Ultimate Granola Bars

Mix #1

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dried dates

1/2 cup dried figs

1/2 cup golden raisins

Mix #2 (everything is optional)

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 cup raw almond slices

1 cup raw cashews

1/4 cup raw pecans

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1 cup unsweetened dried coconut

1/2 cup dehydrated bananas

1/2 cup oatmeal (optional, regular or toasted)

Mix #3 (everything is optional but recommended)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

5 Tbsp brown rice syrup, agave syrup, honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup rice bran oil or safflower oil

Directions

Bars are really easy to make and there are a number of different ways they can be created.  There are the dry crunchy bars which are generally a baked bar and some people even do a form of dehydrating to give it that raw food staple.

Another bar which is one of my favorites is the no cook bars.  One of the easiest ways to do these is again a mix #1, mix #2, and mix #3 process.

Mix #1 is a combination of dried fruits that are blended in a food processor until they form a ball.  Depending on the moisture in the fruit, it may take a little time, I like the mixture well formed.

Mix #2 is your dried items.  This can consist of many foods; nuts of every kind like cashews, almonds, walnuts, Seeds are great, flax, sunflower, pumpkin.  You can also use many great compliments like oatmeal, coconut, and spices like cinnamon or allspice.  This mixture #2 can be left whole, or ground into an extra fine chopped, depending on your preferred creation.  I sometimes reserve a bit of the combination for a whole nut and fine chop the rest.  We will then combine mixtures #1 and #2 together to and continue pulsing to incorporate the two mixtures together.  The greater amount of mixture #2, the drier the final product will be.  This combination of mixtures can now be placed into a bowl and then add mixture #3

Mix #3 is the sweeteners, oil and salt.  It doesn’t take a lot and is often really not a necessary step, but you will find that it does add flavor to a lot of the recipes.  And the little bit of optional oil does help aid in the product not sticking to everything it touches nearly as much.

You will want to knead the final product for about 5 minutes.  Then press into a cookie sheet that is covered with plastic wrap.  An easy way to do this is to place another sheet of plastic wrap on the top and use a rolling pin to press bars into the desired thickness.  Cut into desired shapes, even freezing or refrigerating for a while will help get a better cut if your mixture is too soft.

These bars can be frosted different ways, or maybe you want to roll them into balls and sprinkle them with nuts or toppings.  You can wrap them and they are good to go on the go.  So have fun and play around with the simplicity of bar making.

Recipe from Chef Mark Anthony

Food As Medicine

This dish is packed with flavor and the right amount of heat. Skip dinner at the restaurant and create your own dal at home. Turmeric has been long used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both Chinese and Indian medicine. It also gives the dal that beautiful bright yellow color!

Ingredients

Makes 3 servings

1 cup dry red lentils
1 fresh tomato, chopped
1 bunch fresh spinach, washed
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon yellow asafetida* powder (ferula)
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
3 cups water
fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

* Asafetida is a spice with a strong, onion-like aroma often used in Asian cooking, especially Indian. Look for it in health food stores or in the spice section of larger supermarkets.

Directions

Place lentils and water in a large pan. Cook for 25 minutes over medium-high heat, then turn to low. Add spices, lemon juice, spinach, and tomato 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Per serving (1/3 recipe): calories: 257; fat: 2 g; calories from fat: 6.4%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 20 g; carbohydrates: 44.9 g; sugar: 2.8 g; fiber: 15 g; sodium: 1062 mg; calcium: 205 mg; iron: 11.8 mg; vitamin C: 23.3 mg; beta-carotene: 6175 mcg; vitamin E: 3.4 mg

Recipe from Isis Israel, Food for Life Educational Alliance Partner

Toxic Substances How to Avoid Them

This article, Toxic Substances and How to Avoid Them deals with the environment we live in today. How much do you think about toxic substances? Most of us use products with toxins in them and take in toxins every day. Our modern lives are often dependent on toxin-laden products that we use without every really thinking about the possible effects. We should do, as there is plenty of medical evidence of the damage that is being done to our bodies all the time. Toxicants are found in our water, food and air: it is impossible to avoid them completely. We can reduce our intake of them, and we can help our bodies get rid of them.

