It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

No, this isn't a Blog about the Peanuts Halloween special; although, I am looking forward to watching that, on Halloween (tradition!). But, it is officially pumpkin season, here in the United States, and I'm excited!!

I love Charlie Brown...I love Fall....and I love pumpkins!! Pumpkins are amazing; they're nutritious, delicious and totally versatile!

Here's a brief run-down of just how awesome pumpkins are...

Check out all these amazing benefits!!

Did you see that?? So much goodness to improve your health! And, I love fact sheets...especially the ones that come with recipes; I can't wait to try that smoothie recipe!! LOL!

Some other things I've learned about the wonder that is a pumpkin are as follows:

• Eating pumpkins reduces the risk of gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancer, regardless of family history.
• Eating pumpkins reduces breast cancer risk, in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
• Cucurbitacin E, a compound found in pumpkins, has been shown to inhibit triple-negative breast cancer metastasis in the lab, by suppressing cell migration and invasion.
• Pumpkins contain hypoglycemic substances that may improve diabetes.
• Intake of orange and yellow vegetables (like pumpkins) may also be protective against prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

I, personally, love eating pumpkins/pumpkin seeds...and I totally wish they had a longer harvesting season. I made sure to collect a few recipes, recently, so I'll have plenty of variety when it comes time to grub on some yumminess!!

Here, let me share them with you:

Pumpkin and Black Bean Casserole - FatFree Vegan

Pumpkin Pancakes - Chocolate Covered Katie

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Pie - This Rawsome Vegan Life

Nutty Pumpkin Chip Cookies - Happy Healthy Life

Raw Pumpkin Spice Granola - Fragrant Vanilla Cake

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream - A Calculated Whisk

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts - My Whole Food Life

My goodness....I think I've made myself hungry!! LOL! Have a blessed day, everyone...and don't forget to partake in some pumpkin goodness this Fall!!

FYI - Try to buy organic pumpkins, if you can!

The Ketogenic Diet - What I've Learned

Our body's run on glucose, like a vehicle runs on gasoline; and our "tanks" have a 24-hour supply of glucose, at the ready; so, if you don't eat carbs on a regular basis, you'll run out of fuel...right?

Not necessarily! I've been researching this nutritional therapy plan, called The Ketogenic Diet, that teaches how to switch from "regular gas" to "diesel" (if you will) and still function normally, throughout the day. The Ketogenic Diet forces your body to burn fat as your primary fuel source, rather than glucose, because it's a low carb, high fat, moderate protein eating plan.

The Ketogenic Diet Pyramid

It's been said that this lifestyle plan can cure epilepsy, as well as cancer, and a host of other health issues. About 2/3 of our brain is composed of fat...specifically, fatty acids; so, the more fats, and fatty acids, you have in your diet, the better your brain will function.

As far as being the cure for cancer, it stands to reason...sugar feeds cancer cells. Carbs break down into sugars, in our bodies; so, if you limit the amount of carbs you eat, you will starve the disease. This eating plan can also help you lose weight! Simple, right?

Not if you're a caboholic, like me!! LOL! The Mayo Clinic says that a low carb diet would allow for 50g - 150g of carbs, per day. My favorite multi-grain pasta is 38g all by itself!! However, I'm planning on putting this lifestyle change to the test; incorporating what I've learned about alkalizing foods, and this eating plan, I should be able to stay cancer free! And I can't wait to be a size 10, again!! LOL!

Here's how the Ketogenic Diet works...

Ketones are a substance that your body makes, when it uses fat as your primary source of energy, rather than glucose. If you are diabetic, and choose this lifestyle, please make sure to discuss this with your doctor...too many ketones in your body could be dangerous!

Remember, back in the day, when everyone said a reduced fat diet was healthier for us?? They grouped all fats in the "dangerous" category...whether they were good fats, or bad fats. I did a Blog about the difference between fats. Not all fats are bad for you! The good ones do a lot of beneficial things to your body; the "bad" fats do, too, as a matter of fact!

