May 4, 2012
SUPERFOODS - Maca
My Eyes
Raw Foods Instructional Classes
SKINNY and FAT
MACA is the second “superfood” I’ll discuss, with all content directly quoted from David Wolfe’s book, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future.
Maca is the dried, powdered root of a vegetable in the cruciferous family (think broccoli, kale, radishes, etc.) It is an adaptogen, meaning it produces a non-specific response in the body but rather works on entire physiological systems. Maca works to stabilize and balance the glandular-hormonal system, the cardiovascular system and the musculature. Its popular usage and cultivation are from South America, dating back hundreds of years. Its healing properties work on improving memory, anemia, chronic fatigue, depression, infertility, lack of libido, malnutrition, menopausal symptoms, menstrual discomfort and irregularity, stress response, increase in blood oxygen and support healthy thyroid function. It is high in amino acids, micronutrients and fatty acids.
Purchase Maca in dried form, raw and organic. I purchase from renegadehealth.com because I trust the purity of their products. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve also seen Maca from a reputable grower in the Natural Food and Garden Store on Rt. 45.
Now, confession time…. I have Maca, but I haven’t used it. I put it in my husband’s protein shake every morning, but because it has (in my opinion) a distinct malted/butterscotch smell and taste, I don’t see it making my berry-based shake taste particularly good. Maca powder also has a bit of a spicy taste, kind of like a radish. However, I AM going to begin using it when I finish the current bag of blueberries. Maca and chocolate are a match made in heaven, so my plan is to use chocolate protein powder, a frozen banana, a scoop of raw cacao powder and maca. I only have a small piece of my thyroid left, and the routine protocol is to increase my thyroid medication levels to keep it functioning. I plan on out-smarting “the system” by using Maca. Hee hee!
The recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon per day. “Easy-peasy” to quote one of my favorite little girls.
Here is a website that discusses, sells and gives recipes for Maca:
http://www.navitasnaturals.com/recipes/maca-recipes.html
MY EYES: I had a MAJOR epiphany about my eyes the other day when in Down-Dog and no, I can’t explain how THAT happened! Two and one half years ago, I experienced the flashing light and floaters from a torn retina. The eye doctor ASSURED me that I would experience the same thing in the other eye within a year. He was adamant that when one eye goes, the other always follows. I researched and then began taking high quality supplements known to support eye health and really increased my juicing. I also seriously upped my intake of Omega 3 fatty acids. So, whilst in Down-Dog trying to lengthen my back, the thought popped into my mind that I have NOT had the second eye incident and my chronic dry-eye syndrome is GREATLY improved. Just sayin…
Raw Foods Un-Cooking Classes: I watch A LOT of instructional videos about raw food un-cooking. Most are OK, but even on my own, I have mastered everything presented AND I don’t often care for the recipes. However, I came upon Russell James, who hails from England. I have spent the better part of a month observing and evaluating his techniques and finished food. AWESOME! From his website you can sign up for some free instructional videos, get a recipe download book AND take a look at his home study class purchase options. These are $$, and I haven’t gone that route yet, primarily because hubby and I eat VERY simply. Here’s his link – explore and sign up for some of his free stuff. What I also like is that this guy looks HEALTHY – remember weeks ago when I talked about judging a person’s “story” by how they LOOK?
http://www.therawchef.com/index.php
SKINNY and FAT: Three weeks ago, Ron and I drove two hours to eat at a raw food restaurant. I’m ALWAYS interested in what other people in the field are doing and I go to learn. The entrance was in an alley along the railroad tracks. We were greeted by the skinniest, MOST emaciated, pasty-skinned man I have EVER seen, think Holocaust survivor. He is the owner. We sat down and were approached by the chef/waitress. She was 350 pounds and then some. I started inching toward the Exit, but dear hubby made me be nice and sit back down. The food was OK, nothing I can’t already do. Lesson learned? Not everyone who touts a raw lifestyle is healthy. Gnawing on avocados and celery sticks isn’t good for you. Eating tons of nuts and dates also isn’t good for you. If you’re gonna preach this lifestyle, you’d better learn to do it properly and look the part. We did not stay for dessert…
Namaste, my friends!