What are Toxicants

Toxicants are poisonous substances that have their origins in plant or animal matter. They can cause disease, including cancer, developmental and neurological disorders. They can also cause severe allergic reactions. Toxicants make their way into our food and our environment in a number of ways, but can do so wherever chemicals are used. Pesticides used in farming can affect our food, and can also make their way into the water supply. Toxic run-off from industrial farms can sometimes end up affecting fish, making them toxic when eaten. Toxic chemicals are added to all sorts of household products, particularly cleaning products. There are various airborne pollutants from factories and vehicles in the air, especially in urban areas. It is impossible to escape toxicants.

Toxicants and Disease

There is strong evidence linking exposure to toxicants to disease. Most damaging may be long-term, low-level exposure to toxicants in the environment. Some chemicals are dealt with by the body quickly, while others are more difficult for the body to deal with. Over time, they slowly build up in our bodies, sitting in our tissue. Women can pass on chemicals in their own bodies to their children when pregnant, and so many of us are born with toxicants already in our bodies.

Much research has been done into toxicants, and many direct links between them and certain diseases found. For example, the link between lead absorption and disease is well-known, especially its link to developmental disorders in children. Mercury is another common toxicant, causing damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidney and immune system. You can find some more information about research into particular toxicants and disease here. These direct links are almost certainly only a small part of the story. With all kinds of chemicals and organic toxins building up in our bodies all the time, it is impossible to carry out research into the effects of every different combination. However, we do know that incidence of unexplained diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and physical problems such as infertility is rising. It does not take much to work out that constant exposure to toxic substances cannot be good for our health.

Can we Avoid Toxicants?

It is impossible to avoid them altogether, but there are some sensible steps you can take to cut down on your exposure to toxicants.

–          Switch to natural cleaning products, rather than using chemical ones. You will be surprised at how effective they are. Just remember that previous generations managed just fine without harsh chemical cleaners.

–          Be careful about using make-up, creams, powders and other products on your skin. Try to use as few products as you can, and look for natural alternatives where possible.

–          Buy organic, unprocessed foods. Better still, grow your own. Pesticides used in agriculture are a major source of toxic chemicals, but they are not needed. Any foods that have gone through some kind of factory processing may also have been exposed to chemicals: stick to fresh wholefoods as much as possible, for both long and short term health benefits.

–          Try and avoid atmospheric pollution. It’s difficult to do, and sometimes you just can’t avoid travel through polluted rush-hour cities, but avoid it when you can. Do your bit too: ride a bike or walk if possible, rather than driving your car.

As well as avoiding toxicants, we can also take steps to try and flush those we do ingest out of our bodies. Some foods help our bodies cleanse themselves. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are good, as is beetroot, artichokes, certain berries and seeds and many others. You can also try a free sample of VelociTea to help you on your way!

If you have any ideas about Toxic Substances and How to Avoid Them, please share below in the comments section of my site.

Eat Foods As Grown to Lose Weight

This morning I was motivated to write a sample menu of what I eat on a typical day. This diet consists of no animal products. Animal products are loaded with fat your body does not need. You can replace things like butter, eggs, and milk with healthier alternatives. Instead of margarine or other cooking oils, I use water. If you must use an oil for a recipe, use olive oil. It is your healthiest solution for baking and cooking. See below for a healthy butter alternative.

Did you know you can give your body more than enough protein every day without having to eat any animal products? I get my protein from seeds, soy, vegetables and beans. Beans are high in fiber and also are loaded with protein. Brown rice and beans is an excellent combination to give you a complete protein.

I promise if you follow this plan, you will gain energy and drop some weight provided you incorporate some exercise into your daily life. Drinking soft drinks is not conducive to good health. These beverages are loaded with sugar and are very acidic. Water is the best thing for your body especially when you want to improve your health.

Our body is in need of water first thing in the morning. Many nutritionists advise that you drink water 30 minutes or more before eating a meal and then do not drink during your meal so digestive juices can work more efficiently. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so DO NOT skip breakfast!

These meals are designed on the eat like a King at breakfast logic, eat like a Queen at lunch, and eat like a pauper at dinner. Your body needs the larger meals in the morning to have enough fuel for the day. By eating less at the evening meal, you will be able to rest on a stomach that has finished digesting all of your food. I eat my evening meal at 5:00 pm so as to be fully digested by bedtime at 9:00 pm. Your body can rest better by following this plan.

DO NOT EAT SNACKS IN BETWEEN MEALS. You will no longer be hungry in between meals because your body will be getting plenty of nutrition with the following recipes. You will start to feel better as hydration will remove toxins from your system. Animal products are high in fat and cause acid build up in your cells.