A high fat diet is said to be very healthy for you, when you keep the carbs at bay. A diet high in clean saturated fats, and low in carbohydrates actually raises your good cholesterol and lowers your triglycerides, according to the Ketogenic Diet Resource page. This site lists a great deal of benefits from this particular lifestyle plan! It also has menu plans!

Now why would the powers that be tell us that all fats are bad, and we should limit our fat intake, when fats actually do a lot of good to the human condition?? Two words....Big Pharma. Whenever there's a buzz about this and that medical condition, no one stops to figure out why that medical condition exists...they just create a pill to help us "manage" those conditions. And, they even have pills to combat the side effects of the disease management drugs!! It's all about money, folks!! Believe it or not, most of the diseases and conditions we suffer from are metabolic (they happened because we don't eat properly!)

Your fats should come from high quality sources...regardless of whether it's a saturated fat, or a "good" fat. Quality is key! Eat grass-fed animal products (meat & dairy), make sure your pork products are uncured (no nitrites or nitrates), eat full fat dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc). Consume LOTS of organic, non-GMO (non-starchy) veggies, and limit the amount of fruits, grains, cereals, breads, etc. that you eat.

If you're suffering from insulin resistance, the Ketogenic Diet just might be the answer to your prayers, as well!

I'm currently trying to figure out how to navigate the low carb part of this eating plan (notice I don't call it a "diet"?). Fruits are carbs; they're also anti-estrogenic (most of them). So, I'm thinking...in terms of the "low carb" part of this, I'll eat fruits as my 50g - 150g of carbs per day....cutting out rice, starchy veggies, and all grains (or maybe replacing a fruit with one of them, from time to time). I'm going to have to make sure that whatever I use in place of a piece of fruit, will be high quality, though...no corn syrup, or processed grains.

It's time to take back our lives, reverse these health issues we're being taught to manage; and live healthy, and drug free, once again!!

Happy Meatless Monday!!

Hi, everyone!! Happy Meatless Monday! I've started experimenting with different recipes I find on the web; so, this is my first official foodie Blog. Yay, me!! Please excuse the amateur photography! LOL!

This evening I made Moo Shu Vegetables.

It didn't turn out too bad...it was pretty good, actually!! I think I'll scale down on the sesame oil, next time. And, instead of the grilling sauce, I used BBQ sauce; I also cooked it for a little longer than the recipes says to, so I'll probably shorten the time, as well.

This recipe fed 4, and there's plenty of leftovers, for another time...as you can see, by the photo of the frying pan! LOL!!

Here's the recipe....

Moo Shu Vegetables

This was taken after we all filled our plates! Leftovers!!

Moo Shu Vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons smoky spicy grilling sauce (such as House of Tsang)
• 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 bag (10 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 1 bag (8 ounces) shredded carrots
• 4 ounces sliced mixed mushrooms
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 6 scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 10 whole-wheat flour tortillas (such as Mission Life Balance)

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds. Add coleslaw mix, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts and the broth. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes.
2. Stir in the scallions, and sesame oil.
3. Serve with slightly warmed tortillas.

I hope you enjoy this!! Please let me know what you think, when you fix this for your family! God bless!!

The toothpick was put in place for the sake of the photo! LOL!

My New Best Friend - Dr. David Brownstein

Here it is, folks...the book review I promised!

I recently signed up for Dr. David Brownstein's Newsletters; I should be getting another one, soon. With my "membership", I received a book called "The Guide to Healthy Eating", authored by him; he's authored 10 books, and I'm planning on owning all of them! LOL!

Within this particular book, you will learn everything you need to know about carbs, fats & oils, salt, making children's favorite foods more healthy for them, and what foods to avoid eating (and why), and so much more! There's even a section of the book devoted to recipes...I can't wait to try them!! In the back, there is a tip section...healthy eating when dining out, food prep tips, meal planning, etc. There are also two appendices....a glycemic index, and a grocery shopping check-list.

I highly recommend purchasing this book; it is a comprehensive guide to put you on the right track toward a healthier life!

Protein is Protein...Right??

