Friday, November 4, 2011

Free Raw Food Holiday Recipes

Here are some free raw food holiday recipes from Chef BeLive. Super nice guy, and he always has the most amazing recipes- I'm sure these will dazzle and impress your holiday guests!

Recipes Link

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Review of Jason Jonca, law group in Livonia, MI

I sometimes do reviews of local businesses or companies that are not food related, if they particularly impress. Jason Jonca's law firm is one of them. They were very professional, courteous, and handled my friend's case.

If you need a lawyer in the Livonia area:

Jonca Law Group PC
33039 Schoolcraft Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
Office: 734-838-0755

Monday, October 3, 2011

Bored in Downriver?

Check out this new website that will list all of the fun things going on in downriver, Michigan.

What's Happening Downriver

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Natural Sore Throat/Strep Throat Tea

I had a really bad sore throat this past weekend...stuffy nose, headache, full body ache (never had that before!)I tried everything I could think of as I still do not have health insurance...and I really don't like taking antibiotics (if you ever do take them, make sure to take probiotics too so you don't get a secondary infection.)

Anyways, I finally found something that started to work! My sore throat is almost gone today, so I only had it for three days (Friday it was just starting, and today it's tailing off...so technically five...but only three with really bad symptoms)It would have been even less if I had done this sooner. I didn't take it until the third day.

Normally when I have a bad sore throat it lasts over a week, and usually requires antibiotics to go away.

Here's what I did(INGREDIENTS):

I took oregano and basil from my spices. I suppose you could buy them in a tea or get them in the leaves...I just used what I already had.

I mixed in some cinnamon and cayenne also.

Then I had Manuka Honey and boiling water.


*Manuka honey works better without heat, but it's active ingedients are not completely destroyed in the hot water. I had the Honey alone too, but it got too sweet and I liked it better warm in the tea.(the cinnamon works with the sugar in the honey also....cinnamon regulates sugar levels in the body,great for diabetics as well!)

If you want the honey at the strongest strength, have a spoonful of honey, and then drink the tea. The honey really makes the drink more tolerable though.

That's all there is too it!



Oh, and I sliced half a clove of a garlic and put it in my nostrils for twenty minutes. I know, sound gross, but it worked and my nose instantly became clearer.However, it does burn a little. Take it out if it starts to sting lol


Why did I pick these ingredients?

These are just a FEW of the reassons (these ingredients have a lot of other health benefits, but these are just the ones specific to colds, flu's, and strep throat)

According to Worlds Healthiest foods:

Oregano:
An Effective Anti-Bacterial

The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.


Basil:

DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties

The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These anti-bacterial properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)
Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.


Cinnamon:
Anti-Microbial Activity

Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts.
Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.

lood Sugar Control
Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact on your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Researchers measured how quickly the stomach emptied after 14 healthy subjects ate 300 grams (1.2 cups) of rice pudding alone or seasoned with 6 grams (1.2 teaspoons) of cinnamon. Adding cinnamon to the rice pudding lowered the gastric emptying rate from 37% to 34.5% and significantly lessened the rise in blood sugar levels after eating. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 007 Jun;85(6):1552-6.
Cinnamon may also significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon's beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase.

Cayenne:
Clear Congestion

Capsaicin not only reduces pain, but its peppery heat also stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs. Capsaicin is similar to a compound found in many cold remedies for breaking up congestion, except that capsaicin works much faster. A tea made with hot cayenne pepper very quickly stimulates the mucus membranes lining the nasal passages to drain, helping to relieve congestion and stuffiness. Next cold and flu season, give it a try.

Boost Immunity

Cayenne peppers' bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 29.4% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Fight Inflammation

All chili peppers, including cayenne, contain capsaicin, which in addition to giving cayenne its characteristic heat, is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. The hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. The hottest varieties include habanero and Scotch bonnet as well as cayenne peppers. Jalapenos are next in their heat and capsaicin content, followed by the milder varieties, including Spanish pimentos, and Anaheim and Hungarian cherry peppers.

Capsaicin is being studied as an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. When animals injected with a substance that causes inflammatory arthritis were fed a diet that contained capsaicin, they had delayed onset of arthritis, and also significantly reduced paw inflammation.

Natural Pain Relief

Topical capsaicin has been shown in studies to be an effective treatment for cluster headaches and osteoarthritis pain. Several review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate disabling pain associated with this condition.

In a double-blind placebo controlled trial, nearly 200 patients with psoriasis were given topical preparations containing either capsaicin or placebo. Patients who were given capsaicin reported significant improvement based on a severity score which traced symptoms associated with psoriasis. The side effect reported with topical capsaicin cream is a burning sensation at the area of application.


