Spring cleaning; How does that look for you?

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Cathy Silver

Beginning signs of springtime--

On March 20th the sun shines directly on the equator and the night and day are nearly exactly the same in length–12 hours–all over the world; the spring equinox. For us another season.  Spring or springtime is known as a time of renewal, rejuvenation and rebirth.

For some it may mean melting snow and softer breezes or noticing the beauty of the first spring flowers;  crocuses, daffodils or tulips as they merge from their hibernation. Each culture and region have their own customs and their own reminders.

For me it is the inspiration of opening up my home and shaking out the dust–maybe a bit metaphorically now since South Florida is where I live, but a shift is definitely in the air and certainly can be felt on many levels.

Today, I am starting to think about new recipes and new tastes reflected in my choices to eat–about my yearning and desire for new seasonal foods.  I have begun juicing and detoxing rituals. As the cooler weather waves good-bye, I find myself anxious to fire up my Vitamix and begin to make my trade-mark green shakes which I graciously offer to share with all who walk through my kitchen door. Somehow, my body’s innate intelligence seems to know this as I begin to think about foods that I have not really had a desire for in months.

Our ancestors ate seasonally because they had no other options. Newly sprouted greens came up in the spring, fruit ripened in summer, root vegetables sustained them in the fall and animal sources got them through the winter. Alkaline food makes the body detox. How wonderful that nature provides this naturally–leafy greens, berries, cherries, grapefruits, asparagus, spinach, and dandelion greens or wheatgrass come to mind, to cleanse the body from the heavier foods we have enjoyed throughout the colder winter months and that were needed for our survival.

What is your ritual? Are you craving something new? Is it time to begin to detox our systems–flooding our cells with fresh green juices? How can we begin to live in harmony with the natural cycles? Is it a great excuse to try a new way of doing something–perhaps buying local produce from a farmers market once a week?  Maybe it is a “Food upgrade”? Choosing less chemicalized, processed, packaged or drive-through meals?  Whatever you chose, think of the rebirth and renewal of yourself–your cells.  Honor yourself and live in harmony with your body and Mother Earth–treat yourself to the best food you can afford because in the end as Jim Rohn says, “It’s the only place you have to live.”

Maybe a Kitchen Herb Garden would fit you?

Be Well,

In Love and Light,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverjuiceplus.com

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

Filed under: 2013, Energies of Healing, FOOD, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Pamper Yourself, Self-help | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Superfoods; Great for Mind and Body; Health and Vitality

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Cathy Silver
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

 

Filed under: 2013, Alternative Medicine, Breakfast Ideas, Energies of Healing, FOOD, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Superfoods, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

SUPERFOODS . . . WHAT ARE THEY?

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Cathy Silver
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

Filed under: 2013, Alternative Medicine, Breakfast Ideas, Energies of Healing, FOOD, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Pamper Yourself, Superfoods | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Gluten Free Quinoa Applesauce Bread

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Cathy Silver

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

Filed under: Breakfast Ideas, Energies of Healing, FOOD, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Quinoa, Weight Loss | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Pesticide Residues in Produce

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Cathy Silver

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.

20130218-193548.jpg

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

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Genetic Roulette-The Gamble of our Lives

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Cathy Silver
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

Filed under: Energies of Healing, FOOD, GE, Genetically Modified Organism, GMO's, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Just Label it!, Self-help, Weight Loss | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Practice Cooking? Stretch Yourself to Try Something New this Weekend!

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Cathy Silver
Make it your own--practice cooking. Organic and Healthy right from your own kitchen!

Make it your own–practice cooking. Organic and Healthy right from your own kitchen!

The music moved through me.  Classic Queen playing, the volume up–and heading into the kitchen to be creative.   This was a new recipe for me, but I thought only just to make it before sharing.  It was quick to make and I enjoyed every bite. (work well done–right?) Huevos Rancheros is something that would be great to serve for Sunday brunch–filling and satisfying and a break from the regular Sunday fare of bacon and eggs and toast.

Chef notes . . . I placed the black beans in a sauce pan rather than just sliding the black bean mixture aside as noted in the recipe below.  I liked the simplicity but chose to add onion, and 2 T. of poblano pepper that I keep frozen in my freezer.  If you are unfamiliar, they add flavor without adding heat.  Instead of the cheddar cheese, I crumbled organic feta goat cheese.  I found and used Mission yellow corn tortillas–because upon reading the ingredients list of many of the other varieties–all contained hydrogenated oil of some kind–and this is another word for trans fat and should not be in our food supply!* I also spooned the black bean mixture on top of the eggs–and served additional salsa on the side.  (Living almost 20 years in Texas, including El Paso, I grew fond of salsa with my eggs.)

Huevos Rancheros
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Fresh cilantro growing in my backyard was a nice addition.

