Holistic Health and Food: Staying Cool by Josh

Note: I am not a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, or medical health professional. This is advice from personal experience, knowledge, and research.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods and beverages have inherent thermal properties—either cooling or warming. This can be invaluable knowledge in . As someone who struggled for a long time with unrelenting heat, TCM really changed my quality of life. I can wear layers of clothes now. I can sit in a heated room, and not have to leave as often to cool down. I can drink hot beverages. Most importantly, I know what food and beverage choices to make in the moment to address my temperature.

Here are some quick and dirty guidelines of what to avoid while trying to stay cool:

-Overly processed, “fast” foods, will most always be heating. Of course, there are many other reasons why I would seriously advise against eating these foods, but if you’re trying to stay cool, especially stay away from these foods. This also includes processed sugars, such as candy bars and soda.

-Coffee—very warming. If you want a little boost in the morning, try green tea instead. It’s actually cooling. You can make a green tea latte by brewing two teabags, adding some raw agave nectar or raw honey to sweeten, then a milk alternative like almond, coconut, or rice milk.

-Alcohol—probably the most warming thing you can put in your body. Advertisements have cemented the “cold beer on a hot day” image in our head, but if you’re trying to stay cool, it is the last thing you want to drink.

-Cigarettes—you’re basically inhaling fire. This should be a given.

-Any spices or hot peppers, garlic, onion, mustard but especially ginger. Ginger is seriously warming.

-Red meat and Lamb—go for tofu, fish, or chicken instead.

I’ve just told you what to avoid, now here’s a quick breakdown of foods and drinks that will help cool you down:

-Herbal Tea—even if it’s hot! Peppermint and Dandelion are the most cooling. For a super-cooling tonic, I like making Peppermint-Dandelion iced tea: double the amount of teabags per cup, and steep for at least 20 minutes. Then add plenty of ice, a little raw agave to sweeten, and a little coconut milk.

-Coconut—anything coconut-related is very cooling, unsweetened (this is important) coconut water, milk, or meat. Get a whole coconut, crack it open, drink the water, and eat the meat.

-Greens and Vegetables—most are cooling, and most effectively when eaten raw or lightly steamed. For greens, go for: kale, spinach, chard, and seaweed (but not mustard greens). For vegetables: cucumber, celery, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli. Always choose organic, when possible.

-Fruit—Bananas are one of the most cooling things you can eat. Uncooked avocados are great, and will also help if you’re feeling dried-out. Apples are a great choice as well.

-Grains—especially whole wheat, barley, and millet. Cook up a mixed grain bowl with steamed veggies and tofu.

Just to clarify, these are only guidelines. I’m not saying that you have to give up your favorite foods, beverages, and spices completely. I want you to enjoy your favorite things. Hopefully, this blog has given you a better understanding of how to use food and drink to regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable. I urge you to approach those daily decisions with a mindfulness of your body and how what you eat and drink will affect you.
Lastly, if you’re cold—have some warming food or drink! Eat or drink ginger, use plenty of spices.

Normal or Diet soda? Neither!

I’m currently entangled in a passionate relationship with soda. Almost no other drink comes even close to satisfying me. I am definitely addicted. Seeing how much Coke I was drinking, a friend told me to switch to a “diet” soda. I put diet in quotations because the term is used far too loosely. After tasting it, I realized it was still just as sweet as my typical beverage, perhaps too sweet. How was this possible with no sugar? Well, the answer is Aspartame, an artificial sweetener. After reading up on Aspartame and other ingredients in diet soda, the very thought of taking a sip horrifies me.

Aspartame is the ingredient found in Equal, NutraSweet, and other sugar replacements. While the idea of something replacing sugar in our diet may be enticing, the components that make up Aspartame are not worth the substitute. One part of Aspartame, Methanol, changes into Formaldehyde when digested. Formaldehyde, for those that don’t know, is embalming fluid for dead bodies. It is a well known carcinogen, and is toxic at very low levels. Another ingredient, Aspartic Acid, has been found by Dr. Russell Blaylock of the University of Mississippi to cause damage to neurons in the brain, which can ultimately lead to Alzheimer’s disease. I would prefer sugar to Aspartame any day.

But is sugar the addicting part of soda? I don’t think so. From my personal experience, it’s the caffeine and carbonation. Caffeine is just so infused in the daily life of our culture for its ability to wake us up and to become alert. Since the substance is unregulated, it is highly sought after by almost everyone. Then add carbonation into the mix. For me, carbonation makes up the psychological part of the addiction. The bubbles make he think of something new and fresh, it makes the soda feel like the ultimate refreshment. This combination is why I keep coming back for more and more. I find it funny that I was able to kick heroin and other opiates but I still can’t put down my Mountain Dew.

So how does one kick the soda habit? The most common solution is finding a replacement beverage. Sparkling water with some lemon or another fruit added is a good example. It is a far healthier alternative, and the reassurance of carbonation makes the switch a little easier than with other drinks. The good news is that sneaking a quick sip of soda won’t kill you, so it is possible to ease the switch by simply drinking a little less soda each day, and a little more sparkling water. On that note, if you absolutely need some soda during the day, get a bottle instead of a can. Once the can is popped open, the urge to finish the whole drink is too great to avoid wasting it. Sips from a bottle help tone down that urge.

