Showing posts with label by. Show all posts
Showing posts with label by. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2015
Nourished By Mother Nature
That lovely sunset is compliments of Mother Nature and Aruba. Betchya didnt even know I had snuck away, did ya? Yes, my Hungarian clan descended upon this tropical paradise to witness the nuptials of my niece. I fear this charming little Dutch island will never be the same. Ooooooh boy!
Anyways, before I left, the temperature and humidity here were actually bearable enough to venture out for a hike. Sadly, the heat index has prevented my Siberian husky and I from enjoying one of our favorite summertime activities, so we jumped at the chance to frolic in the woods for an afternoon.
As so often happens on our excursions, we were met by natures bounty, ripe for the picking. Ive written before about foraging for wild edibles, and really, it is the BEST feeling when you chance upon a smorgasbord, laid out by Mother Nature herself.
Todays find: wild blackberries and elderberries. Score!
When I returned from our adventure, I sent out this tweet:
As so often happens on our excursions, we were met by natures bounty, ripe for the picking. Ive written before about foraging for wild edibles, and really, it is the BEST feeling when you chance upon a smorgasbord, laid out by Mother Nature herself.
Todays find: wild blackberries and elderberries. Score!
When I returned from our adventure, I sent out this tweet:
The overwhelming consensus from the Twitterverse: make berry cobbler!
Okay, you dont have to twist my arm.
Okay, you dont have to twist my arm.
Setting the elderberries aside for now, I had some fresh figs from my brothers tree – this magical tree is crazy with fruit this year, it just wont quit – that I thought would make a nice addition to a crust. No fresh figs? No worries. Substitute pitted dates instead. Not a traditional berry cobbler by any means, but Ive never been much of a traditionalist.
Cream
1 1/2 C raw cashew nuts
1 1/8 C filtered water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 C local raw honey (or agave nectar)
1 vanilla bean, scraped
Place cashews, 1 cup water, salt, honey, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high speed for about a minute. Add a little more water and blend until smooth and creamy. Place in refrigerator to settle. (NOTE: the cream may seem runny at first, but once refrigerated it thickens)
Crust
1/2 C pecans
1/4 C flax seed, ground
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 fresh ripe figs (can substitute 3-4 pitted dates), chopped
Fit the food processor with the S-blade and mix until combined and crumbly. Dont over process.
Berry Filling
16 oz blackberries
splash of fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp local raw honey (can substitute agave nectar)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
Set aside half of the berries. Combine the other half with honey, cinnamon, sea salt, and a splash of orange juice in a food processor or blender until smooth.
To Assemble
1. Cover the bottom of your favorite lil bowl or ceramic ramekin
with crumble, pressing gently to form a crust.2. Pour in a nice dollop of cashew cream.
3. Spoon berry filling into the center of the cream, top off with some whole berries, and serve.
4. Eat. Die. Go to heaven.
Such an easy, elegant dessert to serve your dinner guests in the summer. I enjoyed it as is, but you could also pop the ramekins into the dehydrator and warm before serving.
As for the elderberries, youll have to check back on Friday to find out what I made with them. Tease, I know.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Cancer and Nutrition Healthy Foods Support the Body by Jillian McKee
Today we have a special treat, a guest post from Jillian McKee, a colleague of mine from the USA. Jillian has been working at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for 4 years and firmly believes in the importance of nutrition during cancer therapy. Enjoy!
For more on Jillian go to http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm
"The following article informs us of the benefits of eating a healthy diet, during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease." Jillian McKee
Read more »
For more on Jillian go to http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm
"The following article informs us of the benefits of eating a healthy diet, during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease." Jillian McKee
Cancer and Nutrition: Healthy Foods Support the Body
Eating a balanced diet is important for everyone. For those coping with cancer, a nutritious diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is especially important. It can help to support the body, mind, and spirit during the stress of diagnosis, treatment, and day-to-day life.
