Simply Rest ~ A Blogging Break

There are many aspects to health...eating well, exercise, drinking water, supplementation, spiritual care, natural remedies...the list goes on and on, doesn't it?!

But there's one that I need more of, so much more of...REST.

I'm not just talking about sleep (although I'm short on that sometimes too).  I'm talking about rest, real rest.

Many days I'm spinning.  This life moves fast.  In this modern day and age, our days are busy.  Running here and there, technology at every turn, barely any down time.  Everyone I talk to is "tired" and/or "busy"...and frustrated, I must add.  How healthy can that be?

It makes me think, perhaps it's time to get off the hamster wheel, my friends.  To simplify our schedules. To turn off the technology more often.  To simplify our live and stay focus on what's most important.

I wish I was more like my little sons.  They're never in a rush.  They see everything.  They appreciate the simple things.  They take little for granted.  They enjoy life.

When they're tired, they rest.  :)

Simple!

So, considering all that I just wrote, I'm taking a little blogging break.  I'm going to disconnect and refocus, at least for a while.  Maybe you should do the same.

~Remember busyness does not equal significance!~

Until next time, take a healthy step and you know I will too, as I simply rest.

Past  posts about Things I'm Learning

Healthy Stuff I Buy...and Why

Here are a few of my favorite things...

 

From Left to Right...

 

1.Rumford Aluminum Free Baking Powder

I like to bake (mostly with spelt and oat flour) and want to avoid the aluminum found in most baking powders!  Why avoid aluminum?  I shared about that when I posted my homemade deodorant recipe.  Click here to read!

 

2. Organic Tamari Gluten Fee Soy Sauce

I loooove stir fry!  But I didn't like using stir fry sauce or soy sauce that was filled with wheat or other nasty preservatives.  Bonus, it's organic!

 

3. Braggs Organic Sea Kelp Delight Seasoning

This stuff is sooo yummy on just about everything from stir fry to salad to fish.  And sea kelp is full of iodine which is something many of us lack.  It's especially helpful for those with thyroid issues and aids in digestion.  It's a recommended supplement for blood type Os on the blood type diet (what I believe works and I'm trying to follow).

 

4. Jarrow Formulas Coconut Oil

Okay, I've tried several coconut oils and haven't disliked any of them. But this one is organic, non-hydrogenated and has a neutral taste (which I like for cooking).  I use it to for cooking and greasing baking pans (when I don't use my own homemade cooking spray).  I have also used it when making my own homemade lotion.

 

5. Trader Joe's Chia Seeds

Just recently became a fan of these yummy little seeds.  Okay, so these aren't "organic", but on the package they claim they are free from chemicals.  Anyway, a single tablespoon has six grams of fiber, three grams of protein and 2.9 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.  Ka-bam!  That's pretty awesome!

You can put them in yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies or whatever.  For a little treat make:

 

Chia Seed No-Bake Pudding

1/4 cup of Chia Seeds

1 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk

1 Tablespoon of Raw Honey or 100% Pure Maple Syrup (I make my own)

Mix together.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Enjoy a tapioca pudding type treat!

 

6. Rumford Non-Genetically Modified Corn Starch

Again, I love to cook and bake but dislike GMOs!  I also use this in my easy Homemade Deodorant (that works!!) Recipe.

 

Two things I give my sons:

 

 

1. Kyo-Dophilus is a pro-biotic blend.

This proprietary blend has 1 Billion Cells of 3 non-dairy, heat stable, stomach acid resistant human strains of beneficial bacteria.  It's a tasty, vanilla flavored chewable that supports a healthy digestive and immune system. No preservatives, dairy, yeast, gluten or artificial colors.

 

2. Animal Parade Multi-Vitamins and Mineral Supplement with whole food concentrates

Free from artificial colors and preservatives.  No yeast, wheat, soy or milk.

 

 Two things I like to have around when my boys do come down with a cold:

 

 

1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

I put this in their hot water vaporizer (there's a built in cup for such things).  It fills the air for hours, and really helps break up all the "gunk" in their chest, allowing them to breath more easily and get some rest.  Once when I had a terrible head cold I boiled a pan of water on the stove, let drops of Eucalyptus Oil drop in it while breathing in the vapors.  It did the trick!  Can't say enough how much I loooove this stuff! 

