January 31, 2012

31 Days Completed

Congratulations, you have stepped up to the challenge of getting to a better you in 365 days.  The month of January is when most people decide to start a new weight loss program or to do something different in their lives that they may want to improve on.  However,  the months to follow usually end up with breaking those new good habits that were obtained that first month of the new year.  You did it now keep it going!  Don't let temptations get to you and don't fall off of the wagon.  Keep those good habits up and resit temptation and it will flee from you.  As mentioned earlier in the blog, there are still 334ays left in the year and you can make it to the end.  Stay focused and tuned into the month of February.  I am calling it " The Love Month".  Go over all 31 days in January, to include this one, and recap some of your favorite points and tips.  Write down ways you can improve your health, how to have a healthy kitchen, herbs that help ease stress, and other tips contained within The Bitter Herb blogspot.  You can do it!  Thank you for letting me into your life and I hope that these tips and advice will help you achieve a better you in 365 days.

January 30, 2012

Tests

When we think of tests we sometimes think of the regular routine tests that we should be getting annually.  We know that every year a new flu virus hits and people start to panic.  The flu vaccine is one of those tests that are routine and perhaps are not taken serious at times because they are so routine.  However, there are a few tests that we do not get that are equally as important and should be taken serious.

1.  Eye exam.  Recommended once a year and no less than one every two year.  An eye exam can detect problems, such as cataracts, that may not be visible just by looking in the mirror.

2.  Colonoscopy.  This is a test that can detect colorectal cancer and should be done once every tens year, starting at age 50.  The test may be performed more often in high risk individuals or those who have been diagnosed with colon cancer.

3.  STD's.   There is a chance that any of us could come into contact with someone who has a sexually transmitted disease, even if we are married and even if a person is a virgin.  It is important that we get tested.  STD's are commonly transmitted by sexual contact.  Some can be transmitted by blood transfusions, needle pricks, or other non-sexual transmissions.

4.  Drug Test.  This is true when it comes to our children and spouses. It can be as simple as testing for prescription drug abuse.

5.  Stress Test.  A stress test can be used to test for heart disease. Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test.

 

January 29, 2012

Don't let stress send you to an early grave

We know that stress is a silent killer and has caused many unexpected deaths even in healthy people.  Stress can be caused by many factors, but the one that has been causing stress in almost every household these days is "economic woes".  We have seen the news and have heard daily how someone has taken their live and the lives of their family members.   Yes, it is a reality that life as we knew it is no longer all peaches and cream. Perhaps financial loss has forced some of us to live within our means and to spend less.  We are all facing some even harder times as we walk through these hard economic times.  Don't be fooled, stress can send even a young person to the grave unexpectedly.  Some ways to ease stress may include some of the following tips:
1.  Hot Bath.  Use plenty of natural bath salts and olive oil.
2.  Take a walk down memory lane.  Think about the good things that life has given you.
3.  Write it out.  This is a method that many psychologist use to help calm stress in clients with anxiety disorders.
4.  Drink a natural herbal hot toddy.  NO ALCOHOL YALL!
5.  Read the good book.  Simply reading the bible can bring a calming effect.  Try reading the book of Psalms.  There are a lot of poetry and songs that can calm you down.
6.  Being lovable.  No need to elaborate on this one.  If you have a headache this is a good way to get rid of it.
7.  Detox your body.  There are times when we just need a good cleaning out.  Go for it!  Detox! You can go back to the elimination diet which consists of consuming only fruits and vegetables, or you can find another way to detox. 
8.  Let it roll off of your back.  Have you ever seen how beautiful the Swan looks?  The Swan swims gracefully and does not let anything upset it.  We could learn a lot from the Swan.
9.  Exercise.  Research has shown that any form of exercise is good for the body. It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and strengthen the heart. These are only a few of the many benefits of exercise.
10.  Balance.  Remember that there are only twenty hours in each day and what ever does not get done one day can be resumed the next day.  Balance work, rest, and play.

