Gluten Free Flours

Sorghum Flour ( Gluten Free )

This a great flour to add to your gluten free pantry. It’s flavor is similar to wheat four so it makes a great wheat flour substitute.
High in protein and insoluble fiber. It digests slowly so it keeps you feeling full longer.
Rice flours can cause recipes to be gummy , sorghum flour produces a texture that closely that of wheat. It also has a mild taste unlike other gluten free flours like soy flour .

What are the best Gluten Free flours to use? It depends on what you are making and your personal taste. below is a list of flours and their uses.

Almond Flour: This flour is a staple in most gluten free kitchens. It has a nutty flavor and add moistness, and density to baked goods.

Amaranth: High in fiber and protein. A great source of calcium.

Brown Rice Flour: A great supplementary flour, since the flour is more dense it is best used when combined with teff, buckwheat or sorghum flours.

Buckwheat Flour: Despite it name it is not a grain; buckwheat is a seed from an herb. It has a nutty flavor and makes almost a  perfect substitute for wheat flour when used in pancakes, muffins, and cakes. Mix with a starchier flour such as cornstarch or tapioca flour to get dough that rolls out better.

Besan Flour (Chickpea):  It is high in protein. Works beautifully as a main flour–a lot like sorghum or buckwheat. It can be more expensive.  Good for soups, sauces or coating or batters.  I do not like the taste of this flour so I do not use it.  The flavor is too strong

Coconut Flour:  High in fiber and protein. Aids in digestive health.  Provides a natural sweet flavor when used in baking. The high fiber content makes the flour absorbing capacity. So more liquids are needed. A little of this flour goes a long way

Masa ( Corn Flour): Traditionally used in tamales and tortillas, this flour also works as a base for bread, muffins, biscuits. It provides a light corn flavor.

Corn Starch: It isn’t only a great thickener in soups, stews and sauces; it also works similarly to tapioca flour in recipes. Check labels to make sure there is no hidden gluten.  Also try  arrowroot instead

Millet Flour: Has a mild flavor that is slightly nutty and sweet.  Lighter colored, slightly drier flour, it should not be used on its own. Good for pizza crust and flat breads.

Oat Flour (Gluten Free): Some gluten intolerant people can not eat oat products. Oat flour works similarly to sorghum in baked goods, but produces a more “wheat-like” result.  Great flour for everyday cooking like cookies, pancakes, and breads. Be sure though that the brand you purchase is 100% gluten free.
Polenta: Staple of Northern Italy

Potato Flakes: Makes a good addition to gluten free bread, giving moisture and body. It also makes a great coating for chicken and fish instead of bread crumbs. Try adding 1/4 cup to other dry ingredients. It can also be added to meatloaf or meatballs  or any recipe that requires bread crumbs.

Potato Starch: Don’t confuse it with potato flour.  It has the same texture to tapioca flour and cornstarch when used in baking. It is usually used to thickening sauces, it tends to produce gummy results. It also can be blended into flours for muffins, quick breads for a moist tender texture.

Quinoa Flour: Has a delightful nutty flavor and is very healthy. It is high in fiber and protein. It is a light flour so it does not weigh down the recipe. Great for pasta, cookies, cakes, and muffins. It pairs well with almond flour, buckwheat flour.

Sorghum Flour: A very good substitute for wheat flour in many recipes, especially if combined with other, more denser, flours. this flour will not leave your baked goods gummy.Great to use in all baked goods.

Soy Flour: Has a strong nutty flavor.  Is high in protein. It is best used in small quantities and also with foods with strong flavors such as chocolate or coffee. I do not use this four because of its strong flavor.

Sweet White Rice Flour (Mochiko or Glutinous Flour): This flour is great for adding moisture and density to baked goods. Used alone produces a sticky result. It makes great white sauces like bechamel like for macaroni and cheese. Also used in mo chi ice cream. Also is a great thickener and binder.

Tapioca Flour:  It is also called tapioca “starch”. Can be used like cornstarch to thicken sauces, and freezes well… although it does impart a “shiny” look. It adds chewiness, crisp crust to baked goods. Great used in fruit pies. Can become lumpy if not mixed well

Teff Flour: This is an all around good flour that works in many types of baked goods. It has a stronger nutty flavor and darker color. A nutritional powerhouse it is high in protein, fiber and iron, but it is oftentimes hard to locate in supermarkets. Best used in cookies,  muffins and breads. It come in white , red but white is more nutritionally superior. It gives a spongy texture to the baked goods.