Wrong! There are some major differences between animal-based proteins and plant-based proteins.

Proteins become amino acids, during the digestion process; amino acids are the building blocks of the body. The body also uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body processes. The amino acids that can't be manufactured by our bodies are called essential amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids, and 12 which are manufactured by the body, itself. Here's where the differences come into play.

A complete protein is a food that contains a significant amount of all nine essential amino acids. All animal-based proteins are complete proteins...most plant-based proteins are not. There are only a hand-full of plant proteins that are considered complete.

Soy has long been considered the highest quality complete protein in the vegetable kingdom. When soy was first touted as "the" plant-based alternative to animal protein, I fell for it hook, line and sinker. I became a soy foods fanatic! Soy milk and tofu were staples, in my house...my kids didn't like the tofu, but they devoured the milk! I went out of my way to replace animal proteins with soy, and other plant-based proteins, because the powers that be said it was better for our health.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer, last year. And I'm terrified that my children (2 girls and a boy) will develop breast cancer, later on in life, because I bombarded their bodies with so much soy...I am a dethroned convenience food queen! With all the new information out about how bad convenience foods are for us, and how practically everything boxed, packaged, bottled or canned has soy in it...this Mommy is worried for her children!

Complete proteins, in the plant kingdom are found in other sources...spirulina, hemp seed, amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. I will never promote soy as a reliable source of ANY nutrient! Trust me!

My new best friend, Dr. David Brownstein, says soy also contains enzyme inhibitors that stop our bodies from absorbing a lot of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese and iron. And, large amounts of refined soy (convenience foods) can cause deficiencies in Vitamins B12, D, E, and K. This information can be found in his book, "The Guide to Healthy Eating" (book review coming soon!)

When eating foods that are incomplete proteins (most plant-based proteins), it's a good idea to make sure you eat complimentary proteins, to achieve a complete protein source. You don't have to combine them in the same meal, just make sure you've eaten plenty of complimentary proteins, by the end of the day.

I've plugged myself as being a former omnivore, suggesting that I have become a vegetarian...when, in fact, I still eat meat, from time to time. I'm what's commonly known as a "flexitarian"; a vegetarian who still eats meat, on occasion. I've also learned that animals who are common herbivores will eat meat, when they need to; so, I'm ok with being a vegetarian who eats meat, once in a while! LOL!

Eating meat is the only way to ensure that the body gets an adequate amount of B12...it's not found in any plant food, unless it's been fortified with it. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient, in that it helps produce DNA in our bodies, helps reduce the risk of pernicious anemia, helps maintain energy levels, reduces the risk of heart disease, and so much more!

With that being said, I would also not advise become a strict vegan...B12 supplements are great; but by not eating meat at least once in a while, you will be missing out on so many other nutrients that are only found in animal flesh and animal products (milk, eggs, honey, etc).

So, for an adequate amount of protein (and other nutrients) in your diet, it is always a good idea to eat meat, or animal products; even if it's only once in a while!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed day!! oxoxox

My New Best Friend - Dr David Brownstein

Good morning, my loves! Happy March!

Every day I wake up to, is another day to impact the world...and another reason to want to wake up, tomorrow! In spite of all the hardships I'm facing, and the battles I endure, God continues to give me reasons to smile and love my life! I'm enjoying being 43 yrs. old, and looking forward to the rest of my life!