And last, but not lease, manuka honey:

For thousands of years, honey has been a popular folk medicine around the world for ailments ranging from ulcers to infected wounds. Recent studies have reinforced honey's superiority to standard medical treatments. Researchers have focused on one type of honey with an exceptionally high level of antibacterial activity. They have found that this special type of honey, known as Manuka Honey is even powerful enough to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and capable of clearing Staph infections.

All types of honey have some antibacterial properties, partly due to the combination of a high concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) and acid. In addition, scientists have come to understand that honey's antibacterial properties are also due to hydrogen peroxide which is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey. Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF as well as a compound known as Methylglyoxal.

Studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey hastens the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with traditional medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage, and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations cause tissue damage. However, the moist environment created by Manuka Honey is not only essential for tissue re-growth but Manuka Honey also reduces pain and cell damage. In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey has a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue growth.

The recent outbreak of Staph infections, MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are making doctors and other medical professionals rethink the use of antibiotics and explore more natural alternatives such as the use of Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is the only honey that is rated and tested for its antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey's high potency comes from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the tea tree known as the Manuka bush which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Honeybees carry twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey.

Manuka Honey also has the ability to retain its potency, more so than other types of honey, even when diluted or exposed to heat. For example, hydrogen peroxide is diminished or destroyed by contact with the catalase enzyme present in the blood and other bodily fluids. A similar destructive scenario occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water. In other words, taking honey with hot tea for a sore throat might be counterproductive. However, Manuka Honey retains a high degree of its antibacterial activity in both of these scenarios.

Studies have been conducted around the world demonstrating that honey produces faster results with fewer complications in comparison to traditional forms of medicine and pharmaceuticals for everything from eczema to ringworm. In addition to antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been determined to have natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it effective for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, athlete's foot and other fungal conditions.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Raw food cafe in Hamtramck, Michigan (Near Detroit) Detroit Zen Center

I have not visited yet, but someone let me know about a raw food cafe in Hamtramck, at the Detroit Zen Center.

They are only open on the weekends, and it's both the food and atmosphere that make it worth a visit. Here is their website:
Detroit Zen Center

If you are in the area, go support them if you can!

Juice bar opened in downriver-southgate, MI Nutrition Unlimited

Nutrition unlimited, in Southgate, Michigan, is already a wonderful health food store. It has saved me MANY times from making a trip out to whole foods or Zerbo's in Livonia. If you live downriver, or the Detroit area, there aren't many options. Nutrition unlimited has a wide variety of supplements, and organic produce.

Even better news? They now have a juice bar!! It's only open until 4pm, but they are looking for someone part time to work it later. So, if you are looking for a health food store job, go apply fast! I'm sure the position won't be open long.

They don't have a website, but for location and review go to their Yelp review page: Nutrition Unlimited

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

How Jenna Marbles stay's super hot...

I just discovered Jenna Marble's videos, and she's freakin' hilarious. Not only that, but she's Vegan! (I knew she seemed awesome for a reason!)

She's only 23, but she seemed to have figured out what it took me lots of trial and error to do. (even though she complains about being broke, I'm pretty sure she has had more steady jobs then me...so that might be why she's been able to figure this out sooner lol)

Anyways, I really like her diet plan, and think it's pretty good advice:

Jenna's typical daily meals

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Raw Cafe Detroit Review

I'm very excited to have found the Raw Cafe in Detroit. It's a lot closer than the Cacao Tree in Royal Oak for me, although they are both great. In fact, the owner of the Cacao Tree is the one who told me about the Detroit restaurant since I said it was a bit of a drive for me.

The outside is really nice, and it's easy to find parking too. (although I had to pass a homeless guy, who thankfully didn't bother us. I'm not passing judgements, just some can get scary. I wish I could help everyone who asks, but I just can't and that bothers me.)


The inside is beautiful, and the food was really good. I am embarrassed to admit that I was in such a hurry to get back home to work that I actually forgot to tip! I have never forgotten to tip before!



Ahh, well when I go back I will make sure to tip extra. We only got take out, but still, I feel a tip would have been appropriate and I want to help support raw food restaurants.

I got a lasagna and an amazing raw cheesecake,and some ginger carrot juice. I also found this wrap, but I didn't order it. I discovered it when I got home. Not sure if it was a mistake or something they throw in with your meal, but it was pretty good also.





