Superfoods; Great for Mind and Body; Health and Vitality

Increase the vital force and energy of one's body.

Increase the vital force and energy of one’s body.

Busy life, busy day–I’m going to do a short post on three more SUPERFOODS that I enjoy everyday!  They are just one of the additions that keep me vitalized and energetic each day!

4.) Hemp Products (eaten in their RAW form) The seeds are packed with 33% pure digestible protein, and are rich in iron, amino acids and vitamin E as well as omega 3’s and GLA.* Hemp is a perfect food for growing children and adults to increase protein intake.

5.) Camu Berry–Highest Vitamin C source on planet. Great for rebuilding tissue, purifying blood, and enhancing immunity and energy. Camu berry is one of the best anti-depressants, immune building, and eye-nourishing superfoods in the world.

6.) Bee Products (honey, pollen, and propolis) –Bee pollen is the most complete food found in nature containing nearly all B vitamins especially vitamin B-9 (folate) and all 21 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Honey, in its organic/wild, raw unfiltered states is rich in minerals, antioxidants, probiotics and enzymes, and is one of the highest vibrational foods on the planet.  If your metabolism can handle sweeteners, honey is the best. Russian research indicates that honey is a longevity superfood.

Remember health is a journey not a destination.  Excellent health is about more than just feeling good.  Vitality and strength allow us to be active in our families, our communities and our world giving us the ability to achieve much more than when we are “sick & tired.” It is a gift you give you yourself and others.

*GLA (gamma linoleic acid) Is an essential omega-6 fatty acid.  We become deficient in GLA when large amounts of sugar, trans fatty acids (margarine, hydrogenated oils), and red meats and dairy products are consumed.

Be Well–in love and light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

 

SUPERFOODS . . . WHAT ARE THEY?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

How could you incorporate some of these and enjoy their benefits?

Super foods are a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient rich foods on the planet. As I began to sprinkle them on my super healthy steel cut oats—I thought my followers may want to do the same. Breaking the fast should after all begin with some goodness. So rather than some highly processed—highly refined carbohydrate laden with trans-fat and corn syrup—why not temp yourself with a breakfast the really does a body good!
To make it super-easy and super-fast, I make a big batch of the steel cut oatmeal when I am not rushed for time, and then transfer it into a glass container to store in the refrigerator. I can either take a serving size out and heat it with a bit of Kangen water on the stove—or heat it for a minute if you are still a microwave person—
I dress my wholesome oatmeal making it tasty and delicious adding chia seeds, Maca powder, Goji berries, golden berries and some cacao nibs. I also toss in a few almonds or walnuts. Sometimes I add a bit of rice milk. It is quite a delicious mixture, and it is never quite the same.
Let me share a little about some of the new Superfoods available on the market today. The first thing, is they have a tremendous ability to increase the vital force and energy of one’s body and are the optimum choice for improving over-all health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, lowering inflammation and alkalizing the body—wow! According to David Wolfe, raw foodist and Superfoods expert, “nourishing us at the deepest level possible, they are the true fuel of today’s superhero.”
So, let me talk about a couple . . .
1.) Cacao (Raw Chocolate) The seed/nut of a fruit of an Amazonian tree, cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium and is also extremely high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support) and anandamide (“bliss chemical”). Raw chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy and increases longevity.
2.) Goji Berries (Wolfberries)—used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. Goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B & E vitamins and many other nutrients.
3.) Maca—A staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber.

