Category Archives: Healthy Living

Thoughtful Thursday Benefits of Sprouts

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Growing your own sprouts isn’t just about adding a fresh touch to your salads or sandwiches – it’s also a gateway to a treasure trove of health benefits. Here’s why cultivating these tiny powerhouses at home might just be one of the best things you can do for your well-being.

  1. Nutrient Powerhouse: Sprouts are bursting with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. As they germinate, their nutritional content skyrockets, making them a concentrated source of goodness for your body.
  2. Digestive Health: Sprouts are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, helps prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to overall well-being.
  3. Boosted Immunity: Rich in vitamins C and A, sprouts can give your immune system a much-needed boost. These vitamins are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping your body fend off infections and illnesses.
  4. Antioxidant Support: Sprouts contain an abundance of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support longevity.
  5. Weight Management: With their low-calorie content and high nutritional value, sprouts can be a valuable addition to a weight management plan. They provide satiety without adding excess calories, making them a smart choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
  6. Heart Health: Sprouts are a good source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, their fiber content can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  7. Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness: Growing your own sprouts at home is not only easy and fun but also cost-effective. With just a few simple tools and minimal space, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh, nutritious sprouts without breaking the bank.

Growing your own sprouts is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to boost your immunity, support digestive health, or simply add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet, sprouts are a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed in countless ways. So why not start sprouting today and reap the countless benefits for yourself? Your body will thank you!

Stay tuned… next week I’ll show you how easy it is to grow your own sprouts at home. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Your diet is your bank account. Good food choices are a good investment.” ~Bethanny Frankel

Thoughtful Thursday Harmony in Sound

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In a world filled with constant noise and chaos, the sound therapy of crystal bowls offers a tranquil oasis for the mind, body, and soul. Rooted in ancient healing practices and steeped in modern science, this therapeutic approach harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being.

At the heart of sound therapy with crystal bowls lies the principle of resonance. Each crystal bowl is meticulously crafted to produce a pure, harmonic tone that resonates with the frequencies of the body’s energy centers, known as chakras. When struck or played with a mallet, these bowls emit soothing sounds that wash over the listener, inducing a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.

The vibrations produced by crystal bowls have a profound effect on the body at a cellular level. As the sound waves penetrate the body, they stimulate the release of tension and stress held within the muscles, tissues, and organs. This gentle massage-like effect not only promotes physical relaxation but also encourages the flow of vital energy throughout the body, restoring balance and harmony to the entire system.

Moreover, sound therapy with crystal bowls can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. The melodic tones emitted by the bowls have been shown to quiet the mind, alleviate anxiety, and enhance mental clarity and focus. By entraining the brainwaves to slower, more meditative frequencies, crystal bowl sound therapy facilitates a state of deep meditation and mindfulness, allowing practitioners to access higher states of consciousness and spiritual insight.

This is a recording found on YouTube for Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy

Sound therapy with crystal bowls offers a holistic approach to healing and wellness, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. So the next time you find yourself in need of a moment of serenity and reflection, consider immersing yourself in the enchanting sounds of crystal bowl therapy and let the healing vibrations wash over you.

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!

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Thoughtful Thursday What’s in your fruit?

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I remember shopping at the grocery store when I was a kid with my mom and being able to buy fruits only when they were in season. I also remember everything bursting with flavor and aroma. But if you go shopping today, pretty much every fruit is available year round from all around the world and sadly they don’t taste or smell as good as they used to.

After doing a little research I found that many fruits are artificially ripened using different chemicals and here’s why: In order for fruit to ripen naturally, it must contain ethylene, a gaseous plant hormone. Green, unripen fruits have low levels of ethylene. But as the fruit matures ethylene production increases and signals the plant it’s time to ripen the fruit. Even after the fruit is harvested, ethylene continues to be produced and as a result it decreases the shelf life of fruits.

Scientists came up with a way to extend the shelf life of fruits by picking them while green and ripening them with artificial ripening agents. However, this process is highly contested around the world because of the health risks associated with these ripening agents. It is said that consuming fruits, on a regular basis which have been artificially ripened can cause heart conditions, lightheadedness, and even skin ulcers depending on the ripening agents used. Thankfully most of the world banned the use of the really toxic agents but there are a few countries which still allow them to be used.

The reason the fruits don’t taste as good as they used to is because by artificially ripening the fruits only the external peel actually ripens. The inside of the fruit will basically remain green and raw. I’ve had avocados which I left out to ripen on the counter but they never did. After some time I ended up cutting them open only to find they were rotting from the inside out and now I know why.

With almost 80% of fruits being artificially ripened, I’m left scratching my head. It’s hard to tell what has been artificially ripened and what hasn’t unless you contact the companies and find out. Apparently, organic fruits aren’t excluded from this process but are less likely to be artificially ripened.

So what do you do? Fruits are very important for a healthy diet. Your best bet is to go back to the old ways and buy locally grown produce that will “hopefully” not be treated with these artificial agents. An even better idea is to plant a small garden and grow your own food. Mother nature made growing many plants fairly easy and you’ll have better control over your health plus you’ll reduce your grocery bill too.

