Feeding My Chocolate Addiction With Love!!

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Category : News

So, you just love chocolate…most people do! It can be our downfall, but if we choose right, it can be our blessing. Let me explain what I mean by that. Most of the time it isn’t the chocolate that causes the problem; it’s the other ingredients that create harm and it’s those ingredients that do feed our addictions.

The cacao bean which is what chocolate is derived from is high in heart-healthy flavanols and antioxidants. When you buy a milk chocolate version; it is less than 50 percent cacao and at least half the bar is sugar. Now, if you purchase a chocolate bar labeled 85 percent cacao or more; the sugar content will only be 15 percent or less. The health benefits speak for themselves. In fact, one study shows that the bars containing 70 percent or more cacao showed improved blood vessel flexibility.

The ingredients as with any food, less is better. High-end chocolate is made with only cacao beans, cocoa butter, and cane sugar. Speaking of sugar, watch it, that’s the addicting part. Aim for 8 grams or less per ounce. It’s best to look for options made with stevia as a sugar substitute.

Natural additions such as almonds or cacao nibs (they are pieces of cacao beans the material from which chocolate is made), can contribute to health benefits, but avoid concocted ingredients i.e. caramel, which is straight sugar.

I, for myself, have opted to consume the dark chocolate bars as Montezuma or Guittard bars without sugar. The only ingredients are the cacao beans. I never liked dark chocolate before because it always had a bitter after taste, but these are pure ingredients, taste good and non-addicting. so, of course, I eat less and am satisfied. That’s encouraging for a chocolate addict to be satisfied with 1-2 pieces of chocolate and not the entire bar.  There is caffeine in all chocolate so I eat mine after lunch as not to interfere with my sleep. The dark chocolate which is richer in the cacao feeds the brain as well as the heart and blood vessels There are health benefits when you choose wisely.

Do watch your portion size, especially those who still insist on eating the sugar bars. As tempting as it might be to devour an entire bar, the nutrition facts only apply to a couple of squares…so limit yourself to 1-2 ounces per day There is a great recipe above for making your own healthy candy.
Brain Healthy Dark Chocolate Candies

To your health!
Marie

Chronic Stress Shrinks Your Brain

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Category : News

Now is the time to motivate yourself to make the necessary changes to reduce and possibly eliminate stress from your daily life. Stress does affect the memory and the emotions by reducing the activity in your hippocampus or “memory center” of the brain; and at the same time increasing the amygdala (the “fear center”). While this is occurring, the stress hormone cortisol stops the production of new brain cells. Thus leading to early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s. Stress also reduces the development of dopamine and serotonin which leads to depression.

Serotonin’s important role of the brain function has to do with your mood, learning, appetite, control, and sleep. A deficiency with the serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and alcoholism.

Dopamine’s role is one of pleasure and reward centers of the brain. Lack of dopamine leads to lethargy, decreased memory recall, anxiety, brain fog, lack of motivation, depression.

GABA, a neurotransmitter within the brain, blocks the impulses between nerve cells in the brain.  Deficiency in the GABA levels may be linked to anxiety or mood disorders, chronic stress, depression, muscle pain, headaches, as well as sleep issues and memory problems.

Chronic stress, my dear friends shrinks your brain. The prefrontal cortex which controls decision making, and well as the controlling of impulse behavior shrinks with long term stress. The hippocampus also shrinks with chronic stress; affecting learning, emotional regulation and memory. Stress also affects the blood-brain-barrier, which is supposed to protect your brain from harmful.
If Our Body Isn’t Healing, It May Be Stuck in Stress Mode

I care for your healing,
Marie

Sugar Free Chocolate Cake

Category : Desserts , Recipes

Sugar Free Chocolate Cake

Sugar Free Chocolate Cake

Prep: 20 minutes / Cook: 15-20 minutes
Inactive:1 hour, 30 minutes.
Total Prep: approx. 2 hours
Serving Size: varies, 12-20 pieces

Ingredients for the cake:
5 free range eggs
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup melted 100% grass-fed butter
1/2 organic maple syrup
1 tbsp. non-alcoholic vanilla
1/2 tsp. Real Salt sea salt
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
2 full squirts NOW brand organic stevia

Directions for making the cake:
*Whisk, eggs, oil/butter, maple syrup, stevia, vanilla,
and salt together.
*Whisk in flour and baking powder and mix well.
*Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
*Pour into a parchment paper lined cake pan and
bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F.
*Cool in pan on wire racks.