Anyways, if you get a chance to check out this restaurant please do. It's a great alternative for those of us who can't get out to Royal Oak and also a nice place to go out to eat if you are in downtown Detroit. Their food is amazing, the restaurant is decorated very nice and the staff was super friendly. What more can you ask for? I only wish their hours were a later because they are closed by the time I get off work, but I think their summer hours will be a little later according to their website.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

The end is nigh...

Ok, maybe not. The end of the world didn't happen, but Harold Camping and his family are a lot richer. I grew up in a religious home, and I studied the bible for two years in bible college, so I could see the flaws (and I've done some online marketing as well so I could see the marketing genius in his work as also) in his theories, but there will always be some who can not, or will choose not to(a quick google search would help anybody see his faulty calculations). I have seen how much damage religion has done in people's lives, including my own, and it just makes me angry...and sad.

In sales, if only a few people buy in to your product you did well, and Harold Camping has done VERY well. He should have just stuck to being an engineer if he likes math so much...oh wait, there isn't as much money in that. I'm pretty sure in the bible it doesn't say the person who is the best at math and with the most free time will go to heaven, but he sure knew how to play on people's not wanting to be left out or not being on the "watch"for the end times. Ugh. Makes me so mad. I have also never, ever understood why Christians are excited about the rapture. Just morbid. Ok, I get the going home and eternal happiness crap, but not the part of people being left behind to suffer. Do you just ignore that part? What kind of heartless people would do that?? I mean, ok if God wants to do that that's his call...but me, I would NEVER enjoy that idea, and believe me, there are a lot of people I dislike.



But while there are definitely a lot of people out there taking advantage of people, there are some doing good too. So instead of dwelling on the negatives, I'd rather take a look at something more positive.

You just never know when your life will change, such as this organization helping women in Uganda. I especially love this charity because I love how life can change so quickly, and especially that it helps women out of poverty. To think they were so poor and then one day, they were able to make more than their wildest dreams! If it can happen to them, imagine what you can do in a country not in poverty?

To read about the lovely story about how things got started:

Bead For Life Story



Another really fun charity is Skip1

What I love about this charity is it's so easy. You just skip something. Like the other day I was sick of the food and my house and I was going to get something. Instead, I found a fun recipe to use up some ingredients in my house and ate at home. I donated the $6 I saved to Skip1. And guess what? You get a receipt so it's tax deductible. Little things like this do add up.

While it wasn't the end of the world today, it was for many people living in poverty.

According to one website:

"About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. This is one person every three and a half seconds, as you can see on this display. Unfortunately, it is children who die most often.

Yet there is plenty of food in the world for everyone. The problem is that hungry people are trapped in severe poverty. They lack the money to buy enough food to nourish themselves. Being constantly malnourished, they become weaker and often sick. This makes them increasingly less able to work, which then makes them even poorer and hungrier. This downward spiral often continues until death for them and their families."


So if you have enough money to buy organic foods, and exotic superfoods, if you have a roof over your head...you are doing better than many people. I feel SO blessed and happy to not only have a big, beautiful kitchen and enough money to buy what I want right now, but a little extra to give back. I can only imagine what I would do if I made as much money as most people I know. If you aren't giving back, well, it's your choice, but I just don't see how you couldn't want to help!

Anyways, end of rant :)

Enjoy living another day :)

Raw Way bars made in flint

I haven't tried these out but I have a half off coupon, and I'm pretty excited to try them out. Not only are they raw food bars, but they are made in Flint, Michigan! I didn't know anything was still made in Flint? (sorry Flint!) I am so excited to hear about a new business in flint let alone a raw food one :)