Here's a couple more Q&A moments from the Dr's Newsletters, for you to feast upon; I'm learning so much from this man! I'm certainly thankful that God brought him into my life....even if it's only by way of Newsletters and a book! LOL!

~~~~~~~~

Q: My daughter had her thyroid removed because of cancerous nodules. They want to give her radioactive iodine treatments, but she wants to conceive again. Are there natural alternatives?

A: Unfortunately, thyroid cancer is increasing at epidemic rates. The thyroid gland is at the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple.

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type and makes up more than 80 percent of all thyroid cancer diagnoses.

What causes thyroid cancer? Radiation exposure such as X-rays or radioactive iodine released from a nuclear accident or weapon can cause thyroid cancer. Anything that causes goiter can also increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, not all goiters are cancerous.

Conventional medicine's approach to thyroid cancer is to remove the abnormal tissue via surgery and/or use radioactive iodine therapy.

I believe that surgery is warranted in a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. However, I also feel that radioactive iodine is overused and should be considered a potentially dangerous therapy.

Endocrinologists would have you believe that radioactive iodine therapy is perfectly safe with no adverse effects. They are wrong. Radioactive iodine therapy has been associated with increases in various cancers.

Radioactive iodine therapy works by having iodine bind to the thyroid; the radioactive material destroys the surrounding tissues. The iodine given in this treatment also binds to other areas of the body, including the breasts, ovaries and uterus - anywhere that iodine binds. It also destroys and alters DNA in these tissues.

It should not be surprising that radioactive iodine therapy is associated with various cancers. I am very cautious about recommending radioactive iodine therapy for my patients.

Q: Where do you find unrefined salt? Can you buy it at a grocery store? Do you recommend a certain kind?

A: Unrefined salt contains more than 80 minerals. It has not been subjected to harsh chemicals and bleaching that removes these precious minerals.

Refined salt has had all of the minerals removed through chemical processes.

Refined salt is the thin, white table salt that we are all so familiar with. Unrefined salt, due to the mineral content, should have color to it.

Which salt is healthier? Without a doubt, unrefined salt should be the salt of choice. I recommend using Celtic Brand Sea Salt or Redmond's Real Salt.

I have had both brands tested and the results showed no toxicity and a good mineral profile. These brands of salt can be found at a good health food store or online.

More information about salt can be found in my book, "Salt Your Way to Health".

~~~~~~~~

Now, the first Q&A is awesome; however, I have a huge problem with it! He never answered the asker's question. This person wanted to know if there were alternatives to radioactive iodine therapy, and Dr. Brownstein never mentions any. Kudos to him for providing all of that valuable information, but I'd like to know the answer to the asker's question, myself! I guess we'll have to do our own homework, to find out if there are any out there!

My personal recommendation, of course, is to take on a healthier lifestyle...eat organic, whole foods, drink lots of water, and get plenty of exercise. As previously stated in one of my blogs, cancer cannot survive in a body that's pH balanced. You can read about it, here.

I'm almost through all the Newsletters I received from Dr. Brownstein; when I'm done with those, I'll post a review of his book, "The Guide to Healthy Eating". Such an awesome book...I can't wait to tell you about it!! LOL!

Have a great day; and be blessed!! oxoxox

My New Best Friend - Dr David Brownstein

Man, have I had an interesting day....too busy for me, time to deflate a little!

Here are a couple more answered questions, from the back of Dr. Brownstein's Newsletters...again, not revealing the asker's identity....just sharing their concern, and his answer; enjoy!!

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Q: I have Type 2 diabetes and want to know if it can be reversed naturally. Do you have any advice?

A: This type of diabetes is caused by a confluence of factors including obesity, inactivity eating a poor diet, and nutritional deficiencies.

I often refer to Type 2 diabetes as a "lifestyle" illness, because the great majority of patients suffering from it are struggling due to nothing more than poor lifestyle choices.

Eating a poor diet is the main reason we are seeing such a rise in Type 2 diabetes. The standard American diet contains way too much refined sugar, flour, salt and oils, and not enough nutrient-dense food.

These refined foods lack basic nutrients and contain toxic byproducts from their manufacturing processes.

This picture was added by me, guys. But, you get the idea, right?

This combination of nutrient imbalances, along with toxic overload, is a perfect recipe for developing Type 2 diabetes.

How can you avoid or overcome diabetes? First, eat a healthy diet full of unrefined food. Avoid all sources of refined sugar and fructose, as well as other refined products. Finally, daily exercise can help the insulin receptors restore their sensitivity.

My experience has clearly shown a holistic approach can help a person beat Type 2 diabetes. More information can be found in "The Guide to Healthy Eating" (I have this book...it's amazing!!)


Q:  My 17-year-old daughter has been on birth control for one year. What is your opinion of the risks of having her on them at such a young age?