Now I’m still debating if I want to make this change or not. Maybe I’ll start with one less Coke a day.

By -Hayden Carr

Coconut Oil for Preparing Delicious, Nourishing Foods

In recovery we often start taking better care of ourselves, trying to eat well and get enough rest. We may also begin cooking more for ourselves and our fellows out of a desire to eat and share healthy meals and have fellowship and community.

Olive oil is one popular cooking oil. Organic butter or Kerrygold Irish butter are other options. Or ghee!
For those who are up for something a bit more tropical, coconut butter, which becomes oil when heated, can be a light and tasty choice. Barleans makes it. And they also do a nice flax oil which is an excellent supplement or salad dressing with lemon juice, but must never be heated! Coconut oil, in contrast, can be eaten raw or used for cooking, and has a milder taste. Other popular brands are Matyah’s, Artisana, and Nutiva. Delicious on popcorn!
A recipe you may wish to try for a refreshing dish is combining the coconut oil with quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a little sea salt! It also makes a nice coleslaw with shredded cabbage, dash of stevia powder, dry mustard, celery seed, pepper, and vinegar.
Purported to be good for the lungs, thyroid, and hair, coconut oil is generally cooling and nourishing. As well it supports the immune system.
A promising article regarding the antiviral capacity of coconuts can be viewed here http://www.living-foods.com/articles/coconutbenefits.html
Coconut oil can be used topically as well as a natural moisturizer!

Top ten list of superfoods for health, and recovery!

if you are at Trader Joes….
1) 100% blueberry juice- (not mixed with any other juices) great for eyes and memory
2) Larabars- made only of nuts, fruits, and spices like ginger and cinnamon- incredibly delicious treat
3) bag of ‘Southern Greens’- prewashed, prechopped collard, turnip, and mustard greens- easy to make and packed with nourishment

if you are at Costco….
4) large ‘Pomwonderful’ pomegranate juice- an almost 4 pound jug for 10 bucks! may be good for the heart, brain, prostate, and immune system- plus studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone
5) dried sour montmorency cherries- a study was conducted at Michigan State University to find out whether traditional claims about these cherries relieving chronic aches and pains, arthritis and gout were true, and researchers discovered that indeed the anthocyanins, natural anti-inflammatory compounds in the pigment of the montmorency cherry, are 10 times more potent than aspirin
6) quinoa- (which is also in the bulk bin at the health food store with red and darker colored varieties) high in protein and minerals- serve with beans, avocado, cheese, veggies, or chicken- don’t overcook as it cooks really quickly (very convenient) and is best still a bit firm

if one is at the health food store….
7) chia seeds- chia is the Mayan word for ‘strength’- better known for their appearance as chia pets! tiny seeds which are powerhouses of energy and endurance
‘barleans’ flax oil- flax is purported to be good for hormonal balance, hair, skin, and nails- just a squirt a day chased with water!
9) dulse- contains high levels of natural iodine which can nourish the thyroid gland- chewy, salty snack

if one is online….
10) www.wholesalepinenuts.com American grown pinenuts in the shell! excellent source of fiber and nutrition

Decadent Raw Chocolate Mousse

Last night, I finally got around to trying a recipe that I’ve been excited about—The Blissful Chef’s (a.k.a. Christy Morgan) Heavenly Raw Chocolate Mousse recipe. I happened to have all the right ingredients from the Farmer’s Market anyway. I made it, and it wasn’t chocolaty enough for me, so made some tweaks. This recipe is quick and easy, and the only equipment necessary is a food processor.

12-15 large, sweet dates – pitted and soaked (preferably Medjool, or Halawy)

2 avocados

1/3 – 1/2 cup raw cacao powder

1 tbsp. raw almond butter

1/3 – 1 tbsp. raw agave nectar

1 tsp. vanilla flavor

A pinch of sea salt

1. Soak the dates for at least 2 hours.
2. Blend dates into a paste in food processor. You might need to pour in a little of the soaking water if they aren’t blending properly.
3. Cut open avocados, remove pits, and spoon the meat into the processor.
4. Add in remaining ingredients.
5. Blend until smooth, stopping and scraping the sides with a spoon to include all ingredients.
6. Enjoy in moderation as is, or with berries on top.

Raw Hot Cocoa recipe

This Raw Hot Cocoa is something I started drinking as I began to try losing weight. I have a hopeless sweet tooth, and wanted to make something I could treat myself to often. This will satisfy your craving without the sugar crash or the heavy feeling from the dairy.

2-3 tbsp. Raw Cacao Powder (such as Navitas Naturals)

1-2 tbsp. Raw Agave Nectar

*8oz Water

*4oz Unsweetened So Delicious Coconut Milk, Unsweetened Silk Organic Soy Milk (or either Silk Unsweetened Pure Almond Milk or Rice Dream Unsweetened for a lighter drink)

1 tsp. Raw Almond Butter

(optional) ¼ – ½ tsp. vanilla extract

(optional) a pinch of sea salt

*use more milk alternative and less water for a richer consistency/flavor.

