Day 33

10/8/12

Things I am training myself to like:

1.) Dark Chocolate - this is harder than I expected.  I LOVE milk chocolate and started my 'training' with 86% cacoa... mistake.. Bitter.  I placed it in the drawer and bought myself a couple bars of 60% cacoa, which is much more bearable to start with.  I think I can teach myself to like it the same way I taught myself to like peppers, onions, and celery.  Hopefully within a few months I will bring out the 86% and be able to enjoy it.

2.) Coffee - currently, there is no way I can drink black coffee.  I have never been a fan of anything coffee-flavored, but after my husband suggested I try some to help my low energy, I decided I would.  Once in a while I stop at Starbucks or a cute little coffee shop in town and get something yummy and cinnamon-y... eventually I hope to drink it black or with a little milk or creamer.

 3.)Fish- Another hard one - especially since I grew up vegetarian.  It's hard for me to bring myself to eat anything that was once living.  I have been told by multiple people that I am probably not getting enough protein and maybe that's why I get headaches.  I thought I'd give it a try.  I have made fish a few times and my husband has too.  It's not easy to eat, but burying it in other food usually helps.


I believe that it's possible to train your taste buds and brain to like something if you eat/drink it gradually.  What are some things you wish you liked?

P.S. If you have any tips or delicious recipes that would speed up the process, do share :-)

Also - I am still looking for guest bloggers.  If you would like to share your knowledge on a certain subject matter, let me know!

Day 32

  10/7/12

Healthy Replacements for White Rice

White Rice                                                       Brown Rice

Clearly, brown rice has a lot more calories and carbohydrates than white rice.  It also has more Potassium, Fiber, and Protein.  I would say that the benefits outweigh the extra calories and carbs, as long as you control your portions.

*Brown rice reduces the risk of heart diseases, helps digestion, controls high blood pressure, and reduces constipation. Brown rice also contains nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, iron, manganese, and selenium.

Other alternatives to white rice include:

Barley: packed with fiber and protein - stir into soup or mix into a casserole

Bulgur: use to bulk up a veggie burger or add to cold salads

Farro: combine with vegetables to make a grain salad

Quinoa: stuff vegetables or make an oatmeal-style breakfast

Brown Basmati Rice: nutty flavor, works well in everything from stew to rice pudding, rinse before cooking

Couscous: try it with anything that you would normally use white rice for

Allyou Magazine, October 2012

Time to Experiment with healthier alternatives! Good luck!

Day 31

10/6/12

The Department of Energy reports that United States households use 13x more energy than they did 60 years ago.  Currently, there are many more households, and we really need to start taking it easy on our planet.  Here is how you can help!

Energy-saving tricks for a more 'Green' kitchen and laundry room:

1. Run washer, dryer, and dishwasher at night.
2. Dry full loads of clothes using the moisture sensor setting.
3. Wash only full loads of clothing.
4. Use toaster oven instead of regular oven.
5. Try composting unused food to eliminate waste that ends up in a landfill.
6. Use a faucet filter or pitcher with filter (brita or pur) instead of buying bottled water.
7. Use washable cloth towels and napkins instead of paper towels & napkins.
8. Adjust fridge settings when seasons change.  Your fridge should be 34-40degrees and your freezer should be 1-5degrees.

 

*Using cold water in your rinse cycle saves 4% of energy.*

Day 30

10/5/12

My safe alternative to conventional deodorants:

Natural Mineral Salt Deodorant Sticks:

Mineral salts are mined from thousands of feet below the Earth's surface and are used to create this specific type of deodorant.... which happens to be the same kind my mom used when I was a teenager and I thought she was crazy... 

While most deodorants mask odor with chemically-laden fragrances, crystal deodorants prevent odor from happening in the first place. They do this by neutralizing the bacteria that cause body odor, rather than just covering it up. They are comprised of 100% natural ingredients 

*The CRYSTAL brand is made of alum-based mineral salts which feature physically large ammonium alum molecules which are not absorbed into the bloodstream (and should not be confused with the harmful aluminums found in most deodorants)*


Helpful Hints:
-Don't use directly after shaving - the salt stings for like .3 seconds.
-If used immediately after shower, no need to wet - the remaining water on your skin allows the stick to glide over armpit effortlessly.... Otherwise, get the stick wet and apply to underarm.

Cost: 5-7$

*I can't vouge for exactly how long this product lasts, but I have been using my THAI Crystal everyday for about 3 months and it still looks the same as the day I bought it.
*Also comes in travel size (adorable) - pictured above. 
*You will still sweat but it shouldn't smell - good for 24 hours.

Day 29

10/4/12

Deodorant.

Part of our everyday lives, yet many people aren't aware of the hidden dangers.

