tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26447803894410523182024-03-14T02:33:35.203-07:00Tickety-boo Health CoachingOffering tips for lifestyle and dietary changes to promote and maintain health, prevent cancer, and also support the body during cancer treatment.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-7729462092634931932016-05-31T10:29:00.001-07:002016-05-31T10:29:33.901-07:00Changes in food taste: How to eat during chemo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A relatively common side effect of chemotherapy is changes in food taste: The sweet, salty, sour, and bitter flavors you are used to just don’t taste the same. The name for this is Dysgeusia. What, if anything, can be done to help with this?<br />
<a href="http://calmerme.com/changes-in-food-taste-eat-chemo/" target="_blank">Read more</a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-53847021085929183072016-04-26T09:36:00.001-07:002016-04-26T09:36:36.869-07:00Getting your body and mind ready for surgery<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595f6b; font-family: "open sans condensed" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 25px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 28px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;">I read an interesting paper published this year entitled “Can we measure surgical resilience?” It is just a hypothesis at this stage, but the authors are looking at whether there are biomarkers in patients that can measure psychological resilience associated with improved surgery recovery and healing.</span></div>
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They define resilience as “the ability to accept circumstances that cannot be changed, and to adapt to significant changes in the environment.” Based on this definition, they are investigating different biomarkers that can distinguish high resilience from low resilience, with the idea that these biomarkers could then be prognostic of surgical recovery. Once identified, the goal then would be how to utilize these biomarkers to find ways to optimize the resilience of low resilient people before they go into surgery, thus leading to better recovery. <a href="http://calmerme.com/getting-your-body-and-mind-ready-for-surgery/" target="_blank">[...READ MORE]</a></div>
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Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-37056902366262007742016-04-23T08:16:00.001-07:002016-04-23T08:16:48.702-07:00CALMERme - Cancer Advocacy through Lifestyle Medicine, Empowerment and Research<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've launched a new website called <a href="http://calmerme.com/" target="_blank">CALMERme</a> - an acronym for 'personalized cancer advocacy through lifestyle medicine, empowerment and research.'<br />
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It just got started but we have great plans for the future. I hope you'll take a look.<br />
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The goal is to support cancer patients through their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery by empowering them to incorporate lifestyle medicine approaches to help reduce treatment side effects, make the body inhospitable to cancer (for prevention and to prevent recurrence), and make the body AND mind and spirit healthy again.<br />
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I'll be putting some of the blog posts here too.<br />
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Would love to hear your comments.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-27302184740655631802014-11-27T13:21:00.000-08:002014-11-27T13:21:06.004-08:00Giving AND receivingThis Thanksgiving, remember to not only give thanks but receive thanks too. It is easier to give than receive, but we need to be open to receiving. Think about how you receive thanks. Find a good balance. Lets make it a happy thanksgiving/receiving day.<br />
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I'm thankful for you - and grateful to have you in my life.</div>
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-14389740135194623032014-08-11T12:43:00.000-07:002014-08-11T12:43:00.448-07:00Lemon cheesy roasted vegetables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I served my lemon tamari chickpeas from yesterday's recipe with lemon cheesy roasted veggies for dinner, so I thought I'd share that recipe with you too - even though its so simple, it hardly needs a recipe.<br />
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Often times however, people just roast veggies in oil but I love the addition of lemon juice and zest.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
Variety of vegetables cut into small pieces, with tougher veg cut smaller than soft veg - enough for a large baking sheet/pan.<br />
2 tbs olive oil<br />
3 tbs lemon juice<br />
Grated lemon zest<br />
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika<br />
Approx 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (heavy sprinkle - but optional)<br />
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Preheat oven to 415F. Mix the first 5 ingredients together on a large baking sheet, lined with a non-stick liner (see <a href="http://ticketyboohealthcoaching.blogspot.com/2014/08/lemon-tamari-chickpeas.html" target="_blank">yesterday's post</a> for my favorite). Sprinkle heavily with nutritional yeast and gently mix. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes then toss them around, adding another sprinkle of nutritional yeast, and roast for an additional 10-20 minutes.<br />
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Serve hot or cold.<br />
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The veggies I used were what was on hand: blue potatoes (I love blue potatoes!), red onion, multi-colored carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus, but you can chose your favorites. Think of a rainbow as you select however, trying to get lots of different colors. You can see from the photos that I got orange, yellow, green, and blue/purple in there, so plenty of color just on one dish.<br />
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If you aren't familiar with nutritional yeast, it brings a really cheesy flavor to dishes - so is perfect for those who are dairy free or vegan. It is also a great source of B vitamins so for those who are gluten free and not eating many grains, or anyone who isn't getting many B vitamins, adding nutritional yeast gives a real boost to your B vitamin levels.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-89498353623018027622014-08-10T12:23:00.001-07:002014-08-10T12:23:56.232-07:00Lemon tamari chickpeas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_4Ovse8J0TYhHqLqpZKWwIkgDJ4X8227my6oIHn8_3NV0L-uL1uKgX0jQ4f3IzU_F7M5dWnj9urdR6tNv7n7wORs4lKId21dX2vJAtqjz8dXiW2LNTmr8qfLc13xVda6IwE1ia_UnpA/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_4Ovse8J0TYhHqLqpZKWwIkgDJ4X8227my6oIHn8_3NV0L-uL1uKgX0jQ4f3IzU_F7M5dWnj9urdR6tNv7n7wORs4lKId21dX2vJAtqjz8dXiW2LNTmr8qfLc13xVda6IwE1ia_UnpA/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are my new favorite snack - lemon tamari chickpeas. I find them so satisfying and filling. They are a wonderful source of fiber - something that many of our diets don't have enough of. This may be different from what you'd normally have for a snack, but it is definitely worth trying. I make at least double the recipe as they are too tasty to just make a few. They aren't crispy but a good texture.<br />
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1 can organic chickpea - drained and rinsed<br />
1 tbs lemon juice<br />
1 tbs low salt gluten free tamari sauce<br />
1/2 tbs olive oil<br />
1/2 tbs sunchoke syrup or yacon syrup (optional)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ5X5aybJljpnyEp4LHGhqJRl_v7aY3-MOJV8eUlPHRkUIZgO6LrrjeQp7NQeCrIY1LTOLUBa36scal1ZO09R6NSMALHNZ847oiN-V4eP_dVPLg1oolg6xZkizeFyX_eU9B2oJkmfgDw/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ5X5aybJljpnyEp4LHGhqJRl_v7aY3-MOJV8eUlPHRkUIZgO6LrrjeQp7NQeCrIY1LTOLUBa36scal1ZO09R6NSMALHNZ847oiN-V4eP_dVPLg1oolg6xZkizeFyX_eU9B2oJkmfgDw/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Preheat oven to 400F. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Place in one layer on a baking sheet, preferably lined with a non-stick liner - see below*. You don't need the sun choke or yacon syrup, but it is a great source of prebiotics and yummy. As you pour it on the baking sheet, there seems to be quite a bit of liquid but don't worry, the chickpeas soak it up as they roast. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once half way through. The chickpeas will be nicely golden and the liquid absorbed. <br />
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Serve them warm or cold as an appetizer/snack or as a protein source for a dish, such as sprinkling on a salad or with roasted veggies.<br />
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I'm traveling up to Canada this week, so these are going to be my snack for the plane journey….as long as I don't eat them beforehand!!!<br />
