What keeps you from being courageous ?

Yesterday I listened to Leesa Renee Hall from Faithfully Rich during the Breakdown to Break Free telesummit. She discussed a lot of things and provided some really juicy information, but one take away in particular is the inspiration for this blog post. She talked about courage. She mentioned how women in particular struggle in this area and how we are notorious for carrying around baggage that prevents us from moving forward. When she said that I thought to myself...hmmm is she trying to call me out? I knew right then and there what she was talking about concerning me so here it goes.  I'm about to let it all hang out in a moment...

I used to be in not one, but several abusive relationships. Although I have a feisty and a "I'll kick you in the throat if you mess with me" attitude, when it came down to relationships, I allowed myself to become a human doormat. I didn't stand up for myself. I was an emotional wreck. On one occasion (believe me there were many) I allowed a man, who was to my fiance, drag me through the foyer of his home, onto his front doorstep trying to yank the ring he gave me off my finger because I "said" something to piss him off. Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" had nothing on me.

Parasites: what you dont know IS hurting you.

I have been meaning to post about parasites and parasitic infections for a while now. Parasites are a health phenomenon that the majority of allopathic health professionals know little about. You may even be thinking that parasites are small microscopic critters that are harmless or only affect those who live in third-world countries. This my friend is simply not true. "In terms of numbers there are more parasitic infections acquired in this country than in Africa." - Dr. Frank Nova, Chief of the Laboratory for Parasitic Diseases of the National Institute of Health.

Many of us who eat the Standard American Diet are loaded with parasites, we just don't know it. Meat eaters in particular are the most vulnerable. Low energy, migraines, sinus problems, skin disorders and more all have a connection to parasites. Is most cases, many of us are walking around with a trash bag of toxic waste sitting inside of our large intestine, particularly if you don't have a bowel movement everyday. The average American has 8 days of undigested food sitting in their colon. All of this old food is decomposing, giving off toxic gasses and poisoning our blood stream and other organs. This environment is the prime place for parasites to develop, grow and proliferate. Parasites are not picky. They will eat whatever including the meal you just ate, the rotting food in your colon from 5 years ago as well as you own body tissues. These critters compete with your body for nutrients and set you in motion for a wide range of health problems. 


Now lets examine the parasites themselves. Parasites excrete waste of their own. This waste poisons your blood stream. So now not only do your have your own sludge of waste that you haven't addressed, but now you have to add the waste from the parasites on top of it. Ewwwwwww, not a pretty picture. Parasites also lay eggs, eggs that hatch on the walls of your colon and spread throughout the body. So now, you have new generations of parasites lurking in your tissues and organs causing you to suffer from chronic fatigue, joint pain, allergies, colds, excessive gas, skin problems and more. 

Here are a few different types of parasites that may be lurking inside of you as we speak: 

The hookworm latches on the walls of the colon with its sharp teeth where it feeds on blood.

1. The tapeworm is the longest parasite.  A mature adult can lay one million eggs per day.
2. Tapeworm eggs are embedded in the colon.
3. The roundworm can grow to 20 inches (50 cm) long and lay 200,000 eggs per day.
4. Pinworms migrate outside the colon during the night to lay their eggs around the anus.  This causes the nightly, annoying itching of many unsuspecting victims.

View some photos of your intestinal tenants. An eviction notice is long over due!

Hookworm

Dwarf Tapeworm

Pinworm/Threadworm

Roundworm

Whipworm

You may be wondering, "What on earth is going on? You've got to be kidding me? There's no way all of that is going on inside of me?" Trust me it is. The question is, what are you going to do about it? Parasites don't go away on their own. You can't fast and try to starve them out as they simply will feed off of the old toxic waste inside of your colon. There life cycle must be destroyed and they have to be evicted out. 

So what's the next step? First, you need to address the underlying toxicity in the body before you can even begin trying to work on the parasites. So many of us are harboring old waste from years of poor diet and lifestyle choices that we must start with the basics first. We must cleanse on a deeper level removing old fecal matter and toxic waste from our bodies, then we can address the creepy critters that are lurking inside of us, robbing our body's of energy, stealing our food and wrecking emotional havoc in our lives. I work with clients everyday who are dealing with parasites. It's a tough pill to swallow but knowing is half the battle. Leave a comment or feel free to contact me to discuss a plan on addressing what's going on inside of you. What you don't know IS AND WILL hurt you. 

Our first piece of equipment

After officially launching Basic Healthy Living I am pleased to announce that my first piece of kitchen equipment has arrived. I already have what I call the "Chapman Family Nutrition Center" which consists of a Vitamix blender, A Breville Juice Fountain, A Big Berkey Water Filtration System and a food Processor.

Chapman Family Nutrition Center

Excalibur 9-tray food dehydrator

(Wow I'm starting to sound like a product junkie.) But now, I can add an Excalibur 9-tray dehydration system to the collection. It's still in the box as I was busy today with consultations, a run to the farmer's market, (which in case you didn't know can take me anywhere from 2-4 hours especially if I have to take the kids) return phone calls and emails along with preparing dinner. Phew, I'm tired just typing it all. Nonetheless, I am grateful as I am doing what I love so it's not really work right? 

