Purple, green and orange veggies for health.

                                   I read this info in a Women's First magazine:
     Sweet Potatoes-fortify lungs. These orange spuds are nature's richest source of beta-carotene, a phytonutrient that strengthens the lining of the respiratory tract so effectively that even the aggressive flu viruses have trouble sneaking through. One a day will cut illnesses by 33 % according to Dr. Nadeau.
     Red Cabbage-fat blocker.  Oooh I like this one.  This vegetable is a flavorful way to ward off hibernation and pounds.  Toss the red cabbage into salads and soups.  This veggie is a top source of anthocyanins, plant compounds shown in Japanese research to shrink existing fat cells and prevent the formation of other. 
     Collard Greens-mood lifter.  Adding collard greens to your diet can keep you feeling sunny and serene through winter months, thanks to it's rich stores of pridoxine.  This B vitamin has been shown to stimulate the production of serentonin and norepinephrine-brain chemicals that increase feelings of happiness, curb carbohydrate cravings and soothe stress. 
                                  I think I'll incorporate all three in my diet.  :)

Grains.

My favorite grain is Quinoa.  I happen to love the texture and taste.  It also has high protein and fiber with a lower calorie count.  They sell a big bag of Quinoa at Costco for $10.00.  If you buy it by the box it can be high.  I have not tried amaranth yet but I think I'll pick up some and try it.

	CARB	CALORIES	FIBER	PROTEIN	FIELD-TO-TABLE-TIP
WHOLE WHEAT
	Bread	69 per slice	2 g	4 g	Seek out a slice with whole-wheat flour as the first ingredient.
	Bulgur wheat	76 per 1/2 cup, cooked	4 g	3 g	Pour boiling water over this grain, cover and let steep for 15 minutes.
	Pasta	100 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	4 g	Don't be fooled: Enriched wheat pasta has 1/3 the antioxidants of whole.
	Spelt	123 per 1/2 cup, cooked	4 g	5 g	Carb-starved? Gluten-sensitive people may be able to eat spelt.
	Wheat berries	113 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	5 g	Ice them! These freeze well and add skin-saving vitamin E to salads.
CORN
	Corn	59 per ear, boiled	1 g	2 g	Crunch a cob. Boiling corn releases more antioxidants.
	Hominy	58 per 1/2 cup	4 g	1 g	Hearty kernels are healthy; you can eat them straight from a can.
	Polenta	122 per 1/2 cup, cooked	2 g	3 g	Inspect labels to look for prepared polenta without added fat or salt.
	Popcorn	31 per cup, air-popped	1 g	1 g	No popper, no prob: Nuke 1/4 cup kernels in a paper bag 2–3 minutes.
RICE
	Brown rice	109 per 1/2 cup, cooked	2 g	2 g	Soak uncooked grains overnight to help skip blood sugar spikes.
	Wild rice	83 per 1/2 cup, cooked	2 g	3 g	Cooking time varies for wild rice; it's done when grains split open.
OTHER
	Amaranth	126 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	5 g	Bake cookies with amaranth flour for a sweet dose of whole grains.
	Barley	97 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	2 g	Select hulled barley instead of pearled to score more fiber.
	Quinoa	111 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	4 g	Rinse raw quinoa to shed a bitter coating and reveal its nutty taste.
	Steel-cut oats	100 per 1/2 cup, cooked	3 g	3 g	Breakfast is ready! Make steel-cut oats in a slow cooker overnight.

Get your finances in order & lower your stress!

    I took a Dave Ramsey 12 week study when back in Georgia.  It was $100.00.  I got 12 weeks of 2 hour classes, a book,  a workbook, acess to online tools, and  a cd book filled with all the classes , just in case you miss one or to refresh later.  Great for listening to in the car.  
    We have made many changes after going through this course, changes that have already saved us thousands.  It is worth it, if you are serious and work the steps to financial peace.  
 http://www.daveramsey.com/home/
      I also took a bible study called Crown Financial.  This is what the bible says about our money.  It was very enlightening.  We made lots of changes and paid off lots of debt going through this course.  I highly recommend  this to anyone interested in what the bible says about our finances.  And it says ALOT!
http://www.crown.org/

Pumpkin oatmeal bars.

My Aunt Jenny made these for Christmas this year.  OMGOODNESS.  They were sooooo yummy.   Ok so I'm sure I had way to many.    The recipe is on this link.  ENJOY this treat.http://cleangreensimple.com/2011/04/oatmeal-pumpkin-bars/

Raw Flax Seed Crackers

I found this recipe online after having a similar cracker with a raw hummus while in Atlanta, Georgia at R Thomas with one of my besties Meg.  Not only did I find the recipe but this chicks blog is full of yum yums.  And she has beautiful photos of the foods.  I'm looking forward to trying some of these unique raw creations.  * Gotta have a dehydrator for these.
http://www.veggie-wedgie.com/?p=792

Mango + Avocado YUM!

This really is one of the best combinations ever. 

Ingredients

• 2 Ripe Mangoes, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 1 Large Avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juiced
• 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Cilantro Leaves
• 1 Tablespoon Black Sesame Seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Hand mix all of the ingredients together and serve.

Water, water, water

 *  Add fruits , veggies, and herbs to your water to give them pizazz.
*  We like to put lemon slices and cucumber slices in a pitcher of water at night and drink it all the next day.  It is very refreshing.  
*  We also like adding lemon slices, cucumber slices, mint, and strawberries for a refreshing treat.  
*  These also make a great drink for showers, parties or small groups.
*  Another fun tip is to freeze the fruit in water in ice cube trays and add to sparking water for a fancy treat that taste as good as it looks.

No limits. Yes I can!

Need a little inspiration.  I want to do this with my body.  So I have started taking Yoga 2-3 times a week.  I have a long way to go but I am loving being able to move in ways I did not think possible.  I also lift weights, run stairs and take a variety of classes to keep things exciting.  For a mother of three who lives in a fifth wheel and home schools 2 children, this is mommy's time out. BTW this is not me in the photos.  

Be Thankful!

This is a beautifully written book on gratitude.  I really enjoyed it.  I have since kept a gratitude journal, writing the things I'm thankful for daily.   Gratitude= Joy

RAW MILK

Well there is way to much info on this subject for me to try to cover, so I'll post the links.  Very Interesting! Check it out.  But I will say our family enjoys raw milk whenever we can get our hands on it.  It has been hard to find since we move around often.  I have many friends who consume raw milk with their families and they love it.  In fact any testimonies are welcome!  Post in the comment box below. (Leslie)
http://www.raw-milk-facts.com/

Why is Raw milk not legal? So interesting.
http://mises.org/daily/5692

Interesting Info about your thyroid & X rays. (Dr. Oz)

Thank you Meg for sending this!  

My own cardiologist told me that radiation causes thyroid dysfunction. He  had radiation therapy and had to have his thyroid removed...there seems to be a legitimate link.THIS IS PRETTY SERIOUS STUFF!!

On Wednesday, Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women,thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it. Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms. 

By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday. I felt a little silly,
but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a
drawer. I asked why it wasn't routinely used. Answer: "I don't know. You
have to ask for it." Well, if I hadn't seen the show, how would I have known
to ask? 
http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-medical-imaging-history-chart-dental-x-ray-thyroid-guard/