 

2. Kyolic Liquid Garlic

Not only is liquid garlic good to take for overall good health, it's great at treating earaches.  We have also found relief for earaches with Tea Tree Oil.  However, this past week the tea tree oil just didn't cut if for my 6 year old's terribly painful earache (I think he may have had swimmer's ear).  At the suggestion of a friend, we tried some liquid garlic diluted with a little olive oil.  With a dropper I put 3 drops or so of it in his ear.  Within an hour his earache was gone!  We will never be without this in our house from now one!

 

Something I take and don't ever want to be without again:

 

I take several supplements.  With most of them I'm uncertain whether they help or not...and so I won't share about those. :)  This one I've been taking for quite some time and can say I really believe it helps me with inflammation and mood.  After my first son was born I had a severe case of Postpartum Depression.  When I was pregnant with my second son I read about the benefits of Omega-3s in combating depression especially postpartum.  I did my research to find the BEST brand.  I found Nordic Naturals, and began taking their Prenatal DHA.  I had no problems after my second son was born.  And have been taking their Omegas ever since.

 

Tell me, what products do you love?!  What new things have you been trying?  I love hearing from you...and learning new things!  :)

 

To keep up on this blog and for more health tips follow me on Pinterest or Facebook.

 

P.S. I'm not getting paid by any company to endorse their products and my opions are my own.  I am not a doctor, nor do I intend to give medical advice.  Please make informed decisions, do your own research and/or consult your naturopathic doctor for advice.

Bowel Detox for Your Health

Well, I'm 4 days into a 5 day bowel detox.  Actually, it's a bit deceiving calling it a 5 day bowel detox because this detox can take 2 or 3 weeks.  It's day 4 and I still have a long way to go.  What am I doing?

 

This comes with two different intestinal herbal formulas, an air detox and this extremely interesting and informative booklet that I couldn't put down!  You should read it.

 

 

A friend (Hi and thanks Susan!) gave me one of  Dr. Schulze's catalogs a couple of years ago.  But it wasn't until earlier this year when I started pursuing health more intensely that I gave him and his formulas much thought.  I ordered one of his CDs and, although I didn't agree with all of his methods (he thinks everyone should be a vegetarian and I don't) and slightly put off by some of his language, he ignited a fire under my bottom...to do what I already knew I should.  What he said was what I needed to hear, and I'm grateful! 

 

Anyway, in this booklet Dr. Schulze writes about things like our colons, digestion, constipation and parasites, among other things.  He's traveled the world studying bowel movements (seriously he has!!).  Did you know that you should have a bowel movement 20 to 30 minutes after every major meal?  Do you?  Dr. Schulze says that the Average American (because of the way we live) goes about once every two to three day.  He says that puts "the Average American about 70,000 bowel movements short in their lifetime!"  YIKES!  Even if you go once a day, you're still behind.

 

He also writes about the problems with modern medicine and his many patients who were cured of numerous deadly diseases by simply cleaning out their colons.  He shared some incredible stories.  Backed up fecal matter can cause all kinds of problems!

 

Dr. Schulze also points out that not all detoxes/cleanses are created equal.  Hey, I can vouch for that, I've done a couple of others in the past and seen very little results.

 

Well, after reading all of this, I realized even more that I should have started this detox a long time ago.  Then again it's all a process.  I just couldn't tackle every obstacle at once.  The past few months I have drastically changed my (and my family's) diet, rid our home of (almost) all toxins (personal care products, cleaners, etc) and incorporated numerous healthy lifestyle changes.  I still don't have it perfect, but I've come a looooong way.  And have learned a TON!  Some of which I've shared with you on this blog and on my Facebook page.

 

Despite all my changes I still have a lot of ups and downs when it comes to the way I feel from day to day, and even throughout a day.  I know it's only been a short time, but I also know it could be so much better.   Yes, I've seen some positive results.  But I want to feel energetic and healthy on a regular basis! 

 

The truth is, I've had digestive issues since...well, for as long as I can remember.  I had issues as a little girl, and would cry on the toilet.  OKAY, I know, I know...you didn't want to talk about my poo, right?!  Well, this is my blog, and I think this is an important topic when it comes to MY health and YOUR health.  :)  So I'm sharing.  Like it or not, it's a fact: we all poop! OR at least we should...and probably more often than we do!!