A: Birth control pills contain synthetic forms of progesterone and estrogen in order to inhibit ovulation and implantation.

Unfortunately, birth control pills are associated with a host of issues, including problems with the thyroid gland, blood clots, heart attacks, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of cancer of the cervix and liver.

Some studies have even shown an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took birth control pills. (I was on birth control pills for a while)

Regulating menses can often be accomplished by cleaning up the diet and avoiding allergenic foods. Food allergy testing can be done through blood tests or via an acupressure technique called NAET (Namburipad's Allergy Elimination Techniques).

Finally, heavy menstrual bleeding can usually be controlled by ensuring adequate thyroid function and/or supplementing with vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A (10,000 to 100,000 IU per day) can slow down heavy bleeding in the majority of women.

One note of caution: Vitamin A should be prescribed by a knowledgeable healthcare provider, as high doses can cause adverse effects.

Women who are pregnant should not take high doses of Vitamin A.

~~~~~~~~

The emphatic moments, in both questions (in italics), are my own interruptions; as is the caption, under the photo I shared.

The first Q&A is a subject near and dear to my heart, because both of my parents are diabetic (Type 2) and my Dad passed away when I was 13 years old, from complications of the disease. He spent his life demanding the right to eat as he pleased, and was very stubborn when it came to following doctor's orders.

My mother developed Type 2 diabetes later in life, and she's been dealing with it a little more maturely than my Dad did! LOL!

I, unfortunately, developed my Dad's eating habits; the end result is dealing with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, in my 40s. However, the more I learn, the better equipped I am to overcome this disease, and hopefully add some years that would have otherwise been stolen from me.

Here's to a healthy life!! Have a blessed day! oxoxox

Soy – Dynamic, or Destructive?

There are a host of sites out there that will brag about the health benefits of soy; this product has been around for almost 5,000 years.

Nowadays, soy can be found in practically everything packaged, boxed, or canned, at the grocery store (even in the organic stuff!). If you're traveling through the inner aisles of the grocery store, chances are, you're purchasing something that has a soy product in it.

Soy has been touted as a beneficially healthy meatless protein source, because it’s a complete protein; I've read that it can also lower your cholesterol (low in saturated and trans fats), and may reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s even been said that it can help menopausal women, because it has phytoestrogens.

Here’s what else I've learned about its benefits -

• Good source of iron
• Reduced risk of certain cancers
• Protective benefit to cancer survivors
• Great alternative to cow’s milk

The recommended daily intake of soy is 25g per day. With all these benefits, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal, does it? Well, it probably wouldn't be, if it weren't for a few things we’re not being told.

The link I just gave you (click on the highlighted word “benefits”), is a website sponsored by Silk, whose parent company is Dean Foods. Dean Foods spent $253,000 in the cause to defeat Prop 37; kind of signals a red flag that the soy they peddle is GMO soy, doesn't it? Not only that…but we, the average consumer, don’t eat just 25g of soy a day. Remember, I said soy is found in practically everything packaged, bottled, or canned?

Read your labels...soy lecithin, soybean oil, and soy flour are all in our packaged, boxed and canned foods. Some of these may be, as well. Always read the labels!!

We, unfortunately, are eating WAAAAAAAY more than 25g, on a daily basis! And, you know what they say…too much of a good thing, is a bad idea!

Let me show you what Dr. Brownstein says about soy….this is an excerpt from one of his Newsletters:

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“I wrote about soy in both the December 2008 and November 2011 issues of Natural Way to Health. Soy is a type of plant called a legume – a category that also includes peas, beans, lentils and peanuts. And like other legumes, soy has been touted as a healthy food.

I can assure you that the vast majority of soy food sources are not healthy products. In fact, most soy products cause a myriad of health issues, including thyroid problems and deficiencies in many vitamins and minerals.

Then why is soy promoted as such a healthy food? For one thing, it is incredibly cheap to grow, so it is added to many products to increase volume. There are estimates that the food industry has added soy to more than 50 percent of supermarket food products. The vast majority of these products should be avoided.

Soy can be processed as a fermented or non-fermented product. Fermented soy is produced by using bacteria to break down the soy. Examples of fermented soy include miso, natto, tempeh, and fermented soy sauce.

The fermented forms of soy can be eaten in small amounts without causing nutrient deficiencies, or thyroid problems.

Non-fermented soy products, on the other hand, contain anti-thyroid agents and enzymes that block the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Soy in its natural form contains protease inhibitors. Protease enzymes, such as trypsin, are used by the body to break down protein into amino acids. Amino acids are used to maintain muscle tone and bone strength.

Soy is one of the most potent trypsin inhibitors known to science. Animal studies have shown that trypsin inhibition results in illnesses of the pancreas as well as cancer. Examples of non-fermented soy products include soy milk, soy-based meat substitutes, soybean oil, tofu, and many kinds of spreads with soy in them.

Non-fermented soy use leads to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune thyroid problems such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease.

I have seen many patients develop thyroid problems due to soy ingestion. And it is nearly impossible to rectify thyroid problems in patients who continue to eat soy as a major protein source.”