January 28, 2012

Road Test

Now that you have been following this or maybe another type of lifestyle change, you are ready to give that old scale a road test.  Go ahead, it is okay.  Remember that if you weigh yourself in the morning and then weigh yourself later ta night, you will see a HUGE difference in the numbers. Do not be alarmed, it is the gravity that weighs us down at the end of the day and everything that we have eaten or consumed will be there to greet us at the end of the day.  The end of the first 12 months is coming to an end, but do not get complacent with what you have already accomplished.  Road test the scale each day and road test your weekly meal plan.  There are a few new foods that we will discuss during the month of February.  Most of them will be foods that enhance LOVE.  What the world needs now is more love.

January 27, 2012

 10 Quick Healthy Snacks

1. Spinach Squares - 10 0z package of drained frozen spinach, 1 cup of low-fat cheddar cheese, 1 egg or 

    egg substitute, 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.  Mix all ingredients together, bake at 350 degrees for 35 -40 

    minutes.  Done when the top is brown and the cheese in brown.

2.  Popped Corn - Use "old fashion"  popping corn that is not microwavable.  Place 1/2 cup of popping corn

     into a brown paper bag, lunch size is the size you want, roll the top of the bag down about two times, put

     into the microwave over on pop corn setting.  It is done when the microwave stops, but keep an eye on it.

     It is tasty and has hardly no calories.  If you need some flavor go ahead and add some, but not too much.

3.  Trail Mix - Coconut flakes, walnuts, Cranraisins, Almonds, Dried Dates, and Carob Chips.  Place all 

     ingredients into a large plastic bag, shake, and eat.  You want about 1 cup of each ingredient.

4.  Mega Green Smoothie - 2 ripe bananas, 1/2 cup of other type of fruit, 1 1/2 cup greens, can be spinach, 

     kale, or chard, 1 pint or 16oz water.  Chop fruits and vegetables to be sure not to get too many large 

     chunks in the smoothie, add all ingredients to a high powered blender.  Mix well and enjoy.

5.  Vegetable Chips - 1 Sweet Potato, 1 Green Zucchini, 1 Yuca, 1 Beet, 1- 2 teaspoon herbal seasoning.  

     Be sure that the vegetables are dry before using or else they will not be as crisp.  Place thinly sliced 

     veggies in a large plastic bag that has 1/2 cup olive oil and herbal seasoning in the bottom of the bag. 

     Close bag and shake until all vegetables have a light coat of the oil mixture on them. Place chips on a

     cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper.  Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned

     in a 400 degree over, or use a food dehydrator if you have one available.  Enjoy.

6.  Seeds and Nut - Sunflower seeds, Almonds, Peanuts, and Dark Chocolate are good for quick sources of 

     energy.  Use wisdom and do not eat too much of any of the items above, especially the peanuts.

7.  Celery and Carrots - always good for a quick pick up in between meals.

8.  Pita and Hummus - Whole grain pita and any type of hummus.  Please see a quick easy hummus recipe 

     below.

9.  Fruit Salad - 1 Apple, 1/2 cup grapes, 1/2 cup melon such as honey dew, cantaloupe, or watermelon,

     1/2 cup pineapple chunks, and  plain yogurt.  Cut all fruit into bite sized pieces, except the grapes and they

     are good to go as they are, place in a large plastic bag, shake and let the juices flow together by letting the

     mixture sit in the "fridge" for about 30 minutes to an hour.  Top with plain yogurt and enjoy.  If you are 

     using canned pineapple chunks be sure it is unsweetened and it does not need to be chopped.  If you are 

     using frozen fruits be sure they are thawed before you put them into the bag,  Drain off all excess water.

10.  Cheese and Crackers -  Low fat cheeses and whole grain crackers are sure to be filling and make good

       alternatives to fast food and junk foods for a snack.

January 26, 2012

What Does a Healthy Kitchen Look Like

There are many ways to change our kitchens into a healthy kitchen.   A healthy kitchen is a kitchen that has the types of foods, drinks, and cooking utensils we will use in our lives for quite some time (unless Jesus tarries first).

