What’s New For Breakfast? Eat This Not That–for Healthy Weight Loss!

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Cathy Silver

If you want to lose weight fast, switch from simple to complex carbohydrate choices. Guess which one these breakfast cereals are?

These fall-winter breakfast choices support good energy and healthy ideal weight!

As the seasons change, I get in the mood for “something” different. My innate senses signaling me to feed my hunger with more satisfying warming foods? Perhaps. So, I am going to give you a cutting edge secret–cook quinoa* for breakfast; pronounced KEEN-wah. I put plums on mine. (recipes to follow) I love the taste. I love that it is quick. And, I love that it “sticks to my ribs” as my Dad used to say. That translates to, I am not starving hungry in an hour! Quinoa also has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest of all grains.  It has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America!

Now, if you have to run, scroll down and grab the delicious plum topping to go with your Quinoa.   If you’re the scholarly-type read on. I always like to know the why!

Whole grains are an excellent source of nutrition, as they contain essential enzymes, iron, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins. They have been part of our history and a central part of our diet since early civilization. And, unlike highly processed cereals made by Post and Kellogg’s, the body absorbs whole grains SLOWLY, and they provide us sustained, high quality energy, at a steady rate for many hours; not so with the overly processed cereals which enter the bloodstream almost immediately! Unfortunately, this over-processing causes a rapid rise in the glucose levels in the body–and a sugar rush–followed by a crash which always sends me running for something else to eat. 😦 You too?
Some years ago, in a personal ah-ha moment I was reading the latest best seller on diets and nutrition. The author pointed out that my beloved Grape-Nuts were no better than eating a candy bar for breakfast. WHAT??? I never ate them again, but understood why I was famished shortly after eating my “healthy”breakfast. Post had over-processed all the goodness nature had intended. And, if you are concerned about maintaining your ideal weight, or want to lose a few pounds, eating these over processed cereals that have been damaged and deprived of their natural properties lead to weight gain. ” Simple sugars can lead to weight gain because our cells do not require large amounts of glucose at one time, and extra sugar is stored as fat.” (that includes bagels with cream cheese and muffins too.)

So, cook once–eat twice. Cooked grains keep very well. You can make a big batch on Sunday and eat them all week. And, when we make a connection that healthy, whole foods really make you feel better and lose weight– it becomes a win-win!  The choice is always yours!

Breakfast Quinoa Porridge

½ cup quinoa porridge, served with 2 halves of Poached Plums and 1/3 cup plum poaching liquid

Poached Plums

Only mildly sweetened with natural juice, this is a good fruit to have with porridge in the morning, along with some of the poaching liquid to moisten the cereal.

4 SERVINGS

5 ripe purple plums or 10 prune plums

1 cup pear nectar

  1. Rinse the plums will and dry.  With a small sharp knife, cut the plums in half.  Remove the pits.
  2. Place the plum halves and pear nectar in a medium saucepan. Ass additional water, if needed, to cover.  Bring to a simmer and cook just until the plums soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Serve warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.

–source: The Swiss secret to optimal health

Be Well,

Cathy
http://www.cathysilverhealth.com
http://www.energiesofhealing.com

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Does Coconut Milk Help With Osteoporosis?

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Veggies for our Health and Wellness

Great question for most of us. I acknowledge you for looking deeper–beyond the mainstream thinking, and advertising by famous celebrities such as Sally Field, my favorite Flying Nun.

I guess the real question is: why do I have osteoarthritis, and is it a symptom of something larger going on within my system or body? Can I balance my pH with coconut milk or perhaps do I need to start adding in some additional foods that will help to give my body the balance it innately desires and needs? Is there something I can do to reverse this trend? (these comments and thoughts, are not meant to diagnosis, treat or cure.)

The body is a brilliant energy designed to be self-healing–our thoughts, and what we eat and drink have an effect in how we feel. For most of us, until we are about 40-45 our body has a great ability to buffer and neutralize the acid conditions within, but after we hit that 45 +\- marker, that ability begins to fall and people begin to show imbalance–which we label as sickness and disease or dis-ease. So what can we do?

One hundred years ago, Thomas Edison said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

Brilliant researcher and author, T. Colin Campbell, PhD writes, “Investigations of Human populations show that our risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis is made worse by diets high in animal-based foods. Animal protein leeches calcium from the bones by creating an acidic environment in the blood. We now have a deep and broad range of evidence showing that a whole foods, plant-based diet is best for our kidneys,bones, eyes and brains.” The China Study, p.349

It is time to head in another direction. Let’s begin to think about adding foods to support in the reduction of that acidic state (one end of the equation) and support our body’s access to more alkaline foods,(the other side of the equation) so it’s not forced to steal calcium from our bones, joints, cartilage and teeth to maintain that critical blood pH of 7.365-7.4 pH. Foods that support this delicate balance include: spinach, kale,avocado,asparagus, dandelion greens, wheat grass, and alkaline-ionized water.

