Grapefruit-not just for dieting!

Grapefruits, especially the red variety, are one of my favorite foods. Eating grapefruit does help with reducing appetite and breaking down fat in the body, but it also cleanses the urinary and digestive systems. Many know of grapefruit"s Vitamin C content and the aid it offers to the body during times of colds or flu, but grapefruit also contains potassium and bioflavonoids. The pink or red grapefruit includes Vitamin A on its list of beneficial properties. Grapefruit is also used to treat osteoarthritis and balance the nervous system.

Among its uses, grapefruit seeds can rid the body of worms, and grapefruit juice can be used for acne and to rid the body of toxins as well as cleanse the kidneys. The membranes of the grapefruit lowers the cholesterol in the blood. Juicing for Health recommends grapefruit for those who have diabetes or a tendency towards diabetes. They also recommend it for pregnant women to reduce water retention. Those with liver conditions could greatly benefit from grapefruit as it detoxifies the liver. It can also reduce the symptoms of hangovers.

Grapefruit essential oil is a wonderful addition to your supplements as it can lift your spirits when you are feeling melancholy. I enjoy putting it in my aromatherapy dispensers, it smells lovely. Rub it into your temples to relieve a headache or massage it into your body for an immune boosting tonic. Use it in a sick room for assisting those with a fever, cold or flu. Nature's Flavors makes a wonderful organic grapefruit oil that is fit for food consumption. I enjoy the Aura Cacia Organic Grapefruit essential oil, as it is reasonably priced and works well for aromatherapy and massage. I have a car diffuser that I use for essential oils aromatherapy while on the road. You can also pick up a room deodorizer diffuser that you plug into any outlet in the home. They are perfect for dispensing your organic grapefruit essential oil.

Here's a funny article from NPR regarding the aroma of grapefruit. Apparently, when women smell of grapefruit, men think they are about 6 years younger. So ladies, perhaps you can age gracefully and naturally with your grapefruit essential oil in tow.

Whether you eat it, drink it, massage it or diffuse it; grapefruit seems to be versatile in its health benefits for the body, mind and spirit. I think this may be a good year to plant a grapefruit tree!

Here's to your health!
ClearSkies

Natural Flea Repellent for Your Pets

While flipping through my copy of "Better Basics for the Home" by Annie Berthold-Bond, I came across a simple way to keep those fleas from thinking your beloved pet would make a great feast. She suggests a Rosemary Rub, which consists of 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary essential oil and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Put the ingredients into a glass jar and shake. Using a cloth, add few drops and rub into your pet's fur. There are many essential oils that naturally repel fleas, such as camphor, pennyroyal, sage, catmint, southernwood, rue, feverfew, eucalyptus, black walnut tree leaves and tansy. Citrus oils also work well, but should not be used on cats. You can add a few drops of any of the above oils to your pet's shampoo as added protection.

Diet and nutrition are also important when keeping the biting insects away. Add garlic, vitamin supplements and essential fatty acids to your pet's food. Brewer's yeast works well for some pets as well. A healthy pet will not be candidate for an invading parasite, the blood sucker will move on to a more sickly animal.

Here's to your pet's health!
ClearSkies

Making a Stand Against High Fructose Corn Syrup

I recently came across this article about a supermarket called PCC Natural Market banning all products containing High Fructose Corn Syrup. I have avoided products containing High Fructose Corn Syrup for years, and it takes constant perusing of ingredient listings to ensure that my family steers clear of it. High Fructose Corn Syrup has been linked to early diabetes and obesity. Natural sweeteners like pure cane sugar, maple syrup, turbinado sugar and rice sweeteners are much healthier choices.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the sweetener is derived from cornstarch. The process changes the sugar in cornstarch into fructose, which makes it a cheap alternative to regular sugar. For those living a natural lifestyle, it would be best to avoid this processed sweetener, especially in light of many corn crops being genetically modified. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your intake of High Fructose Corn Syrup, I would remove it all together, your health is too important.

Another article called The Murky World of High Fructose Corn Syrup outlines the details of the manufacturing of the sweetener. It is worth the read and especially interesting is the study done on rats given fructose versus glucose. The fructose rats suffered immensely in the health department, and fructose is what many doctors recommend for diabetics. Choose your foods wisely for yourself and your family.

