Soothing Tea

Ginger Honey and Lemon Tea

I have been making this tea whenever I feel something coming on or am already sick. Usually, it will curb the cold before it takes hold, but in either case, you’ll find this tea not only gives relief, but also works on stimulating your immune system and warms you up.
You probably know that lemon is high in Vitamin C. It is also full of phytochemicals. These are plant constituents that help boost the immune system and much more.
Ginger and honey are also well documented to help the immune system
Directions:
Fill up your teakettle and get it boiling.
Meanwhile, grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
Get a thermos out, a 1 quart works well
Put the ginger in the thermos.
add 4 tablespoons lemon juice
add 3 tablespoons honey
When your water is boiled, pour it in the thermos.
Cover it up and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Strain into a tea cup and enjoy!
*If you don't have a thermos, you can prepare it in an open pan,but you'll just have te reheat it.

Trying To Lose Weight

An increased intake of pure‚ healthy water will enhance nutrient absorption‚ weight loss‚ skin hydration‚ detoxification and virtually every aspect of better health.

All weight loss programs are based on a reduced caloric intake and an increased rate of metabolism‚ both of which are "naturally" achieved with an increased intake of clean‚ healthy water.
Traditionally Aged. Organic Hawaiin Noni

Healthful Salad

Chicken Olive Orange Salad

3 TablespoonsOlive oil
2 TablespoonsRed wine vinegar
1 teaspoonHoney
1/8 teaspoonGround black pepper
1 1/2 cupsDiced smoked chicken (3/4-inch)
1 1/2 cupsDiced roasted chicken (3/4-inch)
1 1/2 cups Ripe olives
3/4 cupDiced celery (1/2-inch)
2 quarts (8 ounces)Butter lettuce, washed and torn
1 cup (6 ounces)Orange segments
2 ouncesGoat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cupCrushed toasted walnuts

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey and black pepper. Set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine smoked chicken, roasted chicken, California Ripe Olives and celery. Add lettuce, orange segments and dressing and gently toss. 3. Divide salad onto plates in four equal portions. Top each with 1/2 ounce of crumbled goat cheese and 2 Tablespoons of crushed walnuts. Serves 4.

Ideas to Increase Water Consumption

Keep a pitcher of herbal iced tea in the fridge.
Add fresh lemon or lime to juice to water.
Drink hot herbal tea.Drinking sodas is not recommended because they are void of essential nutrients.
Drinking bottled juices is not recommended because they are high in calories and usually lack the fiber of whole fruit.
Drink juices using a juicer, as expressed liquid from whole fruit.
Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
Take water breaks instead of coffee breaks.
Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Carry water in your car.

Don't forget to store extra water for an emergency.Recommendation:

One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Pesto

Ingredients:
2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons pine nuts (walnuts may also be used)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
pinch of salt
1/2 cup freshly grated paremsan
2 tablespoons freshly grated Romano cheese
3 tablespoons butter at room temperature

Directions:
1. If your basil leaves are noticeably dirty, wash them in cold water and pat dry. Otherwise, simple rub off any surface dirt or dust.
2. Put basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and an ample pinch of salt in the food processor and process until creamy.
3. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the grated cheeses. Then mix in the softened butter. Serve on pasta or vegetables.

*Make extra, as this keeps well and is a great addition to soups,on bread or pasta as a quick meatless meal.

*Adapted from Essentials of Italian Cooking

Everybody's on a Diet

"Diet" as a noun, according to Websters:
Etymology: Middle English diete, from Anglo-French, from Latin diaeta, from Greek diaita, literally, manner of living, from diaitasthai to lead one's life.
1 a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed
b : habitual nourishment
c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason
d : a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight (going on a diet)
2 : something provided or experienced repeatedly (steady diet of..........)

Used as a verb, it means eating less(dieting) and following a particular set of rules specific to the "diet". Of course then there is the adjective usage, such as diet drinks or diet pills.

I've been thinking about this "four letter word" in terms of ......impact on people's daily lives(what to eat or what not to eat if you're fortunate enough to have the choice) and what must be the most profitable use of four letters one can think of.................can you think of another? Post a comment, let's discuss our collective addiction to anything labeled "diet", yet we are told consistently that "60% of Americans are overweight."Any all comments or dicussion welcome.

Everday Foods

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm:Peanuts contain the same amount of beneficial chemicals as strawberries. University of Florida researchers report that peanuts are rich in antioxidants which protect cells from damage linked to heart disease and cancer. Peanuts also contain high levels of protein and "good" monounsaturated fat.

Health Value:Pinto beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most other beans. In addition to lowering cholesterol, pinto beans' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as brown rice, pinto beans provide virtually fat-free, high quality protein. But this is far from all pinto beans have to offer. Pinto beans are also an excellent source of molybdenum, a very good source of folate and manganese, and a good source of protein and vitamin B1 as well as the minerals phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper.

Health Value: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. Lycopene protects cells from oxygen damage, fights colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers, and reduces your risk of heart disease. Studies have found that lycopene works synergistically with other phytonutrients in tomatoes to provide these benefits. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins C, A and K.