~~~~~~~~

Ever hear of hexane? It’s a neurotoxin used to process soy milk. And you may not see the words “USDA Organic on soy products anymore…it’s not required. Hexane-processed soy milk can still be labeled “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” if there are any ingredients that were grown organically; regardless of how they’re processed.

Dr. Mercola is another voice of reason that I completely trust, when it comes to honest healthy lifestyle advice. His website as an article focused on soy; click here to read it.

To gain the benefits of soy, without consuming any, you can eat foods from these sites:

Balancing Hormones (the numbering system is a bit confusing, but this is a great list!)

Meatless Sources of Protein (#3, #6 and #9 mention soy products…we already know that’s not an option!)

Meatless Sources of Iron (this one also mentions soy, but there are a LOT more foods to choose from!)

Cholesterol Lowering Foods (soy alert!! Choose the other options!)

Cancer Fighting Foods (it’s an alphabetized list...skip over the soy!)

Alternatives to Cow's Milk (soy milk is mentioned first, but we won’t hold it against them! LOL!)

My own Oncologist even told me to avoid soy, since I was diagnosed with Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer! Considering how much of our packaged foods have soy in them, it's not an easy task!

Soy is also used in products we don’t eat, so be mindful of labels on all your inedible products, too (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, make up, etc.); it can still infiltrate your system, through your skin!

Considering all the possible ways soy can get into our bodies, it's frightening to think that it could cause an estrogen overload, in all of us, if we're not aware! Let me know if you have any more ideas for improving the overall condition of the body, without the use of soy products!

Have a great day, and be blessed! oxoxox

What's Raw Foodism?

Raw Foodism is not a recent phenomenon...it's actually been going on for centuries. Adam and Eve were "Raw Foodists" (Genesis 1:11-12). The modern day philosophy behind raw foodism is that most of your foods should be uncooked; the trend is approximately 80% raw, 20% cooked.

If you're a person who frequents the inside isles of the store, buying a plethora of boxed, packaged, or canned foods, and you eat a piece of uncooked fruit, or any uncooked vegetable, you're eating raw foods. You are a raw foodist, at that point. And, I'm sure most of you eat some fresh fruits and vegetables, from time to time!

Cooking your fruits and vegetables, depletes the nutrient value of that food. The idea behind a raw food diet is that our bodies will be better nourished by the foods we don't cook; this is why, if you're going to cook any veggies, you should steam them instead; you can also stir-fry them, as well. Steaming and stir-frying will allow most of the nutrients to remain in your fruits and vegetables, while at the same time, providing you with a hot dish.

Some of the benefits of a raw food lifestyle are higher enzyme levels, vitamin and mineral levels, higher levels of antioxidents and phytonutrients, less free radicals, less denatured proteins (those are processed), and improved digestion. There are variations of how to follow a raw food lifestyle. I've posted some links at the end of this Blog, as resources for you, if you're considering becoming a Raw Foodist.

