ADDICTIVE FOODS

5 Most Addictive & Unhealthy Foods

We all eat unhealthy foods… sometimes.

But to be addicted is another story. Some foods are a losing battle, as their chemical composition urges you to eat and crave more and more, loading on the sugar and calories. Here are 5 highly addictive foods to limit, alter, or stay away from altogether.

Oreos. Or Chips Ahoy or Cheez-Its, or really any other processed cookie or baked good. Blame your inability to eat just one serving on the high amount of high-fructose corn syrup in these products. High quantities of high-fructose corn syrup act like a drug in your brain, eerily similar to cocaine, and is a heavyweight contributor in the global obesity epidemic. If you are going to eat cookies, buy from a reputable bakery or bake them at home so you can control the quantity and quality of everything that goes in.

Caffeinated soda. Welcome to the land of high-fructose corn syrup and caffeine! It’s a perfect storm of chemicals to induce a highly unnatural energy high. Sodas like Coca-Cola are highly addicting because they induce a surge of feel-good energy and overload of sweetness. Let’s not forget that these sodas contain far more than your RDA of sugar at 200 calories a pop! Drink one, crave more. Over the long term, this helpless cycle of high consumption leads to obesity and physical and mental disease. Opt for more natural options without caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, or try a refreshing glass of coconut water or fruit infused seltzer.

White bread. White bread is pure, high GI sugar. There is little fiber to slow down its absorption into the bloodstream, so you’ll be on a little feel-good sugar high for a bit. Unfortunately, once the body is on a high, it wants more of it, so you eat more and more of those tasty dinner rolls in a perpetual urge for satisfaction. All the while, you’ll be expanding your waistline and spoiling your healthy dinner. Go for whole grains and remember that wheat is not the only grain out there. Try quinoa, spelt or millet in your weekly loaf.

Chips & fries. These 2 iterations of fried potatoes go hand in hand. Salty, greasy, and loaded with high glycemic carbs, fried white potato is a hard habit to break. But, perhaps thinking about it in these terms will help: The same gene group that regulates your salt appetite actually regulates cocaine addiction. Save traditional chips and fries for special occasions, and instead go for baked vibrant sweet potatoes paired with protein for a richer antioxidant profile and a lower GI.

Ice cream. If you are in the habit of buying a couple of pints of ice cream at the supermarket every week, it might be time to quit that habit. Most supermarket brands are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, low quality dairy ingredients, and are lacking in flavor. With all of the sugar in these cartons, it is far too easy to eat more than the recommended half cup serving. Save ice cream as a treat from your favorite local shop, or, even more exciting, try making your own. Some stand mixers have ice cream-maker attachments that work wonders. Coconut milk ice cream sweetened with fresh berries, raw honey, and vanilla anyone?

Banish those addictions. The inner labyrinth of the supermarket is loaded with these deceptive delights. Avoid them, and try to cut high-fructose corn syrup and highly refined carbs from your diet completely. You’ll soon notice your incessant, insatiable cravings diminish. Plus, you’ll feel great by turning to pure, whole foods in their stead.

What highly addictive junk food do you have a weakness for?

THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT

The Magic Bank Account

 (THIS WAS FOUND IN THE BILLFOLD OF COACH PAUL BEAR BRYANT OF  THE UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA  AFTER HE DIED IN 1982.)

The Magic Bank Account

Imagine that you had won the following *PRIZE* in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use.

However, this prize has rules:

The set of rules:

1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

3. You may only spend it.

4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day.

 

5.  The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say,“Game  Over!".  It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?

 

You  would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for  yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people  you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself,  right?

You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?

ACTUALLY, This GAME is REAL ...

Shocked ? YES!

Each of us is already a winner of this  *PRIZE*. We just can't seem to see it.

The PRIZE is *TIME*

1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of  life.

2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

3. What we haven't used up that day is forever  lost.

4. Yesterday is forever gone.

5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time  WITHOUT WARNING...

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.

Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

So  take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start “spending”....

--

ALTERNATES TO MILK

With the almond milk industry skyrocketing, it seems as though more and more people have made almonds their non-dairy, plant-based milk of choice. It’s quite understandable. Almond milk has a terrific nutty flavor that beats rice and hemp; it doesn’t bear the negative phytoestrogen stigma of soybeans, and it isn’t remotely as calorie dense as coconut milk. What’s not to love? A lot, apparently.

According to Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, commercially available almond milk is simply “a jug of filtered water clouded by a handful of ground almonds.” This is an issue on two levels.