Soy Flour: Can be used like brown rice or corn flour. Has a heavy bean flavor and works best if used in combination with a moist flour, such as tapioca or sweet white rice flour.

White Rice Flour: Slightly gritty. is good in pancakes an crepes. It is not recommended for yeast breads

Gums: powders that stabilize, bind, and thicken

Guar Gum: Used in cold foods like ice cream, pudding, and salad dressing

Xanthan Gum: Primarily used as a binder in gluten free baking, it also sneaks its way in prepackaged foodstuffs for its magical abilities to keep oils from separating. Careful when working with this stuff… a little goes a long way, and it is prone to becoming extremely slimy.

What to do with the pulp from juicing

What to do with the pulp from juicing

Juicing has become very popular.  It is used to slim down, detoxify or just be healthier, more Americans are buying juicers. Some want to boost their fresh-produce consumption in a time-efficient, taste bud-friendly way. Others are going on a multi day juice cleanse, a diet composed of solely fruit and vegetable juice, to jump-start weight loss or a lifestyle change.

I just started juicing everyday and it bothers me that after I get done putting all my organic vegetables in my juicer I am left with a container full of fiber rich pulp.  I have a problem with just throwing that into my compost pile.  I thought that there had to be another way to use this healthy  pulp that would also make it more cost effective and for my family to get the nutrition from these great foods.   Here are some ideas on how to use your juicer pulp in healthy everyday recipes!

Add into any baked good recipe.  Cookies or in a cake .  Add your carrots to your oatmeal raisin cookies and it will give extra moisture and a great taste. Make a spice cake and add you extra pulp.
Add any veggie pulp into a dip, soup or sauce.  Add it to your guacamole.

If you juice berries or fruit it can be added to your pancake batter.
Use fruit pulp, especially berries, in homemade frozen fruit pops.   Add the pulp to lemon aide and pour into Popsicle trays. This will make a great summer time treat.  Or take your kids favorite yogurt and add some fruit pulp. I like to use Greek yogurt for the added protein and no sugar added. You can add agave to sweeten if desired. Put in regular ice trays and freeze or just eat

The  pulp can also be added into meatballs, meatloaf or burgers patties to give it some moisture and a change in flavor. Carrot and apple work well.

Making a chili, stew or soup ?   Add your pulp. Kale, carrots, and celery are great additions.

Add vegetable pulp to a pot of water and make your own vegetable broth.
Add it to your lasagna and spaghetti. Mix it right into the tomato sauce for  a chunky sauce or add it to your layers in your lasagna.  Kale, spinach, celery and carrots are great choices.

In cooking school we added  left over diced vegetables to the rolls or biscuits and called them garden rolls. This is an easier way and everyone always loves the different twist to a warm favorite.    Add some celery, onion, garlic or spinach pulp in with your bread,  muffin or biscuit recipe to give it added flavor!

Add to your scrambled eggs or omelet in the morning.

Make your own juicer pulp crackers. You can use a dehydrator or bake in the oven

A great addition to the crackers is

1 block of cream cheese + 1 bowl of veggie pulp = delicious spread for sandwiches or crackers

Spread it onto a tortilla and roll it up. Experiment with  some herbs or garlic or some other thing to spice it up a bit.

Make your own dog treats, and throw some pulp in.   Check out my dog biscuit recipe!
Freeze your pulp in ice cube trays and add to your smoothies instead of ice. This works great with veggies and  fruit.

The ideas are endless once you start thinking about it.  Use your imagination and who knows what you will think up.

