My dad and I love to do much of the same things and try to help each other out with freezing and canning, putting out a big garden. This year we have been talking about dandelions. Yes, that little so called weed with the yellow flower that everyone hates that seems to take over your yard. We plan on digging up a bunch of them this Spring to eat. Mom used to hate it when he would dig up a bunch and had her clean them. Oh! How I used to love eating them! Did you know the dandelion is not native to the United States? It's true! It was brought here by the European settlers for food and medicine. The fresh young leaves and flowers are a great addition to every salad. They are classified as a "bitter" which aids in digestion by helping the pancreas, spleen and stomach. They also increase bile, improve kidney function and contain high amounts of potassium. This can make them helpful for water retention and high blood pressure. Both leaves and root cleanse the blood and kidneys, along with liver and gallbladder functions. The root has been roasted for years and used as a healthy coffee substitute. In the bible it mentions that "they shall eat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" The dandelion is one of the most common plants in Egypt and Western Asia. It is quite possible that it was eaten at the time of the passover. Chinese herbal practitioners wrote about it's medicinal value in the seventh century. The Roman scholar knew and wrote about it in the first century. How's that for years of testing? So, think about this the next time you get the urge to eradicate that "dandy" weed....maybe it grows in such abundance because we could all use more free food and health benefits that it so devotedly offers. After all, the Creator does not make mistakes.
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Friday, February 4, 2011
Think Spring.....Think Dandelions
It seems we are all longing for an early Spring. It has been a long cold winter. Coping with Arctic wind chills and snow, lots of snow for some of us; well, most people including myself are fed up with winter period! The good news is that Spring will come in fact early this year. Punxsutawney Phil predicted this by not seeing his shadow. In my eyes, there is still 6 more weeks of winter any way you look at it. But, with the skies so beautiful baby blue and the sun shining ever so bright yesterday and today, and as i was sitting in my chair enjoying the warmth and soaking it all in, I seemed to forget for a moment my winter weather doldrums.
My dad and I love to do much of the same things and try to help each other out with freezing and canning, putting out a big garden. This year we have been talking about dandelions. Yes, that little so called weed with the yellow flower that everyone hates that seems to take over your yard. We plan on digging up a bunch of them this Spring to eat. Mom used to hate it when he would dig up a bunch and had her clean them. Oh! How I used to love eating them! Did you know the dandelion is not native to the United States? It's true! It was brought here by the European settlers for food and medicine. The fresh young leaves and flowers are a great addition to every salad. They are classified as a "bitter" which aids in digestion by helping the pancreas, spleen and stomach. They also increase bile, improve kidney function and contain high amounts of potassium. This can make them helpful for water retention and high blood pressure. Both leaves and root cleanse the blood and kidneys, along with liver and gallbladder functions. The root has been roasted for years and used as a healthy coffee substitute. In the bible it mentions that "they shall eat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" The dandelion is one of the most common plants in Egypt and Western Asia. It is quite possible that it was eaten at the time of the passover. Chinese herbal practitioners wrote about it's medicinal value in the seventh century. The Roman scholar knew and wrote about it in the first century. How's that for years of testing? So, think about this the next time you get the urge to eradicate that "dandy" weed....maybe it grows in such abundance because we could all use more free food and health benefits that it so devotedly offers. After all, the Creator does not make mistakes.
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My dad and I love to do much of the same things and try to help each other out with freezing and canning, putting out a big garden. This year we have been talking about dandelions. Yes, that little so called weed with the yellow flower that everyone hates that seems to take over your yard. We plan on digging up a bunch of them this Spring to eat. Mom used to hate it when he would dig up a bunch and had her clean them. Oh! How I used to love eating them! Did you know the dandelion is not native to the United States? It's true! It was brought here by the European settlers for food and medicine. The fresh young leaves and flowers are a great addition to every salad. They are classified as a "bitter" which aids in digestion by helping the pancreas, spleen and stomach. They also increase bile, improve kidney function and contain high amounts of potassium. This can make them helpful for water retention and high blood pressure. Both leaves and root cleanse the blood and kidneys, along with liver and gallbladder functions. The root has been roasted for years and used as a healthy coffee substitute. In the bible it mentions that "they shall eat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" The dandelion is one of the most common plants in Egypt and Western Asia. It is quite possible that it was eaten at the time of the passover. Chinese herbal practitioners wrote about it's medicinal value in the seventh century. The Roman scholar knew and wrote about it in the first century. How's that for years of testing? So, think about this the next time you get the urge to eradicate that "dandy" weed....maybe it grows in such abundance because we could all use more free food and health benefits that it so devotedly offers. After all, the Creator does not make mistakes.