Ingredients for chocolate topping:
Melt together 1 and 1/2 2 oz. bars of Guittard Chocolate
unsweetened baking bars, and 2 tsp. coconut oil, 2 tsp.
organic honey and 1 tsp vanilla.
Shredded coconut to sprinkle on top of cake.

Finishing putting together the cake:
*Place a plate over the cake still in the pan, and carefully
flip the pan (invert) so the cake will end up on the plate,
(and the pan on top, remove pan and paper).
*Pour and spread the melted chocolate over the top and
sides of the cake.
*Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the finished cake.
*Refrigerate at least a couple of hours before
serving.

***Adapted from Dr.Jockers recipe, use organic ingredients
for flavor as well as health.

ENJOY!
Marie

The Anatomy of a Headache

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Category : Allergies , Diseases , News , Sleep

​According to Oxford’s Dictionary a migraine headache is a “severe headache, often accompanied by nausea and blurred vision.” Mosby’s Medical Dictionary states, “Allergic reactions, excess carbohydrates, iodine-rich foods, alcohol, bright lights or loud noises may trigger attacks, which often occur during a period of relaxation after physical or psychic stress.” A headache is the body’s chief warning signal of the body toxicity. The toxic load in the body has increased so fast that poisons are circulating in the bloodstream and cause irritation to the brain and nerves.

Swelling of the intracranial blood vessels around the scalp causes most headaches. During an onset of a headache, especially a migraine; the blood vessels in the brain continue to restrict because of stress, chemicals, sugars, and improper diet, which also disrupt hormone levels within the brain and body. The toxic flow throughout the body continues to build. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, stress, and pain medications only compound the situation.

Pain halts the digestive and elimination processes; so, most people will seek treatments to ‘cure’ their pain, but this systematic approach does not make the headaches go away and stay away. Instead, the headaches always return more frequently and may become more intense because the root cause has not been eliminated. Mild headaches can develop into migraine headaches and more drugs are sought…it’s a squirrel cage effect.

Proteinosis, which is poisoning from excessive protein, can cause headaches and a general achy feeling. Experts claim that a high protein diet will eventually destroy the entire glandular system. It places too much burden on the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

Allergy is defined as an abnormal sensitivity to substances that may be harmless to most people. Migraine headaches are also classified as an allergic phenomenon. Certain food additives and preservatives, as well as chemicals in colognes, cosmetics, perfumes and household cleaners affect headaches.

In fact, when your body is detoxifying of toxins, a headache may result; hard as it is to do I suggest to ride it out, or you will stop the detoxification pathways.

There are other avenues that the body will do when it is challenged with anatomical issues as it is trying to maintain homeostasis. When in doubt it can be the best suggestion is to seek medical advice to perform a scanning procedure to find the root cause and solution.

Keep a diary of your headaches…and start the process of elimination, you will be amazed with the results.  It’s a good thing the body is working as it should be.

To the body’s freedom,
Marie

Green Pea Salad

Category : Entrees , Recipes , Salads , Snacks

Green Pea Salad

Green Pea Salad

Servings: 3
Serving Size: approximate, 1 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Extended Prep: 1 hour, for thawing

Ingredients:
2 cups frozen green peas (thawed)
1/3 cup celery, diced
1/3 cup bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, (or to taste)
chopped fine
3/4-1 cup Gouda Cheese (chop into
small cubes)
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
1-2 Tbs. Soy-Free Vegenaise
(to taste)

Prep:
Thaw peas ahead of time. (In a hurry?
rinse in strainer with filtered water
til thawed.)

Making It:
1. Mix the first five ingredients together
in a bowl and add the vegenaise.
2. Add Sea Salt and pepper according
to your taste buds.
3. Mix well; refrigerate until ready to
serve.
Enjoy!

Are Your Household Products Safe To Use?

Tags :

Category : Allergies , Diseases , News

​We assume that the household products we purchase in the store are safe for our use, after all the stores wouldn’t sell anything harmful. Or would they? The air fresheners, multipurpose cleansers, detergents, bug sprays, and even beauty products have been created with toxic chemicals that can be detrimental to our wellbeing. According to Natural health experts, many of these products can cause birth defects, reproductive harm and certain cancers. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development has reported that levels of common organic pollutants are two to five times higher inside the homes than outside. The easiest way to be safe is by taking preventative steps. The following common household products need to be avoided for you and your family’s safety.