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*For my non-stick liner, I use bake-o-glide which comes from England. Its a reusable sheet, you cut it to the size of your dishes and it makes washing up easy but also browns food nicely, even if you aren't using much oil.<br />
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The sheet is thinner than a silpat - and you can get the roll on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bake-O-Glide-Cooking-Liner-Small-400x330mm/dp/B0009XXJ9C/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1407697160&sr=1-2&keywords=bake+o+glide" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. It lasts for ages……a year or so and I cook a lot! I use it on everything, so give it a try.<br />
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Let me know if you like the chickpeas. Kids love them too.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-23156731610737699472014-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T17:00:03.848-07:00Buckwheat breakfastUnlike Smiler in my recent otter post, I don't like frogs for breakfast. I tend to have something made with oats….but this week I tried buckwheat instead. It is a seed of the same family as rhubarb and sorrel. It is a great source of rutin, a bioflavonoid that acts to extend the antioxidant activity of vitamin C. It has a lipid lowering effect and has protective effects against heart disease. Buckwheat is also important as a good source of magnesium, which is a cofactor for more than 300 different enzymes in the body. It's also a good source of fiber and protein.<br />
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I used it raw, blended into a pudding style texture - like a thick yoghurt. I made a few pots and they kept nicely in the fridge for a ready to go breakfast, adding some flaxseed and fruit (home grown nectarines) to it.<br />
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Here's how I made it:<br />
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1 cup of raw buckwheat groats<br />
1 cup of raw walnuts<br />
1 cup of almond or non-dairy milk<br />
1 small pot of unsweetened organic apple sauce (4oz/100g) - or fruit puree of your choice<br />
1 tsp cinnamon or spice of your choice<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
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Soak the buckwheat and walnuts separately in water for at least an hour, but preferably overnight. Drain and rinse them both well in water. The buckwheat may be slimy and frothy - that's fine. That is why we soak it, to get rid of the saponins. Drain well.<br />
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Mix all the ingredients together in a blender, until smooth. Place in small pots, cover and they will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add nuts and fruit and flaxseed on top, as you please.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-68785638058341395372014-07-28T17:00:00.000-07:002014-07-28T17:00:00.051-07:00Grilled/Barbecued whole cauliflowerI've tried baking cauliflower whole in the oven and like it that way, but recently I found a recipe to bake it whole on the barbecue, using indirect heat. It sounded great - and in fact, it turned out to be the best cauliflower I have ever eaten. John loved it too.<br />
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It was perfectly cooked throughout - not too hard in the middle and not too soft on the outside. The coating was delicious and added a bit of flavor to it. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.<br />
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The recipe was inspired from one by J.M Hirsch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w6z68Zz3C7mQxP9HYN7QmbSFbsyP3CaqDNE2bHR-0R7_gVRrXUUcVE5ofnBXFwxgj1A7EuKHYLropY-6lKwosOxuv6CEqGxWY4Wm4iEMtin974DoX47BKtfRpCHerz2emWZwVzFDqI0/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w6z68Zz3C7mQxP9HYN7QmbSFbsyP3CaqDNE2bHR-0R7_gVRrXUUcVE5ofnBXFwxgj1A7EuKHYLropY-6lKwosOxuv6CEqGxWY4Wm4iEMtin974DoX47BKtfRpCHerz2emWZwVzFDqI0/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Ingredients<br />
1 large head cauliflower<br />
1/2 cup almond flour<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice<br />
1 teaspoon smoked paprika<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
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Heat the grill to medium heat. The cauliflower will be cooked on indirect heat, so either move the coals to one side or on a gas grill, light the burners only on one half.<br />
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Trim the leaves from the cauliflower and cut the stem so it doesn't protrude from the bottom of the cauliflower. You want it to be able to stand up.<br />
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In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and whisk together. Overturn the cauliflower into the bowl and coat it thoroughly with the mixture, making sure it gets onto the whole head, using a spoon as necessary.<br />
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Set the head right side up on a piece of foil on the grill and spoon any remaining mixture over the top. Cover and cook for 1 hour or until lightly browned.<br />
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Let it cool slightly, then slice into wedges like a pie, and enjoy.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-22572329223805927592014-07-27T18:01:00.000-07:002014-07-27T19:00:24.909-07:00Visit by the ottersMy day started with John waking me up saying the otters were in the pond. We tend to have an annual visit to our pond by otters. Just once a year, they swing by, eat the big fish, and leave. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiQXUZjHI4A02QtnldWcY3VN2Jqgnz9i80g2apVThlULVFCExRAdLllTC56kY_c-b3epkH_SUPyPiONV2if1F9RBwu9Pw7gA2eH9yT36Bc3jP35HxXyR0JW0wuYur14mNOJQAQN3OL74/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiQXUZjHI4A02QtnldWcY3VN2Jqgnz9i80g2apVThlULVFCExRAdLllTC56kY_c-b3epkH_SUPyPiONV2if1F9RBwu9Pw7gA2eH9yT36Bc3jP35HxXyR0JW0wuYur14mNOJQAQN3OL74/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy trying out the canoe?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE2ECR6dePKooxuz2oW39iHFaEjoWCmpgqYO-FqIN8qHQu8h8ELvLPUWU8NT8D_B8W-pgsoF-uHQLXsP1pDkyFb4fPIvIo816ez7M2kps6WPk9Wos9tKqoe7bqcSJd8qX3aH8LD1P-TI/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE2ECR6dePKooxuz2oW39iHFaEjoWCmpgqYO-FqIN8qHQu8h8ELvLPUWU8NT8D_B8W-pgsoF-uHQLXsP1pDkyFb4fPIvIo816ez7M2kps6WPk9Wos9tKqoe7bqcSJd8qX3aH8LD1P-TI/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy Otter</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3z3Gj_cihdLZRt8dQiX072KNzvO4IYOq39zTKw8vAdKB894o3CXd1QEuUgera5-cH8X73clL6K4O3O5E_Tx7oJDcxnqR1OFnShHopuR8Ps-ZZWyypFDUIytkqPDv-sVmmRiSmVCgELQ/s1600/IMG_5329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3z3Gj_cihdLZRt8dQiX072KNzvO4IYOq39zTKw8vAdKB894o3CXd1QEuUgera5-cH8X73clL6K4O3O5E_Tx7oJDcxnqR1OFnShHopuR8Ps-ZZWyypFDUIytkqPDv-sVmmRiSmVCgELQ/s1600/IMG_5329.JPG" height="193" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing hide and seek under the dock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc7jvZjEL_5SbRWD1HFvT4uDN3Cslc3E4WlMUveUGTKcSg3NWH_Cf06cHDZj0AAucB2P7jj38FHrFsWlFPA21S1SBK3e67NUWppdJfgWZcwDf9w4xKlbZdUbAxCzKiX00k7ab7kCMWCA/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc7jvZjEL_5SbRWD1HFvT4uDN3Cslc3E4WlMUveUGTKcSg3NWH_Cf06cHDZj0AAucB2P7jj38FHrFsWlFPA21S1SBK3e67NUWppdJfgWZcwDf9w4xKlbZdUbAxCzKiX00k7ab7kCMWCA/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG" height="355" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy breakfast</td></tr>
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This time however - there were little guys too! Two parents and three little otters all arrived at 7am for breakfast.<br />
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As they've eaten all the big fish in previous years, today it was a frog breakfast. We have literally over a thousand frogs in the pond, so losing some to the otters seems OK.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSun2R5O0IK5XA9Qpzo1xaubSm24SoIwDTbDJbJWDYtLjlseInmoiW4H-BVUkpsU1oIBEaAfE3ENfALXnRKw2rWvlEPoTvE9Y91eKmY_QrxegG-2wqqgnBxHBV3ynB6YL-sE4qwO8ZLik/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSun2R5O0IK5XA9Qpzo1xaubSm24SoIwDTbDJbJWDYtLjlseInmoiW4H-BVUkpsU1oIBEaAfE3ENfALXnRKw2rWvlEPoTvE9Y91eKmY_QrxegG-2wqqgnBxHBV3ynB6YL-sE4qwO8ZLik/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was the parent who taught Smiler to smile</td></tr>
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They were all lovely to watch as they went about their way - but one in particular caught our eye. We called him Smiler the otter - as his bottom teeth tended to stick out of his mouth, like he had a big grin. I'm not sure if this was because he was a greedy gobbler, but he definitely ate more than the others.<br />
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At one stage, he was busy hanging out by the water lily, eating as many frogs as he could, when the rest of the family went down the other end of the pond. <br />