As beneficial as raw foods are, convenience (processed foods) are devoid of nutrient value. A steady diet of these types of foods is a one way ticket to health issues like cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and malnutrition. A friend of mine has a Blog, and she does a great series called Processed Foods Exposed, where she breaks down the bad in foods that we've been told are good for us! I encourage you to check this out!

And, as previously mentioned, here's that list:


The Benefits and Challenges of a Raw Food Diet (5 part series)

From SAD to RAW

Raw Guru

Raw Food Diet

Foodie 411: Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food Word Store

The Rawtarian (recipes!)

The Dangers of Processed Foods


If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments! oxoxox

Welcome to the World of Food Allergies

My sister had said that, the day I found out I couldn't eat certain foods, because of the way they would affect my body. She's allergic to citric acid, so she knows all about avoiding "offending" foods!

I posted a series of Notes, on Facebook, with that statement as the title; they were originally posted on October 12, 14, and 18, 2012...but I wanted to share them with you, as well. I'm going to include all three of those posts in this Blog post.

I hope this gives you some insight....


(originally posted - Oct 12, 2012)

My sister, Deborah Ochsenbein, said that to me, the other day. She's right, though...I have a serious food allergy; the worst symptom of my food allergy is commonly known as Estrogen-receptive Breast Cancer. I'm learning, through research, that it's brought on by what's called an estrogen overload/dominance; this is when the body has more estrogen than progesterone/testosterone. The excess of estrogen goes haywire, and as it continues to build, it forms tumors in the breast tissue.

I spoke to a Dietician, yesterday, and was given some advice...stear clear of foods that are high in phytoestrogens, like soy; she told me that as long as the soy is fourth, or further down, on the list of ingredients I should be fine. Previous research led me to discover that almost everything packaged, bottled or canned (convenience foods) has soy in it. And, in continuing my research, and I have also discovered that there are quite a few whole foods that are rich in phytoestrogens....alfalfa, apples, barely, cherries, chickpeas, black eyed peas, eggs, oats, olives, papaya, plums, pomegranates, potatoes, kidney beans, black beans, peanuts, oilseeds (sunflower seeds, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed), wheat, licorice, beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, peas, pumpkin, peppers, dates and yams are now off my list, as well!

It's a bit overwhelming, but the alternative....being sick, and eventually dead....is more overwhelming than having to cut out specific foods from my daily intake. I'd rather battle this disease by living a healthy life, than by spending time in "The Chemo Chair" being poisoned. So, I'll take my "Available Foods" list with me, when I go grocery shopping; and I'll read every label I come in contact with! I'm also going to have to start buying organic, grass-fed meats and poultry...factory farms feed their livestock hormones, to get them to grow bigger. Can't have a hormonally balanced internal system, if I'm stuffing myself full of hormone-laced meat!

I'm a big girl....I'll get over my limits!! God can't use me, if I'm dead!!

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Overload

PMS

Migraines

Mood Swings

Cramps

Uterine Fibroids

Depression

Unexplained Weight Gain

Fatigue

Osteoporosis

Insomnia

Allergies

Memory Loss

Acne

Hot Flashes

Thinning Hair

Irregular Periods

Breast Tenderness

Miscarriage

Low Sex Drive

High Blood Pressure

Facial Hair

Inflammation

Foggy thinking

Water retention and bloating

I've had to deal with a number of these symptoms, for about 25 years, and no doctor I ever explained them to even once mentioned that I might have a hormone imbalance! If you have any of these symptoms, please bring them to your doctor's attention...and have him/her run tests on you, to see if you have a hormone imbalance!!

I also wanted to share some info I found about products....

Plastic containers have a chemical known as bisphenol-A, a potent xenoestrogen (substance that mimics estrogen and binds to estrogen receptors in our body). The main concern with this type of estrogen in our environment is most prevalent when the plastic is heated, causing the bisphenol-A to leach into whatever food or liquid contained.