As you feel better, the weight will begin to come off and your motivation and self esteem will begin to improve and you are at that point headed for your own success story! Let me know if I can be of assistance as I have been very passionate about healthy living since I lost 70 pounds myself in 2000.

Breakfast:

I start the morning with about 20 ounces of alkalized water right after prayer. I spend about 15 minutes in a meditation before eating breakfast. The meditation will nourish your soul.

Two ounces of VelociTea about 15 minutes before eating to curb appetite.
One-half cup of oatmeal (quick, rolled, or steel-cut oats) and add some blueberries from freezer and stir. Do not add any sugar or butter. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps reduce cholesterol and helps keep blood sugar levels balanced. Oatmeal is the best food for a diabetic to eat in the morning. Oatmeal will also fill you up and prevent the need for snacks in between meals. You may want to add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your oats and a dash of honey.
Banana, 1/2 of a grapefruit and about a half cup of grapes
Two pieces of 100 percent Whole Wheat toast without butter or jam.

Lunch:

Once again, I make sure I have a large glass of water about 30 minutes before lunch. I have a nice variety of meals each day for my big main meal. Here are some ideas:

Two ounces of VelociTea about 15 minutes before eating to curb appetite
Bowl of 13 bean soup
Whole Wheat pasta with homemade pasta sauce and add the saute vegetables below and mix together. Limit the pasta that you eat to once a week.
Saute or steam raw vegetables just long enough to soften them. Here are some favorites that  I use: broccoli, green or red peppers, garlic cloves, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, celery and onions.
Fish cakes are made from a combination of nuts, oats, spices, and vegetables processed in a food processor. Add a little bit of kelp spice and this mixture tastes just like fish and you do not worry about fish that may have come from polluted waters.
Mama’s Meatloaf is a mixture of a different combination of nuts, oats, spices, and vegetables processed in a food processor. You create a meatloaf looking substance and bake for one hour in a pyrex dish. You can add a little ketchup across top of mixture to make it look exactly like meatloaf.
Tofu Walnut Patties is another meat like substitute that is made from oatmeal, nuts, and tofu. You can create a nice sweet and sour sauce to pour over by mixing a little honey, corn starch, water and Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.

Dinner:

It is recommended to drink your last glass of water for the day about 30 minutes before eating your evening meal. This will keep you from having to get up and go to the bathroom more than once in the night.

Two ounces of VelociTea about 15 minutes before eating to curb appetite.
Eat a salad everyday. This will help your body get more fiber.

Salad with raw vegetables. Nature has provided some really nice colors in the produce section of the grocery store. Here are some favorites: green or red cabbage, bok choy, eggplant, carrots, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, greens, onions and chard.
Saute a combination of the above vegetables and eat over a bed of wild or brown rice.
Fruit salad-use whatever is in season. This time of year is great for fresh grapes from Chile. Melons are great in summer.
I drink 12 ounces of VelociTea after eating every evening and it keeps me very regular as far as bowel movements the next day.

You can get a free week of VelociTea by going to my website below:

Rush Me a Week of VelociTea

Many of the recipes I mentioned in the above post can be found on my blog below:

Healthy Recipes

Butter alternative:

3/4 cup coconut milk *
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt

* May use 1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut or raw cashew nuts instead of coconut milk, and increase water to 1 and 1/4 cups. If you have only sweetened coconut, the sugar can be rinsed out with hot water, using a sieve.

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.

It should begin to thicken, about the consistency of thin porridge. I’ve learned that this can vary with the cornmeal used, so if it isn’t getting thick, add another teaspoon of cornmeal and cook a few more minutes until it is like thin pancake batter or porridge.

2. Place in blender, cover, can turn on low, then increase to high. Blend for about 1 minute until as smooth as possible. (If using shredded coconut or cashews nuts, blend for 2 minutes.)

3. Pour into a container; cover and chill. It will be runny, but sets up when cold.

This will keep for about 10 days in the refrigerator, but after a few days it gets stiffer. If this happens, just add a bit of water and stir briskly until soft. I like to make a new batch every week. If there is any of the old still remaining, I stir it into a frozen vegetable dish, such as frozen corn.

Makes One Cup

Oxygen’s Relationship to Wellness

“There are literally thousands of accounts of amazing health and healing benefits from increasing the oxygen levels in the body.”

If you have read the book Oxygen Therapies: A New Way of Approaching Disease, you know that our bodies were designed by the Creator to function on nearly twice as much oxygen than is available in today’s everyday atmosphere. Deep core ice drillings reveal ancient atmosphere levels were up to 38 to 50 percent oxygen, yet today’s atmosphere is only 20.9 percent oxygen; and even less in the cities.