Please share with me if you have any great ways to use your left over pulp

Dealing with ADHD naturally

Dealing with ADHD naturally

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Before taking medications a change in your diet and daily routine can help a person deal with ADD or ADHD in a natural way. Many people have found that the Feingold Diet has been a beneficial treatment with treating ADHD. The diet is very strict in the foods that can not be eaten. Many people start off slowly removing the foods from the diet so that they are not overwhelmed by all the changes. Yoga and meditation are great was to calm the mind and the body. It also reduces stress and impulsiveness  helps regulate sleep patterns, and decreases depression. Exercise (swimming is a great option)  also releases a natural increases the level of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, anger, alertness, focus, and attention. This is similar to how medications like Ritalin work but done naturally. Music therapy also works to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Foods that should be eaten on a daily basis are foods that are high in

Zinc

Calf’s liver,  Oysters, fresh Crimini mushroooms,  Spinach

Summer Squash,   Asparagus, Pumpkin Seeds,  Yogurt ( Coconut)

Green Peas,  Broccoli

Magnesium

Pumpkin Seeds,   Spinach, Swiss Chard, Sesame Seeds, Halibut

Black Bean, Sunflower Seeds, Cashews, Almonds

Potassium

Swiss Chard, Lima Beans, Potatoes

Yams, Spinach, Papaya

Pinto Beans, Lentils, Kidney Beans

Iron

Lentils,  Spinach, Venison

Sesame Seeds,  Garbanzo Beans

Lima Beans,  Olives, Navy Beans

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Sardines, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts

Vitamin B -6

Tuna,   Chicken, Turkey

Venison, Potatoes,Cod, Sunflower Seeds

Halibut, Spinach,Banana

Vitamin C with Flax seed twice a day

Cod Liver Oil

I Like to use BLUE ICE™ Royal Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend

Foods that should be avoided or eliminated from the diet are

Processed foods

Artificial coloring, sweeteners, flavors and preservatives

foods with Salicylates such as berries, apples, clove, oranges, peaches,grapes, peppers, prunes , plums, and tomatoes

Some people also have a problem with eggs, wheat,milk,chocolate, corn and soy.

After eliminating from the diet for 3 months foods can be reintroduced slowly. If a reaction happens eliminate the food from the diet.

 Get enough rest and choose foods that are warm, cooked, nourishing, and easy to digest. Sweet berries, fruits, small beans, rice, and all nuts are good foods to have a part of a balanced diet after the ADHD   is under control.

Sources

Worlds Healthiest Foods

Live strong

Feingold

Natural ADHD Solutions

• Also visit www.blh-homeopath.com – for more information on Beth, and homeopathy 
• Download your free, 67 page, comprehensive guide to the natural treatment of ADHD. Informative, factual, but easy-to-understand – this resource will teach you about effective, safe, drug-free treatments for ADHD.

Ayurvedic healing

Perfect Health

Tomorrow I start my class for perfect health. I am Studying at the Chopra Center to become a Perfect Health teacher for Deepak Chopra. My first class is Panchakarma. What is Panchakarma? Panchakarma is the ultimate mind-body healing experience for detoxifying the body, strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance and well-being. It is one the most effective healing modality in Ayurvedic Medicine. It promotes Detoxification and Rejuvenation. It is recommended on a seasonal basis, as well as when an individual feels out of balance or is experiencing illness

Benefits

Eliminate toxins and toxic conditions from your body and mind
Restore your constitutional balance improving health and wellness
Strengthen your immune system and
become more resistant to illness
Reverse the negative effects of stress on your body and mind thereby slowing the aging process
Enhance your self-reliance, strength, energy, vitality and mental clarity
Bring about deep relaxation and sense of well-being

My ten day retreat will consist of

Step One: Preparatory Procedures

Panchakarma begins with oleation – applying and ingesting pure essential oils in order to loosen and mobilize accumulated toxins or ama. This step includes supplementation with organic seeds, as well as deep, soothing daily ayurvedic massage treatments using herbalized oils.

A vital aspect of this step is Swedana, a Sankskrit word meaning “that which produces heat in the system.” Specific steam and warm oil therapies are used to heat the body. This process helps open the body’s circulation channels (srotas) and allows toxins to flow more easily from the tissues to the GI tract for elimination. Swedana also relaxes the body, releasing tension and allowing impurities to be eliminated through the sweat glands.

Step Two: Elimination and Release

Once the body’s toxins have been mobilized, gentle therapies are used to release them from the body. The treatment includes a sequence of daily bastis – a therapeutic process in which medicated oils and herbal preparations are used to flush toxins from the intestinal tract. Bastis are often referred to as enemas but actually offer many more healing benefits than a simple colon cleanse. During a basti, the herbalized oils enter the deeper tissues and eliminate fat-soluble toxins that can’t be dislodged with standard enemas.