So you may ask, what is a dehydrator and why on earth does your business need that?  It's pretty self explanatory, duh? But seriously, under the Basic Healthy Living Lifestyle (that's a new phrase that I've coined, you'll hear a lot more about it soon)  I support the belief that the best way to obtain the maximum amount of nutrition from the foods we eat is to eat it in it's uncooked state. This does not mean that one should never eat cooked food, but what is means is that a consorted effort should be made to consume as many raw vegetables and fruit as you can daily. Why is this important? Its important because vegetables and fruit contain some pretty serious vitamins, minerals and enzymes that when cooked, are destroyed. By eating more raw foods, your body does not have to work as hard to digest the foods which gives your body more energy to spend in other areas. This in turn can make you feel younger, healthier and happier. 

Have you ever had a pot of dead collard greens? Sure you have. Grandma or your mom (depending on how old you are) washed each collard green leaf carefully, rolled it up real tight, sliced it up nice and thin, threw it in a pot, slathered it in bacon grease, fat back and perhaps a ham hock or two, threw in some vinegar, hot sauce and if she was really jazzy, a green pepper. The greens then get boiled to death, simmered until they were nice and limp, then subsequently served on a plate or in a bowl with a side of corn bread if you have true southern roots. These "greens" are no longer the life-giving, nutrient-dense, healing leaf that God intended it to be. Do they taste good? Perhaps. But how much of a deposit is it making into your "health savings account?" 

Okay okay okay so getting back to the dehydrator. Dehydrated foods can date back to the days of ancient Egyptian civilization where the sun was used to preserve freshly harvested food. Even Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America carried dried fruit & vegetables. When you dehydrate foods at a temperature below 118 degrees, you are able to preserve and retain the vital nutrients in the food. You can dehydrate practically anything. From apples and pineapples, to okra and asparagus. (If you haven't had okra chips, you don't know what you are missing!) Dehydrated foods can be reconstituted and re-hydrated practically back to their original state. This is great for making soups, sauces or for when you travel. 

I am so excited about my dehydrator. If you are ever in the Atlanta area you'll be able to see the dehydrator in action at one of our seminars or at a Basic Healthy Living Lifestyle cooking class. I'll be sure to bring plenty of raw food snacks such as flax crackers, onion rings, and Kale Chips (yum!) for you to enjoy.  I cannot wait to make the kids some real "fruit roll ups" tomorrow. 

Happy Drying! 

Jerk Chickpeas...and it's VEGAN!!!!

So I was in my kitchen today and I had an amazing craving for Jerk Chicken. Well, as a vegan/raw foodist, I can't go chomping down on some chicken so I have a recipe that will make any Jamaican fall in love with me...I mean it. The flavors are perfect and I must say, I KILLED IT!

I licked the bowl.  Don't judge me.

Vegan Jerk Chickpeas & Coconut Brown Rice

3 tablespoons Fresh squeezed Lime Juice
2 tablespoons Tamari or Nama Shoyu (vegan soy sauce)
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 small tomato chopped (squeeze it some to make it really juicy and sloppy)
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons cilantro
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes (crushed red pepper, more or less depending on HOT tolerance
1 can of chickpeas or 2 cups of fresh cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup of chopped onions
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder. 

For Rice:
1 Cup brown rice
pinch of sea salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Garnish (optional)
Sliced avocado
cilantro leaves
lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Make the rice: Add the rice to the water with the sea salt and coconut oil. Bring to a boil. Once it boils, put the lid on the pot, turn to low and LEAVE THE POT ALONE. DO NOT OPEN IT AT ALL. (Yes, I am yelling. When you open the pot, you let the steam out and this is what causes brown rice to be hard. It will take forever to cook if you do this.

While the rice is cooking, mix all ingredients together except the chickpeas, cilantro, and onions and arrowroot powder. Stir really well. Add chickpeas, onions, and cilantro.

Bake in oven covered with aluminum foil for 20 minutes. Take foil off and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Stir in arrowroot powder and the "sauce" will thicken.

Check on your rice. (YOU CAN OPEN THE POT NOW.) Give it a stir. Most if not all of the liquid should be absorbed. If there is a little left, you can turn off the stove and let the steam do the work or let it cook just a wee bit longer. 

Serve the chickpeas over the brown rice with slices of fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime juice and a few cilantro leaves.

Leave a comment and let me know how you like it.

A Green Smoothie? But it's Green

I decided to write about green smoothies today because I didn't realize just how many people have never heard of it. So what is a green smoothie? A green smoothie is a drink that contains 1 or more fruits of  your choice with a designated amount of greens added to it. A typical green smoothie recipe goes a little something like this:

{Water} +{ Banana + Peach + Mango}+{ handful of Spinach, Kale, Parsley, or Romaine}+ Ice

 = Health is a glass. 

Green smoothies are a perfect way to get more greens into your diet. Green are Alkaline and help raise your body's pH. Sickness and disease cannot live in an Alkaline environment. Most of us are not eating the amount of greens that we should, so having a green smoothie daily is another way to overcome this deficiency.

Green smoothies taste amazing. The taste of the greens are masked by the blend of fruits you choose. The key to making a good green smoothie is to K.I.S.-keep it simple. Use no more than 3 or 4 different fruits and only add 1 type of greens. Be sure to rotate your greens as well. By this I mean don't make a green smoothie with only spinach for weeks and weeks on end. Switch it up.  When starting out on a green smoothie journey, your smoothie ratio should be 60% fruit and 40% greens. Once you've been drinking green smoothies for awhile you will be able to tolerate having a higher ratio of greens.