 

This past fall I even had my gallbladder removed after another attack (I'd been having them for years).  I hoped having it removed would make my "stomach issues" and digestion better.  I hoped it would help a lot of things, like the doctor said it would.  It hasn't.  Why?  Well, some of it might be my genetics.  However, whatever caused the issues with my gallbladder in the first place hasn't changed.  The doctor just cut out the degenerate organ and didn't address the real issue.

 

Read Dr. Schulze's book and you'll learn more about that.

 

Okay, this program has three levels: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.  I've chosen to do the Advanced because I want maximum results!  I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.  There are numerous things going haywire in my body.  I want to get well!

 

As I said, I'm on day 4.  So far I feel pretty icky.  It's the truth, I do...maybe because I need this.  I haven't even started the second part of the detox (the 5 day). Dr. Schulze recommends taking your time on the first part of the detox, making sure your bowel moves every morning for 1 week before beginning the second part of the detox.  I've got a ways to go.

 

I will let you know how I feel as time goes on.   It may seem drastic to some, but I'm willing to do what it takes to get well and stay well, folks! 

 

Want to know more about this detox program message me (rachel76xAT SIGNyahoo.com) or just go order it for yourself (I ordered the capsules).  I'm not getting paid to say that, I'm not getting paid to say anything on this blog.  I'm simply sharing my personal experiences with you (anyone who wants to read) because I have a feeling I'm not alone in my health struggles, and want to help others however I can. 

 

Until next time, friends, take a healthy step...and you know I will too!

 

P.S. I've been looking into studying Natural Healing.  Me, a naturopath.  Wouldn't that be a hoot?!  Now all I need is some spare time. ;)

 

Check out my 17 Easy Recipes for Your Health HERE ~ Food, Cleaning Products, Personal Care Items PLUS.  Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes coming up!

What's Up In Beranville? ~ What I've been using, doing, trying...to stay healthy

Haven't posted much recently.  It seems our days are full, lots of running here and there.  Trying to keep up with family, home, homeschool and all the extra stuff makes the days
fly by.  In the midst of it all, I'm keeping up with my healthy eating plan, continuing to rid my home of more and more toxins and, quite honestly, struggling to get exercise in. 

This past week I got my new Ninja 1200 Blender.  Got to say, I am very happy with my purchase so far.  If you're a smoothie maker or homemade bread baker I highly recommend it!  This fabulous kitchen appliance has two pitchers ~ a 40 oz and a 72 oz.  It's a blender, mixer, food processor and (almost) juicer in one. 

 

The first day my biggest little cowboy helped me make my first smoothie in my new Ninja.  Couldn't believe it could handle a whole raw apple and pear (with peelings still on).  I added some frozen blueberries, pineapple juice, flaxseed meal, a little pure maple syrup, spinach and kale.  My only complaint, the kale was still a little chunky.

Not sure why the front of the Ninja looks gold, it's silver.  :)



BUT my little cowboy didn't seem to mind the slightly chunky kale, he asked for me to put some of this smoothie in one of our Norpro Silicone Ice Pop Makers to stick in the freezer. Later, after it froze, he gobbled it down. We love our Ice Pop Makers and highly recommend them!

That evening my little guy helped me make Spelt Pizza Dough.  Yum-o! 

Will have to share the recipe later.

Wish I'd remembered to take a picture of the pizza, but I didn't

The Ninja did a great job!

 

My next smoothie:

1 whole pear (with peelings on)

1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks

Two handfuls of Spinach

(have I mentioned that I'm a HUGE spinach fan?!?!)

A little pinapple juice and
A little local raised honey
 

 

Soooo goooood!

My littlest guy thought so too.

 

 

This afternoon my smoothie was

1 whole pear

1 whole kiwi

2 Cups of Spinach and

1 Cup of Pinapple Juice




Another Winner!!

So far VERY happy with my Ninja 1200 purchase!

Many more things to try in it...like grinding grain.

 

Smoothies: There's simply no easier way to get so many raw fruits and veggies in your diet!

 

Not sure what to put in your smoothies?  Be creative!  Throw in whatever you like and adjust according to your own taste.  There's no wrong way or right way to do it.  I DO recommend you try mixing in veggies with your fruits.  Think outside the box! 