Hope you found this post helpful, thanks for stopping by!!

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“A garden feeds more than the table, it feeds the soul.” ~Unknown

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Thoughtful Thursday WFPB

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As most of you know I started eating vegan due to health issues. But in the last several years companies have created many plant based products including cheese which actually tastes pretty good. So I fell into the trap of time constraints and plain old convenience.

My body started to develop aches and pains. It wasn’t anything major but it was also different than before I went vegan. I didn’t pay much mind to it but a month before we went on our holiday vacation I decided to go Whole Foods Plant Based (WFPB).

You may be asking why I did this when I’m already vegan. Here’s the scoop, a soda and bag of potato chips is vegan but is it healthy for you? The obvious answer is no because it’s highly processed, contains lots of sugar, salt and other things you can’t pronounce.

Whole Foods Plant Based (WFPB) is just that. You’re eating fruits and veggies that aren’t processed. So no plant based products made in a manufacturing plant. You buy your produce, prepare it and then eat it – plain and simple just as God intended.

Every morning when I’d wake up I would lay in bed assessing the daily aches and pains. It took about 3 weeks and I woke up one morning assessing the discomfort and to my surprise there was absolutely nothing! I felt perfectly fine. I continued to lay there because there had to be something. But nope, there was nothing. I was amazed that eating processed foods caused so much inflammation resulting in pain that I felt throughout my body especially my joints. Plus I dropped weight, my energy went through the roof and I felt like I turned the clock back 30 years!

What I learned from this is you don’t necessarily need to eat plant based foods but definitely eat whole foods. If you want to feel good, have more energy, lose weight reduce or completely eliminate the processed foods from your diet. You may be surprised at how great you can feel!

Hope this inspires you, thanks for stopping by!!

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“It’s not about eating healthy to lose weight. It’s about eating healthy to feel good.” ~Demi Lovato

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Thoughtful Thursday Air Purifying Plants

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The air in our home can be filled with harmful chemicals and pollutants. Even if you take care not to use heavy scented cleaning agents you’re still not safe. The countertops in your kitchen and bathrooms have been known to emit harmful chemicals into the air without you ever noticing. Even installing new flooring, carpets or painting the walls can also pollute the air you breathe.

Luckily there is a simple solution. Certain houseplants are quite efficient air purifiers. Plus they bring lots of good vibes to your home. The next big question is how many plants do you need? The answer is you only need about two (10-12 inch potted) plants per every 100 square feet of space. For example a 13×15 foot room is 195 square feet so you would need 4 small plants to clean the air in that room. Below is a list of some of the best purifying plants for your home.

21 Air Purifying Plants:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Bamboo Palm
  • Boston Fern
  • Chinese Evergreen
  • Dragon Tree
  • English Ivy
  • Ficus
  • Fittonia Frankie
  • Flamingo Lily
  • Golden Pothos
  • Lady Palm
  • Lemon Button Fern
  • Mass Cane / Corn Plant
  • Parlor Palm
  • Peace Lilly
  • Philodendron
  • Red-Edged Dracaena
  • Rubber Tree
  • Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
  • Spider Plant
  • Wax Begonia

Each of these magnificent natural air purifiers requires different care and lighting so keep that in mind when choosing a plant for your home. Also having living plants in your space has shown to be quite therapeutic in relieving stress, boosting your productivity and overall well being. So add some happiness and good vibes to your home!

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“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” ~Jenny Uglow

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Thoughtful Thursday Benefits of MCT Oil

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Our brain is a complex organ which requires lots of energy to run efficiently on a daily basis. It controls a lot of things like our emotions, memories, thoughts, motor skills, touch, vision, breathing and more. Plus it pretty much regulates every process in our body. But as we age, our brain health may decline. So it’s really important to take care of this powerhouse so we can keep our wits about us as we get older.

MCT oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) which is more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids found in foods. The most common form of MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil since 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs.

MCT oil is excellent for brain health and has been shown to help manage Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy and Autism. Plus it may help reduce body fat, improve your gut health, fight bacterial growth, increase energy, reduce inflammation and manage blood sugar levels and more.

I’ve been using Garden of Life Organic MCT Oil for the last year and have noticed an improvement in my brain health. I feel more mentally alert, energetic and overall better. I add 1 tablespoon, one or two times a week to my shakes and smoothies. I don’t notice a flavor difference so I have no problem consuming it and I love how I feel! You can find it on Amazon or click on the image below.

I highly recommend Organic MCT Oil by Garden of Life, it’s been a life changer. However, as with any dietary change please consult with your health care provider to make sure this is a good fit for you. (Note: by clicking on the link or image above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)

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“The preservation of health is easier than the cure of the disease.” ~Unknown

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Thoughtful Thursday Toxic Coffee

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Who doesn’t like a good cup of coffee? In the United States it’s the number 1 beverage we consume. On average, a person drinks 3 cups of coffee per day or 1,095 cups a year. That’s a lot of coffee! Most think that coffee is safe and somewhat healthy to drink. But there’s so much more you don’t know even know about. After you read this, you may not look at your morning cup of Joe the same way.