Feel free to use berries and other fruits. Experiment. There are so many possibilities. Green smoothies are excellent meal replacements. Due to the decreased burden on your digestive system, you will find that you have more energy, including the energy needed to exercise.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from drinking green smoothies:

• Improved digestion
• Increased energy
• Improved Vision
• Weight Loss
• Decrease inflammation
• Fewer cravings for sugar and processed foods
• Stabilized blood sugar

Don't be afraid of the color green. Green represents balance and harmony. It can also signify ambition, prosperity, peace, safety. Green is life.

Have you ever had a green smoothie? If not, do you think you'd be willing to try one? If you've had one, what was your experience? Leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.

I just have to share this

My new friend and client, Tyeisha Hilbert from Journaling Through Healing has completed the Full Body Detox followed by a Blood Cleanse regimen that I placed her on. I suggested she complete this regimen after completing the Full Body Detox since she was dealing with an autoimmune disorder that manifested itself through the skin and joints. I cannot and will not take credit for that which belongs to God. God created and designed the human body to heal. It does so when we get out of the way and give it what it needs to thrive. When we get rid of the junk that's been holding us back (toxins, negative emotions, etc) great things happen. I wanted to share an update with all of you regarding how she is doing. Better yet, let me just show you.

Before Detox

Before Detox

After Detox

After Detox

There isn't much left for me to say. Tye is learning how to nourish herself and is walking in her healing. I commend her on her discipline and willingness to embrace something different. She didn't allow fear to hold her back. She could have listened to the doctors who tried to put her back on a regimen of toxic drugs after they failed to figure out exactly what was wrong with her. But she made a decision, a leap of faith, based on having consciousness of who her creator is and what he promised her. No matter what the disease or pathology you are suffering from, healing CAN be yours.

Healing Nature's Way-one woman's journey on conquering an autoimmune disease

Back in Early May, I was connected with a young lady who has been struggling with an auto immune disease since 2006. She has been to countless doctors and outside of being placed on pharmaceutical drug therapy,  there was little the doctors could do to offer relief. Her disease manifested itself in the form of adverse skin rashes and joint pain, similar to that of Lupus.

If you've been following my blog,  you know that I am a firm believer in the human body's ability to heal itself.  You don't have to harm to heal.   I shared this concept with her in addition to sharing what I know about the nature of auto immune disorders and other chronic pathologies.  Toxicity is the root cause of all disease.  I don't care what name you give said disease, toxicity is the common thread. The late Dr. Max Gerson, found that the basic problem underlying all chronic disease is twofold: deficiency and toxcity.1 In order to heal, you must address both of these problems. When you focus on detoxification followed by fortifying the body with nutrition, the body's intelligence system then kicks in and does what God designed for it to do-heal itself. No mysterious complicated drug therapy needed. 


To follow Tyeisha's journey and to see how her body has healed, visit her blog at www.journalingthroughhealing.blogspot.com.

What's the best detox?

Many of you have asked, "what detox do you recommend?" Hands down? The Full Body Detox offered Basic Healthy Living

This doesn't mean that there are not other products out there that are just as good, it just means that I haven't found it yet.

The Full Body Detox offered by Basic Healthy Living is probably the most superior herbal detox product on the market. Master herbalist Djehuty Ma'at-ra has formulated this PURE herbal product that is designed to cleanse all of the major eliminative channels in the body. This 20 day regimen is the only one I personally recommend to my clients due to it's efficacy, purity and competitive pricing. There are hundreds and I do mean hundreds of herbal detox products and cleanses on the market today. However the vast majority of them do not address all of the eliminative channels at once. In addition, many of them include harmful preservatives, fillers, binders and other toxic agents that defeat the purpose of a detox in the first place. The Full Body Detox contains no petrochemicals, no magnesium stearate and no cellulose. Nothing but pure herbs. The herbalist who created the formulation stays true to himself and does not attempt to cheat the public out of product in an effort to maximize his profits.

The Full Body Detox is a 20 day cleansing regimen that includes taking 5 herbal formulas each day. To achieve the best results, a raw food plant based diet is recommended. I personally have used the Full Body Detox and it totally revolutionized my life. It is also the only detox provided by Basic Healthy Living. Below are some of the benefits I personally experienced:

• Weight Loss-I released 30 pounds in 20 days. Who knew I was walking around with that much toxic waste?
• Clearer Thinking: No more brain fog. I experienced clearer thinking and mental clarity.
• Improved Eyesight: After my detox, I no longer had the need for my eye glasses. Talk about macular restoration.
• Tons of Energy-I felt 18 again. I no longer suffered from mid day fatigue and I had energy to exercise.
• The need for less sleep-5 hours became plenty. 
• Improved bowel function-I have been constipated most of my life. I was full of sh**!  LITERALLY.  (Calm down church folks, most of 'yall are full of it too.)  No more irritable bowel syndrome.
• Eradication of PMS and menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding-This was MAJOR for me. 
• No more sugar cravings: The first time I tried to eat sugar after the detox, my teeth hurt and I got a headache. No more sugar for me. I immediately felt dumb and tired. I couldn't even think straight.
• Stronger Immune System: No more seasonal allergies or catching the usual "cold." 