 

If you find yourself at at loss, there are TONS of smoothie recipes on Pinterest.  In fact, I've pinned quite a few myself.  While you're there look me up! 

 

I'm going to skip putting kale in my smoothies from now on.  Instead I make this fabulous Kale and Feta Crustless Quiche recipe that I saw on Eating Bird Food about every other week (it takes me three days to eat all of it by myself).



This was my lunch yesterday. Kale & Feta Crustless Quiche and a Smoothie  :)

Next week I plan to stare this:

 

 

Thought I should wait until after my littlest man's 3rd Birthday party (tomorrow) before beginning because I am doing the most intense version of this detox (there are 3 levels)...nothing but raw fruits and veggies, juice and smoothies for 5 days.  I say "Bring it!"  But, in reality, prayers are appreciated.  ;-)

 

One more random thought: I went to Trader Joe's for the first time this past week.  Why had I not been there before?!  Why hadn't anyone told me what I was missing?  Love that store!  Their prices are reasonable and their variety outstanding (compared to where I've shopped before).  In fact, their Ezekiel 4:9 Bread was $1.50 less than at my local health food store.  I do believe that Trader Joe's has a new loyal customer, me.  If you haven't been there...go!  And, no, I'm not getting paid to say that.  I'm not getting paid to say anything.  Ha!

 

One good, reasonably priced find:

Trader Joe's Almond Butter
Ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds

Last thought: Any tips on how to get exercise in...and keep it interesting without spending a bundle?

I need to liven it up and keep it going!

 

Until next time, take a healthy step today...and so will I.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See something you like?  Please share on Facebook or pin to your Pinterest board.  I love making new friends

Homemade Ranch Dressing (and an update...back in the swing!)

Hello friends!  Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today.

On Thursday I shared about how I cheated on my healthy diet over the Easter weekend...and how badly I was paying for it.  I felt terrible, y'all!  Seriously bad...for 4 days.  Well, I'm happy to report that after 3-4 days of getting back into my healthy eating routine, detoxing a bit and building myself back up, I felt good today!  I'm back in the swing of things!  Praising the Lord for that!!

It just goes to show what we eat (and how we live) matters, it matters a lot.  I can't go back! 

Besides I've quoted this scripture before and I'll quote it again and again (to myself)...

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."  James 4:17

I know better.  That convicts me.  It also motivates me.  I must do what I know is right, instead of making bad choices and crying about how bad I feel. 

Okay, so anyway, on to our subject for the day.  One of my family's favorite things, Ranch Dressing!

First of all, I should tell you why I think it's good to avoid the bottled stuff.  Well, check out the ingredients label on your favorite Ranch Dressing bottle.  Betcha it's made with modified corn starch and filled with various preservatives.  I want to avoid those things.  If you do too, try this recipe.  If that's not a concern to you, try this recipe anyway, because it's really good.  :)

I saw this recipe on a neat site called The Crafty Blog Stalker and modified it just a little bit to fit my taste and healthy diet plan. 

First of all I made up the dry seasoning.  I only made a 1/2 batch the first time, just to make sure we liked it before making a mountain of it.

Here's the original recipe from The Crafty Blog Stalker with my notes and changes:

Ranch Dressing (Powdered Mix)

 

1/4 C Black Pepper

1 1/2 C Parsley Flakes

1/2 C Garlic Salt

2 T Kosher Salt (I used 1 T Sea Salt instead)

1/4 C Granulated Onion (I used Onion Powder)

2 T Dill Weed (LOVE THIS!)

 

Mix together (I just put mine in a mason jar and shook!)

 

Store in an airtight container.

 

When ready to make

Ranch Dressing

 

Whisk together:

2 T of the dry mix with

2 C Mayo

2 C Buttermilk

1 1/2 C Sour Cream (I use my Homemade Plain Yogurt)

1 tsp Lemon Juice

 

I found this original recipe to be a little on the runny side (even if I used sour cream instead of plain yogurt).  I've made it several time now and I've found that if I add a little more mayo (1/2 C) and a little less Buttermilk (reduce by 1/2 C), it is thicker...and more to the liking of my family.  Runny or thick this stuff is Yum-o!

 

 

Okay, so mayo isn't exactly a health food, but this recipe is still better than the alternative. :)  Maybe someday I will make my own mayo...hmm.