Check out their website: Raw Way

Friday, March 11, 2011

Cacao Tree Cafe Royal Oak Review

I FINALLY made it in to the Cacao Tree Cafe in Royal Oak, and I'm so glad that I stopped in! I just haven't been out in the Royal Oak area in awhile, and I'm not a big fan of parking in downtowns. (parallel parking and parking garages give me mild panic attacks, lol) If I can manage it by myself, than you can too. Don't let the parking stop you from visiting. I passed the place up a couple of times before I saw it (and I have been to the Tasi juice bar that was at that location previously!) because it's very small. It's right after the train tracks, and before Noir Leather.(Which has a huge sign, and hard to miss.) There is a parking garage right by, and that's nice because Royal Oak was crowded at lunch time. I had to park on the top of the parking garage, but at least I found a place. (they could label the exits and direction in the parking garage a bit better though!) Parking was free for two hours before 5 pm, which is a bonus as well. Inside, it is very nicely decorated and fun! It's crowded, and I had people cutting in front of me, and kids climbing all over me as well (who, by the way, had the same name as me. Weird.Lol.)The people working were very friendly and happy. You can tell they really enjoy what they do. The food was amazing! I wish my camera phone was working so you could see what I had, but it wouldn't do it justice anyways! I had a tostada, and the crackers were amazing.(and I've been to a LOT of raw food restaurants that mess up the flavor of dehydrated crackers) The ingredients were fresh and crisp. My smoothie was great, and I had the BEST EVER blueberry cheesecake. Oh man, I wish I had the talent for making this stuff! It was sooo good! My only complaints about the place? There were too many great options(I wanted to spend $100 here!), and that they were closer to my home!! So, those aren't really complaints. There were no negatives at all. Yes, it's crowded and small...but well worth it, in my opinion. Prices were a little high, but that's expected with raw food and fresh ingredients...you get what you pay for, and every penny is worth it here. In fact, you pay more,but you will be less hungry later. All I have had today was lunch at Cacao Tree Cafe and I am not hungry still, 8 hours later. When you eat healthy, fresh food you eat less. So, the prices were about what you would expect for the type of food they offered. I wish they had a menu online, but I am guessing they probably change it often. They had a lot of daily specials. So, I will let you just stop in and find out what they offer...you won't be disappointed! Oh, and I heard the owner mention that they will be selling some of their food in the Total Health Food Store in Wyandotte, Mi. I am super excited about that! Definitely stop in, even if you aren't near Royal Oak. It's worth the trip! There are so few places like this in Michigan (although there are more being added each year) and it's a unique place to check out.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Swag Bucks...

Ok, so this has nothing to do with raw food (well, guess you could use your points to buy a juicer?) but it's a lot of fun and my friends on facebook have said it works. You get points for watching fun videos, and searching the internet. The videos are actually interesting unlike a lot of these sites,and I'm already searching online all day for work, so why not?

Search & Win

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Nutrition Unlimited Southgate and Total Health Foods in Wyandotte...downriver's healthy hot spots!

Maybe I'm a little late to finding out about these great stores downriver, but I'm thrilled to find them! I'm always excited to find health food stores somewhere other than Oakland County or Ann Arbor!

Nutrition Unlimited has a really nice selection in a large store, and friendly staff. I really hope to see this store around for a long time! I'm most excited though about the Juice Bar which should be opening soon. Please come out and support them, juice bars are expensive for a business to run-but we are so in need of fast, healthy food. Especially in places like Southgate and other down river areas. The store is kind of hidden in a shopping mall that you wouldn't expect to see a health food store in. Like I said,I really hope they stay around for awhile and I want to see them succeed. People in Wayne County need healthy foods. In fact, we need it more probably. Here is their information:


14185 Eureka Road
Southgate, MI 48195-2065
(734) 284-2357

(and I should have told the owner,but didn't think of it- if they need help putting together a website or even a blog,facebook, or myspace page...I'd be happy to put it together for free!)


Total Health Foods in Wyandotte is a lot smaller, but it's large on charm. They have lots of supplements and a pretty good frozen food and dried food selection. You can also find a lot of unique products there. Also, they had a very enthusiastic and fun Zumba class going on. The staff was also very friendly. My concern was parking (hate parking in downtown's-I can't parallel park to save my life!), but there is actually a lot of room in the parking lot in the back of the store. Their website is:
Total Health Foods Wyandotte, MI





So, don't feel like you need to drive out to Livonia, Ann Arbor, or West Bloomfield to be healthy! Have fun downriver, you have some really great options now!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Happy Chickens create healthier eggs...

Ok, so I'm not sure how much "research" has been put into this video I saw, but still...to me, it's just common sense and I don't tend to need a lot of research to back up my gut feeling. I've been telling people for years, if you don't care about animals and how they are treated in factory farms because, well, you are a decent human being with feelings....then please, do it for yourself? Animals who are treated like crap will tend to create crappy food. You really, honestly think you put animals in disgusting, unnatural conditions and then eat them-that it won't have a negative effect on you? I just don't understand people sometimes. I have no problem with eating meat occasionally. I'm not a die hard vegan. I think eggs are an amazing food. I just think we tend to eat too much of it, and the quality is not good. There is no ethical reason to treat animals the way we do. If we are going to kill animals for food, we can do it humanely. I'm not saying we have to spend money to put them up in the Ritz hotel, but we do not need to treat them like a car in assembly lines. They are living, breathing and can experience pain and emotions. They are not just dollar signs.

Animals Have Emotions Videos