Mother knows best....

Yesterday my Mom sent Doug and I this chart of healthy Fruits and Veggies and the healthy ways they work for us...

Apples	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Blocks diarrhea	Improves lung capacity	Cushions joints
Apricots	Combats cancer	Controls blood pressure	Saves your eyesight	Shields against Alzheimer's	Slows aging process
Artichokes	Aids digestion	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Guards against liver disease
Avocados	Battles diabetes	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin
Bananas	Protects your heart	Quiets a cough	Strengthens bones	Controls blood pressure	Blocks diarrhea
Beans	Prevents constipation	Helps hemorrhoids	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Stabilizes blood sugar
Beets	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones	Protects your heart	Aids weight loss
Blueberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Boosts memory	Prevents constipation
Broccoli	Strengthens bones	Saves eyesight	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure
Cabbage	Combats cancer	Prevents constipation	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Helps hemorrhoids
Cantaloupe	Saves eyesight	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Supports immune system
Carrots	Saves eyesight	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Promotes weight loss
Cauliflower	Protects against Prostate Cancer	Combats Breast Cancer	Strengthens bones	Banishes bruises	Guards against heart disease
Cherries	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Ends insomnia	Slows aging process	Shields against Alzheimer's
Chestnuts	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
Chili peppers	Aids digestion	Soothes sore throat	Clears sinuses	Combats Cancer	Boosts immune system
Figs	Promotes weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
Fish	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Supports immune system
Flax	Aids digestion	Battles diabetes	Protects your heart	Improves mental health	Boosts immune system
Garlic	Lowers cholesterol	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Fights fungus
Grapefruit	Protects against heart attacks	Promotes Weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol
Grapes	Saves eyesight	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Enhances blood flow	Protects your heart
Green tea	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Helps stops strokes	Promotes Weight loss	Kills bacteria
Honey	Heals wounds	Aids digestion	Guards against ulcers	Increases energy	Fights allergies
Lemons	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
Limes	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
Mangoes	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Regulates thyroid	Aids digestion	Shields against Alzheimer's
Mushrooms	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Kills bacteria	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
Oats	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Prevents constipation	Smoothes skin
Olive oil	Protects your heart	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Smoothes skin
Onions	Reduce risk of heart attack	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Lowers cholesterol	Fights fungus
Oranges	Supports immune systems	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Straightens respiration
Peaches	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes	Aids digestion	Helps hemorrhoids
Peanuts	Protects against heart disease	Promotes Weight loss	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Aggravates Diverticulitis
Pineapple	Strengthens bones	Relieves colds	Aids digestion	Dissolves warts	Blocks diarrhea
Prunes	Slows aging process	Prevents constipation	Boosts memory	Lowers cholesterol	Protects against heart disease
Rice	Protects your heart	Battles diabetes	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes
Strawberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Calms stress
Sweet potatoes	Saves your eyesight	Lifts mood	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
Tomatoes	Protects prostate	Combats cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart
Walnuts	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Lifts mood	Protects against heart disease
Water	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Conquers kidney stones	Smoothes skin
Watermelon	Protects prostate	Promotes Weight loss	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure
Wheat germ	Combats Colon Cancer	Prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Improves digestion
Wheat bran	Combats Colon Cancer	Prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Improves digestion
Yogurt	Guards against ulcers	Strengthens bones	Lowers cholesterol	Supports immune systems	Aids digestion

Skin Brushing and the health benefits...

I learned something very interesting today about the benefits of brushing our skin with a natural bristle brush, I've been doing this for a few years but had no idea of how good this is for the inside of our bodies as well as the outside let me share a few things with you....I purchased my brush from Target for a very reasonable price...make sure it is an all natural bristle..