Here's to you health!
ClearSkies

Native Ways

What a fantastic weekend was had at a local Pow Wow in Odessa, Florida. My children and I met up with my parents on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the festivities and absorb some of our native culture. Grand entry was at 1 PM and 7 PM on Saturday and at 1 PM on Sunday and honored our veterans and active duty soldiers. After opening ceremonies, we enjoyed various displays of popular Native American dances such as men's traditional, men's fancy, men's straight dance, men's Grass Dance, women's traditional in buckskin or cloth, women's fancy shawl and women's jingle dress dance. The regalia for each individual dance is vastly different and personalized for each dancer and often the items that adorn their outfit have been handed down from generation to generation. It is important to note that the attire worn during these ceremonies are not costumes which would imply the individual trying to be someone they are not, the clothing is called regalia. While it is appropriate to take photos during certain parts of the pow wow, picture takers should ask an individuals permission before singling them out for a picture.

There were numerous vendors displaying Native American wares such as jewelry, knives, arrowheads, children's toys, crystals, blankets, spears, animal artifacts, clothing, leather, dream catchers, Native American crafts and wooden items. The food vendors sold buffalo burgers, Indian fry bread, ice cream, Indian tacos, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, BBQ and kettle corn. We also saw various birds of prey including a bald eagle named Thunder.

In Florida, the Native American Pow Wows run from September to April, in order to avoid the excessive heat of the summer. If you want to find local Pow Wows for your area, 500 Nations is a good place to start. The Florida Pow Wows are listed, as well as state by state listings. Since it is up to individual promoters to list their pow wow, not all pow wows are listed, but it does include most of them. To learn more about pow wows, visit Pow Wows. com, it is a great source for all things Pow Wow.

Hope you can make it out to a Pow Wow this season and enjoy Living Naturally the Native American way!

ClearSkies

Renaissance Style

In Downtown Safety Harbor last night, the pirates invaded the city and stole the King and Queen's daughter, Rapunzel. The court was beside itself with despair, but banded together determined to gain the Princess Rapunzel back from the pillaging pirates. The knights dueled to see who was fit to win her back and a victor was announced. After the duel, the court entertained itself with singing an Italian opera love piece, playing chess, a magic show, belly dancing and comedy sprinkled throughout it all.

Prior to the kidnapping the court was entertained by a beautiful melodies from the harp players and dangerous creature great and small from abroad. The King's travelling adventurers brought back a hawk, owl, exotic birds, flying squirrel, a bird from prehistoric times and a seventeen foot snake! The King and court were much impressed with the traveller's findings.

In the end, the lovely Princess Rapunzel was returned voluntarily by the pirates. Apparently, she had eaten them out of ship and home. The pirates could not afford to keep her on board any longer. Rapunzel had been won over by the pirates and was much upset upon being returned to the court. The King and Queen were relieved that their lovely Princess was saved and they were determined to convince her to marry a Prince of royal blood.

And they all lived Happily Ever After!

Here's to a Healthy fun filled weekend!

ClearSkies

Claude's Vinaigrette

I haven't purchased store bought salad dressing in years, except for the occasional ranch or Caesar dressing. For all our salad needs, my family uses my homemade salad dressing. I am frequently complimented when others taste the wonderful concoction of flavors. I have to admit, it is tasty.

In the spirit of Naturally Living, I thought I would share my secret recipe with you today. It is simple, fresh and easy; and it tastes better if using organic ingredients. Mix it up in a salad dressing container for easier dispensing or if you don't have one on hand, use a glass jar with a lid, so you can shake before serving.

Claude's Vinaigrette

1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Bragg's, its the best)
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

Put all together and shake. The flavors will meld together the longer it sits, so the flavor improves with time. Keep it in the fridge and take it out a few minutes before use. Sometimes if the refrigerator is cold, the oil may harden a bit but will become liquid again if left out or if the jar is run under running water.

We use this dressing a few times per week and especially enjoy it on a romaine salad with carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage and shredded percorino romano cheese. It is delicious! Once you try this fresh, homemade dressing, you'll never be satisfied with store bought again.