By breathing, eating, and living, we are constantly taking unnatural non-food substances into our bodies. Preservatives, colorings, flavorings, hydrogenated oils, artificial chemicals, smog, etc., day-in and day-out, over and over, are piling up inside our cells and body fluids. Because of this “piling up” of toxic waste within us, we prematurely age, and become fertile breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and every manner of disease-causing microorganism, which causes us to suffer and die too early.

Here’s the great secret of oxygen therapies: The only way the disease causing pollution and trash can ever leave our bodies is to first be combined with oxygen, in other words, oxidized! Without enough oxygen, the body simply can’t take out the inner garbage! It stays within us, causing organ and function breakdown, in the form of digestive disorders, arthritis, tiredness, depression, premature aging, and the pain and disfiguration of disease! Now remember, in today’s environment we only have half the oxygen that we are designed to run on in order to be in perfect health.

By living in an oxygen deficient environment and not feeding our cells the proper oxygen and nutrients needed for clearing out toxins and wastes, our body fluids and blood become dirty and toxic. And when you consider you are two-thirds (over 100 pounds) water . . . that the water is filthy . . . and every cell floats in it, you can see exactly why we get sick and tired, and sick and tired of being sick and tired. In today’s toxic world, everyone can benefit greatly from increased oxygenation at the cellular level. Cold germs and viruses draw extra power from any toxins or contaminants found in the blood stream, and feed old body injuries and system congestion.

Here’s the other great oxygen secret that befuddles the great expansive minds: Bacteria, viruses, funguses, parasites and other pathogens that contribute to diseases are anaerobic and cannot live in high levels of oxygen! So, if we flood our bodies with oxygen, what happens to the offending toxins and microbes, the two causes of all disease and aging? They are destroyed! Who first said so? Two Time Nobel Laureate, Otto Warburg. Enough said? The safest and most effective way to increase the oxygen levels in our bodies is the use of stabilized oxygen drops, a super-oxygenation technology that offers a promising solution to this universal problem of oxygen deprivation. Supplemental stabilized oxygen drops makes pure oxygen available to be absorbed into the bloodstream where it is carried directly to the body’s cells and tissues.

The newest generation of this super-oxygenation technology is Metab O2. This wonderful product is ideal for both dehydration and therapeutic application. It is very beneficial to friendly bacteria, but very antagonistic to harmful bacteria survival. Metab O2 was formulated to destroy any known (and unknown) microorganisms with minimum dose, yet maintain total safety to the user. It is “nascent” which means that it is time-released into the bloodstream to enhance the body’s cellular oxygenation over a four to six hour period. A few drops 3-4 times a day, in water, can boost energy levels, kill infectious microorganisms, oxidize and eliminate toxic buildup, promote faster recovery from illness or injury, greatly enhance the uptake of essential nutrients from food sources and dietary supplements, strengthen the immune system, purify foul water, and much more.

For a limited time, you can purchase the Metab O2 and receive a FREE pH testing kit.

Be aware that I am not a licensed medical provider and my FDA disclaimer is found on the bottom right of all my websites pages. I have had excellent results with fitness & wellness and promote products & services that I believe in. By taking effective action and using common sense, I am prescription free and living an abundant life of wellness.

Your Partner in Success!

Daniel Parsons

Sharing Is Caring

I do hope you are off to a great start in 2012 with your business and life.

Everyone realizes our world has become a very toxic place. Digestive health problems are a Major cause of many illnesses. Our air, food, and water are no longer clean. For good health, cleansing and removing toxins is necessary in today’s world.

There is a way to get an unlimited supply of VelociTea which is an excellent detox tea product that tastes good. The gentle blend of herbs has been used for over 25 years to help people cleanse the digestive tract and all of the internal organs. VelociTea is safe to drink every single day.

You can find out more about how to help your own health and impact the health of many people around you on my site below:

Detox Cash

Daniel Parsons

This low-fat, high-protein recipe is sure to make a great start to a healthy and happy new year!