The weekend is coming—you may be able to catch your breath. Break out of your routine. Try something new. Make a commitment to yourself. You are a spark of the divine—so treat yourself divinely!
“The only way to win, sometimes, is to surrender.”
–Richard Bach
Be Well—and with Love and Light,
Cathy
http://www.energiesofhealing.com
http://www.cathysilverhealth.com
http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

Gluten Free Quinoa Applesauce Bread

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and it is hard for many people to digest.  Wheat is heavily subsidized, and promoted by the government in things like the food pyramid and it is pretty much everywhere. Breakfast cereals, cookies, cakes and crackers–and of course most bread. Growing up, we always ate whole wheat bread as my Father insisted on it.  However,  I know I feel much better these days when I avoid gluten. I feel bloated and it seems that it does not support an ideal weight. It often “stuffs me up” making it hard to breath.  Sensitivities also include constipation, or gas. Other related problems are allergies, celiac disease, brain fog, chronic indigestion and candida.  If you think you have a sensitivity–take notice of how you feel when you eat products that contain wheat, rye or barley.  Sometimes they occur immediately–sometimes not so immediate.  A good test is to remove all wheat and gluten products.  Rice pasta, and Oat bread–made with OAT FLOUR are available as substitutes, but you must read labels!  Other alternatives include gluten-free grains such as amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff. –Oh and be careful of those well meaning waiters who offer you a basket of bread upon sitting down at your favorite restaurant–not only is it tempting and hard to resist but it is easy to eat the very gluten you’ve been so good not to eat at home!

Gluten free and a wonderful easy homemade treat!

Gluten free and a wonderful easy homemade treat!

Quinoa Applesauce Cake

1 ¾ cups quinoa flour

1 cup currents

½ cup chopped pecans

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. aluminum-free baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 large organic egg

2 cups unsweetened, organic applesauce

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Sprinkle ¼ cup of the flour over the currants and nuts and set aside.  Blend the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cloves with the remaining quinoa flour.  Separately mix together butter, sugar and the egg.  Combine all ingredients, adding the fruit and nuts at the end.  Spoon into a prepared 8 x 8 cake pan. (Or three small loaf pans work great also.) Bake or 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.  The small loaf pans require 27-32 minutes.

This cake is not as sweet as banana bread and is great for those who are sensitive to gluten.  The currents and pecans give it a wonderful interesting addition.

Enjoy!

Be Well,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Pesticide Residues in Produce

As I ran into Whole Foods to quickly gather fresh organic ingredients for a pot of homemade chicken soup–I found that they had just run out of celery. Much to my dismay and to the young lady in the isle next to me–we inquired–and we’re told–No. They were sold out and would not have anymore until tomorrow. We briefly chatted, and I mentioned that celery was one of the worst in pesticide residue–apples are #1. So, I again put this information out for everybody to see. It is important that we increase our awareness. Our personal food choices not only have an impact on our bodies, and our health, but also the health of our environment.

Produce with the most residues.

Produce with the most residues.

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This information comes directly out of the book, Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal.

“The Produce ranking, developed by analysts at Environmental Working Group (EWG), is based on the results of nearly 51,000 tests for pesticide residues on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2009. EWG is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the Environment.”

Be Well, and in Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Happy Valentines Day – Loving Yourself; The I AM in Each of Us.

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Balance and Harmony are within ourselves.
Stay focused– we have no clock.
It’s time to take your power; it’s time to dance.
Have gratitude.
Look how far you have come.
Think health, vitality, energy and joy.
Focus on what you have.
Love your life now.
Give pure intent–purity cannot be shaken, it is driven by the core of our being.
Talk to your cells.
This is our third language.
It is the language of masterhood
It is yours for the asking.
Claim it today.
Have compassion for yourself and others.
Loving yourself is a daily walk that’s so peaceful and loving and different that your cells refuse to go into drama, anger or worry.
Connect to yourself; Stillness. Listen to your breath.
You are the great “I AM”
Own your beauty, your power, your divinity, your love and your joy.
It is who you are, you need only remember your mastery within.

Happy Valentines Day!

Be Well, and in Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

 

 

Opening the Window

A metaphor for "life"?

A metaphor for “life”?