There are many more benefits that can be obtained from this detox, but the ones listed above are what I experienced. No herb can make all of your problems go away, however using the Full Body Detox coupled with a lifestyle and diet change can do wonders for your health. You cannot maintain health or reverse a so called dis-ease with a clogged, sluggish and polluted body. According to Charlotte Gerson, daughter of the late Dr. Max Gerson, "in order to reverse disease and restore health, we need to detoxify and intensively flood the body with live, fresh, active nutrients."1 Keep your temple clean and it will do the rest.

References: 1) The Gerson Therapy by Charlotte Gerson & Morton Walker, D.P.M

"A Double Minded Man is....

...unstable in all his ways"- James 1:8.  I want to thank my dear sister-in Christ Tyeisha Hilbert from Journaling Through Healing for inspiring this post. Many people have asked me should they continue to take their medication while performing a detox. Well, I would never tell a person what to do nor is it my job especially when it comes to one's health. Your health is just that, YOUR HEALTH. God gives each and every one of us free will to think and choose as we see fit, especially when it comes to our health. I will however propose the following for you to think about.

A detox is done in an effort to rid the body of toxins, known and unknown with the purpose of cleansing the body so that it can do what it was designed by God to do which is heal on its own. Once the body is clean, it is then in a position to receive the proper nourishment so that the body can operate at maximum efficiency. It's a concept I love to refer to as "Detoxify then Fortify." So, if you are sick and you are taking man-made drugs that by their own definition are not designed to heal, but instead designed to treat and manage symptoms of disease and pathology, why on earth would you continue to take them if you are trying to detox? Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. If you have been taking the same pills for 10 years and you are still sick, then I guess you must be ok with keeping your sickness and perhaps being considered insane. I mean, I hear some people say that, "well my medicine helps me control {blank}" Control? Hmmmm, machines need to be controlled. Traffic needs to be controlled. Children need to be controlled, but sickness? Why embrace and then attempt to control a sickness or a disease? A conscience person would want to get rid of disease not control it. By definition the word control means to hold in restraint, to direct or manage. I don't know about you but sickness is not one of those things I can see myself wanting to control. I want to arrest and eradicate, eliminate and subdue.I want dominion.

The world is so conditioned to be afraid that the very thing you fear, you attract. if you fear that by not taking your pharmaceutical toxins while on a detox will make you sick, then it really doesn't matter because for 1) You are already sick and 2) You may be detoxing your body physically, but clearly there are some emotional and psychological fears you need to deal with or else you will still stay sick. There is a powerful connection between the mind, body and spirit. They are an inextricable trio. You cannot experience complete healing if you are harboring thoughts of fear, anger, jealousy, self doubt, hatred, anxiety, worry etc. You can literally prolong or halt the healing process by not dealing with issues that are mental and spiritual in nature. When you learn to stop operating in fear and begin thinking for yourself amazing things happen.

If one attempts to take medication while taking an herbal detox (which you are free to do as it is your body) the medication is going to be treated as a toxin and eliminated from the body. It's that simple. So if it makes you feel better on some mental level to keep taking your medicine while on an herbal detox, then go right ahead. But perhaps you need to address whatever subconscious need that you are trying to fill by taking toxic pharmaceutical drugs while trying to detox. So to answer the question, should I continue to take my medicine while on an herbal detox? Remember this: "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." -James 1:8

Robert's Progress & Liver Flush

So Robert is still on his primarily plant based diet and is still doing P90X. Here are some photos of his most recent progress. This is week 7.

Robert also completed a  Liver flush this past weekend. Although his diet has been pretty clean, he has been experiencing mid day fatigue. He advised that he feels great for most of the day, but on his drive home from work, he gets really tired and finds it difficult to stay awake. Although he recently completed a detox, Robert has been showing signs of a sluggish/impaired liver. Symptoms of a sluggish or impaired liver function include fatigue, poor digestion, bloating, gas, mood swings, anger, depression, poor nutrient absorption, brown spots on the skin, acne, dry skin, and dark circles under the eyes. Since Robert was experiencing a few of the symptoms above, I suggested he complete a Liver Flush. I will also be making him an herbal liver tincture for him to take daily in an effort to detoxify and regenerate his liver. 

The Liver, which is the largest organ in the body is responsible for so many metabolic processes. Its chief responsibility is to filter all of the toxins we take in day in and day out. Taking pharmaceutical drugs, (which are all inorganic toxic substances, I don't care what they are for) alcohol consumption, commercial skin care products, drinking coffee and a host of other activities can all place a heavy burden on the liver. Ideally, the liver should be cleansed 2-3 times a year.  

I will report his progress once he has been on the liver tincture for some time. (It takes weeks to make a good herbal liver tincture so please be patient. Feel free to comment and or ask questions. Here's to a healthy liver! 

The wonders of coconut: Why you need some in your life

I LOVE COCONUT!. Until recently I had no idea just how beneficial coconut really is. I have replaced my EVOO for coconut oil when I cook. According to JB Bardot, coconuts are a versatile superfood providing nutrition, health benefits, and amazing medicinal properties all wrapped in one delicious package. Coconuts are totally natural, easily available and affordable; and every part of the fruit is useful. Below are 101 reasons to use coconut.