Almost all body care products contain one or more of the preservatives known as methyl-, ethyl-, butyl- and propylparaben. These parabens are mildly estrogenic and because they are introduced topically into our system, they go right into our bloodstream and on into our tissues and organs. Phthalates are a chemical found in most cosmetics and fragrances which have been found to have a negative effect on male and female reproductive health. PABA and 4-MBC are chemicals found in sunscreen that are also highly estrogenic.



(originally posted - Oct. 14, 2012)

If I tagged you in my last Note, please read this one, too! My daughter, Cindy Linginfelter, has asked me to post my “Available Foods” list; and so, I shall. But I wanted to touch on a few more points, before listing the foods I can still enjoy.

Everything we eat…veggies, fruits, nuts, meat, grains....has some level of phytoestrogens in them. Regardless of what we eat, we get an abundance of it, every day; however, some plant foods can inhibit the production of estrogen…hence, inhibiting an overload!

Also...as stated in the previous Note, any meat we consume that came from a factory farm, will be loaded with hormones, which can cause an imbalance in our systems. The best way to avoid that is by buying organic, grass-fed meats (and milk from grass-fed animals). Granted, you’ll spend a bit more at the grocery store…but it just might be worth saving your life!

My “Available Foods” is a small list that consists of foods that inhibit estrogen, or are low in phytoestrogens. Enjoy!

Available Foods

Broccoli                                                                      Organic, grass-fed meats

Berries                                                                       Milk (from grass-fed animals)

Cabbage                                                                    White Rice

Cauliflower                                                                 Pineapples

Celery                                                                         Pears

Green Beans                                                             Citrus fruits

Kale                                                                            Mushrooms

Radishes                                                                    Buckwheat

Sweet Potatoes

Melons

Squashes

Millet

Tapioca

Radishes

Spinach

Nectarines

Lettuces

Onions

Figs, dried

Grapes

Raisins

Raspberries

(originally posted - Oct. 18, 2012)

Pardon me, while I get a little excessive with my praise, here…

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! HALELUJAAAAAAAAH; THANK YOU FATHER GOD!!! YOU ARE ALWAYS FAITHFUL, MY LORD AND KING!! I PRAISE YOU’RE FAITHFULNESS…AND GIVE YOU THE GLORY, IN MY TRIUMPH!! YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT, FATHER GOD!! YOU ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOUR WORD!!

(*ahem!*) Ok…now to explain my zealous display: I just got back from Chemo, and an appointment with my Oncologist. He tells me that, after next week’s Chemo treatment, I will only need more Chemo…IF I need more Chemo!! The pill I’m taking (Tamoxifen) is all I’m going to need, as I rid my body of the rest of the tumors; the three months of Chemo was just a kick-start toward getting rid of the breast cancer. It’s going to be “hormone therapy” from here on out! I should be on this pill for around 5 years.

I’m now allowed to begin taking a multi-vitamin, as well (after Chemo is done)! And, he also explained to me that, although I will need to start eating healthier after Chemo is done…I don’t have to avoid anything, but soy!! He says, as long as I’m eating healthy foods, I can have whatever I want (just nothing with soy in it).

So…here is a revised “Avoid This” list:

Anything that is boxed, bottled or canned (pre-packaged convenience foods)

Tofu

Soymilk

Edemame

Roasted Soy Nuts

Miso

Soy/Teriyaki sauce

Veggie Burgers

Vegetable Oil (yes…this is actually soybean oil)

Tempeh

Seitan

Baked goods (time to re-learn how to bake!)

I know I’m forgetting something on this list…but I’m sure you get the picture! Soy, although tooted as a “good for you” food, is not good for the body that’s prone to estrogen overload/dominance.

And again…when choosing meats (beef, poultry, pork, etc), it’s a good idea to look for  “Free Range”, and “Grass-fed” on the labels. Animals who are raised in factory farms are pumped full of hormones and other things that are poisonous to our bodies! So when you drink milk, or eat eggs, from animals that were raised “Free Range” (or Grass-fed”)…they won’t have been pumped full of hormones and other poisons.

There ya go…EAT!! Stay healthy, and well nourished!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments. Have a wonderful day!! oxoxox