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Suddenly he noticed they were gone! Agh! He started swimming around in circles, very distressed and crying very loudly. Poor little Smiler! The others watched him at a distance, from the duck house, but didn't shout back!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello! Anyone home?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Smiler gone?</td></tr>
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I thought it was a bit mean, but John reckoned he probably did this quite often and his parents were fed up with him!!!<br />
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His cries got louder and he's swimming frantically, but then saw them did a big dive to go towards them.<br />
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He didn't learn his lesson however, as he just went back to frog eating at the lilies while the family decided breakfast was over. They then went off to head back to the creek but Smiler was too busy eating and didn't notice them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ok, time to go"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNr2sfGSvXcCk1H0nBNvp2Cl0UbBE_fxPugVh8jJoHXcgIzEbAQmU1X6Vj8jQa0581kNW1-P_HflDeUQokeDxJyc0EePvK26IynZyjbozUKvq20alfFhL-6XwFsPoKFQWh8b580ys3trw/s1600/IMG_5349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNr2sfGSvXcCk1H0nBNvp2Cl0UbBE_fxPugVh8jJoHXcgIzEbAQmU1X6Vj8jQa0581kNW1-P_HflDeUQokeDxJyc0EePvK26IynZyjbozUKvq20alfFhL-6XwFsPoKFQWh8b580ys3trw/s1600/IMG_5349.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"where is that pesky Smiler?"</td></tr>
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In the end, they had to come and get him so they could all leave together!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbaYC8BUGeB5TFlnfn4zan_WeyFvVbB-Tb_BNeVUKWQNQcCH41M8jK1frGixTVIEwYxl48wYOwiL_EMj6iYvjh-jGBKFp67zzEzlS_torJalwurDY7bLBNZrhoXQBGweI_lahanV4kCY/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbaYC8BUGeB5TFlnfn4zan_WeyFvVbB-Tb_BNeVUKWQNQcCH41M8jK1frGixTVIEwYxl48wYOwiL_EMj6iYvjh-jGBKFp67zzEzlS_torJalwurDY7bLBNZrhoXQBGweI_lahanV4kCY/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ok, I'm coming"</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoy the photos of our little otter family. Let me know if you see Smiler at your pond - you'll be sure to recognize him :-DRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-72775367990592458202014-07-09T18:06:00.000-07:002014-07-09T18:06:16.279-07:00Oatmeal smoothie or my green tinge smoothieI've been making a new breakfast smoothie lately instead of having oatmeal or muesli. I'm loving it so I thought I'd share it with you. While initially it was my "oatmeal smoothie", for the last few days, I've been adding a green tinge to it - not from veggies, but from green tea, so now its my "green tinge" smoothie. Yes, another way to get green tea into my diet when I don't like the taste of green tea! And just a tinge of green as sometimes, I just don't fancy veggies for my breakfast!<br />
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I vary it most days but the basics are:<br />
1/4 cup rolled GF oats<br />
1 cup organic, unsweetened soy milk<br />
1 small banana<br />
1/2 tablespoon matcha green tea<br />
1 tbsp of sun choke or yacon syrup (optional)<br />
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed.<br />
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Here the reasons for my ingredient selection:<br />
I use soy milk in this, as it has a higher protein level than other non-dairy milks. While I am definitely not one to say we need a lot of protein in our diets, it is good to have a little in every meal/snack. Almond milk, which I like a lot, only has 1g protein per cup, whereas soy milk has 9g per cup. I need about 45g a day so this smoothie provides about 15g in total - a third of my daily needs.<br />
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The sunchoke syrup - or as its called above, sunroot sweetener, is a relatively new product on the market and worth a try for its health benefits It is a prebiotic made from sunchokes/Jerusalem artichokes. Prebiotics are functional foods that your "good" gut bacteria thrive on. Basically it is something that we can't digest ourselves, so it passes to the colon and, bacteria, particularly bifidobacteria just eat it up! They thrive and their numbers increase and that helps us thrive. Yacon syrup is a similar product but made from yacon root ( and is more expensive!). It is a syrup - even though its only made from sunchokes/yacons, so can be used as a sweetener. I don't think this smoothie needs sweetening actually, but I use it for its prebiotic component. 1 tbsp has 7g of fiber in it. Added to my flaxseed in this smoothie and other ingredients and I'm getting a total of 14g a fiber, just for breakfast.<br />
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Our lovely green nectarines are ripe on the tree right now so I've been swapping out the banana for them some mornings, so choose whatever fruit you have ripe right now. I actually prefer it with the nectarines - but I'm using the ones that fall on the ground so as not to waste the perfect ones. Yes, they are green - outside and in. Not sure what the varietal is but they are wonderful. <br />
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What's your morning smoothie right now with all this yummy fruit and veggies in abundance? Share your recipe.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-80239514690051598832014-07-08T19:01:00.000-07:002014-07-08T19:01:11.511-07:00Harvest for health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got really excited when I read this research study a couple of weeks ago. I think it sounds such a lovely idea.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718632/" target="_blank">Harvest for Health Research Study</a></div>
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Its a new type of therapy for cancer patients - vegetable gardening. In the study at the university of Alabama, breast cancer patients were paired with a master gardener. They then worked together to plant a small garden in the patient's yard or in a <a href="http://earthbox.com/earthbox-systems/the-original-earthbox-gardening-system.html" target="_blank">Earthbox</a> - a gardening container on wheels that can be kept on a porch or patio or just by the front door. The garden was planted with vegetable seedlings. The idea behind the study was that the gardening project would encourage increased activity to plant and maintain the garden, and then increase their vegetable intake by eating the fruits (or veggies!) of their labor. I also think it would be good to increase the patient's self efficacy from having managed to try something new.</div>
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I'd love to see us at Ceres be able to expand to incorporate this. At Ceres, our clients (mostly cancer patients) can have free food for 12 weeks and then another 12 weeks for a donation. It would be perfect to set them up with a garden at the 12 week time point and encourage them to grow their own organic vegetables so that when their food delivery ends, they will have learned how to cook and prepare their own vegetables.</div>
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There are horticultural therapy programs around the US and UK. And if you've grown your own fruit and vegetables before you know what a labor of love it is - and more importantly - how exciting it is to eat your own home grown produce within minutes of harvesting it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c4OnxrQjnzm8RIwWmR6ag5HeWpK72jj-4JE6Ea2dufwo0_Hp0nV_eNhu4ai6NsCSEYWisxHV7np_zyzGsmRSdKwA8RY30pYAQlQYC6Iafhmej-5nY6Mc1lZUA_rfLSj4fdTZ2OR1NIM/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0c4OnxrQjnzm8RIwWmR6ag5HeWpK72jj-4JE6Ea2dufwo0_Hp0nV_eNhu4ai6NsCSEYWisxHV7np_zyzGsmRSdKwA8RY30pYAQlQYC6Iafhmej-5nY6Mc1lZUA_rfLSj4fdTZ2OR1NIM/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>Anyhow - back to the study…. it was a year long feasibility study in 12 adult and child cancer survivors. The gardening intervention was well received and 90% of the subjects saw improvements in measures of strength, agility and endurance. In addition, fruit and vegetables servings consumed each day increased in 40% and increases of >30 minutes/week of physical activity were observed in 60% of the subjects. </div>
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I'd love to see it also studied in groups - where neighbors work together and so you get that community spirit on top of it all. Or at Ceres, our clients could work together with the teenagers in our garden…..</div>
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What do you think? Do you find vegetable gardening therapeutic? How excited are you to eat your own produce?</div>
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-22430919163924310602014-07-03T16:46:00.000-07:002014-07-03T16:46:00.322-07:00Unconditional loveI recently came across this poem by Sharon Kunin, referring to the unconditional love given to us by our pets and the bond between us.<br />