Green coconut water uses:

--Natural, healthy source for hydration, energy and endurance, making it the perfect sports drink.
--Restores electrolytes after exercise, vomiting, diarrhea.
--Antiseptic properties provide antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agents to purify blood -- killing measles, herpes, influenza, AIDS, SARS, hepatitis C...
--Useful for emergency transfusions due to being close in composition to human plasma.
--Used to prevent vomiting, nausea and replace lost fluids in cases of malaria, typhoid, influenza...
--Dissolves kidney stones alkalizing urine pH.
--Used as a natural cleanse, coconut water mixed with olive oil eliminates intestinal parasites.

Coconut oil medicinal uses:

Virgin coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut. Expeller pressed oil has no scent or taste and both types can be used medicinally.

--Kills bacteria causing urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum disease, staphylococcus, MRSA...
--Destroys fungus causing candida.
--Kills viruses causing flu, infectious disease, typhoid, HIV...
--Inhibits parasite growth such as tapeworm, liver flukes, giardia...
--Eases acid reflux, relieves gallbladder disease.
--Enhances proper bowel function and lowers incidence of hemorrhoids when oil is consumed.
--Relieves and heals intestinal disorders, ulcers, colitis, IBS, and Crohn's disease.
--Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin production.
--Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.
--Protects against osteoporosis and reduces problems from cystic fibrosis.
--Enhances pancreatic function, enzyme production and reduces pancreatitis.
--Improves magnesium and calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones.
--Reduces joint and muscle inflammation, supporting repair of tissues.
--Regulates thyroid function.
--Protects against cancers of colon, breast, and digestive tract.
--Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) protect against development of Alzheimer's disease.
--MCFA strengthen heart and circulatory system protecting against artherosclerosis and heart disease.
--Prevents oxidation of fatty acids.
--Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals slowing aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
--Relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
--Reduces incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.
--Stabilizes female hormones reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause.
--Lessens symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
--Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration.
--Soothes earaches when mixed with garlic and olive oil.

Topical uses for coconut oil:

--Forms a chemical barrier on skin to protect and heal infections.
--Topical applications relieve pain and swelling from hemorrhoids.
--Moisturizes and softens dry skin.
--Reduces bags, puffiness and wrinkles under eyes.
--Lessens occurrence and appearance of varicose veins.
--Preps skin before shaving.
--Mixed with baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective toothpaste.
--Soothes sunburned skin and promotes healing of burns and blisters.
--Heals psoriasis and eczema lesions.
--Stops pain, burning, and itching of bug and snake bites.
--Prevents itching from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
--Promotes firm skin tone, preventing age spots, sagging and wrinkles.
--Eliminates head lice.
--Removes makeup easily.
--Heals nail fungus under finger and toenails.
--Prevent nosebleeds by applying light film inside nostrils.
--In combination with cornstarch and baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective deodorant.
--Makes an excellent massage oil, a natural personal lubricant, and great sunscreen.
--Conditions hair, prevents split ends, reduces frizz, controls flaky scalp and dandruff.
--Removes scars and stretch marks.
--Repairs cracked, sore, dry nipples from nursing.
--Heals diaper rash and removes cradle cap on babies.

Nutritional uses for coconut oil:

--Enhances absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.
--Provides a quick energy source and stimulates metabolism.
--Produces immediate, usable energy source rather than being stored as fat.
--Increases metabolic rate, stabilizes body weight, and controls food cravings.
--Enriches milk supply for breast-feeding women.
--Doesn't form harmful by-products during cooking when used at high heat.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.accessmylibrary.com
http://www.thefreelibrary.com
http://www.dshs.texas.gov/wichd/gi/wicnews_text_mar-apr.shtm#Coconuts
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
http://www.organicfacts.net
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/coconut_oil.html
http://www.uniben.edu
http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/POW/coconut_palm.htm

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036028_coconu_oil_health_solutions.html#ixzz1wZkadkJB

Got Auto Immune Disorders, Reproductive Issues, Developmental Delays? You need to know this!

I have run out of fingers trying to count my friends, family and extended acquaintances that are suffering from a number of degenerative diseases. I have seen healthy, vibrant friends deteriorate right before my eyes. I have seen their offspring suffer from developmental delays and other neurological disorders. Too many of our women who desire children are unable to conceive with no real explanation as to why. They have resolved to accept the fact that it's just "not meant to be." Do not believe this.  The video I am showcasing today will provide you with a plethora of information that can shed some light on how and why this is happening. Nothing happens by accident. Headaches and migraines don't come out of nowhere. Digestive issues don't just emerge overnight. Lupus, infertility, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, PCOS, ADHD, ADD, Autism, Alzheimer's, Cancer and the like don't just strike the unlucky. There is a root cause to ALL of it. Please hear me. There is a ROOT cause to all of it. Check out this video today to learn more.

Robert's Health & Fitness Progress: Week 3

 So it's been 2 weeks since Robert began his detox, plant based diet and P90X. Here are the results so far:

May 15th

May 28th

 

 

 

 

 

May 15th Before

May 28th After

 Robert's Detox is over. (He only did a 14 day detox.) He will continue on a plant based diet (80%) and will stay on track with his P90X fitness program. I will provide another update in 2 weeks regarding his progress. Staples in Robert's diet include fresh organic vegetable juices, Spirulina, fresh fruit green smoothies, organic nuts and seeds, LOTS and LOTS of organic greens and salads. Robert has eliminated all processed foods, refined starches and sugar. He does eat chicken and fish occasionally, but these items make up 10-20% of his overall food intake.