Although diet alone does not cure cancer, good nutrition may significantly help cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for nutrition during cancer treatments, those dealing with all kinds of cancer, from skin cancer to mesothelioma, should eat healthy to help feel better, tolerate treatment, and hasten recovery from surgeries and infections.
Cancer itself stresses the body and causes metabolic changes. Many lose their appetite and suffer drastic weight loss. Treatments can cause nausea and even affect the way food tastes. If the immune system is already weakened by poor nutrition, healing and recovery will be more difficult.
Protein is essential for cancer patients. It repairs body tissues and supports the immune system. Stresses placed on cancer patients increase the need for protein. Healthy proteins like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, lentils and soy build the body’s defenses and offset the weight loss and muscle weakness that may occur.
Good fats are also important for those with cancer. Natural sources of fat, such as olive oil, flaxseed and nut butters boost the immune system and keep the body flexible. Saturated fats derived from animals, such as meat and cheese, are also helpful in moderation. It’s necessary to avoid trans-fatty acids as these fats raise cholesterol levels and contribute to body inflammation.
Carbohydrates provide energy and help to boost mood. Healthy carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These support the immune and digestive system that are often weakened during cancer treatments. Carbohydrates provide the needed fuel for physical activity as exercise is also important part of coping with cancer.
Fluids, especially water, are essential during cancer treatment. Because the body can lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, staying hydrated is an important part of keeping the system functioning. Staying hydrated also helps the brain stay alert and keeps blood vessels supple. A variety of fluids, including milk, tea, and juices, help keep the body hydrated and restore lost minerals and vitamins.
Supplements can aid in the intake of vitamins and minerals, but nutritionists and cancer experts warn that taking high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C or E during treatments may be harmful and compromise the treatment. It’s important to discuss the need for supplements with a healthcare professional.
A healthy diet rich in nutrients from natural sources supports the immune system, boosts energy and elevates mood. Along with exercise, eating well is a powerful tool anyone can use to make cancer a little easier to handle.
Although diet alone does not cure cancer, good nutrition may significantly help cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for nutrition during cancer treatments, those dealing with all kinds of cancer, from skin cancer to mesothelioma, should eat healthy to help feel better, tolerate treatment, and hasten recovery from surgeries and infections.
Cancer itself stresses the body and causes metabolic changes. Many lose their appetite and suffer drastic weight loss. Treatments can cause nausea and even affect the way food tastes. If the immune system is already weakened by poor nutrition, healing and recovery will be more difficult.
Protein is essential for cancer patients. It repairs body tissues and supports the immune system. Stresses placed on cancer patients increase the need for protein. Healthy proteins like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, lentils and soy build the body’s defenses and offset the weight loss and muscle weakness that may occur.
Good fats are also important for those with cancer. Natural sources of fat, such as olive oil, flaxseed and nut butters boost the immune system and keep the body flexible. Saturated fats derived from animals, such as meat and cheese, are also helpful in moderation. It’s necessary to avoid trans-fatty acids as these fats raise cholesterol levels and contribute to body inflammation.
Carbohydrates provide energy and help to boost mood. Healthy carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These support the immune and digestive system that are often weakened during cancer treatments. Carbohydrates provide the needed fuel for physical activity as exercise is also important part of coping with cancer.
Fluids, especially water, are essential during cancer treatment. Because the body can lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, staying hydrated is an important part of keeping the system functioning. Staying hydrated also helps the brain stay alert and keeps blood vessels supple. A variety of fluids, including milk, tea, and juices, help keep the body hydrated and restore lost minerals and vitamins.
Supplements can aid in the intake of vitamins and minerals, but nutritionists and cancer experts warn that taking high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C or E during treatments may be harmful and compromise the treatment. It’s important to discuss the need for supplements with a healthcare professional.
A healthy diet rich in nutrients from natural sources supports the immune system, boosts energy and elevates mood. Along with exercise, eating well is a powerful tool anyone can use to make cancer a little easier to handle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)