Enjoy!
ClearSkies

Has the King left the Building?

In light of the last post, I decided to research the "King of Nuts" a bit more. Currently, there appears to be much controversy in the world of nuts. Due to some non-organic almond growers fertilizing with fresh manure and then allowing their nuts to sit on a truck in the heat for days under a plastic covering, some consumers have contracted Salmonella. Although it seems obvious to stop the practice of fresh manure and use composted manure instead, the industry pushed for the use of propylene oxide on the almonds after they are picked. This toxic chemical is classified as a carcinogen and has been used as an explosive and a racing fuel, and now the FDA has approved it for pasteurizing raw almonds. A press release from the Living Tree Community provides detailed information regarding this unacceptable situation.

An article by the San Francisco Chronicle details the chronological timeline of this decision to sterilize almonds in order to avoid future Salmonella outbreaks. Even though the organic almonds are not to blame for the two outbreaks in 150 years, they also must be submitted to high heat in order to kill any bacteria. For raw foodists this is a problem and threatens the existence of raw almonds. For additional information, the Living Tree Community has posted numerous articles relating to this issue and the possible extinction of raw organic almonds.

One thing is for sure, buying organic will still save you from unnecessary chemicals, but it may not protect your raw food choices.

Here's to your health!
ClearSkies

The King Among Nuts

In the kingdom of nuts, the almond reigns high over his subjects. The almond tree is the oldest nut as well as the most popular among growers of nuts. It is no wonder that it is so coveted and honored, it packs a powerful punch nutritionally and is versatile in cooking and baking. Almonds can be added to baked goods, treats and sweets, as well as, salads or rice pilaf.

Nutritionally speaking, almonds are high in protein and a must have in a vegetarian diet. They reduce inflammation and aid in digestion, respiration and the treatment of bronchitis. Rich in B vitamins, zinc, fat, potassium, magnesium and protein; almonds can easily be incorporated into many diets. Almonds are also rich in absorbable calcium, which make them an excellent substitute for dairy and milk products. The amino acids that are also a part of this wonderful nut are Phosphorus, L-Arginine, and L- Phenylalanine, which aid the body in forming teeth and bones, energy production, fighting fatigue, boosting immunity, inhibiting tumor growth, healing wounds, protecting the liver, alleviating depression, increasing mental alertness, and reducing hunger. Nuts are also a wonderful source of dietary fiber which helps control diabetes and weight gain as well as protecting against cancers of the colon. Used to heal the body internally and to prevent fevers, it is no wonder this nut is called the "king of nuts".

Our family chooses almond milk as an alternative to cow's milk. It is a wonderful addition to pancakes, french toast, coffee drinks, baked goods and cereal. Almond milk can also stand on its own with perhaps a side of homemade chocolate chip cookies, organic of course. It can be purchased at your local health food store and is now available at grocery and super stores. Here is another healthy option:

Blend together 6 tablespoons of almonds with 1 pint of water and one teaspoon of honey in a blender or food processor. Use a sieve to strain the mixture and drink. Have leftovers? Put in refrigerator for another day.

Another great way to get you daily intake of almonds is with almond butter. Like peanut butter, the nuts are ground to a spreading consistency and are a great substitute in sandwiches or as a dip for carrots and celery. Need a source for raw, organic almond butter? Try Rawganique.

There are many ways to add this royal nut to your daily life, enjoy some almonds today!

Here's to your continued health!
ClearSkies

sources: The Illustrated Excyclopedia of Natural Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph. D.

Another Way to Be Green

If you are looking for an alternative to your morning cup of joe (although I don't know why anyone in their right mind would give up their coffee) or just looking to supplement your diet, green tea has much to offer. Unlike other teas which are fermented, green tea is made by steaming the leaves and parching them. This process allows the leaves to keep their beneficial qualities.

