I have been led to do the Daniel Fast this past week for many reasons that would have to be another blog. I was led to create this drink this afternoon after my workout.
1 c pineapple orange juice
handful of goji berries
1/4 t blue green algae
1 t each of maca, mesquite, and spirulina
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and enjoy. If your blender is not a high speed model, I reccomend soaking the goji berries first to make them easier to blend. This drink provides a perfect amount of carbs to protein and the maca helps you recover faster. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
The State in Which I Find Myself
As of late, I have been in an interesting whirlwind of juggling who I once was with who I now am. I have found myself regressing towards old, less desirable habits and I question why. I can feel a strong desire for change and for what I see myself fully being. At the same time, it is like there is some part of me saying, "Wait, remember all of these things? I thought you liked them." Liked being the key word. And yet, I find these old behaviors, like craving junk food, perplexing to me. Why at this point in my life? Why when I have been on this journey to health and vitality for so long now, do I all of the sudden crave these things which bring artificial happiness?
Perhaps there was some sense of community in them. That is what I am truly craving now. A sense of community. Not just friends and family, although I am so very thankful for them, but what I crave is so much more than that. In my ideal community, I would have friends, family, and so many loved ones close to me. We would depend on the land, God, and each other to provide for ourselves, not the government or a grocery store. We would grow our own crops, the very best organic, non-gmo crops. We would harvest wild edibles together while our children laughed and played.
As Josh (my husband) and I are looking for land and a house now, this is definitely on the forefront of my mind. I feel as though things are happening much faster now. Definitely faster than our original plan which is exciting and scary all at once. Picking the perfect place to settle down. The place we choose, we want to live on for the rest of our lives. This would be so much more than a "starter home" which so many people I know are now doing. This would be the land that sustained and nourished us. The land that we valued and treated with respect.
As I think about all that I would like for this land to encompass, so many things stand out. I would like for it to have a spring near by where we could go and get clean, refreshing water freely without having to drive to get it. Some part of me feels that soon our society will come to a point where we are unable to drive to get to places. Weird, I know. Wild foods would be abundant. The land would be fertile and perfect for growing our own food. There would be space for my kids to play (yes, I just have one as of now) and for chickens and a goat to roam. There would be an intimate connection with nature the way it was intended, the way God first planned it in the garden. My children would learn about their world and how it works in a first hand experience. They would see animals being born, witness the cycles of the seasons and see what each one holds.
The land would be near to those that hold the same ideals. Maybe we'd all have a couple acres, maybe more, where property lines were drawn but no one really cared. Neighbors would walk freely between each others houses and care and watch after each others little ones without fear of negative or evil things happening to them. The land would be a safe haven to all that came upon it. Each family would specialize in something whether that be making kimchi, sourkrawt, lacto fermented sodas, dried fruits and veggies, pickling, manna, or more, and everyone would share everything knowing that we each had more than enough and by making enough for everyone, we each got a little bit more.
I believe the time is coming for a society to exist like this. So instead of me craving junk and grabbing for it, perhaps I will grab an organic apple and save the seeds for my future land. Maybe instead of storing up useless items, I will store up the seeds from the lemon I just juiced. I have found lately that I am starting to look more at the foods I enjoy and consume the most often which are of course healthy and organic. I feel this incredible urge that while I may not have the land now, I need to save the seeds to ensure that I can enjoy them at a later time. I have come to the point of realization where I have been a consumer for far too long. It is my time now to give back to the earth what she has given me. So I will plant what I wish to consume and I will save the seeds for the plants I wish to have later. I thank God for this wake up call. I feel it is an urgent one.
I started a garden with my friend Kelly earlier this week. As hesitant as I was to buy dirt, I gave in. Kelly and I were both very happy with the quality of what we purchased and we felt great about giving the best dirt to our plants that we thought we could give. After all, if the nutrients aren't in the dirt, they won't be in your plants, your food. I also started planting some stuff at my apartment in containers. I haven't finished, but I am excited about the progress I have made in each of the gardens. I am looking forward to reaping what I have sown.
Perhaps there was some sense of community in them. That is what I am truly craving now. A sense of community. Not just friends and family, although I am so very thankful for them, but what I crave is so much more than that. In my ideal community, I would have friends, family, and so many loved ones close to me. We would depend on the land, God, and each other to provide for ourselves, not the government or a grocery store. We would grow our own crops, the very best organic, non-gmo crops. We would harvest wild edibles together while our children laughed and played.
As Josh (my husband) and I are looking for land and a house now, this is definitely on the forefront of my mind. I feel as though things are happening much faster now. Definitely faster than our original plan which is exciting and scary all at once. Picking the perfect place to settle down. The place we choose, we want to live on for the rest of our lives. This would be so much more than a "starter home" which so many people I know are now doing. This would be the land that sustained and nourished us. The land that we valued and treated with respect.