I also drink Kangen water which is mineral rich, alkaline-ionized with powerful anti-oxidants. Check out www.energiesofhealing.com. Another easy practical way is to add “live” powered organic greens to your shakes or stir them into water. I like the Green Organic International available at www.thepowerofph.com. See my post on greens for a super green shake you can make and drink and go in under 5 minutes!

And, the answer to your question: Does Coconut Milk Help With Osteoporosis? Coconut milk varies with a pH between 6 (still slightly acidic) and 7 pH (neutral). So, based on that information, the answer is no,coconut milk is not alkaline. And anything that is acidic would be pulling minerals from your bones. My personal testing of coconut water is the same– on the acidic side. You decide. Leafy green vegetables would be a better choice for your osteoporosis. Raw green veggies contain calcium and are alkaline too! Kale, Dandelion greens,Collard and Turnip greens being some of the best.

Be Well,

Cathy

Filed under: Alkaline-ionized micro-clustered mineral rich water, Coconut Milk, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Kangen Water, Osteoporosis | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Delicious Apple Crisp

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Close up–right out of the oven–Yum!

Fall is definitely in the air and warm fruit desserts really just taste wonderful. (One of those experiential memories.) While in Seattle,  my sister delivered at huge bag of Gravenstein apples off the tree in her front yard. With Immediate celebration and gratitude to share the bountiful harvest, I set to work making a dessert that I grew up on, and I in turn made for my own family; delicious Apple Crisp. It becomes a favorite for all who taste it and I want to share it with you! For those of you who don’t create in the kitchen very often– it is an activity that can be shared with your kids participating and really takes no culinary skill–just love!

Apple Crisp-the best!

4 cups chopped apples

½ tsp. salt

¾ cup flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup sugar

½ cup Butter

Butter a shallow baking dish. Put in the Apples. Sprinkle with salt. Mix the flour, cinnamon and sugar together and rub in the butter until crumbly. Spread over the apples. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the top. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. (Serving suggestion: top with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top just before serving!) Enjoy!

Be Well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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“Greens” A New Food Group?

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Forest green, avocado green, lime green, Kelly green , electric green or moss-green to name a few “greens”. Each conjures up a different image. Each descriptive color green may trigger a unique memory; each may hold a different meaning. Did you know Green is the second favorite color after blue, and occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye? Energy practitioners know green as the color of the heart chakra. Interior Designers know it relaxes us, soothes us and gives as a sense of harmony. Nutrition coaches know it for the color of health and well-being! Ugh, your Mother was right? How does “green” support our health and well-being?

Ah, well-being? Was Mother Nature trying to tell us something? Today, For all of its recommendations and accolades, green is most commonly missing in our daily diet. Green Vegetables, especially dark and leafy are essential to a healthy body and healthy immune system. Green vegetables help to replenish our alkaline mineral reserves and help to filter out pollutants. They strengthen your blood and respiratory systems. Nutritionally greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, K. They are loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, micronutrients and phytochemicals. ( Various bioactive chemical compounds found in plants, such as antioxidants, beneficial to human health.)

My Delicious Green Shake

Consuming more greens gives you a healthy glow, beautiful skin, & more energy. It helps your body with blood purification, cancer prevention and improved circulation. If that’s not enough, greens improve liver, gall bladder and kidney function. They clear congestion especially in the lungs by reducing mucus. And as an added bonus, they promote subtle, light and flexible energy.

There is a wide variety to choose from and easy to incorporate into what you eat. Enjoy them often. My personal favorite is my green breakfast shake. Easy, quick, portable, delicious, energizing and fun and a great way to start the day! CHEERS! “To your good health.”

Another variation of my green smoothie:

3-4 handfuls of organic baby spinach
2-3 large organic kale leaves, rinsed
1 avocado (including the pit if your blender can handle it.)
Scoop of raw organic powered greens such as Green Organics International –www.thepowerofph.com
1 frozen banana
1/2 -3/4 frozen raspberries
1/2 organic cucumber sliced.
And fresh lemon and some Organic Flax Oil to taste if you like

Blend and enjoy! I make a big pitcher and put the extra in jars in the fridge. Always ready for a quick snack, or with me in the car. 🙂

Be well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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Caution Ahead-Pesticides on Produce

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Cathy Silver
The average conventionally grown apple has 20-30 artificial chemicals on its skin, even after rinsing!

