happy halloween!

I CAN ACTUALLY HEAR YOU GETTING FATTER

in all seriousness,

tonight is the the annual tummy aches parade

what do you do to make halloween a bit healthier for your kids?

i know that if you are like me, you have walked for hours at a time

to see how full you could get your pillow case.................

but besides walking, what steps did your parents take to make sure you didnt OD on sugar?

my parents had to go through all our candy by hand,

they always looked to make sure nothing had been opened or tampered with

they also made sure to take a few of their favorites!

i think that was the REAK reason.

once we had a few pieces

the bags were to be tucked away

& only retrieved when we asked permission

this was until i had a great hiding spot of of course

i remember the ladies on the block that gave apples & individual boxes or healthy cereals.....HATED THAT

we usually eneded up skipping those houses

so what is still fun, that is safe & healthy?

i wish that is was kosher to hand out baked goods, but then again i wouldnt want a cupcake form a stranger

i LOVE treating myself to trail mix with the choc or little yogurt pieces in it!

think about the damaging effects of sugar, especially in large quantities

little changes can make the biggest difference in the foods that our kids will grab for now, as teens & then adults.

if we talk to our kids about why one vs the other is better for our bodies & introduce the healthier alternatives that ACTUALLY TASTE GOOD

WE WIN.....parents around the world rejoice!

and then I, sitting at home with my boyfriend (that can eat anything) am in pain because i ate 4 pieces of candy.

OH YEAH BARS

AMAZE BALLS

i wouldnt

recommend these

as protein bars,

but if you want a candy bar

this is MUCH better nutritionally

than a snickers.

SOUP

There is nothing quite like a warm cup of soup on an autumn day

a comforting, calming, nutrient filled meal

I am not speaking canned soup, but that is better than nothing

home made broth & veggies really can not be beat

i remember the aroma of my mothers lamb & vegetable soup filling out house

now i am creating my own cozy blends & tastes

the best part is You can freeze the soup and at a later date just defrost and reheat it.

it is alwasy healthiest to prepare seasonal vegetables: FALL/WINTER

bok chy

brocolli

cauliflower

cabbage

carrots

butternut squash

pumpkin

sweat potato

swiss chard

kale

leeks

In california early april til late october is tomato season

and i DIE for a yummy bowl of tomato basil soup

possible with a side of GRILLED CHEESE (ezikeil bread/rice cheese)

tomato veggie basil

organic vegetable broth

six large tomatoes

carrots

celery

onions

basil

pepper

barley

butternut squash soup SANS CREAM

butternut squash about 3 lbs

olive oil to roast

salt/pepper

shallots

veggie stock

curry powder

Vegetable soups are best because of their stimulating and health qualities. In general they help restore the necessary water balance, which in turn helps keep our blood pressure under control. just stay away form the can if you are watching your sodium intake!

If you keep thinking about chicken soup and its much-talked about benefits on cold and flu attacks, you would be happy to know that the old tales are true: chicken soup homemade or organic at best has anti-inflammatory effects and can help lessen the symptoms of a cold.

Adding a quick bowl of soup to your meals during the cold season can help you warm up, protect your organism and avoid unnecessary calories.

slurp slurp

• 
  

PUMPKIN TIME

benefits of pumpkin

Beta carotene---The rich orange color is a dead give away to the nutrients present in pumpkin. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet.

Beta-carotene is a vitamin that can be converted by the body into vitamin A.

This helps the body in its process of regeneration, slowing down the aging process.

PUMPKINS.....

are loaded with Potassium---studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.

contain zinc---not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

they are high in fiber---diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.

Pumpkin seeds contain the strongest therapeutic effects.

These help in eliminating intestinal parasites,
cleaning blood vessels,
adjusting cholesterol level and stimulating kidney activity.

Pumpkin juice:

is indicated for ulcer and high acidity.

It has to be drunk three times a day, half an hour before meals.

It is also useful in cases of insomnia, having sedative properties.

OTHER REASONS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SEASONAL WONDER......

Prostate Protection,

Improved Bladder Function,

Depression Treatment: contains tryptophan

Prevention of Osteoporosis: high in zinc

Natural Anti-Inflammatory: great for skin

Great Source of Magnesium: component of heart health

Cancer Prevention: contains phytosterol activity, which also contributes to the lowering of cholesterol we spoke of!

use it in pies,

use it is shakes,

in pancakes

in muffins,

in soups,

breads, cakes, scones

the possibilities

ARE ENDLESS!!!!!

reach

whether you are dealing with illness, addiction, mental instability, self image issues, injury or all of the above.....you can/will get through it

we are only dealt the hand that we can handle

we learn from our journeys & teach others along the way

experience is priceless

it may not seem beneficial or even fair at times

but breathe, have faith & reach out

what matters most is the life you have created for yourself

the life that you are hopefully proud to have ownership of.

look at yourself from above

what do you see?

you can't see what is going on in your head.......

so what do you see?

you see the friends that surround you,

the way you treat others,

the respect you are given, because you deserve it to come back to you

your love

your lessons

the resistance we have to change

along with the willingness to take charge

& the ability to do WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU WANT TO DO

I among others in your life, am here for you...........a phone call, a text message, an email a carrier pigeon away.

PLEASE REACH & SOMEONE WILL CATCH YOU

BUT YOU HAVE TO REACH

TO MEET THEM HALF WAY