RAW FOOD LIVING::: MAKE YOUR OWN NON-DAIRY MILK

WEIGH DAY:::

Weigh in day... DRUM ROLL.... 151. I lost 2.8 lbs this week.
GOAL::: 145/140 FOR MY HEIGHT 5'9

DANDELION LEAVES TEA::: POTENT LIVER CLEANSER

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday! This is not a food tip, but it's definitely a health tip: Dandelion leave tea is a potent liver cleanser.
I buy mine at Loblaws. I cut them up and put them in my coffee pot, and pour in the water as I usually would. The hot water drips in and I let it steep for roughly 15 minutes and enjoy. Oh, I also add slices of lime.

Here are some helpful hints on how beneficial Dandelion leaves tea are:::
Although you probably think of dandelion (Tarazacum officinale) as a weed, the plant is also medicinal and has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for centuries. Native Americans boiled the plant and used it to treat skin problems, while Chinese herbalists recommend dandelion for stomach problems and to promote milk flow during breast-feeding. Modern science suggests that dandelion leaves and tea brewed from the leaves may have significant health benefits.

Antioxidant Actions
Dandelion leaves also contain several antioxidant compounds, such as luteolin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, that help your body rid itself of potentially harmful free radicals. Free radicals form as byproducts of digestion, in your skin when you're in sunlight or if you're exposed to toxins. Over time, they can damage cellular membranes and DNA, raising the risk of cancer and other disorders. A study published in 2012 in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that animals fed dandelion leaf extract along with acetaminophen in high doses were protected from liver damage, compared to a placebo group. The researchers attributed this effect to the antioxidant properties of dandelion. More research into this potential benefit of dandelion compounds is still needed, but these findings are promising.

Anti-Cancer Properties
Research summarized on the Cancer Center website suggests that compounds in dandelion leaves have significant anti-cancer properties, at least in a laboratory setting. For example, a study published in the November 2002 issue of the ''Biological and Pharmacological Bulletin" found that a compound called taraxinic acid in dandelion stopped the growth of cultured leukemia cells and caused them to mature into a non-cancerous cell type. Another study in the January 2004 issue of "Life Sciences" found that dandelion extract caused cultured liver cancer cells to produce compounds that decreased their own survival. These findings are promising but still need further exploration in clinical trials with human subjects.

WHOA QUINOA

box of organic quinoa (cooked as directed), red & orange peppers, edamame, craisins, cucumber, 1/4 cup olive oil and juice of half of a lemon... You can also do 1-1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar instead of the oil & lemon juice my gf made this says its very healthy


Thank you Paula McCarthy for this awesome salad!!! 

1. Quinoa is Incredibly Nutritious

Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It is pronounced KEEN-wah.

It technically isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal (1).

In other words, it is basically a “seed” which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. They referred to it as the “mother of all grains” and believed it to be sacred.

It has been consumed for thousands of years in South America, although it only became trendy and reached “superfood status” a few years ago.

These days, you can find Quinoa and products made with it all over the world… especially in health food stores and restaurants that emphasize natural foods.

There are three main types of quinoa… white, red and black.

This is what they look like:

Here is the nutrient breakdown for 1 cup of cooked quinoa, or 185 grams (2):

• Protein: 8 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
• Folate: 19% of the RDA.
• Copper: 18% of the RDA.
• Iron: 15% of the RDA.
• Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
• Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
• Over 10% of the RDA for Vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
• Small amounts of Calcium, B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin E.

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THE BODY IS A TEMPLE:::

EAT WELL, SLEEP WELL AND YOU WILL LIVE WELL.

LEMON WATER:::

Thank you for sharing this tip Amanda D, and congrats on your weight loss! Keep up the healthy living! 

According to http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water these are the some of the health benefits of drinking sliced lemon in water.

I do this every morning. When I don't have a lemon handy I will splash a few drops of concentrated lemon juice in a glass. Try it! It's not only refreshing, but it's also healthy! 

• Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
  
• Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial 
  
• It balances maintain the pH levels in the body 

• Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins 
  
• It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile 
  
• It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium 
  
• It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases 
  
• It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid 
  
• It helps cure the common cold 
  
• The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells 
  
• It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute 
  
• It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
  
• It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne 
  
• It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems 
  
• Aids in the production of digestive juices 
  
• Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session
  

Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a glass of warm lemon juice. Its cleansing and healing effects will have positive effects on your health in the long run. However it is very important to note that lemon juice when comes directly in contact with the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice.

IT'S WEIGH DAY!!!

WEIGH DAY::: 

April is Spring Health Kick Off month! Join me and a bunch of other health happy people as we enter a NEW MONTH, NEW MIND. You can join in on the fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/WEAREHEALTH/ 

Or you can follow the blog http://livingvega-tarian.blogspot.ca where you will find weight loss tips, healthy recipes, and progress reports from myself and other participants.

Please do not hesitate to add your own tips, recipes and progress reports as well.

*** Even if you are struggling and fining it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during April, then please feel free to post your concerns. We have many people in the group who can support you, relate to you and encourage you****

Okay so last week when I weighed myself I was 158 lbs…. drum roll…. Now my scale says 153.2. I lost 4.8 lbs. I have 8.2 lbs to lose! Whoot whoot!

Last week I initially said I’d give myself five weeks. However, it appears as though it will be a much shorter period than that. I am estimating my pounds will melt off within three weeks without too much effort. Now if I keep on doing what I’m doing, haha, mastering discipline in regards to not eating after 6pm, then I’m certain the poundage will be gone within two weeks.

FLAX SEED AND IT'S BENEFITS

Thank you to my girl Paula for suggesting Flaxseed!

I know this seed quite well. When I was little girl my mom was what many would consider a hippie. She loved her yoga, her health foods and new age way of living. She stumbled across the flaxseed long before it was known for it's health benefits that we now know about. 

What my mom used to do was soak the seeds in water and then bring them to a boil. The seeds made a jelly substance and she would bottle it, then spray it on my hair. Myself and my two younger sisters have curly hair and was at times unmanageable, however, whenever she would apply this to our hair it was worked miraculously! 

Fast forward to ten years ago, I then stumbled on flaxseeds and started to add them to my salads. They taste great in salad. Flaxseeds are not only great for hair and tasty on salad, they also have awesome health benefits. Check out below what Victoria Maizes, MD wrote.

_______________________________________

This tiny seed provides 3 incredible benefits for your diet. 

First, flax is a great source of fiber. Most Americans do not get enough fiber in their diet. Each tablespoon of flax contains about 8 grams of fiber. This helps keep the bowels regular. Because of all the fiber, be sure to start slow (say, with a half-teaspoon) and build up. Otherwise, you may experience bloating.

Second, flax is a plant source of omega-3. Once again, most Americans are short on their omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids ("essential" meaning they must be consumed because our bodies don’t make them) play an important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body. Flax contains the shorter chain omega-3 called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Thus, it is not a replacement for fish or fish oil supplements that contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (ecosapentaenoic acid.)

Third, flax contains lignans which reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. The lignans alter the way your body metabolizes estrogens into safer forms.

As if this wasn’t enough, flax  has been shown to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. To reap the benefits, this requires a daily dose of 2 tablespoons. And flax can normalize the menstrual cycle by supporting the second phase (the luteal phase).

Safety: Other than the bloating that may occur in a new user, flax is very safe. It’s a food that has been with us for thousands of years.

How to: Start slow and build up. Remember to grind it. (It is useful to get a coffee grinder for this purpose. Preground flax spoils, or oxidizes, quickly. Unground, the impermeable coating may make it pass right through you, and you won't absorb any of the benefits.) Add it to cooked oatmeal, to pancake batter, or to yogurt. It has a nice nutty flavor. Don’t buy the oil as that eliminates the fiber and most of the lignans.

Blog written by Victoria Maizes, MD

TOMORROW IS WEIGH DAY!