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Maybe<br />
a little<br />
like meeting God<br />
Through feather, fur or fluttery thing.<br />
To be judged not by words,<br />
But by the timbre of my voice.<br />
Not by ability<br />
But by the gentleness of my touch.<br />
And not for knowledge,<br />
But by the Light that shines from my eyes.<br />
To be loved<br />
For the nature of my heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwOjZZLZwUB4B8spteuDSXtzOIPCefuUZSn_gqQdOMGjKv9F1yxABSeph16QThZM0WUNmRBR0707904vsaGosXLvLsI7tQr1I88OlGLR8IKAiFkVHnoLNlAiuwWcN-kj2_aTEoaclXLg/s1600/Barbara-red-parrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwOjZZLZwUB4B8spteuDSXtzOIPCefuUZSn_gqQdOMGjKv9F1yxABSeph16QThZM0WUNmRBR0707904vsaGosXLvLsI7tQr1I88OlGLR8IKAiFkVHnoLNlAiuwWcN-kj2_aTEoaclXLg/s1600/Barbara-red-parrot.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a>I love the idea that animals judge us by our voices, our touch and the light from our eyes. That is something we as humans should learn from animals. There is too much judgement based on less important things. We all do it - we even do it to ourselves, not thinking ourselves clever enough, or beautiful enough, or good enough. Instead, lets focus on <i>how</i> we speak, <i>how</i> we touch, <i>how</i> we look at people and the <i>light</i> and <i>love</i> that comes from us.<br />
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-31217144397460670892014-07-02T17:06:00.000-07:002014-07-02T17:06:12.194-07:00Red White and Blue 4th July Potato SaladWondering what to make that is a little different for your 4th July gathering - try this potato salad. I make it with red white and blue potatoes all the time - but for the 4th July, it is a must to have those colors!<br />
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It uses fresh horseradish but if you can't find that, you can use the jars of horseradish but the fresh is best. Don't be put off by the strong aroma as you grate it - use the full inch - the dish can take it! It's not too hot.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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Approximately 2lbs red, white and blue small potatoes<br />
15 - 20 cherry tomatoes, halved<br />
2 cups sugar snap peas, halved lengthwise to reveal the peas<br />
1 large handful of chopped dill<br />
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Dressing:<br />
1 inch fresh horseradish, grated<br />
2-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar<br />
2 tbsp walnut or nut butter of your choice<br />
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If the potatoes are large, cut into small piece. Place in a saucepan and cover with hot or cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. Test with a small sharp knife - they hold fall off the knife when they are cooked sufficiently. Drain and set aside to cool.<br />
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Combine the tomatoes, peas and dill in a large salad bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. When the potatoes have cooled. Add them to the salad bowl and pour over the dressing. Toss to coat.<br />
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This is a great prepare ahead salad as it doesn't have wilting greens in it. Its even good the next day.<br />
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Have a rainbow colored 4th July in the foods that you eat!<br />
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Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-28693396310206465502014-04-24T10:08:00.000-07:002014-04-24T10:08:13.373-07:00Duckling rescueI was woken this morning by John telling me we had ducklings in our pond :-D I've always wanted us to have ducklings but it was a surprise to us as the mother hadn't been using our duck house. She was obviously hiding out somewhere else as we hadn't seen her for days. Daddy duck had been around, but as I've now seen today, mummy is good at hiding - and at hiding her ducklings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqg7n5wUxLjqiCnCN200RfzOpD3_64yJn2uuZ-AGFSkHb6kJphELt9UsXlcIJuNtgp3zSMy4_s6WhV8nmnwiZOQQd_FsDkSbwEGFn_Rxr0KvSTv8PW6pSmhd8nR8oHSVsLB8le1jc5BA/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqg7n5wUxLjqiCnCN200RfzOpD3_64yJn2uuZ-AGFSkHb6kJphELt9UsXlcIJuNtgp3zSMy4_s6WhV8nmnwiZOQQd_FsDkSbwEGFn_Rxr0KvSTv8PW6pSmhd8nR8oHSVsLB8le1jc5BA/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" height="348" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jQRZITkbjaskNYv3r2l-cvhmvr57ki1sSGm2-8yYZmoPxhC4NJXZ-duVS_dwqtcT2shcPMqzyVamjI2UZ3qTgzQS0b_gUJnb0Rzad_J5mY6LNq1qRma9kZRyVhQX6jZeb1O8zNQ_WA8/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jQRZITkbjaskNYv3r2l-cvhmvr57ki1sSGm2-8yYZmoPxhC4NJXZ-duVS_dwqtcT2shcPMqzyVamjI2UZ3qTgzQS0b_gUJnb0Rzad_J5mY6LNq1qRma9kZRyVhQX6jZeb1O8zNQ_WA8/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" height="418" width="600" /></a></div>
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I took some photos first thing this morning and no sooner had I put them on Facebook but John came in saying we needed to do a duckling rescue! Three little ducklings had jumped over the overflow of the pond and because it slants backwards, they couldn't get back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjWAVbcwBrP7xKbdCXRgKAVLCJbzAaGQsj31SC_lry6q76jbmep1JSFaLSpYllG_kFJLTtwD5jJk7JbYitLP2kF2J191g2u-8wqQa7Ab5meu5PPvOphYScBtKsMFx5LLACF5wEgw-h5o/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjWAVbcwBrP7xKbdCXRgKAVLCJbzAaGQsj31SC_lry6q76jbmep1JSFaLSpYllG_kFJLTtwD5jJk7JbYitLP2kF2J191g2u-8wqQa7Ab5meu5PPvOphYScBtKsMFx5LLACF5wEgw-h5o/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" height="640" width="608" /></a></div>
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Poor mummy and daddy duck were in the pond squalking loudly, and the little guys were cheeping, so John had to crawl into the tunnel and help them back over and back into the pond again!! Brilliant rescue and the family were reunited!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62MM9iSuXuKP6K-KXC5EMAezH28bBVUSyRcPRwGzQYKLyY9i92wx9hf45ccgDmLR9Nk2TS2jvuOHNQB3wuZ-4Dwk_0idIL39s7eg38eCHn5mLZGMjrc7G4vixlnF_xH7j2G7HJPm95x8/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62MM9iSuXuKP6K-KXC5EMAezH28bBVUSyRcPRwGzQYKLyY9i92wx9hf45ccgDmLR9Nk2TS2jvuOHNQB3wuZ-4Dwk_0idIL39s7eg38eCHn5mLZGMjrc7G4vixlnF_xH7j2G7HJPm95x8/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" height="426" width="600" /></a></div>
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Phew, we've only had them a few hours and already we've had a rescue. Looks like this could be a busy few weeks!!! From the reunited photos, I can see there are 12 babes……fingers crossed we stay at 12. No more jumping!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQS8pBDVaFwpqTYXGkzM6gRWTJTJr2UOlkmRf1a2SA3Y3F082loWWQaCofLmvDw5yja1P5n2602bj8sNFajGO19YRl7Xo_j63uyOw7Zzev-LM6DIdVwIhV-0F-oH-V9PV5hIDHBqkFaY/s1600/IMG_4764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQS8pBDVaFwpqTYXGkzM6gRWTJTJr2UOlkmRf1a2SA3Y3F082loWWQaCofLmvDw5yja1P5n2602bj8sNFajGO19YRl7Xo_j63uyOw7Zzev-LM6DIdVwIhV-0F-oH-V9PV5hIDHBqkFaY/s1600/IMG_4764.JPG" height="426" width="600" /></a></div>
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-65826760632615656522014-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:002014-04-14T09:19:06.282-07:00Egg-citing Easter I just love this photo of Volker Kraft in Germany, preparing for Easter!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAaBcOE7EnYwSz4mR2U7_czZVtC42L3TaNqNJa6OgXKkCP5UWEhBSIdBvdOcaqR_RryASpBgGI7gOCZJKM98rL_y7VxkP9yH4E0b1KWFCumuJeAXXO9EfiBtc4PFTLzjtrC9-2pEUk_g/s1600/1962596_10151934152705667_351926645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAaBcOE7EnYwSz4mR2U7_czZVtC42L3TaNqNJa6OgXKkCP5UWEhBSIdBvdOcaqR_RryASpBgGI7gOCZJKM98rL_y7VxkP9yH4E0b1KWFCumuJeAXXO9EfiBtc4PFTLzjtrC9-2pEUk_g/s1600/1962596_10151934152705667_351926645_n.jpg" height="480" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Michael Reichel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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He has hung 10,000 colored eggs on his apple tree!! Move over blossom!!!<br />
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So for all of you who decorate for Easter- see if you can match this!! And send me your photos :-DRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-78935768537535898312014-04-02T09:31:00.000-07:002014-04-02T09:31:11.561-07:00Begin at the beginningBegin at the beginning<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"He who wishes one day to fly must first learn standing</blockquote>
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and walking</blockquote>
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and running</blockquote>
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and climbing</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
and dancing</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