What is so dangerous?

Here are the top 5 toxic chemicals.

1.) Aluminum - the primary ingredient (a metal) used in most antiperspirants. Aluminum is used to prevent sweat from escaping through the pores. It has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

2.) Propylene glycol- common ingredient that is used in antiperspirants/deodorants. It is a petroleum-based material that is used to soften products, a cheap way to make skin care products more easily applicable to the skin.  It is also a common ingredient in ANTIFREEZE. It can cause damage to the liver, central nervous system, and heart.

3.) Parabens - man-made preservatives found across the board in skin, hair, and beauty products.  A random sampling of 100 human urine specimens performed by the CDC showed that all 100 samples contained parabens. G.R.O.S.S.  These chemicals disrupt natural hormonal balance, leading to premature puberty in children, birth defects, and organ toxicity.

4.) Phthalates - chemicals used in deodorants/antiperspirants, cosmetics, synthetic fragrances, plastics, body care products, and medical goods.  They are linked to a higher risk of cell mutation and birth defects, as well as hormone-receptor disruption.

5.) Triclosan - common ingredient included in commercial deodorants - the part that kills odor and bacteria. It is also commonly used in antibacterial soaps, hand wipes and gels.  It is classified as a pesticide by the FDA (Terrific) . It has been labeled as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

PLEASE AVOID THESE CHEMICALS as well as any other ingredient that you can't read the name of and have never heard of.  **These chemicals not only contaminate our deodorants, but I found them in every bottle of shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, shave gel, and moisturizer that i got rid of a few months ago.  PEOPLE - check all of your products, including your TOOTHPASTE --> recipes coming in near future.  End Rant.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Find a safe alternative... assuming you don't want to be stinky all the time. 

*Tomorrow I will show you MY safe and natural alternatives.

Day 28

10/3/12

Coconut oil: 30 Uses for the Body

Coconut Oil contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents.  It is very useful in many, many ways!!

1. Boost of energy - consume 1 spoonful
2. Acne treatment
3. Improve digestion 
4. Night cream
5. Makeup remover
6. Body Lotion
7. Sunscreen
8. Wrinkle Prevention
9. Moisturizing bath soak 
10. Lessen appearance of Varicose Veins
11. Burn relief
12. Nail strengthener
13. Toothpaste - mix with baking soda
14. Moisturize dry or cracked heels
15. Nail or cuticle oil
16. Prevent nosebleeds
17. Shrink pores
18. Hair conditioner - apply to scalp and hair for 1 hour, then rinse with shampoo
19. Mouthwash
20. Rash relief
21. Stabilize blood sugar
22. Base for homemade body wash
23. Massage oil
24. Body detox
25. Personal lubricant - don't use with latex
26. Eye cream
27. After Shave
28. Lib Balm
29. Sore Muscle Rub
30. Smooth wrinkles

MANY more to come!

Day 27

10/2/12

Oil Pulling with my favorite new product.

 

Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil 

It's Amazing.

I have started using Coconut Oil every morning for 'Oil Pulling' thanks to my Momma's long-time friend Crystal (thanks!)

Oil Pulling is a powerful, easy, cheap and  ancient remedy for overall health and detoxification.  It is done by holding one spoonful of oil (this specific oil tastes yummy) in the mouth and swishing it around for 10-20 minutes.  Move the oil slowly throughout your mouth like you would with mouthwash - pull it through your teeth as well, but be sure you don't swallow it.  By the time you are done with this process, the oil-saliva mixture will be toxic from the harmful bacteria and fungus it is pulling from your mouth, teeth, gums, and throat. Make sure you do it on an empty stomach. 

When finished, spit in the garbage or toilet because it could clog your sink.

Benefits for the body:

• metabolism is intensified
• improved health
• migraine headache relief
• correcting hormonal imbalances
• reducing inflammation from arthritis
• aids in the reduction of eczema
• reduced symptoms of bronchitis
• supports normal kidney function
• help reduce sinus congestion
• possible improved vision
• reduced insomnia
• reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• reduced pain
• reduced allergy symptoms
• detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

Benefits for the mouth:

• fastening of loose teeth
• elimination of bleeding gums
• visible whitening of the teeth
• overall strengthening of the teeth, gums, and jaws.
• prevention of cavities and gingivitis.
• prevention of bad breath
• potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat.
• possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area.

To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach.  It is suggested to alternate Sunflower, Sesame, Olive Oils for full benefit.

*Work up to the 20 minutes.  Right now it is hard for me to last longer than 10 minutes because my jaw starts to get tight, but I am building my stamina! I really hope it helps with my migraines, tight jaw, and hormonal issues!!

More uses of Coconut Oil to come :-)