Case Study

Subject: Robert Chapman, 43 year old black male

Health Concerns/Challenges: Overweight, Chronic Fatigue, Low Energy, Episodes of High Blood Pressure, Previous challenges with depression

Health/Fitness Goals: Healthy Weight, Increased Energy, Stable Blood Pressure, Lean Muscular Build

Recommendations: 

Continue to eat a primarily plant based diet, complete another detox Fall 2012, continue P90X fitness regimen.

Basic Healthy Living meets P90X

 

So my husband Robert has decided to be my first male case study. For the next 90 days Robert is embarking upon a total body transformation, from the inside out. Robert has already managed to reverse his high blood pressure predicated upon my dietary recommendations, now he plans to totally transform his body into a muscular, plant based, nutritional powerhouse. He decided to do this as a way to reboot his system. We are first starting him off with a 15 day herbal detox that targets the liver, kidneys and the colon specifically. While on the 15 day detox, Robert is eating a complete plant based diet consisting of fresh organic juices, green smoothies, power salads, raw food dishes, nuts, seeds, and legumes. He is also joining forces with P90X for the physical body sculpting portion of the case study. After the 90 days, Robert plans to maintain his "new" body by following a 70% plant based diet. He has already asserted that his will NEVER give up meat, but he understands and realizes that his body is much better off with less of it.

Decreasing Your Dependence on Processed Foods

So often when I tell people about the dangers of processed foods, I hear them explain how it's virtually impossible to live without it. Our lives are drastically different than that of our mother's and grandmothers. We are fighting through traffic, picking up the kids from day care, meeting deadlines at work and still trying to run a household. It's no wonder that we've become dependent on the "cheap, fast and in a hurry" convenience processed foods provide, but at the same time, our health is suffering as a result. With a little bit of planning and education, you can decrease your families' dependence on processed foods and realize a more healthy way of doing things.

Eating Organic IS cheaper!

I hear this all the time. "Eating organic is way too expensive." "I don't have the money to eat organic." These two statements are simply not true, depending on who you are. If you are trying to eat organic as well as maintain your current SAD (Standard American Diet) then yes, eating organic may be too cost prohibitive for you. Try this experiment.

Ready to heal? Healing Movie of the Week

I am a firm believer than each and every individual MUST take control of their health. After all, it's YOUR health. You cannot relinquish control of your health into the hands of anyone else-not your doctor, your spouse, anyone. To take control, means to educate yourself and to find out as much as you can. To make it easy, here is my "Healing Film of the Week. "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead." This film changed my life and I often times will watch it to remind myself on why I have chosen to live a healthy lifestyle.

"Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead"-
100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross is at the end of his rope and the end of his hope. In the mirror he saw a 310lb man whose gut was bigger than a beach ball and a path laid out before him that wouldn't end well— with one foot already in the grave, the other wasn't far behind. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film that chronicles Joe's personal mission to regain his health.
With doctors and conventional medicines unable to help long- term, Joe turns to the only option left, the body's ability to heal itself. He trades in the junk food and hits the road with juicer and generator in tow, vowing only to drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for the next 60 days. Across 3,000 miles Joe has one goal in mind: To get off his pills and achieve a balanced lifestyle.

Joe Cross, the films' producer has an awesome website. Check it out here and join his forum. Here you'll gain tons of support and encouragement as  your "Reboot" your life. 

Watch the film and leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

Yeah baby, I like it raw!

Get your head out of the gutter you silly rabbit! I'm talking about my food. For those of you who ask, "so what on earth do you eat?," here is a glimpse of what I had today for lunch. It was raw and definately from the earth. I do not eat salad's everyday but I definately could with the right dressing on hand. Here is a run down of what I had:

God's prescription for staying young and healthy

Courtesy glamour.com

Ps103.1.KJV "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."

I have read this scripture perhaps a million times and I have never stopped to really equate this passage with anything remotely having to do with health and wellness. However, the more I read it the more God began to speak to me about it. God has provided everything we need to achieve health and wholeness. When David, the writer of the text says "forget not all his benefits " I don't feel he was talking about money or prosperity.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-Mucus with a Vengance

Do you suffer from excessive weight gain, heavy or painful periods, excessive facial hair, or acne? These are just a few of the symptoms of PCOS also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. SO exactly what is PSOC? Read more to find out.

In order to fully understand the nature or definition of a word/condition, I often like to pick the word/condition apart using etymology which means “The study or words and their origins. Etymology is derived from the Greek word etumologíā.  Let’s take the word parts of the so called medical condition Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and pick it apart in order to gain a better understanding of what we are actually dealing with. In order to heal or overcome any degenerative disease or condition, one must first understand the nature of the thing.