Fresh cilantro growing in my backyard was a nice addition.

Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients:
4 eggs
4 tortillas
1/2 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup medium salsa
Possible Toppings:
grated cheddar cheese
chopped scallions
chopped parsley or cilantro
tofu or almond milk cheese
Directions:
1. Heat tortillas in oven or toaster just until soft.
2. Warm salsa and black beans in a nonstick pan.
3. Move to one side. Crack eggs and cook 3-5 minutes to desired firmness.
4. Place two warm tortillas side-by-side on a warmed plate and slide eggs and half the salsa and beans
onto the tortillas.
5. Repeat with remaining eggs.
6. Garnish with your choice of topping

*From the New York Times–an Editorial published June 25th, 2005

“As things now stand, the FDA acknowledges that trans fats are unhealthy at any level, and yet maintains that the partially hydrogenated oils that contain them are basically safe.  The agency can’t have it both ways.”

Be Well, and in Love and Light,

Cathy

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

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Cathy Silver
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!

Filed under: Energies of Healing, FOOD, GMO's, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Self-help | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

New Year’s Cake

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Find your peaceful inner-grace.

Find your peaceful inner-grace.

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY YEAR

1 Sincere scoop of COMPASSION
2 Heaping cups of PATIENCE
2 Hands full of GENEROSITY
1 Heartfelt spoonful INNER PEACE
1 Head full of UNDERSTANDING
Sprinkle generously with KINDNESS
ADD frequent Dashes of laughter and joy

Add plenty of BELIEF and mix well.
Frost with SELF-WORTH
Top with a candle of LIGHT

Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve to all–strangers included.

Memories make delicious leftovers!

Happy 2013!

Be Well– and with Love and Light,
Cathy

Happy 2013!
Happy 2013!

Filed under: 2012, Energies of Healing, Good Eats, Healthy Living, New Age | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Can Real Whole-Food Nutrition Taste This Good?

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Organic farm fresh ingredients

After listening to a wonderful talk given by Sally Fallon Morell, Nutrition researcher and bestselling author, speaking on one of her favorite topics: “Investigating the USDA Controversies,” I was inspired to make one of my old favorites–a French classic; Quiche Lorraine.

I had shied away from this dish the last few years because of its richness: cheese, meat, cream, eggs. ALL the culprits deemed dangerous and risky today by many?  But it seemed, I assessed, artificial, processed, hormone injected, antibiotic raised; Genetically Engineered, trans-fats and high sugary foods are far more dangerous than a good old traditional time-honored dish.

I sought out a small local organic market and used fresh raw cream, farm fresh organic eggs and cheese. Whether you make the recipe as given below, my suggestion is to use the higher vibrating organic ingredients. The bacon and ham were organic as well. The completed dish received rave reviews by my taste testers Debbie and Randy. My own personal evaluation rated it A+.  The finished fare yielded a deliciously light, fluffy, rich, and flavorful;

Delicious homemade whole food nutrition

one I will continue to repeat. I think the old White House Chef, René Verdon would be quite pleased. As a personal preference and time saver, I did not choose to put a crust with it. I buttered the dish instead. Everything else was by the book. If you are a vegetarian, broccoli, or asparagus could easily be substituted for the ham and bacon. I will include the crust, if you are so inclined to make it from scratch, which I did years ago.
I enjoyed preparing and serving–and eating this wonderful dish. The coolness of the weather and shorter days seems to lend itself to this soul-satisfying classic cuisine, and something Sally would deem a “nourishing traditional diet.”  I share the recipe with you below:

Quiche Lorraine (6 servings per 9-inch pie shell)

CRUST (for 3 pastry shells)

4 cups flour                                           2 eggs

1 ¼ cups butter                                      ½ cup cold water

1 teaspoon salt

  1. Place flour, butter and salt into large bowl and work together with hands until smooth. Add eggs and water and work with hands until of rolling consistency.
  2. Divide dough into 3 equal portions and refrigerate 2 portions for future use. Roll remaining pastry out on floured pastry board to about ¼ to 1/8 inch thick. Place pastry in a 9-inch pie tin and crimp edges. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

FILLING

8 strips bacon
1/2 cup diced Swiss cheese
1/4 cup diced ham
1 1/2 cups light cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. white pepper
4 eggs
1. Fry bacon until crisp, and drain. Crush bacon over the bottom of the pie shell.

2. Sprinkle Swiss cheese and ham over bacon in pie shell.

3. Place cream, spices and eggs in blender container; cover and run on high speed until thoroughly mixed.  Pour over bacon, cheese and ham in pie shell.  Bake in preheated oven at 350˚ F. for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and mixture is set. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Be Well,

Cathy

http://www.cathysilverhealth.com

http://www.energiesofhealing.com

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