1) Overpriced. Commercial almond milk is grossly overpriced for how few nutrients are actually inside. In Philpott’s estimates, an entire 48 oz. jug of almond milk contains the same amount of protein as a 1 ounce handful of whole almonds, while costing 6 to 10 times more (assuming the almonds cost between 39 and 66 cents an ounce, versus $4 for a jug of nut milk)! So if there is a 1 ounce protein equivalent of almonds in a jug, what else are you paying for? Extra additives like potentially inflammatory carrageenan, preservatives, and hidden sugars. No thanks.

2) Wasteful. It takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow one single almond in drought-prone California. That is an extraordinary amount of water for one single nut, not to mention the impact that the immense monocultures of almond farming operations have on the bees. And after all of that, we just blend and strain these little miracle nuts in more water? Since almonds are tiny nutritional powerhouses, it does seem wasteful to buy commercial almond milk, especially as you don’t know what they do with the “waste” meal, aka the actual nutritious almond meat.

So, what’s a smart way to get your almond milk fix? Make it at home. Drink the superior, freshly made milk, and use the tasty almond meal in baking. Instead of going out and spending an additional $10 on a bag of almond meal in addition to your jug of milk, you can get it all in one at a better price point.

Try to respect your food. Consider how much work went into cultivating that plant, and how far it had to travel to get to your table. Enjoy your entire almond, because almonds are a divine delicacy, even if they are a part of your day-to-day life. If you want to make almond milk, more power to you, but be sure to use the entire nut; otherwise, you’re robbing yourself of precious nutrients, your wallet of precious greenery, and the Earth of precious resources.

There are dozens of methods for making milk alternatives. Some call for the soaking, blanching, and peeling of nuts, some don’t. Some are straightforward, some are more complicated. Raw nuts are often specified to meet the needs of people who prefer raw food, but cooked nuts work just as well. Sweeteners are a big issue here. Agave nectar is a wonderful alternative to honey because it is low on the glycemic index and is vegan—but can be hard to find. Honey and pure maple syrup are good alternatives to processed sugar. Pitted dates and banana can be used to sweeten as well as to create a thicker texture. I suggest playing around with the recipes here (and the different sweeteners) until you find the perfect fit for your needs. All of these milks need to be refrigerated, and should keep for at least 2 days.

30-SECOND NUT MILK
Inspired by Raw Food, Real World (Regan Books, 2005)
2 heaping tablespoons raw nut butter
2 cups filtered water
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons agave nectar or 1 packet stevia
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut butter (optional)

1. In a blender, puree all ingredients until smooth.

BASIC ALMOND MILK
1 cup raw almonds, soaked at least 4 hours
3 cups filtered water

1. In a high-speed blender blend the nuts and water for about 2 minutes until the nuts are completely blended.
2. Strain the mix through multiple layers of cheesecloth in a colander two times.

ALMOND NOG
1 batch basic almond milk
5 large soft pitted dates
2 very ripe bananas
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts (optional)

In a high-speed blender add all ingredients and blend until combined.
Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less dates.
The macadamia nuts are optional but they will give the drink a thicker consistency.

CASHEW MILK
1/2 cup raw cashew pieces
2 cups water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Combine cashews with 1 cup water and maple syrup in blender.
Blend on high until thick and creamy.
Slowly add remaining water and blend on high for 2 minutes.
Strain if desired.

HEMP MILK
Hemp milk contains 33 percent protein and Canadian studies point to hemp protein as being the highest quality found in any plant. Hemp also offers well-balanced essential fatty acids that our bodies require and don’t make themselves. The key for making quick and easy hemp milk is to buy shelled hemp seeds. I called four local natural food stores and all carried shelled hemp seeds, so it is easy to go this route. Otherwise you have to take extra measures to strain out the shells. Check the dates on your seeds to make sure that you buy the freshest seeds possible. Store in a dark place. Sunlight will destroy the oils’ benefits and make the seeds rancid.

¼ cup shelled hemp seeds
1 cup warm water
Flavoring (vanilla, honey, etc.)

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. 

HORCHATA
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups almonds
1-inch piece cinnamon bark
8 cups water
½ cup organic sugar (or your favorite sweetener

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Wash and drain the rice.
2. Use a spice grinder, or electric coffee grinder, and grind the rice until fine.

3. Combine rice with the almonds and cinnamon bark. Add 3 1/2 cups water, cover, and let sit overnight.
4. In a blender, blend rice mixture until smooth. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending. Add sweetener and vanilla extract.
5. Strain horchata with a metal strainer, and then again using a double layer of cheesecloth.
6. Add up to an additional 2 cups of water until it you get the consistency you like.