One doesn't not fly into flying"</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
FW Neitzsche </div>
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Is there something in your life right now that you are trying to excel at? Something you are eager to be great at?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyRjfYDfZVFgOk74fr3cmMqpRjNpxeq7QCO5F6H6qy0vub5odMZGVgtPv5fUkuSWYPIv4ludmPdWNd7xkcAb181_gBMHcgOGGx6Utp84ZeHBvM0npbqt2GAR-AiJNIc89gFcVMkOaNyk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyRjfYDfZVFgOk74fr3cmMqpRjNpxeq7QCO5F6H6qy0vub5odMZGVgtPv5fUkuSWYPIv4ludmPdWNd7xkcAb181_gBMHcgOGGx6Utp84ZeHBvM0npbqt2GAR-AiJNIc89gFcVMkOaNyk/s1600/images.jpeg" height="254" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe the process is worth taking time over. We can find enjoyment in walking, running, climbing and dancing along the way, but by focusing only on flying, we miss out on those achievements.</div>
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I know this really applies to me right now with my studies. I'm so eager to learn everything and be great at it that I'm not noticing the joy of just the little steps I'm taking and the small achievements.</div>
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Is there some aspect of your life that you are rushing to achieve greatness, and missing out along the way? Take a deep breath and enjoy where you are now, where you've come from and the achievements you've made already. </div>
Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-42730750611520376672014-03-27T15:41:00.000-07:002014-03-27T15:41:12.450-07:00Eating fresh herbs daily<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-t_uuXGcA-Q_7Lq87tLTW8_pmvJ-677X75rWordwmVArKhWIsXUwvsW0J8X8dnP5aITzqgoAxMuW0Bz3P0K6mWtndLLmVnt10sHw6VanY70JAfoyixEKpR7tx1m0ORPruz93sIVgNZU/s1600/IMG_4644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-t_uuXGcA-Q_7Lq87tLTW8_pmvJ-677X75rWordwmVArKhWIsXUwvsW0J8X8dnP5aITzqgoAxMuW0Bz3P0K6mWtndLLmVnt10sHw6VanY70JAfoyixEKpR7tx1m0ORPruz93sIVgNZU/s1600/IMG_4644.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a>A couple of days ago, my photo for my #100happydays was of some chives growing in our garden. I love my herb garden. It is right by my kitchen, so it is easy to nip out there and pull off a few leaves of something or other.<br />
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I eat fresh herbs daily and so was interested in some reading I was doing for my studies which was comparing different government food recommendations in different countries. I was looking at the the New Nordic diet NND which is a gastronomically driven, regional, organic and environmentally friendly diet from Denmark.<br />
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The NND was developed by a collaboration led by <a href="http://denmark.dk/en/meet-the-danes/great-danes/others/rene-redzepi/" target="_blank">Rene Redzepi</a> from the world-leading Copenhagen restaurant <a href="http://noma.dk/" target="_blank">NOMA</a>. NOMA held the title of "best restaurant in the world" for 3 years. Shortly after opening NOMA, Rene held a conference with other chefs in Denmark and they collaborated with the University of Copenhagen to create a healthy diet, showcased in the local restaurants that could also be easily used for home cooking.<br />
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The NND is based on regional foods in season, with a strong emphasis on palatability, healthiness, and sustainability, while staying in tune with regional food culture and dietary habits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmOxr69bLR9sq8CjLJd6fUh5yH1qfCAEgfGQ3GthtRhUbFsOd_Zn2qO1lasQZFKq90KFbIeyCdl0GnYKcWpTqhc5jynDuOpYRmRTwlHHdhLoxXnp-Bjv8s2M5xzB2hptQ0IFmlKqvQpc/s1600/IMG_4645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmOxr69bLR9sq8CjLJd6fUh5yH1qfCAEgfGQ3GthtRhUbFsOd_Zn2qO1lasQZFKq90KFbIeyCdl0GnYKcWpTqhc5jynDuOpYRmRTwlHHdhLoxXnp-Bjv8s2M5xzB2hptQ0IFmlKqvQpc/s1600/IMG_4645.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVotUBFAi_40KI0Xm1EwBzmtmCN5p01hhfCC_H_6_w5NAaKyQjhKgEHAZjGCXAiUafBMIGi8pV1L6ZIgzfxT_AbILdsH3ORZsOCcRDB-CiNO60j-LM_eXJydScUeFvc51GdewhBOQjozA/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVotUBFAi_40KI0Xm1EwBzmtmCN5p01hhfCC_H_6_w5NAaKyQjhKgEHAZjGCXAiUafBMIGi8pV1L6ZIgzfxT_AbILdsH3ORZsOCcRDB-CiNO60j-LM_eXJydScUeFvc51GdewhBOQjozA/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The basis of the diet is comprised of the following food groups:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>fruit and vegetables - especially berries, cabbages, root vegetables and legumes</li>
<li>potatoes</li>
<li>fresh herbs</li>
<li>plants and mushrooms gathered/foraged from the wild</li>
<li>nuts</li>
<li>whole grains</li>
<li>meats from livestock and game</li>
<li>fish and shellfish</li>
<li>seaweed</li>
</ul>
<div>
The majority of foods are organically grown and of Nordic origin.</div>
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<div>
Yes - they include "fresh herbs" as a food group. I don't believe any other government dietary requirements mentions herbs at all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21iUb4q2mBlxy_jYRUmWiXwJb6E0K58vvAA_C0oHXr1z7iw-k6uzwHwKHtg0xIB1C_KsswUv_hmY_0wEARQr73UMwaEHUY72MyU8QhnPcfS8I9mJwU1RwYStVKDAMxLAYXe74gk_jpXY/s1600/IMG_4646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21iUb4q2mBlxy_jYRUmWiXwJb6E0K58vvAA_C0oHXr1z7iw-k6uzwHwKHtg0xIB1C_KsswUv_hmY_0wEARQr73UMwaEHUY72MyU8QhnPcfS8I9mJwU1RwYStVKDAMxLAYXe74gk_jpXY/s1600/IMG_4646.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Herbs have lots of different effects on the body - with each having their own little "niche" of health benefits, for example oregano has antibacterial and anti fungal effects, thyme and rosemary are both good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, mint helps with digestion, and basil helps with pain, reduces cholesterol, etc. So using a variety of fresh herbs as part of your daily diet brings lots of benefits - never mind the flavors they impart.</div>
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The research on NND shows that eating this style of eating leads to great health improvements and weight loss, with people eating the food ad libitum - i.e. freely. The OPUS project is continuing research on the diet. More information on <a href="https://www.coursera.org/course/newnordicdiet" target="_blank">OPUS</a> and the <a href="http://fvm.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/FVM.dk/Dokumenter/Ministeriet/EU_og_Internationalt/EU-samarbejdet/Formandskab/1903_Faktaark_FVM_Formandssk_New_Nordic_Diet_v3_4korr.pdf" target="_blank">NND</a> are in these links, including their research with <a href="http://foodoflife.ku.dk/opus/english/about/" target="_blank">school children</a>.</div>
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I have to confess, there is another reason why the NND piqued my interest! I am going to Copenhagen in May for my husband's birthday celebration. A couple of weeks ago, I stayed up one night until nearly 2am, and I managed to get a reservation to eat at NOMA while we are there. I am so excited. I can't wait to eat at such a creative restaurant. They employ two full time "foragers" who go out and forage for the food every day. Apparently, if a restaurant in Denmark doesn't employ a forager, its not really a "proper" restaurant!!!!! I love the idea.</div>
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So in the meantime, I will continue to eat my home-foraged (!!) herbs daily, until I go to Copenhagen and eat Rene's amazing creations! </div>
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Do you grow fresh herbs? Its something easy we can all do - even if you don't have a garden. It not only makes food tasty but is good for your health.</div>
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Watch this space….you know you'll be hearing more about <a href="http://noma.dk/" target="_blank">NOMA</a> and <a href="http://denmark.dk/en/meet-the-danes/great-danes/others/rene-redzepi/" target="_blank">Rene</a> (who is definitely a Great Dane!) and the NND.</div>
Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-10588574066184121562014-03-24T09:27:00.002-07:002014-03-24T09:27:57.277-07:00Amazon Smile - support your favorite charityDay 20 of #100happydays is signing up for AmazonSmile. Have you signed up yet? <br />
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I use Amazon for lots of different things but now that I have AmazonSmile, I'm even happier as every time I purchase something, they donate some of that money to Ceres Community Project - the non profit organization I'm involved with in Sonoma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUEefez2MVg1vhvrT0KnmjbW8vKS0APH41Nd3SZAHw2kG1ei6svEPC9x1m2Hz8ShWjY-JO6mNzIAgC4o-jfxQGekbxD_nj8guuvZVng3sauYSehwTCcUbclRMynf3KrUuJu8BvWBz75E/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUEefez2MVg1vhvrT0KnmjbW8vKS0APH41Nd3SZAHw2kG1ei6svEPC9x1m2Hz8ShWjY-JO6mNzIAgC4o-jfxQGekbxD_nj8guuvZVng3sauYSehwTCcUbclRMynf3KrUuJu8BvWBz75E/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Amazon Smile is easy. You sign up for it on the regular Amazon page and then it gives you options to search for non-profits in your area or wherever. You click on the one of your choice and Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your purchases to the charitable organization you chose. Its automatic once you've signed up.<br />
