What you really need to know about grains...

I'll assume you've gotten the basics of avoiding white flour like the plague. (And I mean as an ingredient called "wheat flour" not just as white bread.) Let's talk about why people are tossing out grains, for the latest health trend or even b/c of allergies.

Let's go back to the beginning and think what grains might have been. According to my world view, there were gardeners in the first generation of people, and farmers by the second. SO, I don't buy that grains were not what our early ancestors ate (the basis of some diet philosophies.) But according to research by Weston A. Price, native populations all either soaked or sprouted their grains. AND they ground the grain shortly before they made it. The closest the modern diet comes to this is sourdough bread, which is usually white bread.

This process neutralizes the phytic acids and start breaking down tannins and gluten, and increase the amount of nutrition the body can absorb. For my husband it has helped with his grain sensitivities. But many don't know about the difference of simply soaking grain before cooking. Others don't want to do the work of planning ahead or cooking from scratch.

So, next time you hear about avoiding bread, remember that this because most Americans have white flour even in their "wheat bread". And breads and grains include: muffins, pancakes, pasta, croutons, corn chips, tortillas, and on and on.

Come back soon for how to make this ideal a livable reality. In the meantime, those of you research oriented people might want to read more details at: http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/be_kind.html
Or if you are not quite ready for all this, you can read more on white flour: http://www.westonaprice.org/transition/whiteflour.html

If you think you are lazy, you may need a check up!

I want to confess that for several years I struggled with laziness. I would know I should do something, but couldn't seem to make myself do it. Do you know what I learned? It wasn't laziness--it was Lyme disease! Actually, it may have been Epstein Barr virus as a co-infection (Chronic Fatigue.)

It's amazing how suddenly a day will come where I do a TON without guilting myself in to doing it. The fact that those days come remind me that it's not a heart problem, but a physical problem. But for many people who struggle with big or small health issues, the motivation does not overcome the physical barriers. If you find yourself there, don't assume the motivation is the problem!

The next time you think you are lazy, you might need to take a closer look at your health. When your body starts giving you signs of a problem, you know it's time to start lifestyle changes, one step at a time.

Genetic Engineering Explained

This video is pt. 3 of the "Future of Food". Skip the first minute and watch the rest to get an overview of how genetically modified food is made. You'll learn how e-coli and antibiotic resistance are related to GMO's.

Or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvLBMXC_D0Q and watch all 7 parts of the movie. You'll learn about a corn plant that can kill a bug that eats any part of it. Wonder what it does to the humans who eat it? You'll learn a lot of other things that make you go "hmmmm..."

What kind of food do you really eat?

Do you know how much pesticides you are eating? Do you know how your food has been altered from it's natural state?

Here's a couple of resources to help you make good choices:

First learn what genetic engineering is. See next post for a quick video.

If you aren't willing to eat genetically modified foods, then check out the lists of foods that have genetically modified foods at: http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html

Warning: A large majority of processed foods do contain genetically modified foods, as a majority of our corn, soy, cotton, and canola are genetically modified, and derivatives of these are in most processed foods (high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, vegetable oils.)

By the way, organic foods can not be genetically modified, so they are never a concern.

Another area to consider is pesticides. Check out this handy pocket list of what foods have the highest amount of pesticides (ie, you don't want to eat unless its homegrown or organic) and which are have the lowest amount (but I would ignore corn in the list, unless it is labeled No Genetically Modified Ingredients.) Even if you don't think you can't afford organic, you can change the food you select.

Our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins. So, we need to help them out. But don't let your mind get overwhelmed. Just pick a few things you CAN change based on this new information. And think about how to eat one less processed meal this week. Find one recipe you fix at home without processed foods and plan ahead so you don't eat out. Slow and steady, we can build our health.

Drink to your health

Let's talk about what we drink. I don't think there are any doctors or scientists who would recommend drinking sodas. Or any of them disagree we need more water. But the first step is to do what we know is healthy.

Colas are one of the worst foods for us. Just learn a little about high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, not to mention carbonation, artificial flavors, etc.

But let's talk about what we do drink...First, we need pure water. You want a good water filter, preferably something better than just a carbon filter. But remember, it's not helping if you don't change the filter. I have one from RBC Life Sciences, b/c we are members there. It attaches on the faucet. One day I'd like the reverse osmosis under the counter.

But do you know there are lots of other drinks that are like taking supplements. As I said early, I drink a couple oz. of Ningxia Red from Young Living every day. It really helps me have an energy boost that isn't followed by a low. I've also been hearing about a couple of other super juices on the market. But don't expect anything great from the grocery store. Apple juice is over filtered and is too high in sugars. Orange juice often contains mold (get one moldy orange in the machine and it affects the whole batch.

At our house we drink only raw milk. It's a big debate about whether milk is healthy, but few ever consider if the way we process it could be the problem. One doctor use to have a "raw milk cure", where raw milk was the main food you ate to find healing from various disease. Want to know more about raw milk (safety, where to get it, why, etc.) See: http://www.realmilk.com/

I also drink Kombucha. It's this great fermented tea. You can make it yourself, but right now I'm just buying it from the health food store. Don't drink too much at once though--it's pretty powerful, so they say you should ease into it.

Or you can make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink (see my post "First Steps"). I also like to make Lemonade or Limeade with: 2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed organic juice (about 1/2 a lemon or lime) and 2 Tbsp. Organic Grade B Maple Syrup.

And of course if you want hot drinks, I suggest Red Tea sweetened with honey. Or herbal teas can benefit you in different ways.

As my daughter was learning in science, 2/3 of your body is water. So, pay attention to what's in your glass.