MACADAMIA MILK
Inspired by Raw Food, Real World (Regan Books, 2005)
1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked 1 hour or more
3 cups filtered water
3 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons coconut butter (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
pinch of sea salt
(optional)

1. In a blender, blend the nuts and water on high speed for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend to combine.
3. Strain if you want it super creamy, or drink as is.

OAT MILK
2 cups cooked oatmeal
4 cups water
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt (optional)
Sweetener to taste (if desired)

1. Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth about 2-3 minutes.
2. Chill, and shake before using.

RICE MILK
1/2 cup brown rice
8 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Place rice, 8 cups water, and salt in pan.
2. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer 3 hours, or until rice is very soft. (You can also do this in a slow cooker overnight.)
3. In blender, puree rice mixture with remaining ingredients. You will have to do it in two batches. Puree each batch at least 2 or 3 minutes to completely liquefy the rice.
4. Add more water if you prefer it thinner.

 

THE ICE CREAM BLUES

5 Incredibly Healthy Foods That Taste Like Ice Cream

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-incredibly-healthy-foods-that-taste-like-ice-cream.html#ixzz37PwuuS7m

Summer is finally here, and nothing beats the heat quite like a fresh scoop of ice cream. But, if you are lactose intolerant or trying to abide by a healthier lifestyle, a churned mash of refined sugar and cream may not be the best thing for you. Never fear! Here are 5 incredibly healthy foods that actually taste like ice cream

Frozen bananas. Commonly known as “one-ingredient ice cream,” frozen bananas, when thrown into a food processor, develop the thick, creamy consistency of soft serve ice cream. Toss in a little cocoa powder and nut butter to combine with the banana’s inherent sweetness to create a crazy delicious and healthy peanut butter cup “ice cream” treat. It’s a treat that both the intolerant and steadfast ice-cream-o-philes will adore.

Coconut milk. If you are lactose intolerant, frozen coconut milk mimics traditional ice cream beautifully. You could even pop coconut cream into an ice cream maker along with additional flavorings and get similar results as you would with cream, except for the wonderful addition of a light coconut flavor. Plus, the healthy fats in coconut milk are known to assist with weight loss and metabolism. Eat ice cream and keep a trim tummy? Yes, please!

Strawberries. Or, really any berries for that matter. Pop a cup of frozen berries in the blender with a little greek yogurt and raw honey and viola – a healthy and refreshing treat! Realistically, this is more of a frozen yogurt than ice cream, but hey, it’s creamy and cold and full of berries! Who cares?

Cashew cream. Similar to coconut milk, soaked cashews, when blended with water, create a naturally sweet cream. For a basic icy alternative, blend it with soaked dates/maple syrup and vanilla, freeze, stirring occasionally, and you’ve got yourself a plant-based ice cream that tastes absolutely delicious. Or, perhaps more easily, pop it all into the food processor with frozen fruit to make creamy soft serve.

Kale smoothie. You read correctly. All it takes is a little kale, soaked cashews, frozen bananas, dates, vanilla, and ginger. Stuff it all in your favorite blender and watch the miracle ensue! How healthy and delicious does that sound? For more details, click here.

Don’t suffer from the ice cream blues. There are plenty of options out there for ice cream lovers who are looking for healthier alternatives. Do you have a good, healthy ice cream alternative? Share below!

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM POPSICLES

3 Homemade Ice Cream Popsicles (Delicious & Vegan)

• Michelle Schoffro Cook
July 11, 2014

If you’re trying to beat the heat and enjoy an occasional treat, here are three healthy and nutritious options without all the added sugar and chemicals found in most commercially-prepared treats.

Banana Fudgesicles

Most fudgesicles are packed with chemicals but in only a couple of minutes (plus freezing time) you can enjoy healthier and tastier ones made at home.

1-1/4 cups of almond milk
1 banana, peeled (use 2 if you prefer a sweeter fudgesicle)
3 Tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1 Tablespoon ground chia seeds (optional)

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm.  Makes approximately 6 fudgesicles.

Probiotic-Rich Creamsicle Ice Cream

This light orange-colored ice cream is as delicious as it is beautiful.  It tastes like the creamsicles I ate as a child but is so much healthier.  It is high in vitamin C, protein, calcium, magnesium, and of course, health-boosting probiotics.  If you don’t have an ice cream machine pour into popsicle molds for delicious creamsicles.  Serves 4.  Adapted with permission from my upcoming book The Probiotic Miracle.