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Yes, 0.5% isn't a huge percentage but the more people who sign up, the more donations.<br />
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Some reckon that this <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brady-josephson/why-amazon-is-smiling-and_b_4360405.html" target="_blank">kind of system isn't good</a> in the long run as people don't get the "good feel" when a non profit acknowledges your donation, and some may feel this is enough and not contribute in other ways. Also they feel it is just a good ploy to get more sales for Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xdadrwsx6O9b4ICFCUdZDNnOo0BPyoHff3pW7G6w3oDnYqy5YXqmC_s64nY-aj-oMXOgctNyIQ8hcuptGGPHtZBPv-YURBZ07qWt4Fo1fWr2cIFIyoKTexW2zmMXurLfKr_ETJxPepw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xdadrwsx6O9b4ICFCUdZDNnOo0BPyoHff3pW7G6w3oDnYqy5YXqmC_s64nY-aj-oMXOgctNyIQ8hcuptGGPHtZBPv-YURBZ07qWt4Fo1fWr2cIFIyoKTexW2zmMXurLfKr_ETJxPepw/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I have a different view. Yes, its not replacing anything that I already do, but its just a little bonus. I also think it teaches people about philanthropy who may not give any other way, but can make a choice on amazon on who to donate to. I still think I can feel good supporting - albeit in a small way - a local group, via Amazon. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlsVWNfrRgwKYCjk9Sruk-kmCQYTmSHuFLe4BV3V37nCfRTmBo4V8ZX6boh-Yu4CVr24yQBYQEOclmz-DibC0y7DzMV3bzI3Boky8Sb_PAz0F9byvPE8kce9MhffLWBJc5e6RiicEnZw/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlsVWNfrRgwKYCjk9Sruk-kmCQYTmSHuFLe4BV3V37nCfRTmBo4V8ZX6boh-Yu4CVr24yQBYQEOclmz-DibC0y7DzMV3bzI3Boky8Sb_PAz0F9byvPE8kce9MhffLWBJc5e6RiicEnZw/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
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Its similar to <a href="https://www.igive.com/welcome/lp9/cr49.cfm" target="_blank">iGive</a> - which links to 1400 stores, and each store choses the percentage they donate. Amazon is on that too, giving 0.8%, and the average amount donated by stores is 3%. Stores include Crate and Barrel, Walgreens, Staples, Best Buy, ToysRUs, Lowes etc. I signed up with iGive years ago.<br />
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I'm all for different ways we can encourage support to non-profits and teach people about philanthropy.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-40643121105033067092014-03-20T11:30:00.000-07:002014-03-20T11:30:02.102-07:00What is Personalized Nutrition and Functional Medicine?The Masters program of study I am working on at the moment is Personalized Nutrition and it is grounded in Functional medicine. I'm often asked what Functional medicine is, so thought I'd take a moment to explain it here.<br />
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In functional medicine, we look at the underlying causes of disease, engaging the patient with the practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. There is a shift from traditional medicine being disease focused to functional medicine which is patient focused, and addresses the whole person, not a set of symptoms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwXrQHF9cdmI62byePZQUYCTdYfh_jVbjuol2cDTDbFRk96juZulXkE7NividagofT1bdgGSeo6MRU9cbzN36qeBl2ZxyKwfjoD-Eg-AS-SmBPWr8-qS_qqfR2HVqUM4lSDc3GotvArw/s1600/Functional-Medicine-Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwXrQHF9cdmI62byePZQUYCTdYfh_jVbjuol2cDTDbFRk96juZulXkE7NividagofT1bdgGSeo6MRU9cbzN36qeBl2ZxyKwfjoD-Eg-AS-SmBPWr8-qS_qqfR2HVqUM4lSDc3GotvArw/s1600/Functional-Medicine-Tree.jpg" height="480" width="620" /></a></div>
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Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention and treatment of complex and chronic diseases. So for example, if someone is obese and diabetic, the approach isn't to look at their symptoms and prescribe a diabetic medicine, but rather to go back into their health history and look at what imbalance may have caused this shift. It could be that a situation years ago affected their microbiota in the gut, which led to obesity; or it could be that they have leaky gut and food sensitivities, and that was the trigger; or there could be a polymorphism; or they could be deficient in certain co-factors (micronutrients or macronutrients) that are needed for chemical reactions in the body. <br />
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Another example would be someone who has GERD - or reflux disease and has been given Nexium by their doctor. For one person, the cause of the GERD could be their diet and eliminating the foods that caused the program can solve it. For another, giving probiotics to adjust the microbiota and nutrients to heal the lining of the gut solved the program. For a third person, they were actually low on HCl - the acid in the stomach and this was because of a deficiency in zinc, which is involved in forming HCl, so restoring zinc sufficiency, solved the problem.<br />
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So personalized nutrition then comes into play in trying to correct the imbalances that are at the root of the cause. It is personalized because what causes one person to present with symptoms can be very different to what causes those same symptoms in another person. The pathway by which they got there can be completely different. <br />
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As you can see from the <a href="http://www.functionalmedicine.org/" target="_blank">Institute of Functional Medicine</a> tree, we look at all aspects of a person's life, their stress, relationships, sleep, spirituality etc, as all these can create imbalances in the body. Its not about diagnosing disease, it is about looking at root causes, some of which may have started many years ago. The approach is evidence based.<br />
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It is grounded in nutrition and in fact, their annual conference this year is all about nutrition. Its in San Francisco in May - and nearly sold out, so if you want to know more, take a <a href="http://www.functionalmedicine.org/conference.aspx?id=2711&cid=35&section=t293" target="_blank">look</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmANP9ZzhGn82QxDd8t0AVYtHojml0ehD5rpOG9Au2gJAhWnZV_QllpTL0oQB1htDHp8aq-VRxxCpDWHZeFvU47qGiWM1CGV88k2d7QKqVTfNT0Vi6OaAlwIC1vzoEA3o9V2VjBOf7Ktg/s1600/ifm2014aicprogrambannerv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmANP9ZzhGn82QxDd8t0AVYtHojml0ehD5rpOG9Au2gJAhWnZV_QllpTL0oQB1htDHp8aq-VRxxCpDWHZeFvU47qGiWM1CGV88k2d7QKqVTfNT0Vi6OaAlwIC1vzoEA3o9V2VjBOf7Ktg/s1600/ifm2014aicprogrambannerv2.jpg" height="73" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.functionalmedicine.org/conference.aspx?id=2711&cid=35&section=t293" target="_blank">IFM conference</a></td></tr>
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For me personally, I am not a doctor, but after my program is completed, I can work with clients within my scope of practice to help people nutritionally restore balance and also through my health psychology background.<br />
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Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-12482592992533212014-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:002014-03-19T09:00:04.872-07:00Quinoa berry bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSXdggZpqBbO1BsGZ8R10AyJ2k_RFAa9q5Q7bSmu9VeQ835a_mtntQa8LVF9pBDGIle5KiT625i5p0cFpNRSR76RJnaVyGoxNhsNifFuZpxw2Q0ddU2U7ZA7sbSMvwil7X6RerCHFv1E/s1600/IMG_4624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSXdggZpqBbO1BsGZ8R10AyJ2k_RFAa9q5Q7bSmu9VeQ835a_mtntQa8LVF9pBDGIle5KiT625i5p0cFpNRSR76RJnaVyGoxNhsNifFuZpxw2Q0ddU2U7ZA7sbSMvwil7X6RerCHFv1E/s1600/IMG_4624.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgu2-9xhyNRO5-X5zDtddTTnSBJm8hut8oujIvX242tVtARJ2qq3tqh2pnxFwRDJ1QFC3T6FGqPnagRQg-rfZTYql83Rjx_-SEnpE4J-GWysU5WuZnVvRERq79miHADfbZTQ3gTcXCtY/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgu2-9xhyNRO5-X5zDtddTTnSBJm8hut8oujIvX242tVtARJ2qq3tqh2pnxFwRDJ1QFC3T6FGqPnagRQg-rfZTYql83Rjx_-SEnpE4J-GWysU5WuZnVvRERq79miHADfbZTQ3gTcXCtY/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijifQa96KgpTDFfB9IaFqVS5veUJ4OZTK6CCTyITBbf3IMi0T_D4kBCHxeD1jJ5gjd7sDhpW4KuXlC0LK7q9KrU_i6fNv0lHWoSYfpJJ2f1YsEKBK1gkEltdPwKGY8q0DR5SWIy3BafEg/s1600/IMG_4616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijifQa96KgpTDFfB9IaFqVS5veUJ4OZTK6CCTyITBbf3IMi0T_D4kBCHxeD1jJ5gjd7sDhpW4KuXlC0LK7q9KrU_i6fNv0lHWoSYfpJJ2f1YsEKBK1gkEltdPwKGY8q0DR5SWIy3BafEg/s1600/IMG_4616.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
