How many eggs do you eat a week??

For our family we eat 24 eggs a week, minimal.

We have a local friend who has chickens and we are lucky enough to get to buy organic, fresh, local eggs from him every Monday. Jeff was in the process of building us a chicken coop so we could have our own eggs, but then we got the dog and that process stopped. Until we can figure out how to do both, we will be buying our eggs from our local friend.

Eggs have a ton of health benefits but often get a bad rap for being fatty and high in cholesterol. I don't buy it. Read the health facts below to get an idea of some of the benefits of eating eggs.




http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-eggs.html
10 Health Benefits of Eggs

Published on April 17, 2006


Health Benefits of Eggs

Some of you may have eaten eggs over the Easter weekend so I thought I'd post ten health benefits of eggs (and it doesn't count if they were chocolate eggs!)

1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.
4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

*Also, the reason we don't buy our eggs in the store is because to buy them organic it is way too expensive.... but I do think organic eggs are worth it. I don't buy all organic groceries but I do buy only organic eggs. This is basically why:

By Joseph Moritz
Eggs
Though they are a terrific source of protein, most eggs are produced using a range of antibiotics and hormones on the chickens that bear them. Given this, the health gains of eating organic eggs are similar to those of drinking organic milk. Essentially, organic eggs mean fewer hormones in the chicken and fewer foreign hormones (or chemicals acting as hormones) in your body.

Read more: http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_150/175_eating_well.html#ixzz1i8HloGaC

Let it Go, Let it Go. Let it Go.

This the the non-order my house was in all day today, and you know what? It was awesome. I even left it like that while I snuggled up for a nap sandwiched between B and A.

Christmas break thus far has been one thing after another. Going here, there, everywhere and today we just stayed home and chilled.
We woke up early and hung out. Watched some movies. Then I called my friend who lives too far away and just had a baby girl. I made pumpkin pancakes with coconut milk and my kids gobbled them up. We did crafts. I tried a new bread recipe. I did dishes forever it felt like. Made taco soup with fresh tomatoes that was delicious. The kids played. M and I did some puzzles. Jeff got home earlier than expected. A was in her nighty until 5:00pm. I love these kind of days. There is something really healthy about just being at home, hanging out, relaxing, napping, baking.... Christmas break therapy right here!




Then tonight, after I got dressed and dressed A, our teenage friends came over for dinner and to play with our kids so that Santa and I could go finish our shopping. We only had one more thing and we got it so we are completely done and ready. What a good feeling.
We love these girls! They take such good care of our kids and they love doing it. They seriously ask us when they can come babysit.
And to make this a healthy post they even tried the fish oil! Yep, they did and guess what they had to say about it?
H (the first to take the plunge) "it tastes like peaches."
T "it does taste like peaches."
So there you have it. Santa, if you are reading this you know what to give these girls in their stockings!

Is Your Laundry Detergent Safe?

Mine is. Because I make it.
It does take a little time but it's worth it to me.
Below is the recipe I use with the step by step directions.
Here is the email I received in my inbox today that I read with ease, knowing that it didn't apply to me! What a relief. If this article does startle you, change. It's never to late!

Homemade Laundry Soap
What you need
> 5 gallon bucket
> Storage containers (with a pump if you prefer)
> Fels Naptha soap ( I have used this but I currently use THIS!)
You can use whatever bar soap you like, probably. I don't know for sure but both have worked for me
> Borax
> Washing Soda

Grate 1/3 bar of soap and put the flakes into a large saucepan with 4 cups of water. Heat and stir until the soap flakes dissolve.

In liquid measuring cup dissolve 1/3 cup Borax and 1/3 Washing soda in 3/4 cup hot water.

Pour the bar soap mixture into the bucket and add the borax solution. Add enough hot water to make 2 galons. I don't measure I just add enough hot water until the bucket is like half full.
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Then it sits on my kitchen floor and I stir it with a long handled wooden spoon every 15 minutes or so until it's completely cooled.
Then pour it unto the containers.

Use 1/2 cup per load.
Shake before using.

So that is it. I have never kept track of how long one batch lasts but it's quite a while.