¾ cup raw, unsalted cashews
1 cup water
1 probiotic capsule or ½ teaspoon of probiotic powder
5 mandarin oranges, peeled, seeds removed
1 cup almond milk
2 fresh medjool dates, pitted
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or pure vanilla extract

In a blender, blend together the cashews and water.  Pour into a small glass or ceramic bowl.  Add the contents of the probiotic capsule or the probiotic powder.  Cover and let ferment for 8 to 12 hours.

In a blender, blend together the cashew mixture, mandarin oranges, almond milk, dates, and vanilla powder or extract until creamy.  Pour into an ice cream maker and make according to manufacturer’s directions, usually 25 to 30 minutes in the machine.

Blackberry-Raspberry Sorbet Pops

This recipe is packed with health-promoting proanthocyanidins that boost heart health, fight cancer, and more.  You can enjoy it as a sorbet by adding the blended ingredients to an ice cream maker or turn it into sorbet pops if you prefer.

1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cut in cubes
2 cups frozen raspberry
1 cup frozen blackberries
1 cup water

Blend all ingredients in a blender.  Pour into an ice cream maker and make according to manufacturer’s directions OR pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/3-delicious-and-cooling-summer-treats.html#ixzz37J73sKjn

MADE IN USA

I received this as an email and want to share.

How well do you shop and do you try to buy American?..... just read this email......

 

ACE HARDWARE

READ ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM! LOTS OF GOOD INFO HERE!

Costco sells Goodyear wiper blades for almost half the price that you will pay on the outside and they are made in the U.S.A.

Read and do the following..

 

Unfortunately our politicians and top CEO's (GE etc)  have pushed for trade to China and Mexico for years so Americans are now out of work. Did you know that there is no electric coffee maker made in the US and that the only kitchen appliances made in the US is Viking?

I didn't know Hallmark Cards are made in China! That is also why I don't buy cards at Hallmark anymore. They are made in China and are more expensive! I buy them at Dollar Tree - 50 cents each and made in USA.

I have been looking at the blenders available on the Internet. Kitchen Aid is

made in the US. Top of my list already...

 
Yesterday I was in Wal Mart looking for a wastebasket. I found some made
in China for $6.99. I didn't want to pay that much so I asked the lady if they

had any others. She took me to another department and they had some at

$2.50 made in USA. They are just as good. Same as a kitchen rug I needed. I

had to look, but I found some made in the  USA - what a concept! - and they

were $3.00 cheaper.

We are being brainwashed to believe that everything that comes from China and

Mexico is cheaper. Not so.

I was in Lowe's the other day and just out of curiosity, I looked at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA.

Start looking, people...In our current economic situation, every little thing

we buy or do affects someone else - most often, their job.

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is now marked "made in  Mexico". My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico, Now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger... I needed 60 W light bulbs, I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy -- was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared them: they were the same except for the price .... The GE bulbs cost more than the Everyday Value Brand, but the thing that surprised me the most was the GE was made in Mexico and the Everyday Value brand was made in - you guessed it - the USA at a company in Cleveland, Ohio.

It's way past time to start finding and buying products you use every day that are made right here.

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels. When you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA, the job you save may be your own or your neighbor's!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your Address Book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time!

Stop buying from overseas companies - you're sending the jobs there.

(We should have awakened a decade ago.)

Let's get with the program and help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the USA.

I passed this on, will you?

I AM

        Still continuing with Titles of Jesus from Fr. Mike Scanlan's book.

 

         HEAD OF THE CHURCH: Scripture: Ephesians 5:23 Christ is the head of the Church, His body, and is Himself its Savior...And He is the head of the body, the Church (Col 1:8). Key Thought: As our physical bodies follow the directions of our heads which control all our actions, so Jesus, as the Head of His body, the Church, should direct and lead all its members. My Thought: We need to look up to Jesus as Our Lord and Savior because he is to make all the rules and regulations in our own family.

 

           HOPE OF GLORY: Scripture: Colossians 1:7  To them God willed to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of the mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Key Thought: We want many things, but, in particular, eternal happiness. In Christ we can confidently hope for this Glory. My Thought: I love the word riches because it allows us to have all kinds of spiritual happiness even though we may not be rich in material or physical matters.

 

             I AM: Scripture: John 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am."  Key Thought: The Word of God, the Son took on human nature and became man. But the Word, the Son was from the Beginning, for He is God. Therefore His existence has always been and is not subject to time. My Thought: Moses asked God Who He was, and God replied I AM with big capital letters. More titles of Jesus are in my poem, "Carrying the Cross", page 147, from Small White Hearts.