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As I said in <a href="http://ticketyboohealthcoaching.blogspot.com/2014/03/new-favorite-cookbook-oh-she-glows.html" target="_blank">yesterday's blog post</a>, my plan yesterday afternoon was to make some "present glo bars" from Angela Liddon's new cookbook. But then I realized I didn't have the necessary ingredients so, not to be deterred, I changed things around a bit - quite a bit, in fact, as I only kept 1 ingredient the same (the pepita seeds!)! So here are my quinoa (lingon)berry bars, inspired by Angela's recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGroTqtV8XMGiAvCcCtIsPKCH-5CKeOjcryEdK21f7ed5yXzZXuyHdwy_Z7kvGBMKEi1-CU1ycXHkoeQ2ERIApSw7qzbF-Vxed_r1Do8Av119OExeWDscY6TdOXFDR1meG2QO0E5Ewk4s/s1600/IMG_4618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGroTqtV8XMGiAvCcCtIsPKCH-5CKeOjcryEdK21f7ed5yXzZXuyHdwy_Z7kvGBMKEi1-CU1ycXHkoeQ2ERIApSw7qzbF-Vxed_r1Do8Av119OExeWDscY6TdOXFDR1meG2QO0E5Ewk4s/s1600/IMG_4618.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j0rr60IW7UbldqfbqxWOqCJ5ALQFmBdiEFlrxMNjtUJfyoD6WjgC7ZzQxuSF0B4s5kI_lNHhrKaQUrOtT-BGtLwz58XvOG9AQI-yS1G0tvytB8aJY4P0aTlpEBrvpFEJHi1WkbNsgM0/s1600/IMG_4624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j0rr60IW7UbldqfbqxWOqCJ5ALQFmBdiEFlrxMNjtUJfyoD6WjgC7ZzQxuSF0B4s5kI_lNHhrKaQUrOtT-BGtLwz58XvOG9AQI-yS1G0tvytB8aJY4P0aTlpEBrvpFEJHi1WkbNsgM0/s1600/IMG_4624.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>1/2 cup walnuts<br />
1 cup flaked quinoa<br />
1 cup crisped/puffed quinoa<br />
3/4 cup crisped/puffed rice<br />
1/4 cup pepita seeds<br />
1/4 cup wild lingon berries (or other dried berries)<br />
1/4 cup yacon syrup<br />
1/8 cup date syrup<br />
1/8 cup water<br />
1/4 cup walnut butter<br />
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Obviously you can alter the ingredients, use different sweeteners, grains, fruits, nut butters etc and amounts, while keeping ratios similar of wet to dry ingredients.<br />
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Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix.<br />
Heat the syrups and walnut butter and water in a saucepan until just bubbling.<br />
Add the syrup mixture to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.<br />
Line a square cake pan with parchment paper with enough overlapping so you can lift it out.<br />
Transfer the mixture to the cake pan and spread it out evenly. Pack down using damp hands or the end of a rolling pin or glass jar so it is firmly packed and even.<br />
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, uncovered.<br />
Remove and lift out the whole mixture on the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 bars using a pizza slice or serrated knife.<br />
Wrap the bars and store in an airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 1 month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9ICqUsjCRT9Vxs9LzFHnbqFmjSAmiwBFeZHo1yBoN5-mDBwthrHWJVxUrMY-Le4TTt9Xf19ndKbNmbt2p_ozmd-cpZSCX9d-kCRFsC5kqt2sRv6aBX-YqN0R9VfuFzIJbohD9noagGI/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9ICqUsjCRT9Vxs9LzFHnbqFmjSAmiwBFeZHo1yBoN5-mDBwthrHWJVxUrMY-Le4TTt9Xf19ndKbNmbt2p_ozmd-cpZSCX9d-kCRFsC5kqt2sRv6aBX-YqN0R9VfuFzIJbohD9noagGI/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
They are a nice crispy crunch. Make sure you squash them down well so they hold together. <br />
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-82294161603798787372014-03-18T15:26:00.002-07:002014-03-18T15:26:33.076-07:00New favorite cookbook - Oh She Glows<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1FLZwotOmXa3b5dIx68p51LWYkfrUr1c31i3IVyEhxPV3SR6H16o5_KXOs9V3C9WQZzqclaKB-wJ4qL-DBCHXyHEGEEryipLvIFr4SGnzQ1tKxp5fJq8Sd1hhbyrGWk4Cz9kERnDrGw/s1600/1583335277_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1FLZwotOmXa3b5dIx68p51LWYkfrUr1c31i3IVyEhxPV3SR6H16o5_KXOs9V3C9WQZzqclaKB-wJ4qL-DBCHXyHEGEEryipLvIFr4SGnzQ1tKxp5fJq8Sd1hhbyrGWk4Cz9kERnDrGw/s1600/1583335277_b.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Angela Liddon</td></tr>
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My new favorite cookbook - The Oh She Glows Cookbook - is definitely helping me have 100 happy days. I'll count it today as my Day 14 of #100happydays - but truly, I could count it for just about everyday.<br />
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The cookbook only came out this month and I had pre-ordered. Its just a lovely book. It is vegan but I think it has an appeal to everyone. The dishes are delish and will suit all palates.<br />
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First off though, it looks like a "proper" cookbook. So often vegan or plant based cookbooks aren't so appealing in their layout and design but this one is beautiful with gorgeous photos of every dish.<br />
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I started flipping through the pages and adding stickers to the recipes I wanted to try - but quickly ran out of stickers! It would have been easier to mark the couple that didn't appeal to me!<br />
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There are more than 100 recipes, 90 of which are gluten free. They are higher in sweeteners and oil than I typically use, but easily adaptable to reducing those levels if you so wish. There are considerations for other food allergies too, with soy free, grain free, and nut free recipes as well.<br />
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I've really enjoyed cooking from the book. We had friends stay the weekend so I made the ultimate nutty granola clusters and they were a huge hit.<br />
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Other dishes I have tried include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>raw buckwheat breakfast porridge</li>
<li>taco fiesta potato crisps - with walnut taco meat</li>
<li>chakra caesar salad with nutty herb croutons</li>
<li>perfect kale chips</li>
<li>lightened-up crispy baked fries</li>
</ul>
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and today I'm giving the "present glo bars" a try. I'll let you know how they turn out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGYw9uvz9KZPCiuIzsjJmWKpSgQs9JjAOyOQUaqP2gqKixfYFtIKSAR3S5n8zi3v9pdwh77Xc5nfdcjfRr35tA3WUnkYM5Vd_ss_wrJIxBdhvNYbs0o4AQsYO26oKxn_gThtd74O6gPo/s1600/065A6175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGYw9uvz9KZPCiuIzsjJmWKpSgQs9JjAOyOQUaqP2gqKixfYFtIKSAR3S5n8zi3v9pdwh77Xc5nfdcjfRr35tA3WUnkYM5Vd_ss_wrJIxBdhvNYbs0o4AQsYO26oKxn_gThtd74O6gPo/s1600/065A6175.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Angela Liddon<br />Walnut, avocado and pear salad with marinated portobello caps and red onion</td></tr>
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I highly recommend this book - for vegans, vegetarians, omnivores or whatever. It'll make you happy.</div>
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Here's the link to it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Oh-She-Glows-Cookbook/dp/1583335277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395181231&sr=8-1&keywords=oh+she+glows+cookbook" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-77560014213577995982014-03-11T16:19:00.000-07:002014-03-11T16:19:17.621-07:00#100happydays - Berr-i-licious delight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kNMu_OTJiZVHB2M4jC_u23Alx3c4cblk47uEzJqvJe2vNOfb23YpsWQ8y_Pe80Y8_LXSGMiIuT4P8DOooYi73m5Vx5O23fsWTWvgdFskBVSKHHSyz7yKdoTI-qFxeb8YcliNxGSj4W8/s1600/IMG_4596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kNMu_OTJiZVHB2M4jC_u23Alx3c4cblk47uEzJqvJe2vNOfb23YpsWQ8y_Pe80Y8_LXSGMiIuT4P8DOooYi73m5Vx5O23fsWTWvgdFskBVSKHHSyz7yKdoTI-qFxeb8YcliNxGSj4W8/s1600/IMG_4596.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a>Day 7 of my 100 happy days - and this berr-i-licious delight smoothie made me happy.<br />
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No veggies in this one, just crammed with berries. We should try and eat berries everyday as they are highly nutritious fruits, lower in sugar and packed full of anti-oxidants and phytonutrients and plenty of fiber too.<br />
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Here's the recipe: Serves 2<br />
2 cups almond milk<br />
4 tablespoon flax seed ( use ground flax seed if you don't have a powerful blender)<br />
2 scoops of probiotic powder<br />
1 tablespoon organic rose hip powder<br />
3/4 cup organic raspberries<br />
1/4 cup dried wild lingonberries.<br />
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Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.<br />
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<br />Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-83671239499194418402014-03-07T08:42:00.001-08:002014-03-07T10:30:47.285-08:00#100happydays - Creamy Dreamy Greeny SmoothieToday is day 3 of my #100happydays. And the day started out happy with a creamy dreamy greeny smoothie! Packed with lots of nutrients, it set my day off to a good start.<br />
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Here is the recipe:<br />
1 cup almond milk<br />
1 cup baby spinach or kale<br />
1/2 banana<br />
1 tablespoon walnut butter<br />
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed<br />
1/2 teaspoon turmeric<br />
Scoop of probiotic powder<br />
1/2 lemon<br />