Also, the soap I use now for the flakes is THIS (like I said up above) and it is good stuff as well. My Gramy orders it and she likes to keep me stocked up on it so I use that as well. It's good stuff too, as far as I know, but I haven't carefully researched it.

Healthy Holidays

This time of year it is easy to use the excuse, "it's Christmas" and allow yourself to overeat or binge on sweets. Here are some little tips that I would recommend to have a happy and healthy holiday.

1. Keep drinking water. Lots of water. I know that when the weather is cold water doesn't sound as good. At least not to me. So I warm it up and make herbal tea. Another way to get your water intake up is to leave your cup somewhere where you see it often. My kids' cups are always on our kitchen table. That way whenever they walk by they see it and take a drink. The benefits of water are many!

2. Share. We really like eggnog but it is not something that I think is healthy, at all. There is a local joint (Cruisin' Coffee) and they have an AMAZING egg nog milkshake. I have loved it since I was young. It's thick and creamy and oh so good. We share one. We buy one, once a year when we go caroling as a family and we share it. One milkshake, five slobbery mouths on the same straw. We each get a taste and the goodness lasts the whole season. We all love it and we don't have tummy aches afterwards.

3. Make your own frosting! I am all about baking Christmas cookies and delivering them but making my own frosting is a must! Have you ever looked at the label of store bought frosting? Way too many ingredients in there for anyones liking. Make your own with 4 ingredients: Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, whipping cream. It's not healthy but it is free of tons of preservatives and unknown ingredients.

4. Eat a good healthy breakfast. If you are anticipating eating sweets during the day make sure you aren't eating sugary cereals or sweet treats for breakfast. Instead have a hard boiled egg or a handful of almonds. Your body needs some protein and fiber and breakfast is still an important meal to get your digestive system up and running.

5. Don't let yourself get constipated. Ew, did I use that word on my blog? No one likes it, especially not your gut. The longer the waste is in your body the more toxins leach out. So get it out of there! Sugar constipates you if you didn't know that already. Epson salt baths work well to keep things flowing, as does drinking lots of water and continuing to maintain a healthy diet. Calcium supplements also work and my next point works too, rest!

6. Get lots of sleep. Bed time is still the same around here during break.

7. Experiment with healthy side dishes. Lots of times if you go to a party, all the food is junk. So you be the one to bring the veggies or the hummus and rice crackers. Then at least you can eat it and most likely others will have some too!

8. Don't eat after dinner. I know this is tough but it's so true. An empty stomach is so healthy. It gives your body a chance to completely digest what is already in there without piling more on top. Instead of ice-cream or cookies have a warm cup of tea or a glass of water. Suck on a vitamin C if you need something in your mouth.

9. Get outside. Although the weather is cool, get out and enjoy it. Fresh air is good for you! Take the kids for a walk or send them outside to play too. No one wants to be cooped up in a house all day.

10. Only eat your favorites. Just because your neighbor brought over a tray of cookies doesn't mean you have to eat all of them. That is silly. Today, I took a bite of a cookie our friends delivered on Friday, and when it tasted stale and old I spit it out into the sink and threw the rest away. Yuck. Don't eat it just because it's there. If it doesn't taste 100% to you than toss it. We can't be wasting sugary calories on mediocre treats.

11. Take the time to relax. Sit in front of your Christmas tree. Watch a good Christmas flick. Visit with old friends. Soak in a hot tub. Enjoy the season and the peace it can bring into your life.

Supplement Monday

This stuff is totally money.
I am not naive enough to think that this alone cured my strep throat but I can testify that when the antibiotics didn't work I started gargling this stuff twice a day and the bacteria died off.

So. Here is what worked for me. I did a cleanse, for one. I stopped eating sugar of any kind. Fruit, grains, potatoes.... So I completely cleansed my body and then I upped the amount of vitamins I was taking and I took 2 Tbs. of this stuff a day until I felt better.

I no longer take it. Rumor has it you can actually turn blue from too much silver, but the key here is too much. I took it for about 3 weeks and then I stopped. I felt better. The bacteria was no longer. Now I take this stuff at the first sign of illness as a preventative immune booster.

