A Place at the Table; film review
A Place at the Table: one nation, underfed Actor Jeff Bridges comments, “If any other nation in the world treated their kids this way, we’d be at war.” He…
My BRCA Genetic Test
I had my annual visit to the OB/GYN a couple of weeks ago, and in reviewing my health history, we discussed my risk factor for cancer. A few days prior, actress Angelina Jolie had announced that she tested positive in the BRCA genetic test, and had undergone a radical mastectomy. I hadn’t quite grasped, until her news broke, that the odds for breast cancer are over 80% if this gene is detected. One of my sisters had breast cancer ten years ago, and is now healthy without a reoccurance. One of my grandmothers died of cancer at a young age, 59. Although my parents are healthy and cancer free, my doctor suggested that I have the test. I was conflicted about it, hesitant, and to be honest, a little bit scared. The what-if’s came flooding in. What would I do if I test positive? Would I opt for surgery like many women do, including Angelina? What if I don’t get tested, will it haunt me? I’m healthy as can be. I practically live on green juice. I never get sick, I rationalized. But still, do I want to know? The bottom line in my decision making was my young son. …
Don’t hide the GMO’s
There’s an issue swirling around us in America and it’s a dark undertone to our nation’s food system. It’s called GMO’s, or genetically modified foods. A few wealthy companies have board members in prominent places throughout our past and current government, and as a result GMO legislation appears to move quickly and safely throughout our legal system. Never was this more clearly demonstrated than a couple of weeks ago, when a bill passed protecting GMO giant Monsanto from future legislation should anything negative associated with GMO’s ever be discovered. This bill was slipped into a larger bill, and signed by our President. Since then, over 300,000 Americans have taken issue with this back door approach. The truth is that Monsanto may indeed suffer lawsuits and damaging press in the future as more and more studies, both organized and anecdotal, come to light about the effects of GMO’s. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) tested GMO’s and reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with Genetically Modified (GM) food, including infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system.” They asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM…
Quinoa with Roasted Root Vegetables and Herbs
Quinoa is one of my go-to sources of protein and a great way to satisfy your cravings for heavier carbs like bread or pasta. Here’s a side dish that…
The Monsanto Protection Act- Time to fight back
Dear friends, I seldom get political on my blog, but I’ve decided that this issue is too important and needed to be shared. The media has grabbed hold of this issue, including Jon Stewart at the Daily Show, the NY Times, and The Huffington Post. If you don’t have the facts, please read the following post and get involved. This is a copy of an email received today from the organization Food Democracy Now. ……………………………………………… Build the movement to stop the Monsanto Protection Act – It’s time to fight back! With the passage of the Monsanto Protection Act into law, the American people have finally learned the naked truth about how corporations like Monsanto work quietly behind closed doors in our nation’s capital. Since then, Congress and the White House have been experiencing backlash as the American people are waking up to the corruption and backroom deals that steal our democracy. Despite this recent victory, Monsanto has never been more vulnerable and we can’t afford to let up on this important issue. So far, Food Democracy Now! has turned in more than 250,000 signatures from all 50 states to Congress and the White House. The number has since grown…
In My… Kitchen Drawer
I spend varying amounts of time in my kitchen. Sometimes I go on cooking binges and serve home cooked meals every day, for weeks on end, and other times…
Alien Juice (green smoothie)
My sister’s husband is set in his ways. He’s in good health, and he maintains his ideal weight, but he eats like a big kid. He makes faces at…
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
I had so many wonderful reactions to the Creamy Sunchoke Soup from a few weeks ago, I thought I’d keep going and share satisfying ways to end your winter…
In My… Makeup Bag
It was a dark day when I learned how toxic most of our commercial brands of makeup are, and I systematically make the switch over to healthy, toxin free, safe cosmetics….
Kale Salad in a Jar
The winner of our contest to win The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook, by Mark Hyman, MD is Abby White! Abby submitted this Kale, Cherry, Pistachio and Brussels Salad in a Jar to us, and it made us want to stop everything and try it. Brussels and kale are in season right now, so grab some fresh local veggies and start mixing! Abby tells us that this salad holds up well, even when you toss it with the dressing. I’m guessing it gives the flavors a chance to meld, and the kale and brussels time to marinate. Thank you, Abby, and thanks also to the fabulous other contestants. We received dozens of fabulous recipes, and it was a really tough call. The good news is that I decided to name a second place winner, who will receive a copy of my anthology, Optimism!. We’re announcing that winner soon, so stay tuned. Kale, Cherry, Pistachio and Brussels Salad in a Jar Ingredients 1 bunch of Lacinato Kale, thinly sliced 1 bunch of Brussels Sprouts, sliced into thin ribbons 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup of dried cherries 1/4 cup of pistachio nuts Dressed with 1 tablespoons of EVOO,…