Makes about 12oz

1. Heat water in pot to just below boiling
2. Whisk in cacao, immediately turn heat to low
3. Add remaining ingredients and whisk
4. Heat on low, whisking occasionally until fully blended
5. Pour into mug and savor slowly.

The Little Things

From ruby red raspberries to earthy dumplings with a difference, raw vegan chef Ani Phyo shows small treats can have a big impact. Ani shares two of her favourite recipes with Diary of a Vegan from her new bestseller: Anis Raw Food Essentials (see book for full recipe details).

A Chemical-Free Bottle for Baby

Parents now have an alternative to the toxic plastic bottles, which research has shown leaches the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) into food and drink.

Jen Moore, founder of Pura Stainless, has developed an electro-polished stainless steel bottle thats BPA free, hygienic, lightweight and durable. Best of all, it wont leach chemicals into the drink inside.

Creating Bliss, One Dish at a Time

We discovered vegan chef Christy Morgan on Twitter and instantly fell in love with her philosophy and her food. The Green Dove asked the LA-based veganista, who has whipped up dishes for the likes of Alicia Silverstone, to share her journey, insights and one of her fave recipes…

How did you become the Blissful Chef?

I’ve been studying plant-based nutrition for about eight years and teaching for four. I came up with the name “The Blissful Chef” as a way to brand myself and create an image that people will remember. The name fits me well, because to feel bliss is to experience true happiness and spiritual joy. My life, business, teachings, blog, and whole existence is all about spreading happiness and joy to others through food, and helping them access their bliss.

What inspires you?

In live, I’m inspired by all of my amazing friends that do what they are passionate about everyday and those who have dedicated their lives to saving animals. With cooking, I’m inspired by the changing seasons and the different produce that is available throughout the year. I love gardening, and find growing my own food to be a fascinating process. I’m also inspired by different cultures. Often times I just open the fridge, see what’s in there and whip something up.

Your fave raw vegan treats?

I love raw vegan desserts because they are made with wholesome ingredients and they are so rich that I only need a little to be satisfied. If I eat baked desserts, like Uncle Eddies cookies for instance, I can literally eat the whole bag in one sitting. I love raw chocolate, Earth Cafe pies, and my Heavenly Raw Chocolate Mousse.

If you could recommend one thing about veganism to someone who’s not, what would it be?

Eating a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet I feel is the best thing for our minds, bodies, spirits and for the planet. But if you can’t go whole hog overnight, then start by having two plant-based meals a day (or as much as you can). Slowly start transitioning the “good” things into your diet, like whole grains and dark leafy greens, then start taking away the not-so-good things (meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, processed foods). I have some great tips on my blog for making the transition that are extremely helpful and realistic.

The 80/20 Rule
This is the only thing that keeps me sane and not OCD about my diet. If you can eat super healthy 80% of the time, you can let yourself be a little naughty 20% of the time. Hold on now, Im not talking about having hamburger and fries for that 20%, but if you are at a party or want to go out to dinner with your friends you can have something fried or a piece of cake with frosting. I dont compromise as far as eating only vegan foods, but sometimes I do eat sugar or have more oil than Id like to when I eat out. Im human too! I just have a rule that at home Im making the healthiest food possible, with wholesome organic ingredients, no oil and no sugar. That way I can relax when I go out with friends.

It doesn’t serve you or your health to be fanatical about your diet. But it is the most important tool that you have for creating optimal health free of physical pain and mental suffering. Your food choices will affect everything in your life, so choose them well.

Check out The Blissful Chef blog for more ramblings from Christy Morgan, natural food chef and educator, who continues to study plant-based nutrition with the best in the field, has cooked for Alicia Silverstone, and continues to be sought out for her accessible approach to nutrition and holistic living.

Follow Christy on Twitter @TheBlissfulChef.

Avocado, Strawberry, & Grape Tomato Salad

Strawberries are the most popular berry in the world. They go great in salads and as a compliment to a savory dressing like Balsamic Vinaigrette like in this recipe.

1 head butter lettuce, leaves torn or chiffonade
2 avocados
1 medium carrot, thin julienne
10 grape tomatoes, quartered
6 strawberries, ends cut off and sliced
1 cup yellow pepper, thinly sliced
Pinch of pepper and sea salt

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon olive oil

The Body Mind Connection: The Key to Optimal Health (Part II)

Ten years ago, Marguerite Alston was faced with a major health challenge that would change her life forever. A malignant melanoma diagnosis sent her stress levels off the scale. Her future was suddenly uncertain.

“I vowed at that point in time that I would do all that I can to look after my body, mind and spirit,” she says, now fully recovered. “I wanted to learn all that I could about nutrition and gain a deeper understanding of what I can do to make sure I live a long, vibrant and healthy life and I never wanted to deal with cancer ever again.”

Podcast: |

Next Page »