Air Fresheners: These fragrances used to clean and scent the living space air have unfortunate side effects. According to the Natural Defense Council, air fresheners contain hazardous chemicals called phthalates, which can cause respiratory distress, reproductive issues, birth defects, and hormonal abnormalities. Use an open window policy as much as possible to allow fresh air into your home.

Cleaning Solutions: Your common window, kitchen and other all-purpose cleaners, don’t just eliminate dirt and soot; but will also jeopardize your liver, kidneys and lung function. Many of these cleaners according to experts are made with 2-butoxyethanol, a key ingredient that gives these products their fragrance. Inhaling these products can cause a sore throat, narcosis, pulmonary edema as well as liver and kidney damage. Even the smallest amount inhaled in a confined space can be extremely harmful. My own experience shows a detrimental challenge to my lungs. While doing laundry, I unintentionally inhaled a spray cleaner De Solv It, I thought I had enough ventilation, but I was using too much spray on a badly stained tablecloth and the cleaner seriously compromised my lungs. “We do need to learn from the mistakes of others, as we do not want to make them all ourselves”. Bug sprays contain pyrethrin, DDT, and other toxic chemicals which can produce severe breathing problems if inhaled. “If it can kill the bugs what will it do to you.”

Cosmetics: The chemicals in our health and beauty products (hair sprays, perfumes, and deodorants) are high in phthalates which are used to bind the color and the fragrance. Also, aluminum is found in some deodorants as well as lead in some lipsticks. The chemicals are quickly absorbed through the skin into your system and lead to the same issues as stated above.
The Solution: Use Natural Products.

To reduce your exposures and regain your health, do a thorough elimination of the products containing hazardous ingredients. Investigate on-line…go to your local health store and replace with non-toxic organic solutions free of abrasive volatile organic solvents. Create your own cleaners with natural ingredients. such as: vinegar, Borax, baking soda, and essential oils. Laundry cleaners, many that have plant-derived ingredients. I use LOC from Amway for most of my cleaning products and even for ant and fly spray (kills the insects dead instantly) one quart water with 3-4 Tbls. LOC. Dr Bonner’s in the bath and even toothpaste.Crystal stick deodorant is non allergic and aluminum free.  Check for more resources:
http://frombirthuntilsunset.com/about/

mariexray@webtv.net
Marie

Delicious Cilantro Salad Dressing

Category : Recipes , Salad Dressing , Salads

Cilantro Salad Dressing

Cilantro Salad dressing

Serving Size: approx. 2 cups
Servings: varies
Prep: 15 minutes

*I suggest all organic ingredients for
robust flavor and health.

Ingredients:
1 bunch of cilanto, washed and stemmed
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp cumin
*(optinal: pinch of red or black pepper
if you like spicey)
2 cups extra virgin olive oil

Making It:
*In a blender thoroughly blend all the
ingredients and pour into a glass bottle.
*Keep refrigerated.
* For use on salads and other dishes
for that mexican flavor.

HOMEMADE BAR SOAP

Tags :

Category : Recipes

*Read all instructions carefully before starting.

Requirements:
A small (10X12″) dishpan
A glass or enamel 2–4-quart saucepan
1 12-oz.can of lye (sodium hydroxide)
48 oz. olive oil
10 oz. coconut oil (palm kernel are also
oils for lathering)
1.5-2.2 oz. of fragrance or essential oils
Plastic or rubber gloves
3 cups of water (refrigerated)