My friend Debbie opened the champagne; a bottle left over from her birthday. We were going to eat out, but I had all the makings of dinner. Around her dining room table, and over my simple grilled steak and sweet tomato salad, we seemed to naturally float into the world of “no time”. Our conversation spawn over many topics, all substantially of depth: divorce, death, kids, love life, and mysteries of the universe that included questions surrounding astrology, soul relationships and Akashic records.
She drew a book from her library. Write about this she proclaimed and read aloud: ” Two common misconceptions are that peace is a calm, placid state with little feeling and that intense feelings are not spiritual.” Debbie continued, “these misconceptions have nearly succeeded in killing us. . . Intense emotions are a natural part of life and the emotional body must vibrate to live. Strong emotions, both good and bad, create the vibration which allows us to connect with Source of energy, love and salvation. Fervent anger can be a powerful motivator for social change. Jealousy is a secret message, exposing unworthiness. Hurt feelings are the unacceptable parts of us, calling for love and illumination.”*

I nodded. I had spent a lot of time reflecting and questioning the ok-ness and appropriateness of just such topics and reactions both in the world of personal transformation and spirituality. The topic seemed even more important as we have moved into the new energy and new paradigm model.

Authenticity for me meant dropping the old that no longer serves and truly heal those parts of us that have been stuffed and stored down deep within our psyche; the illusion that they have been locked safely away in some vast storage unit. Not realizing that they are triggered when the monthly, quarterly or annual statement arrives and we are forced to write a check triggering off a cascade of feelings and emotions that have nothing to do with our current circumstance or event that sends us off crying, mad, hurt or in anger. On the extreme end, I see it as road rage, domestic violence and abuse–on the other end I see it as unhealthy relationships, passionless careers, addictions or self-defeating behaviors reflected in things like our food choices and eating patterns. All somehow related?

My childhood home was oftentimes filled with such confusion. The unspoken undercurrent and unhappiness loomed. We were not allowed to voice our displeasure or disagreement. There was no healthy way to communicate verbally. My Mother would often run to her room and slam the door. The harder the slam, the angrier she was. My Father never said a word or raised his voice. Only years later did I find poetry was his escape; unconsciously drawn to deal with this own pain–finding some relief as he wrote words on a yellow legal pads, paper napkins or crinkled envelopes. These learned dysfunctional behaviors, habits and beliefs I notice perpetuate in our family today among my siblings; sighting the elephant in the room is easy. Can we talk? I see it woven in the tapestry–on the other side, my ex-husband’s Jewish roots brought hot-blooded exchanges. That didn’t work so well either!

So, how do we learn to love ourselves and gain courage to move through the hurts and beliefs to neutrality where we are no longer so affected and able to face the fears directly? I suppose that is the million dollar question. I know that pretending these feelings do not exist does not work. It is not authentic or loving, and leads to our dis-ease and depression–heart attacks and cancer. Just pick up a copy of Louise Hay’s book, “You can heal your life” notice each label.
I know there are no magic bullets or wizard’s wands. It takes real work. Accept what isn’t working. Make a commitment to yourself. Ask for help. The answer lies within. Are we willing and open for the answer? Find a safe place or trusted friend. Remember, we always have choice. We always have the power and freedom to write a new story. The very appropriate metaphor of placing our mask over our nose first, before we can help others is important. By living our truth our way, we begin depositing rather than withdrawing from our emotional bank account. Once we examine our beliefs and take responsibility for our actions, and thoughts does it become possible to live in joy, peace, happiness and love. It is ours for the asking and willingness to walk through another doorway. Then old triggers become less and less like hurricanes; rather like breezes through your open window. Our new higher vibration will guide us closer to our true nature. What will we chose today? Each moment is a new opportunity!
“Not until the pain of the same is greater than the pain of change will you embrace change.”

-Dave Ramsey

The journey is the reward!

Be well–in love and light,

Cathy

Sources for transformation:

Wellness and Nutrition: http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Grief Recovery: (www.hollywoodhealingcenter.org)

Personal transformation: http://www.gratitudetraining.com

*Angel Blessing, by Kimberly Marooney

Genetic Roulette-The Gamble of our Lives

A Sobering look at deception and our growing illness. What are we EATING???