No side effects whatsoever!

Antibiotics and health

My husband is so cute sometimes. Tonight he found this article and told me to read it, which I did. And I liked it. And I liked that he knew I would like it and insisted I read it. And I liked that I agreed with it.

You can read the article here.

Antibiotics are a touchy subject, as most are that I discuss on this blog. My kids have never had an antibiotic. I don't think they are a healthy choice. I took 2 rounds of antibiotics last year when I had strep, for the sole purpose of not spreading the bacteria to my family. When they didn't work I was further convinced of their lousiness and more determined to continue to avoid them.

Here is why I personally choose to avoid them:
They mask the underlying issue. If you catch an infection it is because something is not balanced in your body. I honestly believe that if you are as healthy as you possibly could be infection would not be able to live in your body (of course non of us are but we can all strive to be!!)
They are a quick fix. I don't believe in quick fixes and I don't think they are effective long term. If your body is sick I believe that with time, rest, extra nutrients and vitamins, Your body will be able to heal. Patience is key here.
They kill everything in your gut. The good and the bad and the aftershocks are, to me, more detrimental than the problem originally trying to be solved.
There are other alternatives. I use homeopathic remedies, vitamin supplements, water, honey, colidial silver.
They are causing other issues, as you can read in the above article.
Often people get sick. Take an antibiotic. Get well, temporarily (because their body is still unhealthy), get sick again with the same thing or something different, take another antibiotic.... and they never heal. They never solve the problem. They actually worsen the problem because the antibiotics kill off the good guys too and so a small problem is increased and masked and increased and masked again.

Do you notice the vicious cycle I am referring too?

So antibiotics DID NOT kill my strep. I promise. I will tell you what natural remedies did, tomorrow.
Stay tuned.

sugar craves sugar!!!

Today I was listening to the radio and loving all the Christmas music and the broadcaster dude was telling all the listeners that they would probably want to start parking in the back of the lot at the store to burn those few extra calories that they've been eating. It made me laugh. Do people really think that parking a little further away is going to do anything? Maybe I'm the funny one but I'm not buying it.

Here is my advice and if you want to mock it, you can because I guess I am mocking his advice.
Sugar craves sugar. Right now everyone is surrounded by sugar and the more you eat, the more you indulge, the more you will want. It's true. So don't let sugar control you. You control the sugar. Don't eat it just because it's there. It's not worth it. Grab a handful of almonds, an avocado, a hard boiled egg, some carrot sticks or my favorite... A cup of herbal tea. Now that does the body good.

Supplement Monday

Today's Supplement is Classic Ambrotose Complex.
This is the product that Mannatech (the whole food vitamin company that I use and that I am a distributor for; check out right hand side bar) has a patent on. That is cool!
I will make a note here too. I am not a salesman. Period. I love these products and I have seen dramatic results by using them. At the same time I still use other products that I find to be effective but this one product is one of a kind and I really believe in it. So, no I am not trying to sell you something. I am just providing you with information that I have found helpful to sustain and improve health. That is why I designed this blog in the beginning.
This product is sold in a powder form and I take 1 Tbs. a day and I give my kids 1 tsp. each a day. I just mix it with an ounce or so of water, for me, but my kids don't like the taste of it with water so for them, every day with breakfast I mix it up with Kefir and give it to them on a spoon. It's the consistency of yogurt when it's mixed with Kefir and they love it! I just add 3 tsp. (for 3 kids) to a small bowl with about a 1/4 cup of kefir and mix it together. Then I feed it to them on a spoon until it's all gone. They all want the last bite!

Here are the facts from their website
http://us.mannatech.com/products/health/product-ambrotose-complex.html
Classic Ambrotose® Complex
Designed to support your immune system, starting with your cells*

Polysaccharides, also known as glyconutrients, play critical roles in supporting and maintaining health and the immune system. The Ambrotose complex includes patented technology and a blend of these plant-sourced polysaccharides.* This breakthrough product recognizes that your body is made up of cells, which when kept healthy, contribute to healthy bodies.*
Overview

People who have a healthy immune system experience more energy and endurance. Add Ambrotose products to your diet and…

Increase immune system support*

Support digestive function*

Improve memory and cognitive function*

Enhance mood and decrease irritability*

Mannatech's Ambrotose products are:

Plant- and naturally sourced

Cutting-edge technology

Tested and certified by NSF International (an independent third party organization that develops standards and certifies products in more than 100 countries).