A healthy kitchen is not going to come over night.  It will take time and patience to change our kitchens into healthier kitchens. Listed below are a few suggestions that will help jump start our kitchens into healthy kitchens.  KISS - Keep It Super Simple

1.  Stock up on whole grains and grain products.

2.  Buy lean meats, buy fish that has good omega 3 such as tuna, buy poultry that has low fat content.
3.  Stock up on green leafy vegetables.  Frozen can substitute for fresh and they can be stored much longer.

4.  Stock up on fresh fruits, when they are affordable.Frozen can substitute for fresh and can be stored longer.

5.  Dairy products are allowed as long as they are low in fat and do not contain cream.

6.  Use Olive oil and other healthy oils instead of butter or margarine.

7.  Replace soft drinks with real fruit juices and natural spring water or distilled water.

8.  Try to replace aluminum pots and pans with stoneware, corning ware, or Pyrex pots and pans.

January 25, 2012

Perseverance

Means steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.  This is true when it comes to preparing for any task in life.  We have to persevere in our effort to make our body's better in 365 days.  It is going to take every fiber in us to be consistent and keep up with the tips in this blog and other materials we may be using to get our body's better in 365 days.  Some of us may have already seen some small changes in our health if we have been following a lifestyle change with diet and exercise.  I personally have seen some changes in my own life.  Here are a few that I would like to share with you:

1.  Clothes fitting better.

2.  Attitude is usually upbeat and energetic.

3.  Ability not to let people get under my skin. : - )

4.  PMS either does not exist or is minimal.

5.  Over all feeling of lightness and less anxiety.

Remember if you do something daily, on a regular basis for 21 days, it will become second nature to you and you will  find yourself doing that same thing automatically.  Like making your bed daily.

 

LOVE, PEACE, and JOY 

 

January 24, 2012

ONE STEP CLOSER

For those of us who may be fasting, we are one step closer to completing our 21 day fast.  The challenge is to take it easy before delving into those things which we have given up for a period of time  during the first few weeks of January.  If we start to eat and drink everything in sight that we fasted, then our fasting is in vain.  What that means is that we have not done anything over the last 21 days except diet.  There is a huge difference between a diet and fasting.  Here are some tips on how to come out of a fast:

1.  Begin by consuming liquids into your diet.  This include water, coffee, teas, juices, and soups.  This 

     will also depend on what type of fast you were on.

2.  Close the fast with scripture reading and prayer.  Seal the deal.

3.  Introduce solid foods gradually on the second or third day after coming off of the fast.  Start with fruits,

     some grains such as oatmeal or barley, eat food raw and in their natural state.

4.  By the fourth or fifth day you should be ready to introduce other foods that you fasted into your diet.

Remember to thank God for the fast and to ask Him what is the next step you should take.

January 23, 2012

FASTING

Many churches go into the new year with January being the first month to do a 21 day fast.The leadership believes that this is the time to start things fresh with God by cleansing the church, the mind, spirit, and body.  Fasting is also a great way to detox the body from harmful toxins and expel waste from the temple(body).  

What is fasting?  Fasting is primarily abstaining from some or all food, drinks, or a combination of both for a period of time.  An absolute fast, or an Esther fast, is abstaining from all food and liquids any where from 24 hours to three or more days.(USE WISDOM WITH THIS TYPE OF FAST).  Fasting may also preclude sexual activity or other activities as well as food.  Please note that fasting from sex should be a mutual agreement between husbands and wives.  Why fast?  First and foremost is because the bible, Isaiah 58, commands us to fast.  Secondly, to have a closer walk with Jesus.  Third, to detox and cleanse the body, Fourth, for better health.  Once again, you want to be sure to check with your physician before beginning any type of exercise or lifestyle changes. 

January 22, 2012

Laugh

 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. "  This is a quote from the KJV Bible.  If the bible said it, who are we not to do it.  Life is too short to keep holding grudges on people who have done or said things that may have hurt us.  We have to learn how to "LAUGH OUR BUTTS OFF" and keep it moving.  I hope no one is offended by what I just said, but you all know how I roll.  If we learn how to get over those things that so easily beset us, I think we would see less crime, happier marriages, happier children , and happier "CHURCH FOLKS".   I also think that the health of many people would greatly improve if they just laugh.  Many years ago, I had a vocal coach tell me to picture everyone in the audience nude in order to relax before singing.  I did it and it made me say "YUCK" at first but it also made me laugh.  I have used this technique for years, especially when going on job interviews.   I have found that the trick the vocal coach taught me years ago still works today.  Go ahead try it and then, "LAUGH YOUR BUTT OFF".