Friday, January 28, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
Every year I try, I really do. I try to make wonderful and inspirational New Years Resolutions and most years, they trickle by the wayside in just a few short months. I either can't stick to my guns or I find I never really wanted to in the first place. I was sure this was year I would stick to my resolution because I even got a head start on it way back last year. Yep, I thought it would go smoothly because I have already succeeded by losing a few lbs, eating healthier, exercising by walking when ever I can, just being more active in general. But, I had a game plan and I had already been working on it....so this was a piece of cake. I had it nailed. I pledged to myself that 2011 was the year. I have entered the year sure of myself. Sure until, lets see, what's today's date? Yep, it's true. I have already managed to find a slew of excuses and reasons why I haven't managed to make my regularly scheduled workout times. I am so steamed at myself! Seriously? Okay, so I still have time to recover and go on to keep this resolution, but already my heart feels like it's failed and why bother..
Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
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Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Diet Plateau
As everyone knows, I have adopted a diet plan hoping to achieve weight loss and live a healthier lifestyle. I bid bye-bye to my old eating habits and given up many of my favorite foods in favor for healthier alternatives. My hard work paid off and I lost nearly 20 lbs! But, now it seems I've hit this diet plateau demon. For a few weeks now the scale hasn't moved an inch. Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows how discouraging it is. I have tried hard to try to not get disheartened. Today I decided to put on this shirt which I love but, have never been able to wear because of being waaay too tight. I couldn't bear to get rid of it because it is so darn cute. I couldn't believe it! The shirt fits me awesome with lots of room to spare! Okay, So I came up with this conclusion...A diet plateau can be discouraging and demotivating, but, don't give up! In my case, I have been exercising so much more and they do say muscle weighs more than fat. It's good to lose weight but, losing inches is great! I must be doing something right! I have made a commitment to live a healthy lifestyle, in return lose some pounds and so I will outsmart my metabolism and conquer the diet plateau!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Living Healthy on less
If you are smart about it, you can still eat healthy, stay physical fit and receive medical care even in these tough economic times. Most people are cutting back, trying to save more and make do with less. This is a must for my Hubby and I no matter what times. Let's face it, living on one paycheck is no doubt having to live on less.but, can you cut back when it comes to your health? I believe you can. Some of the things we do is treat colds and virus's,flu and other things at home. Colds and virus's and things like that have to follow it's course and you probably don't need to rush to see the doctor. However if you are not getting better and experiencing worse symptoms or different symptoms then I would suggest a call to the doctor should be made. For the cutbacks in the food arena you can eat healthy and still stay on budget. It just takes a little extra planning and thought. I found preparing more of your own food saves you money Prepackaged foods are often expensive. Have a plan at the grocery store.Don't go to the store hungry! (I'm sure you have heard that one before) and go with a list. Take advantage of seasonal produce. Produce that is in season is going to be a little cheaper. Better yet, if you have the time and space plant a garden and grow your own produce. Stockpile non perishables. Stock up on canned foods when they are on sale. buying food in the bulk is good if it doesn't spoil before you use it. Buy inexpensive sources of needed nutrients. Beans are very inexpensive source of protein and fiber and very versatile. There are many varieties of them and you can do so many things with them. Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grain options and nonfat milk is a cheap source of dairy and not to mention great to have on hand. Why pay a pricey gym membership to keep fit. The thing people need to realize is for general health any kind of physical activity is all we need. We don't have to go to the gym. Walking is free and I find it very enjoyable when I can walk with a friend. You could also jump rope, ride a bike, purchase a physio ball. These are cheap and you can do all sorts of exercises with these balls. So you see, you can keep physical fit on the cheap, use extra thought and planning when planning your diet and cutting back health care by simply treating simple virus's at home. Your health and fitness need not suffer. and you can live healthy on less.
Monday, July 13, 2009
MENU PLAN MONDAY
The garden is doing very well. We now have green beans, new potatoes, zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, cucumbers and turnips. I will work my meals around these, so my menu this week is simple and lots of fresh veggies. YUMMY!
MONDAY cube steak, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, turnips ( this is hubbys thing yuck!)
TUESDAY summer stew ( this consists of new potatoes, fresh green beans, onion, bacon, polish or smoked sausage all cooked together) YUMMMMM! and kings Hawaiian bread rolls
WEDNESDAY sloppy joes, cucumber slices, fresh zucchini and yellow crookneck squash
THURSDAY eating out
FRIDAY Blueberry zucchini bread, venison and noodles, cucumber slices
SATURDAY Taco salad, ice cream sundaes
SUNDAY On our own
Whats for dinner at your house? check out http://orgjunkie.com for more menus!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The 30 Day Challenge!
I am joining the 30 day challenge with http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com Oh yea, for me its going to be a challenge! Diet and excercise has been on my mind now for some time. I have gotten quite lazy this winter and I wonder why I do not feel as good as I used to. This should be fun. I am going to find 10-15 minutes a day to excercise. That sounds simple enough hugh? It can be walking or crunchers, riding a bike whatever, it doesn't matter as long as its excercising. If you want to join me, just leave a comment and let me know! I will post each week my success and my hope, not too many failures. Here's my plan: excercise everyday! Keeping it simple!
Walk! and when I can't walk...
Stretch(this is very important, even before walking)
50 leg lifts
50 side to side crunchers
50 crunchers
Remember Drink lots of water 8-10 glasses everyday(this might be a hard one for me)
Let's have fun and encourage one another!
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