Ingredients

Makes 10 servings

2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, or 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 cup green onions, finely sliced
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 tomato, diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions

Combine black-eyed peas, rice, green onions, celery, tomato, and parsley in a mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, salt, and garlic and pour over the salad. Toss gently. Chill 1 to 2 hours if time permits.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/2 recipe):

calories: 91; fat: 1.9 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 18.5%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 3.7 g; carbohydrate: 15.4 g; sugar: 1.3 g; fiber: 3.6 g; sodium: 68 mg: calcium: 20 mg; iron: 1.2 mg; vitamin C: 5.4 mg; beta-carotene: 137 mcg; vitamin E: 0.4 mg

Recipe from Jennifer Raymond M.S., R.D. found in Turn Off the Fat Genes by Neal D. Barnard, M.D.

Made this delicious meal today while listening to the 2012 Rose Bowl game. A wonderful combination of flavors! Serve with brown rice or fat-free cornbread, with hot sauce on the side.

Makes 4 servings

1 package (10 ounces) frozen or fresh kale, chard, or collard greens

4 cups low-sodium vegetarian broth

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen black-eyed peas, thawed and drained or

1 sixteen ounce package of dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked for 8 hours

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (18 ounces) vacuum-packed unsweetened sweet potatoes, drained, rinsed, and chopped, or 2 cups cooked

A few dashes of liquid smoke

I prefer fresh kale but if you can only get frozen thaw frozen greens in a bowl of boiling water. Chop and combine with broth, black-eyed peas, garlic, sweet potatoes, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Per serving (1/4 recipe): calories: 412; fat: 4 g; calories from fat: 8%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 32 g; carbohydrates: 74 g; sugar: 1 g; fiber: 22 g; sodium: 127 mg

Recipe by Bryanna Clark Grogan found in Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs by Neal Barnard, M.D.

Whole Grains Breakfast

Recipe makes either Pancakes or Waffles

Healthy Breakfast

Oats are an excellent breakfast food because oats contain no cholesterol. Try this easy recipe and enjoy with some fresh fruit or pure maple syrup. It does cost a little more for pure syrup so I just cut down on the amount of food I eat and eliminated all animal products so I can afford to have the best pure Vermont maple syrup on a healthy waffle or pancake.

Ingredients

Makes 6 waffles

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups water
1 banana
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil spray
fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup for serving

Directions

Preheat waffle iron to medium-high.

Combine oats, water, banana, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. The batter should be pourable. If it becomes too thick as it stands, add a bit more water to achieve desired consistency.

Lightly spray waffle iron with vegetable oil. Read the instructions that came with your waffle iron as mine says do not use spray oils on the iron.

Pour in enough batter to reach edges and cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes without lifting lid.

Serve with fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 waffle):

calories: 132; fat: 1.8 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 12.1%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 4.5 g; carbohydrates: 24.9 g; sugar: 4.9 g; fiber: 3.2 g; sodium: 104 mg; calcium: 22 mg; iron: 1.2 mg; vitamin C: 1.7 mg; beta-carotene: 5 mcg; vitamin E: 0.2 mg

Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D. found in Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.

Hands-on 15 Minutes

Serves 6

1 ( 3.4 oz ) package instant sugar-free, fat-free cheesecake flavor pudding

1 cup almond milk

1/2 ( 15 oz ) can solid pumpkin ( not pumpkin pie filling ) You can store the other 1/2 of the can in a plastic container and refrigerate for another mixing of this recipe.

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 ( 8 oz ) container sugar – free whipped topping

1. Combine pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl; whisk until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add whipped topping and mix thoroughly.

2. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to two days.

This recipe is from the American Diabetes Association's 15 Minute Diabetic Meals.

No Cholesterol

Buy some organic sweet potatoes and steam them between 5-10 minutes for a healthy treat. A medium sweet potato ( 5 ounces ) has 112 calories and less than 0.1 g of fat. There are many nutrients in the sweet potato and you also get abundant calcium and potassium.

Crispy, caramelized oyster mushrooms contrast with the slightly sweet tomato sauce to make this dish explode with flavor.

Whole Wellness Club Fireside Chat

Join Dr. James Chappell on the weekly Wednesday evening health call with Whole Wellness Club owner Chuck Dhuey. The call is at 7pm Pacific or 10pm Eastern time. Troy Aupperle who is the CEO of Enzymology Research Inc. will be on the call tonight the 9th of November 2011.

One guest is chosen at random to receive one of the high quality Whole Wellness Club products.

There is no charge to be a Whole Wellness Club member.

In November 2011, you can also win an autographed copy of Dr. Chappell’s book: A Promise Kept by simply inviting a guest to the call.

The dial in number is 775-335-3180 enter 530312 # when prompted.

You can also listen online at this teleseminar link:

Dr. Chappell