As I think about all that I would like for this land to encompass, so many things stand out. I would like for it to have a spring near by where we could go and get clean, refreshing water freely without having to drive to get it. Some part of me feels that soon our society will come to a point where we are unable to drive to get to places. Weird, I know. Wild foods would be abundant. The land would be fertile and perfect for growing our own food. There would be space for my kids to play (yes, I just have one as of now) and for chickens and a goat to roam. There would be an intimate connection with nature the way it was intended, the way God first planned it in the garden. My children would learn about their world and how it works in a first hand experience. They would see animals being born, witness the cycles of the seasons and see what each one holds.
The land would be near to those that hold the same ideals. Maybe we'd all have a couple acres, maybe more, where property lines were drawn but no one really cared. Neighbors would walk freely between each others houses and care and watch after each others little ones without fear of negative or evil things happening to them. The land would be a safe haven to all that came upon it. Each family would specialize in something whether that be making kimchi, sourkrawt, lacto fermented sodas, dried fruits and veggies, pickling, manna, or more, and everyone would share everything knowing that we each had more than enough and by making enough for everyone, we each got a little bit more.
I believe the time is coming for a society to exist like this. So instead of me craving junk and grabbing for it, perhaps I will grab an organic apple and save the seeds for my future land. Maybe instead of storing up useless items, I will store up the seeds from the lemon I just juiced. I have found lately that I am starting to look more at the foods I enjoy and consume the most often which are of course healthy and organic. I feel this incredible urge that while I may not have the land now, I need to save the seeds to ensure that I can enjoy them at a later time. I have come to the point of realization where I have been a consumer for far too long. It is my time now to give back to the earth what she has given me. So I will plant what I wish to consume and I will save the seeds for the plants I wish to have later. I thank God for this wake up call. I feel it is an urgent one.
I started a garden with my friend Kelly earlier this week. As hesitant as I was to buy dirt, I gave in. Kelly and I were both very happy with the quality of what we purchased and we felt great about giving the best dirt to our plants that we thought we could give. After all, if the nutrients aren't in the dirt, they won't be in your plants, your food. I also started planting some stuff at my apartment in containers. I haven't finished, but I am excited about the progress I have made in each of the gardens. I am looking forward to reaping what I have sown.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Fiesta Mole Soup
Smooth, Creamy, Filling, and Oh-So-Satisfying! =)
1 c shelled edamame
1 Tablespoon (T) each flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds
1/4 c Fiesta Mole (David Favor product)
approx. 2 T olive oil
nutritional yeast to taste (I used approx. 1/4 c)
5 c warm water
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Approx. 3-4 servings
I stirred in pieces of dulse and it really took the soup to the next level. Just a little bit of chewiness and a hint of saltiness.
This soup provides essential fats, complete protein, as well as many vitamins and minerals; high in B vitamins.
1 c shelled edamame
1 Tablespoon (T) each flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds
1/4 c Fiesta Mole (David Favor product)
approx. 2 T olive oil
nutritional yeast to taste (I used approx. 1/4 c)
5 c warm water
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Approx. 3-4 servings
I stirred in pieces of dulse and it really took the soup to the next level. Just a little bit of chewiness and a hint of saltiness.
This soup provides essential fats, complete protein, as well as many vitamins and minerals; high in B vitamins.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Raw Strawberry Cake
I have been CRAVING strawberry cake lately, so I decided to make a raw one. =) Most ingredients are approximations. Note, I am calling for less coconut oil than I believe I used. The reason is because my cake while still delicious, was a little on the soft side.
Brazil nut pulp from making Brazil nut milk (1 c soaked blended with 5 cups water)
1/2 c hemp seeds
handful raspberries (for color)
8 oz strawberries (make sure they are nice and ripe as this will be the main flavor)
2 T liquid vanilla (mine is from a base of 3 vanilla beans blended in a high speed blender with 1 c water; Use non alcoholic vanilla)
pinch of sea salt
1/3 c coconut oil
honey (use to desired taste, or to help things blend more smoothly)
1/4 c yacon powder
Blend all ingredients in the food processor. Form into a cake shape on a plate and refrigerate to firm up. Eat and Enjoy!
Brazil nut pulp from making Brazil nut milk (1 c soaked blended with 5 cups water)
1/2 c hemp seeds
handful raspberries (for color)
8 oz strawberries (make sure they are nice and ripe as this will be the main flavor)
2 T liquid vanilla (mine is from a base of 3 vanilla beans blended in a high speed blender with 1 c water; Use non alcoholic vanilla)
pinch of sea salt
1/3 c coconut oil
honey (use to desired taste, or to help things blend more smoothly)
1/4 c yacon powder
Blend all ingredients in the food processor. Form into a cake shape on a plate and refrigerate to firm up. Eat and Enjoy!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe
I have yet to make this, but I found it on the web. It had great reviews. I like that it has no animal products in it, and best yet, no MSG, and you know what everything is. =) I probably will refrain from using the sugar in it though for personal reasons.
Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/dry-onion-soup-mix-substitute-223023#ixzz1F5c7Jnst
Ingredients:
- 8 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/dry-onion-soup-mix-substitute-223023#ixzz1F5c7Jnst
Organic Co-Op in North Texas
I just got back from picking up my half share of produce that Urban Acres distributes. I am satisfied to say the least. This week I got: red lettuce, red chard, kale, celery, broccoli, red cabbage (I am sensing a theme this week), turnips, beets, apples, potatoes, a golden onion, a pear, grapefruit, orange, and carrots. All of this organic for only $30. Could I find the items cheaper somewhere else? Maybe, but then again maybe not considering that produce is normally sold by the pound and certain items will be more expensive than others at the store. Take apples for example. I have paid $1 and sometimes more for a single organic apple at the store. Urban Acres says the half share is approximately 15 lbs. of produce. I for one think this is a really good deal. I opted not to get the full share ($50 for approx. 30 lbs of produce) as I will be eating most of the produce alone. In addition, I would still like to go to the store or farmers market to pick up produce that I am craving or that I may require in a recipe. The pick up locations are throughout the metroplex every other week. I am curious to see how this produce will last until then. Another perk of going through Urban Acres is that they source most of the produce locally and use other states just for some variety in the bins. Go local! If you would like more details, visit their website: urbanacres.com. And if you have any questions, I am all ears. =)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Recipe: Power Wraps
These wraps were inspired by something a dear friend of mine, Courtney Clay, shared with me. I also saw something similar to these at Natural Grocers in Richardson. They are reminiscent of jerky to me.
Ingredients:
Raw Nori Sheets
1 c Pumpkin seeds, soaked overnight or 8 hours
sun dried tomatoes, soaked (reserve soak water)
nutritional yeast flakes
balsamic vinegar
pinch of sea salt
Vitamineral earth (optional)
Medi-Aminos (bean/grain blend)- optional
Different seasonings ideas: curry, italien seasonings, fennel
As you can see only two items have measurements as this recipe was designed to be to one's individual tastes. Keep in mind that balsamic vinegar has a strong flavor and can easily be too much. I would start with a dash and then go from there. Combine all ingredients except nori and different seasonings in a food processor till it becomes a dough like consistancy, add tomato soak water as needed to keep everything moving along. You can portion out the filling and add different seasonings as desired. Put a layer along the side of one half sheet of nori and roll up. Enjoy immediatly or dehydrate for longer storage as well as more of a jerky texture.
Provides protein, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, as well as many different vitamins and minerals. This is great for women expecting as well as nursing mothers and men alike. The nutritional yeast flakes provide choline and inositol, great for brain development. Don't worry, it is not related to the kind of yeast that might create a problem down there. =) The pumpkin seeds are great for prostate health. Enjoy in health!You are worth it. =)
Ingredients:
Raw Nori Sheets
1 c Pumpkin seeds, soaked overnight or 8 hours
sun dried tomatoes, soaked (reserve soak water)
nutritional yeast flakes
balsamic vinegar
pinch of sea salt
Vitamineral earth (optional)
Medi-Aminos (bean/grain blend)- optional
Different seasonings ideas: curry, italien seasonings, fennel
As you can see only two items have measurements as this recipe was designed to be to one's individual tastes. Keep in mind that balsamic vinegar has a strong flavor and can easily be too much. I would start with a dash and then go from there. Combine all ingredients except nori and different seasonings in a food processor till it becomes a dough like consistancy, add tomato soak water as needed to keep everything moving along. You can portion out the filling and add different seasonings as desired. Put a layer along the side of one half sheet of nori and roll up. Enjoy immediatly or dehydrate for longer storage as well as more of a jerky texture.
Provides protein, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, as well as many different vitamins and minerals. This is great for women expecting as well as nursing mothers and men alike. The nutritional yeast flakes provide choline and inositol, great for brain development. Don't worry, it is not related to the kind of yeast that might create a problem down there. =) The pumpkin seeds are great for prostate health. Enjoy in health!You are worth it. =)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Why your 2-year-old should face rearward in the car
Why your 2-year-old should face rearward in the car
Great information. My little one is "big enough" for a forward facing car seat, yet intuition told me otherwise. Great article.
Great information. My little one is "big enough" for a forward facing car seat, yet intuition told me otherwise. Great article.
Starting a blog: recording my life, my passions, my dreams and desires
This blog is the result of friends and family asking for more. More details about the zany life of Rachael. I have been interested in food and nutrition since I can remember. I have always found the topic fascinating. My journey has been one of varied interests and I have dabbled in all sorts of "diets" or ways of eating. I have dabbled in vegetarian, vegan, raw food, gluten-free, macrobiotic, local, and more. My way of eating is a combination of these. My posts will probably mostly be about food as that is my passion in life. I will also post on things I find significant and worth following such as GM watch, natural body care, natural baby care, EC, exercise, other health related issues, spirituality, and God. So here's to my friends and family. Thank you for encouraging me to start this journey. May the following posts, whether sporadic or plentiful, be an encouragement to you to live better and to live life fully.
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