Tomorrow is my 'WEIGH DAY'. Last time I weighed myself I was 158 lbs, which was last week... my goal is 145 lbs. I'm giving myself five more weeks to lose it slowly but surely. My height is 5'9 so 145 lbs is a healthy weight for me.
I'll let you know tomorrow what my scale says.

Also, April 1st I'm starting a health kick month. Wanna join in? Let me know. Doesn't matter if you have 100 lbs to lose or none at all, maybe you just want to get healthy! Let's do this.

 A NEW MONTH, A NEW MIND, A NEW BODY.

COCONUT AND SESAME SEED OIL DRESSING ON SALAD

Easy to whip up and yummmers:

Red peppers, yellow peppers, broccoli, purple spring mix, tomato, and love! 

Pour on a little sesame oil, with a little coconut oil and bam! You have your meal! 

It's healthy and yummy! A win win! 

Mmm

EAT FOR THE SPIRIT

GENESIS 1:29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. tYou shall have them for food. 30 And uto every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. Rainbow Foods Our food was created to be appealing to all of our senses - especially our senses of taste, smell and sight. Within the skin pigments and edible portion of these living foods lies a vast array of phytonutrients most of which have yet to be fully understood or documented by science. Be joyful and eat for abundant life.
Red Foods:  Trees: cherries, apples, cranberries, papaya, pomegranate Plants: tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries Herbs: beets, rhubarb, radishes	Nutrient:  Lycopene
Orange Foods:  Trees: oranges, grapefruit, peaches Plants: pumpkin, squash Herbs: carrots, sweet potatoes, yams	Nutrient:  beta-carotene
Yellow Foods:  Trees: lemons, pears, apricots, grapefruit Plants: corn, Squash, wheat, cantaloupe Herbs: rutabagas	Nutrient:  vitamin C
Green Foods:  Trees: avocados, olives, pears, lime Plants: cucumbers, peas, green beans, zucchini Herbs: broccoli, asparagus, greens, spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, celery, green onions	Nutrient:  lutein
Blue Foods:  Plants: blueberries, blackberries, mulberries	Nutrient:  Anthoocyanins
White Foods:  Trees: coconut, dates, pears, nuts Plants: white beans, oats Herbs: onions, cauliflower, garlic, horseradish, potatoes, turnips, mushrooms, parsnips, shallots, ginger	Nutrient:  Allicin
Purple Foods:  Trees: plumbs, prunes, figs Plants: grapes, blackberries, elderberries Herbs: beets, eggplants, cabbage

TO BOOK A SESSION: Contact Cerise directly by email- cerisefairfax@gmail.com Phone or text (416) 722-5233~~ TO ORDER BOOKS & AUDIO CD's BY CERISE: Please order online from www.cerisefairfax.com or contact Cerise directly by email.~~ YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN OUR ONLINE WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS. PLEASE EMAIL CERISE TO REGISTER. SPIRITUAL RETREATS ALSO AVAILABLE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU, LOVE YOU & PLACE EVERLASTING GRACE UPON YOU ~Cerise

SIZE OF YOUR FIST

MY WEIGHT LOSS:::
I am happy when I honour God by taking care of my temple:::
"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Think about this verse as you are about to abuse your body with unhealthiness. You might like food, and love eating and that is cool, however, do it in moderation because gluttony is a sin. A sin not only to God, but to your own body. Think before you eat. Say to yourself "Do I really need this. I know how it tastes, so I know what I will be missing. I can eat this another time, another time when I'm leaner and healthier."
Eat something more nourishing for your body, and do not eat too much of it. Remember that the size of your stomach organ is the size of your fist. If you cannot hold the food in one hand then you are overloading your stomach. If you overload your stomach then it will turn to fat as opposed to energy.
Eat to live, don't live to eat.

STIR FRIED EGGS

STIR FRIED EGGS

1. THAW A HANDFUL OF FROZEN VEGETABLES.

2. HANDFUL OF SPRING MIX

3. MIX IN AN EGG

4. ADD SPICES

5. FRY TOGETHER 

• Weight loss and maintenance: the high quality of protein within eggs has been found by researchers to keep people energized and feeling fuller for longer. Feeling full prevents unhealthy snacking and reduces overall calorie intake.