This stage of panchakarma also includes nasya, an ayurvedic treatment that gently cleanses the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. This soothing process uses pure herbalized oils to improve the flow of life energy and help you breathe freely and easily.

Step Three: Rejuvenation

The final step of panchakarma is rasayana,a term that means “that which is nourishing.” Once the toxins have been released, this is a critical time to begin replenishing the body with natural foods and herbs, revitalizing massage treatments, and healing practices such as meditation and yoga.

Abhyanga is an individually prepared herbal-oil massage designed to deeply penetrate the skin, relax the mind-body, break up impurities, and stimulate both arterial and lymphatic circulation. It enhances the ability of nutrients to reach starved cells and allows for the removal of stagnant waste. The desired result is a heightened state of awareness that will direct the internal healing system of the body.
Shirodhara is administered by gently and methodically pouring warm herbalized oil over the forehead, synchronizing brain waves and profoundly coordinating and calming the mind, body, and spirit.

Garshana treatments consist of a dry lymphatic skin brushing with either wool or a silk glove. This enhances circulation and cleans the skin so that subsequent oil and herbal treatments can penetrate deeply into freshly cleansed pores of the skin.

Swedana is an individually herbalized steam bath, during which the head and the heart are kept cool while the body is heated to remove mental, emotional and physical toxins lodged deeply within the tissues. The cool head and heart provide a sense of calm and openness while the therapeutic steam over the entire body can penetrate and cleanse deeply, without the body becoming overheated and stressed.

Pizichili is a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil soothingly poured over the body by two Ayurvedic therapists as they massage the body in perfect unison. The warmth of the oil and synchronicity of the massage combine for a deep tissue cleansing while supporting a heightened state of awareness that transcends description.

Udvartana is a deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This powerful exfoliating treatment magically Restore Your Natural Radiance conditions the skin while pressing stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body.

Five Senses Therapy treatment combines the therapeutic effect of all five senses working in concert. Sound therapies are specific Vedic hymns and mantras recommended for each imbalance. Touch therapy enlivens specific vital points on the body called marma points. Taste therapy uses certain herbal medicines. Sight uses Ayurvedic color therapy, and smell is accessed with combinations of rare aromatics. The effect is a harmonizing of all the senses to bring one’s awareness to the source of thought and feeling within the heart.

Basti is an herbal enema specially prepared to pull toxins out of the colon. This is the final stage of each daily Panchakarma treatment. The freshly loosened impurities from each day of treatment are flushed out of the body via the effects of the basti. The basti also transports Ayurvedic medicines into the blood and tissues in order to trans-form the memory of damaged and toxic cells. It is considered one of the most important and most powerful aspects of the Panchakarma treatment.

Nasya consists of individually prescribed herbs and oil drops, inhaled through the nose, which clear the sinuses of excessive mucus. It is also an important therapy when medicating the central nervous system. This treatment combats the deep dryness that exists at the root of many respiratory and allergic conditions.

Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya is a luxurious combination of a deep head/neck/shoulder massage and facial lymphatic massage, followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam, and a nasal and sinus nasya with herbalized nose drops. This popular treatment is an invaluable tool balancing most head, neck and respiratory disorders.

Pinda Swedana is a deep cleansing treatment where rice boiled in milk and herbs is massaged deeply into the tissues and joints. The treatment is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating as well as powerfully detoxifying.

By the end of my detoxification I will feel renewed and ready to tackle the new year.  I will share my experience with you as I journey towards Perfect Health.

Sources

Chopra Center

Ayurvedic healing

Spirulina

Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of seaweed rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins, such as, vitamin K, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid and beta-carotene. This freshwater algae is, according to Natural News, useful in strengthening the immune system and preventing cancerous cells from developing. Dr Genene Tefera’s 2009 essay, Spirulina: The Magic Food, published in The Biodivesity Newsletter, listed the health benefits of spirulina, reporting that it helps regulate blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, re-energizes, detoxifies and promotes weight loss. Although spirulina is generally considered as being a superfood, greater scientific research is needed to verify the various health benefit claims.

Spirulina is one of the richest sources of vitamin B12, rating higher than beef liver, sea vegetables and chlorella.