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Just put it all in the blender and blended until smooth and creamy dreamy! <br />
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The lemon is all the lemon - rind, juice, pulp. Just cut the lemon in half and add it.<br />
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There are more scientific studies on the healing powers of Turmeric than any other food. It's good to start off smoothies with 1/2 teaspoon, but as you get used to the taste, you can increase the level of turmeric. Studies show powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.<br />
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The leafy greens provide good phytonutrients and if you use kale, you get the benefits of cruciferous vegetables which help in detoxifying the body every day.<br />
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The flax and walnut butter provide a good source of omega 3 fatty acids - essential fats that we need in our diet for reducing inflammation and improving brain function. This smoothie gives you more than 3g omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, the flax is a good source of fiber and lignans. The smoothie gives you 9g of fiber.<br />
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And the probiotic supports our gut health which is so key to our whole health. I use <a href="https://www.customprobiotics.com/custom-probiotics-six-cultures.htm" target="_blank">Custom probiotics </a>powder.<br />
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So start your day off green and maybe that will color your whole day :-DRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-78772897637696146022014-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:002014-03-05T09:00:03.553-08:00100 days of happiness - or how to feel tickety-booToday marks the start of Lent. Traditionally in my family, Lent marked the time when we decided to give up something "bad" for 40 days (until Easter), like chocolate or alcohol or cakes or….. Some of the things I gave up for lent in the past I've never started again - like milk in my coffee. Others, it just lasted (barely) for those 40 days - like chocolate - which always seems to want to come back.<br />
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Occasionally, instead of giving up something "bad" for lent, we would take up something good instead. And that's what I'm doing this year - along with my sister. Maybe we can persuade our parents to join us too this year?????<br />
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My sister, Mary gave me the idea. We are starting "<a href="http://100happydays.com/" target="_blank">100 days of happiness</a>". The first 40 days will be our lent "take up something good" commitment. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3CIaKjlUO6pfh8C2kBabq6EzSbjGsj9mJrdz9_clY10h-ECLzneK1kL7XuIxxZ_BshNGp0CL5Wt1kfyke40ZzjFA6cXW8W7pZUcj-V4aw_s8pfjUj_Cwb_XwgqTKaYc1ypZ-L-3KiVA/s1600/happy.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3CIaKjlUO6pfh8C2kBabq6EzSbjGsj9mJrdz9_clY10h-ECLzneK1kL7XuIxxZ_BshNGp0CL5Wt1kfyke40ZzjFA6cXW8W7pZUcj-V4aw_s8pfjUj_Cwb_XwgqTKaYc1ypZ-L-3KiVA/s1600/happy.tiff" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://100happydays.com/" target="_blank">100happydays</a></td></tr>
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The idea is that every day for 100 days you take a photo of something that made you happy that day. It can be anything - big or small. … from a photo of a person that you had lunch with, to a photo of a comfy cushion that you relaxed on when you got home after a busy day…... Just something that made you happy. You can chose to share your photos however you want or not at all. Mary and I are going to post ours on Facebook so I may include them here, as my blog posts on Facebook.<br />
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The philosophy behind 100 days of happiness is one that I live by: - you get more of what you focus on. By focussing on good things in the day, you notice more good things. Its one of the key ideas behind feeling tickety-boo! Not everything needs to be perfect but by focussing on the good things, you can feel happy and tickety-boo.<br />
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So will you join me? Can you spare a couple of minutes a day to focus on something that made you happy? It doesn't matter if Lent means nothing to you, why not start 100 days of happiness with us now. You can sign up at the<a href="http://100happydays.com/" target="_blank"> link</a> and lets share some joy. Lets be happy together for 100 days…and more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN6vL7INX_JtRMtCaWOLAET-AbhuGFSnmXy76UCaOgMwnt7oHnliU9L8usptMxPRpsixKYq-_bGtEiCzWRwm1rdB4uKTTS11nR3p7cul4BLjzOobwdk_jlK9IUTmuWAej0AK5O7yLq9k/s1600/images-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN6vL7INX_JtRMtCaWOLAET-AbhuGFSnmXy76UCaOgMwnt7oHnliU9L8usptMxPRpsixKYq-_bGtEiCzWRwm1rdB4uKTTS11nR3p7cul4BLjzOobwdk_jlK9IUTmuWAej0AK5O7yLq9k/s1600/images-5.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be Happy!</td></tr>
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Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644780389441052318.post-82610115447882300192014-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:002014-03-04T09:00:00.998-08:00Pancake Day!Today is Shrove Tuesday - or Pancake day in the UK. I remember us having pancakes at home when I was a kid every Shrove Tuesday. The idea about Shrove Tuesday and pancakes was to use up perishables like eggs and milk before lent began - a time of fasting. My mum would make pancakes and put lemon juice and sugar on them. It was always fun to watch her - or try myself, to flip them.<br />
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Then we had the Dad making pancakes day one time…can't remember if that was Shrove Tuesday or another day, but sadly, he mistakenly used salt instead of the sugar :-( Poor Dad. He was so annoyed with himself. Lovely wafer thin pancakes dredged in salt and lemon!!!<br />
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I love pancakes - but in the US pancakes aren't pancakes! Here you have to talk about crepes if you are meaning pancakes. In the US, pancakes are small and thick and you don't put anything inside them because you can't fold them so there is no inside! <br />
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With this in mind, you may be surprised to see an American pancake recipe here, instead of a crepe! But it all started with a banana.<br />
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We had this banana that just looked so pretty. It's little brown spots were just perfect. I normally like more of an unripe banana but this one caught my eye and just looked so attractive that I told my hubby I would have it for breakfast the next day and he could start on the new less ripe ones.<br />
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And so I woke up to my pretty banana and decided to make banana pancakes! No flour. No eggs or milk getting used up either…!!<br />
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Here's the recipe: Makes 8 (US) pancakes<br />
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1/2 cup raw cashews<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 tablespoon ground flax<br />
3 tablespoons water<br />
1 banana<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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Process the cashews in a food processor. (If you want smooth pancakes, process until well ground. I actually like the texture so I just pulsed it a few times.) Add the remaining ingredients and process to combine.<br />
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As you will see from the photos, I cooked my pancakes on the simmering plate of the Aga (my cooker) on a non-stick sheet so I didn't need any oil. If you don't have an Aga - you'll need a little coconut oil in a frying pan and then add the batter…cook for a couple of minutes and then flip and continue cooking.<br />
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Yes - very vague directions but you've probably cooked more American pancakes than I have!!!<br />
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They are sweet from the banana so I didn't drizzle anything on them and added nothing to them. They were just yummy banana pancakes! Perfect for pancake day :-D They aren't as firm as American pancakes made with flour but I think you'll like their taste.<br />
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Vegan, gluten free, no added oil for us Aga owners, no added sugar, grain free, Paleo,………. AKA yummy squidgy banana pancakes!<br />
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Here are the nutrition facts for 4 pancakes (half of the recipe)<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="535" src="http://cronometer.com/facts.html?food=472514&measure=1100420&grams=100" title="CRONOMETER.com" width="300"></iframe>
Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17269757994922547223noreply@blogger.com0