January 21, 2012

Strength Training

We've talked about the benefits of exercising, which includes walking, but we have not gotten into the types of exercise that can help shape and mold the body and help keep in looking fit.  Strength training is a great way to get the body toned.  is the use of resistance to muscular contraction to build the  strength, anaerobic endurance, and size of the skeletal muscles.  When properly performed, strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being, including increased  bone,  muscle, tendon, and ligament strength and toughness, improved  joint function, reduced potential for injury, increased bone density, a temporary increase in  metabolism, improved cardiac function, and elevated  HDL, or good, cholesterol.

Words Associated with Strength Training:

Exercise - involve muscles in different ways to work a specific muscle group.

Form - movement designed to maximize safety and muscle strength gains.

Rep - short for repetition,  is a single cycle of lifting and lowering a weight in a controlled manner, moving through the form of the exercise

Set - a set consists of several repetitions performed one after another with no break between them with the number of reps per set and sets per exercise depending on the goal of the individual.

Tempo - the speed at which an exercise is performed.

January 20, 2012

Herb Of The Month

The blog is called The Bitter Herb.  We know that the bitter herbs in the bible were a lot different than the herbs that are used today.  However, herbs are still the most natural and healthy way to heal our body in a natural way.  The herb for the month of January is " Juniper Berry". since it begins with the letter "J" and January  begins with the letter "J" I thought that it would be appropriate to be consistent (SMILE).  

What is a juniper Berry?

An adrenal stimulant; helps with shortness of breath; treats gout and rheumatism by helping the elimination of uric acid, by way of the urine; dissolves kidney stones and prostate sediment; increases sexual passion; helps regulate blood sugar levels; acts as a diuretic by removing accumulated fluid in the body; helpful in the treatment of asthma, bladder infection, obesity, and prostate disorders.  Juniper Berry is of the female seed cone, it is not a true berry but a seed cone.  It is used in European cuisine as a spice.  Western American Native Tribes are also reported to have used the juniper berry as an appetite suppressant in times of hunger and/or famine. Currently, the juniper berry is being researched as a possible treatment for diet-controlled diabetes, as it releases insulin from the pancreas (hence alleviating hunger).   

^{*Juniper Berries can be purchased at local health foodstores.}

January 19, 2012

Sleep

There is not enough that can be said about getting the proper amount of sleep each night.  I for one am guilty of not getting enough sleep.  I can tell you that I can feel the difference in my body and the way I function when I do not get the proper amount of sleep.  I can also tell the difference when I do get the proper amount of sleep.   Research has shown that there is no set number to determine how much sleep is needed.  However, research has also shown that sleep is important and the lack there of can lead to serious complications later on.  Sleep patterns are determined by our activity during the day, age, health and what the body needs.  Our bodies are machines, if you will, and you get out of them what we put into them.  If we constantly run any piece of machinery, it is going to wear out.  Well, the same is true for our body.  If we do not get the sleep we need, we will wear our body out.  Not only will we wear our body out, but we may put others at risk if we are driving when we are tired, or we may accidentally drop things, or we may take too much of a prescribed medication.  One rule of thumb to remember when it is time for your body to rest, is to listen to it.  Here's to good sleeping.

January 18, 2012

Keep Up The Pace

January is usually the month when people make a commitment to loose weight or to start  something new.  We are soon approaching the end of the month and we some of us may have already dropped the ball on some of the things we said we were going to do, such as loosing weight or changing our bad habits.  There are eleven more months left in this year and we have only begun the process in making our bodies better in 365 days.  Don't give up and don't give in, keep up the pace.  Remember to get into a support group or find a friend who you can be accountable to, or maybe even one who will work with you throughout your journey to a better you.   Here are five tips to help you keep up the pace:

1.  Rest.  Get the required amount of sleep and rest you need to help energize your temple (body).

2.  Water.  Drink at least 8 - 10 glassed of water daily to flush toxins from you body and to keep your body 

     functioning properly.