**Note: This recipe may be halved for
smaller amounts.

Instructions:
1.  Pour 3 cups of ice water into the 2-4 quart saucepan.
(I use a larger one as it gives more room for stirring
and to prevent splashing​).
2.  Slowly and carefully add the lye a little at a time, stirring
with a wooden or plastic utensil. (make sure you use plastic
or rubber gloves.) DO NOT breathe the vapor over the container
and keep children from the area. ABOVE ALL, use no metal.
​The mixture will get very hot. In the olden days, a sassafras
branch was used to stir, imparting a fragrance and insect
deterrent for mosquitoes, lice, fleas and ticks.
3.  Let mixture cool for one hour in a safe place
4.  Pour the oils into the dishpan, then very slowly and carefully,
pour the lye solution into the dishpan. Mix thoroughly, at least
15 minutes until it looks like pudding.
5.  Add the fragrance and the essential oils at this time (if desired)
and mix again.
Information on different oils: Moisturizing and conditioning, use
olive oil, cocoa butter, soybean, sunflower, or canola oil.
For lathering, use coconut, castor, or palm kernel oil.
6.  If using soap molds pour them into them at this time.
7.  If making bars, let the dishpan sit until the next morning or until
hard enough to cut into bars. Generally, 24-36 hours. It will get
harder after a few days. package the bars.
8.  Remove the molds and package after a few days.
9.  The curing process takes about two weeks.Note:

***This recipe has been revised from Hulga Cark’s book
The Cure For All Cancers.

Is Your Brain Being Plasticized?

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Category : BPA , Diseases , News , Sleep

Every year, companies in the US produce 100 billion pounds of plastic for the packaging of the food products The toxic substance–bisphenol A (BPA) is called the “plasticizer”,  is included in the plastic, making it flexible and less brittle. BPA is used in plastic bottles containing drinks, sodas, fruit juices and most frequently bottled waters, but also is found in many types of food containers. This chemical does make its way into the drink or food the container holds, and from there, into our bodies.

BPA has been a concern for those who worry about cancer risk; but it appears it may increase the risk of dementia as well. The bad new is, there is a steady stream of research showing that the BPA we are consuming makes problematic changes on the cellular level that can alter the brain operation. It’s best to avoid this chemical wherever possible. We are practically saturated by BPA because it is so widely used, lining the cans of soups, beer and soft drinks. It is also used in the receipts we receive at the grocery store checkout. Also, polycarbonate water pipes, some medical devices, eyeglasses, compact discs and dental sealants. The CDC says that more than 90 percent of us have BPA in our bodies. The highest level has been found in children. There are tests you can get to show what the levels are.

The chemical BPA shrinks the brain’s prefrontal cortex, creating damage to these neurons and synapses resulting in shorter attention span; making it harder to do mental work which constitutes switching one’s focus from one task to another. It also interferes with the communication and language areas of the brain, ruining spatial memory which affects the ability to remember where things are. Causing oxidative stress to the hippocampus, an important center for memory. Also expanding harmful brain inflammation by causing microglia immune cells to wander within the brain, which will harm neurons.Let’s not be deceived by the “BPA-Free” logo. Many companies will use BPS and BPF as substitutes, which researchers have found can be just as harmful to the body and brain–and maybe even worse.
mariexray@webtv.net Marie

WHAT! Give Up Meat? But Why?

Tags :

Category : Allergies , Arthritis , Diseases , News

There is truth in the saying “You are what you eat”. In the development of disease, many factors are involved. What you consume can be for your health and healing or for your suffering and early death.

The greatest threat to your health is the overconsumption and intake of animal products.  Basically, animal products include not only meat, but chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy as well. Overconsuming of these foods is the leading cause of excess weight, pain, ill health, disease, suffering, and death.

Now I am not saying everyone should become a vegetarian or vegan; that’s a personal choice. There is something that everyone can do, especially to take advantage of the intense research on this subject. Cut back! The overconsumption of animal products is killing us!

Fact: Animal foods including chicken and fish contains cholesterol, saturated fats and excess protein. Cooking these foods alters the protein composition which the body cannot break down for absorption. The saturated fats burden the circulatory and lymph systems, which will damage the vessels and will cause clog the arteries thus creating heart damage and atherosclerosis.

Fact: Heart disease has been the number one killer for over 100 years…it even outnumbers cancer.

Fact: When animal proteins are eaten daily; people are more likely to die of disease of cancers, diabetes, breast, prostate, and large bowel (colon and rectal cancers).

Fact: Osteoporosis is caused by an acid overload in the body; caused from excess dietary protein. In order for the kidneys to excrete this acid from the body it will pull calcium from the bones to complete this transfer. Of course, bones become very weak and brittle. Now this transfer of calcium to the soft tissues (arteries, skin, joints, internal organs and eyes) results in bone fractures, wrinkling of the skin, the formation of stones, cataracts, high blood pressure, degeneration of internal organs, loss of hearing, senility, and cancer. Meat also causes an increase in the urinary excretion of calcium.

Always caring,
Marie

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