We teach our children to look both ways before they cross the street, insist they wear seat belts and know if we drive using good judgment, we are less likely to have a problem. Logically, the same could be said about food.  So why would we feed our kids poisonous food? Below, the “Pesticide Residue Alert”. Just like a yellow traffic sign warns us to be cautious–potential danger ahead–while driving, these “signs” give us options when we shop for our fruits and vegetables.

Think of Organic as Health “Assurance”

Produce with the Most Residues – In order from Most Contaminated  

1.    Apples                                                  7. Grapes
2.    Celery                                                   8. Sweet Bell Peppers
3.    Strawberries                                       9. Potatoes
4.    Peaches                                             10. Blueberries (domestic)
5.    Spinach                                              11. Lettuce
6.    Nectarines (imported)                12. Kale/Collard Greens

Produce with the Lowest Levels of Residues – In Order from Least Contaminated
1.    Onions                                          9.  Cantaloupe (domestic)
2.    Corn                                            10.  Kiwis
3.    Pineapple                                  11.   Cabbage
4.    Avocado                                    12.   Watermelon
5.    Asparagus                                 13.   Sweet Potatoes
6.    Sweet Peas                               14.   Grapefruit
7.    Mangoes                                   15.   Mushrooms
8.    Eggplant

Delicious Organic Apples–oh what a feeling!

Experience the energetic nature of Organic food. More favorable? Notice how you feel.  More vital?   Maybe just to make the choice to buy Organic apples for your kids to eat . . . and slowly begin to incorporate the rest as budget allows.  It is an investment in you; a long-term lifestyle choice.  The journey  of a thousand miles, begins with one step–yours.

“Observing ourselves does not require thinking, or judging, or analyzing.  It only requires observing.” Saying Yes to Life

Be Well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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Good Vibrations

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Fresh and delicious baby spinach salad adorned with red raspberries

“Everything you eat becomes your fingernails, your eyelashes, your hair, your skin cells, your organs and your awareness. You want your body to vibrate at the same level as the essential Universe–not the grocery store. The vibrant life frequencies and Earth nutrients provided by a delicate fresh-picked lettuce or fresh-squeezed orange are exactly what your subtle senses need for their nourishment, ” so writes Elia Wise in her book, Letter to Earth Vibration, frequencies and subtle energies are all around us and influence our well-being. Sometimes we don’t realize the impact until we run into someone who exudes anger, impatience or rudeness as noted by my dear sweet friend Sarah during dinner conversation. The opposite can be felt when we experience a sincere smile, thank you or simple courtesy. These “vibes” in life also apply to the food we eat. Whether acknowledged or not, affects our cells, the way we see life and our navigation through it; we are what we eat on every level.

Last night, good, good, good vibrations at Seasons 52 was the underlying melody, even though the Beach Boys were missing. The entire experience emulated this feeling. The selections available were beautiful, fresh and organic. Sarah, our server was a delight–and her smile was infectious. Presentations were colorful and artfully displayed.

Cathy, Sarah and Charlene having dinner at Seasons 52!

Our wonderful energetic smiling Sarah!

You don’t always have to eat out to experience the organic goodness. In fact enrolling your family can be just as meaningful and fun. Organic food more closely resonates to the true being and nature of who we are as energetic beings. See if you can begin to make choices that allow your true balance to shine!

I highly recommend the culinary experience of Seasons 52. Their menu changes with the seasons and is inspired from the fresh appeal of a farmers market. For locations visit http://www.seasons52.com.

Be well,

Cathy

www.energiesofhealing.com

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The “NEW” Emergency Broadcast System Message

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Quick Healthy BreakfastI am not sure when the alerts stopped; that awareness just occurred to me yesterday as I headed south on I-95. (Another driving moment.) A distant and faint memory; one that many will be unfamiliar with in 2012. Growing up, television stations/networks were required periodically to stop all programming and for about 30 seconds, as I recall, give a cautionary loud auditory warning signal which was followed by the unforgettable directive: This is only a test. If this had been a real emergency . . .

Today, we have a real emergency, and it has nothing to do with the Russians, Iranians or China. It is ours alone.

