JoAnne's Blog

Borderline diabetes?

Borderline diabetes, now just what does that entail?  Recently, a visit to the doctor's office has opened up this topic at our house.  I have been trying to convince my husband for years to give up his coca-cola, as it contains a lot of sugar.  Well, I don't have to say anything any more.  The doctor informed him that he is heading towards full blown diabetes within the next few years if he doesn't change his eating habits and lose some weight.  

So, I have been reading all about diabetes and diets, etc.  What amazes me the most is that I have known for years the right foods to eat for your health; my husband also knows.  But what changed me was having cancer and now Wynn is changing because of a diabetes scare.  Why is it that we must have a health challenge before we change?  We could avoid so many health problems if we just ate whole foods, simple foods.   I heard a speaker say once that we should ask ourselves three questions, regarding what we should eat or drink and about exercise.  #1  Would a caveman eat it?  #2 Would a caveman drink it?  #3 Would a caveman sit around? 

What would a caveman eat?  - only whole natural foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, and fresh meat, none of the packaged foods containing so many preservatives.  

What would he drink ? - probably water mostly, maybe some herbs steeped; certainly none of our soft drinks, or flavoured milks, containing so much sugar

Would a caveman sit around?  - no, or he would not survive, he had to hunt and find his food, so exercise was included in his lifestyle; no TV, computer, cell phone or fast food restaurants.

 

Chia - a superfood

One of the foods that I recently mentioned, as being a superfood, is chia.   It has a light nutty taste, is odourless and easy to add to recipes.  I add it to my yogurt or oatmeal in the morning.  I sprinkle it in my salads and add it to muffins.  Chia seeds contain 20% protein with all essential amino acids, which makes for a good vegetal protein alternative with high nutritional, economic and versatile value.  

Chia is the richest non-marine whole food source of omega-3 and dietary fiber currently known to man.  It is nutritionally superior to flax, which I have regularly used for omega-3.  Omega-3 is extremely important for our health.  One study I read said that many people are deficient in omega-3. 

According to the American Heart Association, Omega-3 fatty acids can normalize blood pressure, while helping promote healthy heart and blood vessels.  Diets that include chia seeds dramatically lower the levels of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.

Chia also helps strengthen muscles and bones with 6 times more calcium than milk.

Chia can absorb a whopping 12 times its weight in water, while flax seed only absorbs 6-8 times its weight.

Chia´s insoluble fiber reduces digestive transit time and removes toxins as it passes through the digestive tract.

Chia´s high fiber content and its ability to reduce blood sugar levels after meals inhibits the appetite, thus making it the perfect food for healthy, effective weight loss.

And finally, chia seeds contain chlorgenic acid and caffeic acid, and coumaric acid and caffeic acid are found in chia oil; these are antioxidants that play a major role in cancer prevention. 

So, there you have it, the facts that I have researched about chia.  I think one can easily agree that chia is indeed a superfood.

word wit raw

I would like to announce a brand new blog that is all about words, acronyms.  This blog has some very insightful thoughts.  Check it out!  It is still in its beginning stages; but keep your eye on it, there will be lots more to come.

www.thewordwit.com

 

Eating Raw

As mentioned before, I just finished reading one of David Wolfe's books,entitled Superfoods.  Well, tonight, I found out that he is going to be in Victoria.  So I have signed up to go and see him.  Who is he?  you might ask.  David Wolfe is a nutritionist’s nutritionist. He is unsurpassed in his knowledge of raw foods, superfoods, herbs, and chocolate.  David is a raw foodist and as this is a dinner meeting, the food will be all raw.  I have tried eating all raw food before.  It is fairly easy to accomplish in the summer, when vegetables and fruits are very fresh and readily available.  Also, it is the warmest time of the year and salads are welcome.  During the winter months, when it is very cold, I have trouble avoiding the warm comfort foods, especially homemade soups. 

However, the one thing I have noticed about eating raw is that I feel well.  I have more energy and clarity of thinking, (fewer senior moments as I like to call them).  But seriously, I do feel different.  I highly recommend you give it a try for a month or so.  You may experience a real cleansing when you begin to eat this way; some people experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea or diarhea, but whatever you experience it will be temporary.  Your body will thank you; your cells will be nourished. 

How does one eat raw?   As I mentioned salads are an easy way and most welcome in the warmer weather.  Green smoothies are another way to consume whole foods in a raw state.  By that I mean having a base of a green vegetable or two, such as kale, spinach, parsley, romaine, cilantro, etc.  I prefer spinach.  Then you add just enough water to blend it into a liquid.  Next add, your fruits, banana is always a good choice, followed by any other type of fruit that you like.  Mango is an excellent choice.  I like to use frozen fruit and then you do not need to use any ice.   You can add protein powders if you like and/or any of the superfoods, like goji berries, maca powder, hemp hearts, chia seeds, spirulina, chlorella, etc.  Did you know that oatmeal, mixed with ground nuts, (I prefer almonds), pumpkin seeds and a little maple syrup to hold it together, makes a delightful little snack.  It is very nutritious and helps satisfy a sweet tooth.  You can shred squash like spaghetti and put a nice sauce on it.  You can make a lovely chocolate pudding with avoado, banana, cacao powder, maple syrup and little bit of orange juice to mix it together.

