Thoughtful Thursday Easy Homegrown Sprouts

Last week I talked about the Benefits of Growing your own Sprouts and today I’m excited to guide you through the simple process of growing them indoors. You’ll be amazed at how effortless it is! All you need are a few basic supplies all of which are available on Amazon or possibly in your local health food or grocery stores. I’ve included some links in the supply list below but there are many options.

Supplies:

Instructions:

  1. Fill your mason jar with 2 cups of water and add 1-1.5 tablespoons of seeds. Gently mix the seeds in the water (sometimes they clump together). Place the sprouting lid on and let them soak overnight for 8-12 hours. Follow the recommendation on the seed packet.
  2. Rinse the seeds 2-3 times until the water is mostly clear.
  3. Invert the jar and let it slant slightly inside a bowl allowing the remaining water to drain from the seeds (see pictures below).
  4. Rinse the seeds 2-3 times per day, and put them back into the bowl inverted. Florida is very humid so I only rinse 2 times per day. If you use too much water, you may grow mold so adjust this based on your environment.
  5. Depending on the seeds you have it will take about 4-5 days to get sprouts. At that point they may be yellow so place them on a sunny windowsill to help turn them green.
  6. Give them a final rinse and remove any of the seed hulls. Put the sprouts back into the jar and store in the fridge. Now they’re ready for you to enjoy!

Through my experimentation, I’ve observed that alfalfa tends to sprout faster than broccoli. However, in the photos you see here, I’ve opted for a salad mix variety, which not only sprouts delightfully but also boasts a delicious blend of organic radish, broccoli, and alfalfa. These sprouts aren’t just nutritious; they’re versatile too! I enjoy incorporating them into salads, blending them into smoothies, and using them as a flavorful garnish on a variety of vegan dishes. They truly elevate any meal!

Growing your own sprouts at home is not only easy and rewarding but also adds a fresh and nutritious touch to your culinary adventures. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast, or a smoothie aficionado these vibrant sprouts are sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body. So why wait? Start sprouting today and embark on a journey of delicious and wholesome eating!

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“Good nutrition creates health in all areas of our existence. All parts are interconnected.” ~T. Collin Campbell

Thoughtful Thursday Benefits of Sprouts

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 The Power of Hydration

Photo by Alex Azabache on Pexels.com\

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated. Yet, proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. With last summer being a bit of a scorcher, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize hydration. Here’s why staying hydrated is so important and some tips to help you do so effectively:

Why it Matters:

  1. Vital Bodily Functions: Water regulates temperature, aids digestion, and boosts nutrient absorption, keeping your body running smoothly.
  2. Glowing Skin: Hydration plumps skin cells, flushes out toxins, and prevents dryness and premature aging for a radiant complexion.
  3. Energy Boost: Drinking water maintains alertness, fights fatigue, and keeps you focused throughout the day.
  4. Weight Management: Hydration helps control appetite, supports metabolism, and aids calorie burning.

Tips for Staying Hydration:

  • Carry a reusable bottle everywhere you go for easy access (make sure it’s BPA Free)
  • Set reminders to drink regularly, especially during busy times.
  • Infuse water with fruit, herbs or cucumber for a flavorful twist!
  • Eat water-rich foods like fruits and veggies to boost hydration.

Prioritize hydration to support your health, energy, and overall well-being. Stay refreshed and enjoy the benefits of a hydrated lifestyle!

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Thoughtful Thursday Guilty Pleasures

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

With Thanksgiving only a week away most of us will be indulging in all the delicious holiday delights. Sadly, our waistlines will be bulging as a result 😂 But have no fear, I have a few tips to help get you through the holidays. What you want to do is limit your calorie intake the week before Thanksgiving so when you go over on that one day, it’s not detrimental to your waistline and you won’t miss out on any of the delectable food. So here are the tips:

  • Plan your meals for this coming week. Eat clean and lean. Load up on salads, veggies, juices and all things healthy. You can do it! It’s only for a few days😅
  • Eat well portioned meals and don’t over eat.
  • Avoid refined sugars like desserts and candies. There’ll be plenty on Thanksgiving!
  • Steer away from carbs like breads, potatoes and pastas.
  • Add more fiber to your diet so you’ll feel satisfied and full.
  • Schedule workouts to burn some extra calories and keep your stress levels to a minimum.
  • Drink plenty of water.

Planning is key to losing or maintaining your weight. After your grand Thanksgiving meal, go for a nice walk and enjoy the great outdoors. It will make you feel good and help burn some calories so you’ll have room for pie!

If you do put on a little weight, follow these tips for the week after to help bring you back down. Stressing over what to eat and not to eat doesn’t make the holiday enjoyable. So eat in moderation and savor every bite. Then get yourself back on track!!

Hope this helps get you through the holidays, thanks for stopping by!!

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Crescendo Abstract Painting

I wanted to share with you my latest 16×20″ abstract painting titled “Crescendo.” I like to think of this as a reminder to go for your dreams and reach for the stars. Never give up and keep climbing to the top. Set your goals high and climb, climb, climb till you reach them!!

Hope this makes you happy and inspires you to create today. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“The best view come after the hardest climb.” Unknown

Flower Abstract Painting

This is the finished 18×24″ flower abstract painting that I’ve been working on. It was painted with radiant colors to brighten the decor in any room. The background has lots of texture and I added splashes of white pearl paint for more interest.

I love the dreaminess of this painting. It reminds me of the aurora borealis lights. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Let the magic of life remind you of your own miracles.” Shaa Zainol

Abstract Painting

I finished this 18×18″ abstract painting. It has lots of texture and interesting design elements. I really love this color combination, it’s very happy and uplifting.

Now I need a name for it. The center reminds me of a mountain peak so I thought maybe Pinnacle or Summit but I’m not sure. What do you think is a good name?

Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Climb mountains not so the world can see you but so you can see the world.” ~Unknown

Thoughtful Thursday Benefits of MCT Oil

Photo by Alexander Mils on Pexels.com

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

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Owl Mixed Media Art

Juliette Crane a very talented artist who creates visually stunning whimsical and ever so magical paintings. I love her work!

Juliette is presently offering a free online workshop on her website JulietteCrane.com. So needless to say, I couldn’t resist! It’s a quick owl painting that takes about 30 minutes and is lots of fun. She peaked my interest with some new supplies that I will definitely be getting and exploring with.

Thought my little owl turned out pretty magical, what do you think?

Hope your having a great day and thanks for stopping by!!!

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Make your own Magic – She Blooms in Ink

I finished another segment in Tamara Laporte’s online course, “She Blooms in Ink.” This was my first dark skin girl and she was ever so challenging. Her skin kept coming out blotchy and the more I tried to fix it, the worse it got. So I cleaned it up the best I could and called it a day.

After everything was done, I thought she turned out pretty cool, even with her blotchy skin. I loved the color combination on this one, the green gave it that extra pop. I added the quote using a stencil which I just got on amazon. It’s part of a 20 pc set of inspirational quotes and was very reasonably priced. The stencils are perfect for journaling.

If you’re interested in learning more about the online courses offered by Tamara Laporte, please visit her at Willowing.org.

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