“Poly”, as a prefix, means “many.” A “cyst” is a closed sac, with its own membrane and tissues, typically filled with a liquid or other semi-solid matter. “Ovarian”, comes from the word “Ovary”, which is an egg producing reproductive organ. “Syndrome” according to Merriam-Webster is “a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition.” It also goes on to indicate “a set of concurrent things (as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern.” Now, let’s put this all together. PCOS is nothing more than many fluid filled sacs on the ovary that have manifested itself through a set of some sort of actions that, once forming a pattern, over time, have created a condition. According to Master herbalist Djehuty Ma’atra of dhealthstore.com, “ A cyst, like a tumor, is nothing more than an internal trash bag, more so than a tumor though. In fact, the word cyst derives from a Greek word”kystis” which means “bag”. Cysts hold pus, mucus, and other toxic waste fluids. This is all a cyst is: A BAG OF MUCUS AND PUS!” So where do these fluids or semi-solid sacs filled with mucus and pus on the ovaries come from? In order to determine this, one must take a look at how our body functions and what factors can contribute to such a manifestation.

Whenever the human body is introduced to matter that it cannot use, the body in an attempt to protect itself will engulf the matter in an effort to expel it from the body. The human body, which has many eliminative channels, will attempt to use one or more of these channels as a way to rid the body of the toxin. The human body has many channels of elimination: The skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, lymphatic system, blood and the colon. If the body is unsuccessful at eliminating the toxins, due to overload or imbalance, the toxins will stay in and create a protective barrier against the waste. We can look at a cyst as a way of the body’s intelligence system of trapping the waste in order to keep the waste from causing more harm.

Let’s answer the questions above:  “What exactly are these sacs and what it inside of them?”  The sacs or cyst found in women who have PCOS are nothing more than sacs full of waste-toxins, blood that failed to excrete during the monthly menses  and mucus matter that is useless to the body. “Geez,” you might ask, “how on earth that all of that get to my ovaries?”  Well, a combination of things can cause this to happen.  When the body is unable to fully eliminate waste and toxins appropriately, eventually blockage & congestion occur. This congestion can occur from the lymphatic system as well as one of the other eliminative channels not being able to do its job such as the skin, the colon or the kidneys. At this point,  all of the bodily systems have become overloaded. What causes this overload? Poor diet, lack of exercise, hormonal imbalance caused by use of toxic birth control pills, toxic skin care products etc. The main point to take away from this is that our bodies are not made to consume and process these types of foods and chemicals we purposely expose/feed it every day. They body does its best at trying to protect us, but eventually, a breakdown will occur and a condition or disease will manifest.  “The greatest contributing factor to the physical development of uterine, ovarian, and cervical fibroid tumors and cysts is diet, specifically the SAD (Standard American Diet) which is excessively high in animal flesh (meat) and byproduct (i.e. dairy: milk, cheese, sour cream, butter, and ice cream to name a few).”- Djehuty Ma-atra.



Meat, dairy and processed foods should
be avoided

 One MUST examine the diet in order to discover the main culprits of this toxic waste matter that has accumulated in the body in the form of these cysts. Unfortunately meat, dairy, refined grains and starches, processed foods, caffeine, sugar and its artificial representatives (aspartame, sucralose, Acesulfame K etc) are the main culprits. All of the above are extremely acidic to the body and forms mucus in the body.  Dairy, particularly cow’s milk and cheese are the most mucus forming. Our bodies were not designed to process this stuff and it does great harm to the body. You may have been socialized and programmed to believe that you need dairy such as milk and yogurt for strong bones and teeth but this is not true.  Milk and other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, cream cheese, sour cream etc, particularly the way they are produced today are full of hormones, cow feces, industrial chemicals and a host of other harmful toxic ingredients. It’s no wonder the body is trying to trap it all.

Now you may ask, “well if it’s that easy, how come my Doctor has me on all of these meds and has not provided me with a clear dietary regimen/alternative in an effort for me to feel better?”  Well to answer that you would need to understand how modern medicine works:  Healthy people are not profitable. But chemically, drug dependent people are. They are lifelong patients with the ability to provide consistent, residual income for the physician as well as the pharmaceutical company.

Healing naturally from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, like any other pathology, must be approached by treating the person as a whole, not just the symptoms. Modern medicine is very good at treating the symptoms that present themselves as a result of PCOS such as acne, excessive hair growth, elevated insulin levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels among others because that is what they are trained to do. Treating symptoms in my opinion is a never ending cycle of drug dependency with no relief. Why suffer from a pathology/disease when you don’t have to?  I am a firm believer that any disease can be reversed. With the proper knowledge and execution, anyone can heal.

 

You eat ALL of THAT????

Yes, I eat drink all of this!

So since I've had the twins, I've been juicing like CRAZY! For one I don't have much time to make an elaborate meal and secondly I need loads of extra vitamins minerals and other nutrients because I am breastfeeding. So I figured the best way to make sure I'm getting an adequate intake of phytonutrients is to juice in addition to my regular food intake. I've been juicing about twice a day. Each day I like to switch it up so I don't get bored. Here is what I had yesterday :

• Green Chard
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cilantro
• Celery
• Carrot
• Apple
• Pineapple

I typically will add an apple or piece of pineapple to take the edge off the greens. This makes the juice take on a sweeter flavor. If you are new to juicing and aren't sugar sensitive I would suggest doing this until you are used to drinking green juices.

There are countless benefits to juicing. Its easy on the digestive system. Its easy for the body to absorb the vitamins and minerals that the whole food has to offer because the juice is in liquid form. It's fast and convenient for those on the go and you don't have to worry about not getting the proper amount of fruits  and vegetables each day. It provides TONS of energy. It will give you the pick me up you need to get your day going. Its low in calories and did I mention how super easy it is?