Manufactured in conformance with federally established cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices)

Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee+

Tuna and cauliflower

So last night we had cooked cauliflower with our dinner. I just baked it, no butter just plain. I think it's good. The kids aren't huge fans of cooked cauliflower but they ate it raw. Needless to say I had a bit of cooked cauliflower left over.
So......
Today when I made tuna fish and crackers for lunch what do you think I did?
Yep!
I mixed the tuna with mayo and cooked cauliflower. And sure enough they, and their father, and I, all at gobbled it up for lunch.
Raise the roof!

oh yes I did!

Ok so just so that you all aren't fooled into thinking that I ALWAYS make my treats healthy I will tell you what I made today.

My Aunt Angela's Nanimo Bar Recipe. Delicious.
Plus
Instead of making the filing vanilla, I added egg nog.

So they are chocolate nanimo bars with egg-nog filling.

Um, don't even begin to think that these are healthy!

These are a special treat and Yes, I do believe in a special treat once in a while.

My mouth is watering just typing this post. The YW are going to be pleasantly surprised when I serve them these for our Christmas Magic activity tonight. They have really come to like my healthy, bean, cookies.

Supplement Monday (on Tuesday)

Wow! I love this time of year and although I am typically busily running around making gifts, shopping sales, baking cookies, doing crafts... this year I can truly say I am soaking up the joy and peace of the season. I am relaxed. I have a lot to do but I am learning to delegate, to say "no" and to put some projects off until next yhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifear. It's ok. It's all good and I feel a lot of relief and a sense of calm. I really like that feeling.
I guess that is also my excuse for not doing a supplement post for the past couple weeks. Last night I knew which one I wanted to post but when my husband grabbed the Christmas book we are reading together this season I just couldn't deny him. The invitation to sit with him, by the twinkling tree, and listen to him read out loud while being warmed by the fire was too irresistible. And so it is Tuesday and life goes on.

So...
This supplement is HLC Neonate Powder. I love this stuff. It is great for babies with digestion issues (spit up, super loose stool,...) but I give it to alhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifl my kids this time of year. They don't mind the taste of it and I just have them open their mouths and tip back their heads and I pour the little spoon full on their tongue 2 times a day.

Did you know that skin issues (dry, rashy, cracked) is sometimes an issue of poor digestion? Well it's true. My little Adelle when she was a baby had super dry skin. I didn't know what it was or what it was from. My Naturalistic Dr. taught me a bit about probiotics, digestion, and skin and since then I have tried them and have seen really obvious results (like, no more dry skin!)

Check out some of the reviews of this product here.

Also, since I'm on topic and I know there are a lot of babies out there and a lot of breastfeeding moms out there I thought I would also share this tidbit; If you have an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your body (which most of us do either from poor diet or taking antibiotics) then that bacteria is passed onto your nursing baby. So, even if you are breastfeeding (which is totally AWESOME) I still always gave this to my babies to help their little developing systems.

an oldie but a goodie

A favorite lady of mine reminded me of this recipe tonight. She remembered it from a blog post a couple years ago. Check it out and notice how cute and little my Adelle was!

It's a good one!

Ironically I made it last Sunday...with a few substitutions:
Rice milk instead of Coconut milk ( I didn't have any coconut milk)
Zucchini instead of spinach. I sauteed the zucchini right in with the onions and garlic. It was tasty, I thought at least. Not a favorite with the fam.

On that note; every dinner doesn't have to be your kids' favorite. We don't make our kids eat all their dinner but we do make them try what's for dinner. If I do make something that isn't their favorite( I can anticipate this) I will have something else as a healthy side option that they can fill up on (veggies, tuna fish and cheese, hard boiled egg...)