If you have any type of serious health challenge, this way of eating might be just what you need to do to regain your health.  There are many raw food books out there and lots of raw food sites to help you get started. 

I think it's about time that I started eating more raw food again.  Spring is here and warmer weather will be here soon, I hope!

Superfoods

I have just finished reading a book by David Wolfe that talks about the 10 best superfoods.  I thought the list might include such foods as broccoli, spinach, blueberries, fish, etc.  But I was surprised to learn that none of those foods were included.  Instead he spoke about maca, chia seeds, goji berries, hemp hearts and cacao nibs, to name a few.  Frankly, I had not heard of them, let alone try them.  So I started researching a little and I couldn't believe the nutrients that some of these foods contain.  Also included in the list were spirulina, chlorella, coconut and honey, especially bee pollen and royal jelly. 

Presently, I do eat many different foods that I know to contain a good source of nutrients.  Foods like quinoa, miso, kamut and spelt have graced my table for years. I try to eat whole foods and avoid processed food as much as possible.  But as I have begun to add some of the superfoods above, I have noticed a big difference in my energy level, and I find I don't get hungry in between meals.  As a bonus I have noticed less stiffness all over and less joint pain. I can only think that my body is receiving nutrients that it has been missing for a while.

 

 

Chloe

Who knew dogs were so much like kids!  Chloe has opened my eyes.  She can be very sneaky and is certainly clever.  She remembers everything and she knows what's going on.  She knows what you are saying, if not by words, then certainly by our tone of voice.  I can't believe that the minute I get on the phone, Chloe runs and gets something she knows she is not supposed to have, like mine or Wynn's shoe.  She, then, proceeds to run into her cage.  When we are not home, she gets on the table - (found evidence on the floor).  She pouts if you tell her No.  She is constantly underfoot and wants attention all the time.  She's hungry all the time, but only for treats; doesn't want the healthy food that I make for her.  She only listens when she wants to, and the same goes for being obedient.  And to top it all off, she's cute and we can't help but love her.

Jan. 6, 2017

Chloe is now 7 and just the best dog ever.  She still can be very selective with her listening and is highly motivated by treats.  But other than that she is a wonderful pet and a lot of fun.  Here is a picture of her from this Christmas.

 

Children

I love working with children!  They are so straight forward and honest.  Just today, one of the little children asked me if I had my hair done.  I said, "no" and asked, "why?"  The little girl said, "Your hair looks a little more white and brown."  And I thought I was hiding the gray. 

On another day, one of the children asked how old I was?  I asked, "How old do you think I am?"  The response - "Well my mom is 28 and my dad is 30, so I think you are older, maybe 32?"  I'll take that.

Yet, another child's response was "Your face looks young but your hands are old."  I knew there was a reason why I shouldn't be washing dishes and cleaning.

It occurred to me today that I should be writing down all the funny things that the children say.  Who knows when I may need a good laugh in my obvious old age.

I will tell of one last story from my JK class one year.  It was the first day of school and I met the first student at the front door.  While we were waiting for the others to arrive, I asked, "Is that a new back pack?"  The response - "Yes, I got it for school."  I asked, "What do you have in it?"   He replied, "New shoes!"  "Oh!," I replied, "are they for gym."  "No," he replied, "They're for me!"

If you get the chance, hug a child today and tell them how wonderful they are! or for that matter anyone.  We are all wonderful in our own unique way.

Spring

Ah!  Spring!  At least here in B.C. on Vancouver Island.  Fresh air!  Sunshine!  And rain, rain, rain!!  It seemed that I was wearing my winter boots forever.  Now, I am already tired of wearing my rubber boots.  But wear them I must.  Walking the dog always seems to lead me in the muddiest areas of the country.  But the grass is growing and some of my flowers are up.  Wynn has actually even cut the grass already.  I am waiting for my lilac tree to bloom.  It is just outside my front door and whenever I go in or out, I get to smell the beautiful aroma. 

This spring will usher in my second retirement.  May 31st in fact.  I have tried to retire before; but to no avail.  I do love my job.  But it is time to focus on my husband who wishes to be able to pick up and go at a moment's whim.  I do find myself with an extra bounce in my step.  It will be great througout the summer and part of the fall.  But I wonder about next winter. Will I be content in my home all day?  I think not!  So I wonder.  Volunteering is certainly an option.  But where?  There are so many needs.  The cancer clinic has crossed my mind as has working at a youth center.  Possibly, even working in an orphange on a short term mission trip. I do like to sew.  I did make some really cute doll clothes for my granddaughters at Christmas time.  Lynn, a friend of mine, who works at Strong Start, a program for preschool children and their moms, liked the clothes so much that she hired me to make a few for the dolls in her school. So, maybe I will make some to sell at a Christmas craft show. 

What are my priorities?  I believe it is time to draw nearer to our creator, God, who is the source of all life.  He is my great comforter and I have no doubt that he will guide me into what I should be doing and what will ultimately give me the greatest joy.  In the meantime, I will keep on keeping on and enjoying everyday to the fullest.  How about you?