Another thought, I could just add more yogurt and a little organic powdered milk, then leave out the mayo.  Might have to try it.  BUT my family (especially my dear husband) likes mayo, a lot.

 

BONUS: the powder mix is fabulous on pork chops and steaks!  Just coat and bake or grill.  Mmmm...good!!

 

If you like this recipe, you might also like my Condensed Soup Mix Recipe.  It's healthier and cheaper too!

 

Follow me on Pinterst for more healthy recipes and tips coming up.

 

Until next time take a healthy step (along with me) today!

I Cheated...and I'm Paying for It.

Yep, I have a confession to make.  I cheated.  Over the Easter holiday weekend my two little boys and I traveled down to Indiana from Iowa to visit my family.  Mostly I did well avoiding all the foods I have cut out of my diet.  I followed my own advice for eating healthy on the run as wed traveled.  I limited processed foods.  In fact, my mom made food according to my "real food" and blood type diet.  I wasn't getting as many veggies and fruits (because I wasn't juicing or making smoothies), but I wasn't eating terrible either.  And I felt really good.   At least not for the first couple of days.

Easter Sunday rolled around.  I visited another relative who insisted on feeding us their leftovers.  The hostess put a big, white dinner roll on my plate and just about every food I've been trying to avoid in dishes on the table.  There wasn't one thing I "should" eat. I didn't want to be rude.  Soooo I ate.

That evening I thought "What the heck, I've already ruined this day."  So I ate some of those darn Reese's peanut butter eggs that I had leftover from my boys' Easter baskets.  I couldn't eat just one.  UGH!

I told you this was a confession.  I hate to admit it.  I realllllly do!  BUT here's why I share...

I'm paying for it! 

I woke up feeling terrible on Monday morning.  I still feel terrible 3 days later.  And all I can say to myself is, "DUH!" 

The thing is I didn't even realize just how much better I was feeling living this healthier lifestyle...until I started feeling terrible again. 

Not all was wasted because I learned a valuable lesson, two actually.

Lesson 1: What I eat definitely makes a difference in how I feel.
Lesson 2: Only I can choose what I will eat...and stick to it.

Next time I will do what I know is right and risk appearing rude, because my health matters.   I hope you can learn from my mistake and avoid such a mistake yourself.

So now I start all over.  It's a new day and a new opportunity to make the right choice...again.  

Until next time: take a healthy step (along with me) today.

EASY DIY Toothpaste Recipe

This toothpaste recipe is not my own original creation.  A friend shared it with me on my Facebook page a couple of months ago.  I'm not sure where she got it, if I knew I would give credit where credit is due.

Before I tried this toothpaste recipe I tried a different one that I saw on Pinterest.  Let me tell you, this one is far superior to that one!  Yikes, that stuff was nasty!  I bought a tube of another kind after reading good reviews for it online.  Gross.  You should have heard all three of my guys gagging when they used it. 

My point?  Just know that although there are a lot of toothpaste recipes out there, and some fluoride free/healthier options available on the market, not all of them are created equal.  Some are down right terrible, in fact.

This recipe is easy, chemical free, doesn't taste terrible and leaves my mouth feeling clean.  In addition, it's inexpensive to make.

Here's the original recipe (see my notes following):

EASY DIY Toothpaste

3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
3 Tbsp Baking Soda
25 drops Peppermint Oil
1 pkt Stevia
2 tsp Vegetable Glycerin

*I left out the Stevia for two reasons: 1. I didn't think it needed it.  2. I didn't have any.  :)

*Next time I will use Spearmint Oil instead of Peppermint, for two reasons: 1. Because I don't love Peppermint.  2. Because I like Spearmint better than Peppermint.  :)



I just mixed the coconut oil and baking soda, then added the peppermint oil and vegetable glycerin.

 

 

I put it in an airtight container.

 

Here's what it looks like 10 days later:

 

Just so you know, my family hasn't tried this toothpaste yet.  The others really scared them off.  I will give them some time to warm up to the idea.  Someday they will try it.   I've made a lot of changes around our house lately, and they've gone along rather well.  This momma/wife has learned to pick her battles wisely.  Until they're ready, I'll continue to use it...and like it.  :)

 

Coming up: Homemade, preservative free Beef Jerky.

 

Until next time, take a healthy step, friends.  I'll keep moving forward too.