Possible health benefits

As suggested by their wide nutritional content, there are several health benefits that can be derived from eggs:

• Strong muscles: the protein within eggs helps keep muscles working well while slowing the rate at which they are lost.
• A healthy brain: eggs contain vitamins and minerals that are needed for the regular functioning of cells, including the brain, nervous system, memory and the metabolism.
• Good energy production: eggs contain all the daily vitamins and minerals that are needed to produce energy in all the cells of the body.
• A healthy immune system: likewise, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and selenium are all key to keeping the immune system healthy.
• Lower risk of heart disease: having a healthy immune system helps. Choline plays an important part in breaking down the amino acid called homocysteine, which is associated with the development of heart disease.
• Healthy baby development during pregnancy: nutrients within eggs help to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
• Healthy eyesight: lutein and zeaxanthin help to prevent macular degeneration, an eye condition which is the leading cause of age-related blindness. Other vitamins also promote healthy vision.
• A healthy appearance: some vitamins and minerals within eggs help promote healthy skin and work to prevent the breakdown of body tissues. A strong immune system also contributes to a healthy look overall.

Incorporate eggs into your diet

CURRENT WEIGHT LOSS 15 POUNDS

Woman emails me and says "Cerise, I saw your pics from your latest trip to Cuba. You lost the weight you said you wanted to. How did you do it? I've been trying to lose just 15 pounds since September and it's been so tough!"

Although I didn’t lose all the weight I wanted to, I still want to lose 10-15 more, but it was nice she noticed the first 15 I lost. She wasn't the only one who noticed a weight loss in me. My massage therapist noticed and so did my girl Magz who inboxed me and mentioned it. I do feel great, however, I still have plans to lose the rest within the next two months. I weigh 159 and would like to get to 145, my height is 5'9 so it's a good weight for me.

Some of you might remember in November I mentioned that I had a goal to lose 25 pounds. Well at that time I actually went up 5 more pounds, which left me having to lose 30 pounds. Eventually, by late December, I put my mind to it, then my discipline kicked in so I could finally drop pounds.
Just like twice back in the day, 25 years ago when I lost over 80 pounds after the birth of my daughter, then again 19 years ago when I lost over 60 pounds after the birth of my son, the pounds are melting off me again.

Actually, years back, approximately 19 years ago, as I was losing the weight after my son, I wrote a book on losing weight. I got 60 pages in and then put it away. I was in school and raising kids, so writing was not one of my first priorities like it is now, and the book got pushed back. Now mind you, I still hold the information in my head and that is what I am using now to currently lose the weight. I have 15 more pounds to go and then I will revise the book and make it available to those who also want to lose weight.

So back to the email, she asked me how I'm doing it. Well I can tell you this much, it's not with the assistance of protein shakes, pills etc, it’s with Will Power, and like I said before, discipline. I watch what I eat, I should exercise more, however, my injuries from getting hit by the car limits me and so I focus more on low impact exercising like walking and yoga.

Maybe I shouldn't be proud to say this, but I'm an ol pro at losing weight. Wouldn't that make sense anyway seeing that I was very heavy a couple of times? Gosh, at one point I was 260+ pounds. Can you imagine? 100+ pounds heavier than I am now, that's like carrying around an entire person.
I for one don't like extra weight on my body. It doesn't feel good, it makes my injuries from when I got by the car hurt more, and not only that it is not healthy at all to carry extra fat on the body, especially in the belly for women. I don’t judge others who are overweight and choose to be happy in their skin, so please do not take offence to this. However, on the flip side, in terms of health and longevity, one should really reconsider their lifestyle and at least live a quasi healthy lifestyle.

So for those of you who are willing to take their health more seriously, please feel free to follow the rest of my weight loss and also feel free to join me. I will be providing my recipes of what I’m eating on my website http://www.livingvega-tarian.blogspot.ca you don’t have to be a vegetarian to join in, but do try some of the recipes because they are geared to weight loss and healthy living.

In the meantime, look out for my weight loss book to come!
Xoxox
-Love Cerise.