Where Does Your Food Come From?

Last night I was pulling produce out of my refrigerator in preparation for dinner.  Most produce I buy organic for health and environmental reasons. But even though I was eating pretty healthy, I looked at the labels on some of the packaging and realized most of the produce has been shipped from Mexico, and in some cases Europe or South America. Eek. It made me wonder how long these veggies had been on a plane or truck, and how much pollution this contributed to the environment. Also, I've realized that some of this produce doesn't last very long in my fridge; carrots and zucchini seem to get rubbery in just a few days after buying, so I have to eat them quick. Who likes spending their hard-earned money only to have to throw out food a few days later? Not me. So what is the solution?

Why I Support Naturopathic Medicine (and some history)

History of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine has a long history. Hippocrates was a supporter and an advocate for naturopathy.  In the 1930s and 40s, naturopathic medicine declined due to penicillin and other modern medicines, but has made a comeback in the last few decades.  People are seeking alternatives to invasive treatments and western medicine, and as such many insurance companies continue to add and cover naturopathic doctors. Currently, sixteen (16) states have licensing requirements.

But what exactly is naturopathic medicine?

Recipes (and Websites) I'm Loving Right Now

Today instead of giving you a recipe of my own, I decided to blog about many of the current recipes - and websites - I'm digging right now. There are so many great food blogs out there and these are just a few that inspire me to eat healthy, and they make it really easy because this is truly delicious food my friends! Most of the recipes below are gluten-free, Paleo, or both.  Enjoy!

Homemade Almond Milk...... and a Paleo Brownie Recipe

Boo - Hoo. My funky digestive system cannot tolerate dairy. It's not lactose or casein intolerance, rather a gut dysbiosis.  If you've read my blog before you'll know all about about my food angst. I'm hoping someday I will be able to enjoy blue cheese on my cobb salad and parmesan on my spaghetti (with spaghetti squash noodles, of course!) But not to fret, as I have a great stand-in. For "cheese" I usually make some cashew cheese and season it according to what I am making (cream cheese, cheese for pasta etc.) For my smoothies, coffee, and baking, I usually whip up some homemade almond milk and add in a small amount of organic coconut milk and -Voila! Instant "milk."

You ask, "Why would someone want to make almond milk when you can buy it at almost any local store?"  Well for starters the health benefits are far greater when making your own, and is much kinder to your wallet. So then, is it difficult or time consuming to make?  Nope. Au contraire!

Read on readers to learn how easy it is to make your own almond milk free of chemicals and preservatives - and some brownies, too!

Green Pasture Giveaway

This week is a blog (and giveaway - yay!) about the benefits of fermented cod liver oil and high-vitamin butter oils.

While researching supplements and health sites to help heal my digestive issues, I came across the Weston A. Price group on Meetup.com. I found many people who were taking cod liver oil and became intrigued. Once I learned more about it, I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. My energy levels are up, immune system is more responsive, and I can't say that I mind clearer skin and stronger hair and nails.

Interested in reaping the benefits from this traditional food?  Keep reading......

Is Sugar Toxic?

Over the last few years there has been a heap of news on the evils of refined sugars. Many physicians and researchers are now stating that refined sugars can take a serious toll on your health. It is estimated than more than 35 million deaths could be contributed to sugar.

One health trend over the last 3 decades is the low-fat craze. But in order to make these fat-free, tasteless foods more palatable, sugar is added. These low-fat, sugar-filled foods have not seemed to make a difference, as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancers are still on the rise.