SEASONS CHANGE~~~

It has been a while since I was here, so very busy. That is a good thing but not always, eh?

Well, it is surely winter-like these days where I live, though we have only had a dusting of snow, but, my favorite light was shining brightly today and that had been the first time I had seen the sun in days. Gloomy, rainy, windy, cold, and, just that time when you feel like hibernating... Still, life goes on and you do what you have to do...

It is a dark time of year, I am drinking hot chocolate, and, I have not been around much, wonder if I should change the title of this site to Dark Chocolate, Dreary, and, me??? Hahaha... I had my green tea today and now I am drinking dark hot chocolate. I buy those big bars of bittersweet dark chocolate and add 3 squares to a mug of 2% milk and microwave for 2 minutes and 35 seconds. It is full of antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin A and D, and, man, does it take the edge off, plus it is delicious, with less sugar and barely any artificial additives, so, that is my evening drink these days... Actually, I like it year round, but, I have to cut back on this. If you stopped and added all those squares up throughout a year, that is way too much chocolate going on.... Hahaha...

The Holidays are rapidly approaching, only 35 shopping days as of today~ Where does the time go to? Seems like just weeks ago it was 80 degrees....

Do you realize how very much there is to learn about blogging and monetizing those blogs effectively? It is like learning science of an unusual nature. Who would have thought that it was so intricate, so diverse, so full of it? Besides all the technical aspects, research, marketing, and other similar aspects, we have to learn who and what to be leery of. There are so many shameful hoaxes and scams it is unbelievable. And, some are so good, that you have no idea until it is too late. Yes, I am learning, and, becoming paranoid all the while. Fun stuff though, because I like the challenge...

Starting Monday I am going to begin a winter workout program. I have to get into top form and stay that way. I have a photo engagement on Jan. 19Th and I want to be at the best I can be. No sense in paying a pro photographer if you are not going to like what you see, eh? Oh, life is so funny sometimes. We make decisions, some based on necessity and the rest are based on self-esteem....

I really want to study and practice Tai Chi, but, for now will stick with Yoga, Pilate's, and, the elliptical trainer, plus crunches, lunges, squats, and, any arm routine I can... Weights, some, but, nothing too heavy. I do know that I have to do this and I have to stick to it, and, actually, if you can stick to a routine in the winter months, the warmer months will be a breeze...

That is my update for the time being. Having so much to do, my posts might be sporadic, but, I will get back on track soon.

In the meantime, everyone live life to the fullest, embrace the moment now, and, cherish all that which touches you. Stay healthy, fit, and, above all, happy... love and peace...

WINTER SAFEGUARDS

One thing we need plenty of, but, not too much of, is sunshine. The sun promotes health and provides vital Vitamin D. In the long winter months, catching some rays is difficult unless you head south or to the islands. 20 minutes a week is the least amount of sun you should get...

Some places which host winter, do have a lot of sun. Colorado has lots of sun, and, it even gets warm despite the many feet depths of snow. What an amazing place Colorado is, eh?

There is at least some sun after the winter finally arrives, and, being struck with cabin fever, it is a good idea to step out into the sun at some point of the day. I just read an article that says that when you go for a walk in the winter, because you are fighting the elements you burn 43 more calories than in the nicer weather, so, it is healthy to walk in the winter, just be sure to layer and be careful of how far you go... That would be optimal, to walk in the afternoon each day, but alas, it is not always feasible or possible.

Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement, but, it is one of those supplements which regardless of how vital it is, in supplement form can do damage. Damage to the liver and more, so be very cautious of taking this supplement. This is so confusing because many calcium supplements have Vitamin D as together they work more effectively, yet, they warn against taking too much Vitamin D... So, during the winter months, you could turn to Vitamin D milk, which after drinking 2% or less would be a shock to the taste buds for a while, but, it is probably the safest way to get your D...

Another deterrent of old man winter is lack of energy. That also has to do with sunlight, but, there are bulbs available now which imitate natural sunlight, and, I tell you, if you use them, that drained feeling will be replaced with more energy. That and certain foods will give you that extra push through the coldest, darkest days, which I will bring some of the foods to the table soon...

For now, enjoy the sun as much as it shines and store up those memories, which will serve you well in the long winter months. Think health and be healthy...

STAYING HEALTHY IN THE COLDER MONTHS

Brrrrrrr, it is getting rather chilly these days... The sun was peek-a-booing all day today, just never hung around long enough to warm the Earth, at least not here. Yep, the season of coldness has arrived, and, that means dreary, dark, and susceptible days for the most of us...