A Sobering look at deception and our growing illness. What are we EATING???

Please watch the following movie! It is sobering and eye-opening and we must be the change we want to see. We cannot afford not to watch and learn about the deception pushed upon us and served at every grocery store and restaurant across the country–that ends up on our plate–and in our body!

The documentary the summary states: “Experts expose the serious threats and how corporations like Monsanto hide the evidence.

NEVER-before-seen evidence points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the U.S. population, especially among children. Gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, infertility are just some of the problems implicated in humans, pets, livestock and Lab animals that eat genetically modified soybeans and corn.

Monsanto’s strong-arm tactics, the FDA fraudulent policies, and how the USDA ignores a growing health emergency area also laid bare.  This sometimes shocking film may change your diet, protect you and your family, and accelerate the consumer tipping point against genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) already underway. Don’t miss this film!”

Go to http://www.geneticroulettemovie.com/press/

Be Well–and Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Movement; A Daily Dose

Yoga Class

Yoga Class

Any good mechanic will tell you that is much worst for an engine or piece of mechanical equipment to sit idle; cars, boats & planes are meant to be used. If fact, things that are not used–are not “thought about” breakdown much quicker or fall into disrepair often rusting away or crumbling.   The oil, gasoline and transmission fluids are all meant to circulate through the engine.  Can’t the same be said for us? And, if movement is good for us–why do most of us resist it so? Maybe we need to see exercise as a “get to“?

Over the years, I have been a big proponent of exercise–and always enjoyed the gym; I was an athlete in both high school and college and it just came with ease. Lately, I have stretched myself to include yoga. I know the breathing is good. It connects me to a higher consciousness and I enjoy the soothing voice of our instructor and the silent nature of the practice; a refreshing change from the bombardment of noise everywhere.  Contemporary Yoga practices are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple. And, my self confession: this is not easy for me. I can’t even touch my toes, but know it is complete exercise program and an exploration into an alternative from my usual. I go once or twice a week. Sunday morning is by far may favorite class, and as the weeks pass feel it gets easier. I say all this, as we all start somewhere. When beginning a new routine, we often feel very much out of our comfort zone.  The unfamiliarity makes us uncomfortable. But in reality, we compete only against ourselves–not with the person next to us or across the room. And truth be said, probably everyone else is feeling the same way.   This is true whether it is the elliptical machine or posing in warrior 4 or riding bikes or lifting weights.  Really, it’s all about being in the moment, and taking care of us!  Exercise is an ideal way of releasing a build up of physical tension, and developing a regular exercise program to suit your particular body type and lifestyle will have numerous rewards.

Sing while you walk. Use a kick board & fins to swim. Take a dance class. Ride a bike. Take the stairs. Play tennis. Maybe for you, it is a brisk 30-minute walk, shooting hoops or kicking a soccer ball? We all need exercise to thrive. Our bodies thrive on movement. Our minds feel better!

Start small. Make it part of a lifestyle. Do something that you like. What did you like as a kid? Find what is right for you. Too much, too little or the wrong type doesn’t work. Listen to your body and the movement it desires. And, if necessary find a buddy to support you–exercising can be much more fun if you have fun while doing it!

Be Well–love and light,Yoga

Cathy

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

Kittygate . . .

The debate and comments continue about the Red Tent, aka “kittygate” here in Delray Beach, Florida.  The polarity is quite astounding and I find myself drawn to blog once again, and ask, what is the bigger picture? Can we not live in harmony with the  animals?  Does everything have to conform to our will and whim?  Are versions of reality so different and our hearts so hardened and fear so rampant we cannot see fit to bring compassion to this situation?  This drama happening at the Red Tent has both sides firmly entrench in their beliefs based on their version of reality and of right and wrong. I still believe this is the shifting consciousness playing out but pose some rhetorical questions for the audience to ponder.