As a population, we are “overweight and obese “. The food guidelines that have been offered up are wrought with special interests, greed and dishonesty. The primary purpose of these guidelines is to provide the public with information on what to eat, but sadly we are instead influenced by catchy slogans and slick advertising campaigns. America’s food consumption is lagging behind the USDA’s recommendations. Our nation spends about 3.8 trillion dollars on its annual budget and spends absolutely nothing promoting the food guidelines or healthy eating. When was the last time you saw an ad suggesting we eat vegetables or exercise? Ask your child, where a carrot comes from; the first comment probably won’t be from the ground! Isn’t it time to wonder why a wealthy country that has reached pandemic weight and obesity issues refuses to budget funds to begin campaigns of “eating awareness” to its children–or to those who feed them? “We are what we eat”–right? What can I do today?
First, the red alert:
1.) Avoid anything with Trans-fat. They are simply a metabolic poison. Check at labels.
2.) Avoid Soda pop. Period. There is nothing healthy about this beverage, “diet”or not.
3.) Choose your carbohydrates carefully. There are better cereals than corn flakes, Lucky Charms or Trix and alternatives to fat-free sauces, orange juice. Low fat yogurt is misleading; skip it. Baked potatoes and fat-free cake also lead to weight gain. Foods like these have a high glycemic index because they are rapidly absorbed. Better choices will not give a sudden spike and then the all too familiar blood sugar crash which sends us all running for something else to eat to quiet those pangs of hunger. Instead try Kasha, quinoa, or steel-cut oats. Try fresh lemon and olive oil. A whole fresh grapefruit or apple. Skip the dairy all together. Sweet potatoes are a better alternative, and if you really need the cake, have a small slice of the real thing–or natures gift, a fresh seasonal fruit selection. And, FYI, the mango’s have been heavenly this year!

An excuse of “not enough time” is only resistance. Ask yourself, “what am I committed to?”

For a fast, healthy breakfast that you can take with you in the car, try making a green shake. It will take you less time to make and clean up than going through the drive through. This is something that really “does a body good”! Try this for a week, and see how you feel. 🙂

Make your internal guidance your Emergency broadcast system. Imagine the new directive: the green challenge. How many veggies did you eat today?
Be Well!

Delicious Green Shake!

  • In Vitamix, place all ingredients, blend and enjoy the benefits of health and vitality!

2-3 generous handfuls of baby organic spinach

2-4 leaves of organic kale.  (I use the leaves and save the big stems for my green juice.)

A big handful of fresh organic sunflower sprouts

1 ripe avocado scooped and placed in blender (The seed has more phytonutrients than the actual ‘fruit’-feel free to add it to your shake.  The Vitamix will easily incorporate it into the shake!)

1 ripe banana (Option: I like to freeze mine and just break them into 2-3 pieces.  Peel before freezing and put them into a zip lock bag.)

1-2 scoops  “live” organic powdered greens and reds

(Optional) scoop of organic protein powder—such as Sun Warrior or GreenOrganicsInternational

Udo’s Oil  3-6-9 to taste

Blend, pour and Go!

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Do I see ghosts?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Cathy Silver

I climbed aboard the ecliptic exerciser this morning located on the upstairs level at the gym.  Within minutes, another gentleman took the recently vacated empty machine next to mine.  Each lost in our own thoughts, I peddled on with my familiar routine.  I cast my eyes over to notice and ponder the large bottle of Evian nestled in the grey plastic beverage holder.

How interesting I mused as I stared at the cost of that water. My choice, as a self designated water connoisseur and health advocate, was one that required a bit more technology & health benefits than was available by simple marketing, or implied lifestyle.   Bottled waters including Evian were outdated. Now, hold on, what did you say??

I’m sure you know  first lie parents tell their children. You know,  Santa Claus? When you believe in Santa, no amount of pleading, petitioning, or praying can convince someone ( usually your younger sibling) otherwise.  Until one day, your younger brother or sister’s beliefs begin to change–and they question the whole Santa Claus fable. Are we, as a society, hanging onto false ‘truths’ about the water we consume, mislead by the media, well paid celebrities,  and misleading propaganda much the same as a young child’s belief about the overweight senior in the fire engine red suit?

The clairvoyant is able to see objects beyond the range of natural vision.  Is it so difficult to accept that new technologies can bring benefits to water which truly support our health? Is it believable that we can build a better mousetrap? Is this a vision to which many cannot see? I truly look forward when mainstream is able to “hear” the virtues and see the benefits that I see and not succumb to the likable fear-based quick fix solutions Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or Merck seem to offer.   Weather our choice involves picking non-GMO organic food,  stress relieving physical activity, creative enriching professions and healthy relationships or drinking the best water, we must assume responsibility and choose new ideas that support our wellness.   We can begin today to make simple choices that make the most sense and are the easiest to incorporate for our rushed and busy lives; and the water we drink is certainly one!