The change of the season means having to go through that awful tiredness, which just seems to stay with us for at least a month. And, more germs. Lots more germs infesting our lives, as the windows close and people begin to get colds and the flu. This is the time to stock up on plenty of teas, Vitamin C, B-Complex,find sources of Vitamin D and, eat healthy foods, such as soups, stews, or other stock based meals.

It is quite true and proven that stock, which some call tea, can defend the immune system through the cold winter months. Make sure that it contains onions, fresh garlic, celery, carrots, other vegetables, and, whatever form of protein you most prefer. While I do not eat much meat at all, I prefer some beef in my stocks, as there is an enzyme in beef which is vital to healing, and, is not found anywhere else. Chicken is more popular, but, it does not always make the best stock....

This is the time of the year when we crave more fat, as it provides energy, but, it will also fatten us up over the coming months. You do need fat as it helps to absorb the vital nutrients you take in. Knowing the right fats is to make it easier to balance the need for it. The fat from fish is ultra healthy, the fat from certain meats, such as pork, is not. Olive oil is preferred over other oils, but, Drs. say that no oil is healthy, although there are conflicting studies over this. Butter breaks up in the system better than most oils, such as vegetable oil, but, must be used sparingly... I often use like 1 or 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and the same amount of butter for making dishes of a larger portion. That way it is kind of balanced and the butter offers flavor like on other oils...

Oh, and sweets: we crave more sweets in the winter months. Perhaps because of the fat in them? Or is it psyche indulgence? Like, there is no sunshine, so I will create happiness with a hot brownie, or a triple layer chocolate cake? Ha! I don't know what it is for sure, but, I know that many, many people really dig into the sweetest temptations when they are in for the season...

I will be bringing us some savory drinks, foods, and, tasty temptations which will be healthy, yet ummmmm, so good...

Time to warm up some and relax; it was a long, long day... Take care and the best of health and of the season to all!~~

STRESS RELIEVING LIQUIDS

In my research for stress relieving drinks, water and green tea (decaffeinated) keep popping up the most. See? Water is a healing source for many elements of our bodies. As previously stated, stress causes breakdowns in the immune system, which affects our cells, which suffer and can even die, which causes disease and illness. To the rescue, Water! Water is the fluid of life. Most Americans don't drink any water at all, figuring that they get enough from their coffee, sodas, and, juices... Water is vital to balance, period.

Green tea? Well, it is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the free-radicals which bring on illness and disease, again, in the cellular makeup of our bodies. Of course, as previously stated, white tea is ultimate, as it is pure and full of more healing properties, as well as Oolong, which is rich in nutrients. Understand, tea is a natural plant, and, plants carry the best allies for healing of all other foods, save water, and, protein...

There are many herbal remedies as well. Many concoctions of plants, flowers, fruits and herbs exist for maximum healing as well. I will do be tracking down the best from around the world, compile them and post them...

One great herbal site which has many stress relievers as well as other health related products is Herbal Remedies.com I have been checking this out and it seems very well contented and has much to offer. Check it out...

I will next be bringing ways to relieve stress through food. There are many foods which are effective at treating and healing stress and its effects...

Have a wonderful day, full of internal sunshine, hope, peace, and energy... Blessings...

EXTREME STRESS IS LIKE A VACUUM PACKED PRESSURE, IT WILL EVENTUALLY EXPLODE!!!

The sun is shining, I am having some white tea, and, life is good. Sure, there are troubles all around me, but, basically, life is good...

Someone very close to me is on the verge of a breakdown, as their life is in turmoil due to their position possibly being outsourced. The amount of stress which this person is carrying around is consuming them. I try to offer advice and comfort, but, when you are that lost in stress, it is difficult to hear or feel much through the pounding in your ears. Stress fills the body with a sort of vacuum sealed pressure, and, if you don't do something about it, it can be dangerous...

This person and I just talked a few minutes ago and she is feeling better today, but, it is still there, swelling and lurking. She says that some of the things I told her helped, but, I know that this is temporary, you really need to get rid of the stress, completely...

How do you rid of that kind of stress? There are many ways, and, truth be known, even those who are gifted with relieving stress, can suddenly, in the course of their lives being ripped apart, can suffer as well, perhaps not as much, but, still they do. So, it is not something that we can have an absolute handle on, but, we SHOULD attempt to alleviate it in every possible way, that we do not damage our bodies or mind permanently. People DIE from stress related illness and disease, this is why it is imperative to control stress...