3.  Fresh Air.  Change the air in your home and car.  Open the windows to let the old air escape and allow

     new air to filter your home or car.  Try walking in the fresh air whenever it is possible.

4. Exercise.  Remember exercise does not have to be long or hard.  10 - 30 minutes of exercise will do a

    body good.

5.  Think positive thoughts.  This will keep stress away and will enhance other positive attributes throughout

      the day.

KEEP UP THE PACE

January 17, 2012

Immunizations

Immunizations are given for a reason and they should not be ignored.  Even if you do not feel sick today, you may feel sick another day and the lack of attention to the ailment may cause someone else to become sick.  There is a theory called "Herd immunity" and it explains the importance of getting vaccinated each year.

Herd immunity (or community immunity) describes a form of immunity that occurs when the vaccination of a significant portion of a population (or herd) provides a measure of protection for individuals who have not developed immunity. Herd immunity theory proposes that, in contagious diseases that are transmitted from individual to individual, chains of infection are likely to be disrupted when large numbers of a population are immune or less susceptible to the disease. The greater the proportion of individuals who are resistant, the smaller the probability that a susceptible individual will come into contact with an infectious individual.  Read the Herd Theory in detail online.  Getting an immunization could be make the difference between life and death.

 

January 16, 2012

Martin Luther King Day

What can I say?  We all know that Martin Luther King was a great advocate and leader for African Americans and the civil rights movement.   We also know that there are still many people groups who are suffering at the hands of others and fighting for their very lives.  Let's take this day out to remember all of the leaders who dared to take a stand for people no matter what the cost.

Famous Quotes

1.  "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". (Jesus Christ).

2." If you don't stand for something, then you will fall for anything" (Malcolm X).

3. " A man who won't die for something is not fit to live". (Martin Luther King Jr.)

                                                                                                                    

January 15, 2012

Eye Health

Eye health is an area that The Bitter Herb seldom speaks about.  However, eye health is an important part of the overall health of the temple (Body).  Good eye health and eye care are crucial to preserving your vision, treating eye problems early, and protecting your overall health. Your eyes are the "gateway to your soul," and they can also reveal common or serious health problems — such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and HIV. Learn about eye exams and when to get them, how to practice good eye health, and how to treat and prevent eye conditions, from pinkeye and blepharitis to glaucoma and cataracts.  Most of us know what glaucoma and cataracts are, but what is blephatitis? Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually caused by an excess growth of bacteria that is ordinarily found on the skin, blockage of the eyelid's oil glands, and occasionally allergies.  Blepharitis is a common eye condition, causing the eyelids to be reddened, itchy, and somewhat swollen and scaly-appearing at the base of the eyelashes. As scales become coarser, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and forms crusts, which may cause the lids to stick together when waking up in the morning. If this crust falls into your eye, you may feel like you have "something in your eye" or experience a gritty sensation. The eyes may become dry due to inflammation of moisture-producing tissues and this can cause a gritty sensation as well.

Herbal Eyewash

One part each:
bayberry bark
eyebright herb
golden seal root
red raspberry leaves
Brew like you would tea in two cups of water.  Use cheesecloth to hold the herbs and steep the mixture in a two quart container.  Allow the mixture to cool slightly.  Tip head back and apply with an eye dropper.  Do this to each eye.  Use this mixture six times daily and drink 1/2 to 1 cup of the mixture daily.

*Remember this information is for educational purposes and readers should always check with their physician before beginning any treatment or diet program.