SUPERFOODS - Maca
My Eyes
Raw Foods Instructional Classes
SKINNY and FAT
MACA is the second “superfood” I’ll discuss, with all content directly quoted from David Wolfe’s book, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future.
Maca is the dried, powdered root of a vegetable in the cruciferous family (think broccoli, kale, radishes, etc.) It is an adaptogen, meaning it produces a non-specific response in the body but rather works on entire physiological systems. Maca works to stabilize and balance the glandular-hormonal system, the cardiovascular system and the musculature. Its popular usage and cultivation are from South America, dating back hundreds of years. Its healing properties work on improving memory, anemia, chronic fatigue, depression, infertility, lack of libido, malnutrition, menopausal symptoms, menstrual discomfort and irregularity, stress response, increase in blood oxygen and support healthy thyroid function. It is high in amino acids, micronutrients and fatty acids.
Purchase Maca in dried form, raw and organic. I purchase from renegadehealth.com because I trust the purity of their products. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve also seen Maca from a reputable grower in the Natural Food and Garden Store on Rt. 45.
Now, confession time…. I have Maca, but I haven’t used it. I put it in my husband’s protein shake every morning, but because it has (in my opinion) a distinct malted/butterscotch smell and taste, I don’t see it making my berry-based shake taste particularly good. Maca powder also has a bit of a spicy taste, kind of like a radish. However, I AM going to begin using it when I finish the current bag of blueberries. Maca and chocolate are a match made in heaven, so my plan is to use chocolate protein powder, a frozen banana, a scoop of raw cacao powder and maca. I only have a small piece of my thyroid left, and the routine protocol is to increase my thyroid medication levels to keep it functioning. I plan on out-smarting “the system” by using Maca. Hee hee!
The recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon per day. “Easy-peasy” to quote one of my favorite little girls.
Here is a website that discusses, sells and gives recipes for Maca:
http://www.navitasnaturals.com/recipes/maca-recipes.html
MY EYES: I had a MAJOR epiphany about my eyes the other day when in Down-Dog and no, I can’t explain how THAT happened! Two and one half years ago, I experienced the flashing light and floaters from a torn retina. The eye doctor ASSURED me that I would experience the same thing in the other eye within a year. He was adamant that when one eye goes, the other always follows. I researched and then began taking high quality supplements known to support eye health and really increased my juicing. I also seriously upped my intake of Omega 3 fatty acids. So, whilst in Down-Dog trying to lengthen my back, the thought popped into my mind that I have NOT had the second eye incident and my chronic dry-eye syndrome is GREATLY improved. Just sayin…
Raw Foods Un-Cooking Classes: I watch A LOT of instructional videos about raw food un-cooking. Most are OK, but even on my own, I have mastered everything presented AND I don’t often care for the recipes. However, I came upon Russell James, who hails from England. I have spent the better part of a month observing and evaluating his techniques and finished food. AWESOME! From his website you can sign up for some free instructional videos, get a recipe download book AND take a look at his home study class purchase options. These are $$, and I haven’t gone that route yet, primarily because hubby and I eat VERY simply. Here’s his link – explore and sign up for some of his free stuff. What I also like is that this guy looks HEALTHY – remember weeks ago when I talked about judging a person’s “story” by how they LOOK?
http://www.therawchef.com/index.php
SKINNY and FAT: Three weeks ago, Ron and I drove two hours to eat at a raw food restaurant. I’m ALWAYS interested in what other people in the field are doing and I go to learn. The entrance was in an alley along the railroad tracks. We were greeted by the skinniest, MOST emaciated, pasty-skinned man I have EVER seen, think Holocaust survivor. He is the owner. We sat down and were approached by the chef/waitress. She was 350 pounds and then some. I started inching toward the Exit, but dear hubby made me be nice and sit back down. The food was OK, nothing I can’t already do. Lesson learned? Not everyone who touts a raw lifestyle is healthy. Gnawing on avocados and celery sticks isn’t good for you. Eating tons of nuts and dates also isn’t good for you. If you’re gonna preach this lifestyle, you’d better learn to do it properly and look the part. We did not stay for dessert…
Namaste, my friends!
