B6 does a multitude of things including assisting enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B₆ to function efficiently. Maybe that is why I just feel better all over. Vitamins can make a difference. Consider a multi vitamin. I am thinking of it.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Wheat Grass

Okay so now I am caught up in the wheat grass revolution. On a whim after reading about it I bought some last night. I will be taking a tablespoon in the mornings in some juice. It is very green. That is all I can say about it right now. It is supposed to be very good for you and really has things in it to detox the body. What are the actual benefits? Well I had to look these up.

• Increased energy
• High Alkalinity helps neutralize acids and toxins
• Immune stimulation and defense
• A raw food (processed below 117 degrees) complete with enzymes, phytonutrients and all essential amino acids
• Anti-oxidants to guard against cancer and other diseases
  
• Cleanses the blood and increases red blood cell count
• Rapid absorption and assimilation of nutrients by your body
• Stimulates metabolism
• Concentrated dehydrated powder expands up to 7 times when hydrated and fills you up.

After review the things I am most interested in are the blood cleansing and that boost to the metabolism. Well after that, I then decided I needed to pull out the juicer and use it. You know...my baby.. the Jack Lalane Power Juicer. I had my regular drink. The beet, carrot and apple. That is my favorite.

For lunch I had a small ceasar salad with chicken and a roll. Dinner. Well I will try to eat light there as well.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

4rehabilitation

I was watching the cable this morning and one of the shows that was on was 101 most shocking moments in Hollywood. One of the 101 was that John Belushi died of a drug overdose in his hotel room. He had been partying with some other stars like Robin Williams and others and asked the girl he was with to give him an ingestion of drugs that ended his life. He was so young and talented and it seemed that people around him should have seen that he needed help. If only he had gotten help. We would still be blessed with his comedic talent today.

The good thing is that there are facilities around to provide help for others that John so desperately needed. Drug Rehabilitation facilities like 4rehabilitation have the goal of long term permanent withdrawal from the drugs. They can tailor the program to meet the needs of the client by looking at the severity of the addiction as well as the compatibility of the person to the program to achieve success. As a resource they can answer any questions you may have in order to make the right decision regarding the program your love one may need.

They even have a host of information to help you understand what may be needed or happening to your drug addicted love one. Fro example, did you know that detox was the first step in kicking the habit? With some drugs there is always the fear of relapse as it will be a life long struggle. This is something that can happen quickly after release from a program if there is not aftercare. I really did not think about aftercare and that needed support system.

IF you or a family member is in trouble, seek assistance. 4rehabilitation even offers a free assessment. Finding a program can be a very overwhelming experience but they have the resources and a caring professional staff to assist in helping you make the right decision. Call them tollfree at 877-84-SOBER (877-847-6237). Don't wait or it may be too late.

Disclosure

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Flax Seed Oil

I have used flax seed on and off. I bought a big bag and chewed about a tablespoon each day. I got tired of that but I think I need to begin again. In addition to the benefits listed below, I also read where it will heel the irritated linings of the intestines. I need that with my irritated colon problem. I think I will get the oil in gels and try that. I still have that big bag of seed. I may just have to finish that off.

Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient flax seed become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel works for what ails you. I went to GNC and got a big bottle of unflavored gel on Sunday. Sometimes I have heartburn and I also have an excitable colon that gets irritated and bleeds a little when I am stressed. The Aloe Vera gel stops it all. It stops the heartburn and the colon problems. I think it actually heals it.

A long time ago a friend of mine told me about it and I was reluctant to try. Aloe Vera gel? How tasty could that be? Well finally I did and it really makes me feel good inside. I swear by it. I drink about 1/3 cup each day in juice and it makes all the difference in the world.

I have not actually looked into the benefits. I was just going by what my friend told me. He had indigestion and he said after a month it was all cleared up.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~