Studies have shown that the components in green tea can prevent cancer, as well as kill cancer cells but they do not harm the healthy cells. This research is based upon studies done at Purdue University. Additional studies indicate that the compounds in green tea also have antibacterial effects. Science Daily states, "Tea, according to studies, also can improve gastrointestinal function, alcohol metabolism, kidney, liver and pancreatic function, protect skin and eyes and alleviate arthritis. Tea has been used in managing and preventing allergies, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, cavities, reduce or cure diseases with an inflammatory component and improve neurologic and psychological health." A researcher at Yale University of Medicine theorizes that the components in green tea could reduce cardiovascular disease, as evidence by the Asian culture having a low incidence of cardiovascular disease despite having a high incidence smoking, which leads to cardiovascular disease. According to Science Daily, further studies indicate that the ingredient in green tea combats breast cancer as well. Green tea has also been linked to aiding in weight loss and skin cell rejuvenation.

It seems that green tea is nature's natural elixir for what ails you. A cup a day could very well keep the doctor away.

Here's to your health!

ClearSkies

source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/

A Moment in Nature

We live in a quaint little town nestled in Pinellas county and surrounded by busy cities. The town of Safety Harbor is right on the bay and it is simply wonderful. From where I live, we walk to downtown and the marina where there is a pier. We have brick lined streets, huge oak trees including one that is 300-500 years old. It is a quiet, peaceful town with friendly residents.

Today, my children and I took a walk to the pier donned with a fishing pole and a bucket of bait. My son had been asking me to take him fishing and I thought today would be perfect. The weather was beautiful, sunny with a slight breeze. The pier is covered, so I read my latest book, James Arthur Ray's Harmonic Wealth and watched my son fish. I had been reading in my book the importance of relationships with everyone in your life, and this was a perfect opportunity for me to sit back and enjoy being with my children.

While at the pier, we saw our friendly resident sea cows. There were four manatees that kept circling the pier and coming up for air. They would show off their tales and stick their whiskered snouts up high blowing out their air. The children loved it and I have to admit it was a truly naturally living experience. I made several attempts, along with other onlookers, to snap a picture of the sea cow family, but they seemed to escape the paparazzi.

I checked out the Save the Manatee site, a must see! The site is full of information on all things manatee and how we can help them, as they are in danger of being endangered. They are beautiful and gentle creatures and a joy to watch. I am so glad they blessed us with their presence today.

Here's to your health!

ClearSkies

Human Nature

I just received this email from a friend and it caused tears to run down my cheeks onto my desk, I wish to share it with you all.....

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.' Then he told the following story: Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.' Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay' Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!' As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world' Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

Ok, so I just had tears again re-reading it for this post. This is a beautiful story of naturally living in the human spirit. Enjoy!

ClearSkies

Naturally Colored Birthday Cake

As I start to plan my son's seventh birthday, I am thinking about what kind of cake to make for him. For most people, this means going to your local supermarket and picking out a cake laden with artificial colors and preservatives. I know it seems like a lot of work, but making your own cake can be fun and give you a chance to be creative, plus you can pick the ingredients. I take a basic cake recipe and use organic ingredients. For the frosting, I use my grandmother's cream cheese frosting recipe and add natural items for color. I have used beet powder or beet juice for varying shades of red and pink, and I use chlorophyll for shades of green. You can also use cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor and to have another color variation.

Lately, I have seen natural food colorings in the health food store using the same ingredients as above or other natural food sources. The brand name is Seelect and they are located in the baking section of the store. I have seen colors for red, yellow and blue. They are also available on Amazon. There are companies that make natural colored sprinkles and confetti to add to cookies, cakes and ice cream. I have used these as well and the kids love them.

With school bake sales, class parties and the holidays, these natural colors are great ways to add the wonderful colors without the artificial ingredients. The natural colors look more real as well. Years ago, I took a cake decorating course with the local craft store and we had to make and decorate our own cakes and bring them in to show the class. I used natural colors and the other students asked what I used, that it looked great and kind of Victorian. The colors aren't as bright and fake looking.

Here is one of cakes I have made last year:

I used a yellow cake recipe with cocoa added to cream cheese frosting. Then I used the natural sprinkles on the top and around the edges. It was simple, quick and easy, as well as delicious. In addition to organic ingredients and all natural colors, replacing sugar with applesauce and honey is a healthy alternative. Spelt flour has more health benefits than wheat or white flour and can be substituted for regular flour and purchased at your local health food store.

There are many ways to go natural for birthday parties, besides wearing your birthday suit!

Here's to your health!

ClearSkies