The main issue with stress is that it suffocates cells, and, thus, tears down your immune system, which leads to illness and even disease. Also, it overworks the heart, and, can lead to a heart attack or damage to the blood vessels from being overworked...

We need to make it a conscious effort to find ways to relieve stress every day, but, we totally need to find ways to relieve that threatening stress, which builds up, making us feel like we are going to explode. How?

Finding peace is not always easy, but, it can be done. There are simple ways to, at least, take some of that damaging pressure off. We can go home, take a long shower or bath, light candles, put on soft music, listen to soothing sounds, get a massage, fill our home with relaxing lights, scents, sounds. We can do yoga, breathing exercises, which are sure to heal. You just breathe in your nose, deeply, exhale through your mouth, deeply, for several minutes. You would not believe how relaxing and invigorating this is. We can find and eat foods which alleviate stress, which will also aid in healing damage from stress. We can walk or workout, which is very healing and restorative. Dancing is also great at reducing stress. We can find ways to laugh. We can pet a pet. We can make love. We can do so many things to help to relieve some of that damaging stress.

The hardest thing for people to do is to decide on a daily basis to do it. It is like, well, I don't have time for that. Well, you better make time for that or you won't have the quality of time to experience. Stress is debilitating, and, you know it. So, why not make it a daily ritual to make sure you get rid of as much as you can before you go to sleep at night....

I will feature some stress relieving foods and drinks in coming posts.

Have a wonderful weekend and find something to relieve that tension. Take care of yourself. There are others who want you around in prime condition, and, you owe it to yourself to give yourself the best of everything...

'TIS THE SEASON FOR PUMPKINS, GOURDS, AND SQUASH

It is pumpkin, gourd, and, squash season. Each bears great health benefits, and, each are extremely useful for cooking.

Pumpkin can be used for soups, side dishes, pies, breads, roasted seeds, and, more. Pumpkins are full of Vitamin A and B, iron, protein, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. They are low in calories and fat, but, high in fiber. Roasted pumpkin seeds are said to reduce prostate cancer in men. They are also full of antioxidants, which we all know are one of our greatest allies in the battle against disease...

Squash is also packed with the same nutrients as that of pumpkin, mostly. Winter squash has more nutrients than summer squash. It is a useful tool for the digestive and bowel system... Squash is best when steamed or baked, although it is useful in soups, though boiling it will lose many of the nutrients...

Did you know that almost all of the Earth has pumpkins except Antartica? And that it comes in many different colors, including blue?

Squash is native to the Western Hemisphere, and, comes in 5 different varieties, of which pumpkin is one...

I will be featuring recipes for pumpkins and squash. I found some that are yummy, and, since it is the season, we may as well make use of them, eh?

Happy Halloween, and, hail the pumpkin!!!

COOKING OF THE FAR EAST: THE USE OF OIL, SALT, AND OTHER UNHEALTHY COOKING PRACTICES. SO WHY ARE THEY HEALTHIER THAN WESTERNERS???

I find it interesting that the Chinese and the Japanese, both of which use lots of oil, salt, sodium, cornstarch, MSG, and other such deemed unhealthy, have the lowest rates of cancer, heart disease, and, other diseases. I am wondering if it is perhaps the fact that they use food 'combos' which all work together to fight disease, despite the unhealthy cooking practices?

I will have to do some research about this, but, I believe that I am on target. It has been proven that when used together, certain foods are disease fighting miracles. So, if they use fish, onions, mushrooms, onion, green onion, peppers, and, other such, all in the same dishes, is there some kind of magic being worked which overrides the use of oil and sodium and other such? Cornstarch has been proven to block arteries, so, I personally, quit using it some time ago. I had to learn how to use flour in all dishes, which is not easy, as it does not like heat, but, I have found tricks to using it, though not 100% effectively...

Could it be the Western versions of the oils, soy's, and other health less cooking practices, which makes it more unhealthy for us then for them? I have to know. I have worked in Japanese restaurants, and, cook a lot of Oriental foods myself (though I have learned ways to make it more healthy), and, I have to say, they use a lot of what we would call unhealthy things when they cook, so, there has to be a logical explanation for this...

I am off to find some answers, if I can. It has to be that the foods they eat are working together as preventatives, it just has to be...