Vitamin K as it helps to calcify your bones and prevents atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries. Vitamin K also assists with the clotting of blood. The overuse of antibiotics or blood thinners such as aspirin can diminish vitamin K levels. Depleted levels of vitamin K can lead to bleeding disorders such as hematomas, heavy menses, bleeding gums and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Spirulina (speer-U-lee-nah) Arthrospiraplatensis, is a fresh water micro blue green algae that gets its name from its microscopic spiral shape. Spirulina has been eaten by many cultures throughout history. It is one of nature’s most perfect, nutrient rich foods, and is a world class immune system booster. Spirulina is also a renowned source of protein, chlorophyll, trace minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It is well known as a protector against radioactive particles and an enabler for balancing pH, thus producing a more alkaline, health-giving state in your body. There has never been a more delicious way to get high quality nutrition! Try adding to your cacao smoothies, coconut elixirs, and raw desserts!
he benefits of Spirulina range far and wide. Most notably spirulina is one of the best sources of protein in the world. Spirulina contains about 65% protein including all eight essential amino acids. Plus, the protein in spirulina is five times easier to digest than that of meat or soy. Spirulina also contains an abundance of other nutrients such as, iron, vitamin E, beta-carotene, enzymes, omega 3’s and 6’s, DHA and a rare essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA), found in mother’s milk. GLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory known to ease everything from joint pains such as arthritis to menstrual cramping.
Recommendations:
Beginners or Kids (age 2-9): 3-5 grams (1 tsp) per day
Adults or Teens (age 10-18+): 6-10 grams (1 Tbsp) per day
Advanced or Cleansing: 11-20+ grams per day (2 Tbsp) per day
Great for Energy, Expecting Moms, Grounding, Immune System, Protein, Alkalinity, Anti-Aging, Phytonutrients, Antioxidant, Anti-Parasite, Minerals, Brain Function, Children, Clarity, Detox Heavy Metals/Radiation, Detoxification, Digestion

Source

http://www.sunfood.com/food/spirulina/spirulina-crunchies-8-oz-raw-natural-low-temp-dried.html

Mayo Clinic

Camu berry

 Has over 30- 60 times more vitamin C than oranges

For years the scientific community has known that camu-berries provide the richest and most bio-available source of vitamin-C on the planet.

Vitamin-C, as you may know, has many uses for preventing chronic disease.

 Vitamin-C is an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage to the DNA of the cells throughout your body, which helps in the prevention of cancer and heart disease .

Vitamin-C also prevents colds

 Helps maintain healthy functioning of your brain and nervous system.

Camu also protects against glaucoma, a debilitating disease of the eye and  cataracts.

Helps detoxify the liver

It’s a huge immune system booster and an all-around power-packed vitamin, but only in its full-spectrum natural form.

The camu-berry is a  natural  anti- depressant, for  even serious depression. It is a mood enhancer

I like to add it to my morning smoothie

camu powder

vitamin c  |  antioxidants  |  amino acids

The camu berry is one of the world’s most abundant sources of vitamin C—as much as 60 times more C per serving than an orange. This antioxidant-rich berry from the Amazon is also a plentiful source of potassium, calcium, protein, beta carotene, amino acids and powerful phytochemicals.

mother nature’s super c

Often called the Camu-Camu berry, this fruit grows on a low-growing shrub (Myrciaria Dubia) native to the lush climates along the Black Water River region of the Amazonian rainforest. The buzz about this potent berry has spread around the world, earning it the nickname “nature’s vitamin pill.” Containing a higher naturally occurring vitamin C content than any other food, camu has long been used for its nutritional and medicinal attributes. Navitas Naturals Camu is grown organically in Peru, where gentle freeze-drying methods are used to protect and maximize the nutrient potential of this extraordinary superberry powder.

http://navitasnaturals.com/product/443/Camu-Powder.html

Source:  natures-health-foods and Mayo clinic and Navitas  Naturals

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation

Did you know that meditation activates the prefrontal cortex ( higher thinking) and releases neurotransmitters, including dopamine , serotonin , oxytocin , and brain opiates? Dopamine is a antidepressant ; serotonin increases self esteem ; oxytocin is a pleasure hormone ( released during sex); opiates are the body’s painkillers and also provide a runner’s high. This has been linked to happiness . No single drug can simultaneously release all these chemicals. To start 2013 off healthy and happy learn to meditate. It is a gift to yourself.

Source: Deepak Chopra