January 14, 2012

Allergies

I think this may be one of the areas where we really need to practice in order to take care of our bodies.  There are some foods, drinks, and nutrients that simply do not agree with our body chemistry.  These are the same foods that can cause us to be sick and some may even cause us to die if we are not careful to identify what we can consume and what we cannot consume.  Allergies can also be triggered by certain medications, equipment, latex gloves, and simply inhaling the element which does not agree with out immune system. Allergies are not to be taken lightly and when we realize that we have an allergy to a certain food, medication, or equipment we should immediately cease being in contact with that food or that element.  Approximately 6% of allergy sufferers have food/drug allergies as their primary allergy. Food allergy is more common among children than adults. 90% of all food allergy reactions are caused by 8 foods:  milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. For medication allergies, penicillin is the most common allergy trigger.   Nearly 400 Americans die each year due to drug allergies from penicillin.  More than 200 deaths occur each year due to food allergies and each year nearly 100 Americans die due to insect allergies.  10 deaths each year are due to severe reactions to latex allergy.  Now you see why it is not only important to watch what we eat, but it is equally important to watch the type of medications we take and the type of equipment that we may come into contact with in the doctors office.  The best way to determine what, if any, allergies that you have would be from experience or by going to your doctor and getting tested.

January 13, 2012

Hair

As we get older and as we change our diets, our hair goes through  changes too.  Human hair is made of a protein called Keratin which is turn is made up of amino acids and cysteine disulfide.  Keratin is very strong and rigid when thick, it can be very flexible when very thin.  The latter makes sulfur atoms form a firm structure called disulfide bridges.  The levels of the amino acids and disulfide bridges determine what the hair will loo like.  There are basically three type of hair: Lanugo, which only grows on human fetuses.  Vellus is the finest hair on the body and grows on the chest and back.  Vellus is sometime referred to as "peach fuzz".  The most common type that we all see and love is called Terminal Hair, which is the hair on our head and body.
Generally the foods and the things  that we drink will have a direct effect in the way our hair looks.  A good way to keep the hair form getting dry is to drink lots of water and moisturize it daily.

January 12, 2012

Bitter Herb

This blogspot is called The Bitter Herb, so I figured I had to mention something about the origin of how The Bitter got it's name. The title for The Bitter Herb came from the bible. Maror (מָרוֹר mārôr) also Marror, refers to the bitter herbs eaten at the Passover Seder in keeping with the biblical commandment "with bitter herbs they shall eat it." (Exodus 12:8).

The most common vegetables used as bitter herbs are horseradish and romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce is not initially bitter, but becomes so after the first taste, which is symbolic of the experience of the Jews in Egypt. Other suitable vegetables include endive and charchavinah (variously identified as a vine growing around palms, a type of thistle, or a type of acacia), both of which are mentioned explicitly in the Mishna (Pesachim 2:6). Some Sephardic families use green onions or curly parsley.  Some of these bitter herbs are still used in cooking today. The Bitter Herbs are also a great alternative to salt and pepper.

January 11, 2012

Going All The Way

We are human and the flesh can sometimes get weak.  We make all types of promises and take on projects that sometimes do not get completed. Together we can help one another to go all the way.  Here are ten tips that can help us to go all the way with our 365 days to a better you.
1.  Start each day out with prayer and a reading of a Scripture verse.
2.  Find a support group.  The Bitter Herb blogspot would be a good one.
3.  Find a friend who can join in with you to getting fit and staying healthy.
4.  Remain accountable to someone.  Keep your vow to loose weight or whatever it is that you may have
     vowed to do this year.
5. Remember to take time out for YOU.
6. Relax, Relate, and Release.
7. Make it a point to get at least 8 hours of sleep, not rest, each night.
8. Stick with your weekly meal plan and try not to get tempted  by quick prepackaged meals.
9. Keep a journal of your daily progress.
10. Fight the good fight and NEVER GIVE UP. 




 

January 10, 2012

Fervent

1. James 5:16
   Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
   James 5:15-17 (in Context) James 5 (Whole Chapter). As we see in the book of James, fervent prayer counts.  Those of us who pray know that God answers prayer.  At times people only tend to pray in times of trouble, but prayers can be prayed at any time of the day or any where.  A resolution is sort of a prayer or a committment, if you will, that we are going to do something different in the new year.   Fervent prayer is a commitment that we make before the Lord.  If we pray and ask for something specific, then we are expecting that prayer to be fulfilled.  If we tell God that we are going to do something, making a vow, then we need to fulfill that which we have told the Lord we would do.  Fervent means having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent: a fervent admirer; a fervent plea., hot; burning; glowing.  When we think about the temple (body) we should have this same fervent attitude in order to see results in our health.  We should have a hot and burning desire to see change. 