Taking this situation to the 10,000 foot level, can we extrapolate,  and ask: are we a microcosm for our current world? One side warring against beliefs of loving and compassionate acts of feeding, “nature”? Or the Oneness of us all? And, what I dare ask might be the bigger purpose of animals in our lives?

How do these and ALL animals fit into our world? Are they here to bring balance in our circles of energy? The balance of Mother Earth? After all, they do not carry hidden agendas. Certainly we know how much love pets bring to others, by the profound grief their owners experience when they leave. Love is an energy that cannot be defined but we can never forget our personal experience or hardly explain it to another.

Cats--Part of the flavor of divinity.

Cats–Part of the flavor of divinity.

And how can we judge these acts of kindness and caring? Lisa is a healer after all.  How can this be compartmentalized–one minute she is–and the next minute she is not?  In the Hindu tradition, Shasthi, the goddess of childbirth is depicted riding upon a cat. Hum–another level of energy and meaning?

Are traditional  domestic animals here to be loved and to love? So what about the wild ones? Are they excluded from love and caring? And just because that may not be our  way, is another way any less valued or important? Do the wild cats actually give us an opportunity to show compassion and unconditional love stretching us to look outside our point of view, habits, assumptions, and attitudes? Can we step aside to see the oneness and connectedness of our existence? Do these animals, by their very divine purpose of creation bring balance and centering for many who enter the Red Tent?  Are they here to help humanity? Are the cats in this story divine universal workers? The soup of divinity has many different flavors? Are they part of the flavor of God?

Are the animals here to support humanity while peace develops on earth? In the USA? In Florida?  In Delray Beach?  At the Red Tent? Peace on Earth must begin inside us.  We can no longer look outside and wait for others. Our acts of kindness and  compassion, will open our hearts and minds; spreading the light right here in a place that energetically is calling out for help.

“Realize that there are many things in the world for which no cause shall be found; not because it does not exist, but because we know to little to find it.”
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

Be Well, and with Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.Cathysilverhealth.com

Nutritional Bites: Trans-FAT–Take a second look!

Look for the word "Hydrogenated"--If you see if--DON'T EAT IT!

Look for the word “Hydrogenated”–If you see if–DON’T EAT IT!

I was horrified as I read Martha White Yellow Corn Muffin mix contains “partially Hydrogenated soybean and Cotton seed oils. This means in layman’s terms: TRANS FAT. Yesterday, I pulled a box from my pantry shelf and read the ingredient list.  Unhappily, I proceeded to make the mix–but called the company asking if the ingredients had changed. No, I was told after I gave the pleasant-voiced customer service woman the bar code on the box.  How does this happen?  Companies are allowed by law  to label their Nutritional Facts  “0 trans fat” if it is less than 500 mg. per serving; sneaky and untruthful. Especially given the amount of unhealth and disease in this country: Coronary Heart Disease, Blood Lipids, Insulin Resistance, Inflammatory Dysfunction, Blood Pressure . . . It was the echoing voice in my head from Walter Willet, MD, PhD and Chairman of Harvard’s school of Public Health, “on a gram for gram basis–trans fats are twice as bad as saturated fats, which should make you pretty concerned.” Trans fat also lower the good HDL cholesterol. Trans fats are used because they increase shelf life. Great. The manufacturers are worried about their bottom line–not our well-being. So I put this out here to anyone who will listen, read the ingredient list and be discerning; it may ultimately save your life. You know, its kind of like teaching your kids to look both ways before crossing the street! I also began to  wonder, is it GMO corn? Probably–another day and another blog. We always have a choice, and in the end, FYI, I threw out the corn bread; choosing not to serve it for dinner.

Be Well,

Cathy

Blocks of trans-fat in the bottom left hand corner--preserve shelf life--NOT OUR LIFE!

Blocks of trans-fat in the bottom left hand corner–preserve shelf life–NOT OUR LIFE!