What's your favorite juice combination and what benefits have you noticed from juicing on a regular basis? Leave a comment and let me know.

Protein Packed and Fabulous

So today for lunch I had a craving for a burger. Not some dead, slaughtered animal flesh type burger that would wreck havoc on my digestive system.and make me fall asleep, but definately something that would be filling and hit the spot. So I made from scratch this hearty,  zesty, veggie burger. What's in it?  A lil bit of this and a lil bit of that: Oats,  carrots, pinto beans, parsley,  chia seeds, almonds,  sunflower seeds and loads of organic herbs and spices. It all comes together in this delectable patty topped with lettuce, tomatoe, avocado slices and BBQ sauce. (Since I hate ketchup.) Each ingredient is chock full of vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. The chia seeds provide me protein and enough energy to run a marathon. For this and other fabulous Vegan/raw food recipes visit Angela Liddon's blog. When you whip up a batch of these bad boys, be sure to share them with any meat loving friend. They are sure to be a hit. Switch up the beans. The recipe called for black beans but I was in a pinto bean kind of mood today.  Add a nice green leafy salad and your meal is complete.  Enjoy!

Why am I so Extra?

In today's fast paced world, where everything is expected to be quick, fast and in a hurry, I pride myself on being considered "extra." At the ripe age of 32, I am a wife and mother of 4. Yes, that wasn't a typo. Many of the lifestyle choices I have made may be considered "extra." For example, I make a consorted effort to make sure my family has access to the best nutritionally available foods possible. This means, buying organic/locally grown fruits and vegetables, drinking pure, clean water, steering clear of processed foods, additives and perservatives and limiting our sugar intake. For the average American family, where both parents work outside of the household, this may seem like an impossible task, perhaps even "Extra."

Being "Extra" is all about priorities. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-Matthew 6:21 KJV. Once I became a mom, my priorities took a dramatic shift. I grew to realize that faster does not always mean better. Sure we now have many modern conveniences that our ancestors could only dream of having, but what have we traded as a result? Below are just some of the ways I have chosen to be "extra" in an effort to provide my family and I with the best life possible.

• Ditch the microwave-Is it possible that millions of people are unknowingly sacrificing their health in exchange for the convenience of microwave ovens? In short, consider the following:
• Microwaving prepared meats causes the formation of d-Nitrosodienthanolamines, a well-known carcinogen. (Cancer causing agent)
• Microwaving milk and cereal grains converts some of their amino acids, the building blocks of life, into carcinogens.
• Thawing frozen fruits in the microwave converts their glucoside and galactoside containing fractions into carcinogenic substances.
• Extremely short exposure of raw, cooked or frozen vegetables converts their plant alkaloids into carcinogens.
• Carcinogenic free radicals are formed in microwaved plants, especially root vegetables as well as decreases their in nutritional value.
• Overall, microwaves kill EVERYTHING that goes into them and converts the resulting matter into a cess pool of cancer causing components. Our family has stopped using our microwave. If it were up to me in would be in the trash, however it sits in the corner, nice and clean and only gets used if we have guests who just have to use it. If we want to heat up food, it is done the old fashioned way-on the stove or in the oven. It's safer and the food taste way better anyway. My kids are worth it.
• End your illustrious affair with the supermarket-Over 80% of the items sold in supercaskets, I mean, supermarkets contain GMO's (genetically modified organisms), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralos Acesulfame K), preservatives, pesticides, hormones and other neurotoxins. If you are new or unfamiliar with GMO's it would do you some good to research it. I will do a post on GMO's soon. Don't get me wrong, supermarket's have their place, but in the grand scheme of things, there's not much benefit from doing most of your grocery shopping there-either financially or nutritionally. The food is overpriced and essentially void of anything beneficial your body can use. Opt instead to shop at a farmer's market or find a local CSA program. (Community Supported Agriculture Program) TO find a CSA program near you, click here.
• I do our grocery shopping at our local farmer's market. EVERY week without fail, I am there to pick the most freshest ORGANIC fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and on occasion meat and fish. The health and well being of my family has positively benefited from this "Extra" behavior. I am at an attractive weight without dieting, I no longer need glasses, my husband's high blood pressure is managed without medication, my kids have bright eyes, vibrant energy, excellent cognitive skills, no allergies, and strong, untainted immune systems. The money we save in groceries has helped us cope with these high gas prices.

These two things, among others are just a few of the things that I do that may be considered "Extra" to some, but for me, it's a matter of living versus existing. How many people do you know, perhaps yourself included are going day in and day out tired, lethargic, relying on Starbucks to get you by? Your hair is dry, brittle, breaking or even falling out? You may suffer from anxiety or depression, you don't sleep well or at all. Your kids are always sick. They either suffer from chronic ear infections, asthma, eczema or a snotty nose that just doesn't ever seem to dry up? Your pediatrician tries to convince you that having 10 colds and 6 ear infections a year is normal. They send you home with antibiotics, but your kid never seems to get any better. If they do, 3-4 weeks later you are right back at square one.

I am "Extra" out of love and necessity. My family is worth it. We deserve a high quality of life and we do not have to settle for chronic degenerative illness. I don't accept that. I reject that and I reject the notion that I am "Extra." I my friends am "Extraordinary!"