Healthy water suggestions:

*Water should be alkaline in pH (8.5-9.5).  This helps bring our body into balance.
* Water should have a anti-oxidant value, meaning a negative ORP. ( This makes the water anti-aging as it is neutralizing free radicals.)
* Water should be small hexagonal’ structure water clusters to properly hydrate and remove toxins from our cells/body.
* Water should be clean, refreshing & tastes great.
*Avoid plastic bottles. They are shown to leach chemicals into our body and pollute Mother Earth.
*Have an open mind and an open mouth–Drink alkaline, ionized micro clustered water daily.

The wonderful thing is you can make you healthy water.
” To enjoy good health we must understand and comply with the lesson nature teaches us–Balance.  Ionized water plays a significant role in restoring the oxidation-reduction balance. ”  –Dr. Tim McKnight, MD

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”

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The best alkaline-ionized mineral rich hydrating water

Make your own for a fraction of what you pay for inferior bottled water

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Turkish Coffee

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Cathy Silver

Turkish Coffee

Today I stopped into a small Organic Mediterranean Grill; Apropo Kafe. As you know, or will soon learn, eating  healthy has become a way of life, a lifestyle.  And so after a wonderfully delicious plate of baked faffel, homemade hummus, freshly sliced tomatoes–greek olives and a side basket of warmed flat bread, I took Orly’s suggestion to try her Turkish coffee. With a lovely smile and warm caring eyes, she brought the tiny coffee to my table.  Served in a petite Demitasse cup that reminded me of my grandmother’s fine china, this blended Turkish rendition tasted of froathy chocolate gently sweetened and very pleasing to my palate.

. . . Voila, ce finis.

If you care to visit the Mediterranean Grill and sample the Organic fare, you can find them at www.apropokafe.com or find Robert & Orly at 147 SE 1st Avenue, Boca Raton 33432.  561.393.1223

“Be Simple. Enjoy the simplicity of things. Life gets complicated enough on its own.”  The Zen Book

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The Bike Ride

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Cathy Silver
Soaked to the bone after the Rain Storm but feeling good from the Ride

Exercise–does a body good!

I climbed aboard the spare bicycle I was borrowing.   It took me a minute to get used to the seat, handle bars and gear set.  It reminded me of climbing onto a new horse, rider and horse each taking a minute to settle into a safe familiar rhythm. I looked around mindful of cars and potholes, legs pushing the peddles forward and off down the sidewalk we rode.

And so it was that my friend Richard and I set out yesterday on a bike ride, despite the predictably hot humid July summer day.  Our destination:  Chocolada Bakery & Cafe in old Hollywood.

In spite of the 90+ degree temperature predicated by the morning meteorologist, the unexpected breeze was cooling and felt wonderful against my face as I peddled along, weaving in and out of sidewalks and the thinly white-painted designated bike lane.   To my surprise, this ride had transported me back to a childlike feeling;  I rode along in utter joy and glee. I am not sure if it was the exercise, fresh air or sunshine that sparked my amusement and good humor, but the carefree feeling was liberating.

The simple idea to ride had arisen as a healthier and greener alternative to get something to eat–instead of the instinctual, mundane and expected vehicle of choice: the car.

Our leisurely lunch was delightful, catching up, the way old friends do, touching on conventional topics and concerns that affect our lives. I was grateful that my Saturdays allowed time for such connection.  In the end, the simple things mean the most and Saturdays were the perfect time for such indulgences.

Returning home, we retraced our path. The usual cast of humanity showed their character. It was nothing I should take personally, I reassured myself, when impatience or anger spilled out like a  bucket of hot molten black tar towards others on the road; this included us.   I always appreciated the courteous drivers best.

Almost back to our starting point,  we were suddenly beset by a tropical torrential downpour–the kind south Florida knows so well. The usual feeling  of panic was absent.  Richard and I rode on.  Within minutes we were both soaked to the bone.  My sunglasses becoming useless as the rain beat upon the lenses; then fogging the way ski goggles do in the mountains. I removed them. Unprotected by metal and glass, my senses took in the wet grass, and sensual smells of the blooming foliage.  The warm steam and heat rising off the sidewalk.  Novel and refreshing the childlike feeling overcame us both, what fun to be soaked, riding along lighthearted and untroubled enjoying the moment. This day had been a gift.

Bike riding is for young and “old” alike; there are no age limits.  The only thing required is a positive attitude!  It is multi-generational. Timeless.  Maybe you and your family or friends could plan your adventure? Bike rentals are a good way to test the waters and many cities now have bikes for rent!

The benefits of exercise:

1.  Weight Control
2. Health/Disease Conditions
3. Moods Improve
4. Boosts Energy
5. Better Sleep
6. Brings sparkle back into Sex life
7. Exercise  is Fun

Source: Mayo clinic

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