January 9, 2012

Experiment

Have you ever heard of Cassava Melon or Dudu, that's right Dudu?  Many people may be apprehensive about trying new foods.  It is almost a tradition, in most families, to eat the same types of foods day in and day out and to cook them the same way that "grandma" cooked.  Unfortunately, this has caused a lot of people not to experiment with different types of foods.  I had never tried a fruit called "ugly fruit" simple because it was ugly.  I had never tried foods from other countries either because my family did not eat exotic foods from other countries.  As an adult, I decided to become a vegetarian.  I first felt that my choices were limited because of the typical foods that I ate as a child.  However,  I started reading books and articles from other vegetarians and vegans about what they ate and how they cooked.  I learned that there were thousand of herbs and foods in the world that I had only begin to venture out to try.  One of the first foods I made was called "Dudu".  Yes, Dudu.  Dudu is a traditional African dish made from Plantain. 

Plan·tain is a tropical plant. Musa paradisiaca, of the banana family, resembling the banana. Its fruit, eaten cooked as a staple food in tropical regions.

Try this new recipe for a change of pace.
Passion Fruit Curd
Many recipes require that you make this in a double boiler, and you can do that. Just mix all the ingredients and cook slowly in the double boiler for about 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened. If you do not have a double boiler, don't worry. This recipe works just as well if you keep an eye on your heat and keep stirring.

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
2 eggs
pulp of 3 passion fruit, strained (about 3 tablespoons)

Melt sugar and butter in a small stainless steel or porcelain saucepan over moderate heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and add passion fruit juice, lemon juice, lemon zest and eggs, in that order, stirring constantly. (You don't want the eggs to congeal before they are incorporated into the mixture, therefore you add the other ingredients first to cool the temperature slightly, and then make sure you stir the eggs well when you add them) Return to stove and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and coats the spoon. The curd will thicken more as it cools. Refrigerate or store in sterilized jars.  

January 8, 2012

Determination

Determination -  the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.  Wow!  What a good word to use when it comes to us taking control of our bodies and changing our lifestyles.  It we do not remain determined to change and live healthier better lives, then we might as well sign our own death certificates.  We know that only Jesus Christ can preordain, if you will, our very lives and only He can change that destiny.  We can, however, take a stand and be determined to build a strong healthy and fit temple (body).  Some of us say that the Holy Spirit lives within us.   I would think that it would be fitting to take the utmost care of the place where the Holy Spirit dwells.  Determine today that you are going to be the best you you can be this year and for the years to follow.

January 7, 2012

Counting Calories

Counting calories can be a pain in the you know where and it can leave the person who is counting the calories bored.  First of all we need to know what a calorie is.  A calorie is actually a unit of heat energy. That's right. We think of calories as just things that are in food and all foods have calories. But your body sees calories as energy and it's energy to produce heat. And heat energy is what really fuels our body just the same way that gasoline is what fuels your car's energy.  Secondly, although it is important to get the right amount of calories that you need for your body do not get obsessive when it comes to counting calories.  The truth of the matter is that our bodies need the fuel and energy from the calories that are in the foods we eat.  A rule of thumb maybe to choose wisely when it comes to food and drink choices.  Changes are if you put good things into the body, you will get good things back from the body.  Eat, Live, and Pray.

January 6, 2012

Beware

There is not enough that can be said about reading all labels on each product that you purchase that you will put ion your mouth.  Five words that you really want to beware of include: Sodium, Hydrogenated, Carbohydrate, Sugar, and Trans Fat.

Sodium  is a chemical element with the symbol Na (from Latin: natrium) and atomic number 11.

Hydrogenated fat is part of a large group of fats called "trans fats." This group contains any type of oil that has been completely or partially hydrogenated. Technically, hydrogenated fats are produced when hydrogen is added to oil, which turns the liquid oil into a solid block of fat.