• Stimulates blood and lymph flow. The lymphatic system is an important part of your cleansing and immune system. White blood cells called lymphocytes carry nutrients to cells and remove waste. The lymph flows outside of the circulatory system to bathe, cleanse and restore all of our cells, but it must be returned to the blood vessels to dump its waste. It does this through tiny lymph vessels with one-way valves to the heart. If we don’t move the lymph quickly enough we end up with swollen tissues, particularly in the ankles. Exercise, massage and skin brushing help to speed the process and clear the lymphatic system.
• Removes dead skin cells. Dry skin is a sign of detoxification. It is important to remove the dead cells to keep from clogging the system. This will also improve skin texture and renew the skin cells.
• Stimulates the hormone and oil glands. With daily brushing and bathing, the skin can produce the oil needed to stay healthy. Sweating is an important part of detoxification but when your system is clogged, you may experience foul body odor and extra work is put onto the bladder, kidneys and liver. With regular exercise and cleansing the skin, you will notice that your sweat no longer smells. However, with increased detoxing on your whole body cleanse, you may find it gets worse before it gets better.
• Reduces cellulite. I (Cindy) had no idea that skin brushing would lessen cellulite until I started to see it in myself! It requires daily brushing for several months to start to see results. When you massage and stimulate the skin it begins to break up the toxic deposits of stored fatty tissues that pucker the overlying skin into cellulite. Connective tissue massage and releasing stored emotions are also good treatments for cellulite.
• Strengthens the immune system. Dry skin brushing can reduce the length of infections and illness by moving the toxins more quickly through the system and stimulating the lymph to move waste matter out.
• Stimulates the nervous system, tones the muscles, tightens the skin. By stimulating nerve endings in the skin, this technique will rejuvenate your nerves and activate individual muscle fibers, resulting in toner muscles. The increased blood flow to skin, and removing of dead cells, stimulates the creation of new skin cells which tightens and regenerates overall skin health.
• Nurtures your body. Maybe one of the most important benefits of this practice is purely the pleasure of nurturing your body. Learning to love your body is essential for weight loss and the healing of any bodily “dis-ease.” Spend this time, 5-15 minutes per day, giving your body the attention it craves and deserves. It works hard to support you. Giving it superior support will reward you many times over.

Selecting a Dry Skin Brush

Choose a brush that has natural fiber bristles and a long handle for reaching all of your back. Some have a removable handle and strap for using the brush without the handle. The bristles may feel too firm at first, but your skin will acclimate to this over time. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to start with a softer brush or use a dry towel in the beginning. We've discovered a great selection of bath brushes with great prices at From Nature With Love. Our favorite is the one with the detachable long handle. They also make a lovely cellulite reducing brush that has soft pegs to help break up the cellulite.
To get a variety of products at once, check out our great selection of skin brushes and other detox tools in our Whole Body Detox Diet Store.

How to Use Your Dry Skin Brush

1. Brush your dry body before you shower or bathe, preferably in the morning.
2. Start at your feet and always brush toward your heart. Use brisk circular motions or long, even strokes.
3. Brush all the way up your legs, then over your abdomen, buttocks, and back. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate their a little longer. For complete dissolving of cellulite, brush for 10 minutes daily for several months.
4. Brush lightly on sensitive areas like breasts and more firmly on areas like soles of the feet.
5. When you reach your arms, begin at your fingers and brush up your arms, toward your heart. Brush your shoulders and chest down, always toward your heart.
6. Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound.
7. Finish by taking a shower and if you choose, use cold/hot therapy to further stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation.
8. Dry off vigorously and massage pure plant oils into your skin such as almond, sesame, avocado, coconut, olive or cacoa butter.

The Hot Towel Alternative

A hot towel scrub is an easy and absolutely free way to support your detox plan and experience similar benefits to dry skin brushing. All you need is a sink, hot water and a wash cloth. Daily hot towel scrubbing helps to open your pores, promote circulation and release stored toxins. This simple technique also encourages fat, mucous, cellulite and toxins to discharge through your skin rather than accumulating around deeper vital organs. Wipe your skin first with a dry towel to remove dead cells, then use the hot wet towel to stimulate and rejuvenate your skin and organs. Scrubbing your underarms and groin will especially activate your lymphatic system.

Kara's Veggie Soup...

I walked into my Daughter's house this evening and I was just amazed at the smell coming from her kitchen and on her stove top was her big soup pot on simmer and coming from it was the best smelling soup...so with her permission I am going to share it with you all...


Sauté red and white onions, 5 cloves of garlic in a little evoo. Then add a cup of white wine. Add veggie broth and water and Parmesan cheese rind and bring to a boil. Boil about 10 min then remove rinds. Simmer broth for an hour then add diced/peeled potatoes, lentils, and diced carrots. Simmer another hour and then add green beans, zucchini, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper. Simmer another hour and serve! Yum yum

this is not a total Vegan recipe but if you are a very strict Vegan then just omit the Parmesan Cheese rind...this is the most delicious and nutritious soup for the cooler days we have ahead, your house will smell amazing to...

Pizza...

one of our Favorite things to eat is Pizza and ordering from a Pizza place just isn't an option anymore for us so I started playing with the idea of creating our own at home and I make them individual because Doug and I don't like the same kind...here is our Favorites to give you an idea so you can create your favorites...

I make up enough pizza dough to make about 6 little pizzas I make our 2 for that night and freeze the rest in little balls rolled up and ready to be pulled out of the freezer and thawed in about 2 hrs...