Coffee used to be grown in the shade where the plants thrived. However, because of it’s popularity it’s now grown for mass production and as a result it’s the most intensively sprayed crop in the world. The crops require large amounts of fertilizer, pesticide and fungicide which make coffee toxic for consumers and also those who work and live in areas where coffee is produced.

Endosulfan is a pesticide that’s commonly used to combat a coffee consuming bug called a cherry borer. This pesticide is toxic to most animals and can affect the central nervous system, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs. Plus it’ has even been responsible for human death. That in itself is scary but wait there’s more…

Triadimefon is a copper based fungicide that’s only slightly toxic to birds and little is known of the toxicity to humans. But it’s suspected it may cause reproductive problems and even hyperactivity.

Chlorpyrifos is yet another chemical that can be found in your morning coffee. This is a pesticide that affects the central nervous system, can cause birth defects and even in some cases has caused death in humans. The EPA has been working on getting this highly toxic chemical out of our food supply but some things still have it.

With every cup of coffee you drink, you’re ingesting these chemicals. So if you can’t start your day with a cup of coffee, opt for organic. It may not be completely free of chemicals but it is far better than conventionally grown coffee.

Hope this didn’t scare you too much but it should be an eye opener so you can make better decisions about your health.

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“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” ~Robert Urich

Thoughtful Thursday Microgreens vs Sprouts

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Microgreens and Sprouts are both very healthy additions to your diet especially if you’re trying to get all of your essential minerals and vitamins without pills or supplements. Both of these can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and even help improve your mental health and so much more. But what exactly is the difference?

For starters microgreens are young shoots of a plant while sprouts are germinated seeds. Microgreens you’re eating the small plant minus the roots because you cut them at the soil whereas sprouts you’re eating the whole thing. Another difference is in how they’re grown. I created the chart below to give you a better idea:

In regards to what which one provides the best nutrition, that award goes to the microgreens. Although sprouts are very healthy to eat and provide lots of nutrition, along with fiber and protein they just don’t compare to power of microgreens.

Studies have shown that microgreens give you the vitamins and minerals of a full grown plant all packed into a small little plant. These little guys are just loaded with everything a sprout has but lots more of it. Pound for pound, microgreens provide more vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber than sprouts.

I’ve grown both and love them! They’re delicious on their own but I love to add them to salads, sandwiches, smoothies and just about anything else I can think of. Ultimately, it comes down to you and what you’re willing to do to get and stay healthy.

I hope you found this post helpful today. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Those who think they have not time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~Unknown

Thoughtful Thursday Cold Remedy

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With the cold and flu season here I wanted to share an old remedy that my mom used to make. She believed that honey and garlic would cure anything a cold or flu could bring and she was right. Although I’m vegan, this is one thing I didn’t give up.

Growing up honey was a staple in our home. We used it on toast, in recipes and to sweeten tea. It was always delicious! Honey has lots of benefits including:

  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Eases sinus issues
  • Helps suppress coughs
  • Promotes the healing of burns and wounds
  • Boosts memory and more!

Now add some garlic to the honey and you have even more health benefits like:

  • Contains antioxidants
  • Helps protect against illness including colds
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Improves bone health
  • Improves cholesterol levels and more!

When you combine these two superfoods along with a bit of onion, no virus or germ can survive. I’ve used this remedy for years and it shortens my illness without fail every time.

It’s easy to make, just put the onion and garlic in a mini food processor and puree. Then transfer it to a small bowl and add enough honey to cover the pureed mixture (I always add a little extra 😊). Store it covered in the fridge. Normally when you refrigerate honey it becomes thick and crystallizes. However, with the added onion and garlic, it becomes more fluid like a syrup.

Now I’m not going to lie, the garlic and onion can be strong so don’t chew it, swallow it like cough syrup. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day and you’ll feel worlds better in no time!

Ingredients:

  • 1/8 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Enough honey to cover the minced onion and garlic.

Hope this helps you stay healthier this winter. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

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Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite treats for Thanksgiving but that only comes once a year. So to get into the spirit of Autumn sooner I love making pumpkin smoothies.

When you slowly sip this savory drink bursting with flavors of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg you can’t help but to sit back and take a moment to truly enjoy the season. This recipe is very easy to make and is super delicious! I always try to use organic ingredients when they’re available.

Pumpkin Smoothie

  • 1 C Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1/2 Can Organic Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 Small Ripe Banana
  • 3 Tbsp Organic Rolled Oats
  • 2 Organic Pitted Dates
  • 1.25 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 heaping tsp Ginger
  • 1/8 heaping tsp Nutmeg
  • 1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 C Ice
  • 1/2 Hass Avocado (optional) *

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Top with sprinkled cinnamon and enjoy! (Makes about 2 glasses)

* Note: If you prefer a thicker, creamier smoothie the avocados do the trick. They have a mild flavor and give you more of a milkshake consistency. But I would try it first without the avocado because you can always add it later, it should be thick enough without it 🎃 Another trick is to use 2 Tbsp Organic Chia seeds. Soak them overnight in water and add them to your smoothie mix and blend.

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