Carbohydrates include complex carbohydrates, like starches, and simple sugars such as white sugar, high fructose corn syrup and honey. Choose 100% whole grains and fruits and vegetables for most of your carbohydrates. Balance your carbohydrate choices with protein sources such as lean meat, poultry, eggs, or fish, and some healthy fat such as olive oil, avocado or nuts and seeds.
Plan your meals and menus for a few days at a time and stock up on healthy high-fiber carbohydrate sources. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes all contain carbohydrates and are high in fiber, which is good for your digestive system and can help you lose weight by keeping you feeling full between meals.
Sugar is a simple, edible, crystalline carbohydrate. Sugar comes in many different forms, however, all types have a sweet flavor. The main types of sugar are sucrose, lactose and fructose. Common table sugar is typically sucrose which is extracted from cane or beets. Sugar is added to many foods, and drinks. 
Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat with trans-isomer (E-isomer) fatty acid(s). Because the term refers to the configuration of a double carbon-carbon bond, trans fats are sometimes monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, but never saturated. Trans fats do not exist in living nature, but can occur in food production process.
The consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. Health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils are more harmful than naturally occurring oils.
The main reason you want to beware of these five words is because of the quantities that are added to that food product that you buy.  Check at www.pyramid.com to see how many you need for your particular body weight.

January 5, 2012

Patience

There is an old saying that says "patience is a virtue", this is so true.  Some of us forget that we did not get the things that we have over night and it may not be an over night process to get other things accomplished.  Weight loss is one of those areas where everyone wants a quick fix to fix something that did not happen over night.  Weight gain is a learned process, if you will.  We get into bad habits such as eating too much, not exercising, and just plain old letting things stress us out.  We gain unwanted weight and then we seek quick methods to get the unwanted weight off of us. We must learn how to be patient and take positive corrective methods to get our temple (body) back to were we want it to be.  Weight loss will take time and discipline to accomplish lasting results for a lifetime.  Yes, there are quick alternatives, such as liposuction and gastric bypass surgery, but some of these alternatives leave the temple (body) with negative side affects and damage the immune system for life.  Just remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and He will give you the patience to accomplish your goals.

January 4, 2012

Exercise Mania

Okay, now that the new year is four days strong some of us may start to think about how badly we messed up our diets during the holiday season.  Stop worrying! Relax, Relate, and Release!  Here are a few tips to get you started on your way back to a new and better you.  You will also find special fitness and diet information in The Bitter Herb bi-monthly newsletter.

1. Get rid of all the left over sweets and unhealthy drinks.

2. Start each day with a healthy breakfast and two glasses of water before each meal. 

3. Start each Sunday by planing your meals for the rest of the week.  This really works and saves money.

4. Get plenty of rest this year and do not let the little things get you stressed out. Remember stress can 

    add fat to our belly and it can also cause a stroke.

5. If you have not been exercising now is the time to get started.  If you have been exercising that is a good 

    thing and now you want to keep up the good habits you have developed.

Exercise does not have to take a long time.  Research has shown that if we move our bodies for as little as 10 minutes daily, we will see results in our health and in our bodies.  If we exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, we will begin to feel better, take off weight, have more energy, and drop pounds.  Exercise is also good for stamina those time when we feel loveable, if you know what I mean, SO GET YOUR EXERCISE ON YALL!

January 3, 2012

Attitude

There used to be a song out, back in my mother's day, and it basically said "your attitude is what describes you".  This is true to some extent. We all know that there is at least one person in every circle who has an attitude that we just do not want to be around.  We also know at least one person in every circle with a pleasant attitude that draws people directly toward them.  As we get fit in 365 days, our attitudes will change dramatically. There will be lots of changes taking place in our bodies as we get older, our diets will change, there will be stress in the economy, and God will bring changes in us as He continues to do to a work in each of us and mold us into what He wants us to be. Your attitude really does describe you.  Remember to keep a positive outlook, keep your head held high, keep a journal, stay connected to Jesus, and find a girlfriend or two who you can hang out with or just talk to when you need that neutral ear.