1/4 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1pkt of yeast
4 1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour 1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 3/4 C water

If making by hand combine water and oil and yeast  in bowl and stir in 1 C of flour at a time until dough is no longer sticky.

I make mine in my big mixer I add oil water and yeast into the bowl and add the paddle attachments with the machine on low speed I add one cup of flours at a time along with the salt, as the dough reaches a consistency that is not sticky I switch to my dough hook attachment and I knead on med speed adding a little more flour if need be until dough is elastic and smooth maybe 5 min turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly cut the dough into 6 equal pieces I form them into balls at this point I hold back 2 for the pizzas I am making that night and I wrap the other 4 into plastic and place in a freezer baggie and freeze them.
                                
DOUG'S PIZZA:

Doug's favorite Marinara sauce:

1 Tbl Olive Oil
1 28 oz can of plum tomatoes broken up with their juices
1/4 C Tomato paste
2 Tbl chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil

heat in a sauce pan bring to a boil then reduce heat to med and simmer to blend
 flavors about 10 min.

I roll his pizza dough out real thin we both like real thin crust so roll it to your preference, I then add some Marinara Sauce and some Vegan Mozzarella Cheese the brand we like best is (Follow your heart) and it melts, I slice some Garlic  and then I add some Vegan Pepperoni the brand he likes is (lightlife smart deli),Mushrooms, I add a little more cheese to the top and place into a 450 degree oven until it is toasty brown the way he likes to eat it ,again it's your preference.

KATHY'S PIZZA:

I roll my dough out really thin and I add a very little bit of Marinara Sauce just enough to wet the bottom of my pizza dough.
I add the following lots of sliced Garlic, Purple Onion, bell pepper, sliced fresh Tomato, mushroom, and Vegan cheese I also bake mine crispy.(I pile the veggies on)

and with 4 pizza rounds frozen in my freezer I can pull them out and have a pizza any time I want. I use the left over marinara sauce in other dishes through out the week.

Big Ol' Cheese Burger....

I like these so much and the flavor is absolutly delicious...

I made this for 2 but you can make how ever many you want..

2 Flame Griller meatless patty's
all the veggies you desire: Avocado, red onion, lettuce (the dark green leafy kind), Tomato slices,
whole grain toasted buns

we use Veganaise and Mustard and pile on the veggies eat along with some whole grain chips and Guacamo or salsa...or crock pot beans of some sort.

Vegan Veggie Burger Lasagne...

I found this recipe and made a few of my own adjustments to it...

8 lasagne noodles
6-8 oz Firm Tofu, drained
1 Tbl Lemon Juice
1 Tbl Soy Milk
2 cloves of garlic,minced
3 Tbl fresh Basil, chopped small
1 pkg frozen chopped spinache, thawed and drained.
2 jars bottled Marinara sauce
4 morningstar farms grillers Vegan burgers, cut into strips
Salt and Pepper as desired

1.cook noodles according to pkg directions, drain on a towel and dab dry with paper towel.

2. while noodles cook, put the following in a food processor, Tofu, lemon juice, soy milk, garlic. cover and process until nearly smooth place in a bowl and stir basil in the mixture, set aside.

3. drain Spinach , preheat over to 350 degrees.

4. mean while in a casserole dish spread a little marinara sauce on the bottom and beging the layering as follows: noodles, marinara sauce. tofu sauce, spinach, veggie burger strips continue until all the sauces are gone except marinara keep some back for the top.

5. cover dish tightly with foil and place into the oven for 30 minutes, let it stand for 10 minutes when removing from oven before cutting.

any of the grillers are good to use they come either brand Boca or Morningstar...we really liked this recipe a lot I hope you enjoy to...for those Vegetarian you can use Low Fat Cottage Cheese and Mozzarella cheese...

The wedding Day was Fabulous!!!...

Kyle and Lauren had a wonderful Wedding the Thunder crashed and the heavens opened up in applause just as they said I Do and the rain poured down they continued smiling and laughing as we all ran for shelter...according to my Japanese Friend rain on a wedding day is a sign of good luck...my Mom said the storm is behind them now they have just sunny days ahead...what a glorious day it was now both of my children are married to wonderful people that they Love deeply and that Love them...
I look forward now to getting back on track of my Vegan eating and now that Autumn is lurking I've been looking for and working on creating some delicious soup recipes and things for the crock pot...I love the smell of simmering things on the stove top I like when I drive into my garage I can smell them wafting through the air before I ever even open the door to the kitchen...I will be sharing these delicious recipes with you in the weeks to come so keep checking back...have a wonderful day!!!